SNV-06.30.2013-10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________
 
FORM 10-Q
 
______________________________
Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013
Commission file number 1-10312
 
______________________________
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________
 
Georgia
 
58-1134883
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Bay Avenue
Suite 500, Columbus, Georgia
 
31901
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (706) 649-2311
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
Series B Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
______________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES x  NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES x  NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨    NO x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s class of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
 
 
July 31, 2013

Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
 
 
 
978,277,412




Table of Contents

Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
Page
Financial Information
 
 
 
Index of Defined Terms
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
Other Information
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents



SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
2013 Notes – Synovus' 4.875% subordinated notes due February 15, 2013
2017 Notes - Synovus' outstanding 5.125% subordinated notes due February 15, 2017
2019 Senior Notes – Synovus' outstanding 7.875% senior notes due February 15, 2019 
ALCO – Synovus' Asset Liability Management Committee
ALL – allowance for loan losses
AMT – Alternative Minimum Tax
ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification
ASU – Accounting Standards Update
Atlanta Fed – the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
AUM – assets under management
BAM – Broadway Asset Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp.
Basel III – a global regulatory framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
BCBS – Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
BSA/AML – Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering
BOV – broker’s opinion of value
bp – basis point (bps - basis points)
CD – certificate of deposit
C&D – residential construction and development loans
C&I – commercial and industrial loans
CB&T – Columbus Bank and Trust Company, a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp.
CAMELS Rating System – A term defined by bank supervisory authorities, referring to Capital, Assets, Management, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity to Market Risk
CCC – central clearing counterparty
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
CFO – Chief Financial Officer
CFPB – Consumer Finance Protection Bureau
Charter Consolidation – Synovus’ consolidation of its 30 banking subsidiaries into a single bank charter in 2010
CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
Code – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Common Stock – Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Synovus Financial Corp.
Company – Synovus Financial Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise
Covered Litigation – Certain Visa litigation for which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members
CPP – U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Purchase Program
CRE – Commercial Real Estate
CROA – Credit Repair Organization Act

i

Table of Contents

DIF – Deposit Insurance Fund
Dodd-Frank Act – The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRR – designated reserve ratio
DTA – deferred tax asset
EBITDA – earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
EESA – Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
EITF – Emerging Issues Task Force
EL – expected loss
EPS – earnings per share
Exchange Act – Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB – Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC – Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Reserve Bank – The 12 banks that are the operating arms of the U.S. central bank. They implement the policies of the Federal Reserve Board and also conduct economic research.
Federal Reserve Board – The 7-member Board of Governors that oversees the Federal Reserve System establishes monetary policy (interest rates, credit, etc.) and monitors the economic health of the country. Its members are appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and serve 14-year terms.
Federal Reserve System – The 12 Federal Reserve Banks, with each one serving member banks in its own district. This system, supervised by the Federal Reserve Board, has broad regulatory powers over the money supply and the credit structure.
FHLB – Federal Home Loan Bank
FICO – Fair Isaac Corporation
FIN – Financial Interpretation
FinCEN – The Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
Financial Stability Plan – A plan established under the EESA which is intended to further stabilize financial institutions and stimulate lending across a broad range of economic sectors
FINRA – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
FFIEC – Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
GA DBF – Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
GDP – gross domestic product
Georgia Commissioner – Banking Commissioner of the State of Georgia
GSE – government sponsored enterprise
HAP – Home Affordability Program
HELOC – home equity line of credit
IASB – International Accounting Standards Board
IFRS – International Financial Reporting Standards
IOLTA – Interest on Lawyer Trust Account
IPO – Initial Public Offering
IRC – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
IRLC – interest rate lock commitment
IRS – Internal Revenue Service

ii

Table of Contents

LGD – loss given default
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
LIHTC – Low Income Housing Tax Credit
LTV – loan-to-collateral value ratio
MAD – Managed Assets Division, a division of Synovus Bank
MBS – mortgage-backed securities
MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
NBER – National Bureau of Economic Research
nm – not meaningful
NOL – net operating loss
NPA – non-performing assets
NPL – non-performing loans
NPR – notice of proposed rulemaking
NSF – non-sufficient funds
NYSE – New York Stock Exchange
OCI – other comprehensive income
OFAC – Office of Foreign Assets Control
ORE – other real estate
ORM – Operational Risk Management
OTTI – other-than-temporary impairment
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
PD – probability of default
POS – point-of-sale
RCSA – Risk Control Self-Assessment
Rights Plan – Synovus' Shareholder Rights Plan dated April 26, 2010, as amended
SAB – SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin
SBA – Small Business Administration
SCM – State, county, and municipal
SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act – Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Series A Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value
Series C Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, $25 liquidation preference
Shared Deposit – A deposit product offered by Synovus prior to the Charter Consolidation, which gave its customers the opportunity to access up to $7.5 million in FDIC insurance by spreading deposits across its 30 separately-chartered banks.
Synovus – Synovus Financial Corp.
Synovus Bank – A Georgia state-chartered bank, formerly known as Columbus Bank and Trust Company, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus, through which Synovus conducts its banking operations
Synovus Bank MOU – MOU entered into by and among Synovus Bank, the FDIC and the GA DBF
Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012

iii

Table of Contents

Synovus Mortgage – Synovus Mortgage Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
Synovus MOU – MOU entered into by and among Synovus, the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF
Synovus Trust Company, N. A. – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
TAGP – Transaction Account Guarantee Program
TARP – Troubled Assets Relief Program
TBA – to-be-announced securities with respect to mortgage-related securities to be delivered in the future (MBSs and CMOs)
TDR – troubled debt restructuring (as defined in ASC 310-40)
Tender Offer – Offer by Synovus to purchase, for cash, all of its outstanding 2013 Notes, which commenced on February 7, 2012 and expired on March 6, 2012
Treasury – United States Department of the Treasury
tMEDS – tangible equity units, each composed of a prepaid common stock purchase contract and a junior subordinated amortizing note
TSYS – Total System Services, Inc.
UCL – Unfair Competition Law
USA PATRIOT Act – Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism
VIE – variable interest entity, as defined in ASC 810-10
Visa – The Visa U.S.A., Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively
Visa Class B shares – Class B shares of Common Stock issued by Visa which are subject to restrictions with respect to sale until all of the Covered Litigation has been settled
Visa Derivative – A derivative contract with the purchaser of Visa Class B shares which provides for settlements between the purchaser and Synovus based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares into Visa Class A shares
Visa IPO – The IPO of shares of Class A Common Stock by Visa, Inc. on March 25, 2008
Warrant – Issued to the Treasury by Synovus, a warrant to purchase up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $9.36


iv

Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
428,487

 
614,630

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
1,459,251

 
1,498,390

Interest earning deposits with banks
22,065

 
23,442

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
88,636

 
113,517

Trading account assets, at fair value
23,069

 
11,102

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
112,761

 
212,663

Other loans held for sale
12,083

 
10,690

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
3,077,706

 
2,981,112

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
19,608,283

 
19,541,690

Allowance for loan losses
(334,880
)
 
(373,405
)
Loans, net
$
19,273,403

 
19,168,285

Premises and equipment, net
477,948

 
479,546

Goodwill
24,431

 
24,431

Other intangible assets, net
4,156

 
5,149

Other real estate
139,653

 
150,271

Deferred tax asset, net
789,525

 
806,406

Other assets
630,000

 
660,378

Total assets
$
26,563,174

 
26,760,012

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
5,203,437

 
5,665,527

Interest bearing deposits, excluding brokered deposits
14,169,203

 
14,298,768

Brokered deposits
1,338,063

 
1,092,749

Total deposits
20,710,703

 
21,057,044

Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
222,933

 
201,243

Long-term debt
1,885,689

 
1,726,455

Other liabilities
175,645

 
205,839

Total liabilities
$
22,994,970

 
23,190,581

Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Series A Preferred Stock – no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; 967,870 issued and outstanding
$
962,725

 
957,327

Common stock - $1.00 par value. Authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; 916,207,848 issued  at June 30, 2013 and 792,272,692 issued at December 31, 2012; 910,514,396 outstanding at June 30, 2013 and 786,579,240 outstanding at December 31, 2012    
916,208

 
792,273

Additional paid-in capital
2,038,483

 
2,189,874

Treasury stock, at cost – 5,693,452 shares
(114,176
)
 
(114,176
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(33,060
)
 
4,101

Accumulated deficit
(201,976
)
 
(259,968
)
Total shareholders’ equity
3,568,204

 
3,569,431

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,563,174

 
26,760,012

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Loans, including fees
$
432,210

 
470,805

 
215,656

 
232,283

      Investment securities available for sale
23,718

 
39,900

 
12,986

 
18,795

      Trading account assets
278

 
515

 
124

 
236

      Mortgage loans held for sale
3,118

 
2,496

 
1,411

 
1,129

      Federal Reserve Bank balances
1,684

 
2,009

 
904

 
958

      Other earning assets
895

 
739

 
432

 
408

Total interest income
$
461,903

 
516,464

 
231,513

 
253,809

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
32,610

 
56,385

 
15,894

 
25,898

Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
170

 
350

 
80

 
170

Long-term debt
27,232

 
25,413

 
13,462

 
14,385

Total interest expense
$
60,012

 
82,148

 
29,436

 
40,453

Net interest income
401,891

 
434,316

 
202,077

 
213,356

Provision for loan losses
48,773

 
110,271

 
13,077

 
44,222

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
353,118

 
324,045

 
189,000

 
169,134

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
38,716

 
36,915

 
19,195

 
18,684

Fiduciary and asset management fees
22,083

 
21,627

 
11,111

 
10,792

Brokerage revenue
14,595

 
12,942

 
7,002

 
6,295

Mortgage banking income
14,255

 
13,986

 
7,338

 
7,983

Bankcard fees
14,902

 
16,072

 
7,838

 
8,493

Investment securities gains, net
1,448

 
24,253

 
1,403

 
4,170

Other fee income
11,262

 
9,651

 
5,775

 
4,951

(Decrease) increase in fair value of private equity investments, net
(1,140
)
 
7,372

 
(883
)
 
7,279

Other non-interest income
13,692

 
17,798

 
6,313

 
7,830

Total non-interest income
$
129,813

 
160,616

 
65,092

 
76,477

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and other personnel expense
183,396

 
187,795

 
89,479

 
95,173

Net occupancy and equipment expense
50,550

 
52,865

 
26,383

 
26,159

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
16,420

 
27,966

 
7,941

 
13,302

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
18,441

 
43,680

 
7,502

 
20,708

Losses (gains) on other loans held for sale, net
79

 
(99
)
 
(86
)
 
(1,058
)
Professional fees
17,511

 
19,196

 
10,416

 
9,929

Third-party services
20,295

 
19,037

 
10,366

 
9,900

Visa indemnification charges
801

 
4,713

 
764

 
1,734

Restructuring charges
6,607

 
2,252

 
1,758

 
1,393

Other operating expenses
49,372

 
53,994

 
26,663

 
31,024

Total non-interest expense
$
363,472

 
411,399

 
181,186

 
208,264

Income before income taxes
119,459

 
73,262

 
72,906

 
37,347

Income tax expense (benefit)
44,350

 
(2,182
)
 
27,371

 
(2,105
)
Net income
75,109

 
75,444

 
45,535

 
39,452

Dividends and accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
29,594

 
29,272

 
14,818

 
14,649

Net income available to common shareholders
$
45,515

 
46,172

 
30,717

 
24,803

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.06

 
0.06

 
0.04

 
0.03

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.05

 
0.05

 
0.03

 
0.03

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
819,245

 
786,355

 
851,093

 
786,576

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
910,886

 
909,542

 
910,937

 
909,761

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

2

Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
119,459

 
(44,350
)
 
75,109

 
73,262

 
2,182

 
75,444

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) realized in net income
224

 
(88
)
 
136

 
(1,218
)
 
474

 
(744
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

 

 

 
(337
)
 
134

 
(203
)
Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains/losses(1)

 

 

 

 
(608
)
 
(608
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
224

 
(88
)
 
136

 
(1,555
)
 

 
(1,555
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income
(1,448
)
 
557

 
(891
)
 
(24,253
)
 
9,338

 
(14,915
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(60,014
)
 
23,105

 
(36,909
)
 
11,076

 
(4,263
)
 
6,813

Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains/losses(1)  

 

 

 

 
(5,075
)
 
(5,075
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains
(61,462
)
 
23,662

 
(37,800
)
 
(13,177
)
 

 
(13,177
)
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income
(26
)
 
10

 
(16
)
 
(36
)
 
14

 
(22
)
Amortization arising during the period
830

 
(311
)
 
519

 
678

 
(261
)
 
417

Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from amortization(1)

 

 

 

 
247

 
247

Net unrealized gains
804

 
(301
)
 
503

 
642

 

 
642

Other comprehensive (loss)
$
(60,434
)
 
23,273

 
(37,161
)
 
(14,090
)
 

 
(14,090
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
37,948

 
 
 
 
 
61,354

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
72,906

 
(27,371
)
 
45,535

 
37,347

 
2,105

 
39,452

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) realized in net income
112

 
(45
)
 
67

 
(405
)
 
156

 
(249
)
Net unrealized losses arising during the period

 

 

 
(15
)
 
15

 

Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains/losses(1)

 

 

 

 
(171
)
 
(171
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
112

 
(45
)
 
67

 
(420
)
 

 
(420
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income
(1,403
)
 
541

 
(862
)
 
(4,170
)
 
1,605

 
(2,565
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(57,850
)
 
22,272

 
(35,578
)
 
13,146

 
(5,062
)
 
8,084

Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains/losses(1)  

 

 

 

 
3,457

 
3,457

Net unrealized (losses) gains
(59,253
)
 
22,813

 
(36,440
)
 
8,976

 

 
8,976

Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) realized in net income

 
7

 
7

 
(36
)
 
14

 
(22
)
Amortization arising during the period
844

 
(325
)
 
519

 
678

 
(261
)
 
417

  Valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from amortization(1)

 

 

 

 
247

 
247

Net unrealized gains
844

 
(318
)
 
526

 
642

 

 
642

Other comprehensive (loss) income
$
(58,297
)
 
22,450

 
(35,847
)
 
9,198

 

 
9,198

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
9,688

 
 
 
 
 
48,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) In accordance with ASC 740-20-45-11(b), a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income is charged directly to other comprehensive income (loss).
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Series A Preferred Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Accumulated
 Deficit
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
947,017

 
790,989

 
2,241,171

 
(114,176
)
 
21,093

 
(1,058,642
)
 
2,827,452

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
75,444

 
75,444

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 
(14,090
)
 

 
(14,090
)
Cash dividends declared on Common Stock - $0.01 per share

 

 

 

 

 
(15,730
)
 
(15,730
)
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

 

 
(24,197
)
 

 

 

 
(24,197
)
Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
5,076

 

 
(5,076
)
 

 

 

 

Restricted share unit activity

 
1,280

 
(1,207
)
 

 

 
(73
)
 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
4,510

 

 

 

 
4,510

Balance at June 30, 2012
$
952,093

 
792,269

 
2,215,201

 
(114,176
)
 
7,003

 
(999,001
)
 
2,853,389

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
957,327

 
792,273

 
2,189,874

 
(114,176
)
 
4,101

 
(259,968
)
 
3,569,431

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
75,109

 
75,109

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 
(37,161
)
 

 
(37,161
)
Cash dividends declared on Common Stock - $0.01 per share

 

 

 

 

 
(16,981
)
 
(16,981
)
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

 

 
(24,197
)
 

 

 

 
(24,197
)
Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
5,398

 

 
(5,398
)
 

 

 

 

Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts

 
122,848

 
(122,848
)
 



 

 

Restricted share unit activity

 
1,022

 
(2,366
)
 

 

 
(137
)
 
(1,481
)
Stock options exercised

 
65

 
69

 

 

 

 
134

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
3,350

 

 

 

 
3,350

Balance at June 30, 2013
$
962,725

 
916,208

 
2,038,484

 
(114,176
)
 
(33,060
)
 
(201,977
)
 
3,568,204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
75,109

 
75,444

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
48,773

 
110,271

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
32,520

 
28,234

Deferred income tax expense
40,456

 
153

Decrease in interest receivable
4,476

 
8,006

Decrease in interest payable
(2,880
)
 
(2,511
)
(Increase) decrease in trading account assets
(11,967
)
 
4,535

Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
(539,942
)
 
(512,192
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
621,951

 
552,708

Gain on sales of mortgage loans held for sale, net
(8,031
)
 
(2,526
)
Gain on sales of premises and equipment, net
(7
)
 

Decrease in other assets
42,439

 
48,000

Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
(15,480
)
 
(4,544
)
Decrease in other liabilities
(12,562
)
 
(15,235
)
Investment securities (gains), net
(1,448
)
 
(24,253
)
Losses (gains) on sales of other loans held for sale, net
79

 
(99
)
Losses and write-downs on other real estate, net
14,314

 
33,859

Decrease (increase) in fair value of private equity investments, net
1,140

 
(7,372
)
(Gains) on sales of other assets held for sale, net
(25
)
 
(164
)
Write-downs on other assets held for sale
170

 
1,228

Increase in accrual for Visa indemnification
801

 
4,713

Share-based compensation expense
3,350

 
4,510

Other, net
1,549

 
2,295

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
294,785

 
305,060

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Net cash received in acquisition
56,328

 

Net decrease (increase) in interest earning deposits with banks
3,428

 
(2,413
)
Net decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
24,881

 
40,818

Net decrease in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
49,813

 
265,762

Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
392,737

 
584,914

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
347,386

 
733,621

Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(925,603
)
 
(1,202,234
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
74,885

 
177,510

Proceeds from sales of other real estate
49,535

 
70,496

Principal repayments by borrowers on other loans held for sale
334

 
4,133

Net (increase) in loans
(276,715
)
 
(53,111
)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net of disposals
(15,798
)
 
(9,263
)
Proceeds from disposals of premises and equipment
21

 
3,005

Proceeds from sales of other assets held for sale
918

 
1,740

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
$
(217,850
)
 
614,978

Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in demand and savings deposits
(416,596
)
 
280,925

Net (increase) decrease in certificates of deposit
13,428

 
(1,127,612
)
Net increase in Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
21,690

 
37,416

Principal repayments on long-term debt
(150,807
)
 
(351,331
)

6

Table of Contents

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
311,732

 
293,370

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(16,981
)
 
(15,730
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(24,197
)
 
(24,197
)
Stock options exercised
134

 

Restricted stock activity
(1,481
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
$
(263,078
)
 
(907,159
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(186,143
)
 
12,879

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
614,630

 
510,423

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
428,487

 
523,302

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid (received) paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income tax payments (refunds), net
$
1,437

 
(8,339
)
Interest paid
56,214

 
78,235

Non-cash Activities
 
 
 
Decrease in net unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of income taxes
(37,800
)
 
(13,177
)
Decrease (increase) in net unrealized gains on hedging instruments, net of income taxes
136

 
(1,555
)
Mortgage loans held for sale transferred to loans at fair value
14,471

 
1,542

Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
51,835

 
71,928

Loans transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value
87,189

 
189,029

Other loans held for sale transferred to loans at fair value
1,235

 

Other loans held for sale foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value
1,395

 
3,136

Premises and equipment transferred to other assets held for sale at fair value
202

 
2,402

Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
5,398

 
5,076

Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit, net of income taxes
503

 
642

Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts
122,848

 

Securities sold during the period but settled after period end
(15,899
)
 
(2,636
)
 
 
 
 
Acquisition:
 
 
 
Fair value of non-cash assets acquired
536

 

Fair value of liabilities assumed
56,864

 

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


7

Table of Contents


Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies
Business Operations
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Synovus include the accounts of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Synovus provides integrated financial services, including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance, and mortgage services to its customers through locally-branded divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, in offices located throughout Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
In addition to our banking operations, we also provide various other financial services to our customers through the following direct and indirect wholly-owned non-bank subsidiaries, including: Synovus Securities, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which specializes in professional portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, the execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer and the provision of individual investment advice on equity and other securities; Synovus Trust Company, N.A., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which provides trust services; Synovus Mortgage Corp., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which offers mortgage services; and GLOBALT, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, which provides asset management and financial planning services.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to the SEC Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X; therefore, they do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. All adjustments consisting of normally recurring accruals that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this Report have been included. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies as disclosed in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
In preparing the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the respective consolidated balance sheets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of other real estate; the fair value of investment securities; the fair value of private equity investments; and the valuation of deferred tax assets. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of certain impaired loans and other real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties and properties collateralizing impaired loans. In making this determination, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions at the time of valuation and anticipated sales values based on management’s plans for disposition.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalents included $100.3 million and $68.4 million, respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank requirements. At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $15.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of the due from banks balance was restricted as to withdrawal, including $15.0 million at those dates on deposit pursuant to a payment network arrangement.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements. Interest earning deposits with banks include $12.7 million at June 30, 2013 and $14.2 million at December 31, 2012, which is pledged as collateral in connection with certain letters of credit. Federal funds sold include $84.6 million at June 30, 2013, and $110.0 million at December 31, 2012, which is pledged to collateralize certain derivative instruments. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, and Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, generally mature in one day.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
During 2013, Synovus adopted the provisions of the following ASUs:
ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU relates to testing intangibles other than goodwill for impairment, and was adopted on January 1, 2013. If certain conditions are met, the ASU provides for a qualitative impairment assessment instead of a quantitative assessment. For Synovus, the ASU primarily applies to core deposit intangibles,

8

Table of Contents

which have a current carrying value of only $3.0 million. The ASU did not have an impact on Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2013-01 clarifies that the disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11 do not apply to trade receivables. The ASU also clarifies that the disclosure requirements in ASU 2011-11 apply to repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing and lending agreements that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, and derivatives accounted for in accordance with ASC 815-Derivatives and Hedging. At this time and January 1, 2013, the date of adoption, Synovus does not have any financial instruments that would be subject to the new requirements of ASU 2011-11; therefore, the ASU did not affect Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amount Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The FASB issued this ASU to improve the transparency of reporting reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring entities to present in one place information about significant amounts reclassified and, in some cases, to provide cross-references to related footnote disclosures. ASU 2013-02 does not amend existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income and separately present reclassification adjustments and current period other comprehensive income. The provisions of ASU 2013-02 also require that entities present either in a single footnote or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line item affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, entities would instead cross reference to the related footnote to the financial statements for additional information. Synovus adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013. See "Note 9 - Other Comprehensive Income" to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the disclosures required by ASU 2013-02.
ASU 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under FASB Topic 815, in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government and LIBOR. The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The final guidance, issued on July 17, 2013, is effective immediately. Synovus will consider the provisions of this new guidance when developing new hedging strategies.
Reclassifications
Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current periods' presentation.
Subsequent Events
Synovus has evaluated for consideration, or disclosure, all transactions, events, and circumstances, subsequent to the date of the consolidated balance sheet and through the date the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements were issued, and has reflected, or disclosed, those items deemed appropriate within the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related footnotes, including Note 16 - Subsequent Events.
Note 2 - Acquisition
On May 10, 2013, Synovus Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC, as receiver of Sunrise Bank, an affiliate of Capitol Bancorp Limited, to assume $56.8 million in deposits, including all uninsured deposits.  As part of this transaction, Synovus Bank also acquired $0.5 million in loans. Other assets and liabilities acquired in connection with this transaction were insignificant. Sunrise Bank operated in three locations, including Valdosta, Jeffersonville, and Atlanta, Georgia. Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, "Business Combinations". Both the purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values.

9

Table of Contents

Note 3 - Investment Securities
The following table summarizes Synovus' investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
 
June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost(1)
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
357

 

 

 
357

U.S. Government agency securities
 
35,049

 
1,476

 
(229
)
 
36,296

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
186,489

 
1,598

 

 
188,087

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
209,001

 
2,963

 
(2,403
)
 
209,561

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,319,412

 
13,576

 
(27,637
)
 
2,305,351

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
321,971

 
1,147

 
(3,603
)
 
319,515

State and municipal securities
 
10,761

 
265

 
(2
)
 
11,024

Equity securities
 
3,648

 
1,305

 

 
4,953

Other investments
 
3,000

 

 
(438
)
 
2,562

Total investments securities available for sale
 
$
3,089,688

 
22,330

 
(34,312
)
 
3,077,706

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost(1)
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
356

 

 

 
356

U.S. Government agency securities
 
35,791

 
2,255

 

 
38,046

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
289,523

 
3,787

 

 
293,310

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
238,381

 
7,220

 
(8
)
 
245,593

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
1,832,076

 
37,646

 
(2,229
)
 
1,867,493

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
513,637

 
2,534

 
(1,682
)
 
514,489

State and municipal securities
 
15,218

 
582

 
(2
)
 
15,798

Equity securities
 
3,648

 
92

 

 
3,740

Other investments
 
3,000

 

 
(713
)
 
2,287

Total investments securities available for sale
 
$
2,931,630

 
54,116

 
(4,634
)
 
2,981,112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Amortized cost is adjusted for other-than-temporary impairment charges, which have been recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investment securities with a fair value of $2.31 billion and $2.28 billion respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and payment network arrangements as required by law and contractual agreements.
Synovus has reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for OTTI and does not consider any securities in an unrealized loss position to be other-than-temporarily impaired. If Synovus intended to sell a security in an unrealized loss position, the entire unrealized loss would be reflected in income. Synovus does not intend to sell any of these investment securities prior to the recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be until maturity, and has the ability and intent to hold those securities for that period of time. Additionally, Synovus is not currently aware of any circumstances which will require it to sell any of the securities that are in an unrealized loss position.
Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to have OTTI are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Currently, unrealized losses on debt securities are attributable to increases in interest rates on comparable securities from the date of purchase. Synovus regularly evaluates its investment securities portfolio to ensure that there are no conditions that would indicate that unrealized losses represent OTTI. These factors include the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the extent that the fair value is below amortized cost, and the credit standing of the issuer. As of June 30, 2013 there were 79 securities in a loss position for less than twelve months and 6 securities in a loss position for more than 12 months.

10

Table of Contents

Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are presented below.
 
June 30, 2013
 
Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency securities
14,301

 
229

 

 

 
14,301

 
229

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
123,112

 
2,134

 
6,251

 
269

 
129,363

 
2,403

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
1,736,306

 
27,637

 

 

 
1,736,306

 
27,637

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
137,351

 
3,603

 

 

 
137,351

 
3,603

State and municipal securities

 

 
37

 
2

 
37

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments

 

 
2,562

 
438

 
2,562

 
438

Total
$
2,011,070

 
33,603

 
8,850

 
709

 
2,019,920

 
34,312

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer

Total
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency securities

 

 

 

 

 

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
3,314

 
8

 
2

 

 
3,316

 
8

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
286,452

 
2,229

 

 

 
286,452

 
2,229

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
42,036

 
325

 
168,906

 
1,357

 
210,942

 
1,682

State and municipal securities

 

 
35

 
2

 
35

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments
2,287

 
713

 

 

 
2,287

 
713

Total
$
334,089

 
3,275

 
168,943

 
1,359

 
503,032

 
4,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11

Table of Contents

The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2013 are shown below. The expected life of mortgage-backed securities or CMOs may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-backed securities and CMOs, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been classified based on the final contractual maturity date.
 
Distribution of Maturities at June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Within One
Year
 
1 to 5
Years
 
5 to 10
Years
 
More Than
10 Years
 
No Stated
Maturity
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
357

 

 

 

 

 
357

U.S. Government agency securities

 
1,266

 
31,757

 
2,026

 

 
35,049

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,000

 
184,489

 

 

 

 
186,489

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
1

 
190

 
287

 
208,523

 

 
209,001

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
1,751

 
4,982

 
1,926,494

 
386,185

 

 
2,319,412

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 
264

 
321,707

 

 
321,971

State and municipal securities
3,436

 
3,899

 
403

 
3,023

 

 
10,761

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
3,648

 
3,648

Other investments

 

 

 
3,000

 

 
3,000

Total amortized cost
$
7,545

 
194,826

 
1,959,205

 
924,464

 
3,648

 
3,089,688

Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
357

 

 

 

 

 
357

U.S. Government agency securities

 
1,392

 
32,624

 
2,280

 

 
36,296

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,015

 
186,072

 

 

 

 
188,087

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
1

 
197

 
298

 
209,065

 

 
209,561

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
1,819

 
5,256

 
1,904,668

 
393,608

 

 
2,305,351

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 
267

 
319,248

 

 
319,515

State and municipal securities
3,468

 
3,965

 
430

 
3,161

 

 
11,024

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
4,953

 
4,953

Other investments

 

 

 
2,562

 

 
2,562

Total fair value
$
7,660

 
196,882

 
1,938,287

 
929,924

 
4,953

 
3,077,706

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales, gross gains, and gross losses on sales of securities available for sale during the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Proceeds from sale and maturity of investment securities available for sale
$
347,386

 
733,621

 
135,146

 
258,846

Gross realized gains
2,036

 
24,703

 
1,760

 
4,170

Gross realized losses
(588
)
 
(450
)
 
(357
)
 

Investment securities gains, net
$
1,448

 
24,253

 
1,403

 
4,170

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12

Table of Contents

Note 4 - Restructuring Charges
For the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 total restructuring charges are as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Severance charges
$
6,610

 
1,032

 
1,737

 
826

Asset impairment charges

 
1,228

 

 
477

(Gain) loss on sale of assets held for sale, net
(25
)
 
(164
)
 
2

 
(26
)
Professional fees and other charges
22

 
156

 
19

 
116

Total restructuring charges
$
6,607

 
2,252

 
1,758

 
1,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In January 2013, Synovus announced new efficiency initiatives to reduce expenses by approximately $30 million during 2013. The implementation of these initiatives is underway and on track to be completed during 2013. During the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, Synovus recognized restructuring charges of $6.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, related to these efficiency initiatives. During the six and three months ended June 30, 2012, Synovus recognized $2.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in restructuring charges related to previously announced efficiency initiatives.
The liability for restructuring activities was $3.1 million at June 30, 2013 and consists primarily of future severance payments. Cash payments associated with this liability are expected to occur over the next six months.
Note 5 - Other Loans Held for Sale
Loans are transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value when Synovus makes the determination to sell specifically identified loans. The fair value of the loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the anticipated market prices of similar assets less estimated costs to sell. At the time of transfer, if the fair value is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the ALL. Decreases in the fair value subsequent to the transfer, as well as gains/losses realized from sale of these loans, are recognized as (gains) losses on other loans held for sale, net as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus transferred loans with a carrying value immediately preceding the transfer totaling $112.2 million and $264.0 million, respectively, to other loans held for sale. Charge-offs recorded upon transfer of these loans to held for sale totaled $25.0 million and $74.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These charge-offs which resulted in a new cost basis (fair value less costs to sell) of $87.2 million and $189.1 million for the loans transferred during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were based on the estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, of the loans at the time of transfer.
        

13

Table of Contents

Note 6 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
The following is a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans by portfolio class as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Current, Accruing Past Due, and Non-accrual Loans
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Current
 
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
 
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
 
Total Accruing Past Due
 
Non-accrual
 
 Total
 
Investment properties
$
4,290,084

 
8,071

 

 
8,071

 
94,368

 
4,392,523

 
1-4 family properties
1,136,964

 
6,089

 
246

 
6,335

 
54,188

 
1,197,487

 
Land acquisition
591,534

 
4,583

 

 
4,583

 
156,202

 
752,319

 
Total commercial real estate
6,018,582

 
18,743

 
246

 
18,989

 
304,758

 
6,342,329

 
Commercial and industrial
9,093,843

 
21,727

 
1,148

 
22,875

 
114,781

 
9,231,499

 
Home equity lines
1,482,730

 
6,156

 
272

 
6,428

 
18,580

 
1,507,738

 
Consumer mortgages
1,390,307

 
21,409

 
1,058

 
22,467

 
38,438

 
1,451,212

 
Credit cards
248,185

 
1,784

 
1,819

 
3,603

 

 
251,788

 
Small business
559,959

 
3,834

 
46

 
3,880

 
5,042

 
568,881

 
Other retail loans
274,302

 
2,429

 
7

 
2,436

 
1,865

 
278,603

 
Total retail loans
3,955,483

 
35,612

 
3,202

 
38,814

 
63,925

 
4,058,222

 
Total loans
$
19,067,908

 
76,082

 
4,596

 
80,678

 
483,464

 
19,632,050

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Current
 
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
 
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
 
Total Accruing Past Due
 
Non-accrual
 
 Total
 
Investment properties
$
4,278,016

 
5,436

 
798

 
6,234

 
91,868

 
4,376,118

 
1-4 family properties
1,193,433

 
13,053

 
41

 
13,094

 
72,578

 
1,279,105

 
Land acquisition
599,034

 
3,422

 
298

 
3,720

 
191,475

 
794,229

 
Total commercial real estate
6,070,483

 
21,911

 
1,137

 
23,048

 
355,921

 
6,449,452

 
Commercial and industrial
8,944,121

 
33,526

 
906

 
34,432

 
122,961

 
9,101,514

 
Home equity lines
1,515,396

 
9,555

 
705

 
10,260

 
16,741

 
1,542,397

 
Consumer mortgages
1,348,506

 
22,502

 
1,288

 
23,790

 
39,265

 
1,411,561

 
Credit cards
258,698

 
2,450

 
2,413

 
4,863

 

 
263,561

 
Small business
505,526

 
4,935

 
338

 
5,273

 
5,550

 
516,349

 
Other retail loans
271,175

 
3,135

 
24

 
3,159

 
2,895

 
277,229

 
Total retail loans
3,899,301

 
42,577

 
4,768

 
47,345

 
64,451

 
4,011,097

 
Total loans
$
18,913,905

 
98,014

 
6,811

 
104,825

 
543,333

 
19,562,063

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $20.4 million.
The credit quality of the loan portfolio is summarized no less frequently than quarterly using the standard asset classification system utilized by the federal banking agencies. These classifications are divided into three groups – Not Criticized (Pass), Special Mention, and Classified or Adverse rating (Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss) and are defined as follows:
Pass - loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor (or guarantors, if any) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell in a timely manner, of any underlying collateral.
Special Mention - loans which have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. These loans are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant an adverse classification.
Substandard - loans which are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans with this classification are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

14

Table of Contents

Doubtful - loans which have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable on the basis of currently known facts, conditions, and values.
Loss - loans which are considered by management to be uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance on the institution's books as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off is not warranted.
In the following tables, retail loans are classified as Pass except when they reach 90 days past due, or are downgraded to Substandard. Upon reaching 120 days past due, retail loans are generally downgraded to Loss and charged off, in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. The risk grade classifications of retail loans secured by junior liens on 1-4 family residential properties also consider available information on the payment status of the associated senior lien with other financial institutions.
Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Risk Grade
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
$
3,866,906

 
296,474

 
226,339

 
2,804

 

 
4,392,523

 
1-4 family properties
881,870

 
173,155

 
129,788

 
12,674

 

 
1,197,487

 
Land acquisition
425,078

 
130,534

 
193,281

 
3,426

 

 
752,319

 
  Total commercial real estate    
5,173,854

 
600,163

 
549,408

 
18,904

 

 
6,342,329

 
  Commercial and industrial    
8,343,695

 
443,765

 
424,333

 
19,611

 
95

(2)(3) 
9,231,499

 
Home equity lines
1,477,367

 

 
26,746

 

 
3,625

(2)(4) 
1,507,738

 
Consumer mortgages
1,415,981

 

 
33,431

 

 
1,800

(2)(4) 
1,451,212

 
Credit cards
249,969

 

 
656

 

 
1,163

(4) 
251,788

 
Small business
559,000

 

 
9,011

 

 
870

(2)(4) 
568,881

 
Other retail loans
275,348

 

 
3,157

 

 
98

(2)(4) 
278,603

 
Total retail loans
3,977,665

 

 
73,001

 

 
7,556

 
4,058,222

 
Total loans
$
17,495,214

 
1,043,928

 
1,046,742

 
38,515

 
7,651

 
19,632,050

(5 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
(in thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
$
3,659,102

 
463,532

 
253,484

 

 

 
4,376,118

 
1-4 family properties
903,213

 
197,148

 
176,672

 
1,953

 
119

(2)(3) 
1,279,105

 
Land acquisition
416,822

 
143,685

 
227,761

 
5,961

 

 
794,229

 
  Total commercial real estate    
4,979,137

 
804,365

 
657,917

 
7,914

 
119

(2)(3) 
6,449,452

 
  Commercial and industrial    
8,069,049

 
572,591

 
447,955

 
11,819

 
100

(2)(3) 
9,101,514

 
Home equity lines
1,511,729

 

 
29,094

 

 
1,574

(2)(4) 
1,542,397

 
Consumer mortgages
1,372,957

 

 
38,023

 

 
581

(2)(4) 
1,411,561

 
Credit cards
260,194

 

 
1,776

 

 
1,591

(4) 
263,561

 
Small business
504,503

 

 
10,563

 

 
1,283

(2)(4) 
516,349

 
Other retail loans
271,619

 

 
5,379

 

 
231

(2)(4) 
277,229

 
Total retail loans
3,921,002

 

 
84,835

 

 
5,260

 
4,011,097

 
Total loans
$
16,969,188

 
1,376,956

 
1,190,707

 
19,733

 
5,479

 
19,562,063

(6 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $437.3 million and $518.1 million of non-accrual Substandard loans at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
(2) The loans within these risk grades are on non-accrual status.
(3) Amount was fully reserved and was charged-off in the subsequent quarter.
(4) Represent amounts that were 120 days past due. These credits are downgraded to the Loss category with an allowance for loan losses equal to the full loan amount and are charged off in the subsequent quarter.
(5)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.
(6)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $20.4 million.

15

Table of Contents

The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

 
As Of and For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
167,926

 
126,847

 
50,632

 
28,000

 
373,405

Charge-offs
(64,351
)
 
(27,364
)
 
(23,320
)
 

 
(115,035
)
Recoveries
9,095

 
14,802

 
3,840

 

 
27,737

Provision for loan losses
25,659

 
9,593

 
18,521

 
(5,000
)
 
48,773

Ending balance
$
138,329

 
123,878

 
49,673

 
23,000

 
334,880

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
47,039

 
27,552

 
1,420

 

 
76,011

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
91,290

 
96,326

 
48,253

 
23,000

 
258,869

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,342,329

 
9,231,499

 
4,058,222

 

 
19,632,050

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
$
624,402

 
280,717

 
62,333

 

 
967,452

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,717,927

 
8,950,782

 
3,995,889

 

 
18,664,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Of and For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
249,094

 
184,888

 
54,514

 
47,998

 
536,494

Charge-offs
(112,919
)
 
(75,240
)
 
(27,819
)
 

 
(215,978
)
Recoveries
10,611

 
7,551

 
4,376

 

 
22,538

Provision for loan losses
63,422

 
36,026

 
20,821

 
(9,998
)
 
110,271

Ending balance
$
210,208

 
153,225

 
51,892

 
38,000

 
453,325

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
57,474

 
36,623

 
852

 

 
94,949

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
152,734

 
116,602

 
51,040

 
38,000

 
358,376

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,884,277

 
8,884,633

 
3,924,535

 

 
19,693,445

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
791,924

 
365,487

 
60,083

 

 
1,217,494

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,092,353

 
8,519,146

 
3,864,452

 

 
18,475,951

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $13.3 million.


16

Table of Contents

The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

 
As Of and For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
145,991

 
122,758

 
55,023

 
28,000

 
351,772

Charge-offs
(28,075
)
 
(10,474
)
 
(9,367
)
 

 
(47,916
)
Recoveries
5,493

 
10,551

 
1,903

 

 
17,947

Provision for loan losses
14,920

 
1,043

 
2,114

 
(5,000
)
 
13,077

Ending balance
$
138,329

 
123,878

 
49,673

 
23,000

 
334,880

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
47,039

 
27,552

 
1,420

 

 
76,011

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
91,290

 
96,326

 
48,253

 
23,000

 
258,869

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,342,329

 
9,231,499

 
4,058,222

 

 
19,632,050

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
$
624,402

 
280,717

 
62,333

 

 
967,452

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,717,927

 
8,950,782

 
3,995,889

 

 
18,664,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Of and For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
239,974

 
178,200

 
51,620

 
38,000

 
507,794

Charge-offs
(60,457
)
 
(37,814
)
 
(12,218
)
 

 
(110,489
)
Recoveries
6,106

 
3,929

 
1,763

 

 
11,798

Provision for loan losses
24,585

 
8,910

 
10,727

 

 
44,222

Ending balance
$
210,208

 
153,225

 
51,892

 
38,000

 
453,325

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
57,474

 
36,623

 
852

 

 
94,949

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
152,734

 
116,602

 
51,040

 
38,000

 
358,376

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,884,277

 
8,884,633

 
3,924,535

 

 
19,693,445

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
791,924

 
365,487

 
60,083

 

 
1,217,494

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,092,353

 
8,519,146

 
3,864,452

 

 
18,475,951

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $13.3 million.


17

Table of Contents

The tables below summarize impaired loans (including accruing TDRs) as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
23,905

 
29,533

 

 
18,707

 

 
22,649

 

1-4 family properties
17,827

 
40,947

 

 
32,385

 

 
26,567

 

Land acquisition
36,253

 
89,284

 

 
49,123

 

 
41,369

 

Total commercial real estate
77,985

 
159,764

 

 
100,215

 

 
90,585

 

Commercial and industrial
39,275

 
56,385

 

 
37,772

 

 
41,209

 

Home equity lines
49

 
49

 

 
50

 

 
49

 

Consumer mortgages
1,197

 
2,751

 

 
1,765

 

 
2,040

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
2

 
10

 

 
6

 

 
5

 

Total retail loans
1,248

 
2,810

 

 
1,821

 

 
2,094

 

Total impaired loans with no related allowance recorded
$
118,508

 
218,959

 

 
139,808

 

 
133,888

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
230,156

 
238,709

 
13,214

 
246,900

 
2,748

 
246,037

 
1,291

1-4 family properties
118,672

 
127,324

 
14,837

 
116,563

 
1,664

 
118,187

 
821

Land acquisition
197,589

 
216,552

 
18,988

 
195,019

 
1,494

 
191,029

 
757

Total commercial real estate
546,417

 
582,585

 
47,039

 
558,482

 
5,906

 
555,253

 
2,869

Commercial and industrial
241,442

 
246,916

 
27,552

 
248,149

 
3,670

 
238,959

 
1,859

Home equity lines
2,972

 
2,972

 
185

 
6,525

 
112

 
4,387

 
34

Consumer mortgages
50,043

 
50,043

 
947

 
52,042

 
945

 
51,227

 
492

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small business
3,842

 
3,842

 
223

 
3,494

 
58

 
3,486

 
37

Other retail loans
4,228

 
4,228

 
65

 
3,905

 
128

 
3,886

 
65

Total retail loans
61,085

 
61,085

 
1,420

 
65,966

 
1,243

 
62,986

 
628

Total impaired loans with allowance recorded
$
848,944

 
890,586

 
76,011

 
872,597

 
10,819

 
857,198

 
5,356

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
254,061

 
268,242

 
13,214

 
265,607

 
2,748

 
268,686

 
1,291

1-4 family properties
136,499

 
168,271

 
14,837

 
148,948

 
1,664

 
144,754

 
821

Land acquisition
233,842

 
305,836

 
18,988

 
244,142

 
1,494

 
232,398

 
757

Total commercial real estate
624,402

 
742,349

 
47,039

 
658,697

 
5,906

 
645,838

 
2,869

Commercial and industrial
280,717

 
303,301

 
27,552

 
285,921

 
3,670

 
280,168

 
1,859

Home equity lines
3,021

 
3,021

 
185

 
6,575

 
112

 
4,436

 
34

Consumer mortgages
51,240

 
52,794

 
947

 
53,807

 
945

 
53,267

 
492

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small business
3,842

 
3,842

 
223

 
3,494

 
58

 
3,486

 
37

Other retail loans
4,230

 
4,238

 
65

 
3,911

 
128

 
3,891

 
65

Total retail loans
62,333

 
63,895

 
1,420

 
67,787

 
1,243

 
65,080

 
628

Total impaired loans
$
967,452

 
1,109,545

 
76,011

 
1,012,405

 
10,819

 
991,086

 
5,356

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


18

Table of Contents

Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
December 31, 2012
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
10,939

 
14,130

 

 
42,947

 

1-4 family properties
40,793

 
117,869

 

 
97,434

 

Land acquisition
59,697

 
125,023

 

 
158,015

 

Total commercial real estate
111,429

 
257,022

 

 
298,396

 

Commercial and industrial
31,181

 
51,433

 

 
68,710

 

Home equity lines
51

 
51

 

 
2,811

 

Consumer mortgages
1,247

 
2,263

 

 
3,706

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
7

 
15

 

 
127

 

Total retail loans
1,305

 
2,329

 

 
6,644

 

Total impaired loans with no related allowance recorded
$
143,915

 
310,784

 

 
373,750

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
253,851

 
254,339

 
20,209

 
230,848

 
6,144

1-4 family properties
114,207

 
117,505

 
11,414

 
141,529

 
4,347

Land acquisition
205,591

 
205,601

 
27,325

 
97,173

 
2,018

Total commercial real estate
573,649

 
577,445

 
58,948

 
469,550

 
12,509

Commercial and industrial
279,362

 
289,578

 
24,494

 
299,865

 
8,576

Home equity lines
8,696

 
8,696

 
195

 
7,071

 
237

Consumer mortgages
50,261

 
50,261

 
880

 
38,912

 
1,300

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Small business
3,333

 
3,333

 
184

 
1,950

 
76

Other retail loans
3,304

 
3,304

 
74

 
2,543

 
167

Total retail loans
65,594

 
65,594

 
1,333

 
50,476

 
1,780

Total impaired loans with allowance recorded
$
918,605

 
932,617

 
84,775

 
819,891

 
22,865

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
264,790

 
268,469

 
20,209

 
273,795

 
6,144

1-4 family properties
155,000

 
235,374

 
11,414

 
238,963

 
4,347

Land acquisition
265,288

 
330,624

 
27,325

 
255,188

 
2,018

Total commercial real estate
685,078

 
834,467

 
58,948

 
767,946

 
12,509

Commercial and industrial
310,543

 
341,011

 
24,494

 
368,575

 
8,576

Home equity lines
8,747

 
8,747

 
195

 
9,882

 
237

Consumer mortgages
51,508

 
52,524

 
880

 
42,618

 
1,300

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Small business
3,333

 
3,333

 
184

 
1,950

 
76

Other retail loans
3,311

 
3,319

 
74

 
2,670

 
167

Total retail loans
66,899

 
67,923

 
1,333

 
57,120

 
1,780

Total impaired loans
$
1,062,520

 
1,243,401

 
84,775

 
1,193,641

 
22,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $1.01 billion and $991.1 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Excluding accruing TDRs, there was no interest income recognized for the investment in impaired loans for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Interest income recognized for accruing TDRs was $10.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. At June 30, 2013, and 2012, all impaired loans other than $635.1 million and $687.4 million, respectively, of accruing TDRs, were on non-accrual status.


19

Table of Contents

Concessions provided in a TDR are primarily in the form of providing a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk, a period of time generally less than one year with a reduction of required principal and/or interest payments (e.g., interest only for a period of time), or extension of the maturity of the loan generally for less than one year. Insignificant periods of reduction of principal and/or interest payments, or one time deferrals of 3 months or less, are generally not considered to be financial concessions.
The following tables represent, by concession type, the post-modification balance for loans modified or renewed during the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that were reported as accruing or non-accruing TDRs.
TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
31

 
$

 
47,152

 
4,372

 
51,524

 
1-4 family properties
58

 
424

 
24,031

 
6,496

 
30,951

 
Land acquisition
16

 
74

 
5,332

 
7,231

 
12,637

 
Total commercial real estate
105

 
498

 
76,515

 
18,099

 
95,112

 
Commercial and industrial
84

 
183

 
33,527

 
23,325

 
57,035

 
Home equity lines
1

 

 

 
80

 
80

 
Consumer mortgages
84

 

 
7,124

 
3,038

 
10,162

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Small business
24

 

 
917

 
1,608

 
2,525

 
Other retail loans
38

 

 
460

 
1,028

 
1,488

 
Total retail loans
147

 

 
8,501

 
5,754

 
14,255

 
Total TDRs
336

 
$
681

 
118,543

 
47,178

 
166,402

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
17

 
$

 
31,375

 
2,258

 
33,633

 
1-4 family properties
21

 

 
17,067

 
2,312

 
19,379

 
Land acquisition
6

 

 
1,353

 
6,902

 
8,255

 
Total commercial real estate
44

 

 
49,795

 
11,472

 
61,267

 
Commercial and industrial
40

 

 
19,767

 
19,134

 
38,901

 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 
Consumer mortgages
38

 

 
2,204

 
435

 
2,639

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Small business
11

 

 
30

 
934

 
964

 
Other retail loans
14

 

 
88

 
362

 
450

 
Total retail loans
63

 

 
2,322

 
1,731

 
4,053

 
Total TDRs
147

 
$

 
71,884

 
32,337

 
104,221

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net charge-offs of $53 thousand were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2013 upon restructuring these loans.
(2) No charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2013 upon restructuring of these loans.


20

Table of Contents

TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
40

 
$

 
41,259

 
43,833

 
85,092

 
1-4 family properties
60

 

 
35,698

 
3,797

 
39,495

 
Land acquisition
38

 

 
22,056

 
15,273

 
37,329

 
Total commercial real estate
138

 

 
99,013

 
62,903

 
161,916

 
Commercial and industrial
106

 

 
50,336

 
22,342

 
72,678

 
Home equity lines
3

 

 
330

 
34

 
364

 
Consumer mortgages
198

 

 
5,920

 
14,630

 
20,550

 
Credit cards

 

 


 

 

 
Small business
14

 

 
319

 
1,046

 
1,365

 
Other retail loans
36

 

 
492

 
1,901

 
2,393

 
Total retail loans
251

 

 
7,061

 
17,611

 
24,672

 
Total TDRs
495

 
$

 
156,410

 
102,856

 
259,266

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
26

 
$

 
38,784

 
31,645

 
70,429

 
1-4 family properties
32

 

 
16,147

 
1,596

 
17,743

 
Land acquisition
21

 

 
19,407

 
3,291

 
22,698

 
Total commercial real estate
79

 

 
74,338

 
36,532

 
110,870

 
Commercial and industrial
59

 

 
29,679

 
9,056

 
38,735

 
Home equity lines
2

 

 

 
34

 
34

 
Consumer mortgages
174

 

 
4,932

 
12,262

 
17,194

 
Credit cards

 

 
 
 

 

 
Small business
8

 

 
151

 
398

 
549

 
Other retail loans
32

 

 
492

 
1,568

 
2,060

 
Total retail loans
216

 

 
5,575

 
14,262

 
19,837

 
Total TDRs
354

 
$

 
109,592

 
59,850

 
169,442

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net charge-offs of approximately $2 million were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2012 upon restructuring of these loans.
(2) Net charge-offs of $519 thousand were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2012 upon restructuring of these loans.



21

Table of Contents

The following table presents TDRs that defaulted in the periods indicated and which were modified or renewed in a TDR within 12 months of the default date:
Troubled Debt Restructurings Entered Into That Subsequently Defaulted(1) During
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
Investment properties
2

 
$
4,519

 

 
$

1-4 family properties
8

 
10,754

 
6

 
1,809

Land acquisition
1

 
126

 
1

 
125

Total commercial real estate
11

 
15,399

 
7

 
1,934

Commercial and industrial
4

 
1,313

 
2

 
187

Home equity lines

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
13

 
978

 
3

 
420

Credit cards

 

 

 

Small business
1

 
20

 
1

 
20

Other retail loans
1

 
195

 

 

Total retail loans
15

 
1,193

 
4

 
440

Total TDRs
30

 
$
17,905

 
13

 
$
2,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Default is defined as the earlier of the troubled debt restructuring being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments.

Troubled Debt Restructurings Entered Into That Subsequently Defaulted(1) During
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012(2)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012(2)
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
Investment properties
3

 
$
3,552

 
2

 
$
1,519

1-4 family properties
5

 
2,703

 
4

 
714

Land acquisition
5

 
4,652

 
4

 
4,125

Total commercial real estate
13

 
10,907

 
10

 
6,358

Commercial and industrial
9

 
5,443

 
8

 
4,980

Home equity lines

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
3

 
1,479

 
1

 
1,009

Credit cards

 

 

 

Small business

 

 

 

Other retail loans

 

 

 

Total retail loans
3

 
1,479

 
1

 
1,009

Total TDRs
25

 
$
17,829

 
19

 
$
12,347

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Default is defined as the earlier of the troubled debt restructuring being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments.
(2) Amounts related to loans modified or renewed into TDRs within 12 months of the default date that subsequently defaulted during the six and three months ended June 30, 2012 were previously disclosed as 39 contracts with recorded investment totaling $48.9 million and 25 contracts with recorded investment totaling $21.7 million, respectively. These amounts were revised in the table above due to a re-evaluation of the defaulted status of certain loans during these periods.
If, at the time a loan was designated as a TDR, the loan was not already impaired, the measurement of impairment that resulted from the TDR designation changes from a general pool-level reserve to a specific loan measurement of impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35. Generally, the change in the allowance for loan losses resulting from such TDR designation is not significant. At June 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs totaling $635.1 million was $39.3 million compared to accruing TDRs of $673.4 million with an allocated allowance for loan losses of $41.4 million at December 31, 2012. Non-accrual, non-homogeneous loans (commercial-type impaired loans greater than $1 million) that are designated as TDRs, are individually measured for the amount of impairment, if any, both before and after the TDR designation.

22

Table of Contents

Note 7 - Other Real Estate
ORE consists of properties obtained through a foreclosure proceeding or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. In accordance with provisions of ASC 310-10-35 regarding subsequent measurement of loans for impairment and ASC 310-40-15 regarding accounting for troubled debt restructurings by a creditor, a loan is classified as an in-substance foreclosure when Synovus has taken possession of the collateral regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings have taken place.
At foreclosure, ORE is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated cost to sell, which establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, ORE is evaluated quarterly and reported at fair value less estimated costs to sell, not to exceed the new cost basis, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in an adjustment to lower the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral, less costs to sell, is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Revenue and expenses from ORE operations as well as gains or losses on sales are recorded as foreclosed real estate expense, net, a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. Subsequent declines in fair value are recorded on a property-by-property basis through use of a valuation allowance within other real estate on the consolidated balances sheets and valuation adjustment account in foreclosed real estate expense, net, a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
The carrying value of ORE was $139.7 million and $150.3 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, $53.2 million and $75.1 million, respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $18.4 million and $43.7 million, respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $14.3 million and $33.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $5.5 million and $16.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Note 8 - Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis and as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of June 30th and at interim periods if indicators of impairment exist. At June 30, 2013, the carrying value of goodwill was $24.4 million, consisting of goodwill associated with two financial management services reporting units; $19.9 million of the goodwill is attributable to a reporting unit that is a provider of investment advisory services. The remaining goodwill of $4.5 million is attributable to the trust services reporting unit.
For our annual goodwill impairment test, a third party valuation was obtained on the investment advisory services reporting unit, which accounts for approximately 82% of the recorded goodwill. The fair value of this reporting unit was determined by equally weighting the income approach (50%) and market approach (50%), plus a tax amortization benefit component, to assess goodwill for potential impairment at June 30, 2013. The income approach utilized a discounted cash flow method, which is based on the expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. The market approach measures values based on what other market participants have paid for assets that can be considered reasonably similar to those being valued. The first step (Step 1) of impairment testing requires a comparison of each reporting unit's fair value to the carrying amount to identify potential impairment. The result of the Step 1 process indicated that goodwill at the investment advisory services reporting unit was not impaired, as the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the respective estimated carrying value; therefore, no further testing was required. The estimated fair value of this reporting unit using a weighted approach (income and market approach evenly weighted), plus a tax amortization component, was $28.7 million, which exceeded the carrying value of $22.9 million by $5.8 million, or 25%. The key assumptions that drove the fair value of this reporting unit under the income approach included projected revenue growth, projected EBITDA margin, projected growth in assets under management and assets under supervision, and the discount rate. The market approach determined the fair value of this reporting unit using comparisons of the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies with similar operations. Under this method, valuation multiples were: (1) derived from operating data of the selected guideline companies; (2) evaluated and adjusted based on the strengths and weaknesses of the reporting unit relative to the selected guideline companies; and (3) applied to the operating data of the reporting unit to arrive at an indication of value.
Changes in the aforementioned assumptions, including a lower rate of revenue growth than expected, a lower than projected EBITDA margin improvement, and lower market multiples could have a negative effect on the fair value of this reporting unit, which in turn could result in an impairment charge to goodwill in future periods.

23

Table of Contents

Note 9 - Other Comprehensive Income
The following table illustrates activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, and is shown for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
(in thousands)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale
 
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit
 
Total
Beginning balance as of December 31, 2012
$
(13,373
)
 
17,111

 
363

 
4,101

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
(36,909
)
 
519

 
(36,390
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
136

 
(891
)
 
(16
)
 
(771
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
136

 
(37,800
)
 
503

 
(37,161
)
Ending balance as of June 30, 2013
$
(13,237
)
 
(20,689
)
 
866

 
(33,060
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance as of April 1, 2013
$
(13,304
)
 
15,751

 
340

 
2,787

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
(35,578
)
 
519

 
(35,059
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
67

 
(862
)
 
7

 
(788
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
67

 
(36,440
)
 
526

 
(35,847
)
Ending balance as of June 30, 2013
$
(13,237
)
 
(20,689
)
 
866

 
(33,060
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In accordance with ASC 740-20-45-11(b), a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income is charged directly to other comprehensive income (loss). Thus, during the years 2010 and 2011, Synovus recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income directly to other comprehensive income (loss) by applying the portfolio approach for allocation of the valuation allowance. Synovus has consistently applied the portfolio approach which treats derivative instruments, equity securities, and debt securities as a single portfolio. As of June 30, 2013, the ending balance in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale includes unrealized losses of $12.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively, related to the residual tax effects remaining in OCI due to the previously established deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Under the portfolio approach, these unrealized losses are realized at the time the entire portfolio is sold or disposed.
The following table illustrates activity within the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

24

Table of Contents

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of deferred gains (losses)
 
$
(224
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
88

 
Income tax benefit
 
 
$
(136
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$
1,448

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(557
)
 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
891

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
 
$
26

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(10
)
 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
16

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of deferred gains (losses)
 
$
(112
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
45

 
Income tax benefit
 
 
$
(67
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$
1,403

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(541
)
 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
862

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
 
$

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(7
)
 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(7
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 

25

Table of Contents

Note 10 - Fair Value Accounting
Synovus carries various assets and liabilities at fair value based on the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820 and ASC 825. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an “exit price”) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
Synovus has implemented controls and processes for the determination of the fair value of financial instruments. The ultimate responsibility for the determination of fair value rests with Synovus. Synovus has established a process that has been designed to ensure there is an independent review and validation of fair values by a function independent of those entering into the transaction. This includes specific controls to ensure consistent pricing policies and procedures that incorporate verification for both market and derivative transactions. For all financial instruments where fair values are determined by reference to externally quoted prices or observable pricing inputs to models, independent price determination or validation is utilized. Where the market for a financial instrument is not active, fair value is determined using a valuation technique or pricing model. These valuation techniques and models involve a degree of estimation, the extent of which depends on each instrument's complexity and the availability of market-based data.
The most frequently applied pricing model and valuation technique utilized by Synovus is the discounted cash flow model. Discounted cash flows determine the value by estimating the expected future cash flows from assets or liabilities discounted to their present value. Synovus may also use a relative value model to determine the fair value of a financial instrument based on the market prices of similar assets or liabilities or an option pricing model such as binomial pricing that includes probability-based techniques. Assumptions and inputs used in valuation techniques and models include benchmark interest rates, credit spreads and other inputs used in estimating discount rates, bond and equity prices, price volatilities and correlations, prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity upon default.
Synovus refines and modifies its valuation techniques as markets develop and as pricing for individual financial instruments become more or less readily available. While Synovus believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could result in different estimates of fair value at the balance sheet date. In order to determine the fair value, where appropriate, management applies valuation adjustments to the pricing information. These adjustments reflect management's assessment of factors that market participants would consider in setting a price, to the extent that these factors have not already been included in the pricing information. Furthermore, on an ongoing basis, management assesses the appropriateness of any model used. To the extent that the price provided by internal models does not represent the fair value of the financial instrument, management makes adjustments to the model valuation to calibrate it to other available pricing sources. Where unobservable inputs are used, management may determine a range of possible valuations based upon differing stress scenarios to determine the sensitivity associated with the valuation. As a final step, management considers the need for further adjustments to the modeled price to reflect how market participants would price the financial instrument.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Synovus determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the financial instrument's fair value measurement in its entirety. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs of the valuation hierarchy are defined below:

26

Table of Contents

Level 1
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities for the instrument or security to be valued. Level 1 assets include marketable equity securities as well as U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined by using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. U.S. Government sponsored agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises and agencies, obligations of states and municipalities, collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, and mortgage loans held-for-sale are generally included in this category. Certain private equity investments that invest in publicly traded companies are also considered Level 2 assets.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and may also include the use of market prices of assets or liabilities that are not directly comparable to the subject asset or liability. These methods of valuation may result in a significant portion of the fair value being derived from unobservable assumptions that reflect Synovus' own estimates for assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. This category primarily includes collateral-dependent impaired loans, other real estate, certain equity investments, and certain private equity investments.
Fair Value Option
Synovus has elected the fair value option for mortgage loans held for sale primarily to ease the operational burdens required to maintain hedge accounting for these loans. Synovus is still able to achieve effective economic hedges on mortgage loans held for sale without the operational time and expense needed to manage a hedge accounting program.
Valuation Methodology by Product
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Trading Account Assets and Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
The fair values of trading securities and investment securities available for sale are primarily based on actively traded markets where prices are based on either quoted market prices or observed transactions. Management employs independent third-party pricing services to provide fair value estimates for Synovus' investment securities available for sale and trading securities. Fair values for fixed income investment securities are typically determined based upon quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations for identical or similar securities, and/or inputs that are observable in the market, either directly or indirectly, for substantially similar securities. Level 1 securities are typically exchange quoted prices and include financial instruments such as U.S. Treasury securities and equity securities. Level 2 securities are typically matrix priced by the third-party pricing service to calculate the fair value. Such fair value measurements consider observable data such as relevant broker/dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information, and the respective terms and conditions for debt instruments. The types of securities classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy primarily consist of collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities, debt securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises and agencies, corporate debt, and state and municipal securities.
When there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to valuation, Synovus develops valuations based on assumptions that are not readily observable in the marketplace; these securities are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. The majority of the balance of Level 3 investment securities available for sale consists of trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions. Synovus also carries non-marketable common equity securities within this category. Synovus accounts for the non-marketable common equity securities in accordance with ASC 325-20, which requires these investments to be carried at cost. To determine the fair value of the trust preferred securities, management uses a measurement technique to reflect one that utilizes credit spreads and/or credit indices available from a third-party pricing service.  In addition, for each trust preferred security, management projects non-credit adjusted cash flows, and discounts those cash flows to net present value incorporating a relevant credit spread in the discount rate.  Other inputs to calculating fair value include potential discounts for lack of marketability.
Management uses various validation procedures to confirm the prices received from pricing services and quotations received from dealers are reasonable. Such validation procedures include reference to relevant broker/dealer quotes or other market quotes and a review of valuations and trade activity of comparable securities. Consideration is given to the nature of the quotes (e.g., indicative or firm) and the relationship of recently evidenced market activity to the prices provided by the third-party pricing service. Further, management also employs the services of an additional independent pricing firm as a means to verify and confirm the fair values of the primary independent pricing firms.

27

Table of Contents

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Synovus elected to apply the fair value option for mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell to investors. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is derived from a hypothetical bulk sale model used to estimate the exit price of the loans in a loan sale. The bid pricing convention is used for loan pricing for similar assets. The valuation model is based upon forward settlements of a pool of loans of identical coupon, maturity, product, and credit attributes. The inputs to the model are continuously updated with available market and historical data. As the loans are sold in the secondary market and predominantly used as collateral for securitizations, the valuation model represents the highest and best use of the loans in Synovus’ principal market. Mortgage loans held for sale are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments consist primarily of equity method investments in venture capital funds, which are primarily classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. The valuation of these investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. Based on these factors, the ultimate realizable value of these investments could differ significantly from the value reflected in the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. For ownership in publicly traded companies held in the funds, valuation is based on the closing market price at the balance sheet date, and the valuation of marketable securities that have market restrictions is discounted until the securities can be freely traded. The private equity investments in which Synovus holds a limited partner interest consist of funds that invest in privately held companies. For privately held companies in the funds, the general partner estimates the fair value of the company in accordance with GAAP as clarified by ASC 820 and guidance specific to investment companies. The estimated fair value of the company is the estimated fair value as an exit price the fund would receive if it were to sell the company in the marketplace. The fair value of the fund's underlying investments is estimated through the use of valuation models such as option pricing or a discounted cash flow model. Valuation factors, such as a company's operational performance against budget or milestones, last price paid by investors, with consideration given on whether financing is provided by insiders or unrelated new investors, public market comparables, liquidity of the market, industry and economic trends, and change of management or key personnel, are used in the determination of fair value.
Also, Synovus holds an interest in an investment fund that invests in publicly traded financial services companies. Although the fund holds investments in publicly traded entities, the fair value of this investment is classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy because there is no actively traded market for the fund itself, and the value of the investment is based on the aggregate fair value of the publicly traded companies that are held in the fund for investment.
Investments Held in Rabbi Trusts
The investments held in Rabbi Trusts primarily include mutual funds that invest in equity and fixed income securities. Shares of mutual funds are valued based on quoted market prices, and are therefore classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Salary Stock Units
Salary stock units represent fully vested stock awards that have been granted to certain key employees of Synovus. The salary stock units are classified as liabilities and are settled in cash, as determined by the closing Common Stock price on the date of settlement and the number of salary stock units being settled. Accordingly, salary stock units are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk. With the exception of one derivative contract discussed herein, Synovus' derivative financial instruments are all Level 2 financial instruments. The majority of derivatives entered into by Synovus are executed over-the-counter and consist of interest rate swaps. The fair values of these derivative instruments are determined based on an internally developed model that uses readily observable market data, as quoted market prices are not available for these instruments. The valuation models and inputs depend on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying instrument, and include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, volatility factors, and customer credit related adjustments. The principal techniques used to model the value of these instruments are an income approach, discounted cash flows, Black-Scholes or binomial pricing models. The sale of TBA mortgage-backed securities for current month delivery or in the future and the purchase of option contracts of similar duration are derivatives utilized by Synovus’ mortgage banking subsidiary, and are valued by obtaining prices directly from dealers in the form of quotes for identical securities or options using a bid pricing convention with a spread between bid and offer quotations. Interest rate swaps, floors, caps and collars, and TBA mortgage-backed securities are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Synovus' mortgage banking subsidiary enters into interest rate lock commitments related to expected funding of residential mortgage loans at specified times in the future. Interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale are considered derivative instruments under applicable accounting guidance. As such, Synovus records

28

Table of Contents

its interest rate lock commitments and forward loan sales commitments at fair value, determined as the amount that would be required to settle each of these derivative financial instruments at the balance sheet date. In the normal course of business, the mortgage subsidiary enters into contractual interest rate lock commitments to extend credit, if approved, at a fixed interest rate and with fixed expiration dates. The commitments become effective when the borrowers "lock-in" a specified interest rate within the time frames established by the mortgage banking subsidiary. Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time of the interest rate lock by the borrower and the sale date of the loan to an investor. To mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing interest rate lock commitments to borrowers, the mortgage banking subsidiary enters into best efforts forward sales contracts with third party investors. The forward sales contracts lock in a price for the sale of loans similar to the specific interest rate lock commitments. Both the interest rate lock commitments to the borrowers and the forward sales contracts to the investors that extend through to the date the loan may close are derivatives, and accordingly, are marked to fair value through earnings. In estimating the fair value of an interest rate lock commitment, Synovus assigns a probability to the interest rate lock commitment based on an expectation that it will be exercised and the loan will be funded. The fair value of the interest rate lock commitment is derived from the fair value of related mortgage loans, which is based on observable market data and includes the expected net future cash flows related to servicing of the loans. The fair value of the interest rate lock commitment is also derived from inputs that include guarantee fees negotiated with the agencies and private investors, buy-up and buy-down values provided by the agencies and private investors, and interest rate spreads for the difference between retail and wholesale mortgage rates. Management also applies fall-out ratio assumptions for those interest rate lock commitments for which we do not close a mortgage loan. The fall-out ratio assumptions are based on the mortgage subsidiary's historical experience, conversion ratios for similar loan commitments, and market conditions. While fall-out tendencies are not exact predictions of which loans will or will not close, historical performance review of loan-level data provides the basis for determining the appropriate hedge ratios. In addition, on a periodic basis, the mortgage banking subsidiary performs analysis of actual rate lock fall-out experience to determine the sensitivity of the mortgage pipeline to interest rate changes from the date of the commitment through loan origination, and then period end, using applicable published mortgage-backed investment security prices. The expected fall-out ratios (or conversely the "pull-through" percentages) are applied to the determined fair value of the unclosed mortgage pipeline in accordance with GAAP. Changes to the fair value of interest rate lock commitments are recognized based on interest rate changes, changes in the probability that the commitment will be exercised, and the passage of time. The fair value of the forward sales contracts to investors considers the market price movement of the same type of security between the trade date and the balance sheet date. These instruments are defined as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
In November 2009, Synovus sold certain Visa Class B shares to another Visa USA member financial institution. The sales price was based on the Visa stock conversion ratio in effect at the time for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A unrestricted shares at a future date. In conjunction with the sale, Synovus entered into a derivative contract with the purchaser (the Visa derivative), which provides for settlements between the parties based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A shares. The fair value of the Visa derivative is measured using an internal model that includes the use of probability weighted scenarios for estimates of Visa’s aggregate exposure to Covered Litigation matters, with consideration of amounts funded by Visa into its escrow account for the Covered Litigation matters. The internal model also includes estimated future fees payable to the derivative counterparty. Since this estimation process requires application of judgment in developing significant unobservable inputs used to determine the possible outcomes and the probability weighting assigned to each scenario, this derivative has been classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.

29

Table of Contents

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents all financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, according to the valuation hierarchy included in ASC 820-10. For equity and debt securities, class was determined based on the nature and risks of the investments.
 
June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
$

 
15,454

 

 
15,454

  Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by
  U.S. Government sponsored enterprises    

 
3,072

 

 
3,072

  State and municipal securities

 
75

 

 
75

  All other residential mortgage-backed
  securities    

 
825

 

 
825

Other investments

 
3,643

 

 
3,643

Total trading securities
$

 
23,069

 

 
23,069

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
112,761

 

 
112,761

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
357

 

 

 
357

U.S. Government agency securities

 
36,296

 

 
36,296

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
188,087

 

 
188,087

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies

 
209,561

 

 
209,561

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
2,305,351

 

 
2,305,351

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
319,515

 

 
319,515

State and municipal securities

 
11,024

 

 
11,024

Equity securities
4,061

 

 
892

 
4,953

 Other investments(1)    

 

 
2,562

 
2,562

Total investment securities available for sale
$
4,418

 
3,069,834

 
3,454

 
3,077,706

Private equity investments

 
1,345

 
29,568

 
30,913

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,460

 

 

 
10,460

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
44,790

 

 
44,790

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
7,210

 

 
7,210

Total derivative assets
$

 
52,000

 

 
52,000

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
15,847

 

 
15,847

Salary stock units
793

 

 

 
793

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
45,991

 

 
45,991

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 

 

 

Visa derivative

 

 
2,977

 
2,977

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
45,991

 
2,977

 
48,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

30

Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
$

 
2,171

 

 
2,171

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
4,875

 

 
4,875

State and municipal securities

 
451

 

 
451

All other residential mortgage-backed securities

 
1,159

 

 
1,159

Other investments

 
2,446

 

 
2,446

Total trading securities
$

 
11,102

 

 
11,102

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
212,663

 

 
212,663

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     U.S. Treasury securities
356

 

 

 
356

U.S. Government agency securities

 
38,046

 

 
38,046

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
293,310

 

 
293,310

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies

 
245,593

 

 
245,593

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
1,867,493

 

 
1,867,493

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
514,489

 

 
514,489

State and municipal securities

 
15,798

 

 
15,798

Equity securities
2,849

 

 
891

 
3,740

 Other investments(1)    

 

 
2,287

 
2,287

Total investment securities available for sale
$
3,205

 
2,974,729

 
3,178

 
2,981,112

Private equity investments

 
1,168

 
30,708

 
31,876

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,001

 

 

 
10,001

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
61,869

 

 
61,869

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
2,793

 

 
2,793

Total derivative assets
$

 
64,662

 

 
64,662

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
91

 

 
91

Salary stock units
1,888

 

 

 
1,888

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
62,912

 

 
62,912

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
525

 

 
525

Visa derivative

 

 
2,956

 
2,956

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
63,437

 
2,956

 
66,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Based on an analysis of the nature and risks of these investments, Synovus has determined that presenting these investments as a single asset class is appropriate.
(2) Mortgage derivatives consist of customer interest rate lock commitments that relate to the potential origination of mortgage loans, which would be classified as held for sale and forward loan sales commitments with third party investors.

31

Table of Contents

Fair Value Option
The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value and the changes in fair value of these loans. The table does not reflect the change in fair value attributable to the related economic hedge Synovus uses to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the financial instruments. Changes in fair value were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income and other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income, as appropriate. An immaterial portion of these amounts was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
Net Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
(7,930
)
 
(192
)
 
(5,171
)
 
2,516

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
 
(in thousands)
As of June 30, 2013
 
As of December 31, 2012
Fair value
$
112,761

 
212,663

Unpaid principal balance
114,685

 
206,657

Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
(1,924
)
 
6,006

 
 
 
 

32

Table of Contents

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
As noted above, Synovus uses significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The table below includes a roll-forward of the amounts on the consolidated balance sheet for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments of a material nature that are classified by Synovus within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Transfers between fair value levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which the associated changes in inputs occur. During the first half of 2013, Synovus did not have any material transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
Beginning balance, January 1,
$
3,178

 
30,708

 
(2,956
)
 
6,842

 
21,418

 
(7,242
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings(1)    

 
(1,140
)
 
(801
)
 
(450
)
 
7,372

 
(4,713
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
276

 

 

 
(788
)
 

 

Purchases

 



 

 
1,057

(2) 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 
780

 

 

 
10,756

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 
(501
)
 

 
(1,851
)
Ending balance, June 30,
$
3,454

 
29,568

 
(2,977
)
 
5,103

 
29,847

 
(3,050
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the six months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30,
$

 
(1,140
)
 
(801
)
 
(450
)
 
7,372

 
(4,713
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
Beginning balance, April 1,
$
3,312

 
30,451

 
(2,610
)
 
5,085

 
22,568

 
(1,719
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings(1)    

 
(883
)
 
(764
)
 

 
7,279

 
(1,734
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
142

 

 

 
18

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 
397

 

 

 
403

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, June 30,
$
3,454

 
29,568

 
(2,977
)
 
5,103

 
29,847

 
(3,050
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30,
$

 
(883
)
 
(764
)
 

 
7,279

 
(1,734
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Included in earnings as a component of other non-interest income (expense).
(2) Represents additional capital contributed to a private equity investment fund for capital calls. There are no such calls outstanding as of June 30, 2013.


33

Table of Contents

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
From time to time, certain assets may be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically are a result of the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or a write-down occurring during the period. For example, if the fair value of an asset in these categories falls below its cost basis, it is considered to be at fair value at the end of the period of the adjustment. The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of the dates indicated for which there was a fair value adjustment during the period, according to the valuation hierarchy included in ASC 820-10.


June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Impaired loans(1)
$

 

 
233,530

 
233,530

 

 

 
80,299

 
80,299

Other loans held for sale

 

 
7,594

 
7,594

 

 

 
7,420

 
7,420

Other real estate




20,583


20,583

 

 

 
79,293

 
79,293

Other assets held for sale
$

 

 
409

 
409

 

 

 
5,804

 
5,804

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents impaired loans that are collateral-dependent.
The following table presents fair value adjustments recognized for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 for the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Impaired loans(1)
$
30,152

 
62,506

 
10,184

 
29,699

Other loans held for sale
3,546

 
1,288

 
3,315

 
1,183

Other real estate
4,513

 
19,925

 
363

 
7,580

Other assets held for sale
$
170

 
1,345

 

 
431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents impaired loans that are collateral-dependent.
Collateral dependent impaired loans are evaluated for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC 310-10-35 using the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. For loans measured using the estimated fair value of collateral securing these loans less costs to sell, fair value is generally determined based upon appraisals performed by a certified or licensed appraiser using inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization rates, and market comparables, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management's plans for disposition, which could result in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. Estimated costs to sell are based on actual amounts for similar assets. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Collateral dependent impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly based on the same factors identified above.
Loans are transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value when Synovus makes the determination to sell specifically identified loans. The fair value of the loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the anticipated market prices of similar assets less estimated costs to sell, as well as consideration of the market for loan sales versus the sale of collateral. At the time of transfer, if the fair value is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. Decreases in the fair value subsequent to the transfer, as well as gains/losses realized from sale of these loans, are recognized as gains/losses on other loans held for sale, net, as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
ORE consists of properties obtained through a foreclosure proceeding or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. The fair value of ORE is determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At foreclosure, ORE is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated cost to sell, which establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, ORE is evaluated quarterly and reported at fair value less estimated costs to sell, not to exceed the new cost basis, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated quarterly and assets are marked to the lower of fair value less estimated selling costs and current fair value, but not to exceed the cost. In the determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in an adjustment to lower the fair value estimates indicated in the appraisals. Internally adjusted valuations are considered Level 3 measurements as management uses assumptions that may not be observable in the market.

34

Table of Contents

Other assets held for sale consist of certain premises and equipment held for sale, including those related to the efficiency initiatives discussed in "Note 4 - Restructuring Charges" of this Report. These assets are classified as held for sale and recorded at the lower of their amortized cost or fair value, less costs to sell, consistent with ASC 360-10. The fair value of these assets is determined primarily on the basis of appraisals or BOV, as circumstances warrant, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Both techniques engage licensed or certified professionals that use inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization rates, and market comparables; these valuations are considered Level 3 measurements since assumptions or inputs may not be observable in the market.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The tables below provide an overview of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in those techniques to measure financial instruments that are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The range of sensitivities that management utilized in its fair value calculations is deemed acceptable in the industry with respect to the identified financial instruments. The tables below present both the total balance as of the dates indicated for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for which there was a fair value adjustment during the period, according to the valuation hierarchy included in ASC 820-10.
June 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
$
892

 
Individual analysis of each investment
Multiple data points, including, but not limited to evaluation of past and projected business performance (2)
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
2,562

 
Discounted cash flow
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
425-525 bps (463 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of marketability(2)
0%-10% (0%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
29,568

 
Individual analysis of each investee company
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial conditions, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed financing transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
$
2,977

 
Probability model
Probability-weighted potential outcomes of the Covered Litigation, and fees payable to the counterparty, through the estimated term of the contract
$400 thousand to $3.0 million ($3.0 million)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





35

Table of Contents

June 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans
 
$
233,530

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 53% (22%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
7,594

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 1% (1%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
 
20,583

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 8% (8%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets held for sale
 
$
409

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 29% (3%)
0% - 10% (7%)
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low of the value that would be assigned to a particular input. The weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is the value that management is using or most likely to use for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of marketability.
(3) Synovus also makes adjustments to the values of the assets listed above for various reasons, including age of the appraisal, information known by management about the property, such as occupancy rates, changes to the physical conditions of the property, and other factors.
(4) The range has not been disclosed due to the wide range of possible values given the methodology used.

December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range (Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at fair
value on a recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
 
$
891

 
Individual analysis of each investment
Multiple data points, including, but not limited to evaluation of past and projected business performance (2)
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
2,287

 
Discounted cash flow analysis
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
425-650 bps (571 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of marketability(2)
0%-10% (0%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
30,708

 
Individual analysis of each investee company
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial conditions, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed company transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
$
2,956

 
Probability model
Probability-weighted potential outcomes of the Covered Litigation and fees payable to the counterparty through the estimated term of the contract
$400 thousand to $3.0 million ($3.0 million)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

36

Table of Contents

December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans
 
$
80,299

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0%-12% (4%)
0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
7,420

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0%-12% (4%)
0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
 
79,293

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0%-7% (2%)
0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets held for sale
 
$
5,804

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
13%-51% (29%)
0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low of the value that would be assigned to a particular input. The weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is the value that management is using or most likely to use for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of marketability.
(3) Synovus also makes adjustments to the values of the assets listed above for various reasons, including age of the appraisal, information known by management about the property, such as occupancy rates, changes to the physical conditions of the property, and other factors.
(4) The range has not been disclosed due to the wide range of possible values given the methodology used.

Sensitivity Analysis of Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Measured on a Recurring Basis
Included in the fair value estimates of financial instruments carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet are those estimated in full or in part using valuation techniques based on assumptions that are not supported by observable market prices, rates, or other inputs. Unobservable inputs are assessed carefully, considering the current economic environment and market conditions. However, by their very nature, unobservable inputs imply a degree of uncertainty in their determination, because they are supported by little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.
Investment Securities Available for Sale
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the corporate obligations in Level 3 assets are the credit spread embedded in the discount rate and the discount for lack of marketability. Generally, a change in one or more assumptions, and the degree or sensitivity of the change used, can have a meaningful impact on fair value. With regard to the trust preferred securities in Level 3 assets, raising the credit spread, and raising the discount for lack of marketability assumptions will result in a lower fair value measurement.
Private Equity Investments
In the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of private equity investments, significant judgment is required to value these investments. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of private equity investments include current operations, financial condition, and cash flows, comparables and private sales, when available; and recently executed financing transactions related to investee companies. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

37

Table of Contents

Visa Derivative Liability
The fair value of the Visa derivative liability is measured using a probability model, which utilizes probability weighted scenarios for estimates of Visa’s aggregate exposure (from which the Company's exposure is derived) to Covered Litigation matters, which include consideration of amounts funded by Visa into its escrow account for the Covered Litigation matters, Visa's disclosures about the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) valuation of the Visa derivative liability. Generally, a change in the amount funded by Visa into its escrow for the Covered Litigation would have a directionally similar change in the assumptions used for the discounted cash flow technique used to compute fair value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying and fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value represents management’s best estimates based on a range of methodologies and assumptions. For financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, such as loans, interest bearing deposits (including brokered deposits), and long-term debt, the figures given in the notes should not be taken as an estimate of the amount that would be realized if all such financial instruments were to be settled immediately.
Cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements are repriced on a short-term basis; as such, the carrying value closely approximates fair value. Since these amounts generally relate to highly liquid assets, these are considered a Level 1 measurement.
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs, are recorded at the amount of funds advanced, less charge-offs and an estimation of credit risk represented by the allowance for loan losses. The fair value estimates for disclosure purposes differentiate loans based on their financial characteristics, such as product classification, loan category, pricing features, and remaining maturity. The fair value of loans is estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type, such as commercial, mortgage, home equity, credit card, and other retail loans. Commercial loans are further segmented into certain collateral code groupings. The fair value of the loan portfolio is calculated, in accordance with ASC 825-10, by discounting contractual cash flows using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by ASC 820-10 and generally produces a higher value than a pure exit price approach. For loans measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less costs to sell, fair value is generally estimated using appraisals of the collateral. Collateral values are monitored and additional write-downs are recognized if it is determined that the estimated collateral values have declined further. Estimated costs to sell are based on current amounts of disposal costs for similar assets. Carrying value is considered to reflect fair value for these loans. Loans are considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand accounts, interest bearing demand deposits, money market accounts, and savings accounts, is estimated to be equal to the amount payable on demand as of that respective date. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The value of long-term relationships with depositors is not taken into account in estimating fair values. Synovus has developed long-term relationships with its customers through its deposit base and, in the opinion of management, these customer relationships add significant value to Synovus. Synovus has determined that the appropriate classification for deposits is Level 2 due to the ability to reasonably measure all inputs to valuation based on observable market variables. Short-term and long-term debt is also considered a Level 2 valuation, as management relies on market prices for bonds or debt that is similar, but not necessarily identical, to the debt being valued. Short-term debt that matures within ten days is assumed to be at fair value, and is considered a Level 1 measurement. The fair value of other short-term and long-term debt with fixed interest rates is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows using market discount rates for bonds or debt that is similar but not identical.
The carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments, as well as the level within the fair value hierarchy, as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

38

Table of Contents

 
June 30, 2013

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
428,487

 
428,487

 
428,487

 

 

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
1,459,251

 
1,459,251

 
1,459,251

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
22,065

 
22,065

 
22,065

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
88,636

 
88,636

 
88,636

 

 

Trading account assets
23,069

 
23,069

 

 
23,069

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
112,761

 
112,761

 

 
112,761

 

Other loans held for sale
12,083

 
12,083

 

 

 
12,083

Investment securities available for sale
3,077,706

 
3,077,706

 
4,418

 
3,069,834

 
3,454

Private equity investments
30,913

 
30,913

 

 
1,345

 
29,568

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,460

 
10,460

 
10,460

 

 

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
19,608,283

 
19,312,409

 

 

 
19,312,409

Derivative assets
52,000

 
52,000

 

 
52,000

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
15,847

 
15,847

 

 
15,847

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,203,437

 
5,203,437

 

 
5,203,437

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,507,266

 
15,517,284

 

 
15,517,284

 

Federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and other short-term liabilities    
222,933

 
222,933

 
222,933

 

 

Salary stock units
793

 
793

 
793

 

 

Long-term debt
1,885,689

 
1,937,232

 

 
1,937,232

 

Derivative liabilities
$
48,968

 
48,968

 

 
45,991

 
2,977

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
614,630

 
614,630

 
614,630

 

 

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
1,498,390

 
1,498,390

 
1,498,390

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
23,442

 
23,442

 
23,442

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
113,517

 
113,517

 
113,517

 

 

Trading account assets
11,102

 
11,102

 

 
11,102

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
212,663

 
212,663

 

 
212,663

 

Other loans held for sale
10,690

 
10,690

 

 

 
10,690

Investment securities available for sale
2,981,112

 
2,981,112

 
3,205

 
2,974,729

 
3,178

Private equity investments
31,876

 
31,876

 

 
1,168

 
30,708

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,001

 
10,001

 
10,001

 

 

Loans, net
19,541,690

 
19,254,199

 

 

 
19,254,199

Derivative assets
64,662

 
64,662

 

 
64,662

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
91

 
91

 

 
91

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,665,527

 
5,665,527

 

 
5,665,527

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,391,517

 
15,415,160

 

 
15,415,160

 

Federal funds purchased other short-term borrowings, and other short-term liabilities
201,243

 
201,243

 
201,243

 

 

Salary stock units
1,888

 
1,888

 
1,888

 

 

Long-term debt
1,726,455

 
1,784,223

 

 
1,784,223

 

Derivative liabilities
$
66,393

 
66,393

 

 
63,437

 
2,956

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

39

Table of Contents

Note 11 - Derivative Instruments
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk. These derivative instruments generally consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments made to prospective mortgage loan customers, and commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments represent derivative instruments since it is intended that such loans will be sold.
From time to time, Synovus utilizes interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks primarily arising from its core banking activities. These interest rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest rate payment obligations without the exchange of underlying principal amounts. Swaps may be designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges, as discussed below. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts utilized to manage interest rate risk.
The Company is party to master netting arrangements with its dealer counterparties; however, the Company does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes.
Counterparty Credit Risk and Collateral
Entering into derivative contracts potentially exposes Synovus to the risk of counterparties’ failure to fulfill their legal obligations, including, but not limited to, potential amounts due or payable under each derivative contract. Notional principal amounts are often used to express the volume of these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. Synovus assesses the credit risk of its dealer counterparties by regularly monitoring publicly available credit rating information and other market indicators. Dealer collateral requirements are determined via risk-based policies and procedures and in accordance with existing agreements. Synovus seeks to minimize dealer credit risk by dealing with highly rated counterparties and by obtaining collateral for exposures above certain predetermined limits. Management closely monitors credit conditions within the customer swap portfolio, which management deems to be of higher risk than dealer counterparties. Collateral is secured at origination and credit related fair value adjustments are recorded against the asset value of the derivative as deemed necessary based upon an analysis, which includes consideration of the current asset value of the swap, customer credit rating, collateral value, and customer standing with regards to its swap contractual obligations and other related matters. Such asset values fluctuate based upon changes in interest rates regardless of changes in notional amounts and changes in customer specific risk.
Cash Flow Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of floating rate loans as cash flow hedges. These swaps hedge against the variability of cash flows from specified pools of floating rate prime based loans. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the hedging relationship quarterly using regression analysis. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income. As of June 30, 2013, there were no cash flow hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness.
Synovus expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income $447 thousand of interest expense during the next twelve months as amortization of deferred losses are recorded.
Synovus did not terminate any cash flow hedges during 2013 or 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred net loss balance of all previously terminated cash flow hedges at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $(1.8) million and $(2.0) million, respectively.
Fair Value Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of fixed rate liabilities as fair value hedges. These swaps hedge against the change in fair value of various fixed rate liabilities due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, LIBOR. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the fair value hedges quarterly using regression analysis. As of June 30, 2013, there were no fair value hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness. Ineffectiveness from fair value hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income.
Synovus did not terminate any fair value hedges during 2013 or 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred net gain balance of all previously terminated fair value hedges at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $12.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively.
Customer Related Derivative Positions
Synovus enters into interest rate swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies of a small number of commercial banking customers. Synovus mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting interest rate swap agreements with highly rated third party financial institutions. The interest rate swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value on Synovus' consolidated balance sheet. Fair value changes are recorded in non-interest income in Synovus' consolidated

40

Table of Contents

statements of income. As of June 30, 2013, the notional amount of customer related interest rate derivative financial instruments, including both the customer position and the offsetting position, was $1.13 billion, a decrease of $2.8 million compared to December 31, 2012.
Visa Derivative
In conjunction with the sale of Class B shares of common stock issued by Visa to Synovus as a Visa USA member, Synovus entered into a derivative contract with the purchaser, which provides for settlements between the parties based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A shares. The conversion ratio changes when Visa deposits funds to a litigation escrow established by Visa to pay settlements for certain litigation, which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members. The litigation escrow is funded by proceeds from Visa’s conversion of Class B shares. The fair value of the derivative liability is based on an estimate of Synovus’ membership proportion of Visa’s aggregate exposure to the Covered Litigation, or in effect, the future cumulative deposits to the litigation escrow for settlement of the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty.
Mortgage Derivatives
Synovus originates first lien residential mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market and generally does not hold the originated loans for investment purposes. Mortgage loans are sold by Synovus for conversion to securities and the servicing of these loans is generally sold to a third-party servicing aggregator, or Synovus sells the mortgage loans as whole loans to investors either individually or in bulk on a servicing released basis.
Synovus enters interest rate lock commitments for residential mortgage loans which commit us to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. Interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that, if originated, will be held for sale, are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding interest rate lock commitments expose Synovus to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had commitments to fund at a locked interest rate, primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers in the amount of $133.5 million and $158.0 million, respectively. The fair value of these commitments as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, resulted in a (loss) gain of $(2.5) million and $2.0 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to $200.5 million and $231.5 million, respectively. Such commitments are entered into to reduce the exposure to market risk arising from potential changes in interest rates, which could affect the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale and outstanding rate lock commitments, which guarantee a certain interest rate if the loan is ultimately funded or granted by Synovus as a mortgage loan held for sale. The commitments to sell mortgage loans are at fixed prices and are scheduled to settle at specified dates that generally do not exceed 90 days. The fair value of outstanding commitments to sell mortgage loans resulted in a gain (loss) of $7.4 million and $(0.1) million, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
Collateral Contingencies
Certain derivative instruments contain provisions that require Synovus to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. When Synovus’ credit rating falls below investment grade, these provisions allow the counterparties of the derivative instrument to demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions and, for certain counterparties, request immediate termination. As Synovus’ current rating is below investment grade, Synovus is required to post collateral, as required by each agreement, against these positions. Additionally, as of June 10, 2013, the CCC became mandatory for certain trades as required under the Dodd-Frank Act. These derivative transactions also carry collateral requirements, both at the inception of the trade, and as the value of each derivative position changes. As trades are migrated to the CCC, dealer counterparty exposure will be reduced, and higher notional amounts of Synovus' derivative instruments will be housed at the CCC, a highly regulated and well-capitalized entity. As of June 30, 2013, collateral totaling $84.6 million consisting of Federal funds sold was pledged to the derivative counterparties, including $734 thousand with the CCC, to comply with collateral requirements.

41

Table of Contents

The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is presented below.
 
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
 
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities

(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Derivatives not designated
  as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
 
$
44,790

 
61,869

 
Other liabilities
 
$
45,991

 
62,912

Mortgage derivatives
Other assets
 
7,210

 
2,793

 
Other liabilities
 

 
525

Visa derivative
 
 

 

 
Other liabilities
 
2,977

 
2,956

 Total derivatives not
  designated as hedging
  instruments    
 
 
$
52,000

 
64,662

 
 
 
$
48,968

 
66,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of the amortization of the termination of cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Effective Portion
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts
$

 
(337
)
 
Interest expense
 
224

 
(1,218
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of the amortization of the termination of cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Effective Portion
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts
$

 
(15
)
 
Interest expense
 
112

 
(405
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below.
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
(in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
$
(158
)
 
1,172

Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
4,942

 
1,888

Total
 
 
$
4,784

 
3,060

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments (including credit related adjustments) for customer swaps and offsetting positions.
(2) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments recorded for interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgage loans to third party investors.

42

Table of Contents

The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below.
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
$
(279
)
 
47

Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
5,030

 
119

Total
 
 
$
4,751

 
166

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments (including credit related adjustments) for customer swaps and offsetting positions.
(2) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments recorded for interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgage loans to third party investors.
Note 12- Net Income Per Common Share
The following table displays a reconciliation of the information used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Basic Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
45,515

 
46,172

 
30,717

 
24,803

Weighted average common shares outstanding
819,245

 
786,355

 
851,093

 
786,576

Basic net income per common share
$
0.06

 
0.06

 
0.04

 
0.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
45,515

 
46,172

 
30,717

 
24,803

Weighted average number common shares outstanding
819,245

 
786,355

 
851,093

 
786,576

Potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of securities or other contracts to purchase Common Stock
91,641

 
123,187

 
59,844

 
123,185

Weighted average number diluted common shares
910,886

 
909,542

 
910,937

 
909,761

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.05

 
0.05

 
0.03

 
0.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted share units is reflected in diluted net income per common share, unless the impact is anti-dilutive, by application of the treasury stock method.
During 2010, 13,800,000 units of tMEDS were issued through a public offering. On May 15, 2013, each remaining tMED automatically settled, and Synovus issued 122.8 million shares of Common Stock. As a result, these shares are no longer potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of these contracts to purchase Common Stock.
As of June 30, 2013 and 2012, there were 28.5 million and 35.0 million, respectively, potentially dilutive shares related to Common Stock options and Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock that were outstanding during 2013 and 2012, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

43

Table of Contents

Note 13 - Share-based Compensation
General Description of Share-based Plans
Synovus has a long-term incentive plan under which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to grant share-based awards to Synovus employees. On April 25, 2013, the Synovus shareholders approved the 2013 Omnibus Plan, replacing the 2007 Omnibus Plan. At June 30, 2013, Synovus had a total of 57,387,344 shares of its authorized but unissued Common Stock reserved for future grants under the 2013 Omnibus Plan. The Plan permits grants of share-based compensation including stock options, non-vested shares, and restricted share units. The grants generally include vesting periods ranging from two to five years and contractual terms of 10 years. Stock options are granted at exercise prices which equal the fair value of a share of common stock on the grant-date. Synovus has historically issued new shares to satisfy share option exercises and share unit conversions. Dividend equivalents are paid on outstanding restricted share units in the form of additional restricted share units that vest over the same vesting period or the vesting period left on the original restricted share unit grant.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation costs associated with employee grants are recorded as a component of salaries and other personnel expense in the consolidated statements of income. Share-based compensation costs associated with grants made to non-employee directors of Synovus are recorded as a component of other operating expenses. Share-based compensation expense for service-based awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures for plan participants on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Total share-based compensation expense was $3.4 million and $1.6 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and $4.6 million and $2.9 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.
Stock Options
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, Synovus awarded 6,003,250 stock options to key employees. The awards have a service-based vesting period of three years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded stock options was $1.03 determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At June 30, 2013, there were 23,337,277 options to purchase shares of Common Stock outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $6.91.
Restricted Share Units and Salary Stock Units
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, Synovus awarded 1,418,464 restricted share units to key employees and non-employee directors. The awards have a service-based vesting period of three years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded restricted share units was $2.78 per share. At June 30, 2013, including dividend equivalents granted, there were 6,235,743 restricted share units outstanding with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $2.42.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, Synovus also granted 271,575 salary stock units to senior management, which vested and were expensed immediately upon grant. Compensation expense is initially determined based on the number of salary stock units granted and the market price of Common Stock at the grant date. Subsequent to the grant date, compensation expense is recorded for changes in Common Stock market price. The total fair value of salary stock units granted during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $793 thousand. Additionally, Synovus recorded compensation expense of $200 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to salary stock units granted during 2012 that were settled on February 15, 2013. The salary stock units granted during 2013 are classified as liabilities and will be settled in cash on January 15, 2014.

44

Table of Contents

Note 14 - Income Taxes
During 2009, Synovus established a valuation allowance for substantially all of its deferred tax assets, primarily due to the realization of significant losses, significant credit deterioration and negative trending in asset quality and uncertainty regarding the amount of future taxable income that the Company could forecast. At December 31, 2012, based upon the assessment of all positive and negative evidence, management concluded that it was more likely than not that $806.4 million of the net deferred tax asset would be realized based upon future taxable income and therefore reversed $806.4 million of the valuation allowance.
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $20.1 million and $18.7 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The valuation allowance at June 30, 2013 is related to specific state income tax credits and specific state NOL carryforwards that have various expiration dates through the tax year 2018 and 2028, respectively, and are expected to expire before they can be utilized.  Management assesses the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence.  
At June 30, 2013, Synovus is in a three-year cumulative loss position (defined as a pre-tax loss for the three year period ended June 30, 2013; and amounting to $249.0 million), which represents negative evidence. Management currently forecasts that it will likely no longer be in a three-year cumulative loss position at September 30, 2013.  Based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence at June 30, 2013, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $789.5 million of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income. 
Synovus expects to realize the $789.5 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At June 30, 2013, $209.3 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration dates. Approximately $485.5 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses which expire in years beginning in 2028 through 2032. Additionally, $67.0 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which will expire in installments annually beginning in 2013 through 2032. Tax credit carryforwards at June 30, 2013 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $20.3 million which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at June 30, 2013 total $27.5 million and will expire in years 2013 through 2033.
The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management's conclusion at June 30, 2013 that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $789.5 million will be realized is based upon management's estimate of future taxable income. Management's estimate of future taxable income is based on internal projections which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to significant judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, the valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' financial condition or results of operations.
Synovus is subject to income taxation in the United States and various state jurisdictions.  Synovus' federal income tax return is filed on a consolidated basis, while state income tax returns are filed on both a consolidated and separate entity basis. Currently, no years for which Synovus filed a Federal income tax return are under examination by the IRS, and there are no state tax examinations currently in progress. Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the IRS for years before 2009, and excluding certain limited exceptions, Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by state and local income tax authorities for years before 2008. Although Synovus is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of future examinations, Synovus believes that the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions is adequate.
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. 
Note 15 - Legal Proceedings
Synovus carefully examines and considers each legal matter, and, in those situations where Synovus determines that a particular legal matter presents loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable, Synovus establishes an appropriate accrual. An event is considered to be “probable” if “the future event is likely to occur.” The actual amounts accrued by Synovus in respect of legal matters as of June 30, 2013 are not material to Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued.
In addition, where Synovus determines that there is a reasonable possibility of a loss in respect of legal matters, including those legal matters described below, Synovus considers whether it is able to estimate the total reasonably possible loss or range of loss. An event is “reasonably possible” if “the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely.” An event is “remote” if “the chance of the event or future event occurring is more than slight but less than reasonably possible." In many situations, Synovus may be unable to estimate reasonably possible losses due to the preliminary nature of the legal matters, as well as a variety of other factors and uncertainties. For those legal matters where Synovus is able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, Synovus' management currently estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses
is from zero to $75 million in excess of amounts accrued, if any, related to those matters. This estimated aggregate range is based upon information currently available to Synovus, and the actual losses could prove to be higher. As there are further developments in these legal matters, Synovus will reassess these matters, and the estimated range of reasonably possible losses may change as a result of this assessment. Based on Synovus' current knowledge and advice of counsel, management presently does not believe that the liabilities arising from these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Synovus' consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations and financial condition for any particular period.
Synovus intends to vigorously pursue all available defenses to these legal matters, but will also consider other alternatives, including settlement, in situations where there is an opportunity to resolve such legal matters on terms that Synovus considers to be favorable, including in light of the continued expense and distraction of defending such legal matters. Synovus also maintains insurance coverage, which may (or may not) be available to cover legal fees, or potential losses that might be incurred in connection with the legal matters described below. The above-noted estimated range of reasonably possible losses does not take into consideration insurance coverage which may or may not be available for the respective legal matters.
Securities Class Action
On July 7, 2009, the City of Pompano Beach General Employees' Retirement System filed suit against Synovus, and certain of Synovus' current and former officers, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Civil Action File No. 1:09-CV-1811) (the “Securities Class Action”); and on June 11, 2010, Lead Plaintiffs, the Labourers' Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada and the Sheet Metal Workers' National Pension Fund, filed an amended complaint alleging that Synovus and the named individual defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts that artificially inflated Synovus' stock price in violation of the federal securities laws. Lead Plaintiffs' allegations are based on purported exposure to Synovus' lending relationship with the Sea Island Company and the impact of such alleged exposure on Synovus' financial condition. Lead Plaintiffs in the Securities Class Action seek damages in an unspecified amount. On May 19, 2011, the Court ruled that the amended complaint failed to satisfy the mandatory pleading requirements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The Court also ruled that Lead Plaintiffs would be allowed the opportunity to submit a further amended complaint. Lead Plaintiffs served their second amended complaint on June 27, 2011. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss that complaint on July 27, 2011. On March 22, 2012, the Court granted in part and denied in part that Motion to Dismiss. On April 19, 2012, the Defendants filed a motion requesting that the Court reconsider its March 22, 2012 order. On September 26, 2012, the Court issued a written order denying the Motion for Reconsideration. Defendants filed their answer to the second amended complaint on May 21, 2012. On March 7, 2013, the Court granted Lead Plaintiffs' motion for class certification. Defendants have filed a motion for permission to appeal the class certification ruling with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Discovery in this case is ongoing.
There are significant uncertainties involved in any potential class action. Synovus may seek to mediate the Securities Class Action in order to determine whether a reasonable settlement can be reached. In the event the Securities Class Action is not settled, Synovus and the individually named defendants collectively intend to vigorously defend themselves against the Securities Class Action.
Overdraft Litigation
Posting Order Litigation
On September 21, 2010, Synovus, Synovus Bank and CB&T were named as defendants in a putative multi-state class action relating to the manner in which Synovus Bank charges overdraft fees to customers. The case, Childs et al. v. Columbus Bank and Trust et al., was filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, and asserts claims for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unconscionability, conversion and unjust enrichment for alleged injuries suffered by plaintiffs as a result of Synovus Bank's assessment of overdraft charges in connection with its POS/debit and automated-teller machine cards allegedly resulting from the sequence used to post payments to the plaintiffs' accounts. On October 25, 2010, the Childs case was transferred to a multi-district proceeding in the Southern District of Florida. In Re: Checking Account Overdraft Litigation, MDL No. 2036. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on October 21, 2011. The Synovus entities filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on November 22, 2011. On July 26, 2012, the court denied the motion as to Synovus and Synovus Bank, but granted the motion as to CB&T. Synovus and Synovus Bank filed their answer to the amended complaint on September 24, 2012. The case is currently in discovery.
On January 25, 2012, Synovus Bank was named as a defendant in another putative multi-state class action relating to the manner in which Synovus Bank charges overdraft fees to customers. The case, Green et al. v. Synovus Bank, was filed in the Middle District of Georgia, Columbus Division. On August 3, 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the case transferred to the multi-district proceeding in the Southern District of Florida. In Re: Checking Account Overdraft Litigation, MDL No. 2036.On September 5, 2012, the plaintiffs in the Childs case filed an amended complaint that added Richard Green, the named plaintiff from the Green et al. v. Synovus Bank case, as a named plaintiff in the Childs case. As a result, the parties advised the court that the Green et al. v. Synovus Bank case should be dismissed without prejudice. On November 8, 2012, the court entered an order dismissing without prejudice the Green case.

45

Table of Contents

Assertion of Overdraft Fees as Interest Litigation
Synovus Bank was also named as a defendant in a putative state-wide class action in which the plaintiffs allege that overdraft fees charged to customers constitute interest and, as such, are usurious under Georgia law. The case, Griner et. al. v. Synovus Bank, et. al. was filed in Gwinnett County State Court (state of Georgia) on July 30, 2010, and asserts claims for usury, conversion and money had and received for alleged injuries suffered by the plaintiffs as a result of Synovus Bank's assessment of overdraft charges in connection with its POS/debit and automated-teller machine cards used to access customer accounts. Plaintiffs contend that such overdraft charges constitute interest and are therefore subject to Georgia usury laws. Synovus Bank contends that such overdraft charges constitute non-interest fees and charges under both federal and Georgia law and are otherwise exempt from Georgia usury limits. On September 1, 2010, Synovus Bank removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court. On July 22, 2011, the federal court entered an order granting plaintiffs' motion to remand the case to the Gwinnett County State Court. Synovus Bank subsequently filed a motion to dismiss. On February 22, 2012, the state court entered an order denying the motion to dismiss. On March 1, 2012, the state court signed and entered a certificate of immediate review thereby permitting Synovus Bank to petition the Georgia Court of Appeals for a discretionary appeal of the denial of the motion to dismiss. On March 12, 2012, Synovus Bank filed its application for interlocutory appeal with the Georgia Court of Appeals. On April 3, 2012, the Georgia Court of Appeals granted Synovus Bank's application for interlocutory appeal of the state court's order denying Synovus Bank's motion to dismiss. On April 11, 2012, Synovus Bank filed its notice of appeal. Oral arguments were heard in the case on September 19, 2012. On March 28, 2013, the Georgia Court of Appeals entered an order affirming the denial of Synovus Bank's motion to dismiss and remanding the case back to the State Court of Gwinnett County for further proceedings. On April 8, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a motion requesting that the Court of Appeals reconsider its March 28, 2013 order. On April 11, 2013, the Court of Appeals entered an order denying Synovus Bank's motion for reconsideration.  On April 19, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a notice of its intent to petition the Supreme Court of Georgia for a writ of certiorari.  On May 1, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of Georgia.  The case remains pending.

46

Table of Contents

Note 16 - Subsequent Events
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Offerings
On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 59,870,550 shares of its Common Stock at $3.09 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $175 million.
On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share).  The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $125 million. From the date of issuance to, but excluding, August 1, 2018, the rate for declared dividends is 7.875% per annum.  From and including August 1, 2018, the dividend rate will change to a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
Redemption of TARP Preferred Stock
On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. Over two-thirds of the TARP redemption was funded by internally available funds. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from the equity offerings completed in July 2013, described above.
In connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, which will result in a $5.1 million reduction in net income available to common shareholders for the three months ending September 30, 2013.
The U.S. Treasury continues to hold the Warrants, which expire on December 19, 2018. Synovus will evaluate the potential repurchase of these Warrants directly from the U.S. Treasury or through participation in a subsequent auction process, which may or may not be successful.

47

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In this Report, the words “Synovus,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Synovus Financial Corp. together with Synovus Bank and Synovus' other wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this Report which are not statements of historical fact; including those under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this Report, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Synovus' beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond Synovus' control and which may cause Synovus' actual results, performance or achievements or the commercial banking industry or economy generally, to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through Synovus' use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for Synovus' future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the commercial banking industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Synovus' management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this document. Many of these factors are beyond Synovus' ability to control or predict. These factors include, but are not limited to:
(1)
 
the risk that we may not realize the expected benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives, which will negatively affect our future profitability;
(2)
 
the risks that if economic conditions worsen or regulatory capital rules are modified, or the results of mandated “stress testing” do not satisfy certain criteria, we may be required to undertake additional strategic initiatives to improve our capital position;
(3)
 
changes in the interest rate environment and competition in our primary market area may result in increased funding costs or reduced earning assets yields, thus reducing margins and net interest income;
(4)
 
changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, including any reduction in our credit ratings;
(5)
 
deterioration in credit quality may result in increased non-performing assets and credit losses, which could adversely impact our capital, financial condition, and results of operations;
(6)
 
the risk that our allowance for loan losses may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
(7)
 
declines in the values of residential and commercial real estate may result in write-downs of assets and realized losses on disposition of non-performing assets, which may increase credit losses and negatively affect our financial results;
(8)
 
the impact on our borrowing costs, capital costs and our liquidity due to our status as a non-investment grade issuer and any reduction in our credit ratings;
(9)
 
restrictions or limitations on access to funds from historical and alternative sources of liquidity could adversely affect our overall liquidity, which could restrict our ability to make payments on our obligations or dividend payments on our common stock and preferred stock and our ability to support asset growth and sustain our operations and the operations of Synovus Bank;
(10)
 
future availability and cost of additional capital and liquidity on favorable terms, if at all;
(11)
 
the risk that for deferred tax assets, we may be required to increase the valuation allowance in future periods, or we may not be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future;

48

Table of Contents

(12)
 
the risk that we could have an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could impair our ability to timely and fully utilize our net operating losses and built-in losses that may exist when such “ownership change” occurs;
(13)
 
the impact on our financial results, reputation, and business if we are unable to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, board resolutions adopted at the request of our regulators, or other supervisory actions or directives and any necessary capital initiatives;
(14)
 
the impact of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other recent and proposed changes in governmental policy, laws and regulations, including proposed and recently enacted changes in the regulation of banks and financial institutions, or the interpretation or application thereof, including restrictions, increased capital requirements, limitations and/or penalties arising from banking, securities and insurance laws, enhanced regulations and examinations and restrictions on compensation;
(15)
 
the risk that we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock and preferred stock;
(16)
 
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
(17)
 
the risk that our enterprise risk management framework may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;
(18)
 
risks related to a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems of our infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks, which could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs or cause losses;
(19)
 
risks related to our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure, including the costs of services and products provided to us by third parties, and risks related to disruptions in service or financial difficulties of a third party vendor;
(20)
 
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, claims, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;
(21)
 
risks related to the loss of customers to alternatives to bank deposits, which could affect our income and force us to rely on relatively more expensive sources of funding;
(22)
 
risks related to recent and proposed changes in the mortgage banking industry, including the impact of the “ability to pay” and “qualified mortgage” rules on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings;
(23)
 
the effects of any damages to Synovus' reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above;
(24)
 
the volatility of our stock price; and
(25)
 
other factors and other information contained in this Report, other reports and filings that we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, those found in “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
For a discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, refer to “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other information contained in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K and our other periodic filings, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, that we file from time to time with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Synovus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information and statements, whether written or oral, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
INTRODUCTION AND CORPORATE PROFILE
Synovus Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services company and a registered financial holding company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. Synovus provides integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, financial

49

Table of Contents

management, insurance, and mortgage services to its customers through locally-branded banking divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, and other offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
The following financial review summarizes the significant trends affecting Synovus’ results of operations and financial condition for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This discussion supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report and the consolidated financial statements of Synovus, the notes thereto, and management’s discussion and analysis contained in Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are divided into key segments:
 
Economic Overview—Provides an overview, including our thoughts on the impact of the economy, legislative and regulatory initiatives, and recent industry developments.
 
Discussion of Results of Operations—Reviews Synovus' financial performance, as well as selected balance sheet items, items from the statements of income, and certain key ratios that illustrate Synovus' performance.
 
Credit Quality, Capital Resources and Liquidity—Discusses credit quality, market risk, and liquidity, as well as performance trends. It also includes a discussion of liquidity policies, how Synovus obtains funding, and related performance.
 
Additional Disclosures—Provides comments on additional important matters including other contingencies, critical accounting policies and non-GAAP financial measures used within this Report.
A reading of each section is important to understand fully the nature of our financial performance.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Economic metrics for the second quarter of 2013 point towards continued modest improvement in the national economy despite somewhat conflicting indicators. Employment has continued to grow overall as gains in non-manufacturing and small business employment have mitigated losses in the manufacturing and government sectors. While unemployment rates increased in 28 states month over month in June of 2013, the national average remained stable throughout the quarter, ending with a rate of 7.6%. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index,® while continuing to reflect volatility from the uncertainties in the national and global economies, improved to 81.4% in June 2013, which is the index's highest level since January of 2008. Motor vehicle sales, retail sales, and consumer credit totals increased throughout the quarter, indicating a willingness to spend by the American public. Despite healthy consumption metrics and generally improving employment conditions, GDP for the second quarter was 1.7%, slightly less than market expectations but better than the revised first quarter rate of 1.1%. Reduced government spending and economic softness in global markets continue to weigh down United States GDP growth.
Housing metrics surged in the first half of the second quarter as price indexes hit post-recession highs and mortgage rates continued to trade at historical lows. However, indications by the Federal Reserve that the cessation of quantitative easing could be accomplished by June of 2014 sent a shockwave through the market; rapidly escalating bond yields, which drove mortgage rates up as high as 125 bps, caused annualized housing sales and starts to reverse course and trend downward by the end of the quarter. Subsequent indications from the Federal Reserve that the quantitative easing (QE) termination program may take longer than one year calmed markets and brought rates down, but the quarterly increase in mortgage rates still averaged approximately 75 bps.
Commercial real estate continued its recovery as asset values pushed higher, particularly in the multifamily and industrial/warehouse sectors where cap rates are at or near historical lows. Premium pricing for major metro market properties has pushed investors seeking adequate yields towards secondary markets and major transportation hubs.
European countries are currently experiencing weak economic conditions, and ambivalence over appropriate austerity measures and central bank policies do not bode well for imminent improvement. China is hampered by lower European and American consumption and has fallen short of internal growth expectations. Although Synovus does not have direct exposure to global markets, Synovus will continue to monitor the impact of international developments on domestic economic activity and will determine the most appropriate strategies to pursue.

50

Table of Contents

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Highlights
A summary of Synovus’ financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is set forth in the table below.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Net interest income
$
401,891

 
434,316

 
(7.5)%
 
202,077

 
213,356

 
(5.3)%
Provision for loan losses
48,773

 
110,271

 
(55.8
)
 
13,077

 
44,222

 
(70.4
)
Non-interest income
129,813

 
160,616

 
(19.2
)
 
65,092

 
76,477

 
(14.9
)
Non-interest expense
363,472

 
411,399

 
(11.6
)
 
181,186

 
208,264

 
(13.0
)
Adjusted non-interest expense(1)
331,582

 
353,466

 
(6.2
)
 
167,777

 
179,018

 
(6.3
)
Income before income taxes
119,459

 
73,262

 
63.1

 
72,906

 
37,347

 
95.2

Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income(1)    
198,674

 
217,213

 
(8.5
)
 
97,989

 
106,645

 
(8.1
)
Net income available to common shareholders
45,515

 
46,172

 
(1.4
)
 
30,717

 
24,803

 
23.8

Net income per common share, basic
0.06

 
0.06

 
(5.4
)
 
0.04

 
0.03

 
14.5

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.05

 
0.05

 
(1.6
)
 
0.03

 
0.03

 
23.7

Net interest margin
3.41
%
 
3.52

 
(11) bps

 
3.39
%
 
3.48

 
(9) bps

Net charge-off ratio
0.90

 
1.94

 
(104) bps

 
0.61

 
1.99

 
(138) bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
Sequential Quarter Change
 
June 30, 2012
 
Year Over Year Change
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
19,608,283

 
19,367,887

 
240,396

 
$
19,680,127

 
(71,844
)
Total deposits
20,710,703

 
20,561,193

 
149,510

 
21,565,065

 
(854,362
)
Core deposits(1)    
19,372,640

 
19,228,561

 
144,079

 
20,416,173

 
(1,043,533
)
Core deposits excluding time deposits(1)    
15,995,424

 
15,746,365

 
249,059

 
16,318,339

 
(322,915
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets ratio
3.21
%
 
3.47

 
(26) bps

 
4.83
%
 
(162) bps

Past dues over 90 days
0.02

 
0.03

 
(1) bp

 
0.03

 
(1) bp

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital(1)
$
2,904,985

 
2,866,490

 
38,495

 
$
2,822,487

 
82,498

Tier 1 common equity(1)
1,932,260

 
1,896,485

 
35,775

 
1,860,394

 
71,866

Total risk-based capital
3,445,161

 
3,493,091

 
(47,930
)
 
3,449,214

 
(4,053
)
Tier 1 capital ratio(1)
13.49
%
 
13.50

 
(1) bp

 
13.35
%
 
14 bps

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
8.97

 
8.93

 
4 bps

 
8.80

 
17 bps

Total risk-based capital ratio
15.99

 
16.45

 
(46) bps

 
16.31

 
(32) bps

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio(1)
13.43

 
13.65

 
(22) bps

 
10.85

 
258 bps

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio(1)
9.71

 
9.89

 
(18) bps

 
7.12

 
259 bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Results for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net income available to common shareholders was $45.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $46.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted common share for the six months ended June 30, 2012.   For the three months ended June 30, 2013, net income available to common shareholders was $30.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted common share, compared to $24.8 million and $0.03 per diluted common share for the same period a year earlier. Net income available to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2013 includes $44.4 million in income tax expense, while net income available to common shareholders for the same period one year earlier includes an income tax benefit of $2.2 million. Income before taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $119.5 million, a $46.2 million, or 63.1%, increase over the six months ended June 30, 2012.


51

Table of Contents

Overall improvement for the six months ended June 30, 2013 is due to an $88.0 million decrease in total credit costs and a $21.9 million decrease in adjusted non- interest expense, partially offset by a $32.4 million decrease in net-interest income and a $30.2 million decrease in non-interest income.  All key credit quality metrics continued to improve during the second quarter of 2013. Credit costs continued to decline and totaled $24.0 million for the second quarter of 2013, compared to $49.3 million for the first quarter of 2013 and $70.3 million for the second quarter of 2012. Net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2013 totaled $30.0 million or 0.61% of average loans, annualized, down from $57.3 million or 1.18% of average loans, annualized, for the first quarter of 2013.  The year-to-date net charge-off ratio is 0.90%, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2008. NPL inflows were $66.9 million for the second quarter of 2013, down from $83.9 million in the first quarter of 2013, and down 46.2% from the second quarter of 2012. Total non-performing assets declined $42.4 million from $677.6 million at March 31, 2013 to $635.2 million at June 30, 2013, and declined $326.2 million or 33.9% from June 30, 2012. As a percentage of total loans outstanding, past due loans remained at favorable levels with total past due loans and still accruing interest of 0.41% at June 30, 2013 compared to 0.46% and 0.47% at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively, and loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest were 0.02% at June 30, 2013, compared to 0.03% at March 31, 2013 and 0.03% at June 30, 2012.
Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income (which excludes provision for loan losses, other credit costs, restructuring charges, Visa indemnification charges, and investment securities gains, net) was $198.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and $98.0 million for second quarter of 2013, a $2.7 million, or 2.8%, decrease from the first quarter of 2013. As compared to the first quarter of 2013, the second quarter 2013 decrease in pre-tax, pre-credit costs income was primarily driven by a $1.0 million decrease in non-interest income and a $4.0 million increase in adjusted non-interest expense (primarily due to higher professional fees), and partially offset by a $2.3 million increase in net interest income, due primarily to loan growth and one extra calendar day in the quarter. The $8.7 million decline from the second quarter of 2012 was driven by an $11.3 million decrease in net interest income and an $8.0 million decrease in non-interest income, partially offset by a $10.6 million decrease in adjusted non-interest expense. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
The net interest margin declined 4 bps to 3.39% in the second quarter of 2013 compared to 3.43% for the first quarter of 2013, and declined 9 bps from 3.48% in the second quarter of 2012. The sequential quarter decline was primarily due to higher levels of liquidity. Earning asset yields decreased by 26 bps compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012 while the effective cost of funds decreased by 15 bps. The primary factors negatively impacting earning asset yields were a 44 bps decrease in the yield on taxable investment securities and a 33 bps decline in loan yields. The investment yield decrease was due to significantly lower yields available for the reinvestment of maturing higher yielding securities. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward pricing of maturing and prepaid loans. Earning asset yields were positively impacted by the reduction in low yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing certificates of deposit and a decrease in the effective cost of core money market deposits. As compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012, core certificates of deposit declined by 37 bps and core money market deposits declined by 12 bps. See reconciliation of core deposits in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
At June 30, 2013, total loans outstanding were $19.61 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $240.4 million or 5.0% annualized from the first quarter of 2013. Commercial and industrial loans grew by $184.6 million from the first quarter of 2013, or 8.2% annualized. Additionally, retail loans grew by $78.5 million from the first quarter of 2013, or 7.9% annualized.
Total deposits increased by $149.5 million to $20.71 billion from the first quarter of 2013. The increase in total deposits was driven by increases in non-interest bearing demand deposits and NOW account balances. June 30, 2013 balances include $36.1 million in deposits assumed from Sunrise Bank. Core deposits ended the quarter at $19.37 billion, up $144.1 million compared to first quarter of 2013. Core deposits, excluding time deposits, were $16.00 billion at June 30, 2013, down $385.6 million compared to December 31, 2012. Compared to June 30, 2012, core deposits excluding time deposits decreased $322.9 million or 2.0%. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
Total shareholders' equity was $3.57 billion at June 30, 2013, unchanged from December 31, 2012.
Recent Developments
As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013. The Synovus MOU has been replaced with a resolution adopted by Synovus' Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. The Bank's Supervisory Authorities have also terminated the Synovus Bank MOU effective as of May 29, 2013. The Synovus Bank MOU was also replaced with a resolution adopted by Synovus Bank's Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Offerings
On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 59,870,550 shares of its Common Stock at $3.09 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $175 million.

52

Table of Contents

On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share).  The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $125 million. From the date of issuance to, but excluding, August 1, 2018, the rate for declared dividends is 7.875% per annum.  From and including August 1, 2018, the dividend rate will change to a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
Redemption of TARP Preferred Stock
On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. Over two-thirds of the TARP redemption was funded by internally available funds. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from the equity offerings completed in July 2013, described above.
In connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, which will result in a $5.1 million reduction in net income available to common shareholders for the three months ending September 30, 2013.
The current cost of the Series A Preferred Stock (including dividends paid to the Treasury on a quarterly basis, and related accretion) was approximately $59 million per year. The elimination of this cost, net of the costs of the transactions described above to assist in facilitating the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock is expected to result in a net annualized increase to diluted EPS of $0.04 (based on annualized second quarter 2013 actual results).
The U.S. Treasury continues to hold Warrants, which expire on December 19, 2018. Synovus will evaluate the potential repurchase of these Warrants directly from the U.S. Treasury or through participation in a subsequent auction process, which may or may not be successful.
Changes in Financial Condition
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, total assets decreased by $196.8 million, or 1%, to $26.56 billion as compared to December 31, 2012. The principal components of this decrease were a decrease of $186.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $99.9 million in mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value and a $39.1 million decrease in interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank. These decreases were partially offset by a $96.6 million increase in investment securities available for sale and a $66.6 million increase in loans, net of deferred fees and costs.

53

Table of Contents

Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012.
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
June 30, 2013 vs. December 31, 2012 % Change(1)
 
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2013 vs. June 30, 2012 % Change
Investment properties
$
4,392,523

 
4,376,118

 
0.8
 %
 
$
4,416,610

 
(0.5
)%
1-4 family properties
1,197,487

 
1,279,105

 
(12.9
)
 
1,483,824

 
(19.3
)
Land acquisition
752,319

 
794,229

 
(10.6
)
 
983,843

 
(23.5
)
Total commercial real estate
6,342,329

 
6,449,452

 
(3.3
)
 
6,884,277

 
(7.9
)
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,397,786

 
5,301,134

 
3.7

 
5,045,144

 
7.0

Owner-occupied
3,833,713

 
3,800,380

 
1.8

 
3,839,489

 
(0.2
)
Commercial and industrial
9,231,499

 
9,101,514

 
2.9

 
8,884,633

 
3.9

Home equity lines
1,507,738

 
1,542,397

 
(4.5
)
 
1,603,905

 
(6.0
)
Consumer mortgages
1,451,212

 
1,411,561

 
5.7

 
1,400,714

 
3.6

Credit cards
251,788

 
263,561

 
(9.0
)
 
262,402

 
(4.0
)
Small business
568,881

 
516,349

 
20.5

 
383,520

 
48.3

Other retail loans
278,603

 
277,229

 
1.0

 
273,994

 
1.7

Total retail
4,058,222

 
4,011,097

 
2.4

 
3,924,535

 
3.4

Total loans
19,632,050

 
19,562,063

 
0.7

 
19,693,445

 
(0.3
)
Deferred fees and costs, net
(23,767
)
 
(20,373
)
 
33.6

 
(13,318
)
 
78.5

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
19,608,283

 
19,541,690


0.7
 %
 
$
19,680,127

 
(0.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Percentage changes are annualized.
At June 30, 2013, total loans outstanding were $19.61 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $240.4 million or 5.0% annualized. The sequential quarter growth was broad-based across many categories within the C&I and retail portfolio. Total commercial and industrial and retail loans grew sequentially $184.6 million or 8.2% annualized and $78.5 million or 7.9% annualized, respectively.
Commercial Loans
Total commercial loans (which are comprised of C&I and CRE loans) at June 30, 2013 were $15.57 billion or 79.3% of the total loan portfolio compared to $15.55 billion, or 79.5%, at December 31, 2012 and $15.77 billion, or 80.1%, at June 30, 2012.
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had 20 and 22 commercial loan relationships, respectively, with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded). The average funded balance of these relationships at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $69 million and $70 million, respectively.
Commercial and Industrial Loans
Total commercial and industrial loans at June 30, 2013 were $9.23 billion, or 47.0% of the total loan portfolio compared to $9.10 billion, or 46.6% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012 and $8.88 billion, or 45.1% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2012. This portfolio is currently concentrated on small to middle market commercial and industrial lending disbursed throughout a diverse group of industries in the Southeast, including health care, finance and insurance, manufacturing, construction, real estate leasing, and retail trade shown in the following table. The portfolio is relationship focused and, as a result, Synovus' lenders have in-depth knowledge of the borrowers, most of which have guaranty arrangements. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions and made to commercial customers primarily to finance capital expenditures, including real property, plant and equipment, or as a source of working capital. In accordance with Synovus' uniform lending policy, each loan undergoes a detailed underwriting process which incorporates uniform underwriting standards and oversight in proportion to the size and complexity of the lending relationship. Approximately 92% of Synovus' commercial and industrial loans are secured by real estate, business equipment, inventory, and other types of collateral.

54

Table of Contents

Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
Health care and social assistance
$
1,507,398

 
16.3
%
 
1,357,185

 
14.9
%
Manufacturing
814,857

 
8.8

 
767,371

 
8.4

Real estate other
768,950

 
8.3

 
771,487

 
8.5

Retail trade
677,494

 
7.3

 
664,524

 
7.3

Wholesale trade
616,809

 
6.7

 
567,538

 
6.2

Real estate leasing
538,064

 
5.8

 
578,695

 
6.4

Finance and insurance
525,771

 
5.7

 
529,120

 
5.8

Accommodation and food services
449,296

 
4.9

 
451,130

 
5.0

Construction
444,021

 
4.8

 
485,936

 
5.3

Professional, scientific, and technical services
414,132

 
4.5

 
418,756

 
4.6

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
289,738

 
3.1

 
290,762

 
3.2

Educational services
228,159

 
2.5

 
221,775

 
2.4

Transportation and warehousing
189,820

 
2.1

 
205,038

 
2.3

Arts, entertainment, and recreation
165,936

 
1.8

 
182,190

 
2.0

Other services
884,613

 
9.6

 
967,193

 
10.6

Other industries
716,441

 
7.8

 
642,814

 
7.1

Total commercial and industrial loans
$
9,231,499

 
100.0
%
 
9,101,514

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total commercial and industrial loans. 
Commercial and industrial lending is a key component of Synovus' growth and diversification strategy (reducing overall concentration in CRE and growing the percentage of C&I loans relative to the total loan portfolio). Synovus has actively invested in additional expertise, product offerings, and product quality to provide its commercial and industrial clients with increased and enhanced product offerings and customer service. Complementing this investment in C&I growth, Synovus' management continues to focus on streamlining and enhancing Synovus' existing product lines, especially for traditional retail, small business, and professional services customers.
The Corporate Banking Group provides lending solutions to larger corporate clients and includes specialty units such as syndications and senior housing. These units partner with Synovus' local bankers to build relationships across the five-state footprint, as well as the southeastern and southwestern United States. To date, loan syndications consist primarily of loans where Synovus is participating in the credit (versus the lead bank). Senior housing loans are typically extended to borrowers in the assisted living or skilled nursing facilities sectors. The Corporate Banking Group also originates loans and participates in loans to well-capitalized public companies and larger private companies that operate in the five-state footprint as well as other states in the Southeast.
At June 30, 2013, $3.83 billion of total commercial and industrial loans, or 19.5% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing owner-occupied properties. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business or organization. The secondary source of repayment on these loans is the real estate. These loans are predominately secured by owner-occupied properties and other real estate. Other types of collateral securing these loans consist primarily of marketable equipment, marketable inventory, accounts receivable, equity and debt securities, and time deposits.
At June 30, 2013, $5.40 billion of total commercial and industrial loans, or 27.5% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing commercial, financial, and agricultural business activities. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business or organization. The secondary source of repayment is the collateral, which consists primarily of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, time deposits, and other business assets.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Commercial real estate loans consist of investment properties loans, 1-4 family properties loans, and land acquisition loans. Commercial real estate loans are primarily originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions. These loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies referenced above. Total commercial real estate loans, which represent 32.3% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2013, were $6.34 billion, a decline of $107.1 million or 3.3% annualized from December 31, 2012 primarily as a result of pay-downs, charge-offs, and loan sales.

55

Table of Contents

Investment Properties Loans
Total investment properties loans as of June 30, 2013 were $4.39 billion, or 69.3% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and 22.4% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $4.38 billion or 67.9% of the total commercial real estate portfolio, and 22.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. Investment properties loans consist of construction and mortgage loans for income producing properties and are primarily made to finance multi-family properties, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, and other commercial development properties. Synovus' investment properties portfolio is well diversified with no concentration by property type, geography (other than the fact that most of these loans are in Synovus' primary market areas of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida), or tenants. These loans have been underwritten with stressed interest rates and vacancies and are generally recourse in nature with short-term maturities (three years or less) allowing for restructuring opportunities that reduce Synovus' overall risk exposure. The investment properties loans are primarily secured by the property being financed by the loans; however, these loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets beyond the property being financed.
1-4 Family Properties Loans
At June 30, 2013, 1-4 family properties loans totaled $1.20 billion, or 18.9% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and 6.1% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $1.28 billion, or 19.8% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and 6.5% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. 1-4 family properties loans include construction loans to homebuilders, commercial mortgage loans to real estate investors, and residential development loans to developers and are almost always secured by the underlying property being financed by such loans. These properties are primarily located in the markets served by Synovus. Underwriting standards for these types of loans include stricter approval requirements as well as more stringent underwriting standards than current regulatory guidelines. Construction and residential development loans are generally interest-only loans and typically have maturities of three years or less, and 1-4 family rental properties generally have maturities of three to five years, with amortization periods of up to fifteen to twenty years. Although housing and real estate markets in the five southeastern states within Synovus' footprint are showing signs of stabilization, Synovus has actively worked to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Residential C&D Loans
Total residential C&D loans (consisting of 1-4 family construction loans and residential development loans) were $340.4 million at June 30, 2013, a decline of $72.9 million or 35.6% annualized from December 31, 2012.
Land Acquisition Loans
Total land acquisition loans were $752.3 million at June 30, 2013, or 3.8% of the total loan portfolio, a decline of 10.6% annualized from December 31, 2012. Land acquisition loans are secured by land held for future development, typically in excess of one year. These loans have short-term maturities and are typically unamortized. Land securing these loans is substantially within the Synovus footprint, and loan terms generally include personal guarantees from the principals. Loans in this portfolio are underwritten based on the loan to value of the collateral and the capacity of the guarantor(s). Generally, the maximum loan-to-value at the time of origination or refinancing is aligned with regulatory requirements. Synovus has actively worked to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Retail Loans
Retail loans at June 30, 2013 totaled $4.06 billion, representing 20.7% of the total loan portfolio compared to $4.01 billion, or 20.5% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012 and $3.92 billion or 19.9% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2012. Small business loans at June 30, 2013 totaled $568.9 million, an increase of $52.5 million or 20.5% annualized compared to December 31, 2012. The increase in small business loans is partially due to a reclassification of loans, which are now underwritten using a business credit scoring system and thus are reported as small business loans, a component of retail loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, approximately $29 million of these loans were reclassified from the C&I portfolio to retail small business loans. As these small business loans included as a component of commercial and industrial loans are renewed or refinanced, they will be classified as small business loans as a component of retail loans.
The retail loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through Synovus' banking network, including first and second residential mortgages, HELOCs, credit card, automobile, small business, and other retail loans. The majority of Synovus' retail loans are consumer mortgages and home equity lines secured by first and second liens on residential real estate primarily located in the markets served by Synovus in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Credit card loans totaled $251.8 million at June 30, 2013, including $56.3 million of commercial credit card loans. These commercial credit card loans relate to Synovus' commercial and small business customers who utilize corporate credit cards for various business activities.
Retail loans are subject to uniform lending policies and consist primarily of loans with strong borrower credit scores (most recently measured as of December 31, 2012). As of December 31, 2012, weighted-average FICO scores within the residential real

56

Table of Contents

estate portfolio were 757 for HELOC and 735 for consumer mortgages. Conservative debt-to-income ratios (average debt to income ratio of loans originated) were maintained in the second quarter of 2013 at 27.2%, as compared to 27.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012. Utilization rates (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of 60.8% and 61.7% at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and loan-to-value ratios based upon prudent guidelines were maintained to ensure consistency with Synovus' overall risk philosophy. Apart from credit card loans and unsecured loans, Synovus does not originate loans with LTV ratios greater than 100% at origination except for infrequent situations provided that certain underwriting requirements are met. Additionally, at origination, loan maturities are determined based on the borrower's ability to repay (cash flow or earning power of the borrower that represents the primary source of repayment) and the collateralization of the loan, including the economic life of the asset being pledged. Collateral securing these loans provides a secondary source of repayment in that the collateral may be liquidated. Synovus determines the need for collateral on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include the purpose of the loan, current and prospective credit-worthiness of the customer, terms of the loan, and economic conditions.
Risk levels 1-6 (descending) are assigned based upon a risk score matrix. At least annually, the retail loan portfolio data is sent to a consumer credit reporting agency for a refresh of customers' credit scores. The most recent credit score refresh was completed as of December 31, 2012. Revolving lines of credit are regularly reviewed for any material change in financial circumstances, and when appropriate, the line of credit may be suspended.
Higher-risk consumer loans as defined by the FDIC are consumer loans (excluding consumer loans defined as nontraditional mortgage loans) where, as of origination or, if the loan has been refinanced, as of refinance, the probability of default within two years is greater than 20%, as determined using a defined historical stress period. These loans are not a part of Synovus' retail lending strategy, and Synovus does not currently develop or offer specific higher-risk consumer loans, alt-A, no documentation or stated income retail residential real estate loan products. Synovus estimates that, as of June 30, 2013, it has approximately $167 million of higher-risk consumer loans (4.4% of the retail portfolio and 0.9% of the total loan portfolio). Included in this amount is approximately $24 million of accruing TDRs. Synovus makes retail lending decisions based upon a number of key credit risk determinants including credit scores, bankruptcy predictor scores, loan-to-value ratios, and debt-to-income ratios. Prior to 2009, Synovus Mortgage originated Fannie Mae alt-A loans which were generally sold into the secondary market. Synovus Mortgage no longer originates such loans, and as of June 30, 2013 Synovus has $1.2 million of such loans remaining on its balance sheet.
Monitoring of Collateral
Synovus follows a risk-based approach as it relates to the credit monitoring processes for its loan portfolio. Synovus updates the fair value of the real estate collateral securing collateral-dependent impaired loans each calendar quarter, with appraisals generally received on an annual basis, or sooner if appropriate, from an independent unaffiliated certified or licensed appraiser. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as selling costs and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. Synovus updates the values of collateral that are in the form of accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and cash surrender value of life insurance policies at least annually and the values of collateral that are in the form of marketable securities and brokerage accounts at least quarterly.
It is the Company's policy to obtain, on at least an annual basis, an updated appraisal from an independent, unaffiliated certified or licensed appraiser for loan relationships of $1 million and over when at least one of the loans in the relationship is on non-accrual status. For relationships under $1 million, while independent appraisals are not mandated by the Company's policies, management will obtain such appraisals when considered prudent. For credits that are not on impaired status, Synovus generally obtains an unaffiliated third-party appraisal of the value of the real estate collateral prior to each loan renewal. Additionally, if conditions warrant (e.g., loans that are not considered impaired but exhibit a higher or potentially higher risk), Synovus engages an unaffiliated appraiser to reappraise the value of the collateral on a more frequent basis. Examples of circumstances that could warrant a new appraisal on an existing performing credit include instances in which local market conditions where the real estate collateral is located have deteriorated, the collateral has experienced damage (fire, wind damage, etc.), the lease or sell-out of the collateral has not met the original projections, and the net operating income of the collateral has declined. In circumstances where the collateral is no longer considered sufficient, Synovus seeks to obtain additional collateral. Examples of adjustments made quarterly to appraised values include broker's commission, unpaid real estate taxes, attorney's fees, other estimated costs to dispose of the property, known damage to the property, known declines in the net operating income of the property or rent rolls, as well as third-party market data.
Loan Guarantees
In addition to collateral, Synovus generally requires a guarantee from all principals on all commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending relationships. Specifically, Synovus generally obtains unlimited guarantees from any entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or partnership) that owns or controls 50% or more of the borrowing entity. Limited guarantees on a pro rata basis are generally required for all 20% or more owners.

57

Table of Contents

Synovus evaluates the financial ability of a guarantor through an evaluation of the guarantor's current financial statements, income tax returns for the two most recent years, and financial information regarding a guarantor's business or related interests. In addition, to validate the support that a guarantor provides relating to a commercial real estate loan, Synovus analyzes both substantial assets owned by the guarantor to ensure that the guarantor has the necessary ownership interest and control over these assets to convert to cash, and the global cash flow of the guarantor. For loans that are not considered impaired, the allowance for loan losses is determined based on the risk rating of each loan. The risk rating incorporates a number of factors, including guarantors. If a loan is impaired, with certain limited exceptions, a guarantee is not considered in determining the amount to be charged-off.
Other Real Estate
The carrying value of ORE was $139.7 million, $150.3 million, and $174.9 million at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, the ORE carrying value reflects cumulative write-downs totaling approximately $143.5 million, or 51% of the related loans' unpaid principal balance. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, $53.2 million and $75.1 million, respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $18.4 million and $43.7 million, respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $14.3 million and $33.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
At foreclosure, ORE is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs, which establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, ORE is evaluated quarterly and reported at fair value less estimated costs to sell, not to exceed the new cost basis, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation and anticipated sales values considering management's plans for disposition, which could result in an adjustment to lower the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral, less costs to sell, is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.
Synovus' objective is to dispose of ORE properties in a timely manner and to maximize net sale proceeds. Synovus has a centralized managed assets division, with the specialized skill set to facilitate this objective. While there is not a defined timeline for their sale, ORE properties are actively marketed through unaffiliated third parties, including real estate brokers and real estate auctioneers. Sales are made on an opportunistic basis, as acceptable buyers and terms are identified. In addition, Synovus may also decide to sell ORE properties in bulk asset sales to unaffiliated third parties, in which case the typical period of marketing the property will likely not occur. In some cases, Synovus is approached by potential buyers of ORE properties or Synovus may contact independent third parties who we believe might have an interest in an ORE property.
Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for interest earning assets. The following table shows the relative composition of deposits.
Composition of Deposits
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2013
 
%(1)
 
December 31, 2012
 
%(1)
 
June 30, 2012
 
%(1)
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,203,437

 
25.1
%
 
$
5,665,527

 
26.9
%
 
$
5,607,680

 
26.0
%
Interest bearing demand deposits
4,069,102

 
19.7

 
4,016,209

 
19.1

 
3,379,220

 
15.7

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
6,114,998

 
29.5

 
6,136,538

 
29.1

 
6,777,229

 
31.4

Savings deposits
607,887

 
2.9

 
562,717

 
2.7

 
554,210

 
2.6

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
3,377,216

 
16.3

 
3,583,304

 
17.0

 
4,097,834

 
19.0

Brokered deposits
1,338,063

 
6.5

 
1,092,749

 
5.2

 
1,148,892

 
5.3

Total deposits
$
20,710,703

 
100.0

 
$
21,057,044

 
100.0

 
$
21,565,065

 
100.0

Core deposits(2)    
$
19,372,640

 
93.5

 
$
19,964,295

 
94.8

 
$
20,416,173

 
94.7

Core deposits excluding time deposits(2)    
$
15,995,424

 
77.2
%
 
$
16,380,991

 
77.8
%
 
$
16,318,339

 
75.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Deposits balance in each category expressed as percentage of total deposits.
(2) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Total deposits at June 30, 2013 decreased $346.3 million, or 3.3% annualized, from December 31, 2012. The decline in total deposits was driven by reductions in non-interest bearing demand deposits due to expected reductions in clearing and SCM

58

Table of Contents

temporary accounts which were at elevated levels at year-end. Total core deposits excluding time deposits at June 30, 2013 declined $385.6 million, or 4.7% annualized, from December 31, 2012 and non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percentage of total deposits decreased to 25.1% at June 30, 2013 from 26.9% at December 31, 2012. See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report. Total deposits at June 30, 2013 include $36.1 million in deposits from Synovus Bank's assumption of deposits related to the FDIC's assisted transaction with Sunrise Bank on May 10, 2013.
Time deposits of $100,000 and greater at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 were $3.00 billion, $2.86 billion, and $3.20 billion respectively, and included brokered time deposits of $1.14 billion, $892.3 million, and $926.2 million, respectively. These larger deposits represented 14.5%, 13.6%, and 14.8% of total deposits at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012, respectively, and included brokered time deposits which represented 5.5%, 4.2%, and 4.3% of total deposits at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012, respectively.
At June 30, 2013, brokered deposits represented 6.5% of Synovus' total deposits compared to 5.2% and 5.3% of total deposits at December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, respectively.
Net Interest Income
The following table summarizes the components of net interest income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, including the tax-equivalent adjustment that is required in making yields on tax-exempt loans and investment securities comparable to taxable loans and investment securities. The taxable-equivalent adjustment is based on a 35% Federal income tax rate.
Net Interest Income
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income
$
461,903

 
516,464

 
231,513

 
253,809

Taxable-equivalent adjustment
1,175

 
1,578

 
557

 
780

Interest income, taxable equivalent
463,078

 
518,042

 
232,070

 
254,589

Interest expense
60,012

 
82,148

 
29,436

 
40,453

Net interest income, taxable equivalent
$
403,066

 
435,894

 
202,634

 
214,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest Income
Total reported non-interest income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 was $129.8 million and $65.1 million, respectively, down from the same periods a year ago by, 19.2% or $30.8 million, and 14.9% or $11.4 million, respectively. The decline was due to higher levels of investment securities gains and private equity investment gains realized during 2012. Excluding net investment securities gains and private equity investment gains/(losses), non-interest income increased $514 thousand or 0.4% and decreased $456 thousand or 0.7%, respectively for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same periods a year ago.
The following table shows the principal components of non-interest income.
Non-interest Income

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
38,716

 
36,915

 
19,195

 
18,684

Fiduciary and asset management fees
22,083

 
21,627

 
11,111

 
10,792

Brokerage revenue
14,595

 
12,942

 
7,002

 
6,295

Mortgage banking income
14,255

 
13,986

 
7,338

 
7,983

Bankcard fees
14,902

 
16,072

 
7,838

 
8,493

Investment securities gains, net
1,448

 
24,253

 
1,403

 
4,170

Other fee income
11,262

 
9,651

 
5,775

 
4,951

(Decrease) increase in fair value of private equity investments, net
(1,140
)
 
7,372

 
(883
)
 
7,279

Other non-interest income
13,692

 
17,798

 
6,313

 
7,830

Total non-interest income
$
129,813

 
160,616

 
65,092

 
76,477

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Components of Non-interest Income

59

Table of Contents

Service charges on deposit accounts for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 were $38.7 million and $19.2 million, up $1.8 million or 4.9%, and $511 thousand or 2.7%, respectively, from $36.9 million and $18.7 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and all other service charges. NSF fees for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 were $16.7 million and $8.1 million, compared to $18.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively, for the same periods a year earlier, a decrease of $1.6 million and $974 thousand, or 8.9% and 10.7%, respectively. Account analysis fees were $11.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, up $1.1 million, or 10.6%, and $773.5 thousand, or 16.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $10.9 million and $5.5 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, up $2.4 million, or 27.8% and $711 thousand, or 15.0%, respectively compared to the same periods in 2012.
Fiduciary and asset management fees are derived from providing estate administration, employee benefit plan administration, personal trust, corporate trust, corporate bond, investment management and financial planning services. Fiduciary and asset management fees were $22.1 million and $11.1 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013. Fiduciary and asset management fees increased $456 thousand or 2.1% and $319 thousand or 3.0% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012.
Brokerage revenue was $14.6 million and $7.0 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013. Brokerage revenue increased $1.7 million or 12.8% and $707 thousand or 11.2% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012 due to aggressive pursuit of cross-selling strategies and improved market conditions. Brokerage revenue consists primarily of brokerage commissions.
Mortgage banking income increased $269 thousand, or 1.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012, and decreased $645 thousand, or 8.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The decline for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in secondary gains associated with a declining locked pipeline during the rising interest rate environment. Synovus expects a decline in mortgage revenues in the second half of 2013, primarily due to lower refinancing volume.
Bankcard fees decreased $1.2 million, or 7.3%, and $655 thousand, or 7.7%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to a decline in transaction volume. Bankcard fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees and debit card interchange fees. Debit card interchange fees were $6.2 million, down 11.2% and $3.3 million, down 10.4% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. Credit card interchange fees were $10.2 million, down 0.5%, and $5.2 million, down 1.4% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012.
Other fee income includes fees for letters of credit, safe deposit box fees, access fees for automated teller machine use, customer swap dealer fees, and other miscellaneous fee-related income. Other fee income increased $1.6 million, or 16.7% and increased $824 thousand, or 16.6% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012.
The main components of other non-interest income are income from company-owned life insurance policies, insurance commissions, card sponsorship fees, and other miscellaneous items. Other non-interest income decreased $4.1 million, or 23.1% and $1.5 million, or 19.4% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012.
Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $47.9 million, or 11.6%, and $27.1 million, or 13.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The decline was led by significant reductions in foreclosed real estate expense and FDIC insurance expense. Adjusted non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, which excludes restructuring charges, credit costs, and Visa indemnification charges, declined $21.9 million, or 6.2% and declined $11.2 million, or 6.3%, respectively from the same periods in 2012. Synovus continues to focus on increasing efficiencies while investing in new technologies and in key talent. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation.

60

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the components of non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
Non-interest Expense

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Salaries and other personnel expense
$
183,396

 
187,795

 
89,479

 
95,173

Net occupancy and equipment expense
50,550

 
52,865

 
26,383

 
26,159

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
16,420

 
27,966

 
7,941

 
13,302

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
18,441

 
43,680

 
7,502

 
20,708

Losses (gains) on other loans held for sale, net
79

 
(99
)
 
(86
)
 
(1,058
)
Professional fees
17,511

 
19,196

 
10,416

 
9,929

Third-party services
20,295

 
19,037

 
10,366

 
9,900

Visa indemnification charges
801

 
4,713

 
764

 
1,734

Restructuring charges
6,607

 
2,252

 
1,758

 
1,393

Other operating expenses
49,372

 
53,994

 
26,663

 
31,024

Total non-interest expense
$
363,472

 
411,399

 
181,186

 
208,264

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total employees were 4,753 at June 30, 2013, down 398, or 7.7%, from 5,151 employees at June 30, 2012. Salaries and other personnel expenses decreased $4.4 million, or 2.3% and decreased $5.7 million, or 6.0% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012 primarily due to the decrease in headcount, but partially offset by increases in employee insurance costs.
Net occupancy and equipment expense declined $2.3 million, or 4.4% and increased $224 thousand, or 0.9% during the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, reflecting savings realized from ongoing efficiency initiatives.
FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees decreased $11.5 million, or 41.3% and $5.4 million, or 40.3% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to a decline in the assessment rate for Synovus Bank.
Foreclosed real estate costs decreased $25.2 million or 57.8% and declined $13.2 million, or 63.8% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The decline was largely a result of lower levels of write-downs due to declines in fair value of ORE, as well as lower ORE inventory due to a reduction in the level of foreclosures. For further discussion of foreclosed real estate, see the section captioned “Other Real Estate” of this Report.
During the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, Synovus recognized Visa indemnification charges of $801 thousand and $763 thousand, respectively, which are related to Synovus' obligations as a member of the Visa USA network.
Restructuring charges of $6.6 million and $1.8 million recognized during the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, primarily consist of severance charges. For further explanation of restructuring charges, see "Note 4 - Restructuring Charges" of this Report for further discussion.

61

Table of Contents

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $44.3 million and $27.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 compared to an income tax benefit of $2.2 million and $2.1 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2012. The income tax impact for the six and three months ended June 30, 2012 was minimal because the Company recognized reductions to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which offset current tax expense. Following the reversal of substantially all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company expects to record income tax expense during 2013 at an effective tax rate of approximately 37%. The actual effective income tax rate in future periods could be affected by items that are infrequent in nature, such as new legislation and changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
At June 30, 2013, the net deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, was $789.5 million compared to $806.4 million at December 31, 2012. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases, including operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. 
Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all positive and negative evidence. At June 30, 2013, Synovus is in a three-year cumulative loss position (defined as a pre-tax loss for the three year period ended June 30, 2013; and amounting to $249.0 million), which represents negative evidence. Management currently forecasts that it will likely no longer be in a three-year cumulative loss position at September 30, 2013. Based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence at June 30, 2013, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $789.5 million of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income.  If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, the valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' financial condition or results of operations.
Synovus expects to realize the $789.5 million net deferred tax asset well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At June 30, 2013, $209.3 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration date. Approximately $485.5 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses, which will expire in installments annually beginning in 2028 through 2032. Additionally, $67 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which expire in years beginning in 2013 through 2032. Tax credit carryforwards at June 30, 2013 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $20.3 million, which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at June 30, 2013 total $27.5 million and will expire in annual installments beginning in 2013 through 2033.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contains provisions that limit the utilization of NOL carryovers if there has been an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the IRC. In general, this would occur if ownership of common stock held by one or more 5% shareholders increased by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest pre-change ownership within a three year period. If Synovus experiences such an ownership change, the utilization of pre-change NOLs to reduce future federal income tax obligations could be limited. To reduce the likelihood of such an ownership change, Synovus adopted a Rights Plan in 2010 that was ratified by Synovus shareholders in 2011. The Rights Plan, as amended on April 24, 2013, will expire on April 28, 2016. 
CREDIT QUALITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Credit Quality
Synovus continuously monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio and maintains an allowance for loan losses that management believes is sufficient to absorb probable losses inherent in its loan portfolio. Credit quality measures continued to show strong improvement during the second quarter of 2013.
The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
Credit Quality Metrics
As of and for the Three Months Ended,
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
Provision for loan losses
$
13,077

 
35,696

 
146,526

 
63,572

 
44,222

Other credit costs
10,887

 
13,595

 
39,236

 
22,046

 
26,119

Total credit costs
$
23,964

 
49,291

 
185,762

 
85,618

 
70,341

Non-performing loans    
483,464

 
513,227

 
543,333

 
700,204

 
755,161

Impaired loans held for sale(1)    
12,083

 
9,129

 
9,455

 
10,019

 
31,306

Other real estate
139,653

 
155,237

 
150,271

 
189,182

 
174,941

 Non-performing assets    
$
635,200

 
677,593

 
703,059

 
899,405

 
961,408

Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
2.47
%
 
2.65
%
 
2.78

 
3.55

 
3.84

Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE
3.21
%
 
3.47

 
3.57

 
4.51

 
4.83

NPL inflows
$
66,860

 
83,901

 
262,708

 
114,805

 
124,305

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
4,595

 
5,799

 
6,811

 
8,972

 
5,863

As a % of total loans
0.02
%
 
0.03

 
0.03

 
0.05

 
0.03

Total past due loans and still accruing
$
80,678

 
88,330

 
104,825

 
108,633

 
91,962

As a % of total loans
0.41
%
 
0.46

 
0.54

 
0.55

 
0.47

Net charge-offs
$
29,969

 
57,329

 
193,525

 
96,493

 
98,691

Net charge-offs/average loans
0.61
%
 
1.18

 
3.94

 
1.97

 
1.99

Allowance for loan losses
$
334,880

 
351,772

 
373,405

 
420,404

 
453,325

Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans
1.71
%
 
1.82

 
1.91

 
2.13

 
2.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represent only impaired loans that have been specifically identified to be sold. Impaired loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell, based primarily on estimated sales proceeds net of selling costs.

62

Table of Contents

Total credit costs
Total credit costs (provision for loan losses plus other credit costs which consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net, provision for losses on unfunded commitments, and charges related to other loans held for sale) for the quarters ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012 were $24.0 million and $70.3 million, respectively, including provision for loan losses of $13.1 million and $44.2 million, respectively, and expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $7.5 million and $20.7 million, respectively. Total credit costs improved 51.4% on a sequential quarter basis and declined 65.9% from the second quarter of 2012, driven by a 70.4% decrease in provision for loan losses.
Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $635.2 million at June 30, 2013, a $42.4 million decrease from March 31, 2013 and a $326.2 million or 33.9% decrease from $961.4 million at June 30, 2012. The year-over-year and sequential quarter declines in non-performing assets were primarily driven by asset dispositions and lower NPL inflows. Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans, other loans held for sale, and other real estate were 3.21% at June 30, 2013 compared to 3.47% at March 31, 2013, and 4.83% at June 30, 2012. Management currently expects that NPAs and NPLs will continue on an overall downward trend.
During the recent credit crisis, the residential construction and development and land acquisition portfolio experienced a higher level of NPLs and losses than any other loan category. From 2008 through June 2013, this portfolio had $2.10 billion in losses, which was approximately 47% of all losses during this period of time. The exposure from this portfolio has declined significantly as the performing loans in this portfolio have decreased over 84% from a peak of $5.88 billion, or 22% of total performing loans at the end of 2007 to $910.0 million or 5% of total performing loans at June 30, 2013. NPLs in this portfolio have also decreased $623.5 million or 77.3% from a peak of $806.2 million at September 30, 2009 to $182.8 million at June 30, 2013. Synovus is generally not actively seeking to originate these types of loans, and is continuing to closely monitor and reduce the remaining exposure in this portfolio.
The table below presents the composition of total residential C&D and land acquisition loans by state at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Composition of Residential C&D and Land Acquisition Loans by State(1)
 
June 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
Non-performing Loans
 
Performing Loans
 
Total Loans
Georgia(2)
$
144,849

 
$
492,978

 
$
637,827

Florida
22,550

 
137,235

 
159,785

South Carolina
7,716

 
148,414

 
156,130

Tennessee
2,356

 
14,959

 
17,315

Alabama
5,305

 
116,381

 
121,686

Total Residential C&D and Land Acquisition Loans
$
182,776

 
$
909,967

 
$
1,092,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Non-performing Loans
 
Performing Loans
 
Total Loans
Georgia(3)
$
188,699

 
$
512,064

 
$
700,763

Florida
20,165

 
148,993

 
169,158

South Carolina
10,573

 
146,644

 
157,217

Tennessee
892

 
21,059

 
21,951

Alabama
16,740

 
141,703

 
158,443

Total Residential C&D and Land Acquisition Loans
$
237,069

 
$
970,463

 
$
1,207,532

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Loans are grouped based on where the loans were originated.
(2) Atlanta represents $237.7 million of total residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, $212.0 million of performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, and $25.7 million of non-performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans.
(3) Atlanta represents $253.8 million of total residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, $222.1 million of performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, and $31.7 million of non-performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans.
NPL inflows during the second quarter of 2013 were $66.9 million, down $57.4 million or 46.2% from the second quarter of 2012 additions of $124.3 million. Management currently expects NPL inflows to continue on an overall downward trend.

63

Table of Contents

NPL Inflows by Portfolio Type
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
September 30,
2012
 
June 30,
2012
Investment properties
$
13,180

 
12,058

 
79,173

 
34,414

 
36,436

1-4 family properties
17,522

 
20,350

 
17,860

 
19,811

 
19,562

Land acquisition
6,532

 
6,562

 
125,653

 
16,116

 
15,114

Total commercial real estate
37,234

 
38,970

 
222,686

 
70,341

 
71,112

Commercial and industrial
15,053

 
20,460

 
21,559

 
25,062

 
34,008

Retail
14,573

 
24,471

 
18,463

 
19,402

 
19,185

Total NPL inflows
$
66,860

 
83,901

 
262,708

 
114,805

 
124,305

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Past Due Loans
Loans past due 90 days or more, which based on a determination of collectability are accruing interest, are classified as past due loans. Synovus' policy prohibits making additional loans to a borrower, or any related interest of a borrower, who is on non-accrual status except under certain workout plans and if such extension of credit aids with loss mitigation. Additionally, Synovus' policy discourages making additional loans to a borrower, or any related interest of the borrower, who has a loan that is past due as to principal or interest for more than 90 days and remains on accruing status.
As a percentage of total loans outstanding, loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest continue to be at very low levels and were 0.02% and 0.03% at June 30, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively. These loans are in the process of collection, and management believes that sufficient collateral value securing these loans exists to cover contractual interest and principal payments.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
When borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, Synovus may, in order to assist the borrowers in repaying the principal and interest owed to Synovus, make certain modifications to the borrower's loan. All loan modifications and renewals are evaluated for troubled debt restructuring (TDR) classification. In accordance with ASU 2011-02, A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring, issued in April 2011, a TDR is defined as a modification with a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulties when Synovus has granted a financial concession that it would not normally make. The market rate concept in ASU 2011-02 states that if a borrower does not otherwise have access to funds at a market interest rates for debt with characteristics similar to those of the restructured debt, the restructuring would be considered to be at a below-market rate, which indicates that the lender may have granted a concession. Since Synovus often increases or maintains the interest rate upon renewal of a commercial loan, including renewals of loans involving borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, the market rate concept has become a significant factor in determining if a loan is classified as a TDR. All TDRs are considered to be impaired loans, and the amount of impairment, if any, is determined in accordance with ASC 310-10-35, Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-an amendment of ASC 450-20 and ASC 310-40.
Concessions provided by Synovus in a TDR are generally made in order to assist borrowers so that debt service is not interrupted and to mitigate the potential for loan losses. A number of factors are reviewed when a loan is renewed, refinanced, or modified, including cash flows, collateral values, guarantees, and loan structures. Concessions are primarily in the form of either providing a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk to assist the borrower in managing cash flows, or an extension of the maturity of the loan generally for less than one year, or a period of time generally less than one year with a reduction of required principal and/or interest payments (e.g., interest only for a period of time). These types of concessions may be made during the term of a loan or upon the maturity of a loan, as a loan renewal. Multiple types of concessions may be granted concurrent with the restructuring. Renewals of loans made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties are evaluated for TDR designation by determining if concessions are being granted, including consideration of whether the renewed loan has an interest rate that is at market, given the credit risk related to the loan. Insignificant periods of reduction of principal and/or interest payments, or one time deferrals of three months or less, are generally not considered to be financial concessions. Further, it is generally Synovus' practice not to defer principal and/or interest for more than twelve months.
Since 2009, for consumer mortgage borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that evidence that current monthly payments are unsustainable, Synovus has been providing through its consumer real estate HAP, a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk and/or an extension of the maturity and amortization period beyond loan policy limits for renewed loans. All consumer loans restructured or modified under HAP are TDRs. As of June 30, 2013, there were $30.5 million in accruing TDRs that were part of the HAP program.
Non-accruing TDRs may generally be returned to accrual status if the loan is amortizing and there has been a period of performance, usually at least a six month sustained period of repayment performance (principal and interest) by the borrower. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR will generally no longer be reported as a TDR after a period of performance and after

64

Table of Contents

the loan has been reported as a TDR at a year-end reporting date, and if at the time of the modification, the interest rate was at market, considering the credit risk associated with the borrower.
Accruing TDRs were $635.1 million at June 30, 2013, compared to $623.9 million at March 31, 2013 and $687.4 million at June 30, 2012. At June 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these accruing TDRs was $39.3 million compared to $38.9 million at March 31, 2013 and $41.4 million at December 31, 2012. Accruing TDRs are considered performing because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. At June 30, 2013, 99% of accruing TDRs were current, and 57.4% or $364.4 million of accruing TDRs were graded as Pass (18.1%) or Special Mention (39.3%) loans. At June 30, 2013, troubled debt restructurings (accruing and non-accruing) were $705.1 million, a decrease of $16.4 million compared to March 31, 2013.
Accruing TDRs by Risk Grade
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Pass
$
114,721

 
18.1
%
 
$
145,435

 
21.6
%
Special Mention
249,632

 
39.3

 
248,661

 
36.9

Substandard accruing
270,772

 
42.6

 
279,287

 
41.5

  Total accruing TDRs
$
635,125

 
100.0
%
 
$
673,383

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing TDRs Aging and Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Class
 
June 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
167,450

 
2,995

 

 
170,445

 
8,003

1-4 family properties
104,612

 
870

 

 
105,482

 
9,136

Land acquisition
87,503

 

 

 
87,503

 
7,044

Total commercial real estate
359,565

 
3,865

 

 
363,430

 
24,183

Commercial and industrial
209,664

 
947

 

 
210,611

 
13,656

Home equity lines
2,972

 

 

 
2,972

 
185

Consumer mortgages
48,743

 
1,146

 
153

 
50,042

 
947

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Small business
3,842

 

 

 
3,842

 
223

Other retail loans
3,794

 
434

 

 
4,228

 
65

Total retail
59,351

 
1,580

 
153

 
61,084

 
1,420

Total accruing TDRs
$
628,580

 
6,392

 
153

 
635,125

 
39,259

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
179,832

 
1,230

 

 
181,062

 
10,721

1-4 family properties
107,813

 
336

 

 
108,149

 
10,329

Land acquisition
82,234

 
1,557

 

 
83,791

 
5,949

Total commercial real estate
369,879

 
3,123

 

 
373,002

 
26,999

Commercial and industrial
231,708

 
3,079

 

 
234,787

 
13,018

Home equity lines
8,696

 

 

 
8,696

 
195

Consumer mortgages
48,492

 
1,769

 

 
50,261

 
880

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Small business
2,647

 
686

 

 
3,333

 
184

Other retail loans
2,994

 
310

 

 
3,304

 
74

Total retail
62,829

 
2,765

 

 
65,594

 
1,333

Total accruing TDRs
$
664,416

 
8,967

 

 
673,383

 
41,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

65

Table of Contents

Non-accruing TDRs by Type
 
 
 
(in thousands)
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Investment properties
$
15,271

 
11,812

1-4 family properties
18,302

 
26,084

Land acquisition
13,029

 
31,573

  Total commercial real estate
46,602

 
69,469

 Commercial and industrial
18,001

 
19,053

Home equity lines
978

 
992

Consumer mortgages
3,762

 
3,436

Small business
434

 
1,062

Other retail loans
212

 
383

Total retail
5,386

 
5,873

Total non-accruing TDRs
$
69,989

 
94,395

 
 
 
 
Potential Problem Loans
Potential problem loans are defined by management as being certain performing loans with a well-defined weakness where there is known information about possible credit problems of borrowers which causes management to have concerns about the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present repayment terms of such loans. Potential problem commercial loans consist of commercial Substandard accruing loans but exclude loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest and accruing TDRs classified as Substandard. Synovus had $325.8 million of potential problem commercial loans at June 30, 2013 compared to $374.3 million and $669.2 million at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively. At June 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these potential problem loans was $30.8 million compared to $36.1 million and $81.2 million at March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively. Synovus cannot predict at this time whether these potential problem loans ultimately will become non-performing loans or result in losses.
Net Charge-offs
The year-to-date annualized net charge-off ratio is now below 1% which is the lowest level since the first quarter of 2008. Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were $87.3 million, or 0.90% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $106.1 million or 54.9% compared to $193.4 million or 1.94% as a percentage of average loans annualized for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The decline in net charge-offs was driven by a decline in NPL inflows, better realization rates on loan dispositions, lower impairment charge-offs on existing collateral dependent impaired loans, and a larger volume of recoveries. Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2013 were $30.0 million or 0.61% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $68.7 million or 69.6% compared to $98.7 million or 1.99% as a percentage of average loans annualized for the three months ended June 30, 2012. Management generally expects the year-to-date annualized net charge-off ratio to be below 1% for the second half of 2013.
The following tables show net charge-offs by loan type for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
Net Charge-offs by Loan Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Investment properties
$
22,773

 
30,409

 
10,020

 
12,942

1-4 family properties
10,207

 
31,612

 
7,204

 
15,288

Land for future development
22,276

 
40,287

 
5,358

 
26,121

Total commercial real estate
55,256

 
102,308

 
22,582

 
54,351

Commercial and industrial
12,562

 
67,689

 
(77
)
 
33,885

Retail
19,480

 
23,443

 
7,464

 
10,455

Total net charge-offs
$
87,298

 
193,440

 
29,969

 
98,691

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

66

Table of Contents

Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses was $48.8 million, a decrease of $61.5 million or 55.8% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses was $13.1 million, a decrease of $31.1 million or 70.4% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2012.The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 was primarily a result of continued improvement in credit quality trends, including:
Reduced net loan charge-offs by $106.1 million or 54.9% from $193.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 to $87.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013;
Reduced NPL inflows by $57.4 million or 46.2% from $124.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 to $66.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013;
Reduced loans rated Special Mention by $608.0 million or 36.8% from $1.65 billion at June 30, 2012 to $1.04 billion at June 30, 2013;
Reduced loans rated Substandard accruing by $458.0 million or 42.9% from $1.07 billion at June 30, 2012 to $609.4 million at June 30, 2013; and
Pass rated loans as a percentage of total loans were 89.1% at June 30, 2013 compared to 82.3% at June 30, 2012.
The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2013 was $334.9 million or 1.71% of total loans compared to $373.4 million or 1.91% of total loans at December 31, 2012 and $453.3 million or 2.30% of total loans at June 30, 2012. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses is primarily due to continued improvement in credit quality trends, which includes reduced NPL inflows, NPLs and net charge-offs, as well as improved risk grade migration trends and stabilizing fair values of collateral.  
A substantial number of Synovus' loans are secured by real estate located in five southeastern states (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial part of Synovus' loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas. Based on current information and market conditions, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

67

Table of Contents

Capital Resources
Synovus has always placed great emphasis on maintaining a solid capital base and continues to satisfy applicable regulatory capital requirements. Management is committed to maintaining a capital level sufficient to assure shareholders, customers, and regulators that Synovus is financially sound.
The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Capital Ratios
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)    
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Tier 1 capital(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
$
2,904,985

 
2,832,244

Synovus Bank
3,314,609

 
3,173,530

Tier 1 common equity(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
1,932,260

 
1,864,917

Total risk-based capital
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
3,445,161

 
3,460,998

Synovus Bank
$
3,583,787

 
3,441,364

Tier 1 capital ratio(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
13.49
%
 
13.24

Synovus Bank
15.44

 
14.88

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
8.97

 
8.72

Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
15.99

 
16.18

Synovus Bank
16.70

 
16.14

Leverage ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
11.33

 
11.00

Synovus Bank
12.99

 
12.41

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
9.71
%
 
9.66

 
 
 
 
(1) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
As a financial holding company, Synovus and its subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, are required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution as defined by federal banking regulations. The capital measures used by the federal banking regulators include the total risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and the leverage ratio. Synovus Bank is a state-chartered bank under the regulations of the GA DBF. Under applicable regulations, Synovus Bank is well-capitalized if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive from a federal and/or state banking regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. However, even if Synovus Bank satisfies all applicable quantitative criteria to be considered well-capitalized, the regulations also establish procedures for “downgrading” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Management believes that, as of June 30, 2013, Synovus and Synovus Bank meet all capital requirements to which they are subject. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
There are limitations on the inclusion of deferred tax assets for regulatory capital based on Tier 1 capital levels and projected future earnings. As of June 30, 2013, total disallowed deferred tax assets were $675.0 million or 3.13% of risk weighted assets, compared to $710.5 million or 3.32% of risk weighted assets at December 31, 2012. The DTA limitation will continue to decrease over time, thus creating additional regulatory capital in future periods. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - While we recently reversed the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets, we may not be able to realize these assets in the future and they may be subject to additional valuation allowances, which could adversely affect our operating results and regulatory capital ratios" of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
While the level of credit losses has declined significantly from the peak, with all key credit quality measures continuing to improve during the first six months of 2013, current levels of credit losses and non-performing assets remain elevated compared to historical levels as a result of an extended period of economic downturn that impacted all segments of the United States economy. The cumulative effect of these credit losses over recent years has negatively impacted Synovus' capital position. As Synovus emerges from the recent financial crisis, management continuously and actively manages capital, including forecasting and stress

68

Table of Contents

testing in line with regulatory guidance issued in May of 2012, for both expected and more adverse economic conditions, and will pursue additional strategies designed to bolster its capital position when and as deemed necessary. If credit losses exceed management's current expectations, they could adversely impact Synovus' capital ratios.
As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus' Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus Bank entered into the Synovus Bank MOU. The FDIC and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus Bank MOU effective as of May 29, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus Bank’s Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity.
On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve released final United States Basel III regulatory capital rules implementing the global regulatory capital reforms of Basel III and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The FDIC and OCC subsequently approved the final rule on July 9, 2013. The rule applies to all banking organizations that are currently subject to regulatory capital requirements as well as certain savings and loan holding companies.  The rule strengthens the definition of regulatory capital, increases risk-based capital requirements, and makes selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The rule becomes effective January 1, 2015, for most banking organizations, subject to a transition period for several aspects of the rule, including the new minimum capital ratio requirements, the capital conservation buffer, and the regulatory capital adjustments and deductions. Based on preliminary estimates, Synovus does not anticipate a significant impact to regulatory capital or regulatory capital ratios from the final rule.
Management currently believes, based on internal capital analyses and earnings projections, that Synovus' capital position including the following capital actions described below is adequate to meet current and future regulatory minimum capital requirements. However, Synovus continues to actively monitor economic conditions, evolving industry capital standards, and changes in regulatory standards and requirements, and engages in regular discussions with its regulators regarding capital at both Synovus and Synovus Bank.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Offerings
On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 59,870,550 shares of its Common Stock at $3.09 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $175 million.
On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share).  The offering generated net proceeds of approximately $125 million. From the date of issuance to, but excluding, August 1, 2018, the rate for declared dividends is 7.875% per annum.  From and including August 1, 2018, the dividend rate will change to a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
Redemption of TARP Preferred Stock
On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. Over two-thirds of the TARP redemption was funded by internally available funds. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from the equity offerings completed in July 2013, described above.
In connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, which will result in a $5.1 million reduction in net income available to common shareholders for the three months ending September 30, 2013.
The U.S. Treasury continues to hold the Warrants, which expire on December 19, 2018. Synovus will evaluate the potential repurchase of these Warrants directly from the U.S. Treasury or through participation in a subsequent auction process, which may or may not be successful.
Dividends
Synovus has historically paid a quarterly cash dividend to the holders of its Common Stock. Management closely monitors trends and developments in credit quality, liquidity (including dividends from subsidiaries), financial markets and other economic trends, as well as regulatory requirements regarding the payment of dividends, all of which impact Synovus' capital position. Management will continue to periodically review dividend levels to determine if they are appropriate in light of these factors. Synovus' ability to pay dividends on its capital stock, including the Common Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, is partially dependent upon dividends and distributions that it receives from its bank and non- banking subsidiaries, which are restricted by various regulations administered by federal and state bank regulatory authorities, as further discussed below in the section titled "Liquidity." On July 19, 2013, Synovus received an upstream dividend of $680.0 million from Synovus Bank, which Synovus utilized to redeem its $967.9 million of Series A Preferred Stock on July 26, 2013. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from

69

Table of Contents

Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality and overall financial condition.
    As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013. The Synovus MOU has been replaced with a resolution adopted by Synovus' Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. Synovus is required to inform and consult with the applicable regulatory agencies in advance of declaring or paying any future dividends on its capital stock, including the Common Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock. The Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has in some cases discouraged payment unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.
Synovus declared and paid dividends of $0.02 per common share for each of the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. In addition to dividends paid on its Common Stock, Synovus paid dividends of $24.2 million to the Treasury on its Series A Preferred Stock during both the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.
Liquidity
Liquidity represents the extent to which Synovus has readily available sources of funding needed to meet the needs of depositors, borrowers and creditors, to support asset growth, and to otherwise sustain operations of Synovus and its subsidiaries, at a reasonable cost, on a timely basis, and without adverse consequences. ALCO monitors Synovus' economic, competitive, and regulatory environment and is responsible for measuring, monitoring, and reporting on liquidity and funding risk, interest rate risk, and market risk and has the authority to establish policies relative to these risks. ALCO, operating under liquidity and funding policies approved by the Board of Directors, actively analyzes contractual and anticipated cash flows in order to properly manage Synovus’ liquidity position.
Contractual and anticipated cash flows are analyzed under normal and stressed conditions to determine forward looking liquidity needs and sources. Synovus analyzes liquidity needs under various scenarios of market conditions and operating performance. This analysis includes stress testing and measures expected sources and uses of funds under each scenario. Emphasis is placed on maintaining numerous sources of current and potential liquidity to allow Synovus to meet its obligations to depositors, borrowers, and creditors on a timely basis.
Liquidity is generated primarily through maturities and repayments of loans by customers, maturities and sales of investment securities, deposit growth, and access to sources of funds other than deposits. Management continuously monitors and maintains appropriate levels of liquidity so as to provide adequate funding sources to meet estimated customer deposit withdrawals and future loan requests. Liquidity is also enhanced by the acquisition of new deposits. Each of the banking divisions monitors deposit flows and evaluates local market conditions in an effort to retain and grow deposits. Customer confidence is a critical element in growing and retaining deposits. In this regard, Synovus’ asset quality could play a larger role in the stability of the deposit base. In the event asset quality declines significantly from its current level, the ability to grow and retain deposits could be diminished, which in turn could reduce deposits as a liquidity source.
Synovus Bank also generates liquidity through the national deposit markets. Synovus Bank issues longer-term certificates of deposit across a broad geographic base to increase its liquidity and funding position. Access to these deposits could become more limited if Synovus Bank’s asset quality and financial performance were to significantly deteriorate. Synovus Bank has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB System. At June 30, 2013, Synovus Bank had access to incremental funding, subject to available collateral and FHLB credit policies, through utilization of FHLB advances.
In addition to bank level liquidity management, Synovus must manage liquidity at the Parent Company for various operating needs including potential capital infusions into subsidiaries, the servicing of debt, the payment of dividends on our Common Stock and Preferred Stock, and payment of general corporate expenses. The primary source of liquidity for Synovus consists of dividends from Synovus Bank which is governed by certain rules and regulations of the GA DBF and FDIC. Dividends from Synovus Bank in 2010 were $43.9 million. During 2012 and 2011, Synovus Bank did not pay dividends to the Parent Company. On July 19, 2013, the Parent Company received a $680.0 million dividend from Synovus Bank, which Synovus utilized to redeem its $967.9 million of Series A Preferred Stock on July 26, 2013. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality and overall condition. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
In 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF have terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus’ Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. In 2010, Synovus Bank entered into the Synovus Bank MOU with the GA DBF and the FDIC. Pursuant to

70

Table of Contents

the terms of the Synovus Bank MOU, Synovus Bank cannot pay any cash dividends without the approval of the FDIC and the Georgia Commissioner. The FDIC and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus Bank MOU effective as of May 29, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus Bank’s Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity.
On February 13, 2012, Synovus issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Senior Notes in a public offering for aggregate proceeds of $292.6 million, net of discount and debt issuance costs. Concurrent with this offering, Synovus announced a Tender Offer for any and all of its 2013 Notes, with a total principal amount outstanding of $206.8 million. An aggregate principal amount of $146.1 million of the 2013 Notes, representing 71% of the outstanding principal amount, were tendered in the Tender Offer. Synovus paid total consideration of $146.1 million for these notes, which was funded from a portion of the net proceeds of the 2019 Senior Notes.
Synovus has historically enjoyed a solid reputation in the capital markets and in the past few years has accessed the capital and debt markets to provide needed liquidity resources, including its public offerings completed in September 2009, May 2010 and February 2012. Also refer to Note 16 - Subsequent Events for a description of public offerings completed in the third quarter of 2013. Despite the success of these public offerings, there can be no assurance that Synovus will be able to obtain additional new borrowings or issue additional equity on favorable terms, if at all. See "Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our status as a non-investment grade issuer and any further reductions in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from the capital markets and impact our liquidity” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs through the near future. However, if economic conditions were to significantly deteriorate, regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or Synovus Bank increase as the result of regulatory directives or otherwise, or Synovus believes it is prudent to enhance current liquidity levels, then Synovus may seek additional liquidity from external sources. See "Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors - Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results" of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average total assets for six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased $500.7 million, or 1.9%, to $26.32 billion as compared to $26.82 billion for the first six months of 2012. Average earning assets decreased $1.10 billion, or 4.4%, in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 and represented 90.6% of average total assets at June 30, 2013, as compared to 93.0% at June 30, 2012. The reduction in average earning assets resulted from a $548.9 million decrease in average taxable investment securities, a $285.3 million reduction in average interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank, and a $275.9 million net decrease in average loans, net. Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $946.9 million, or 5.2%, to $17.26 billion for the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease in funding sources utilized to support earning assets was driven by a $1.19 billion decrease in average interest bearing deposits and a $122.2 million decrease in average federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These reductions were partially offset by a $369.3 million increase in average long-term debt.
Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $401.9 million, a decrease of $32.4 million, or 7.47%, compared to $434.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012.
The net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was 3.41%, down 11 bps from 3.52%, for the six months ended June 30, 2012. Earning asset yields decreased by 26 bps compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012 while the effective cost of funds decreased by 15 bps. The primary factors negatively impacting earning asset yields were a 44 bps decrease in the yield on taxable investment securities and a 33 bps decline in loan yields. The investment yield decrease was due to significantly lower yields available for the reinvestment of maturing higher yielding securities. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward pricing of maturing and prepaid loans. Earning asset yields were positively impacted by the reduction in low yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing certificates of deposit and a decrease in the effective cost of core money market deposits. As compared to the six months ended June 30, 2012, core certificates of deposit declined by 37 bps and core money market deposits declined by 12 bps. See reconciliation of core deposits in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income decreased by $2.2 million and the net interest margin decreased by 4 bps to 3.39%. Yields on earning assets decreased 7 bps and the effective cost of funds decreased by 3 bps. Yields on earning assets were negatively impacted by a 9 bps decrease in loan yields which was partially offset by a 28 bps increase in taxable investment security yields. Earning asset yields were also negatively affected by a higher average balance of low-yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. Investment yields were positively impacted by a lower level of mortgage security prepayments and a decrease in purchased premium amortization. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by downward repricing of core and brokered time deposits.

71

Table of Contents

Current expectations are for the net interest margin to remain stable for the second half of 2013. This expectation is based on a reduction in low-yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve offsetting further modest declines in loan yields.


72

Table of Contents

Quarterly yields earned on average interest-earning assets and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the five most recent quarters are presented below.
Average Balances, Interest, and Yields
2013
 
2012
(dollars in thousands) (yields and rates annualized)
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities (1)
$
3,034,152

 
2,984,129

 
3,069,000

 
3,495,838

 
3,539,376

Yield
1.70
%
 
1.42

 
1.62

 
1.67

 
2.10

Tax-exempt investment securities(1)(3)
$
11,435

 
14,362

 
17,377

 
19,503

 
21,408

Yield (taxable equivalent) (3)
6.47
%
 
6.34

 
6.59

 
6.47

 
6.40

Trading account assets
$
7,847

 
8,629

 
9,600

 
12,343

 
13,647

Yield
6.34
%
 
7.12

 
8.04

 
8.27

 
6.93

Commercial loans(2)(3)
$
15,515,117

 
15,464,065

 
15,692,588

 
15,691,881

 
15,941,719

Yield
4.36
%
 
4.46

 
4.48

 
4.63

 
4.67

Consumer loans(2)
$
4,015,589

 
3,997,557

 
3,992,986

 
3,940,000

 
3,896,941

Yield
4.68
%
 
4.73

 
4.77

 
4.80

 
4.87

Allowance for loan losses
$
(351,075
)
 
(372,239
)
 
(405,237
)
 
(446,495
)
 
(498,419
)
Loans, net (2)
$
19,179,631

 
19,089,383

 
19,280,337

 
19,185,386

 
19,340,241

Yield
4.52
%
 
4.54

 
4.65

 
4.79

 
4.85

Mortgage loans held for sale
$
129,742

 
179,507

 
208,839

 
175,199

 
90,499

Yield
4.35
%
 
3.80

 
3.72

 
4.03

 
4.99

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
$
1,550,113

 
1,343,652

 
1,366,422

 
1,215,743

 
1,668,814

Yield
0.24
%
 
0.24

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
0.24

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock (4)
$
65,014

 
65,330

 
66,630

 
53,239

 
63,665

Yield
2.35
%
 
2.36

 
2.03

 
1.87

 
1.85

Total interest earning assets
$23,977,934
 
23,684,992

 
24,018,205

 
24,157,251

 
24,737,650

Yield
3.88
%
 
3.95

 
3.99

 
4.09

 
4.14

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
3,895,675

 
3,839,707

 
3,872,025

 
3,344,561

 
3,404,540

Rate
0.18
%
 
0.18

 
0.18

 
0.19

 
0.22

Money Market accounts
$
6,072,155

 
6,135,649

 
6,251,374

 
6,751,607

 
6,769,037

Rate
0.33
%
 
0.33

 
0.33

 
0.33

 
0.42

Savings deposits
$
609,832

 
581,792

 
558,726

 
557,086

 
557,149

Rate
0.11
%
 
0.11

 
0.10

 
0.10

 
0.11

Time deposits under $100,000
$
1,537,639

 
1,581,092

 
1,648,554

 
1,763,864

 
1,868,348

Rate
0.64
%
 
0.69

 
0.74

 
0.85

 
0.97

Time deposits over $100,000
$
1,891,623

 
1,958,870

 
2,015,582

 
2,176,488

 
2,336,496

Rate
0.88
%
 
0.93

 
0.99

 
1.11

 
1.23

Brokered money market accounts
$
202,532

 
202,734

 
180,216

 
186,336

 
222,916

Rate
0.31
%
 
0.32

 
0.34

 
0.33

 
0.33

Brokered time deposits
$
1,131,444

 
1,013,461

 
800,434

 
820,908

 
1,036,521

Rate
0.77
%
 
0.99

 
1.42

 
1.83

 
1.94

Total interest bearing deposits
$
15,340,900

 
15,313,305

 
15,326,911

 
15,600,850

 
16,195,007

Rate
0.42
%
 
0.44

 
0.47

 
0.54

 
0.64

Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities
$
206,046

 
214,661

 
266,431

 
350,183

 
368,984

Rate
0.15
%
 
0.17

 
0.17

 
0.17

 
0.18

Long-term debt
$
1,762,173

 
1,688,580

 
1,740,588

 
1,372,741

 
1,326,239

Rate
3.06
%
 
3.26

 
3.31

 
4.09

 
4.34

Total interest bearing liabilities
$
17,309,119

 
17,216,546

 
17,333,930

 
17,323,774

 
17,890,230

Rate
0.68
%
 
0.72

 
0.75

 
0.81

 
0.91

Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,327,795

 
5,232,587

 
5,466,312

 
5,560,827

 
5,606,352


73

Table of Contents

Effective cost of funds
0.49
%
 
0.52

 
0.54

 
0.58

 
0.66

Net interest margin
3.39
%
 
3.43

 
3.45

 
3.51

 
3.48

Taxable equivalent adjustment (3)
$
557

 
618

 
766

 
761

 
780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Excludes net unrealized gains and (losses).
(2) Average loans are shown net of deferred fees and costs. Non-performing loans are included.
(3) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-equivalent basis.
(4)Included as a component of Other Assets on the balance sheet.

74

Table of Contents

Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
The following tables set forth the major components of net interest income and the related annualized yields and rates for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, as well as the variances between the periods caused by changes in interest rates versus changes in volume.
Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2013 Compared to 2012
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,009,278

 
3,558,201

 
$
23,448

 
39,428

 
1.56
%
 
2.22
%
 
$
(6,043
)
 
(9,937
)
 
$
(15,980
)
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
12,891

 
22,484

 
413

 
717

 
6.40

 
6.38

 
(303
)
 
(1
)
 
(304
)
Total investment securities
3,022,169

 
3,580,685

 
23,861

 
40,145

 
1.58

 
2.24

 
(6,346
)
 
(9,938
)
 
(16,284
)
Trading account assets
8,236

 
14,311

 
278

 
515

 
6.75

 
7.19

 
(217
)
 
(20
)
 
(237
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
19,378,274

 
19,779,413

 
430,359

 
468,400

 
4.48

 
4.76

 
(9,469
)
 
(28,572
)
 
(38,041
)
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
118,081

 
145,266

 
2,949

 
3,805

 
5.04

 
5.27

 
(711
)
 
(145
)
 
(856
)
Allowance for loan losses
(361,599
)
 
(514,044
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
19,134,756

 
19,410,635

 
433,308

 
472,205

 
4.57

 
4.90

 
(10,180
)
 
(28,717
)
 
(38,897
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
154,487

 
101,270

 
3,118

 
2,496

 
4.04

 
4.93

 
1,301

 
(680
)
 
621

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
1,447,452

 
1,749,556

 
1,746

 
2,109

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
(360
)
 
(3
)
 
(363
)
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
65,171

 
70,882

 
767

 
572

 
2.35

 
1.62

 
(46
)
 
241

 
195

Total interest earning assets
$
23,832,271

 
24,927,339

 
$
463,078

 
518,042

 
3.92
%
 
4.18
%
 
$
(15,848
)
 
(39,117
)
 
$
(54,965
)
Cash and due from banks
443,021

 
451,879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
478,636

 
482,697

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
151,776

 
207,062

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,409,387

 
746,791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,315,091

 
26,815,768

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,867,846

 
3,472,433

 
$
3,515

 
4,099

 
0.18
%
 
0.24
%
 
$
471

 
(1,055
)
 
$
(584
)
Money market accounts
6,306,359

 
6,985,418

 
10,342

 
15,599

 
0.33

 
0.45

 
(1,515
)
 
(3,742
)
 
(5,257
)
Savings deposits
595,889

 
545,633

 
312

 
307

 
0.11

 
0.11

 
27

 
(22
)
 
5

Time deposits
4,557,085

 
5,517,681

 
18,441

 
36,380

 
0.82

 
1.33

 
(6,335
)
 
(11,604
)
 
(17,939
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
210,330

 
332,501

 
170

 
350

 
0.16

 
0.21

 
(127
)
 
(53
)
 
(180
)
Long-term debt
1,725,580

 
1,356,282

 
27,232

 
25,413

 
3.16

 
3.75

 
6,868

 
(5,048
)
 
1,820

Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,263,089

 
18,209,948

 
$
60,012

 
82,148

 
0.70

 
0.91

 
$
(611
)
 
(21,524
)
 
$
(22,135
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,280,454

 
5,502,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
194,746

 
247,638

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
3,576,803

 
2,856,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,315,092

 
26,815,768

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
403,066

 
435,894

 
3.41
%
 
3.52
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
1,175

 
1,578

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 


 
$
401,891

 
434,316

 
 
 
 
 
$
(15,237
)
 
(17,593
)
 
$
(32,830
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2013 - $11.7 million, 2012 - $8.9 million.
(2) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-
equivalent basis.
(3) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $40.2 million and $68.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and
2012, respectively.


75

Table of Contents

The following tables set forth the major components of net interest income and the related annualized yields and rates for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, as well as the variances between the periods caused by changes in interest rates versus changes in volume.
Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2013 Compared to 2012
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,034,152

 
3,539,376

 
$
12,865

 
18,570

 
1.70
%
 
2.10
%
 
$
(2,645
)
 
(3,060
)
 
$
(5,705
)
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
11,435

 
21,408

 
185

 
343

 
6.47

 
6.40

 
(159
)
 
1

 
(158
)
Total investment securities
3,045,587

 
3,560,784

 
13,050

 
18,913

 
1.71

 
2.12

 
(2,804
)
 
(3,059
)
 
(5,863
)
Trading account assets
7,847

 
13,647

 
124

 
236

 
6.34

 
6.93

 
(100
)
 
(12
)
 
(112
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
19,417,645

 
19,694,249

 
214,761

 
231,118

 
4.44

 
4.71

 
(3,248
)
 
(13,109
)
 
(16,357
)
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
113,061

 
144,411

 
1,407

 
1,893

 
4.99

 
5.27

 
(412
)
 
(74
)
 
(486
)
Allowance for loan losses
(351,075
)
 
(498,419
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
19,179,631

 
19,340,241

 
216,168

 
233,011

 
4.52

 
4.85

 
(3,660
)
 
(13,183
)
 
(16,843
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
129,742

 
90,499

 
1,411

 
1,129

 
4.35

 
4.99

 
488

 
(207
)
 
281

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
1,550,113

 
1,668,814

 
933

 
1,006

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
(71
)
 
(2
)
 
(73
)
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
65,014

 
63,665

 
383

 
294

 
2.35

 
1.85

 
6

 
83

 
89

Total interest earning assets
$
23,977,934

 
24,737,650

 
$
232,069

 
254,589

 
3.88
%
 
4.14
%
 
$
(6,141
)
 
(16,380
)
 
$
(22,521
)
Cash and due from banks
428,104

 
447,106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
477,916

 
479,423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
153,232

 
200,533

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,377,637

 
730,704

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,414,823

 
26,595,416

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,895,675

 
3,404,540

 
$
1,786

 
1,890

 
0.18
%
 
0.22
%
 
$
269

 
(373
)
 
$
(104
)
Money market accounts
6,274,687

 
6,991,953

 
5,163

 
7,255

 
0.33

 
0.42

 
(751
)
 
(1,341
)
 
(2,092
)
Savings deposits
609,832

 
557,149

 
160

 
151

 
0.11

 
0.11

 
14

 
(5
)
 
9

Time deposits
4,560,706

 
5,241,365

 
8,784

 
16,601

 
0.77

 
1.27

 
(2,155
)
 
(5,662
)
 
(7,817
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
206,046

 
368,984

 
80

 
170

 
0.15

 
0.18

 
(73
)
 
(17
)
 
(90
)
Long-term debt
1,762,173

 
1,326,239

 
13,462

 
14,386

 
3.06

 
4.34

 
4,717

 
(5,641
)
 
(924
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,309,119

 
17,890,230

 
$
29,435

 
40,453

 
0.68

 
0.91

 
$
2,021

 
(13,039
)
 
$
(11,018
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,327,795

 
5,606,352

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
197,006

 
244,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
3,580,903

 
2,854,396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,414,823

 
26,595,416

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
202,634

 
214,136

 
3.39
%
 
3.48
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
557

 
780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 


 
$
202,077

 
213,356

 
 
 
 
 
$
(8,162
)
 
(3,341
)
 
$
(11,503
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2013 - $5.9 million, 2012 - $4.4 million.
(2) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-
equivalent basis.
(3) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $38.7 million and $62.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and
2012, respectively.


76

Table of Contents

Market Risk Analysis
Interest rate risk is the primary market risk to which Synovus is potentially exposed. Synovus measures its sensitivity to changes in market interest rates through the use of a simulation model. Synovus uses this simulation model to determine a baseline net interest income forecast and the sensitivity of this forecast to changes in interest rates. These simulations include all of Synovus’ earning assets, liabilities, and derivative instruments. Forecasted balance sheet changes, primarily reflecting loan and deposit growth and mix forecasts, are included in the periods modeled. Anticipated deposit mix changes in each interest rate scenario are also included in the periods modeled. Projected rates for loans and deposits are based on management's outlook and local market conditions.
Synovus has modeled its baseline net interest income forecast assuming a flat interest rate environment with the federal funds rate at the Federal Reserve’s current targeted range of 0% to 0.25% and the current prime rate of 3.25%. Due to the targeted federal funds rate being at or near 0% at this time, only rising rate scenarios have been modeled. Synovus has modeled the impact of a gradual increase in short-term rates of 100 and 200 basis points to determine the sensitivity of net interest income for the next twelve months. Synovus continues to maintain a modestly asset sensitive position which would be expected to benefit net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. The following table represents the estimated sensitivity of net interest income to these changes in short term interest rates at June 30, 2013, with comparable information for December 31, 2012.
 
 
 
Estimated % Change in Net Interest Income as Compared to Unchanged Rates (for the next twelve months)
 
 
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
+200
 
3.4%
 
2.1%
 
+100
 
2.3%
 
1.6%
 
Flat
 
—%
 
—%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Several factors could serve to diminish or eliminate this asset sensitivity. These factors include a higher than projected level of deposit customer migration to higher cost deposits, such as certificates of deposit, which would increase total interest expense and serve to reduce the realized level of asset sensitivity. Another factor which could impact the realized interest rate sensitivity is the repricing behavior of interest bearing non-maturity deposits. Assumptions for repricing are expressed as a beta relative to the change in the prime rate. For instance, a 50% beta would correspond to a deposit rate that would increase 0.5% for every 1% increase in the prime rate. Projected betas for interest bearing non-maturity deposit repricing are a key component of determining the Company's interest rate risk positioning. Should realized betas be higher than projected betas, the expected benefit from higher interest rates would be diminished. The following table presents an example of the potential impact of an increase in repricing betas on Synovus' realized interest rate sensitivity position.
 
 
As of June 30, 2013
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
Base Scenario
 
15% Increase in Average Repricing Beta
+200
 
3.4%
 
2.2%
+100
 
2.3%
 
1.6%
 
 
 
 
 
While all of the above estimates are reflective of the general interest rate sensitivity of Synovus, local market conditions and their impact on loan and deposit pricing would be expected to have a significant impact on the realized level of net interest income. Actual realized balance sheet growth and mix would also impact the realized level of net interest income.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
Other Contingencies
Repurchase Obligations for Mortgage Loans Originated for Sale
Financial institutions have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of repurchase demands they received, including from government sponsored enterprises, mortgage insurers, and other purchasers of residential mortgage-backed securitizations, generally due to findings of underwriting deficiencies in the mortgage origination process and in the packaging of mortgages by certain mortgage lenders. Based on information currently available, management believes that it does not have significant exposure to contingent losses that may arise relating to the representations and warranties that it has made in connection with its mortgage loan sales. See "Part I-Item 1A - Risk Factors- We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify mortgage loan purchasers as a result of breaches of representations and warranties, borrower fraud, or certain borrower defaults, which could harm our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition" of Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.

77

Table of Contents

Residential mortgage loans originated by Synovus Mortgage are sold to third-party GSEs and non-GSE purchasers on a non-recourse basis and on a servicing released basis. These loans are originated and underwritten internally by Synovus personnel and are primarily to borrowers in Synovus’ geographic market footprint.
Each GSE and non-GSE purchaser has specific guidelines and criteria for sellers of loans, and the risk of credit loss with regard to the principal amount of the loans sold is transferred to the purchasers upon sale. While the loans are sold without recourse, the purchase agreements require Synovus Mortgage to make certain representations and warranties regarding the existence and sufficiency of file documentation and the absence of fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers in connection with obtaining the loan. If it is determined that loans sold were in breach of these representations or warranties, Synovus Mortgage has obligations to either repurchase the loan at the unpaid principal balance and all interest and fees due or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of the loan.
To date, repurchase activity pursuant to the terms of these representations and warranties has been minimal and has primarily been associated with loans originated from 2005 through 2008. From January 1, 2005 through June 30, 2013, Synovus Mortgage originated and sold approximately $3.28 billion of first lien GSE eligible mortgage loans and approximately $7.56 billion of first and second lien non-GSE eligible mortgage loans. The total expense pertaining to losses from repurchases of mortgage loans previously sold, including amounts accrued in accordance with ASC 450, was $388 thousand and $3.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total accrued liability related to mortgage repurchase claims was $3.9 million and $5.2 million, at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Management reviews the adequacy of the mortgage repurchase reserve on at least a quarterly basis. During each review, management considers a number of factors including previous claims experience, estimated probable losses associated with loans subject to repurchase, as well as estimates regarding future claims volume. Synovus Mortgage sold approximately 25% of its loans originated in the 2005 through 2008 period to certain financial institutions who have settled litigation with the GSE who purchased, held and securitized the mortgages. This settlement ultimately limits Synovus' exposure to repurchases and make whole requests during the origination years 2005 through 2008.  Synovus' exposure is further reduced by the limited third party originations during the 2005 through 2008 periods, the origination of loans primarily within Synovus' five state footprint, and the fact that less than 11% of Synovus Mortgage's loan originations were low or no documentation loans. See "Part I-Item 1A - Risk Factors- We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify mortgage loan purchasers as a result of breaches of representations and warranties, borrower fraud, or certain borrower defaults, which could harm our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition" in Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.
Mortgage Loan Foreclosure Practices
At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had $2.96 billion and $2.95 billion, respectively of home equity and consumer mortgage loans which are secured by first and second liens on residential properties. Of the amounts at June 30, 2013, $467.3 million and $460.9 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina, which are states where foreclosures proceed through the courts. Of the amounts at December 31, 2012, $454.1 million and $468.3 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina, which are states where foreclosures proceed through the courts. Also, foreclosure practices of financial institutions nationwide came under scrutiny due to the discovery of questionable residential foreclosure procedures of certain large financial institutions. The current focus in foreclosure practices of financial institutions nationwide led Synovus to evaluate its foreclosure process related to home equity and consumer mortgage loans within its loan portfolio. To date, foreclosure activity in the home equity and consumer mortgage loan portfolio has been low. Any foreclosures on these loans are handled by designated Synovus personnel and external legal counsel, as appropriate, following established policies regarding legal and regulatory requirements. Based on information currently available, management believes that it does not have significant exposure related to our foreclosure practices.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1 of the notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards updates.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus conform to GAAP and to general practices within the banking and financial services industries. Synovus has identified certain of its accounting policies as “critical accounting policies.” In determining which accounting policies are critical in nature, Synovus has identified the policies that require significant judgment or involve complex estimates. It is management's practice to discuss critical accounting policies with the Board of Director's Audit Committee, including the development, selection, and disclosure of the critical accounting policies. The application of these policies has a significant impact on Synovus’ unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Synovus’ financial results could differ significantly if different judgments or estimates are applied in the application of these policies. All accounting policies described in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how we record and report our financial performance. Synovus made no significant changes in its critical accounting policies from those disclosed in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled pre-tax, pre-credit costs income; adjusted non-interest expense; core deposits and core deposits excluding time deposits; the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, and the Tier 1 common equity ratio are not measures recognized under U.S. GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are income (loss) before income taxes; total non-interest expense; total deposits, the ratio of total shareholders’ equity to total assets, and the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, respectively.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of Synovus’ core business and the strength of its capital position. Synovus believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength and capital position. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures at other companies. Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income is a measure used by management to evaluate core operating results exclusive of credit costs as well as certain adjusted revenues and expenses such as investment securities gains, net and restructuring charges. Adjusted non-interest expense is a measure used by management to gauge the success of expense management initiatives focused on reducing recurring controllable operating costs. Core deposits and core deposits excluding time deposits are measures used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and the Tier 1 common equity ratio are used by management and investment analysts to assess the strength of Synovus’ capital position. The computations of these measures are set forth in the tables below.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Pre-tax, Pre-credit Costs Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
119,459

 
73,262

 
72,906

 
37,347

Add: Provision for loan losses
48,773

 
110,271

 
13,077

 
44,222

Add: Other credit costs (1)    
24,482

 
50,968

 
10,887

 
26,119

Add: Restructuring charges
6,607

 
2,252

 
1,758

 
1,393

Add: Visa indemnification charges
801

 
4,713

 
764

 
1,734

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(1,448
)
 
(24,253
)
 
(1,403
)
 
(4,170
)
Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income
$
198,674

 
217,213

 
97,989

 
106,645

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Non-interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-interest expense
$
363,472

 
411,399

 
181,186

 
208,264

Less: Other credit costs(1)    
(24,482
)
 
(50,968
)
 
(10,887
)
 
(26,119
)
Less: Restructuring charges
(6,607
)
 
(2,252
)
 
(1,758
)
 
(1,393
)
Less: Visa indemnification charges
(801
)
 
(4,713
)
 
(764
)
 
(1,734
)
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
331,582

 
353,466

 
167,777

 
179,018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

78

Table of Contents

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in thousands, except per share data)
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
Core Deposits and Core Deposits Excluding Time Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
$
20,710,703

 
21,057,044

 
21,565,065

Less: Brokered deposits
(1,338,063
)
 
(1,092,749
)
 
(1,148,892
)
Core deposits
19,372,640

 
19,964,295

 
20,416,173

Less: Time deposits
(3,377,216
)
 
(3,583,304
)
 
(4,097,834
)
Core deposits excluding time deposits
$
15,995,424

 
16,380,991

 
16,318,339

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,563,174

 
26,760,012

 
26,294,110

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(4,156
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(6,693
)
Tangible Assets
$
26,534,587

 
26,730,432

 
26,262,986

Total shareholders' equity
3,568,204

 
3,569,431

 
2,853,389

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(4,156
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(6,693
)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value
(962,725
)
 
(957,327
)
 
(952,093
)
Tangible common equity
$
2,576,892

 
2,582,524

 
1,870,172

Less: tMEDS

 
(260,083
)
 
(260,083
)
Tangible common equity excluding tMEDS
$
2,576,892

 
2,322,441

 
1,610,089

Total shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
13.43
%
 
13.34

 
10.85

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
9.71
%
 
9.66

 
7.12

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
3,568,204

 
3,569,431

 
2,853,389

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)
33,060

 
(4,101
)
 
(7,003
)
Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(4,156
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(6,693
)
Less: Disallowed deferred tax assets (2)
(674,996
)
 
(710,488
)
 

Other items
7,304

 
6,982

 
7,225

Tier 1 Capital
$
2,904,985

 
2,832,244

 
2,822,487

Less: Qualifying trust preferred securities
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value
(962,725
)
 
(957,327
)
 
(952,093
)
Tier 1 Common Equity
$
1,932,260

 
1,864,917

 
1,860,394

Total Risk Weighted Assets
21,542,287

 
21,387,935

 
21,146,174

Tier 1 Capital Ratio
13.49
%
 
13.24

 
13.35

Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio
8.97
%
 
8.72

 
8.80

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Other credit costs consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net, provision for losses on unfunded commitments, and charges related to other loans
held for sale.
(2) Only one year of projected future taxable income may be applied in calculating deferred tax assets for regulatory capital purposes.
ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information presented in the Market Risk Analysis section of the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is incorporated herein by reference.


79

Table of Contents

ITEM 4. – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by Synovus' management, with the participation of Synovus' Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of Synovus' disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based on that evaluation, Synovus' Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of June 30, 2013, Synovus' disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Synovus regularly engages in productivity and efficiency initiatives to streamline operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenue. Additionally, investment in new and updated information technology systems has enhanced information gathering and processing capabilities; and allowed management to operate in a more centralized environment for critical processing and monitoring functions. Management of Synovus is responsible for identifying, documenting, and evaluating the adequacy of the design and operation of the controls implemented during each process change described above. There have been no material changes in Synovus' internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Synovus' internal controls over financial reporting.


80

Table of Contents

PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries and investigations. In the wake of the recent financial credit crisis that began in 2007, Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has become the target of numerous legal actions and other proceedings asserting claims for damages and related relief for losses resulting from this recent financial crisis. These actions include claims and counterclaims asserted by individual borrowers related to their loans and allegations of violations of state and federal laws and regulations relating to banking practices, including several purported putative class action matters. In addition to actual damages if Synovus does not prevail in any asserted legal action, credit-related litigation could result in additional write-downs or charge-offs of assets, which would adversely affect Synovus' results of operations during the period in which the write-down or charge-off occurred.
Based on our current knowledge and advice of counsel, management presently does not believe that the liabilities arising from these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Synovus' consolidated financial condition, operating results or cash flows. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations and financial condition for any particular period. For additional information, see "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 15 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report, which Note is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Part I-Item 1A of Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K which could materially affect its business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or future results. Please be aware that these risks may change over time and other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, or the trading price of our securities.
There were no material changes during the period covered by this Report to the risk factors previously disclosed in Synovus’ 2012 10-K.

81

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS  
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
3.1

 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Synovus, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, as filed with the SEC on August 9, 2010.
 
 
3.2

 
Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Synovus with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013, as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2013.
 
 
 
3.3

 
Bylaws, as amended, of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 8, 2010, as filed with the SEC on November 9, 2010.
 
 
4.1

 
Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of April 26, 2010, between Synovus Financial Corp. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Synovus Financial Corp. (Series B Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock) as Exhibit A, the Summary of Terms of the Rights Agreement as Exhibit B and the Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit C, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010, as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2010.
 
 
 
4.2

 
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 6, 2011 to Shareholder Rights Plan between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2011, as filed with the SEC on September 6, 2011.
 
 
 
4.3

 
Amendment No. 2, dated April 24, 2013, to Shareholder Rights Plan dated as of April 26, 2010 (as amended) by and between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2013, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2013.
 
 
 
10.1

 
Form of TARP Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.
 
 
 
10.2

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.
 
 
 
10.3

 
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.
 
 
 
10.4

 
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.
 
 
 
12.1

 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
 
31.1

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
31.2

 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101

 
Interactive Data File
 
 
 






82

Table of Contents

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
 
 
 
August 7, 2013
By:
 
/s/ Thomas J. Prescott
Date
 
 
Thomas J. Prescott
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


83