<PAGE> 1
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration Statements: 333-42379
333-80919
333-34798
PROSPECTUS
FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
------------------------------
372,666 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
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The persons identified in "Selling Shareholders" on page 11 are
offering to sell 372,666 shares of common stock of Fifth Third Bancorp. All
offers and sales will be made as described in "Plan of Distribution" beginning
on page 17.
The sale price for these shares may vary from transaction to
transaction. Any sales commissions may also vary.
Fifth Third common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "FITB."
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FOR A DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT CONSIDERATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THE SHARES AND RELATED MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT, SEE "RISK
FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 2.
---------------------------------------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------------------------------------------
THE SHARES OF FIFTH THIRD COMMON STOCK ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS,
DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND ARE NOT
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY.
------------------------------------------------------------
The date of this prospectus is May 3, 2000
<PAGE> 2
RISK FACTORS
In deciding whether or not to buy shares of Fifth Third common stock
offered by this document, you should consider the following factors:
FIFTH THIRD'S FUTURE ACQUISITIONS WILL DILUTE YOUR OWNERSHIP OF FIFTH THIRD AND
MAY CAUSE FIFTH THIRD TO BECOME MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVERSE ECONOMIC EVENTS.
Future business acquisitions could be material to Fifth Third. Fifth
Third may issue additional shares of common stock to pay for those acquisitions,
which would dilute your ownership interest. Acquisitions also could require
Fifth Third to use substantial cash or other liquid assets or to incur debt. In
those events, Fifth Third could become more susceptible to economic downturns
and competitive pressures.
IF FIFTH THIRD DOES NOT ADJUST TO RAPID CHANGES IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES
INDUSTRY, ITS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MAY SUFFER.
Fifth Third's ability to maintain its history of strong financial
performance and return on investment to shareholders will depend in part on
Fifth Third's ability to expand its scope of available financial services as
needed to meet the needs and demands of its customers. In addition to the
challenge of attracting and retaining customers for traditional banking
services, Fifth Third's competitors now include securities dealers, brokers,
mortgage bankers, investment advisors and finance and insurance companies who
seek to offer one-stop financial services to their customers that may include
services that banks have not been able or allowed to offer to their customers in
the past. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of
changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems and
the accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers.
DIFFICULTIES IN COMBINING THE OPERATIONS OF ACQUIRED ENTITIES WITH FIFTH THIRD'S
OWN OPERATIONS MAY PREVENT FIFTH THIRD FROM ACHIEVING THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FROM
ITS ACQUISITIONS.
Fifth Third may not be able to achieve fully the strategic objectives
and operating efficiencies in all of its acquisitions. Inherent uncertainties
exist in integrating the operations of an acquired company into Fifth Third. In
addition, the markets and industries in which Fifth Third operates are highly
competitive. Fifth Third also may lose key personnel, either from the acquired
entities or from itself, as a result of acquisitions. These factors could
contribute to Fifth Third not achieving the expected benefits from its
acquisitions within the desired time frames, if at all.
FUTURE GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION AND LEGISLATION COULD LIMIT FIFTH THIRD'S FUTURE
GROWTH.
Fifth Third and its subsidiaries are subject to extensive state and
federal regulation, supervision, and legislation which govern almost all aspects
of the operations of Fifth Third and
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its subsidiaries. These laws may change from time to time and are primarily
intended for the protection of consumers, depositors, and the deposit insurance
funds. The impact of any changes to these laws may negatively impact Fifth
Third's ability to expand its services and to increase the value of its
business. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or
future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on
Fifth Third, these changes could be materially adverse to Fifth Third's
shareholders.
CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES COULD REDUCE FIFTH THIRD'S INCOME AND CASH FLOWS.
Fifth Third's income and cash flows depend to a great extent on the
difference between the interest rates earned on interest-earning assets such as
loans and investment securities, and the interest rates paid on interest-bearing
liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. These rates are highly sensitive to
many factors which are beyond Fifth Third's control, including general economic
conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in
particular, the Federal Reserve Board. Changes in monetary policy, including
changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase
of investments, the generation of deposits, and the rates received on loans and
investment securities and paid on deposits. Fluctuations in these areas may
adversely affect Fifth Third.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document, including information incorporated by reference into
this document, contains or may contain forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. This document contains certain forward-looking
statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations,
plans, objectives, future performance and business of Fifth Third, including
statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes,"
"expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions. These forward-looking
statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause
actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such
forward-looking statements include, among others, those risks discussed above.
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FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Fifth Third is an Ohio corporation organized in 1975 as a bank holding
company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act and subject to regulation
by the Federal Reserve Board. Fifth Third, with its principal office located in
Cincinnati, is a multi-bank holding company that owns all of the outstanding
stock of ten commercial banks and one savings bank with 648 offices in Ohio,
Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida and Arizona. Those institutions
are: Fifth Third Bank; Fifth Third Bank, Central Ohio; Fifth Third Bank,
Northwestern Ohio, N.A.; Fifth Third Bank, Ohio Valley; Fifth Third Bank,
Western Ohio; Fifth Third Bank, Florida; Fifth Third Bank, Northern Kentucky,
Inc.; Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky, Inc.; Fifth Third Bank, Indiana; and Fifth
Third Bank, Southwest, F.S.B.
At December 31, 1999, Fifth Third, its affiliated banks and other
subsidiaries had consolidated total assets of $41.6 billion, consolidated total
deposits of $26.1 billion and consolidated total shareholders' equity of
approximately $4.1 billion.
Fifth Third, through its subsidiaries, engages primarily in commercial,
retail and trust banking, data processing services, investment services and
leasing activities and also provides credit life, mortgage, accident and health
insurance, discount brokerage services and property management for its
properties. Those subsidiaries consist of The Fifth Third Company, Fifth Third
Securities, Inc., The Fifth Third Leasing Company, Midwest Payment Systems,
Inc., Fifth Third Insurance Reinsurance Company, Fifth Third Insurance Agency,
Fifth Third International Company and Heartland Capital Management, Inc. Fifth
Third's affiliates provide a full range of financial products and services to
the retail, commercial, financial, governmental, educational and medical
sectors, including a wide variety of checking, savings and money market
accounts, and credit products such as credit cards, installment loans, mortgage
loans and leasing. Each of the banking affiliates has deposit insurance provided
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through the Bank Insurance Fund and
the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
Fifth Third, through its subsidiaries, also participates in several
regional shared ATM networks, including "Money Station(R)," "Honor(R)" and
"Star." These networks include approximately 6,500, 42,000 and 70,000 ATMs,
respectively. All Fifth Third banking subsidiaries also participate in the "PLUS
System(R)" network, which is an international ATM network with approximately
490,000 ATMs.
Fifth Third is a corporate entity legally separate and distinct from
its affiliates. The principal source of Fifth Third's income is dividends from
its affiliates. There are certain regulatory restrictions as to the extent to
which the affiliates can pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to Fifth Third.
See "Description of Capital Stock."
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Fifth Third's strategy for growth includes strengthening its presence
in core markets, expanding into contiguous markets and broadening its product
offerings.
Fifth Third believes it has an excellent track record in integrating
acquired businesses. Since 1989, Fifth Third has completed 32 acquisitions,
which have contributed to its growth. Consistent with this strategy, Fifth Third
recently acquired CNB Bancshares, Inc. and Peoples Bank Corporation of
Indianapolis.
CNB BANCSHARES, INC. On October 29, 1999, Fifth Third acquired CNB
Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company based in Evansville, Indiana which owns
Civitas Bank. As of September 30, 1999, CNB had total assets of $7.9 billion and
total deposits of $4.9 billion. Fifth Third issued 30,370,745 shares of Fifth
Third common stock to shareholders of CNB in that merger. Based on the fair
market value per share of Fifth Third common stock as of October 29, 1999, the
closing date of this merger, these shares had an aggregate value of
approximately $2.24 billion.
PEOPLES BANK CORPORATION OF INDIANAPOLIS. On November 19, 1999, Fifth
Third acquired Peoples Bank Corporation of Indianapolis, a bank holding company
based in Indianapolis, Indiana which owns Peoples Bank & Trust Company. As of
September 30, 1999, Peoples had total assets of $674.5 million and total
deposits of $587.3 million. Fifth Third issued 3,381,220 shares of Fifth Third
common stock to shareholders of Peoples in that merger. Based on the fair market
value per share of Fifth Third common stock as of November 19, 1999, these
shares had an aggregate value of approximately $247.8 million.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation maintain guidelines to
implement risk-based capital requirements for bank holding companies, state
member banks, national banks and state non-member banks, respectively. The
guidelines provide for a systematic analytical framework that makes regulatory
capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among
banking organizations, takes off-balance sheet exposures into explicit account
in assessing capital adequacy and minimizes disincentives to holding liquid,
low-risk assets.
Under the guidelines, banking organizations are required to have
capital equivalent to 10% of assets, weighted by risk. Banking organizations
must have at least 6% Tier 1 capital, which consists of core capital elements
including common shareholders' equity, retained earnings and perpetual preferred
stock, to risk weighted assets. The other half of required capital (Tier 2) can
include, among other supplementary capital elements, limited-life preferred
stock and subordinated debt and loan loss reserves up to certain limits. The
banking regulatory authorities
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also require institutions to have a minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to
average assets) of 5%.
Under Federal Reserve Board policy, a holding company is expected to
act as a source of financial strength to each subsidiary bank and to commit
resources to support each of its subsidiaries. This support may be required at
times when the holding company may not find itself able to provide it.
Fifth Third, and each of its subsidiary depository institutions, is in
compliance with both the current leverage ratios and the final risk-based
capital standards. As of December 31, 1999, Fifth Third had a leverage ratio of
10.11%, its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 15.44% and its total risk-based
capital ratio was 17.94%.
GENERAL REGULATION OF FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
Fifth Third is extensively regulated under both federal and state law.
To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory
provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular
statutory and regulatory provisions.
Fifth Third is registered with and subject to regulation by the Federal
Reserve Board. A bank holding company is required to file with the Federal
Reserve Board an annual report and such additional information as the Federal
Reserve Board may require pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act.
The Federal Reserve Board also may make examinations of a holding
company and each of its subsidiaries. The Bank Holding Company Act requires each
bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board
before it may acquire substantially all of the assets of any bank, or before it
may acquire ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after such
acquisition, it would own or control directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the
voting shares of such bank.
The Bank Holding Company Act also restricts the types of businesses and
operations in which a bank holding company and its subsidiaries (other than bank
subsidiaries) may engage. Generally, permissible activities are limited to
banking and activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely
related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which became law on November 12, 1999,
repeals provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act: Section 20, which restricted the
affiliation of banks with firms "engaged principally" in specified securities
activities and Section 32, which restricts officer, director, or employee
interlocks between a bank and any company or person "primarily engaged" in
specified securities activities. Moreover, the general effect of the law is to
establish a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial
banks, insurance companies, securities firms and other financial service
providers by revising and expanding the Act
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framework to permit a holding company system, such as Fifth Third, to engage in
a full range of financial activities through a new entity known as a financial
holding company. "Financial activities" are broadly defined to include not only
banking, insurance, and securities activities, but also merchant banking and
additional activities that the FBR, in consultation with the Secretary of the
Treasury, determines to be financial in nature. These activities are incidental
to such financial activities or complementary activities that do not pose a
substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the
financial system in general. In sum, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is intended to
permit bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be treated as a
financial holding company to engage in a significantly broader range of
activities described above that are not so treated.
In order to elect to become a financial holding company and engage in
the new activities, a bank holding company must meet certain tests and file an
election form with the FRB, which generally is acted on within thirty days. To
qualify, all of a bank holding company's subsidiary banks must be
well-capitalized and well-managed, as measured by regulatory guidelines. In
addition, to engage in the new activities each of the bank holding company's
banks must have been rated "satisfactory" or better in its most recent Federal
Community Reinvestment Act evaluation. Furthermore a bank holding company that
elects to be treated as a financial holding company may face significant
consequences. If its banks fail to maintain the required capital and management
ratings including entering into an agreement with the FRB which imposes
limitations on its operations and may even require divestitures. Such possible
ramifications may limit the ability of a bank subsidiary to significantly expand
or acquire less than well-capitalized and well-managed institutions. Fifth Third
elected to become a financial holding company.
GENERAL REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL BANKS
The operations of the subsidiary banks of Fifth Third are subject to
requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including
requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types
and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged
thereon, and limitations on the types of investments that may be made and the
types of services which may be offered. Various consumer laws and regulations
also affect the operations of these banking subsidiaries.
National banks are subject to the supervision of and are regularly
examined by the Comptroller of the Currency. In addition, national banks may be
members of the Federal Reserve System and their deposits are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and, as such, may be subject to regulation
and examination by each agency. State chartered banking corporations are subject
to federal and state regulation of their business and activities, including, in
the case of banks chartered in Ohio, by the Ohio Division of Financial
Institutions, in the case of banks chartered in Kentucky, by the Kentucky
Department of Financial Institutions, in the case of banks chartered in
Michigan, by the Michigan Financial Institutions Bureau, and in the case of
banks chartered in Florida, by the Florida Department of Banking and Finance.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more detailed information about Fifth Third, reference is made to
the Fifth Third Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999,
which is incorporated into this document by reference. See "Where You Can Find
More Information."
EFFECT OF GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES
The earnings of Fifth Third and its subsidiaries are affected not only
by domestic and foreign economic conditions, but also by the monetary and fiscal
policies of the United States and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve
Board, foreign governments and other official agencies. The Federal Reserve
Board can and does implement national monetary policy, such as the curbing of
inflation and combating of recession, by its open market operations in United
States Government securities, control of the discount rate applicable to
borrowings and the establishment of reserve requirements against deposits and
certain liabilities of depository institutions. The actions of the Federal
Reserve Board influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and
affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The nature and
impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies are not predictable.
From time to time various proposals are made in the United States
Congress and in state legislatures and before various regulatory authorities
that would alter the powers or the existing regulatory framework for banks, bank
holding companies, savings banks and other financial institutions. It is
impossible to predict whether any of the proposals will be adopted and the
impact, if any, of such adoption on the business of Fifth Third and its
subsidiaries.
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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF FIFTH THIRD
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data
concerning Fifth Third for the five years ended December 31, 1999. This
information is based on information contained in Fifth Third's 1999 Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 1999, which is
incorporated by reference into this document and should be read in conjunction
therewith. Financial data for all periods has been restated to reflect the
second quarter 1998 mergers with CitFed Bancorp, Inc. and State Savings Company
and the fourth quarter 1999 mergers with CNB Bancshares, Inc. and Peoples Bank
Corporation of Indianapolis. These mergers were accounted for as
poolings-of-interest.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999(1) 1998(2) 1997 1996(3) 1995
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS: ($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income .................. $ 2,738 $ 2,585 $ 2,477 $ 2,272 $ 1,950
Interest expense ................. 1,333 1,316 1,304 1,189 1,045
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net interest income .............. 1,405 1,269 1,173 1,083 905
Provision for credit losses ...... 134 123 117 83 55
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net interest income after
provision for credit losses ...... 1,271 1,146 1,056 1,000 850
Other operating income ........... 877 754 590 494 407
Operating expenses ............... 1,122 1,066 849 833 675
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes ....... 1,026 834 797 661 582
Applicable income taxes .......... 358 287 268 218 193
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income ....................... $ 688 $ 547 $ 529 $ 443 $ 389
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
COMMON SHARE DATA:
Earnings per share ............... $ 2.18 $ 1.81 $ 1.78 $ 1.48 $ 1.36
Diluted earnings per share ....... 2.15 1.78 1.75 1.45 1.32
Cash dividends declared per
share ......................... .88 0.71 .56-8/9 .48-8/9 .42-2/3
Book value at period end ......... 13.20 12.56 11.28 10.35 9.15
Average shares outstanding
(000's) ....................... 306,119 301,335 297,864 299,175 285,501
Average diluted shares
outstanding (000's) ........... 314,570 308,752 302,827 305,761 295,252
</TABLE>
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(1) Provision for credit losses and operating expenses for 1999 include
$26.3 million and $82.1 million of merger-related charges ($83.8
million after tax, or $.27 per share). For comparability, excluding the
impact of these merger-related charges, net income, earnings per share
and diluted earnings per share would have been $752 million, $2.45 and
$2.41, respectively.
(2) Provision for credit losses and operating expenses for 1998 include
$16.7 million and $121.3 million of merger-related charges ($98.7
million after tax, or $.32 per share). For comparability, excluding the
impact of these merger-related charges, net income, earnings per share
and diluted earnings per share would have been $645 million, $2.13 and
$2.10, respectively.
(3) Operating expenses for 1996 include the special Savings Association
Insurance Fund assessment of $49.6 million pretax ($31.3 million after
tax, or $.11 per share). For comparability, excluding the impact of
this assessment, net income, earnings per share and diluted earnings
per share would have been $474 million, $1.59 and $1.56, respectively.
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<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999(1) 1998(2) 1997 1996(3) 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
FINANCIAL CONDITION AT (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
PERIOD END:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Securities .................... $ 12,817 $ 11,306 $ 10,531 $ 10,146 $ 7,476
Loans and leases .............. 24,964 22,357 21,899 20,208 18,423
Assets ........................ 41,589 37,092 35,180 33,135 28,302
Deposits ...................... 26,083 24,496 24,290 23,306 20,826
Short-term borrowings ......... 8,373 4,515 4,391 4,263 2,474
Long-term debt and
convertible subordinated
notes ...................... 1,977 3,236 2,305 1,795 1,782
Shareholders' equity .......... 4,077 3,795 3,359 3,135 2,659
RATIOS:
PROFITABILITY RATIOS:
Return on average assets ...... 1.89% 1.78% 1.57% 1.52% 1.47%
Return on average
shareholders' ................. 19.0% 18.2% 17.2% 16.3% 15.9%
equity
Net interest margin ........... 3.99% 3.93% 3.86% 3.83% 3.76%
Overhead ratio(4) ............. 44.1% 45.3% 46.8% 48.3% 50.1%
Other operating income to
total income(5) .............. 38.4% 36.8% 33.1% 30.9% 30.5%
Dividend Payout ............... 36.5% 33.8% 32.5% 31.3% 32.3%
CAPITAL RATIOS:
Average shareholders'
equity to average assets ... 9.95% 9.80% 9.16% 9.28% 9.24%
Tier 1 risk-adjusted capital .. 15.44% 12.47% 11.28% 11.84% 11.75%
Total risk-adjusted capital ... 17.94% 14.44% 13.44% 14.31% 14.67%
Tier 1 leverage ............... 10.11% 10.09% 9.15% 8.84% 9.28%
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO
FIXED CHARGES:(6)
Including deposit interest .... 1.84x 1.73x 1.61x 1.59x 1.55x
Excluding deposit interest .... 3.34x 3.34x 3.12x 2.49x 2.37x
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS:
Reserve for credit losses to
nonperforming assets ........ 474.06% 364.44% 265.41% 228.08% 206.69%
Reserve for credit losses to
loans and leases outstanding .. 1.47% 1.48% 1.43% 1.41% 1.47%
Net charge-offs to average
loans and leases outstanding .. .36% .47% .43% .40% .23%
Nonperforming assets to
loans, leases and other real
estate owned .................. .31% .41% .54% .62% .71%
</TABLE>
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(1) Provision for credit losses and operating expenses for 1999 exclude
$26.3 million and $82.1 million of merger-related charges ($83.8
million after tax, or $.27 per share). For comparability, including the
impact of these merger-related charges, return on average assets,
return on average equity and the overhead ratio were 1.68%, 16.9% and
47.6%, respectively.
(2) Provision for credit losses and operating expenses for 1998 exclude
$16.7 million and $121.3 million of merger-related charges ($98.7
million after tax, or $.32 per share). For comparability, including the
impact of these merger-related charges, return on average assets,
return on average equity and the overhead ratio were 1.51%, 15.4% and
51.1%, respectively.
(3) Operating expenses for 1996 exclude the impact of the special Savings
Association Insurance Fund assessment of $49.6 million pretax ($31.3
million after tax, or $.11 per share). Including the impact of this
assessment, return on average assets, return on average equity and the
overhead ratio were 1.42%, 15.3% and 51.4%, respectively.
(4) Operating expenses divided by the sum of taxable-equivalent net
interest income and other operating income.
(5) Other operating income excluding securities gains and losses as a
percent of net interest income and other operating income excluding
securities gains and losses.
(6) Earnings represent income before income taxes plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges include interest expense and the proportion deemed
representative of the interest factor of rental expense.
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<PAGE> 11
USE OF PROCEEDS
Fifth Third will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common
stock by the selling shareholders. See "Selling Shareholders."
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The shares of common stock offered hereby were issued to the selling
shareholders pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September
17, 1997 by and among Fifth Third, Fifth Third A Corp, an Indiana corporation
and wholly-owned subsidiary of Fifth Third, and Heartland Capital Management,
Inc., an Indiana corporation, and the selling shareholders. Pursuant to the
merger agreement, Fifth Third A Corp merged with and into Heartland on November
24, 1997.
In the merger, Heartland stockholders received an aggregate of 234,004
shares of Fifth Third Common Stock. On March 17, 1998, Fifth Third declared a
three-for-two stock split to be effected in the form of a stock dividend
distributed on April 15, 1998. Accordingly, Fifth Third registered 351,004
shares of common stock on a registration statement (file no. 333-42379), which
was declared effective by the SEC on April 7, 1998. On December 30, 1998, Barry
Ebert transferred 72,000 shares of common stock that he received in the merger
to Barry Ebert, Trustee, and Anita Ebert, Trustee, under Agreement dated
December 15, 1998 by B. Ebert Charitable Remainder Unit Trust, an Indiana trust.
On February 11, 1999, the Trust sold 5,000 shares of common stock and on
February 23, 1999, the Trust sold another 30,000 shares. Pursuant to the merger
agreement, the selling shareholders also received two additional grants of
36,804 and 56,858 shares of common stock on February 12, 1999 and February 4,
2000, respectively. These shares were registered on registration statements nos.
333-80919 and 333-34798, which were declared effective by the SEC on July 26,
1999 and May 3, 2000, respectively. Additionally, on July 22, 1999, the
Trust sold its final 37,000 shares of common stock. Therefore, only 372,666 of
the original 444,667 shares registered on registration statements nos.
333-42379, 333-80919 and 333-34798 remain.
This prospectus relates to all of the remaining 372,666 shares
registered on all three of these registration statements, as permitted by Rule
429 promulgated under the Securities Act.
Fifth Third has agreed to file with the SEC a registration statement
under the Securities Act and maintain its effectiveness until the earlier of (1)
one year after the issuance of the shares to the selling shareholders, or (2)
the first date as of which all shares of common stock offered hereby have been
sold pursuant to the registration statement or otherwise cease to be registrable
shares. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Fifth Third has agreed to pay
all expenses incurred in connection with the registration of the shares of
common stock being sold by the selling shareholders; provided, however, that
Fifth Third will not pay any selling commissions, discounts, underwriting or
advisory fees, brokers' fees or fees of similar securities industry
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<PAGE> 12
professionals relating to the sale of the shares of common stock offered hereby.
Fifth Third has agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders and any
underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
selling shareholders and the number of shares of common stock which may be sold
pursuant to this document. Prior to the effective time of the merger, no selling
shareholder held any positions or offices or had any other material
relationships with Fifth Third, or any of its predecessors or affiliates, during
the past three years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of shares of common stock
Number of shares of common stock and percentage assuming the sale of
Name and address of which may be sold pursuant to this all shares offered pursuant to this
Selling Shareholder prospectus (1) prospectus
- ------------------- ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Barry F. Ebert 173,457 0%
R.R. #2
Box 195
Monrovia, Indiana 46157
Robert D. Markley 163,637 0%
12939 Brighton Avenue
Carmel, Indiana 46032
Thomas F. Maurath 35,572 0%
11670 Fall Creek Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
46256
</TABLE>
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(1) The Commission has defined beneficial ownership to include sole or shared
voting or investment power with respect to a security or right to acquire
beneficial ownership of a security within 60 days. The number of shares
indicated are owned with sole voting and investment power unless otherwise
noted.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Fifth Third is currently authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of
Fifth Third common stock, no par value, and 500,000 shares of preferred stock,
no par value. At the March 21, 2000 Annual Meeting, Fifth Third's shareholders
approved a proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock
to 650,000,000. As of February 29, 2000, Fifth Third had outstanding 309,380,174
shares of Fifth Third common stock and no shares of Fifth Third preferred stock.
The following summary description of the capital stock of Fifth Third does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Fifth
Third's articles of incorporation and code of regulations.
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COMMON STOCK
VOTING RIGHTS. Under Fifth Third's articles of incorporation, as
amended, the holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and the common
stock has no redemption, sinking fund, or conversion privileges. The holders of
Fifth Third common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders. Fifth Third's code of regulations provides
for the division of its board of directors into three classes of approximately
equal size. Directors are elected for three-year terms and the terms of office
of approximately one-third of the classified board of directors expire each
year. This classification of the board of Fifth Third may make it more difficult
for a shareholder to acquire immediate control of Fifth Third and remove
management by means of a hostile takeover. Since the terms of approximately
one-third of the incumbent directors expire each year, at least two annual
elections are necessary for the shareholders to replace a majority of directors,
whereas a majority of the directors of a non-classified board of directors may
be replaced in one annual meeting.
Fifth Third's articles of incorporation contain another potential
anti-takeover device. As stated above, Fifth Third is authorized to issue
500,000 shares of Fifth Third preferred stock, and its board of directors may
designate various characteristics and rights of Fifth Third preferred stock,
including conversion rights. Accordingly, as an anti-takeover measure, Fifth
Third's board of directors may authorize the conversion of shares of Fifth Third
preferred stock into any number of shares of Fifth Third common stock and thus
dilute the outstanding shares of Fifth Third common stock.
The holders of Fifth Third common stock have the right to vote
cumulatively in the election of directors. Under applicable Ohio law, unless a
corporation's articles of incorporation are amended to provide that no
shareholder of the corporation may cumulate his or her voting power, each
shareholder has the right to vote cumulatively in the election of directors of
the corporation if (1) written notice is given by any shareholder of the
corporation to the president, a vice president or the secretary of such
corporation, not less than forty-eight hours before the time fixed for holding
the meeting at which directors are to be elected, indicating that the
shareholder desires that voting for the election of directors be cumulative, and
(2) announcement of the giving of this notice is made upon the convening of the
meeting by the chairman or the secretary or by or on behalf of the shareholder
giving the notice. In this event, each shareholder will be entitled to cumulate
the voting power as he or she possesses and to give one nominee as many votes as
the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of his or her
shares, or to distribute these votes on the same principle among two or more
candidates, as each shareholder sees fit. The availability of cumulative voting
rights enhances the ability of minority shareholders to obtain representation on
the board of directors.
DIVIDENDS. Holders of Fifth Third Common Stock are entitled to
dividends as and when declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available for the payment of dividends. Fifth Third has, in the past, declared
and paid dividends on a quarterly basis, and intends to
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continue to do so in the immediate future in such amounts as its board of
directors shall determine.
Most of the revenues of Fifth Third available for payment of dividends
derive from amounts paid to it by its subsidiaries. Under applicable banking
law, the total of all dividends declared in any calendar year by a national bank
or a state-chartered bank may not, without the approval of the Comptroller of
the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board, or the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, as the case may be, exceed the aggregate of such bank's net profits
(as defined) and retained net profits for the preceding two years. Under the law
applicable to federally chartered savings associations, the amount of dividends
which a savings association may make without the approval of the Office of
Thrift Supervision depends upon the amount of capital possessed by the savings
association. Savings associations which have capital immediately prior to, and
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to, a proposed dividend that is equal
to or greater than the amount of their fully phased-in capital requirements, are
generally authorized to pay dividends during a calendar year up to the greater
of 100% of their net income during the calendar year plus the amount that would
reduce by one-half their surplus capital or 75% of net income during the most
recent four quarters (minus dividends previously paid over that period).
The affiliates of Fifth Third include both state and nationally
chartered banks and savings banks. Under the applicable regulatory limitations,
during the year 1999, the affiliates of Fifth Third could declare aggregate
dividends limited to their 1999 eligible net profits, as defined, and their
retained 1998 and 1997 net income, without the approval of their respective
regulators. The principal regulators of these affiliates have the statutory
authority to prohibit a depository institution under their supervision from
paying dividends. No affiliate of Fifth Third has ever been prohibited from
declaring dividends or restricted in paying any dividends declared.
If, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a depository
institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an
unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the
depository institution, could include the payment of dividends), the authority
may require, after notice and hearing, that the bank cease and desist from the
practice. The Federal Reserve Board has similar authority with respect to bank
holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board, the Comptroller of
the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued policy
statements which provide that insured banks and bank holding companies should
generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. Finally, the
regulatory authorities have established guidelines with respect to the
maintenance of appropriate levels of capital by a bank, bank holding company,
savings association or savings and loan holding company under their
jurisdiction. Compliance with the standards set forth in these guidelines could
limit the amount of dividends which Fifth Third and its affiliates may pay in
the future.
RIGHTS UPON LIQUIDATION. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of Fifth Third, the holders of Fifth Third common stock would be
entitled to receive, after payment
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or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of Fifth Third (including
the payment of all fees, taxes and other expenses incidental thereto), the
remaining assets of Fifth Third available for distribution. If Fifth Third
preferred stock is issued, the holders of Fifth Third preferred stock may have
priority over the holders of Fifth Third common stock in the event of
liquidation or dissolution.
PREFERRED STOCK
Pursuant to Fifth Third's articles of incorporation the Fifth Third
board of directors may, without further action of Fifth Third's shareholders,
(a) divide into one or more new series the authorized shares of Fifth Third
preferred stock which have not previously been designated, (b) fix the number of
shares constituting any such new series, and (c) fix the dividend rates, payment
dates, whether dividend rights shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, conversion
rights, redemption rights (including sinking fund provisions) and liquidation
preferences. Except as otherwise provided by law, holders of any series of Fifth
Third preferred stock shall not be entitled to vote on any matter.
CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS
The articles of incorporation and code of regulations of Fifth Third
contain various provisions which could make more difficult a change in control
of Fifth Third or discourage a tender offer or other plan to restructure Fifth
Third. The ability of Fifth Third to issue shares of Fifth Third common stock
may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of
Fifth Third. Additionally, Fifth Third's classified board of directors may make
it more difficult for a shareholder to acquire immediate control of Fifth Third.
Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits an "issuing public
corporation" from engaging in a "Chapter 1704 Transaction" with an "interested
shareholder" for a period of three years following the date on which the person
became an interested shareholder unless, prior to such date, the directors of
the issuing public corporation approve either the Chapter 1704 Transaction or
the acquisition of shares pursuant to which such person became an interested
shareholder. Fifth Third is an "issuing public corporation" for purposes of this
statute. An "interested shareholder" is any person who is the beneficial owner
of a sufficient number of shares to allow such person, directly or indirectly,
alone or with others, including affiliates and associates, to exercise or direct
the exercise of 10% of the voting power of the issuing public corporation in the
election of directors.
A Chapter 1704 Transaction includes any merger, consolidation,
combination or majority share acquisition between or involving an issuing public
corporation and an interested shareholder or an affiliate or associate of an
interested shareholder. A Chapter 1704 Transaction also includes certain
transfers of property, dividends and issuance or transfers of shares, from or by
an issuing public corporation or a subsidiary of an issuing public corporation
to, with or for the benefit of an interested shareholder or an affiliate or
associate of an interested shareholder
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unless such transaction is in the ordinary course of business of the issuing
public corporation on terms no more favorable to the interested shareholder than
those acceptable to third parties as demonstrated by contemporaneous
transactions. Finally, Chapter 1704 Transactions include certain transactions
which (a) increase the proportionate share ownership of an interested
shareholder, (b) result in the adoption of a plan or proposal for the
dissolution, winding up of the affairs, or liquidation of the issuing public
corporation if such plan is proposed by or on behalf of the interested
shareholder, or (c) pledge or extend the credit or financial resources of the
issuing public corporation to or for the benefit of the interested shareholder.
After the initial three-year moratorium has expired, an issuing public
corporation may engage in a Chapter 1704 Transaction if (a) the acquisition of
shares pursuant to which the person became an interested shareholder received
the prior approval of the board of directors of the issuing public corporation,
(b) the Chapter 1704 Transaction is approved by the affirmative vote of the
holders of shares representing at least two-thirds of the voting power of the
issuing public corporation and by the holders of shares representing at least a
majority of voting shares which are not beneficially owned by an interested
shareholder or an affiliate or associate of an interested shareholder, or (c)
the Chapter 1704 Transaction meets certain statutory tests designed to ensure
that it be economically fair to all shareholders.
Ohio law prevents a person, under certain circumstances, from
purchasing large amounts of shares of stock of a corporation without shareholder
approval. Under Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised Code, unless the articles
or regulations otherwise provide, any "control share acquisition" of an issuing
public corporation can only be made with the prior approval of the corporation's
shareholders. A control share acquisition is defined as any acquisition,
directly or indirectly (by tender offer, open market purchase, private
transaction or otherwise) of shares of a corporation which, when added to all
other shares of that corporation owned by the acquiring person, would entitle
that person to exercise specified levels of voting power when electing
directors. Specifically, unless the provisions of Section 1701.831 have been
satisfied, a person may not purchase additional shares of a corporation if that
purchase would result in such person holding more than 20%, 33 1/3% or 50% of
the voting power. These percentages reflect the Ohio legislature's view that
each such acquisition of shares which results in a person's voting power
exceeding these levels involves an increase in the ability of a person to
control a corporation. These levels of voting power are considered so great that
the transaction involved should be considered and approved or rejected by the
shareholders.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Fifth Third
Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling shareholders named in this document and other persons
described below may offer these shares for sale. Additional persons may be named
or described in one or more amendments or supplements to this document. Offers
and sales of these shares may be subject to certain delay periods described
below. Under the merger agreement, Fifth Third is required to maintain the
effectiveness of the registration statement to which this document relates until
the earlier of (1) one year after the issuance of the shares to the selling
shareholders, or (2) the first date as of which all registrable shares have been
sold pursuant to the registration statement or otherwise cease to be registrable
shares.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Fifth Third may in its sole
discretion, based on any valid business purpose, suspend the use of the
registration statement for reasonable periods of time; provided that the
aggregate number of days included in all of these delay periods during any
consecutive twelve months shall not exceed 120 days. Fifth Third shall provide
written notice to each selling shareholder at the beginning and end of each
delay period.
Subject in all cases to the restrictions in the merger agreement
described above, any distribution hereunder of the common stock by the selling
shareholders may be effected from time to time in one or more of the following
transactions: (1) through brokers, acting as principal or agent, in transactions
(which may involve block transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market or
otherwise, at market prices obtainable at the time of sale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices, at negotiated prices or at fixed prices, (2) to
underwriters who will acquire shares of common stock for their own account and
resell such shares in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale (any public offering price and any discount or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time), (3)
directly or through brokers or agents in private sales at negotiated prices, (4)
to lenders pledged as collateral to secure loans, credit or other financing
arrangements and any subsequent foreclosure, if any, thereunder, (5) to or
through trusts created by the selling shareholders, or (6) by any other legally
available means. Also, offers to purchase the common stock may be solicited by
agents designated by the selling shareholders from time to time. Underwriters or
other agents participating in an offering made pursuant to this document (as
amended or supplemented from time to time) may receive underwriting discounts
and commissions under the Securities Act, and discounts or concessions may be
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and brokers or agents participating in
such transactions may receive brokerage or agent's commissions or fees.
In connection with distributions of the shares of common stock offered
hereby or otherwise, the selling shareholders may enter into hedging
transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection
with such transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may
engage in short sales of the shares of common stock offered hereby in the course
of hedging the positions they assume with selling shareholders. The selling
shareholders may also sell short and redeliver the shares to close out such
short portions. The
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selling shareholders may also enter into option or other transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions which require the delivery to
such broker-dealer or other financial institution of the shares of common stock
offered hereby, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution,
may resell pursuant to this document (as supplemented or amended to reflect such
transaction). The selling shareholders may also pledge the shares of common
stock offered hereby to a broker-dealer or other financial institution and, upon
a default, such broker-dealer or other financial institution may effect sales
of the pledged common stock pursuant to this document (as supplemented or
amended to reflect such transaction).
UNDERWRITERS. Certain costs, expenses and fees in connection with the
registration of the shares of common stock offered hereby, including certain
costs of legal counsel for the selling shareholders, will be borne by Fifth
Third. Commissions, discounts and transfer taxes, if any, attributable to the
sales of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be borne by the selling
shareholders. The selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify Fifth Third,
each of its directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls Fifth
Third within the meaning of the Securities Act, against certain liabilities in
connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered hereby
pursuant to this document, including liabilities arising under the Securities
Act. In addition, Fifth Third has agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders
against certain liabilities in connection with the offering of the shares of
common stock pursuant to this document, including liabilities arising under the
Securities Act.
Brokers, dealers and other persons who sell these shares may be deemed
to be "underwriters" for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933. However, no one
has conceded that they will be acting as an "underwriter" in selling these
shares.
This document may be amended and supplemented from time to time to
describe a specific plan of distribution. In addition, any securities covered by
this document which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 145 may be sold under Rule
145 rather than pursuant to this document.
LEGAL MATTERS
Counsel employed by Fifth Third has rendered his opinion that the
shares of common stock offered hereby are validly authorized and legally issued.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this document by
reference from Fifth Third Bancorp's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1999 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference,
and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Fifth Third files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. Shareholders may read and copy
reports, proxy statements and other information filed by Fifth Third at the
SEC's public reference rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549;
7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048; or Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-
2511. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the
public reference rooms. Fifth Third's reports, proxy statements and other
information are also available from commercial document retrieval services and
at the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov.
Fifth Third has filed a registration statement to register with the SEC
the shares of common stock offered hereby. This document is part of that
registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of Fifth Third.
Fifth Third's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market tier
of the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "FITB.". Documents filed by Fifth
Third with the SEC also can be inspected at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20006.
As allowed by SEC rules, this document does not contain all the
information that shareholders can find in the Fifth Third registration statement
or the exhibits to the Fifth Third registration statement.
The SEC allows Fifth Third to "incorporate by reference" information
into this document, which means that they can disclose important information to
shareholders by referring them to another document filed separately with the
SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this
document, except for any information superseded by information contained
directly in the document.
This document incorporates by reference the documents set forth below:
o Fifth Third's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1999; and
o Fifth Third's Proxy Statement dated February 9, 2000.
Additional documents that Fifth Third may file with the SEC between the
date of this Document and the date of the sale of the shares of common stock
offered hereby are also incorporated by reference. These include periodic
reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10- K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q
and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.
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Copies of any of the documents incorporated by reference (excluding
exhibits unless specifically incorporated therein) are available without charge
upon written or oral request from Paul L. Reynolds, Executive Vice President and
Assistant Secretary, Fifth Third Bancorp, Fifth Third Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
45263 (telephone number: (513) 579-5300).
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS DOCUMENT TO MAKE YOUR DETERMINATION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO MAKE
AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES OF FIFTH THIRD COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY. NO ONE
HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS
CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. THIS DOCUMENT IS DATED MAY 3, 2000. YOU SHOULD
NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY
DATE OTHER THAN THAT DATE, AND NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS DOCUMENT TO NOR THE
SALE OF FIFTH THIRD COMMON STOCK WILL CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY.
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