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): February 2, 2026 (February 1, 2026)

Fifth Third Bancorp
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Ohio | 001-33653 | 31-0854434 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(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 |
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 | ||
| Depositary Shares Representing a 1/40th Ownership Interest in a Share of 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M | FITBM | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company 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. ☐
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed in connection with the closing on February 1, 2026 (the “Closing Date”) of the previously announced Mergers (as defined below) contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 5, 2025 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (“Fifth Third”), Comerica Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (“Comerica”), Fifth Third Financial Corporation, an Ohio corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fifth Third (“Fifth Third Intermediary”), and Comerica Holdings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Comerica (“Comerica Holdings”).
| Item 2.01. | Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. |
The information set forth in the Introductory Note of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference in this Item 2.01.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the Closing Date, (i) Comerica merged with and into Fifth Third Intermediary (the “First step Merger”), with Fifth Third Intermediary continuing as the surviving corporation in the First Step Merger, and (ii) immediately thereafter, Comerica Holdings merged with and into Fifth Third Intermediary, with Fifth Third Intermediary continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Second Step Merger”, and together with the First Step Merger, the “Mergers”). Following the completion of the Mergers, the separate corporate existence of each of Comerica and Comerica Holdings ceased. Fifth Third Intermediary continues to operate under the name “Fifth Third Financial Corporation.”
Following the Mergers, each of Comerica Bank, a Texas banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of Comerica, and Comerica Bank & Trust, National Association, a national bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Comerica Holdings, merged with and into Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a national banking association and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fifth Third Intermediary (each, a “Bank Merger” and collectively, the “Bank Mergers”, and together with the Mergers, the “Transaction”), with Fifth Third Bank, National Association continuing as the surviving bank in each of the Bank Mergers. Upon the closing of the Bank Mergers, the separate corporate existence of Comerica Bank and Comerica Bank & Trust, National Association ceased. Fifth Third Bank, National Association continues to operate under the name “Fifth Third Bank, National Association.”
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the First Step Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Comerica (“Comerica Common Stock”) outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than shares held by Comerica or Fifth Third, was converted into the right to receive 1.8663 shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of common stock, without par value, of Fifth Third (“Fifth Third Common Stock”). Holders of Comerica Common Stock converted pursuant to the First Step Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Fifth Third Common Stock (after taking into account all shares held by such holder) will instead receive cash (without interest) in lieu of such fractional shares in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. In addition, subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, each share of 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, no par value, of Comerica (the “Comerica Preferred Stock”), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, automatically converted into the right to receive a share of a newly created series of preferred stock of Fifth Third having terms that are not materially less favorable than the terms of the Comerica Preferred Stock (all shares of such newly created series, collectively, the “New Fifth Third Preferred Stock”). In addition, at the Effective Time, each outstanding Comerica depositary share representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Comerica Preferred Stock was converted into a right to receive a Fifth Third depositary share representing a 1/40th interest in a share of New Fifth Third Preferred Stock (each, a “New Fifth Third Depositary Share” and collectively, the “New Fifth Third Depositary Shares”).
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, (i) each outstanding and unexercised Comerica stock option converted into a corresponding option with respect to Fifth Third Common Stock, with the numbers of shares and exercise price underlying such option adjusted based on the Exchange Ratio, (ii) each outstanding Comerica restricted stock unit award that was not held by a current or former non-employee director converted into a corresponding award in respect of Fifth Third Common Stock, with the numbers of shares underlying such award adjusted based on the Exchange Ratio, (iii) each outstanding Comerica restricted stock unit held by a current or former non-employee director converted into the right to receive (A) a number of fully vested and freely transferable shares of Fifth Third Common Stock, with the numbers of shares underlying such award adjusted based on the Exchange Ratio, plus (B) a cash payment in respect of any accrued but unpaid dividend equivalents in respect of such award, (iv) each outstanding Comerica performance stock unit award converted into a Fifth Third restricted stock unit award, with the number of shares underlying such award (x) deemed to be earned based on the greater of target and actual performance measured through the latest practicable date prior to the Effective Time and (y) adjusted based on the Exchange Ratio and (v) each outstanding Comerica deferred stock unit award vested and converted into a corresponding award with respect to Fifth Third Common Stock, with the numbers of shares underlying such award adjusted based on the Exchange Ratio.
Each such converted Fifth Third award will otherwise continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as applied to the corresponding Comerica award (excluding any performance-based vesting requirements) in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.
The foregoing description of the Transaction and the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Fifth Third with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 8, 2025 and is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 2.03. | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
In connection with the Transaction, on the Closing Date, (i) Fifth Third Intermediary assumed $1,790 million in aggregate principal amount of Comerica’s obligations with respect to Comerica’s 4.000% Senior Notes due 2029, 5.982% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2030 and 3.800% Subordinated Notes due 2026 (collectively, the “Comerica Parent Notes”) and (ii) Fifth Third Bank, National Association assumed $626 million in aggregate principal amount of Comerica Bank’s obligations with respect to Comerica Bank’s 7.875% Subordinated Notes due 2026 and 5.332% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2033 (collectively, the “Comerica Bank Notes”).
The supplemental indentures and assumption agreement pursuant to which Fifth Third Intermediary and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as applicable, assumed the Comerica Parent Notes and the Comerica Bank Notes, respectively, as well as the original indentures and fiscal and paying agency agreements, as applicable, pursuant to which the Comerica Parent Notes and the Comerica Bank Notes, respectively, were issued, have not been filed herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. Fifth Third agrees to furnish a copy of such indentures to the SEC upon request.
| Item 3.03. | Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders. |
In connection with the Transaction, Fifth Third filed a certificate of amendment (“Certificate of Amendment”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio (the “Ohio Secretary of State”) establishing the respective powers, preferences, privileges and rights of the New Fifth Third Preferred Stock. The Certificate of Amendment became effective on January 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm, Eastern Time. At the Effective Time, Fifth Third issued 400,000 shares of New Fifth Third Preferred Stock to former holders of Comerica Preferred Stock. The New Fifth Third Preferred Stock is collectively represented by 16,000,000 New Fifth Third Depositary Shares. Each holder of a New Fifth Third Depositary Share will be entitled to the proportional rights of a share of New Fifth Third Preferred Stock represented by the New Fifth Third Depositary Shares. The New Fifth Third Depositary Shares are evidenced by receipts issued under the Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2026, by and among Fifth Third, Equiniti Trust Company LLC and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts described therein.
The description of the New Fifth Third Preferred Stock is set forth in the section of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Description of New Fifth Third Preferred Stock” and is incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing descriptions of the terms of the New Fifth Third Preferred Stock and the New Fifth Third Depositary Shares are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Fifth Third, the Deposit Agreement and the Form of Depositary Receipt for the New Fifth Third Depositary Shares, which are included as Exhibit 3.1, Exhibit 4.1 and Exhibit 4.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Board of Directors
In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, as of the Effective Time, the size of the board of directors of Fifth Third (the “Board”) was increased to consist of a total of 16 directors, including 13 directors of the Board immediately prior to the Effective Time and three former directors of Comerica. The three former directors of Comerica appointed by the Board to fill the increase in the size of the Board referred to above, in each case effective as of the Effective Time, are as follows: Michael G. Van de Ven, who will also join the Joint Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Joint Risk and Compliance Committee, Barbara R. Smith, who will also join the Joint Audit Committee and the Joint Human Capital and Compensation Committee, and Derek J. Kerr, who will also join the Joint Audit Committee and the Joint Technology Committee (each, a “New Director” and, collectively, the “New Directors”).
Other than the Merger Agreement, there are no arrangements between the New Directors and any other person pursuant to which the New Directors were selected as directors. Non-employee members of the Board will be compensated for such service as described in the proxy statement filed by Fifth Third in connection with its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders held on April 15, 2025, and in any information that Fifth Third files with the Commission that updates or supersedes that information. There are no transactions in which the New Directors have a direct or indirect interest that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
| Item 5.03. | Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. |
In connection with the completion of the Transaction and in accordance with the Merger Agreement, Fifth Third filed a Certificate of Amendment with the Ohio Secretary of State, establishing the New Fifth Third Preferred Stock consisting of 400,000 authorized shares. The Certificate of Amendment became effective on January 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm, Eastern Time. For a description of the Certificate of Amendment, see the section in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus entitled “Description of New Fifth Third Preferred Stock.”
The foregoing summary and referenced description of the Certificate of Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Fifth Third, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 8.01. | Other Events |
On February 2, 2026, Fifth Third issued press releases announcing the completion of the Transaction and the appointment of the New Directors, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.
The financial information required by this Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K will be filed by an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 calendar days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K was required to be filed.
(b) Pro forma financial information.
The pro forma financial information required by this Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K will be filed by an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K no later than 71 calendar days after the date on which this Current Report on Form 8-K was required to be filed.
| (d) | Exhibits. |
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) | ||||||
| Date: February 2, 2026 | /s/ Bryan D. Preston |
|||||
| Bryan D. Preston | ||||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
||||||
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, AS AMENDED
A new Paragraph (A)(4)(a) of Article Fourth of the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Fifth Third Bancorp is added to read as follows:
(a)
Section 1. Designation and Number. The series of Preferred Stock shall be designated as the “6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M” (the “Series M Preferred Stock”), and the number of shares so designated shall be 400,000. Such number may from time to time be increased (but not in excess of the total number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock) or decreased (but not below the number of shares of Series M Preferred Stock then outstanding) by the Board of Directors. Shares of Series M Preferred Stock that are redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall be cancelled and shall revert to authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock undesignated as to series. The Corporation may in the future from time to time, without notice to or consent of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock, issue additional shares of the Series M Preferred Stock; provided, that any such additional shares may only be issued on a Series M Dividend Payment Date, will accrue dividends from the date they are issued, are not treated as “disqualified preferred stock” within the meaning of Section 1059(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code and are otherwise treated as fungible with the Series M Preferred Stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each share of Series M Preferred Stock shall have a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Preference”).
Section 2. Definitions. As used herein with respect to the Series M Preferred Stock, the following terms shall have the following meaning:
“Authorized Committee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Articles of Incorporation” shall mean the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, dated as of May 7, 2021, as it may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.
“Board of Directors” shall mean the board of directors of the Corporation.
“Business Day” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday or (ii) a day on which banking institutions in Cincinnati, Ohio or New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Corporation” shall mean Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation.
“Code of Regulations” shall mean the Code of Regulations of the Corporation, dated as of December 12, 2023, as it may be amended, modified or restated from time to time.
“Calculation Agent” shall mean the calculation agent for the Series M Preferred Stock appointed by the Corporation prior to the Reset Determination Date related to the First Reset Date, and its successors and assigns or any other calculation agent appointed by the Corporation. The Corporation may at its sole discretion appoint itself or an affiliate as calculation agent.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
“Federal Reserve” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
“First Reset Date” means October 1, 2030.
“Five-Year Treasury Rate” with respect to any Reset Determination Date means:
(i) The average of the yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity, for five-year maturities, for the five Business Days appearing under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities—Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading) in the most recently published statistical release designated H.15 Daily Update or any successor publication which is published by the Federal Reserve as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion; and
(ii) If there are no such published yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity (nominal/non-inflation-indexed), for five-year maturities, then the rate will be determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion by interpolation between the average of the yields on actively traded U.S. treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity for two series of actively traded U.S. treasury securities, (A) one maturing as close as possible to, but earlier than, the Reset Date following the next succeeding Reset Determination Date, and (B) the other maturing as close as possible to, but later than, the Reset Date following the next succeeding Reset Determination Date, in each case for the five business days appearing (or, if fewer than five business days appear, such number of business days appearing) in the H.15 as of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Corporation, in its sole discretion, determines on or prior to the relevant Reset Determination Date that the Five-Year Treasury Rate cannot be determined in the manner then applicable for such rate (which, as of the date of original issuance of the Series M Preferred Stock, is pursuant to the methods described in clauses (i) and (ii) above) (a “Benchmark Substitution Event”), the Corporation may, in its sole discretion, designate an unaffiliated agent or advisor, which may include an unaffiliated underwriter for the offering of the depositary shares or any affiliate of any such underwriter (the “Designee”), to determine whether there is an industry-accepted successor rate to the then-applicable base rate (which, as of the date of original issuance of the Series M Preferred Stock, is the initial base rate). If the Designee determines that there is such an industry-accepted successor rate, then the “Five-Year Treasury Rate” shall be such successor rate and, in that case, the Designee may then determine and adjust the business day convention, the definition of business day and the Reset Determination Date to be used and any other relevant methodology for determining or otherwise calculating such successor rate, including any adjustment factor needed to make such successor rate comparable to the then-applicable base rate in each case, in a manner that is consistent with industry-accepted practices for the use of such successor rate. If the Corporation, in its sole discretion, does not designate a Designee or if the Designee determines that there is no industry-accepted successor rate to then-applicable base rate, then the Five-Year Treasury Rate will be the same rate determined for the prior Reset Determination Date or, if this sentence is applicable with respect to the first Reset Determination Date, a rate equal to the initial fixed rate.
“H.15” means the daily statistical release designated as such, or any successor publication, published by the Federal Reserve or any successor.
“Liquidation Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
“Liquidation Preference” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.
“Redemption Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
“Registrar” shall mean Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, acting in its capacity as registrar for the Series M Preferred Stock, and its successors and assigns or any other registrar appointed by the Corporation.
“Regulatory Capital Treatment Event” means the good faith determination by the Corporation that, as a result of:
(i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of the United States (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the Federal Reserve and other federal bank regulatory agencies) or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Series M Preferred Stock;
(ii) any proposed change in those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series M Preferred Stock; or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series M Preferred Stock,
there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Corporation will not be entitled to treat the full Liquidation Preference of the shares of Series M Preferred Stock then outstanding as “additional Tier 1 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of the Federal Reserve (or any successor bank regulatory authority that may become the Corporation’s applicable federal banking agency), as then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Series M Preferred Stock is outstanding.
“Reset Date” means October 1, 2030 and each date falling on the fifth anniversary of the preceding Reset Date, which in each case, will not be adjusted for Business Days.
“Reset Determination Date” means, in respect of any Reset Period, the day falling three Business Days prior to the beginning of such Reset Period, subject to any adjustments made by the Calculation Agent as provided for herein.
“Reset Period” means the period from, and including, October 1, 2030 to, but excluding, the next following Reset Date and thereafter each period from, and including, each Reset Date to, but excluding, the next following Reset Date.
“Series A, Class B Preferred Stock” means the 6.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Class B Preferred Stock, Series A.
“Series H Preferred Stock” means the 5.10% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series H.
“Series I Preferred Stock” means the 6.625% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I.
“Series J Preferred Stock” means the 4.90% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J.
“Series K Preferred Stock” means the 4.95% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K.
“Series M Dividend Payment Date” means the 1st day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on April 1, 2026.
“Series M Dividend Period” means the period from, and including, a Series M Dividend Payment Date to, but excluding, the next Series M Dividend Payment Date, except that the initial Series M Dividend Period shall commence on, and include, January 1, 2026.
“Series M Junior Stock” means the Corporation’s common stock and any other class or series of stock of the Corporation hereafter authorized over which the Series M Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
“Series M Parity Stock” means the Series A, Class B Preferred Stock, the Series H Preferred Stock, the Series I Preferred Stock, the Series J Preferred Stock, the Series K Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of the Corporation that ranks on parity with the Series M Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
“Series M Preferred Stock” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.
“Series M Senior Stock” means any other class or series of stock of the Corporation ranking senior to the Series M Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
“Voting Parity Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b).
Section 3. Dividends.
(a) Holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors (an “Authorized Committee”), out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends under Ohio law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the Liquidation Preference of the Series M Preferred Stock at a rate equal to:
(i) From January 1, 2026 to, but excluding, the First Reset Date, a fixed rate per annum of 6.875%; and
(ii) From, and including, the First Reset Date, during each Reset Period, a rate per annum equal to the Five-Year Treasury Rate as of the most recent Reset Determination Date plus 3.125%.
(b) If declared by the Board of Directors or an Authorized Committee, dividends shall be payable, in arrears, on the Series M Preferred Stock on a Series M Dividend Payment Date. If any date on which dividends would otherwise be payable is not a Business Day, then such date will nevertheless be a Series M Dividend Payment Date, but dividends on the Series M Preferred Stock, when, as and if declared, will be paid on the next succeeding Business Day (without adjustment in the amount of the dividend per share of Series M Preferred Stock).
(c) Dividends shall be payable to holders of record of Series M Preferred Stock as they appear on the Corporation’s stock register at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15th calendar day before the applicable Series M Dividend Payment Date, or such other record date, not exceeding 30 days before the applicable Series M Dividend Payment Date, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or an Authorized Committee.
(d) Dividends payable on the Series M Preferred Stock for any Series M Dividend Period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation shall be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upwards. Dividends on the Series M Preferred Stock shall cease to accrue on the redemption date, if any, as described in Section 6, unless the Corporation defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price of the shares of the Series M Preferred Stock called for redemption.
(e) Dividends on the Series M Preferred Stock shall not be cumulative and will not be mandatory. If the Board of Directors or an Authorized Committee does not declare a dividend on the Series M Preferred Stock in respect of a Series M Dividend Period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such Series M Dividend Period, be payable on the applicable Series M Dividend Payment Date, or be cumulative, and the Corporation shall have no obligation to pay any dividend for that Series M Dividend Period, whether or not the Board of Directors or an Authorized Committee declares a dividend on the Series M Preferred Stock for any future Series M Dividend Period.
(f) During each Series M Dividend Period while the Series M Preferred Stock is outstanding, unless the full dividends for the immediately preceding Series M Dividend Period on all outstanding shares of Series M Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside:
(i) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any Series M Junior Stock, other than (1) a dividend payable solely in such Series M Junior Stock or (2) any dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan; and
(ii) no shares of Series M Junior Stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by the Corporation, directly or indirectly (nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by the Corporation) other than:
(1) as a result of a reclassification of Series M Junior Stock for or into other Series M Junior Stock;
(2) the exchange or conversion of one share of Series M Junior Stock for or into another share of Series M Junior Stock; (3) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of Series M Junior Stock;
(4) purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of Series M Junior Stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of current or former employees, officers, directors or consultants;
(5) purchases of shares of Series M Junior Stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy Series M Junior Stock existing prior to the preceding Series M Dividend Period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan; or
(6) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of Series M Junior Stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged.
(iii) no shares of Series M Parity Stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by the Corporation otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Series M Preferred Stock and such Series M Parity Stock, unless such Series M Parity Stock is repurchased, redeemed or acquired for consideration by the Corporation in connection with any of the following:
(1) as a result of a reclassification of Series M Parity Stock for or into other Series M Parity Stock or Series M Junior Stock;
(2) the exchange or conversion of one share of Series M Parity Stock for or into another share of Series M Parity Stock or Series M Junior Stock; or
(3) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of Series M Parity Stock or Series M Junior Stock.
(g) When dividends are not paid in full on the shares of Series M Preferred Stock and any Series M Parity Stock, all dividends declared on shares of Series M Preferred Stock and any such Series M Parity Stock shall be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share shall bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current Series M Dividend Period per share on Series M Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any such Series M Parity Stock, bear to each other.
(h) Dividends on the Series M Preferred Stock will be subject to the Corporation’s receipt of required prior approval by the Federal Reserve (or any successor bank regulatory authority that may become the Corporation’s applicable federal banking agency), if any, and to the satisfaction of conditions set forth in the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of the Federal Reserve (or any successor bank regulatory authority that may become the Corporation’s applicable federal banking agency) applicable to dividends on the Series M Preferred Stock, if any.
(i) Subject to the foregoing restrictions, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), as may be determined by the Board of Directors or an Authorized Committee, may be declared and paid on the Corporation’s common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series M Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.
Section 4. Liquidation Rights.
(a) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution of $1,000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends (the “Liquidation Distribution”), before the Corporation makes any distribution of assets to the holders of the Corporation’s common stock or any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the Series M Preferred Stock as to such distribution. The holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any other amounts from the Corporation after they have received their Liquidation Distribution in full.
(b) In any such distribution, if the assets of the Corporation are not sufficient to pay the Liquidation Distribution in full to all holders of Series M Preferred Stock and all holders of any class or series of stock ranking on parity with the Series M Preferred Stock as to such distribution, the amounts paid to the holders of Series M Preferred Stock and all holders of such parity stock shall be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate Liquidation Distribution owed to those holders. If the Liquidation Distribution has been paid in full to all holders of Series M Preferred Stock and such parity stock, the holders of any other class or series of stock ranking junior to the Series M Preferred Stock as to such distribution shall be entitled to receive all remaining assets of the Corporation according to their respective rights and preferences.
For purposes of this Section 4, the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation shall not be deemed a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, nor shall the merger, consolidation or any other business combination of any other corporation or person into or with the Corporation be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation.
Section 5. Voting Rights.
(a) The holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights, except as provided herein or as required by Ohio law.
(b) Whenever dividends payable on the shares of Series M Preferred Stock have not been paid for six quarterly Series M Dividend Periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, then the holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall have the right, with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights and on which dividends likewise have not been paid (the “Voting Parity Securities”), voting together as a class, at a special meeting called at the request of the holders of at least 20% of the voting power of the Series M Preferred Stock and any Voting Parity Securities (unless such request for a special meeting is received less than 90 calendar days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders, in which event such election shall be held only at such next annual or special meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders) or at the Corporation’s next annual or special meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders, to elect two additional directors to the Board of Directors; provided, that the election of any such director does not cause the Corporation to violate the applicable corporate governance requirements of the exchange or trading market where the Corporation’s common stock is then listed or quoted, as the case may be. At any meeting held for the purpose of electing such directors, the presence in person, virtually or by proxy of the holders of shares representing at least a majority of the voting power of the Series M Preferred Stock and any Voting Parity Securities, voting together as a class, shall be required to constitute a quorum of such shares. The affirmative vote of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock and the holders of any Voting Parity Securities, voting together as a class, representing a majority of the voting power of such shares present at such meeting, in person or by proxy, shall be sufficient to elect any such director.
(c) Immediately prior to the election of any such directors, the number of directors that comprise the Board of Directors shall be increased by two. Such voting rights and the term of the additional directors so elected shall continue until continuous non-cumulative dividends for at least four consecutive quarterly Series M Dividend Periods, or their equivalent shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, in full, on all outstanding shares of the Series M Preferred Stock or the Voting Parity Securities entitled thereto. At that point, the right to elect additional directors shall terminate and the terms of office of the two additional directors so elected shall terminate immediately, and the number of directors shall be reduced by two and such voting rights of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock and any Voting Parity Securities shall cease, subject to any increase in the number of directors as described above due to the revesting of such voting rights in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly Series M Dividend Periods or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, as described above.
(d) Holders of Series M Preferred Stock, together with holders of any Voting Parity Securities, voting together as a class, may remove any director they elected. Any vacancy created by the removal of any such director may be filled only by the vote of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock and any Voting Parity Securities, voting together as a class. If the office of either such director becomes vacant for any reason other than removal, the remaining director may choose a successor who will hold office for the unexpired term of the vacant office. In the event that both offices are vacant, the holders of Series M Preferred Stock and any Voting Parity Securities may, as set forth in Section 5(b), call a special meeting and elect such directors at such special meeting, or elect such directors at the Corporation’s next annual or special meeting of the Corporation’s shareholders.
(e) The number of votes that each share of Series M Preferred Stock and any stock ranking equally with the Series M Preferred Stock participating in the votes described above shall be in proportion to the Liquidation Preference of such share.
(f) So long as any shares of Series M Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Series M Preferred Stock voting separately as a class, shall be required to:
(i) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Amended Articles of Incorporation (including this Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation), or the Code of Regulations, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or special rights of the Series M Preferred Stock; provided, that any of the following will not be deemed to adversely affect such powers, preferences, privileges or special rights:
(1) increases in the amount of the authorized common stock or, except as provided in Section 5(f)(ii), preferred stock;
(2) increases or decreases in the number of shares of any series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series M Preferred Stock; or
(3) the authorization, creation and issuance of other classes or series of capital stock (or securities convertible or exchangeable into such capital stock) ranking equally with or junior to the Series M Preferred Stock.
(ii) amend or alter the Articles of Incorporation to authorize or increase the authorized amount of or issue shares of any class or series of Series M Senior Stock, or reclassify any of the Corporation’s authorized capital stock into any such shares of Series M Senior Stock or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares of Series M Senior Stock; or
(iii) consummate a binding share exchange, a reclassification involving the Series M Preferred Stock or a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into another entity; provided, however, that the holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall have no right to vote under this provision or otherwise under Ohio law if in each case:
(1) the Series M Preferred Stock remains outstanding or, in the case of any such merger or consolidation with respect to which the Corporation is not the surviving or resulting entity, is converted into or exchanged for preferred securities of the surviving or resulting entity (or its ultimate parent) that is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; and
(2) the Series M Preferred Stock remaining outstanding or the new preferred securities, as the case may be, have such powers, preferences and special rights as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the powers, preferences and special rights of the Series M Preferred Stock.
The foregoing voting provisions shall not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of the Series M Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption in accordance with Section 6 upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by the Corporation for the benefit of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock to effect such redemption.
Section 6. Redemption.
(a) No Mandatory Redemption. The Series M Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. The holders of Series M Preferred Stock have no right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Series M Preferred Stock.
(b) Optional Redemption. The Corporation may redeem the Series M Preferred Stock at the Corporation’s option, in whole or in part, from time to time, on any Series M Dividend Payment Date on or after the First Reset Date, at a redemption price equal to $1,000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends (the “Redemption Price”). In the event the applicable redemption date is not a Business Day, the Redemption Price shall be paid on the next Business Day without any adjustment to the amount of the Redemption Price paid. The Redemption Price for any shares of Series M Preferred Stock will be payable on the applicable redemption date to the holder of such shares against surrender of the certificate(s) evidencing such shares to the Corporation or its agent, if the shares of Series M Preferred Stock are issued in certificated form. Any declared but unpaid dividends payable on a redemption date that occurs subsequent to the applicable record date for a Series M Dividend Period will not be paid to the holder entitled to receive the Redemption Price on such redemption date, but rather will be paid to the holder of record of the redeemed shares on such record date relating to the applicable Series M Dividend Payment Date.
(c) Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event. The Corporation may redeem shares of the Series M Preferred Stock at any time within 90 days following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event, in whole but not in part, at the Redemption Price.
(d) Redemption Procedures.
(i) If shares of the Series M Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption shall be given by first class mail to the holders of record of the Series M Preferred Stock to be redeemed, mailed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof (provided that, if DTC is the sole holder of record, notice may be given in any manner permitted by DTC). Each notice of redemption shall include a statement setting forth:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the number of shares of the Series M Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if less than all the shares held by the holder are to be redeemed, the number of shares of Series M Preferred Stock to be redeemed from the holder;
(3) the Redemption Price;
(4) the place or places where the certificates evidencing shares of Series M Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and
(5) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed shall cease to accrue on the redemption date.
If notice of redemption of any shares of Series M Preferred Stock has been duly given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the Corporation for the benefit of the holders of any shares of Series M Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then, on and after the redemption date, dividends shall cease to accrue on such shares of Series M Preferred Stock, such shares of Series M Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares shall terminate, except the right to receive the Redemption Price.
(e) Partial Redemption. In case of any redemption of only part of the shares of the Series M Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected either pro rata or by lot. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Series M Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.
(f) Regulatory Approval. Any redemption of the Series M Preferred Stock is subject to the Corporation’s receipt of required prior approval by the Federal Reserve (or any successor bank regulatory authority that may become the Corporation’s applicable federal banking agency), if any, and to the satisfaction of conditions set forth in the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of the Federal Reserve (or any successor bank regulatory authority that may become the Corporation’s applicable federal banking agency) applicable to redemption of the Series M Preferred Stock, if any.
Section 7. Other Rights. The shares of Series M Preferred Stock will not have any voting powers, preferences or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation. The holders of Series M Preferred Stock shall not have any preemptive rights or conversion rights.
Section 8. Form of Certificate. Certificates representing shares of the Series M Preferred Stock shall be in substantially the same form as that attached in Exhibit A.
Exhibit A
FORM OF 6.875% FIXED-RATE RESET NON-CUMULATIVE
PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES M
[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) TO THE CORPORATION OR THE REGISTRAR NAMED ON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE, 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 IN AS MUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO. HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR NAMED ON THE FACE OF THIS CERTIFICATE SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH REGISTRAR MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.]1
| Number: [ ] | CUSIP NO.: 316773 837 |
6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M
[ ] Shares
| 1 | To be included if the certificate is in global form, otherwise to be removed. |
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
FACE OF SECURITY
This certifies that [Cede & Co.]2 is the owner of [ ] fully paid and non-assessable shares of the 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, without par value, of Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation and all amendments thereto (copies of which are on file at the office of the Registrar) to all of which the holder of this certificate by acceptance hereof assents. This certificate is not valid until countersigned by the Registrar.
| 2 | To be included if the certificate is in global form, otherwise to be the name of the holder of the certificated shares. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this certificate to be executed.
Fifth Third Bancorp
| By: |
|
|
| Name: | Bryan D. Preston | |
| Title: | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
REGISTRAR’S COUNTERSIGNATURE
This is one of the certificates representing shares of the 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, referred to in the within mentioned Certificate of Designations.
Equiniti Trust Company LLC
| By: |
|
|
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
REVERSE OF SECURITY
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
The shares of 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M (the “Series M Preferred Stock”) have the preferences and privileges, dividend rights, liquidation preferences and such other rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions as provided in the Certificate of Designations relating to the Series M Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designations”), in addition to those set forth in the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended (the “Articles of Incorporation”), and the Corporation’s Code of Regulations, copies of which shall be furnished by the Corporation to any holder without charge upon the request addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation at its principal office in Cincinnati, Ohio or to the Registrar named on the face of this certificate.
A statement of the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon the respective classes or series of stock of the Corporation, and upon the holders thereof as established by the Articles of Incorporation, the Certificate of Designations or any other certificate of determination of preferences, and the number of shares constituting each series or class and the designations thereof, may be obtained by any shareholder of the Corporation upon request and without charge from the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal office of the Corporation, Fifth Third Center, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263.
ASSIGNMENT
For value received, ___________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
(Please Insert Social Security or Other Identifying Number of Assignee)
(Please Print or Typewrite Name and Address, Including Zip Code, of Assignee)
___________ shares of the capital stock represented by the within certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ____________ Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
| Dated: |
|
|
| NOTICE: The Signature to this Assignment Must Correspond with the Name As Written Upon the Face of the Certificate in Every Particular, Without Alteration or Enlargement or Any Change Whatsoever. |
| SIGNATURE GUARANTEED |
|
|
| (Signature Must Be Guaranteed by a Member of a Medallion Signature Program) |
Exhibit 4.1
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
by and among
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP,
AS ISSUER,
and
EQUINITI TRUST COMPANY, LLC,
AS DEPOSITARY, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
RELATING TO RECEIPTS, DEPOSITARY SHARES AND RELATED
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
6.875% FIXED-RATE RESET NON-CUMULATIVE
PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES M
Dated as of February 1, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
| Section 1.01 |
“Certificate of Designation” | 1 | ||||
| Section 1.02 |
“Certificate of Incorporation” | 1 | ||||
| Section 1.03 |
“Preferred Stock, Series M” or “Preferred Stock” | 1 | ||||
| Section 1.04 |
“Common Stock” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.05 |
“Company” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.06 |
“Deposit Agreement” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.07 |
“Depositary” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.08 |
“Depositary Office” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.09 |
“Depositary Share” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.10 |
“Depositary’s Agent” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.11 |
“DTC” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.12 |
“DTC Receipt” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.13 |
“Receipt” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.14 |
“Record date” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.15 |
“Record holder” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.16 |
“Redemption Date” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.17 |
“Redemption Price” | 2 | ||||
| Section 1.18 |
“Registrar” | 3 | ||||
| Section 1.19 |
“Securities Act” | 3 | ||||
| Section 1.20 |
“Transfer Agent” | 3 | ||||
| ARTICLE II FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF PREFERRED STOCK, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER, SURRENDER AND REDEMPTION OF RECEIPTS |
3 | |||||
| Section 2.01 |
Form and Transferability of Receipts | 3 | ||||
| Section 2.02 |
Deposit of Preferred Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipts in Respect Thereof | 5 | ||||
| Section 2.03 |
Registration of Transfers of Receipts | 6 | ||||
| Section 2.04 |
Combinations and Split-ups of Receipts | 6 | ||||
| Section 2.05 |
Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Preferred Stock | 7 | ||||
| Section 2.06 |
Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up, Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts | 7 | ||||
| Section 2.07 |
Lost Receipts, etc. | 8 | ||||
| Section 2.08 |
Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts | 8 | ||||
| Section 2.09 |
Optional Redemption of Preferred Stock for Cash | 8 | ||||
| Section 2.10 |
Redemption Upon a Regulatory Capital Event | 10 | ||||
| Section 2.11 |
No Pre-Release | 11 | ||||
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| ARTICLE III CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY |
12 | |||||
| Section 3.01 |
Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information | 12 | ||||
| Section 3.02 |
Payment of Fees and Expenses | 12 | ||||
| Section 3.03 |
Representations and Warranties as to Preferred Stock | 12 | ||||
| Section 3.04 |
Representation and Warranty as to Receipts and Depositary Shares | 12 | ||||
| Section 3.05 |
Taxes | 12 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV THE PREFERRED STOCK; NOTICES |
13 | |||||
| Section 4.01 |
Cash Distributions | 13 | ||||
| Section 4.02 |
Distributions Other Than Cash | 13 | ||||
| Section 4.03 |
Rights, Preferences or Privileges | 14 | ||||
| Section 4.04 |
Notice of Dividends; Fixing of Record Date for Holders of Receipts | 15 | ||||
| Section 4.05 |
Voting Rights | 15 | ||||
| Section 4.06 |
Changes Affecting Preferred Stock | 16 | ||||
| Section 4.07 |
Inspection of Reports | 16 | ||||
| Section 4.08 |
Lists of Receipt Holders | 16 | ||||
| Section 4.09 |
Withholding | 16 | ||||
| ARTICLE V THE DEPOSITARY AND THE COMPANY |
17 | |||||
| Section 5.01 |
Maintenance of Offices, Agencies and Transfer Books by the Depositary and the Registrar | 17 | ||||
| Section 5.02 |
Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar or the Company | 17 | ||||
| Section 5.03 |
Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company | 18 | ||||
| Section 5.04 |
Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary | 21 | ||||
| Section 5.05 |
Notices, Reports and Documents | 22 | ||||
| Section 5.06 |
Indemnification by the Company | 22 | ||||
| Section 5.07 |
Fees, Charges and Expenses | 23 | ||||
| ARTICLE VI AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
23 | |||||
| Section 6.01 |
Amendment | 23 | ||||
| Section 6.02 |
Termination | 24 | ||||
| ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS |
24 | |||||
| Section 7.01 |
Counterparts | 24 | ||||
| Section 7.02 |
Exclusive Benefits of Parties | 25 | ||||
| Section 7.03 |
Invalidity of Provisions | 25 | ||||
| Section 7.04 |
Notices | 25 | ||||
| Section 7.05 |
Depositary’s Agents | 26 | ||||
| Section 7.06 |
Holders of Receipts Are Parties | 27 | ||||
| Section 7.07 |
Governing Law | 27 | ||||
| Section 7.08 |
Inspection of Deposit Agreement and Certificate of Designation | 27 | ||||
| Section 7.09 |
Headings | 27 | ||||
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DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, dated as of February 1, 2026, among FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, an Ohio corporation, EQUINITI TRUST COMPANY, LLC, a New York limited liability company, as Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar, and all holders from time to time of Receipts (as hereinafter defined) issued hereunder.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, it is desired to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit Agreement, for the deposit of shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock (as hereinafter defined) with the Depositary for the purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement and for the issuance hereunder of Depositary Shares (as hereinafter defined) representing a fractional interest in the Preferred Stock deposited and for the execution and delivery of Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares; and
WHEREAS, the Receipts are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein, it is agreed by and among the parties hereto as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply to the respective terms (in the singular and plural forms of such terms) used in this Deposit Agreement and the Receipts:
Section 1.01 “Certificate of Designation” shall mean the certificate that amends the Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, adopted by a duly authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Company establishing and setting forth the rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio on January 30, 2026 and effective as of January 31, 2026, and attached hereto as Exhibit B, and as such certificate may be amended or restated from time to time.
Section 1.02 “Certificate of Incorporation” shall mean the Amended Articles of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company, as restated or amended from time to time, including the amendment resulting from filing the Certificate of Designation.
Section 1.03 “Preferred Stock, Series M” or “Preferred Stock” shall mean shares of the Company’s 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M (liquidation preference $1,000 per share), no par value, heretofore validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Section 1.04 “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock, without par value, of the Company or any other shares of the capital stock of the Company into which such shares of common stock shall be reclassified or changed.
Section 1.05 “Company” shall mean Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation, and its successors.
Section 1.06 “Deposit Agreement” shall mean this agreement, as the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
Section 1.07 “Depositary” shall mean Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, a New York limited liability company, having its principal executive office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, and any successor as depositary hereunder.
Section 1.08 “Depositary Office” shall mean the principal office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its business in respect of matters governed by this Deposit Agreement shall be administered, which at the date of this Deposit Agreement is located at 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor, New York, New York 10005.
Section 1.09 “Depositary Share” shall mean the security representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of Preferred Stock deposited with the Depositary hereunder and the same proportionate interest in any and all other property received by the Depositary in respect of such share of Preferred Stock and held under this Deposit Agreement, all as evidenced by the Receipts issued hereunder. The initial number of Depositary Shares issued equals 16,000,000. Subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share is entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Share (including the dividend, voting, redemption, liquidation rights and other rights, preferences and privileges contained in the Certificate of Designation).
Section 1.10 “Depositary’s Agent” shall mean an agent appointed by the Depositary as provided, and for the purposes specified, in Section 7.05.
Section 1.11 “DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
Section 1.12 “DTC Receipt” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(e).
Section 1.13 “Receipt” shall, as the context requires, mean (i) a receipt issued hereunder to evidence one or more Depositary Shares, whether in definitive or temporary form, or (ii) a DTC Receipt, in each case substantially in the form set forth as Exhibit A hereto.
Section 1.14 “Record date” shall mean the date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04.
Section 1.15 “Record holder” or “holder” as applied to a Receipt shall mean the individual, entity or person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books maintained by the Depositary for such purpose.
Section 1.16 “Redemption Date” has the meaning set forth under Section 2.09(b).
Section 1.17 “Redemption Price” has the meaning set forth under Section 2.09(b).
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Section 1.18 “Registrar” shall mean Equiniti Trust Company, LLC or any other entity appointed to register ownership and transfers of Receipts and the deposited Preferred Stock, as herein provided.
Section 1.19 “Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Section 1.20 “Transfer Agent” shall mean Equiniti Trust Company, LLC or any other entity appointed to transfer the Receipts and the deposited Preferred Stock, as herein provided.
ARTICLE II
FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF PREFERRED STOCK,
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER, SURRENDER AND REDEMPTION OF
RECEIPTS
Section 2.01 Form and Transferability of Receipts. Definitive Receipts shall be printed and shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, in each case with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. Pending the preparation of definitive Receipts, the Depositary, upon, and pursuant to, the written order of the Company delivered in compliance with Section 2.02 shall be authorized and instructed to, and shall, execute and deliver temporary Receipts which shall be substantially of the tenor of the definitive Receipts in lieu of which they are issued and in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the persons executing such Receipts may determine (but which do not affect the rights or duties of the Depositary), as evidenced by their execution of such Receipts. If temporary Receipts are issued, the Company and the Depositary will cause definitive Receipts to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Receipts, the temporary Receipts shall be exchangeable for definitive Receipts upon surrender of the temporary Receipts at the Depositary Office without charge to the holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Receipts, the Depositary is hereby authorized and instructed to, and shall, execute and deliver in exchange therefor definitive Receipts representing the same number of Depositary Shares as represented by the surrendered temporary Receipt or Receipts. Such exchange shall be made at the Company’s expense and without any charge therefor. Until so exchanged, the temporary Receipts shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Deposit Agreement, and with respect to the Preferred Stock deposited, as definitive Receipts.
(a) Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary and shall also be countersigned by manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar; provided that no such countersignature shall be required if the Depositary acts as the Registrar. No Receipt shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless it shall have been executed as provided in the preceding sentence. The Depositary shall record on its books each Receipt executed as provided above and delivered as hereinafter provided. Receipts bearing the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary who was at any time a proper signatory of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such signatory ceased to hold such office prior to the execution and delivery of such Receipts by the Registrar or did not hold such office on the date of issuance of such Receipts.
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(b) Receipts shall be in denominations of any number of whole Depositary Shares. All Receipts shall be dated as of the date of their issuance. Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary and approved by the Company, or which the Company has determined are required to comply with any applicable law or regulation or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange upon which the Depositary Shares may be listed for trading or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject, in each case as directed by the Company.
(c) Title to any Receipt (and to the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt) that is properly endorsed, or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer, or endorsement shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument; provided, however, that until transfer of a Receipt shall be registered on the books of the Depositary as provided in Section 2.03, the Depositary may, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat the Record holder thereof at such time as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distributions of dividends or other distributions or payments with respect to the Preferred Stock, to exercise any redemption or voting or to receive any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon request by the Company, the Depositary and the Company will make application to DTC for acceptance of all or a portion of the Receipts for its book-entry settlement system. In connection with any such request, the Company hereby appoints the Depositary acting through any authorized officer thereof as its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, for purposes of executing any agreements, certifications or other instruments or documents necessary or desirable in order to effect the acceptance of such Receipts for DTC eligibility. So long as the Receipts are eligible for book-entry settlement with DTC, unless otherwise required by law, all Depositary Shares to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market with book-entry settlement through DTC shall be represented by a single receipt (the “DTC Receipt”), substantially in the form set forth in the attached Exhibit A, which shall be deposited with DTC (or its custodian) evidencing all such Depositary Shares and registered in the name of the nominee of DTC (initially expected to be Cede & Co.). The Transfer Agent shall hold the DTC Receipt as custodian for DTC. Ownership of beneficial interests in the DTC Receipt shall be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership shall be effected through, records maintained by (i) DTC or its nominee for such DTC Receipt, or (ii) institutions that have accounts with DTC.
(e) If issued, the DTC Receipt shall be exchangeable for definitive Receipts only if (i) DTC notifies the Company at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue to make its book-entry settlement system available for the Receipts and a successor to DTC is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of the date the Company is so informed in writing, (ii) DTC notifies the Company at any time that it has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under applicable law and a successor to DTC is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of the date the Company is so informed in writing or (iii) the Company executes and delivers to DTC a notice to the effect that such DTC Receipt shall be so exchangeable.
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If the beneficial owners of interests in Depositary Shares are entitled to exchange such interests for definitive Receipts as the result of an event described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such beneficial interests may be so exchanged, the Depositary is hereby directed to and shall provide written instructions to DTC to deliver to the Depositary for cancellation the DTC Receipt, and the Company shall instruct the Depositary in writing to execute and deliver to the beneficial owners of the Depositary Shares previously evidenced by the DTC Receipt definitive Receipts in physical form evidencing such Depositary Shares. The DTC Receipt shall be in such form and shall bear such legend or legends as may be appropriate or required by DTC in order for it to accept the Depositary Shares for its book-entry settlement system.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, if the Receipts are at any time eligible for book-entry settlement through DTC, delivery of shares of Preferred Stock and other property in connection with the withdrawal or redemption of Depositary Shares will be made through DTC and in accordance with its procedures, unless the holder of the relevant Receipt otherwise requests and such request is reasonably acceptable to the Depositary and the Company.
Section 2.02 Deposit of Preferred Stock; Execution and Delivery of Receipts in Respect Thereof.
(a) Concurrently with the execution of this Deposit Agreement, the Company is delivering to the Depositary a certificate or certificates, registered in the name of the Depositary and evidencing 400,000 shares of Preferred Stock, properly endorsed or accompanied, if required by the Depositary, by a duly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, in form satisfactory to the Depositary, together with (i) all such certifications as may be required by the Depositary in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and (ii) a written order of the Company directing the Depositary to execute and deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the Depositary Shares representing such deposited Preferred Stock registered in such names specified in such written order. The Depositary acknowledges receipt of the aforementioned 400,000 shares of Preferred Stock and related documentation and agrees to hold such deposited Preferred Stock in an account to be established by the Depositary at the Depositary Office or at such other office as the Depositary shall determine. The Company hereby appoints Equiniti Trust Company, LLC as the Registrar and Transfer Agent for the Preferred Stock deposited hereunder and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC hereby accepts such appointment and, as such, will reflect changes in the number of shares (including any fractional shares) of deposited Preferred Stock held by the Depositary by notation, book-entry or other appropriate method.
(b) If required by the Depositary, Preferred Stock presented for deposit by the Company at any time, whether or not the register of stockholders of the Company is closed, shall also be accompanied by an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, that will provide for the prompt transfer to the Depositary or its nominee of any dividend or right to receive other property that any person in whose name the Preferred Stock is or has been registered may thereafter receive upon or in respect of such deposited Preferred Stock, or in lieu thereof such agreement of indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.
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(c) Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for Preferred Stock deposited hereunder, together with the other documents specified above, and upon registering such Preferred Stock in the name of the Depositary, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall execute and deliver to, or upon the order of, the person or persons named in the written order delivered to the Depositary referred to in Section 2.02(a), a Receipt or Receipts for the number of whole Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock so deposited and registered in such name or names as may be requested by such person or persons. The Depositary shall execute and deliver such Receipt or Receipts at the Depositary Office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of any person requesting such delivery, such delivery may be made at such other place as may be designated by such person.
Other than in the case of splits, combinations or other reclassifications affecting the Preferred Stock, or in the case of dividends or other distributions of Preferred Stock, if any, there shall be deposited hereunder not more than the number of shares constituting the Preferred Stock as set forth in the Certificate of Designation, as such may be amended. To the extent that the Company issues shares of Preferred Stock in excess of the amount set forth in the Certificate of Designation as of the date hereof (which shares have been validly authorized by the Company), the Company shall notify the Depositary of such issuance in writing.
(d) The Company shall deliver to the Depositary from time to time such quantities of Receipts as the Depositary may request to enable the Depositary to perform its obligations under this Deposit Agreement.
Section 2.03 Registration of Transfers of Receipts.
The Company hereby appoints Equiniti Trust Company, LLC as the Registrar and Transfer Agent for the Receipts and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC hereby accepts such appointment and, as such, shall register on its books from time to time transfers of Receipts upon any surrender thereof by the holder in person or by a duly authorized attorney, agent or representative properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, together with evidence of the payment by the applicable party of any transfer taxes as may be required by law. Upon such surrender, the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and deliver the same to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
Section 2.04 Combinations and Split-ups of Receipts.
Upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts at the Depositary Office or such other office as the Depositary may designate for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of Receipts, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts in the authorized denominations requested evidencing the same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
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Section 2.05 Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Preferred Stock.
(a) Any holder of a Receipt or Receipts may withdraw any number of whole shares of deposited Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt or Receipts and all money and other property, if any, represented by such Depositary Shares by surrendering such Receipt or Receipts to the Depositary or at such other office as the Depositary may designate for such withdrawals; provided, that a holder of a Receipt or Receipts may not withdraw such Preferred Stock (or money and other property, if any, represented thereby) which has previously been called for redemption. Upon such surrender, upon payment of the fee of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts to the extent provided in Section 5.07 and payment of all taxes and governmental charges in connection with such surrender and withdrawal of Preferred Stock, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, without unreasonable delay, the Depositary shall deliver to such holder, or to the person or persons designated by such holder as hereinafter provided, the number of whole shares of such Preferred Stock and all such money and other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts so surrendered for withdrawal, but holders of such whole shares of Preferred Stock will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such Preferred Stock hereunder or to receive Depositary Shares therefor. If the Receipt or Receipts delivered by the holder to the Depositary in connection with such withdrawal shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing the number of whole shares of deposited Preferred Stock to be withdrawn, the Depositary shall at the same time, in addition to such number of whole shares of Preferred Stock and such money and other property, if any, to be withdrawn, deliver to such holder, or (subject to Section 2.02) upon his order, a new Receipt or Receipts evidencing such excess number of Depositary Shares. Delivery of such Preferred Stock and such money and other property being withdrawn may be made by the delivery of such certificates, documents of title and other instruments as the Depositary may deem appropriate, which, if required by the Depositary, shall be properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer.
(b) If the deposited Preferred Stock and the money and other property being withdrawn are to be delivered to a person or persons other than the Record holder of the Receipt or Receipts being surrendered for withdrawal of Preferred Stock, such holder shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order so directing the Depositary and the Depositary may require that the Receipt or Receipts surrendered by such holder for withdrawal of such shares of Preferred Stock be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement in blank.
(c) The Depositary shall deliver the deposited Preferred Stock and the money and other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts surrendered for withdrawal at the Depositary Office, except that, at the request, risk and expense of the holder surrendering such Receipt or Receipts and for the account of the holder thereof, such delivery may be made at such other place as may be designated by such holder.
Section 2.06 Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up, Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts.
(a) As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of any Receipt, the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company may require any or all of the following: (i) payment to it of a sum sufficient for the payment (or, in the event that the Company shall have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any tax or other governmental charge and stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge with respect to the Preferred Stock being deposited or withdrawn); (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature (or the authority of any signature); and (iii) compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the Company may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be required by any securities exchange on which the deposited Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares or the Receipts may be included for quotation or listed.
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(b) The deposit of Preferred Stock may be refused, the delivery of Receipts against Preferred Stock may be suspended, the transfer of Receipts may be refused, and the transfer, split-up, combination, surrender, exchange or redemption of outstanding Receipts may be suspended (i) during any period when the register of stockholders of the Company is closed or (ii) if any such action is deemed reasonably necessary or advisable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary’s Agents or the Company at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, or under any other provision of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 2.07 Lost Receipts, etc.
In case any Receipt shall be mutilated and surrendered to the Depositary or destroyed or lost or stolen, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a Receipt of like form and tenor in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt; provided, that the holder thereof shall have (a) filed with the Depositary (i) a request for such execution and delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a protected purchaser and (ii) an indemnity bond and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.
Section 2.08 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts.
All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary or any Depositary’s Agent shall be cancelled by the Depositary. Except as prohibited by applicable law or regulation, the Depositary is authorized, but not required, to destroy such Receipts so cancelled.
Section 2.09 Optional Redemption of Preferred Stock for Cash.
(a) Subject to receiving all required regulatory approvals, the Company may redeem the Preferred Stock at its option, in whole or in part, from time to time, on any Series M Dividend Payment Date (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) on or after the First Reset Date (as defined in the Certificate of Designation). The Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. The holders of Preferred Stock have no right to require the redemption or repurchase of Preferred Stock.
(b) Whenever the Company shall elect to redeem shares of deposited Preferred Stock for cash at its option in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, the Company shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the Depositary not less than thirty (30) and not more than sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of the date fixed for redemption of such Preferred Stock (the “Redemption Date”) and of the number of such shares of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary to be redeemed and the applicable redemption price (the “Redemption Price”), as set forth in the Certificate of Designation.
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The Depositary shall mail through electronic mail or first-class postage prepaid mail, notice of the redemption of Preferred Stock and the proposed simultaneous redemption of the Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock to be redeemed, not less than thirty (30) and not more than sixty (60) days’ prior to the Redemption Date, to the holders of record on the Record date fixed for such redemption pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed, at the addresses of such holders as the same appear on the records of the Depositary; but neither the failure to mail any such notice to one or more such holder nor any defect in any such notice shall affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.
(c) In connection with any redemption of the Preferred Stock at the option of the Company in accordance with the Certificate of Designation, the Company shall deliver an Officers’ Certificate to the Depositary stating that it has complied with all of the conditions to the exercise of its optional redemption rights set forth in the Certificate of Designation, and the Depositary shall have no duty or obligation to inquire or investigate whether the Company has complied with the terms of the Certificate of Designation.
(d) The Company shall also prepare and provide the Depositary with the notice provided for in Section 2.09(b), and each such notice shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the Redemption Price; (iii) the number of shares of deposited Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares to be redeemed; (iv) if fewer than all Depositary Shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the number of such Depositary Shares held by such holder to be so redeemed; (v) the place or places where the Preferred Stock and the Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares to be redeemed are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and (vi) that dividends on the deposited Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the Redemption Date.
(e) In the event that notice of redemption has been made as described in the immediately preceding paragraphs and the Company shall then have paid in full to the Depositary the Redemption Price (determined pursuant to the Certificate of Designation) of the Preferred Stock deposited with the Depositary to be redeemed, the Depositary shall redeem the number of Depositary Shares representing such Preferred Stock so called for redemption by the Company and on the Redemption Date (unless the Company shall have failed to pay for the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed by it as set forth in the Company’s notice provided for in the preceding paragraph), the Depositary Shares called for redemption shall be deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the Redemption Price) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate. Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be redeemed at a cash Redemption Price of $25 per Depositary Share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. The foregoing shall be further subject to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designation.
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(f) In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, the provisions of the Certificate of Designation will govern and the Company will instruct the Depositary in writing accordingly of such governing terms; provided, however, that under no circumstances will the Certificate of Designation be deemed to change or modify any of the rights, duties or immunities of the Depositary contained herein.
(g) If fewer than all of the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of such Receipt upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with payment of the Redemption Price for and all other amounts payable in respect of the Depositary Shares called for redemption, a new Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and not called for redemption.
(h) If less than all of the Preferred Stock is redeemed pursuant to the Company’s exercise of its optional redemption right, the Depositary will select the Depositary Shares to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 2.09 on a pro rata basis, by lot or in such other manner as the Depositary may determine to be fair and equitable.
Section 2.10 Redemption Upon a Regulatory Capital Event.
(a) Subject to receiving all required regulatory approvals, the Company may redeem shares of the Preferred Stock at any time within ninety (90) days following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation), in whole but not in part, at the Redemption Price.
(b) Whenever the Company shall elect to redeem shares of deposited Preferred Stock pursuant to a Regulatory Capital Event in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, the Company shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the Depositary not less than thirty (30) and not more than sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of the Redemption Date and of the number of such shares of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary to be redeemed and the applicable Redemption Price, as set forth in the Certificate of Designation. The Depositary shall mail as soon as reasonably practicable, by electronic mail or first-class postage prepaid mail, notice of the redemption of Preferred Stock and the proposed simultaneous redemption of the Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock to be redeemed to the holders of record on the Record date fixed for such redemption pursuant to Section 4.04 of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be so redeemed, at the addresses of such holders as the same appear on the records of the Depositary; but neither the failure to mail any such notice to one or more such holder nor any defect in any such notice shall affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given.
(c) In connection with any redemption of the Preferred Stock at the option of the Company upon a Regulatory Capital Event in accordance with the Certificate of Designation, the Company shall deliver an Officers’ Certificate to the Depositary stating that it has complied with all of the conditions to the exercise of its optional redemption rights upon a Regulatory Capital Event set forth in the Certificate of Designation, and the Depositary shall have no duty or obligation to inquire or investigate whether the Company has complied with the terms of the Certificate of Designation.
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(d) The Company shall prepare and provide the Depositary with the notice provided for in Section 2.10(b), and each such notice shall state: (i) the Regulatory Capital Event; (ii) the Redemption Date; (iii) the Redemption Price; (iv) the number of shares of deposited Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares to be redeemed; (v) the place or places where the Preferred Stock and the Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares to be redeemed are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and (vi) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the Redemption Date.
(e) In the event that notice of redemption has been made as described in the immediately preceding paragraphs and the Company shall then have paid in full to the Depositary the Redemption Price (determined pursuant to the Certificate of Designation) of the Preferred Stock deposited with the Depositary to be redeemed, the Depositary shall redeem the number of Depositary Shares representing such Preferred Stock so called for redemption by the Company and on the Redemption Date (unless the Company shall have failed to pay for the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed by it as set forth in the Company’s notice provided for in the preceding paragraph), the Depositary Shares called for redemption shall be deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the Redemption Price) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate. Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be redeemed at a cash Redemption Price of $25 per Depositary Share, plus an amount equal to any declared but unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. The foregoing shall be further subject to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designation.
(f) In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the provisions of the Certificate of Designation, the provisions of the Certificate of Designation will govern and the Company will instruct the Depositary in writing accordingly of such governing terms; provided, however, that under no circumstances will the Certificate of Designation be deemed to change or modify any of the rights, duties or immunities of the Depositary contained herein.
Section 2.11 No Pre-Release.
The Depositary shall not deliver any deposited Preferred Stock evidenced by Receipts prior to the receipt and cancellation of such Receipts or other similar method used with respect to Receipts held by DTC. The Depositary shall not issue any Receipts prior to the receipt by the Depositary of the corresponding Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipts. At no time will any Receipts be outstanding if such Receipts do not evidence the Depositary Shares representing Preferred Stock deposited with the Depositary.
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ARTICLE III
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY
Section 3.01 Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information.
Any holder of a Receipt may be required from time to time to file with the Depositary such proof of residence, guarantee of signature or other information and to execute such certificates as the Depositary may reasonably deem necessary or proper or the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary. The Depositary or the Company may withhold or delay the delivery of any Receipt, the transfer, redemption or exchange of any Receipt, the withdrawal of the deposited Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by any Receipt, the distribution of any dividend or other distribution or the sale of any rights or of the proceeds thereof, until such proof or other information is filed, or such certificates are executed.
Section 3.02 Payment of Fees and Expenses.
Holders of Receipts shall be obligated to make payments to the Depositary of certain fees and expenses and taxes or other governmental charges to the extent provided in Section 5.07, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Depositary that such fees and expenses and taxes or other governmental charges have been paid. Until such payment is made, transfer of any Receipt or any withdrawal of the Preferred Stock or money or other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be refused, any dividend or other distribution may be withheld, and any part or all of the Preferred Stock or other property represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be sold for the account of the holder thereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder a reasonable number of days prior to such sale). Any dividend or other distribution so withheld and the proceeds of any such sale may be applied to any payment of such fees or expenses, the holder of such Receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.
Section 3.03 Representations and Warranties as to Preferred Stock.
In the case of the initial deposit of the Preferred Stock hereunder, the Company represents and warrants that such Preferred Stock and each certificate therefor are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit of the Preferred Stock and the issuance of Receipts.
Section 3.04 Representation and Warranty as to Receipts and Depositary Shares.
The Company hereby represents and warrants that the Receipts, when issued, will evidence legal and valid interests in the Depositary Shares and each Depositary Share will represent a legal and valid 1/40th ownership interest in a share of deposited Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Share. Such representation and warranty shall survive the deposit of the Preferred Stock and the issuance of Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares.
Section 3.05 Taxes.
The Company will pay any and all stock transfer, documentary, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable in respect of any issuance or delivery of Depositary Shares or shares of Preferred Stock, Common Stock or other securities issued on account of Depositary Shares or certificates representing such shares or securities.
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The Company will not, however, be required to pay any such tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of shares of Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, shares of Common Stock or other securities in a name other than that in which the Depositary Shares with respect to which such shares or other securities are issued or delivered were registered, or in respect of any payment to any person other than a payment to the registered holder thereof, and will not be required to make any such issuance, delivery or payment unless and until the person otherwise entitled to such issuance, delivery or payment has paid to the Company the amount of any such tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Company, that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
ARTICLE IV
THE PREFERRED STOCK; NOTICES
Section 4.01 Cash Distributions.
Whenever the Depositary shall receive any cash dividend or other cash distribution on the deposited Preferred Stock, including any cash received upon redemption of any shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 2.09 or Section 2.10, the Depositary shall, subject to Section 3.02, distribute to Record holders of Receipts on the Record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 such amounts of such sum as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders; provided, however, that in case the Company or the Depositary shall be required by law to and shall withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of the Preferred Stock represented by the Receipts held by any holder an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise required by law, regulation or court process, the amount made available for distribution or distributed in respect of Depositary Shares represented by such Receipts subject to such withholding shall be reduced accordingly. The Depositary, however, shall distribute or make available for distribution, as the case may be, only such amount as can be distributed without attributing to any holder of Receipts a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to registered holders entitled thereto and any balance not so distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next succeeding distribution to Record holders of such Receipts. Each holder of a Receipt shall provide the Depositary with a properly completed Form W-8 (i.e., Form W-8BEN, Form W-8EXP, Form W-8IMY, Form W8ECI or another applicable Form W-8) or Form W-9 (which form shall set forth such holder’s certified taxpayer identification number if requested on such form), as may be applicable. Each holder of a Receipt acknowledges that, in the event of non-compliance with the preceding sentence the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, may require withholding by the Depositary of a portion of any of the distribution to be made hereunder.
Section 4.02 Distributions Other Than Cash.
Whenever the Depositary shall receive any distribution other than cash on the deposited Preferred Stock, the Depositary shall, subject to Section 3.02, distribute to Record holders of Receipts on the Record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 such amounts of the securities or property received by it as are, as nearly as practicable, in proportion to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders, in any manner that the Depositary and the Company may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such distribution. The Depositary shall not make any distribution of securities to the holders of Receipts unless the Company shall have provided to the Depositary an opinion of counsel stating that such securities have been registered under the Securities Act or do not need to be registered.
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Section 4.03 Rights, Preferences or Privileges.
(a) If the Company shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose names deposited Preferred Stock is registered on the books of the Company any rights, preferences or privileges of any nature, such rights, preferences or privileges shall in each such instance be made available by the Depositary to the Record holders of Receipts in such manner as the Company shall instruct (including by the issue to such Record holders of warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges); provided, however, that (a) if at the time of issue or offer of any such rights, preferences or privileges the Company determines upon advice of its legal counsel that it is not lawful or feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available to the holders of Receipts (by the issue of warrants or otherwise) or (b) if and to the extent instructed by holders of Receipts who do not desire to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, the Depositary shall then, if so directed by the Company and provided with an opinion of counsel that if the Depositary undertakes such actions it will not be deemed an “issuer” under the Securities Act or an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and if applicable laws or the terms of such rights, preferences or privileges so permit, sell such rights, preferences or privileges of such holders at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper. The net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Section 3.01 and Section 3.02, be distributed by the Depositary to the Record holders of Receipts entitled thereto as provided by Section 4.01 in the case of a distribution received in cash. The Depositary shall not make any distribution of such rights, preferences or privileges, unless the Company shall have provided to the Depositary an opinion of counsel stating that such rights, preferences or privileges have been registered under the Securities Act or do not need to be registered.
(b) If registration under the Securities Act of the securities to which any rights, preferences or privileges relate is required in order for holders of Receipts to be offered or sold the securities to which such rights, preferences or privileges relate, the Company agrees that it will promptly notify the Depositary of such requirement, that it will promptly file a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act with respect to such rights, preferences or privileges and securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts and take all steps available to it to cause such registration statement to become effective sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges. In no event shall the Depositary make available to the holders of Receipts any right, preference or privilege unless and until such a registration statement shall have become effective or unless the offering and sale of such securities to such holders are exempt from registration under the provisions of the Securities Act and the Company shall have provided to the Depositary an opinion of counsel to such effect.
(c) If any other action under the law of any jurisdiction or any governmental or administrative authorization, consent or permit is required in order for such rights, preferences or privileges to be made available to holders of Receipts, the Company agrees that it will promptly notify the Depositary of such requirement and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to take such action or obtain such authorization, consent or permit sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights, preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges.
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(d) The Depositary will not be deemed to have any knowledge of any item for which it is supposed to receive notification under any Section of this Deposit Agreement unless and until it has received such notification.
Section 4.04 Notice of Dividends; Fixing of Record Date for Holders of Receipts.
Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become payable, any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with respect to the deposited Preferred Stock, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of (i) any meeting at which holders of such Preferred Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders of such Preferred Stock are entitled to notice or (ii) any election on the part of the Company to redeem any shares of such Preferred Stock, the Depositary shall in each such instance fix a Record date (which shall be the same date as the Record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Preferred Stock) for the determination of the holders of Receipts who shall be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of such meeting or whose Depositary Shares are to be so redeemed.
Section 4.05 Voting Rights.
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of deposited Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Depositary shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, mail to the Record holders of Receipts a notice, by electronic mail or first-class postage prepaid mail, which shall be provided by the Company and which shall contain (i) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting, (ii) a statement that the holders of Receipts at the close of business on a specified Record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.04 will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Preferred Stock represented by their respective Depositary Shares and (iii) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given. Upon the request of a holder of a Receipt on such Record date, the Depositary shall insofar as practicable vote or cause to be voted the amount of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. To the extent any such instructions request the voting of a fractional interest of a share of deposited Preferred Stock, the Depositary shall aggregate such interest with all other fractional interests resulting from requests with the same voting instructions and shall vote the number of whole votes resulting from such aggregation in accordance with the instructions received in such requests. Each share of Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote and, accordingly, each Depositary Share is entitled to 1/40th of a vote. The Company hereby agrees to take all reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to vote such Preferred Stock or cause such Preferred Stock to be voted. In the absence of specific instructions from the holder of a Receipt, the Depositary will not vote the amount of Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares. The Depositary shall not exercise any discretion in voting any Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt.
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Section 4.06 Changes Affecting Preferred Stock.
Upon any change in liquidation preference, par or stated value, split-up, combination or any other reclassification of the Preferred Stock or any exchange of the Preferred Stock for cash, securities or other property, the Depositary shall, upon the written instructions of the Company setting forth any of the following adjustments, (i) reflect such adjustments in the Depositary’s books and records in the fraction of an interest represented by one Depositary Share in one share of Preferred Stock as may be required by or as is consistent with the provisions of the Certificate of Designation to fully reflect the effects of such change in liquidation preference, par or stated value, split-up, combination or other reclassification of Preferred Stock or of such exchange and (ii) treat any shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) that shall be received by the Depositary in exchange for or in respect of the Preferred Stock as new deposited property under this Deposit Agreement, and Receipts then outstanding shall thenceforth represent the proportionate interests of holders thereof in the new deposited property so received in exchange for or in respect of such Preferred Stock. In any such case the Depositary may, upon the receipt of written request of the Company, execute and deliver additional Receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing such new deposited property.
Section 4.07 Inspection of Reports.
The Depositary shall make available for inspection by holders of Receipts at the Depositary Office and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable during normal business hours any reports and communications received from the Company that are both received by the Depositary as the holder of deposited Preferred Stock and made generally available to the holders of the Preferred Stock. In addition, the Depositary shall transmit, upon written request by the Company, certain notices and reports to the holders of Receipts as provided in Section 5.05.
Section 4.08 Lists of Receipt Holders.
Promptly upon request from time to time by the Company, the Registrar shall furnish to the Company a list, as of a recent date specified by the Company, of the names, addresses and holdings of Depositary Shares of all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of the Registrar.
Section 4.09 Withholding.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, in the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated by law to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of, by public or private sale, all or a portion of such property in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such property after deduction of such taxes to the holders of Receipts entitled thereto in proportion to the number of Depositary Shares held by them, respectively; provided, however, that in the event the Depositary determines that such distribution of property is subject to withholding tax only with respect to some but not all holders of Receipts, the Depositary will use its best efforts (i) to sell only that portion of such property distributable to such holders that is required to generate sufficient proceeds to pay such withholding tax and (ii) to effect any such sale in such a manner so as to avoid affecting the rights of any other holders of Receipts to receive such distribution in property.
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ARTICLE V
THE DEPOSITARY AND THE COMPANY
Section 5.01 Maintenance of Offices, Agencies and Transfer Books by the Depositary and the Registrar.
(a) The Depositary shall maintain at the Depositary Office facilities for the execution and delivery, transfer, surrender and exchange, split-up, combination and redemption of Receipts and deposit and withdrawal of Preferred Stock and at the offices of the Depositary’s Agents, if any, facilities for the delivery, transfer, surrender and exchange, split-up, combination and redemption of Receipts and deposit and withdrawal of Preferred Stock, all in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
(b) The Registrar shall keep books at the Depositary Office for the registration and transfer of Receipts, which books at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Record holders of Receipts as provided by applicable law. The Company may cause the Registrar to close such books, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.
(c) If the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby or the Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares shall be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market or any other stock exchange, the Depositary and the Company hereby appoint the Registrar to serve as the registrar for registration of such Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance with the requirements of such exchange. The Registrar may be removed from serving as the registrar for registration of the Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance with the requirements of the listing stock exchange by the Depositary or the Company, in which case the Company shall appoint a substitute registrar. If the Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such Preferred Stock are listed on one or more other stock exchanges, the Registrar will, at the request and expense of the Company, arrange such facilities for the delivery, transfer, surrender, redemption and exchange of such Receipts, such Depositary Shares or such Preferred Stock as may be required by law or applicable stock exchange regulations.
Section 5.02 Prevention or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar or the Company.
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None of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, any Registrar, any Transfer Agent, or the Company shall incur any liability to any holder of any Receipt, if by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation thereunder of the United States of America or of any other governmental authority or, in the case of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent or the Registrar or Transfer Agent, by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Certificate of Incorporation or, in the case of the Company, the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, the Transfer Agent or the Registrar, by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstance beyond the control of the relevant party, the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Transfer Agent, the Registrar or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from doing or performing any act or thing that the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide shall be done or performed; nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, the Transfer Agent, any Registrar or the Company incur any liability to any holder of a Receipt by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing that the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed, or by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement.
Section 5.03 Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agents, the Registrar and the Company.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this Deposit Agreement (including without limitation Section 5.06), the Company does not assume any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or any Receipt to holders of Receipts other than from acts or omissions arising out of conduct constituting bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent nor any Transfer Agent or Registrar assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement to holders of Receipts, the Company or any other person or entity other than for its bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct (which bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct must be determined by a final, non-appealable order, judgment, decree or ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the Depositary, nor any Depositary’s Agent nor any Transfer Agent or Registrar shall be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, including but not limited to, lost profits, even if such person or entity alleged to be liable has knowledge of the possibility of such damages. Any liability of the Depositary and any Registrar or Transfer Agent under this Deposit Agreement will be limited to the amount of annual fees paid by the Company to the Depositary or any Registrar or Transfer Agent.
(b) None of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, any Registrar or Transfer Agent or the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding with respect to the deposited Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Receipts that in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability be furnished as often as may be required.
(c) None of the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, any Registrar or Transfer Agent or the Company shall be liable for any action or any failure to act by it in reliance upon the advice of legal counsel or accountants, or information provided by any person presenting Preferred Stock for deposit or any holder of a Receipt. The Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent, any Registrar or Transfer Agent and the Company may each rely and shall each be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
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(d) In the event the Depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of Receipts, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, the Depositary shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions received from the Company, and shall incur no liability and shall be entitled to the full indemnification set forth in Section 5.06 in connection with any action so taken.
(e) The Depositary shall not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instruction to vote any of the deposited Preferred Stock or for the manner or effect of any such vote made, as long as any such action or non-action does not result from bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Depositary (which bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct must be determined by a final, non-appealable order, judgment, decree or ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction). The Depositary undertakes, and any Registrar or Transfer Agent shall be required to undertake, to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Deposit Agreement against the Depositary or any Registrar or Transfer Agent.
(f) The Depositary, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiaries, any Depositary’s Agent, and any Registrar or Transfer Agent may own, buy, sell or deal in any class of securities of the Company and its affiliates and in Receipts or Depositary Shares or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the Company or its affiliates may be interested or contract with or lend money to or otherwise act as fully or as freely as if it were not the Depositary or the Depositary’s Agent hereunder. The Depositary may also act as transfer agent or registrar of any of the securities of the Company and its affiliates or act in any other capacity for the Company or its affiliates.
(g) It is intended that neither the Depositary nor any Depositary’s Agent shall be deemed to be an “issuer” of the securities under the federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws, it being expressly understood and agreed that the Depositary and any Depositary’s Agent are acting only in a ministerial capacity as Depositary for the deposited Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Depositary agrees to comply with all information reporting and withholding requirements applicable to it under law or this Deposit Agreement in its capacity as Depositary.
(h) Neither the Depositary (or its officers, directors, employees, agents or affiliates) nor any Depositary’s Agent makes any representation or has any responsibility as to the validity of the registration statement pursuant to which the Depositary Shares are registered under the Securities Act, the deposited Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares, the Receipts (except its countersignature thereon) or any instruments referred to therein or herein, or as to the correctness of any statement made therein or herein; provided, however, that the Depositary is responsible for its representations in this Deposit Agreement.
(i) The Company agrees that it will register the deposited Preferred Stock and the Depositary Shares in accordance with the applicable securities laws.
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(j) In the event the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent or any Registrar or Transfer Agent believes any ambiguity or uncertainty exists in any notice, instruction, direction, request or other communication, paper or document received by it pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar shall promptly notify the Company of the details of such alleged ambiguity or uncertainty, and may, in its sole discretion, refrain from taking any action, and the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar shall be fully protected and shall incur no liability to any person from refraining from taking such action, absent bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct (which bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct must be determined by a final, non-appealable order, judgment, decree or ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction), unless and until (i) the rights of all parties have been fully and finally adjudicated by a court of appropriate jurisdiction or (ii) the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar receives written instructions with respect to such matter signed by the Company that eliminates such ambiguity or uncertainty to the satisfaction of the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar.
(k) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking, suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively provided and established by a certificate signed by any one of the President, any Executive Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer, Controller, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar; and such certificate shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar, and the Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Deposit Agreement in reliance upon such certificate. The Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts (except its countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company only.
(l) The Depositary, the Depositary’s Agent, Transfer Agent or Registrar will not be under any duty or responsibility to ensure compliance with any applicable federal or state securities laws in connection with the issuance, transfer or exchange of the Receipts, Stock or Depositary Shares.
(m) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment to the Certificate of Designation shall affect the rights, duties, obligations or immunities of the Depositary, Transfer Agent, the Depositary’s Agent or Registrar hereunder.
(n) The Depositary, Transfer Agent and any Registrar hereunder:
| (i) | shall have no duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth herein (and no implied duties or obligations), or as may subsequently be agreed to in writing by the parties; |
| (ii) | shall have no obligation to make payment hereunder unless the Company shall have provided immediately available funds or securities or property, as the case may be, to pay in full amounts due and payable with respect thereto; |
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| (iii) | shall not be obligated to take any legal or other action hereunder; if, however, such person determines to take any legal or other action hereunder, and, where the taking of such action might in such person’s judgment subject or expose it to any expense or liability, such person shall not be required to act unless it shall have been furnished with an indemnity satisfactory to it; |
| (iv) | may rely on and shall be authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter, facsimile transmission or other document or security delivered to such person and believed by such person to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper party or parties, and shall have no responsibility for determining the accuracy thereof; |
| (v) | may rely on and shall be authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon the written, telephonic, electronic and oral instructions, with respect to any matter relating to such person’s actions as depositary covered by this Deposit Agreement (or supplementing or qualifying any such actions) of officers of the Company; |
| (vi) | may consult counsel satisfactory to it, and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by the Depositary hereunder in accordance with the advice of such counsel; |
| (vii) | shall not be called upon at any time to advise any person with respect to the Depositary Shares or Receipts; |
| (viii) | shall not be liable or responsible for any recital or statement contained in any documents relating hereto or the Depositary Shares or Receipts; and |
| (ix) | shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authority or rights of the parties (other than with respect to the Depositary) executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver this Deposit Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for under this Deposit Agreement. |
(o) The obligations of the Company set forth in this Section 5.03 shall survive the replacement, removal or resignation of any Depositary, Registrar, Transfer Agent or Depositary’s Agent or termination of this Deposit Agreement.
Section 5.04 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary.
(a) The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by notice of its election to do so delivered to the Company, such resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
(b) The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by notice of such removal delivered to the Depositary, such removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided. Upon any such removal or appointment, the Company shall send notice thereof by electronic mail or first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the holders of Receipts.
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(c) In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall, within 60 days after the delivery of the notice of resignation or removal, as the case may be, appoint a successor depositary, which shall be an entity having its principal office in the United States of America and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and have accepted appointment in 60 days, the resigning Depositary may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor depositary. Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor and for all purposes shall be the Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, and such predecessor, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Company, shall promptly execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all rights, title and interest in the deposited Preferred Stock and any moneys or property held hereunder to such successor and shall deliver to such successor a list of the Record holders of all outstanding Receipts.
(d) Any corporation or other entity into or with which the Depositary may be merged, consolidated or converted, or any corporation or other entity to which all or a substantial part of the assets of the Depositary may be transferred, shall be the successor of such Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act. Such successor depositary may execute the Receipts either in the name of the predecessor depositary or in the name of the successor depositary.
(e) The provisions of this Section 5.04 as they apply to the Depositary apply to the Registrar and Transfer Agent, as if specifically enumerated herein.
Section 5.05 Notices, Reports and Documents.
The Company agrees that it will deliver to the Depositary and the Depositary will promptly after receipt of such notice, transmit to the Record holders of Receipts, in each case at the address recorded in the Depositary’s books, copies of all notices and reports generally made available by the Company to holders of the Preferred Stock and not otherwise made publicly available. Such transmission will be at the Company’s expense and the Company will provide the Depositary with such number of copies of such documents as the Depositary may reasonably request. In addition, the Depositary will transmit to the Record holders of Receipts at the Company’s expense such other documents as may be requested by the Company.
Section 5.06 Indemnification by the Company.
The Company shall indemnify the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent and any Transfer Agent or Registrar against, and hold each of them harmless from, any loss, liability, damage, cost or expense (including the costs and expenses of defending itself) which may arise out of (i) acts performed or omitted in connection with this Deposit Agreement and the Receipts (a) by the Depositary, any Transfer Agent or Registrar or any of their respective agents (including any Depositary’s Agent), except for any liability arising out of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct (which bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct must be determined by a final, non-appealable order, judgment, decree or ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction) on the respective parts of any such person or persons, or (b) by the Company or any of its agents, or (ii) the offer, sale or registration of the Receipts or shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock pursuant to the provisions hereof.
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The obligations of the Company set forth in this Section 5.06 shall survive the replacement, removal or resignation of any Depositary, Registrar, Transfer Agent or Depositary’s Agent or termination of this Deposit Agreement. In no event shall the Depositary have any right of set off or counterclaim against the Depositary Shares or the Preferred Stock.
Section 5.07 Fees, Charges and Expenses.
No charges and expenses of the Depositary or any Depositary’s Agent hereunder shall be payable by any person, except as provided in this Section 5.07. The Company shall pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of this Deposit Agreement. The Company shall also pay all fees and expenses of the Depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the Preferred Stock and the initial issuance of the Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts, any redemption of the Preferred Stock at the option of the Company and all withdrawals of the Preferred Stock by holders of Receipts as previously agreed between the Depositary and the Company. All other fees and expenses of the Depositary and any Depositary’s Agent hereunder and of any Registrar or Transfer Agent (including, in each case, fees and expenses of counsel) incurred in the preparation, delivery, amendment, administration and execution of this Deposit Agreement and incident to the performance of their respective obligations hereunder will be paid by the Company as previously agreed between the Depositary and the Company or any Registrar or Transfer Agent; provided that holders of Depositary Shares shall pay any transfer fees, taxes or governmental charges and other such charges as expressly provided in this Deposit Agreement. The Depositary (and if applicable, the Transfer Agent and Registrar) shall present its statement for fees and expenses to the Company annually or at such other intervals as the Company and the Depositary may agree.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Section 6.01 Amendment.
The form of the Receipts and any provision of this Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Depositary without the consent of holders of Receipts in any respect that the Company and the Depositary may deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that no such amendment (other than any change in the fees of any Depositary, Registrar or Transfer Agent that are payable by the Company) which (i) shall materially and adversely alter the rights of the holders of Receipts or (ii) would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Preferred Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation shall be effective unless such amendment shall have been approved by the holders of Receipts evidencing at least a majority of the affected Depositary Shares then outstanding. In no event shall any amendment impair the right, subject to the provisions of Section 2.05 and Article III, of any holder of any Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares to surrender any Receipt with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder the deposited Preferred Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
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Every holder who retains or acquires Receipts after an amendment becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement as amended thereby.
Section 6.02 Termination.
(a) This Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon not less than 35 days’ prior written notice to the Depositary, and the Depositary shall give notice of the termination to Record holders of all outstanding Depositary Shares not less than 30 days before the termination date. In the event of such termination, the Depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder of a Receipt, upon surrender of the Receipt held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of deposited Preferred Stock as are represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt, together with any other property held by the Depositary in respect of such Receipt. This Deposit Agreement will automatically terminate if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares shall have been redeemed in accordance with the provisions hereof or (ii) there shall have been made a final distribution in respect of the deposited Preferred Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution shall have been distributed to the holders of Receipts entitled thereto.
(b) Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall discontinue the transfer of Receipts, suspend the distribution of dividends and not give any further notices (other than notice of such termination) or perform any further acts, except that the Depositary will continue to collect dividends and other distributions on the Preferred Stock and deliver such dividends along with the Preferred Stock certificates in exchange for Receipts surrendered. At any time after the expiration of three years from the date of termination, the Depositary may sell the Preferred Stock and hold the proceeds of such sale, without interest, for the benefit of the Record holders of Receipts who have not then surrendered their Receipts. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement, except to account for the proceeds of such sale.
(c) Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary’s Agent and any Transfer Agent or Registrar under Section 5.06 and Section 5.07.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01 Counterparts.
This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by each of the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Deposit Agreement by facsimile or any standard form of telecommunication shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Deposit Agreement.
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Section 7.02 Exclusive Benefits of Parties.
This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors hereunder, and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim to any other person whatsoever.
Section 7.03 Invalidity of Provisions.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby; provided, however, that if such provision affects the rights, duties, liabilities or obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary shall be entitled to resign immediately.
Section 7.04 Notices.
(a) Any and all notices to be given to the Company hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, or by facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to the Company at:
Fifth Third Bancorp
| • | Address: 38 Fountain Square Plaza |
Cincinnati, Ohio 45263
Tel: [redacted]
Fax: [redacted]
| • | Attention: Christian Gonzalez, |
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
| • | Email: [redacted] |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
| • | Address: 125 Broad Street |
New York, New York 10004
| • | Attention: H. Rodgin Cohen, Mitchell S. Eitel, Patrick D. Lynch |
| • | Email: [redacted] |
or at any other address of which the Company shall have notified the Depositary in writing.
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(b) Any notices to be given to the Depositary, Transfer Agent or Registrar hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, or telecopier confirmed by letter, addressed to the Depositary, Transfer Agent or Registrar:
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
| • | Address: 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor |
New York, New York 10005
| • | Attention: Corporate Actions |
| • | Email: [redacted] |
with a copy to:
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
| • | Address: 28 Liberty Street, 53rd Floor |
New York, New York 10005
| • | Attention: Legal Department |
| • | Email: [redacted] |
(c) Any notices given to any Record holder of a Receipt hereunder or under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail, recognized next-day courier service or telecopier confirmed by letter, addressed to such Record holder at the address of such Record holder as it appears on the books of the Depositary provided that any Record holder may direct the Depositary to deliver notices to such Record holder at an alternate address or in a specific manner that is reasonably requested by such Record holder in a written request timely filed with the Depositary and that is reasonably acceptable to the Depositary.
(d) Delivery of a notice sent by mail shall be deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a facsimile message) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office letter box, or in the case of a next-day courier service, when deposited with such courier, courier fees prepaid. The Depositary or the Company may, however, act upon any facsimile message received by it from the other or from any holder of a Receipt, notwithstanding that such facsimile message shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
Section 7.05 Depositary’s Agents.
The Depositary may from time to time appoint Depositary’s Agents to act in any respect for the Depositary for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and may at any time appoint additional Depositary’s Agents and vary or terminate the appointment of such Depositary’s Agents. The Depositary will notify the Company of any such action.
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Section 7.06 Holders of Receipts Are Parties.
The holders of Receipts from time to time shall be deemed to be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the Receipts by acceptance of delivery thereof to the same extent as though such person executed this Deposit Agreement.
Section 7.07 Governing Law.
This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
Section 7.08 Inspection of Deposit Agreement and Certificate of Designation.
Copies of this Deposit Agreement and the Certificate of Designation shall be filed with the Depositary and the Depositary’s Agents and shall be open to inspection during business hours at the Depositary Office by any holder of any Receipt.
Section 7.09 Headings.
The headings of articles and sections in this Deposit Agreement and in the form of the Receipt set forth in Exhibit A hereto have been inserted for convenience only and are not to be regarded as a part of this Deposit Agreement or to have any bearing upon the meaning or interpretation of any provision contained herein or in the Receipts.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the date set forth and all holders of Receipts shall become parties hereto by and upon acceptance by them of delivery of Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof.
| FIFTH THIRD BANCORP, |
| as Issuer |
| /s/ Bryan D. Preston |
| By: Bryan D. Preston |
| Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| EQUINITI TRUST COMPANY, LLC, |
| as Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar |
| /s/ Michael Legregin |
| By: Michael Legregin |
| Title: Senior Vice President, Corporate Actions Relationship Management & Operations |
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF FACE OF RECEIPT
UNLESS THIS RECEIPT IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY RECEIPT ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR 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.
TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL RECEIPT SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL RECEIPT SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION REFERRED TO BELOW.
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT MAY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF SAID AGREEMENT. ANY SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SAID AGREEMENT WILL BE VOID.
Certificate Number Number of Depositary Shares
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FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
RECEIPT FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES
EACH REPRESENTING 1/40TH OF A SHARE OF
6.875% FIXED-RATE RESET NON-CUMULATIVE
PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES M
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as Depositary (the “Depositary”), hereby certifies that ____________________________ is the registered owner of Depositary Shares (“Depositary Shares”), each Depositary Share representing 1/40th of an ownership interest in a share of 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, Fifth Third Bancorp, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), on deposit with the Depositary, subject to the terms and entitled to the benefits of the Deposit Agreement dated February 1, 2026 (the “Deposit Agreement”), among the Company, the Depositary, and the holders from time to time of Receipts for Depositary Shares (“Depositary Share Receipts”). By accepting this Depositary Share Receipt, the holder hereof becomes a party to and agrees to be bound by all the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement. This Depositary Share Receipt shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose or entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement unless it shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized officer and, if a Registrar in respect of the Depositary Share Receipt (other than the Depositary) shall have been appointed, by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of such Registrar.
Dated: February 1, 2026
| Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as Depositary | ||||||
| By: |
|
|||||
| Authorized Signatory | ||||||
| Countersigned: | Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as Registrar | |||||
| By: |
|
|||||
| Authorized Signatory | ||||||
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[FORM OF REVERSE OF RECEIPT]
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the instructions on the face of this receipt, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations.
| TEN COM | - | as tenant in common | ||||
| TEN ENT | - | as tenants by the entireties | ||||
| JT TEN | - | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common |
| UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - | ||||||
| (Minor) | ||||||
| Custodian | ||||||
| (Cust) | ||||||
| under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act | ||||||
| (State) |
||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
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ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| [PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME, SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE, AS APPLICABLE AND ADDRESS (INCLUDING ZIP CODE) OF ASSIGNEE] | ||
|
|
||
Depositary Shares represented by the within Receipt, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said Depositary Shares on the books of the within Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.
| Date: | ||
| Signature: |
|
|
| Notice: | The signature to the assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of this Receipt in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. |
| Signature Guaranty: |
|
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| The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations, and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
.
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EXHIBIT B
FORM OF AMENDMENT
See Exhibit 3.3 to Form 8-A filed by Fifth Third Bancorp on January 30, 2026 for a copy of the Form of Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Fifth Third Bancorp. Incorporated with respect to the 6.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M.
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Exhibit 99.1
| CONTACT | ||
| Jennifer Hendricks Sullivan (Media Relations) | February 2, 2026 | |
| jennifer.hendricks.sullivan@53.com |
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345
Fifth Third Completes Merger with Comerica to Become 9th Largest U.S. Bank
CINCINNATI—Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB) today announced it has closed its merger with Comerica Incorporated to create the ninth-largest U.S. bank with approximately $294 billion in assets. The combination of Fifth Third’s award-winning retail banking and digital capabilities with Comerica’s strong middle market banking franchise and attractive footprint further strengthens Fifth Third’s stability, profitability and growth potential.
The merger builds upon Fifth Third’s strong momentum entering 2026, following a year of record revenue, best-in-class profitability and efficiency, strong loan and deposit growth, and continued leadership in digital banking and commercial payments. Fifth Third will now operate in 17 of the 20 fastest-growing large markets in the country, including key regions in the Southeast, Texas and California, while solidifying its leadership in the Midwest. By 2030, Fifth Third is planning to have approximately 1,750 branches, over half of which will be located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizona and California. The combined company now has two $1 billion recurring and high-return fee businesses – Commercial Payments and Wealth and Asset Management – which provide durable, diversified earnings and the additional capacity to reinvest for growth. Fifth Third will bring its proven consumer acquisition playbook and analytical marketing capabilities to Comerica’s markets to accelerate deposit growth and deepen customer relationships.
“We are thrilled to announce we have closed our merger with Comerica,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “This combination marks a pivotal moment for Fifth Third as we accelerate our strategy to build density in high-growth markets and deepen our commercial capabilities. Together, we are creating a stronger, more diversified bank that is well-positioned to deliver exceptional value for our shareholders, customers, communities and teammates – starting today, and over the long-term.”
Integration teams will continue working closely together to ensure a seamless transition for customers. Customers will continue to enjoy consistent coverage teams and the products and services they value today, with future enhancements as the integration progresses. Full system and brand conversions are expected in the third quarter. Until then, Comerica locations will continue to operate under the Comerica brand. Full information on what customers can expect in 2026 can be found at 53.com/BetterTogether.
“Over the next five years, we see four key opportunities: scaling Comerica’s middle market expertise; deepening commercial and wealth relationships to Fifth Third levels; expanding retail banking with our proven playbook, including 150 new de novo branches in Texas; and building a differentiated innovation banking business by leveraging the capabilities of Comerica’s Tech and Life sciences vertical with Fifth Third’s Newline platform,” Spence continued. “We’re building a stronger, more innovative bank, deliberately engineered for through-the-cycle performance so we can continue delivering for our customers, communities and teammates.”
###
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information in this communication, other than statements of historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expected benefits of the transaction. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “targets,” “scheduled,” “plans,” “intends,” “goal,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” or negatives of such terms or other comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Fifth Third to differ materially from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the transaction, including the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies and other anticipated benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, the risk that Fifth Third may be unable to successfully execute its business plans and strategies and manage the risks involved in its acquisition of Comerica and the risk that the integration of Comerica’s business and operations into Fifth Third will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected. Additional factors that could affect future results of Fifth Third can be found in Fifth Third’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Fifth Third disclaims any obligation and do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this communication, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws.
Exhibit 99.2
| CONTACT |
||
| Jordan DuShane (Media Relations) |
February 2, 2026 |
Jordan.dushane@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345
Fifth Third Announces Three New Members to its Board of Directors
New Directors join from Comerica’s Board
CINCINNATI — Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB) today announced the appointment of Derek J. Kerr, Barbara R. Smith and Michael G. Van de Ven to its Board of Directors, effective February 1, 2026.
“We’re pleased to welcome Derek, Barbara and Mike to our Board,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “Each Director brings a distinctive combination of leadership and industry experience that will be an invaluable asset. Their perspectives, insight and experience will help guide the new Fifth Third as we continue to deliver innovative solutions for our customers and communities.”
Kerr is an experienced financial leader with broad and deep exposure to complex financial issues, bringing nearly four decades of accounting, finance and corporate governance experience in the aviation and airline industry. Most recently, he served as Vice Chair of American Airlines Group and President of American Eagle. Prior to this, Kerr served as Chief Financial Officer of American Airlines, Inc., overseeing global corporate risk, corporate development and corporate financial functions, including treasury, accounting, financial planning, labor and fleet analysis, tax, strategic planning, investor relations and purchasing. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Financial Officer for US Airways and America West Airlines. Kerr served on Comerica’s Board of Directors since 2023. He currently serves as a board member for AECOM and Standard Aero. He will serve on the Bancorp’s Audit Committee and Technology Committee.
Smith brings to the Board a number of key skills, including executive business leadership, strong management experience and significant financial expertise. Most recently, Smith served as Chairman, President and CEO for Commercial Metals Company (CMC), a Fortune 500 metals company, from September 2017 until her retirement in 2023. Following her retirement, she served for one year as Executive Chairman of the Board of CMC. She joined CMC in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2016 and then Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Earlier in her career, Smith served as Chief Financial Officer for Gerdau Ameristeel and FARO Technologies and held a variety of leadership positions with Alcoa, Inc. Smith served on Comerica’s Board of Directors since 2017, including as the Board’s Independent Facilitating Director. She currently serves as a board member for D.R. Horton. Smith will serve on the Bancorp’s Audit Committee and Human Capital and Compensation Committee.
Van de Ven is a seasoned executive with a strong background in operations, risk management and a deep understanding of financial planning and accounting. Since January 2023, he has served as an Executive Advisor at Southwest Airlines Co. Prior to this role he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. Van de Ven spent more than 30 years of his career at Southwest, holding various positions and responsibilities for the airline, including financial planning and analysis, fleet planning, aircraft operations and schedule planning. He also served as senior audit manager for Ernst & Young LLP and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Van de Ven served on Comerica’s Board of Directors since 2016, including chairing the Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee. He also joined the Board of Directors of Keurig Dr Pepper in April 2025, and chairs their Audit and Finance Committee. He will serve on the Bancorp’s Risk and Compliance Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Classification: Confidential
With these appointments, the size of Fifth Third’s Board increases to 16 directors.
###
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
Forward-Looking Statements
Information in this communication, other than statements of historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expected benefits of the transaction. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “targets,” “scheduled,” “plans,” “intends,” “goal,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” or negatives of such terms or other comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Fifth Third to differ materially from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the transaction, including the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies and other anticipated benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, the risk that Fifth Third may be unable to successfully execute its business plans and strategies and manage the risks involved in its acquisition of Comerica and the risk that the integration of Comerica’s business and operations into Fifth Third will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected. Additional factors that could affect future results of Fifth Third can be found in Fifth Third’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Fifth Third disclaims any obligation and do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this communication, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws.
Classification: Confidential