fifth third bancorp Q3-03

Fifth Third Bancorp reported third quarter earnings per share of $0.76, an increase of 9% from the prior year. Earnings were impacted by a $0.02 per share charge from adopting a new accounting standard. Excluding this, earnings were $0.77 per share. Revenue increased due to strong loan and deposit growth as well as higher fees. Expenses rose 3% from increased spending on sales force expansion and infrastructure investments. Credit quality modestly improved with lower net charge-offs and stable non-performing assets. The company reiterated its positive outlook for the remainder of 2003 and into 2004.