(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 20 gen - Fifth Third Bancorp said net income available to common shareholders in the fourth quarter was 699 million dollars, or 1.04 dollars per share, compared to 582 million, or 0.85 per share, in the same period last year. Analysts expected 1.0 dollars per share.

Net interest income in the period rose 6.2% to 1.533 billion dollars from 1.443 billion a year ago.

Noninterest income increased 11% to 811 million dollars from 732 million a year earlier, while noninterest expense increased 6.8% to 1.31 billion.

The Ohio-based bank said in October it was buying financial services company Comerica for 10.9 billion dollars.

"We remain confident in our ability to achieve the expected financial synergies from the pending acquisition, and the result will be a Fifth Third that is better and not just.

bigger," the lender said.

(RADIOCOR) 20-01-26 19:01:17 (0644) 5 NNNN