SNV-06.30.2014-10Q
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, 2014
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, 2014

Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
 
 
 
139,037,402




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, 2014 and December 31, 2013
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
 
 
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 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
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
2019 Senior Notes – Synovus' outstanding 7.875% senior notes due February 15, 2019 
ALCO – Synovus' Asset Liability Management Committee
Annual Meeting - Synovus' 2014 Annual Shareholders' Meeting
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification
ASU – Accounting Standards Update
Basel III – a global regulatory framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
BOV – broker’s opinion of value
bp – basis point (bps - basis points)
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.
CCC – central clearing counterparty
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
CFO – Chief Financial Officer
CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
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
Dodd-Frank Act – The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRR – dual risk rating
DTA – deferred tax asset
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.
FFIEC – Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
FHLB – Federal Home Loan Bank
FICO – Fair Isaac Corporation
GA DBF – Georgia Department of Banking and Finance

i

Table of Contents

GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
GSE – government sponsored enterprise
HAP – Home Affordability Program
HELOC – home equity line of credit
IRC – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
IRS – Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
LTV – loan-to-collateral value ratio
MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
MSA – Metropolitan Statistical Area
NOL – net operating loss
NPA – non-performing assets
NPL – non-performing loans
NSF – non-sufficient funds
NYSE – New York Stock Exchange
OCI – other comprehensive income
ORE – other real estate
OTTI – other-than-temporary impairment
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
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
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' 2013 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013
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
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
Visa – The Visa U.S.A., Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively

ii

Table of Contents

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
Warrant – A warrant issued to the Treasury by Synovus to purchase up to 2,215,820 shares of Synovus Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $65.52 expiring on December 19, 2018


iii

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, 2014
 
December 31, 2013

ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
596,425

 
469,630

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
689,284

 
644,528

Interest earning deposits with banks
7,661

 
24,325

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
79,553

 
80,975

Trading account assets, at fair value
20,318

 
6,113

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
75,957

 
45,384

Other loans held for sale
2,764

 
10,685

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
3,080,185

 
3,199,358

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
20,455,763

 
20,057,798

Allowance for loan losses
(277,783
)
 
(307,560
)
Loans, net
$
20,177,980

 
19,750,238

Premises and equipment, net
461,610

 
468,871

Goodwill
24,431

 
24,431

Other intangible assets, net
1,678

 
3,415

Other real estate
101,533

 
112,629

Deferred tax asset, net
677,513

 
744,646

Other assets
630,398

 
616,376

Total assets
$
26,627,290

 
26,201,604

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
5,875,301

 
5,642,751

Interest bearing deposits, excluding brokered deposits
13,668,746

 
14,140,037

Brokered deposits
1,449,420

 
1,094,002

Total deposits
20,993,467

 
20,876,790

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
127,840

 
148,132

Long-term debt
2,256,418

 
2,033,141

Other liabilities
196,514

 
194,556

Total liabilities
$
23,574,239

 
23,252,619

Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Series C Preferred Stock – no par value. 5,200,000 shares outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
125,980

 
125,862

Common stock - $1.00 par value. Authorized 342,857,143 shares; 139,835,110 issued at June 30, 2014 and 139,720,701 issued at December 31, 2013; 139,021,760 outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 138,907,351 outstanding at December 31, 2013
139,835

 
139,721

Additional paid-in capital
2,976,811

 
2,976,348

Treasury stock, at cost – 813,350 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013
(114,176
)
 
(114,176
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(13,716
)
 
(41,258
)
Accumulated deficit
(61,683
)
 
(137,512
)
Total shareholders’ equity
3,053,051

 
2,948,985

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,627,290

 
26,201,604

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)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Loans, including fees
$
427,080

 
432,210

 
$
215,737

 
215,656

      Investment securities available for sale
29,746

 
23,718

 
14,490

 
12,986

      Trading account assets
251

 
278

 
90

 
124

      Mortgage loans held for sale
1,018

 
3,118

 
616

 
1,411

      Federal Reserve Bank balances
998

 
1,684

 
472

 
904

      Other earning assets
1,502

 
895

 
808

 
432

Total interest income
460,595

 
461,903

 
232,213

 
231,513

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
27,742

 
32,610

 
13,521

 
15,894

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
151

 
170

 
75

 
80

Long-term debt
27,136

 
27,232

 
13,566

 
13,462

Total interest expense
55,029

 
60,012

 
27,162

 
29,436

Net interest income
405,566

 
401,891

 
205,051

 
202,077

Provision for loan losses
21,795

 
48,773

 
12,284

 
13,077

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
383,771

 
353,118

 
192,767

 
189,000

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
38,451

 
38,716

 
19,238

 
19,195

Fiduciary and asset management fees
22,329

 
22,083

 
11,296

 
11,111

Brokerage revenue
12,920

 
14,595

 
6,707

 
7,002

Mortgage banking income
8,794

 
14,255

 
5,283

 
7,338

Bankcard fees
16,212

 
14,902

 
8,695

 
7,838

Investment securities gains, net
1,331

 
1,448

 

 
1,403

Other fee income
9,791

 
11,262

 
4,928

 
5,775

Decrease in fair value of private equity investments, net
(369
)
 
(1,140
)
 
(119
)
 
(883
)
Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
5,789

 

 

 

Other non-interest income
18,321

 
13,692

 
7,360

 
6,313

Total non-interest income
133,569

 
129,813

 
63,388

 
65,092

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and other personnel expense
185,985

 
183,396

 
92,540

 
89,479

Net occupancy and equipment expense
52,480

 
50,550

 
26,425

 
26,383

Third-party services
19,561

 
20,295

 
9,464

 
10,366

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
17,768

 
16,420

 
8,049

 
7,941

Professional fees
15,901

 
17,511

 
8,224

 
10,416

Advertising expense
8,757

 
3,399

 
6,281

 
1,821

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
9,745

 
18,441

 
4,063

 
7,502

Losses on other loans held for sale, net
2,226

 
79

 
(40
)
 
(86
)
Visa indemnification charges
752

 
801

 
356

 
764

Restructuring charges
16,293

 
6,607

 
7,716

 
1,758

Other operating expenses
36,897

 
45,973

 
19,127

 
24,842

Total non-interest expense
366,365

 
363,472

 
182,205

 
181,186

Income before income taxes
150,975

 
119,459

 
73,950

 
72,906

Income tax expense
55,686

 
44,350

 
27,078

 
27,371

Net income
95,289

 
75,109

 
46,872

 
45,535

Dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock
5,119

 
29,594

 
2,559

 
14,818

Net income available to common shareholders
$
90,170

 
45,515

 
44,313

 
30,717

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.65

 
0.39

 
0.32

 
0.25

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.65

 
0.35

 
0.32

 
0.24

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
138,961

 
117,035

 
138,991

 
121,585

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
139,535

 
130,127

 
139,567

 
130,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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,
 
2014
 
2013
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
150,975

 
(55,686
)
 
95,289

 
119,459

 
(44,350
)
 
75,109

Net change related to cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
224

 
(87
)
 
137

 
224

 
(88
)
 
136

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income
(1,331
)
 
513

 
(818
)
 
(1,448
)
 
557

 
(891
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
45,640

 
(17,572
)
 
28,068

 
(60,014
)
 
23,105

 
(36,909
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
44,309

 
(17,059
)
 
27,250

 
(61,462
)
 
23,662

 
(37,800
)
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(144
)
 
56

 
(88
)
 
(26
)
 
10

 
(16
)
   Actuarial gains arising during the period
395

 
(152
)
 
243

 
830

 
(311
)
 
519

         Net unrealized gains
251

 
(96
)
 
155

 
804

 
(301
)
 
503

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
44,784

 
(17,242
)
 
27,542

 
(60,434
)
 
23,273

 
(37,161
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
122,831

 
 
 
 
 
37,948

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
73,950

 
(27,078
)
 
46,872

 
72,906

 
(27,371
)
 
45,535

Net change related to cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
112

 
(44
)
 
68

 
112

 
(45
)
 
67

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income

 

 

 
(1,403
)
 
541

 
(862
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
26,797

 
(10,317
)
 
16,480

 
(57,850
)
 
22,272

 
(35,578
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
26,797

 
(10,317
)
 
16,480

 
(59,253
)
 
22,813

 
(36,440
)
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in net income
(72
)
 
28

 
(44
)
 

 
7

 
7

Actuarial gains arising during the period
395

 
(152
)
 
243

 
844

 
(325
)
 
519

     Net unrealized gains
323

 
(124
)
 
199

 
844

 
(318
)
 
526

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
27,232

 
(10,485
)
 
16,747

 
(58,297
)
 
22,450

 
(35,847
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
63,619

 
 
 
 
 
9,688

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


3

Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Series A Preferred Stock
 
Series C Preferred Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Accumulated
 Deficit
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
957,327

 

 
113,182

 
2,868,965

 
(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 - $0.14 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
 
 
 
 
17,550

 
(17,550
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Restricted share unit activity

 

 
146

 
(1,490
)
 

 

 
(137
)
 
(1,481
)
Stock options exercised
 
 
 
 
9

 
125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
134

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 
3,350

 

 

 

 
3,350

Balance at June 30, 2013
$
962,725

 

 
130,887

 
2,823,805

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
December 31, 2013
$

 
125,862

 
139,721

 
2,976,348

 
(114,176
)
 
(41,258
)
 
(137,512
)
 
2,948,985

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
95,289

 
95,289

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 
27,542

 

 
27,542

Cash dividends declared on Common Stock - $0.14 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 
(19,460
)
 
(19,460
)
Cash dividends paid on Series C Preferred Stock

 

 

 
(5,119
)
 

 

 

 
(5,119
)
Series C Preferred Stock issuance costs

 
118

 

 

 

 

 

 
118

Restricted share unit activity

 

 
39

 
(507
)
 

 

 

 
(468
)
Stock options exercised

 

 
75

 
1,229

 

 

 

 
1,304

Share-based compensation tax benefit

 

 

 
162

 

 

 

 
162

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 
4,698

 

 

 

 
4,698

Balance at June 30, 2014
$

 
125,980

 
139,835

 
2,976,811

 
(114,176
)
 
(13,716
)
 
(61,683
)
 
3,053,051

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
95,289

 
75,109

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
21,795

 
48,773

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
26,342

 
32,520

Deferred income tax expense
49,891

 
40,456

Decrease in interest receivable
4,263

 
4,476

Decrease in interest payable
(1,515
)
 
(2,880
)
(Increase) decrease in trading account assets
(14,205
)
 
33

Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
(347,327
)
 
(539,281
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
323,940

 
627,950

Gains on sales of mortgage loans held for sale
(5,493
)
 
(11,168
)
(Increase) decrease in fair value of mortgage loans held for sale
(1,782
)
 
7,930

(Increase) decrease in other assets
(13,247
)
 
26,014

Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits
(5,210
)
 
(15,480
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
7,928

 
(12,635
)
Investment securities gains, net
(1,331
)
 
(1,448
)
Losses on sales of other loans held for sale, net
2,226

 
79

Losses and write-downs on other real estate, net
8,229

 
14,314

Decrease in fair value of private equity investments, net
369

 
1,140

Increase in accrual for Visa indemnification
752

 
801

Share-based compensation expense
4,698

 
3,350

Write-downs on other assets held for sale
7,508

 
170

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
(5,789
)
 

Gain on sale of branch property
(3,116
)
 

Other, net

 
(581
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
154,215

 
299,642

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Net cash (used) received in dispositions/acquisitions
(90,571
)
 
56,328

Net decrease in interest earning deposits with banks
16,664

 
1,377

Net decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
1,422

 
24,881

Net (increase) decrease in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
(44,756
)
 
39,139

Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
245,108

 
392,737

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
20,815

 
347,386

Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(111,505
)
 
(925,603
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
36,530

 
82,753

Proceeds from sales of other real estate
28,147

 
49,535

Principal repayments by borrowers on other loans held for sale
770

 
334

Net increase in loans
(594,896
)
 
(276,715
)
Purchases of premises and equipment
(28,776
)
 
(15,798
)
Proceeds from disposals of premises and equipment
4,838

 
21

Proceeds from sales of other assets held for sale
241

 
918

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(515,969
)
 
(222,707
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in demand and savings deposits
208,039

 
(416,596
)
Net increase in certificates of deposit
100,011

 
13,428

Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
(20,292
)
 
21,690


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Table of Contents

Principal repayments on long-term debt
(625
)
 
(150,807
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
224,958

 
311,732

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(19,460
)
 
(16,981
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(5,119
)
 
(24,197
)
Stock options exercised
1,304

 
134

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
201

 

Restricted stock activity
(468
)
 
(1,481
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
488,549

 
(263,078
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
126,795

 
(186,143
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
469,630

 
614,630

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
596,425

 
428,487

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income tax payments, net
4,530

 
1,437

Interest paid
56,657

 
62,763

Non-cash Activities
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale transferred to loans at fair value
89

 
14,471

Premises and equipment transferred to other assets held for sale
13,037

 

Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
25,280

 
51,835

Loans transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value
31,605

 
87,189

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

Securities sold during the period but settled after period-end

 
(13,198
)
 
 
 
 
Dispositions/Acquisitions:
 
 
 
Fair value of non-cash assets (sold) acquired
(100,982
)
 
536

Fair value of liabilities (sold) assumed
(191,553
)
 
56,864

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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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 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, asset management and financial planning services; and Synovus Mortgage Corp., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which offers mortgage 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' 2013 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies as disclosed in Synovus' 2013 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; the valuation of deferred tax assets; and contingent liabilities related to legal matters.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents included $98.1 million and $104.9 million, respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank requirements. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $125 thousand and $375 thousand, respectively, of the due from banks balance was restricted as to withdrawal.
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 $9.4 million and $11.1 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which is pledged as collateral in connection with certain letters of credit. Federal funds sold include $73.1 million at June 30, 2014 and $72.2 million at December 31, 2013, which are 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.

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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
Effective January 1, 2014, Synovus adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Income tax accounting guidance did not explicitly address how to present unrecognized tax benefits when a company also has net operating losses or tax credit carryforwards. Previously, most companies presented these unrecognized benefits as a liability (i.e., gross presentation), but some presented the liability as a reduction of their net operating losses or tax credit carryforwards (i.e., net presentation). To address this diversity in practice, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, requiring unrecognized tax benefits to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward except when either (1) a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position, or (2) the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose (provided that the tax law permits a choice). If either of these conditions exists, an entity should present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a liability and should not net the unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset. Synovus adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. However, because prior to adoption Synovus already presented its unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction of its net operating losses, adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated balance sheet.
Reclassifications
Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current period's 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.
Note 2 - Reverse Stock Split and Increase in Number of Authorized Common Shares
    
On April 24, 2014, at Synovus' 2014 Annual Shareholders' Meeting ("Annual Meeting"), Synovus’ shareholders approved a proposal authorizing Synovus’ Board of Directors to effect a one-for-seven reverse stock split of Synovus’ common stock. Following the Annual Meeting, Synovus’ Board of Directors authorized the one-for-seven reverse stock split.  The reverse stock split became effective on May 16, 2014, and Synovus' shares of common stock began trading on a post-split basis on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening of trading on May 19, 2014. All prior periods presented in this Report have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-seven reverse stock split. Financial information updated by this capital change includes earnings per common share, dividends per common share, stock price per common share, weighted average common shares, outstanding common shares, treasury shares, common stock, additional paid-in capital, and share-based compensation.   
Additionally, on April 24, 2014, Synovus’ shareholders also approved an amendment to Synovus’ articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Synovus’ common stock from 1.2 billion shares to 2.4 billion shares. Synovus effected the increase in the number of authorized shares on April 24, 2014. Upon the reverse stock split effective date, the number of Synovus’ authorized shares of common stock were proportionately reduced from 2.4 billion shares to 342.9 million shares.
Note 3 - Sale of Branches
On January 17, 2014, Synovus completed the sale of certain loans, premises, deposits, and other assets and liabilities of the Memphis, Tennessee operations of Trust One Bank, a division of Synovus Bank.  The sale included $89.6 million in total loans and $191.3 million in total deposits.   Results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 reflect a pre-tax gain, net of associated costs, of $5.8 million relating to this transaction.  

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Note 4 - Investment Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized below.
 
 
June 30, 2014
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost(1)
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
17,793

 

 

 
17,793

U.S. Government agency securities
 
33,264

 
1,028

 

 
34,292

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
111,795

 
1,014

 

 
112,809

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
173,296

 
1,848

 
(766
)
 
174,378

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,327,735

 
21,176

 
(10,616
)
 
2,338,295

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
384,836

 
4,125

 
(2,488
)
 
386,473

State and municipal securities
 
5,222

 
209

 
(2
)
 
5,429

Equity securities
 
3,228

 
3,725

 

 
6,953

Other investments
 
4,099

 

 
(336
)
 
3,763

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
3,061,268

 
33,125

 
(14,208
)
 
3,080,185

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost(1)
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
17,791

 

 

 
17,791

U.S. Government agency securities
 
33,480

 
1,161

 

 
34,641

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
112,305

 
1,440

 

 
113,745

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
196,521

 
2,257

 
(3,661
)
 
195,117

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,443,282

 
9,718

 
(31,640
)
 
2,421,360

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
406,717

 
698

 
(8,875
)
 
398,540

State and municipal securities
 
6,723

 
168

 
(2
)
 
6,889

Equity securities
 
3,856

 
3,728

 

 
7,584

Other investments
 
4,074

 

 
(383
)
 
3,691

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
3,224,749

 
19,170

 
(44,561
)
 
3,199,358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Amortized cost is adjusted for other-than-temporary impairment charges in 2014 and 2013, which have been recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the applicable year, and were considered inconsequential.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, investment securities with a carrying value of $2.15 billion and $2.33 billion respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements as required by law and contractual agreements.
Synovus has reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 investment securities in an unrealized loss position 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.

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Table of Contents

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, 2014, Synovus had one investment security in a loss position for less than twelve months and forty-six investment securities in a loss position for twelve months or longer.
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, are presented below.

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Table of Contents

 
June 30, 2014
 
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

 

 
30,922

 
766

 
30,922

 
766

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

 

 
1,052,375

 
10,616

 
1,052,375

 
10,616

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

 

 
125,675

 
2,488

 
125,675

 
2,488

State and municipal securities

 

 
42

 
2

 
42

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments
1,897

 
202

 
1,866

 
134

 
3,763

 
336

Total
$
1,897

 
202

 
1,210,880

 
14,006

 
1,212,777

 
14,208

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 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

 

 

 

 

 

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
121,607

 
3,363

 
2,951

 
298

 
124,558

 
3,661

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
1,885,521

 
31,640

 

 

 
1,885,521

 
31,640

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
282,898

 
8,875

 

 

 
282,898

 
8,875

State and municipal securities

 

 
40

 
2

 
40

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments
1,969

 
105

 
1,722

 
278

 
3,691

 
383

Total
$
2,291,995

 
43,983

 
4,713

 
578

 
2,296,708

 
44,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2014 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, 2014
(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
$
17,793

 

 

 

 

 
17,793

U.S. Government agency securities
114

 
9,097

 
24,053

 

 

 
33,264

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,030

 
81,765

 

 

 

 
111,795

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
15

 
1

 

 
173,280

 

 
173,296

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
102

 
2,429

 
1,913,531

 
411,673

 

 
2,327,735

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

 

 

 
384,836

 

 
384,836

State and municipal securities
95

 
2,098

 
289

 
2,740

 

 
5,222

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
3,228

 
3,228

Other investments

 

 

 
2,000

 
2,099

 
4,099

Total amortized cost
$
48,149

 
95,390

 
1,937,873

 
974,529

 
5,327

 
3,061,268

Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
17,793

 

 

 

 

 
17,793

U.S. Government agency securities
114

 
9,414

 
24,764

 

 

 
34,292

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,187

 
82,622

 

 

 

 
112,809

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
15

 
1

 

 
174,362

 

 
174,378

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
108

 
2,595

 
1,913,923

 
421,669

 

 
2,338,295

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

 

 

 
386,473

 

 
386,473

State and municipal securities
95

 
2,139

 
308

 
2,887

 

 
5,429

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
6,953

 
6,953

Other investments

 

 

 
1,866

 
1,897

 
3,763

Total fair value
$
48,312

 
96,771

 
1,938,995

 
987,257

 
8,850

 
3,080,185

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales, gross gains, and gross losses on sales of securities available for sale for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are presented below. Other-than-temporary impairment charges of $88 thousand are included in gross realized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The specific identification method is used to reclassify gains and losses out of other comprehensive income at the time of sale.
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
 
$
20,815

 
$347,386
 

 
135,146

Gross realized gains
 
1,419

 
2,036

 

 
1,760

Gross realized losses
 
(88
)
 
(588
)
 

 
(357
)
Investment securities gains, net
 
$
1,331

 
1,448

 

 
1,403

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Note 5 - Restructuring Charges
For the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 total restructuring charges are as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Severance charges
$
8,047

 
6,610

 

 
1,737

Asset impairment charges
7,358

 

 
7,358

 

Professional fees and other charges
888

 
(3
)
 
358

 
21

Total restructuring charges
$
16,293

 
6,607

 
7,716

 
1,758

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In January 2014, Synovus announced the planned implementation during 2014 of new expense savings initiatives which are expected to result in annualized cost savings of $30 million. The initiatives include planned workforce reductions as well as planned reductions in occupancy expenses. Synovus began to implement these initiatives during the first quarter of 2014, undertaking the first targeted staff reductions. As a result of these actions, Synovus recorded aggregate restructuring charges of $8.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014, consisting primarily of $8.0 million in severance charges related to employees identified for involuntary termination. These termination benefits are provided under an ongoing benefit arrangement as defined in ASC 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits; accordingly, the charges were recorded pursuant to the liability recognition criteria of ASC 712. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2014, upon management's decision to close 13 branches across the five-state footprint during the fourth quarter of 2014, Synovus recorded asset impairment charges of $7.4 million. Restructuring charges for the fourth quarter of 2014 are expected to include approximately $6 million in charges related to lease exit costs associated with the planned branch closings (based upon the expectation that these leased facilities will cease to be used during the fourth quarter of 2014).  
Severance charges recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2013 relate to involuntary terminations in connection with previously announced efficiency initiatives. These termination benefits were provided under a one-time benefit arrangement as defined in ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Costs or Obligations; accordingly, the charges were recorded pursuant to the liability recognition criteria of ASC 420.
At June 30, 2014, the liability for restructuring activities was $6.3 million, and consisted primarily of involuntary termination benefits (accounted for in accordance with ASC 712) which are expected to be paid in lump sums during the remainder of 2014.

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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, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Current, Accruing Past Due, and Non-accrual Loans
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
(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
$
4,767,934

 
1,488

 

 
1,488

 
40,927

 
4,810,349

 
1-4 family properties
1,026,506

 
5,455

 
417

 
5,872

 
26,711

 
1,059,089

 
Land acquisition
553,949

 
1,695

 
347

 
2,042

 
42,564

 
598,555

 
Total commercial real estate
6,348,389

 
8,638

 
764

 
9,402

 
110,202

 
6,467,993

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,504,255

 
11,977

 
806

 
12,783

 
57,903

 
5,574,941

 
Owner-occupied
3,748,944

 
7,502

 
828

 
8,330

 
29,005

 
3,786,279

 
Small business
873,574

 
5,134

 
652

 
5,786

 
7,210

 
886,570

 
Total commercial and industrial
10,126,773

 
24,613

 
2,286

 
26,899

 
94,118

 
10,247,790

 
Home equity lines
1,641,202

 
6,781

 
141

 
6,922

 
16,396

 
1,664,520

 
Consumer mortgages
1,512,811

 
11,652

 
215

 
11,867

 
36,433

 
1,561,111

 
Credit cards
252,538

 
1,502

 
1,329

 
2,831

 

 
255,369

 
Other retail
283,030

 
2,444

 
63

 
2,507

 
2,398

 
287,935

 
Total retail
3,689,581

 
22,379

 
1,748

 
24,127

 
55,227

 
3,768,935

 
Total loans
$
20,164,743

 
55,630

 
4,798

 
60,428

 
259,547

 
20,484,718

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 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
$
4,533,708

 
3,552

 
40

 
3,592

 
66,454

 
4,603,754

 
1-4 family properties
1,115,858

 
6,267

 
527

 
6,794

 
33,819

 
1,156,471

 
Land acquisition
549,838

 
1,100

 
300

 
1,400

 
154,095

 
705,333

 
Total commercial real estate
6,199,404

 
10,919

 
867

 
11,786

 
254,368

 
6,465,558

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,413,614

 
16,251

 
721

 
16,972

 
59,628

 
5,490,214

 
Owner-occupied
3,749,052

 
9,341

 
66

 
9,407

 
36,980

 
3,795,439

 
Small business
676,947

 
4,506

 
155

 
4,661

 
5,608

 
687,216

 
Total commercial and industrial
9,839,613

 
30,098

 
942

 
31,040

 
102,216

 
9,972,869

 
Home equity lines
1,564,578

 
4,919

 
136

 
5,055

 
17,908

 
1,587,541

 
Consumer mortgages
1,460,219

 
18,068

 
1,011

 
19,079

 
39,770

 
1,519,068

 
Credit cards
253,422

 
1,917

 
1,507

 
3,424

 

 
256,846

 
Other retail
280,524

 
2,190

 
26

 
2,216

 
2,038

 
284,778

 
Total retail
3,558,743

 
27,094

 
2,680

 
29,774

 
59,716

 
3,648,233

 
Total loans
$
19,597,760

 
68,111

 
4,489

 
72,600

 
416,300

 
20,086,660

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $28.9 million.







14

Table of Contents

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.
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 and small business loans are generally assigned a risk grade similar to the classifications described above; however, upon reaching 90 days and 120 days past due, they are generally downgraded to Substandard and Loss, respectively, in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. Additionally, in accordance with the Interagency Supervisory Guidance on Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Estimation Practices for Loans and Lines of Credit Secured by Junior Liens on 1-4 Family Residential Properties, the risk grade classifications of retail loans (home equity lines and consumer mortgages) 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.

15

Table of Contents

Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Risk Grade
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
(in thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
$
4,453,645

 
228,334

 
128,370

 

 

 
4,810,349

 
1-4 family properties
832,074

 
100,763

 
118,205

 
8,047

 

 
1,059,089

 
Land acquisition
463,764

 
60,134

 
73,717

 
940

 

 
598,555

 
Total commercial real estate
5,749,483

 
389,231

 
320,292

 
8,987

 

 
6,467,993

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,209,016

 
186,667

 
170,974

 
8,199

 
85

(3) 
5,574,941

 
Owner-occupied
3,478,985

 
160,617

 
145,732

 
512

 
433

(3) 
3,786,279

 
Small business
871,090

 

 
14,249

 
1,231

 

 
886,570

 
Total commercial and industrial
9,559,091

 
347,284

 
330,955

 
9,942

 
518

 
10,247,790

 
Home equity lines
1,640,278

 

 
20,559

 
1,660

 
2,023

(3) 
1,664,520

 
Consumer mortgages
1,518,211

 

 
40,499

 
2,158

 
243

(3) 
1,561,111

 
Credit cards
254,039

 

 
382

 

 
948

(4) 
255,369

 
Other retail
283,873

 

 
3,920

 
32

 
110

(3) 
287,935

 
Total retail
3,696,401

 

 
65,360

 
3,850

 
3,324

 
3,768,935

 
Total loans
$
19,004,975

 
736,515

 
716,607

 
22,779

 
3,842

 
20,484,718

(5 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
$
4,184,748

 
249,890

 
167,392

 
1,724

 

 
4,603,754

 
1-4 family properties
892,512

 
126,715

 
128,890

 
8,062

 
292

(3) 
1,156,471

 
Land acquisition
421,956

 
94,316

 
186,514

 
2,547

 

 
705,333

 
Total commercial real estate
5,499,216

 
470,921

 
482,796

 
12,333

 
292


6,465,558

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,053,808

 
224,620

 
201,410

 
10,286

 
90

(3) 
5,490,214

 
Owner-occupied
3,478,359

 
155,097

 
160,173

 
1,810

 

 
3,795,439

 
Small business
674,200

 

 
12,219

 
797

 

 
687,216

 
Total commercial and industrial
9,206,367

 
379,717

 
373,802

 
12,893

 
90


9,972,869

 
Home equity lines
1,559,272

 

 
24,931

 
1,448

 
1,890

(3) 
1,587,541

 
Consumer mortgages
1,475,928

 

 
40,935

 
1,918

 
287

(3) 
1,519,068

 
Credit cards
255,339

 

 
541

 

 
966

(4) 
256,846

 
Other retail
281,179

 

 
3,400

 
75

 
124

(3) 
284,778

 
Total retail
3,571,718

 

 
69,807

 
3,441

 
3,267

 
3,648,233

 
Total loans
$
18,277,301

 
850,638

 
926,405

 
28,667

 
3,649

 
20,086,660

(6 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $232.9 million and $384.0 million of non-accrual Substandard loans at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(2) The loans within this risk grade are on non-accrual status and have an allowance for loan losses generally equal to 50% of the loan amount.
(3) The loans within this risk grade are on non-accrual status and have an allowance for loan losses equal to the full loan amount.
(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 generally charged off upon reaching 181 days past due in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy.
(5)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 million.
(6)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $28.9 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, 2014 and 2013.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

 
As Of and For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
127,012

 
116,069

 
41,479

 
23,000

 
307,560

Allowance for loan losses of sold branches
(281
)
 
(398
)
 
(340
)
 

 
(1,019
)
Charge-offs
(35,906
)
 
(15,590
)
 
(12,860
)
 

 
(64,356
)
Recoveries
5,216

 
4,308

 
4,279

 

 
13,803

Provision (credit) for loan losses
6,183

 
28,585

 
10,027

 
(23,000
)
 
21,795

Ending balance
$
102,224

 
132,974

 
42,585

 

 
277,783

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
21,470

 
19,053

 
961

 

 
41,484

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
80,754

 
113,921

 
41,624

 

 
236,299

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,467,993

 
10,247,790

 
3,768,935

 

 
20,484,718

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
331,414

 
202,899

 
51,181

 

 
585,494

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,136,579

 
10,044,891

 
3,717,754

 

 
19,899,224

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

 
138,495

 
38,984

 
28,000

 
373,405

Charge-offs
(64,351
)
 
(30,232
)
 
(20,452
)
 

 
(115,035
)
Recoveries
9,095

 
15,114

 
3,528

 

 
27,737

Provision (credit) for loan losses
25,659

 
9,813

 
18,301

 
(5,000
)
 
48,773

Ending balance
$
138,329

 
133,190

 
40,361

 
23,000

 
334,880

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
47,039

 
27,775

 
1,197

 

 
76,011

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
91,290

 
105,415

 
39,164

 
23,000

 
258,869

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,414,750

 
9,727,959

 
3,489,341

 

 
19,632,050

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
624,402

 
284,559

 
58,491

 

 
967,452

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,790,348

 
9,443,400

 
3,430,850

 

 
18,664,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.


17

Table of Contents

The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

 
As Of and For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
126,955

 
128,346

 
45,570

 

 
300,871

Charge-offs
(27,960
)
 
(7,554
)
 
(6,567
)
 

 
(42,081
)
Recoveries
2,989

 
2,355

 
1,365

 

 
6,709

Provision for loan losses
240

 
9,827

 
2,217

 

 
12,284

Ending balance
$
102,224

 
132,974

 
42,585

 

 
277,783

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
21,470

 
19,053

 
961

 

 
41,484

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
80,754

 
113,921

 
41,624

 

 
236,299

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,467,993

 
10,247,790

 
3,768,935

 

 
20,484,718

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
331,414

 
202,899

 
51,181

 

 
585,494

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,136,579

 
10,044,891

 
3,717,754

 

 
19,899,224

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

 
134,657

 
43,124

 
28,000

 
351,772

Charge-offs
(28,075
)
 
(11,014
)
 
(8,827
)
 

 
(47,916
)
Recoveries
5,493

 
10,696

 
1,758

 

 
17,947

Provision (credit) for loan losses
14,920

 
(1,149
)
 
4,306

 
(5,000
)
 
13,077

Ending balance
$
138,329

 
133,190

 
40,361

 
23,000

 
334,880

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
47,039

 
27,775

 
1,197

 

 
76,011

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
91,290

 
105,415

 
39,164

 
23,000

 
258,869

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,414,750

 
9,727,959

 
3,489,341

 

 
19,632,050

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
624,402

 
284,559

 
58,491

 

 
967,452

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,790,348

 
9,443,400

 
3,430,850

 

 
18,664,598

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $23.8 million.


During the first quarter of 2014, Synovus designated $23.0 million of allowance for loan losses that was included in the unallocated component of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013 to the allowance for loan losses allocated to the respective loan segments.  The allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the loan segments related to the qualitative factors evaluated at December 31, 2013 on a total loan portfolio basis and included in the unallocated component of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013.   These qualitative factors consider the inherent risk of loss relating to the following:

experience, ability, and depth of lending management, loan review personnel, and other relevant staff
national and local economic trends and conditions
underlying value of collateral dependent loans, which impacts trends in charge-offs and recoveries that are not included in the expected loss factors
trends in volume and terms of loans
effects of changes in credit concentrations
model uncertainty

Management determined that, prospectively, the assessment of these qualitative factors for each loan segment would improve the overall level of precision of the allowance for loan loss estimation process.  The designation of this component of the unallocated allowance to the allocated allowance did not result in a change to the total allowance for loan losses or provision expense for the

18

Table of Contents

first quarter of 2014. The allowance for loan losses continues to consist of an allocated component (which includes the qualitative factors noted above as well as the qualitative factors disclosed in Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K) and an unallocated component. Beginning March 31, 2014, the unallocated component relates to risk elements, if any, which are not already included in the allocated allowance.  

19

Table of Contents

The tables below summarize impaired loans (including accruing TDRs) as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(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
$
34,064

 
45,351

 

 
20,840

 

 
27,491

 

1-4 family properties
4,036

 
21,206

 

 
6,901

 

 
5,219

 

Land acquisition
30,896

 
94,899

 

 
31,988

 

 
34,596

 

Total commercial real estate
68,996

 
161,456

 

 
59,729

 

 
67,306

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural
10,242

 
20,296

 

 
11,483

 

 
10,046

 

Owner-occupied
21,606

 
23,379

 

 
22,565

 

 
21,471

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
31,848

 
43,675

 

 
34,048

 

 
31,517

 

Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
2,310

 
2,527

 

 
1,271

 

 
1,889

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total retail
2,310

 
2,527

 

 
1,271

 

 
1,889

 

Total impaired loans with no
related allowance recorded
$
103,154

 
207,658

 

 
95,048

 

 
100,712

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
120,684

 
121,771

 
3,757

 
152,469

 
2,070

 
136,574

 
992

1-4 family properties
93,058

 
93,916

 
12,782

 
103,152

 
1,577

 
95,931

 
763

Land acquisition
48,676

 
48,780

 
4,931

 
130,032

 
846

 
86,284

 
374

Total commercial real estate
262,418

 
264,467

 
21,470

 
385,653

 
4,493

 
318,789

 
2,129

Commercial, financial and agricultural
80,669

 
80,834

 
14,666

 
100,319

 
1,261

 
94,848

 
503

Owner-occupied
80,850

 
81,007

 
3,943

 
82,376

 
1,400

 
78,791

 
670

Small business
9,532

 
9,532

 
444

 
8,034

 
112

 
9,027

 
97

Total commercial and industrial
171,051

 
171,373

 
19,053

 
190,729

 
2,773

 
182,666

 
1,270

Home equity lines
3,573

 
3,573

 
85

 
2,974

 
32

 
3,342

 
32

Consumer mortgages
39,781

 
39,781

 
779

 
41,265

 
541

 
39,940

 
471

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail
5,517

 
5,517

 
97

 
4,753

 
141

 
5,275

 
85

Total retail
48,871

 
48,871

 
961

 
48,992

 
714

 
48,557

 
588

Total impaired loans with
allowance recorded
$
482,340

 
484,711

 
41,484

 
625,374

 
7,980

 
550,012

 
3,987

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
154,748

 
167,122

 
3,757

 
173,309

 
2,070

 
164,065

 
992

1-4 family properties
97,094

 
115,122

 
12,782

 
110,053

 
1,577

 
101,150

 
763

Land acquisition
79,572

 
143,679

 
4,931

 
162,020

 
846

 
120,880

 
374

Total commercial real estate
331,414

 
425,923

 
21,470

 
445,382

 
4,493

 
386,095

 
2,129

Commercial, financial and agricultural
90,911

 
101,130

 
14,666

 
111,802

 
1,261

 
104,894

 
503

Owner-occupied
102,456

 
104,386

 
3,943

 
104,941

 
1,400

 
100,262

 
670

Small business
9,532

 
9,532

 
444

 
8,034

 
112

 
9,027

 
97

Total commercial and industrial
202,899

 
215,048

 
19,053

 
224,777

 
2,773

 
214,183

 
1,270

Home equity lines
3,573

 
3,573

 
85

 
2,974

 
32

 
3,342

 
32

Consumer mortgages
42,091

 
42,308

 
779

 
42,536

 
541

 
41,829

 
471

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail
5,517

 
5,517

 
97

 
4,753

 
141

 
5,275

 
85

Total retail
51,181

 
51,398

 
961

 
50,263

 
714

 
50,446

 
588

Total impaired loans
$
585,494

 
692,369

 
41,484

 
720,422

 
7,980

 
650,724

 
3,987

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

20

Table of Contents

Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
December 31, 2013
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
14,218

 
15,820

 

 
18,046

 

1-4 family properties
9,679

 
29,741

 

 
23,879

 

Land acquisition
30,595

 
78,470

 

 
41,007

 

Total commercial real estate
54,492

 
124,031

 

 
82,932

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural
13,490

 
22,312

 

 
15,355

 

Owner-occupied
24,839

 
32,626

 

 
22,556

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
38,329

 
54,938

 

 
37,911

 

Home equity lines

 

 

 
33

 

Consumer mortgages
1,180

 
2,840

 

 
1,487

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail

 

 

 
4

 

Total retail
1,180

 
2,840

 

 
1,524

 

Total impaired loans with no
related allowance recorded
$
94,001

 
181,809

 

 
122,367

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
186,058

 
193,765

 
8,863

 
226,987

 
5,062

1-4 family properties
115,063

 
117,410

 
11,126

 
115,614

 
3,464

Land acquisition
183,029

 
202,048

 
26,789

 
191,807

 
2,931

Total commercial real estate
484,150

 
513,223

 
46,778

 
534,408

 
11,457

Commercial, financial and agricultural
112,291

 
117,049

 
15,364

 
126,242

 
3,534

Owner-occupied
86,661

 
92,529

 
4,327

 
106,186

 
3,590

Small business
5,669

 
5,669

 
336

 
4,132

 
162

Total commercial and industrial
204,621

 
215,247

 
20,027

 
236,560

 
7,286

Home equity lines
2,750

 
2,750

 
116

 
4,668

 
176

Consumer mortgages
44,019

 
44,019

 
967

 
48,674

 
1,910

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
7,013

 
7,013

 
109

 
5,555

 
285

Total retail
53,782

 
53,782

 
1,192

 
58,897

 
2,371

Total impaired loans with
allowance recorded
$
742,553

 
782,252

 
67,997

 
829,865

 
21,114

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
200,276

 
209,585

 
8,863

 
245,033

 
5,062

1-4 family properties
124,742

 
147,151

 
11,126

 
139,493

 
3,464

Land acquisition
213,624

 
280,518

 
26,789

 
232,814

 
2,931

Total commercial real estate
538,642

 
637,254

 
46,778

 
617,340

 
11,457

Commercial, financial and agricultural
125,781

 
139,361

 
15,364

 
141,597

 
3,534

Owner-occupied
111,500

 
125,155

 
4,327

 
128,742

 
3,590

Small business
5,669

 
5,669

 
336

 
4,132

 
162

Total commercial and industrial
242,950

 
270,185

 
20,027

 
274,471

 
7,286

Home equity lines
2,750

 
2,750

 
116

 
4,701

 
176

Consumer mortgages
45,199

 
46,859

 
967

 
50,161

 
1,910

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
7,013

 
7,013

 
109

 
5,559

 
285

Total retail
54,962

 
56,622

 
1,192

 
60,421

 
2,371

Total impaired loans
$
836,554

 
964,061

 
67,997

 
952,232

 
21,114

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

21

Table of Contents

The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $720.4 million and $650.7 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Excluding accruing TDRs, there was no interest income recognized for the investment in impaired loans for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Interest income recognized for accruing TDRs was $8.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and $10.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 . At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all impaired loans other than $444.1 million and $556.4 million, respectively, of accruing TDRs, were on non-accrual status.
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.

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Table of Contents

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, 2014 and 2013 that were reported as accruing or non-accruing TDRs.
TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
6

 
$

 
7,143

 
1,339

 
8,482

 
1-4 family properties
18

 

 
1,036

 
1,511

 
2,547

 
Land acquisition
11

 

 
4,282

 
2,042

 
6,324

 
Total commercial real estate
35

 

 
12,461

 
4,892

 
17,353

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
13

 

 
4,070

 
9,242

 
13,312

 
Owner-occupied
9

 

 
19,315

 
14,151

 
33,466

 
Small business
46

 

 
1,746

 
5,071

 
6,817

 
Total commercial and industrial
68

 

 
25,131

 
28,464

 
53,595

 
Home equity lines
6

 

 
728

 
451

 
1,179

 
Consumer mortgages
8

 

 
1,753

 
103

 
1,856

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
10

 

 
442

 
235

 
677

 
Total retail
24

 

 
2,923

 
789

 
3,712

 
Total TDRs
127

 
$

 
40,515

 
34,145

 
74,660

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
3

 
$

 

 
1,019

 
1,019

 
1-4 family properties
14

 

 
903

 
425

 
1,328

 
Land acquisition
10

 

 
4,282

 
1,508

 
5,790

 
Total commercial real estate
27

 

 
5,185

 
2,952

 
8,137

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
6

 

 
2,279

 
7,037

 
9,316

 
Owner-occupied
2

 

 
16,827

 
11,333

 
28,160

 
Small business
23

 

 
1,450

 
1,755

 
3,205

 
Total commercial and industrial
31

 

 
20,556

 
20,125

 
40,681

 
Home equity lines
4

 

 
487

 
405

 
892

 
Consumer mortgages
7

 

 
1,652

 
103

 
1,755

 
Credit cards

 

 

 


 

 
Other retail
6

 

 
442

 
118

 
560

 
Total retail
17

 

 
2,581

 
626

 
3,207

 
Total TDRs
75

 
$

 
28,322

 
23,703

 
52,025

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) No net charge-offs were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2014 upon restructuring of these loans.
(2) No net charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2014 upon restructuring of these loans.


23

Table of Contents

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, financial and agricultural
57

 
183

 
17,907

 
8,990

 
27,080

 
Owner-occupied
27

 

 
15,620

 
14,335

 
29,955

 
Small business
24

 

 
917

 
1,608

 
2,525

 
Total commercial and industrial
108

 
183

 
34,444

 
24,933

 
59,560

 
Home equity lines
1

 

 

 
80

 
80

 
Consumer mortgages
84

 

 
7,124

 
3,038

 
10,162

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
38

 

 
460

 
1,028

 
1,488

 
Total retail
123

 

 
7,584

 
4,146

 
11,730

 
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, financial and agricultural
30

 

 
9,430

 
7,253

 
16,683

 
Owner-occupied
10

 

 
10,337

 
11,881

 
22,218

 
Small business
11

 

 
30

 
934

 
964

 
Total commercial and industrial
51

 

 
19,797

 
20,068

 
39,865

 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 
Consumer mortgages
38

 

 
2,204

 
435

 
2,639

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
14

 

 
88

 
362

 
450

 
Total retail
52

 

 
2,292

 
797

 
3,089

 
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 of these loans.
(2) No net charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2013 upon restructuring of these loans.


24

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* During
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
Investment properties
1

 
$
186

 

 
$

1-4 family properties
3

 
1,018

 
3

 
1,018

Land acquisition
1

 
428

 
1

 
428

Total commercial real estate
5

 
1,632

 
4

 
1,446

Commercial, financial and agricultural
2

 
1,378

 
1

 
856

Owner-occupied

 

 

 

Small business

 

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
2

 
1,378

 
1

 
856

Home equity lines

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
1

 
70

 
1

 
70

Credit cards

 

 

 

Other retail

 

 

 

Total retail
1

 
70

 
1

 
70

Total TDRs
8

 
$
3,080

 
6

 
$
2,372

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* 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* 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, financial and agricultural
2

 
389

 
1

 
119

Owner-occupied
2

 
924

 
1

 
68

Small business
1

 
20

 
1

 
20

Total commercial and industrial
5

 
1,333

 
3

 
207

Home equity lines

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
13

 
978

 
3

 
420

Credit cards

 

 

 

Other retail
1

 
195

 

 

Total retail
14

 
1,173

 
3

 
420

Total TDRs
30

 
$
17,905

 
13

 
$
2,561

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

* 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.
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, 2014, the allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs totaling $444.1 million was $24.3 million compared to accruing TDRs of $556.4 million with an allocated allowance for loan losses of $27.7 million at December 31, 2013. 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.

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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 $101.5 million and $112.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, $25.3 million and $53.2 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, 2014 and 2013, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $9.7 million and $18.4 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 $8.2 million and $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Note 8 - Goodwill

At June 30, 2014, the carrying value of goodwill was $24.4 million. Synovus assesses goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual assessments if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Synovus performs its annual goodwill impairment testing as of June 30th of each year. At June 30, 2014, Synovus completed its annual goodwill impairment evaluation, and as a result of this evaluation, concluded that goodwill was not impaired.

For the annual goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unit was determined by using the income approach. The first step (Step 1) of impairment testing requires a comparison of the reporting unit's fair value to the carrying amount to identify potential impairment. The result of the Step 1 process indicated that goodwill of the reporting unit was not impaired, as the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the respective carrying value; therefore, no further testing was required. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit was $134.1 million, which exceeded the carrying value of $76.6 million by $57.5 million, or 75%. The key assumptions that drove the fair value of this reporting unit under the income approach included projected revenue growth, projected EBITDA margin, long-term growth rate, and the discount rate.









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Table of Contents

Note 9 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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, 2014 and 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
 
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
(13,099
)
 
(28,936
)
 
777

 
(41,258
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
28,068

 
243

 
28,311

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
137

 
(818
)
 
(88
)
 
(769
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
137

 
27,250

 
155

 
27,542

Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
(12,962
)
 
(1,686
)
 
932

 
(13,716
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of April 1, 2014
$
(13,030
)
 
(18,166
)
 
733

 
(30,463
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 
16,480

 
243

 
16,723

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
68

 

 
(44
)
 
24

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
68

 
16,480

 
199

 
16,747

Balance as of June 30, 2014
$
(12,962
)
 
(1,686
)
 
932

 
(13,716
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit
 
Total
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
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
$
(13,237
)
 
(20,689
)
 
866

 
(33,060
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
$
(13,237
)
 
(20,689
)
 
866

 
(33,060
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        





27

Table of Contents

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 financial instruments, equity securities, and debt securities as a single portfolio. As of June 30, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013.
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
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 losses
 
$
(224
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
87

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(137
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$
1,331

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(513
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
818

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains
 
$
144

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(56
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
88

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
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 losses
 
$
(112
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
44

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(68
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains
 
$
72

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(28
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
44

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 


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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 losses
 
$
(224
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
88

 
Income tax (expense) 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) benefit
 
 
$
891

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains
 
$
26

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

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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 losses
 
$
(112
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
45

 
Income tax (expense) 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) benefit
 
 
$
862

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains
 
$

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

29

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.
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:
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, CMOs 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.
See Note 16 "Fair Value Accounting" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K for a description of valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis.




30

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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014
(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
$

 
6,305

 

 
6,305

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

 
1,900

 

 
1,900

  State and municipal securities

 
744

 

 
744

  All other mortgage-backed
  securities    

 
3,755

 

 
3,755

Other investments

 
7,614

 

 
7,614

Total trading securities
$

 
20,318

 

 
20,318

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
75,957

 

 
75,957

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
17,793

 

 

 
17,793

U.S. Government agency securities

 
34,292

 

 
34,292

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
112,809

 

 
112,809

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

 
174,378

 

 
174,378

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

 
2,338,295

 

 
2,338,295

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

 
386,473

 

 
386,473

State and municipal securities

 
5,429

 

 
5,429

Equity securities
6,953

 

 

 
6,953

 Other investments(1)    
1,897

 

 
1,866

 
3,763

Total investment securities available for sale
$
26,643

 
3,051,676

 
1,866

 
3,080,185

Private equity investments

 
1,258

 
27,376

 
28,634

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
11,349

 

 

 
11,349

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
34,476

 

 
34,476

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
1,889

 

 
1,889

Total derivative assets
$

 
36,365

 

 
36,365

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
7,309

 

 
7,309

Salary stock units
465

 

 

 
465

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
35,046

 

 
35,046

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
1,122

 

 
1,122

Visa derivative

 

 
2,438

 
2,438

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
36,168

 
2,438

 
38,606

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
2,465

 

 
2,465

State and municipal securities

 
429

 

 
429

All other mortgage-backed securities

 
968

 

 
968

Other investments

 
2,251

 

 
2,251

Total trading securities
$

 
6,113

 

 
6,113

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
45,384

 

 
45,384

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     U.S. Treasury securities
17,791

 

 

 
17,791

U.S. Government agency securities

 
34,641

 

 
34,641

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
113,745

 

 
113,745

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

 
195,117

 

 
195,117

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

 
2,421,360

 

 
2,421,360

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

 
398,540

 

 
398,540

State and municipal securities

 
6,889

 

 
6,889

Equity securities
6,956

 

 
628

 
7,584

 Other investments(1)    
1,969

 

 
1,722

 
3,691

Total investment securities available for sale
$
26,716

 
3,170,292

 
2,350

 
3,199,358

Private equity investments

 
1,615

 
27,745

 
29,360

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
11,246

 

 

 
11,246

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
38,482

 

 
38,482

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
1,522

 

 
1,522

Total derivative assets
$

 
40,004

 

 
40,004

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
1,763

 

 
1,763

Salary stock units
1,764

 

 

 
1,764

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
39,436

 

 
39,436

Visa derivative

 

 
2,706

 
2,706

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
39,436

 
2,706

 
42,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.
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.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value and the changes in fair value of these loans. Mortgage loans held for sale are initially measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income. An immaterial portion of these changes in fair value was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
Changes in Fair Value Included in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
1,781

 
(7,930
)
 
1,057

 
(5,171
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
 
(in thousands)
As of June 30, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Fair value
$
75,957

 
45,384

Unpaid principal balance
73,735

 
44,943

Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
2,222

 
441

 
 
 
 
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 and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 (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 and second quarters of 2014 and 2013, Synovus did not have any material transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
(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,
$
2,350

 
27,745

 
(2,706
)
 
$3,178
 
30,708

 
(2,956
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings*    
(88
)
 
(369
)
 
(752
)
 

 
(1,140
)
 
(801
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
144

 

 

 
276

 

 

Purchases

 




 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(540
)
 

 
1,020

 

 

 
780

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 


Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, June 30,
$
1,866

 
27,376

 
(2,438
)
 
3,454

 
29,568

 
(2,977
)
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,
$
(88
)
 
(369
)
 
(752
)
 

 
(1,140
)
 
(801
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Included in earnings as a component of non-interest income (expense).


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Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
(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,
$
2,399

 
27,495

 
(2,525
)
 
3,312

 
30,451

 
(2,610
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings*    

 
(119
)
 
(356
)
 

 
(883
)
 
(764
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
7

 

 

 
142

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements
(540
)
 

 
443

 

 

 
397

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, June 30,
$
1,866

 
27,376

 
(2,438
)
 
3,454

 
29,568

 
(2,977
)
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,
$

 
(119
)
 
(356
)
 

 
(883
)
 
(764
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Included in earnings as a component of non-interest income (expense).

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, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Impaired loans*
$

 

 
11,190

 
11,190

 

 

 
170,693

 
170,693

Other loans held for sale

 

 
2,045

 
2,045

 

 

 
9,670

 
9,670

Other real estate




18,746


18,746

 

 

 
50,070

 
50,070

Other assets held for sale
$

 

 
5,394

 
5,394

 

 

 
4,945

 
4,945

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table presents fair value adjustments recognized for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Impaired loans*
$
8,144

 
30,152

 
$
5,542

 
10,184

Other loans held for sale
1,631

 
3,546

 
1,631

 
3,315

Other real estate
3,229

 
4,513

 
654

 
363

Other assets held for sale
$
7,508

 
170

 
$
7,508

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Impaired loans that are collateral-dependent.



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Table of Contents

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, 2014
(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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Other Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
1,866

 
Discounted cash flow analysis
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
400-490 bps (445 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of marketability(2)
0%-10% (0%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
27,376

 
Individual analysis of each investee company
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed financing transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
2,438

 
Internal valuation
Management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract.
$400 thousand to $2.4 million ($2.4 million)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





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Table of Contents

June 30, 2014
(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
 
$
11,190

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 79% (42%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
2,045

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 19% (19%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
 
18,746

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 4% (2%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets held for sale
 
5,394

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
9%-80% (55%)
0%-10% (10%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low of the value that would be assigned to a particular input. For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is not the value that management is using for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of liquidity.
(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.


December 31, 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
 
$
628

 
Individual analysis of each investment
Multiple data points, including, but not limited to evaluation of past and projected business performance
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Other Investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
1,722

 
Discounted cash flow analysis
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
400-480 bps (441 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of marketability(2)
0%-10% (0%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
27,745

 
Individual analysis of each investee company
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed company transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
2,706

 
Internal valuation
Management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract.

$400 thousand to $2.7 million ($2.7 million)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

December 31, 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
 
$
170,693

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0%-65% (25%)
0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
9,670

 
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
 
50,070

 
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
 
4,945

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
5%-36% (20%)
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. For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is not the value that management is using for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of liquidity.
(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
For the trust preferred securities in Level 3 assets, raising the credit spread, and raising the discount for lack of liquidity 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.
Visa Derivative Liability
The fair value of the Visa derivative contract is determined based on management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) valuation of the Visa derivative liability.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying and fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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

37

Table of Contents

deposits), and long-term debt, the amounts disclosed in the notes should not be considered an estimate of the amount that would be realized if all such financial instruments were to be settled immediately. See Note 16 "Fair Value Accounting" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K for a description of valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis and financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet.
The carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments, as well as the level within the fair value hierarchy, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
 
June 30, 2014

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
596,425

 
596,425

 
596,425

 

 

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
689,284

 
689,284

 
689,284

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
7,661

 
7,661

 
7,661

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
79,553

 
79,553

 
79,553

 

 

Trading account assets
20,318

 
20,318

 

 
20,318

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
75,957

 
75,957

 

 
75,957

 

Other loans held for sale
2,764

 
2,764

 

 

 
2,764

Investment securities available for sale
3,080,185

 
3,080,185

 
26,643

 
3,051,676

 
1,866

Private equity investments
28,634

 
28,634

 

 
1,258

 
27,376

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
11,349

 
11,349

 
11,349

 

 

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
20,455,763

 
20,188,381

 

 

 
20,188,381

Derivative assets
36,365

 
36,365

 

 
36,365

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
7,309

 
7,309

 

 
7,309

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,875,301

 
5,875,301

 

 
5,875,301

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,118,166

 
15,123,417

 

 
15,123,417

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
127,840

 
127,840

 
127,840

 

 

Salary stock units
465

 
465

 
465

 

 

Long-term debt
2,256,418

 
2,329,660

 

 
2,329,660

 

Derivative liabilities
$
38,606

 
38,606

 

 
36,168

 
2,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2013

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
469,630

 
469,630

 
469,630

 

 

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
644,528

 
644,528

 
644,528

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
24,325

 
24,325

 
24,325

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
80,975

 
80,975

 
80,975

 

 

Trading account assets
6,113

 
6,113

 

 
6,113

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
45,384

 
45,384

 

 
45,384

 

Other loans held for sale
10,685

 
10,685

 

 

 
10,685

Investment securities available for sale
3,199,358

 
3,199,358

 
26,716

 
3,170,292

 
2,350

Private equity investments
29,360

 
29,360

 

 
1,615

 
27,745

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
11,246

 
11,246

 
11,246

 

 

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
20,057,798

 
19,763,708

 

 

 
19,763,708

Derivative assets
40,004

 
40,004

 

 
40,004

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
1,763

 
1,763

 

 
1,763

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,642,751

 
5,642,751

 

 
5,642,751

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,234,039

 
15,244,020

 

 
15,244,020

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
148,132

 
148,132

 
148,132

 

 

Salary stock units
1,764

 
1,764

 
1,764

 

 

Long-term debt
2,033,141

 
2,095,720

 

 
2,095,720

 

Derivative liabilities
$
42,142

 
42,142

 

 
39,436

 
2,706

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Synovus had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts utilized to manage interest rate risk.
Synovus is party to master netting arrangements with its dealer counterparties; however, Synovus 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.

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Table of Contents

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, 2014, there were no cash flow hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness.
Synovus expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $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 2014 or 2013. The remaining unamortized deferred net loss balance of all previously terminated cash flow hedges at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $(1.3) million and $(1.6) 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. Ineffectiveness from fair value hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income. As of June 30, 2014, there were no fair value hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness.
Synovus did not terminate any fair value hedges during 2014 or 2013. The remaining unamortized deferred net gain balance on all previously terminated fair value hedges at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $9.2 million and $10.7 million, respectively. Synovus expects to reclassify from hedge-related basis adjustment, a component of long-term debt, $3.1 million of the deferred gain balance on previously terminated fair value hedges as a reduction to interest expense during the next twelve months as amortization of deferred gains is recorded.
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 statements of income. As of June 30, 2014, 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 $49.2 million compared to December 31, 2013.
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, for 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 contract was $2.4 million and $2.7 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the derivative contract is determined based on management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract.
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 into 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.

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At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Synovus had commitments to fund at a locked interest rate, primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers, in the amount of $100.7 million and $65.0 million, respectively. The fair value of these commitments resulted in a gain of $1.3 million and a loss of $(2.5) million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to $125.0 million and $92.0 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 loss of $(2.0) million and a gain of $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014, collateral totaling $73.1 million consisting of Federal funds sold was pledged to the derivative counterparties, including $4.0 million with the CCC, to comply with collateral requirements.
The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is presented below.
 
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
 
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities

(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Derivatives not designated
  as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
 
$
34,476

 
38,482

 
Other liabilities
 
$
35,046

 
39,436

Mortgage derivatives
Other assets
 
1,889

 
1,522

 
Other liabilities
 
1,122

 

Visa derivative
 
 

 

 
Other liabilities
 
2,438

 
2,706

 Total derivatives not
  designated as hedging
  instruments    
 
 
$
36,365

 
40,004

 
 
 
$
38,606

 
42,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

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The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented below.
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
384

 
(158
)
Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
(755
)
 
4,942

Total
 
 
$
(371
)
 
4,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
281

 
(279
)
Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
(435
)
 
5,030

Total
 
 
$
(154
)
 
4,751

 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, Synovus also reclassified $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, from hedge-related basis adjustment, a component of long-term debt, as a reduction to interest expense. These deferred gains relate to hedging relationships that have been previously terminated and are reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged items.
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, 2014 and 2013.

Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Basic Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
90,170

 
45,515

 
44,313

 
30,717

Weighted average common shares outstanding
138,961

 
117,035

 
138,991

 
121,585

Basic net income per common share
$
0.65

 
0.39

 
0.32

 
0.25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
90,170

 
45,515

 
44,313

 
30,717

Weighted average common shares outstanding
138,961

 
117,035

 
138,991

 
121,585

Potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of
securities or other contracts to purchase Common Stock
574

 
13,092

 
576

 
8,549

Weighted average diluted common shares
139,535

 
130,127

 
139,567

 
130,134

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.65

 
0.35

 
0.32

 
0.24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A reverse stock split became effective on May 16, 2014, and Synovus' shares of common stock began trading on a post-split basis on the NYSE at the opening of trading on May 19, 2014. Share and per share amounts included in this Report for prior periods have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-seven reverse stock split.  
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 17.5 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.

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As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, there were 3.5 million and 4.1 million, respectively, potentially dilutive shares related to Common Stock options and Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock that were outstanding during 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
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. At June 30, 2014, Synovus had a total of 7,231,901 shares of its authorized but unissued Common Stock reserved for future grants under the 2013 Omnibus Plan. The 2013 Omnibus Plan authorizes 8,571,429 common share equivalents available for grant, where grants of options count as one share equivalent and grants of full value awards (e.g., restricted share units, market restricted share units) count as 2 share equivalents. Any restricted share units that are forfeited and options that expire unexercised will again become available for issuance under the 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 $4.7 million and $2.5 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $3.4 million and $1.6 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.
Stock Options
No stock option grants were made during the six months ended June 30, 2014. At June 30, 2014, there were 3,010,614 options to purchase shares of Common Stock outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $48.60.
Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units and Market Restricted Share Units
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Synovus awarded 402,577 restricted share units that have a service-based vesting period of three years and awarded 57,645 performance share units that vest upon service conditions and performance conditions. Synovus also granted 86,465 market restricted share units during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded restricted share units, performance share units and market restricted share units was $23.75 per share. At June 30, 2014, including dividend equivalents granted, there were 1,077,224 restricted share units, performance share units and market restricted share units outstanding with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $20.55.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Synovus also granted 18,938 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, 2014 was $465 thousand. The salary stock units granted during 2014 are classified as liabilities and will be settled in cash on January 15, 2015.
Note 14 - Income Taxes
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $15.0 million and $14.6 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The $414 thousand increase in the valuation allowance from December 31, 2013 to June 30, 2014 is related to the addition of certain state income tax credits earned that are available to reduce future tax liability through the tax year 2019 but are expected to expire before they can be utilized.  Management assesses the need for a 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.  Based on the assessment of all of the positive and negative evidence at June 30, 2014, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $677.5 million of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income.
Synovus expects to realize substantially all of the $677.5 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At June 30, 2014, $195.8 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or

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credits and, therefore, have no expiration dates. Approximately $390.1 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses which expire in years beginning in 2028 through 2032. Additionally, $56.0 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which will expire in installments annually through the tax year 2034. Tax credit carryforwards at June 30, 2014 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $24.6 million, which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at June 30, 2014 total $26.0 million and have expiration dates through the tax year 2034.
The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on management's assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management's conclusion at June 30, 2014 that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $677.5 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. A state tax examination by the Tennessee Department of Revenue is 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 current and future examinations, Synovus believes that the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions is adequate.
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. While the final outcome of any legal proceeding is inherently uncertain, based on the information currently available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, management believes that the amounts accrued with respect to legal matters as of June 30, 2014 are adequate. 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 future event occurring is slight. 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, management currently estimates the aggregate range from our outstanding litigation, including, without limitation, the matters described below, is from zero to $25 million in excess of the 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 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

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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. On May 23, 2013, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Defendants permission to appeal the District Court’s certification of the class. On October 4, 2013, the Lead Plaintiffs and the Defendants reached a settlement-in-principle to settle the Securities Class Action. Under the settlement-in-principle, the Defendants shall cause to be paid $11.8 million to the Lead Plaintiffs (the “Securities Class Action Settlement Payment”) in exchange for broad releases, dismissal with prejudice of the Securities Class Action and other material and customary terms and conditions. On March 17, 2014, the Lead Plaintiffs filed a motion with the District Court for preliminary approval of the Securities Class Action Settlement Payment. The District Court granted preliminary approval of the Securities Class Action Settlement Payment on June 4, 2014, and the hearing date for the final approval is scheduled for October 7, 2014. Synovus expects that, subject to execution of an appropriate release of the Defendants’ insurance carriers and other customary acknowledgments by the Defendants, the Securities Class Action Settlement Payment will be fully covered by insurance. There can be no assurance that the settlement-in-principle will be finally approved by the District Court. In the event the settlement-in-principle of the Securities Class Action is not approved by the District Court and finally 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. A preliminary hearing regarding class certification is scheduled for August 13, 2014.
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 ("the Griner Overdraft Litigation"). 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

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petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of Georgia. On October 7, 2013, the Supreme Court of Georgia accepted certiorari and vacated the March 28, 2013 order of the Georgia Court of Appeals instanter with direction that the Court of Appeals remand the case to the trial court for further consideration in light of the effect, if any, of the July 3, 2013 Declaratory Order issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, which declares that to provide parity with national banks, overdraft fees imposed by state-chartered banks in connection with deposit accounts are not subject to Georgia’s usury laws. The trial court held a hearing for consideration of this issue on November 21, 2013, and a decision is pending.
On February 3, 2014, the Gwinnett County State Court (State of Georgia) issued an order preliminarily approving the proposed settlement (the “Griner Settlement”) by and among Synovus Financial Corp. and Synovus Bank (collectively referred to herein as “Synovus”), and the plaintiffs in the Griner Overdraft Litigation. Under the terms of the Griner Settlement, Synovus has agreed to (1) establish a fund to pay eligible class member claims and (2) pay an agreed-upon amount of fees to counsel for the plaintiffs in the Griner Overdraft Litigation. In exchange, each purported class member in the Griner Overdraft Litigation will give Synovus a full and final general release of all claims alleged or that could be alleged in the Griner Overdraft Litigation. The final fairness hearing on the Griner Settlement was held on May 20, 2014, and the Griner Settlement was approved by the Court.
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 competition in the financial services industry may adversely affect our future earnings and growth;
(2)
 
the risk that we may not realize the expected benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives, which will negatively
affect our future profitability;
(3)
 
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
(4)
 
the risk that our enterprise risk management framework may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;
(5)
 
the risk that our allowance for loan losses may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
(6)
 
the risk that any future economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition, results of operations and future growth;
(7)
 
the risk that we could realize additional losses if our levels of non-performing assets increase and/or if we determine to
sell certain non-performing assets and the proceeds we receive are lower than the carrying value of such assets;

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(8)
 
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;
(9)
 
the risk that if we pursue acquisitions in the future as part of our growth strategy, we may not be able to complete such
acquisitions or successfully integrate bank or nonbank acquisitions into our existing operations;

(10)
 
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;
(11)
 
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;
(12)
 
the impact on our financial results, reputation, and business if we are unable to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, or other supervisory actions or directives and any necessary capital initiatives;
(13)
 
the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, the capital requirements promulgated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 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;
(14)
 
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;
(15)
 
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 a downgrade in our credit ratings;
(16)
 
the impact on our borrowing costs, capital costs and our liquidity due to our status as a non-investment grade issuer;
(17)
 
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 and our ability to support asset
growth and sustain our operations and the operations of Synovus Bank;
(18)
 
the risk that we may be unable to pay dividends on our Common Stock or Series C Preferred Stock or Synovus Bank may be unable to pay dividends to us;
(19)
 
the risk that for our deferred tax assets, we may be required to increase the valuation allowance in future periods, or we
may not be able to realize all of the deferred tax assets in the future;
(20)
 
the risk that we could have an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the IRC, 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;
(21)
 
risks related to recent and proposed changes in the mortgage banking industry, including the risk that we may be required
to repurchase mortgage loans sold to third parties and the impact of the “ability to pay” and “qualified mortgage” rules on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings;
(22)
 
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related
thereto;
(23)
 
risks related to the fluctuation in our stock price;
(24)
 
the effects of any damages to Synovus' reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above; 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' 2013 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' 2013 Form 10-K and our other periodic filings, including quarterly

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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.
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 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, 2014 and 2013, 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’ 2013 Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are divided into key segments:
 
Economic Overview
 
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, capital resources, 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
Despite a series of progressively declined revisions to the first quarter of 2014 gross domestic product (GDP), culminating in a final estimate of negative 2.1%, the Federal Reserve continued to proceed with U.S. Treasury and Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) purchase reductions at a pace that is expected to bring the Quantitative Easing (QE) process to an end by October 2014. Although second quarter GDP estimates have not been finalized, the initial estimate of 4.0% growth reflects the positive impact of several factors, including employment growth, manufacturing expansion, and increased consumption, due in part to higher consumer sentiment.
The national unemployment rate at quarter-end dropped 60 bps from the first quarter, to 6.1%. Bureau of Labor Statistics and ADP Payroll monthly job creation data were impressive (specifically in June when both measurements exceeded 280,000 new jobs), yet a significant portion of the decline was attributable to a sizable reduction in the national labor force. Within the Synovus footprint, this trend is best reflected in South Carolina, where labor force reductions, coupled with employment gains, have led to a year-over-year unemployment rate improvement of 260 bps (7.9% to 5.3%). Florida is exhibiting gains in both labor force and job growth which, although healthier for the state economy, results in a less impressive year-over-year decline in the unemployment rate (7.5% to 6.3%). Tennessee (8.4% to 6.4%) and Georgia (8.4% to 7.2%) show declines in state unemployment rates that are primarily due to more labor force declines, with the exception of major metro areas such as Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA MSA and Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN MSA, which both follow Florida’s pattern. Alabama lost more jobs than labor force participants, resulting in the footprint’s only increased unemployment rate of 6.8%, up from 6.4% one year earlier. The lowest second quarter Synovus footprint unemployment rate is 4.5% in Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC MSA; the highest second quarter Synovus footprint unemployment rate is 8.9% in Dalton, GA MSA, although this market showed the best improvement in Georgia with a 200 bps reduction year-over-year.

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Manufacturing growth is evidenced by increases in the Institute for Supply Management Purchase Manager’s Index from 54.9 in April to 55.3 in June, as well as the Markit PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index), which increased from 55.4 to 57.3 over the same period. Industrial production grew 6.7% in the second quarter, far better than the growth rate of 1.4% in the first quarter. Record port and rail traffic numbers were a constant throughout the second quarter as suppressed demand from first quarter excised itself from the economy. These statistics are particularly important in the Synovus footprint as manufacturing and logistics expansion in the Southeast is significant, especially near port markets, such as Charleston, Savannah, and Mobile, that will be able to accommodate post-Panamax ship volume. Inland port areas such as Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA are seeing manufacturing, supplier, and logistics growth based on easy access to the aforementioned ports as well as an economically friendly business environment.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose from 82.3 at the beginning of the second quarter to 85.2 at the end of June. Consumer spending, presumably muted by winter storms during the first quarter, has shown evidence of a rebound in the form of consumer credit growth and a rising number of automobile sales. First quarter automobile sales reached an annualized level of 16.4 million units in March, and by June this number had climbed to annualized sales of 17.0 million units. On the commercial front, the National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Optimism Index was relatively stagnant, holding at a positive yet cautious rating of 95 at quarter-end.
Despite continued tapering of MBS purchases by the Federal Reserve in the second quarter, Freddie Mac 30-year, fixed mortgage rates moved downward to 4.14% in June from 4.41% in April. The pace of permitting in residential construction (including multi-family) continued to decline as evidenced by reductions in permit volume in many MSAs within the Synovus footprint. Nationally, median single family existing home sale prices generally increased year-over-year during the quarter (5.1% annualized), though the pace has slowed substantially since peak quarters in 2013. The most recently released (for May 2014) Case-Shiller 10 and 20 City Composite Indices for sales of U.S. housing showed annualized gains of 9.4% and 9.3% annualized, respectively, compared to the prior month's (April 2014) annualized gains of 10.8% annualized, for both the 10 and 20 City Composite Indices. The decline in the rate of U.S home price appreciation indicated by the Case-Shiller Indices is reflective of a normalizing housing market driven by true market sales, not distressed or foreclosure sales.
Nationally, commercial real estate continued its recovery as asset values pushed higher, particularly in the multi-family and industrial/warehouse sectors where capitalization rates have reached historic lows, and rents have generally exceeded pre-recession levels. Premium pricing for major metro market properties has pushed investors seeking adequate yields towards secondary markets and major inland transportation hubs. CRE, and more specifically the hospitality segment, has continued to perform very well within the Synovus footprint as well. Smith Travel Research shows that of eighteen markets comprising the bulk of Synovus' hospitality portfolio and expansion areas, all except one has shown positive RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) growth. Though Florida is the footprint leader in CRE metric gains and job creation, South Carolina is emerging as a contender, driven by port growth, manufacturing, and logistics. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN MSA leads all Synovus footprint major MSAs with low vacancy rates for multi-family (4.0%), retail (7.9%), and office (13.7%).
Second quarter geopolitical concerns were focused on unrest in Iraq, while global economic interest continued to be centered on Europe and the persistent struggle there between creditor and debtor members. While there has been improved productivity and growth in some areas of the European community, there continues to be nagging unemployment and expense concerns in others. China’s economy is slowing in time with decreased worldwide demand. There is some concern that Federal Reserve policy actions could impact developing economies over the course of 2014 and into 2015. Closer to home, Latin and South American economies are significantly impacting domestic economies in Texas and Florida. At this time, Synovus does not have direct exposure to global markets, but it will continue to monitor the impact of international developments on domestic economic activity and will determine the most appropriate strategies to pursue.

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DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Highlights
A summary of Synovus’ financial performance for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is set forth in the table below.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Change
Net interest income
$
405,566

 
401,891

 
0.9%
 
205,051

 
202,077

 
1.5%
Provision for loan losses
21,795

 
48,773

 
(55.3)
 
12,284

 
13,077

 
(6.1
)
Non-interest income
133,569

 
129,813

 
2.9
 
63,388

 
65,092

 
(2.6
)
Non-interest expense
366,365

 
363,472

 
0.8
 
182,205

 
181,186

 
0.6

Adjusted non-interest expense(1)
336,558

 
331,582

 
1.5
 
169,498

 
167,777

 
1.0

Income before income taxes
150,975

 
119,459

 
26.4
 
73,950

 
72,906

 
1.4

Adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income(1)    
195,457

 
198,674

 
(1.6)
 
98,941

 
97,989

 
1.0

Net income
95,289

 
75,109

 
26.9
 
46,872

 
45,535

 
2.9

Net income available to common shareholders
90,170

 
45,515

 
98.1
 
44,313

 
30,717

 
44.3

Net income per common share, basic
0.65

 
0.39

 
66.9
 
0.32

 
0.25

 
26.2

Net income per common share, diluted
0.65

 
0.35

 
84.8
 
0.32

 
0.24

 
34.5

Net interest margin
3.40
%
 
3.41

 
(1) bps

 
3.41
%
 
3.39

 
2 bps

Net charge-off ratio
0.50

 
0.90

 
(40) bps

 
0.69

 
0.61

 
8 bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
Sequential Quarter Change
 
June 30, 2013
 
Year Over Year Change
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
20,455,763

 
20,159,004

 
296,759

 
$
19,608,283

 
847,480

Total deposits
20,993,467

 
20,950,892

 
42,575

 
20,710,703

 
282,764

Core deposits(1)    
19,544,047

 
19,584,952

 
(40,905
)
 
19,372,640

 
171,407

Core deposits excluding time deposits(1)    
$
16,377,551

 
16,364,879

 
12,672

 
15,995,424

 
382,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets ratio
1.77
%
 
2.46

 
(69) bps

 
3.21
%
 
(144) bps

Past due loans over 90 days
0.02

 
0.03

 
(1) bp

 
0.02

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
2,500,491

 
2,430,790

 
69,701

 
$
2,904,985

 
(404,494
)
Tier 1 common equity(1)
2,364,511

 
2,294,810

 
69,701

 
1,932,260

 
432,251

Total risk-based capital
2,958,274

 
2,981,130

 
(22,856
)
 
3,445,161

 
(486,887
)
Tier 1 capital ratio
11.01
%
 
10.85

 
16 bps

 
13.49
%
 
(248) bps

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
10.42

 
10.24

 
18 bps

 
8.97

 
145 bps

Total risk-based capital ratio
13.03

 
13.31

 
(28) bps

 
15.99

 
(296) bps

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio
11.47

 
11.34

 
13 bps

 
13.43

 
(196) bps

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio(1)
10.91

 
10.78

 
13 bps

 
9.71

 
120 bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Results for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net income available to common shareholders was $90.2 million, or $0.65 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $45.5 million or $0.35 per diluted common share for the six months ended June 30, 2013. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, net income available to common shareholders was $44.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $30.7 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share, for the same period a year earlier. Net income (which does not include dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $95.3 million compared to net income of $75.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and was $46.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $45.5 million for the same period a year earlier. The first six months of 2014 results include a $5.8 million net gain from the Memphis transaction, a $3.1 million gain on a branch property sale, and $16.3 million in restructuring charges while the first six months of 2013 results included $6.6 million in restructuring charges. The second quarter of 2014 included $7.7 million in restructuring charges compared to $1.8 million in restructuring charges for the same period a year earlier.

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Results for the six months ended June 30, 2014 reflect continued broad-based improvement in credit quality. Credit costs continued to decline and totaled $34.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $73.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, credit costs were $16.9 million compared to $24.0 million for the same period a year ago. Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $35.4 million or 0.69% of average loans annualized, up $20.2 million from $15.2 million or 0.30% of average loans annualized in the first quarter of 2014 due to the significant reduction in NPLs which had existing reserves. The year-to-date net charge-off ratio is 0.50%, compared to 0.90% for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  NPL inflows were $34.3 million for the second quarter of 2014, down from $35.5 million in the first quarter of 2014, and down 48.7% from the second quarter of 2013. Total non-performing assets declined $135.1 million or 27.1% from $498.2 million at March 31, 2014 and declined $272.1 million or 42.8% from June 30, 2013.
Adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income (which excludes provision for loan losses, other credit costs, restructuring charges, securities gains and losses, gain on the Memphis transaction, and certain other items) was $195.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 with $98.9 million reported for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $96.5 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The sequential quarter increase of $2.4 million in adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income was driven by annualized loan growth of 5.9%, an increase in the net interest margin of two basis points, and growth in fee income from core business. Compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013, adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income declined $3.2 million largely due to a $5.5 million decrease in mortgage banking income and a $5.0 million increase in adjusted non-interest expense (primarily due to an increase in advertising expense of $5.4 million). See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
The net interest margin improved two basis points to 3.41% in the second quarter of 2014 compared to 3.39% for both the first quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 2013. The yield on earning assets was 3.86%, unchanged from the first quarter of 2014, and the effective cost of funds declined two basis points to 0.45%. Compared to the second quarter of 2013, the yield on earning assets declined two basis points from 3.88% and the effective cost of funds declined four basis points from 0.49%.
At June 30, 2014, total loans outstanding were $20.46 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $296.8 million, or 5.9% annualized, driven by growth in C&I and retail loans. On a year-to-date basis, total loans grew $398.0 million or 4.0% annualized.
At June 30, 2014, total deposits were $20.99 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $42.6 million, or 0.8% annualized. Core deposits ended the quarter at $19.54 billion, down $40.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2014. Core deposits, excluding time deposits, increased $12.7 million compared to March 31, 2014. Compared to December 31, 2013, total deposits increased $116.7 million (excluding the impact of the Memphis transaction, total deposits increased $308.0 million or 3.0% annualized). Core deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction were down $47.4 million or 0.5% annualized compared to December 31, 2013. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
Total shareholders' equity was $3.05 billion at June 30, 2014, up from to $2.95 billion at December 31, 2013.
Recent Developments
On April 24, 2014, at Synovus' 2014 Annual Shareholders' Meeting ("Annual Meeting"), Synovus’ shareholders approved a proposal authorizing Synovus’ Board of Directors to effect a one-for-seven reverse stock split of Synovus’ common stock. Following the Annual Meeting, Synovus’ Board of Directors authorized the one-for-seven reverse stock split.  The reverse stock split became effective on May 16, 2014, and Synovus' shares of common stock began trading on a post-split basis on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening of trading on May 19, 2014. All prior periods presented in this Report have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-seven reverse stock split. Financial information updated by this capital change includes earnings per common share, dividends per common share, stock price per common share, weighted average common shares, outstanding common shares, treasury shares, common stock, additional paid-in capital, and share-based compensation.   
Additionally, on April 24, 2014, Synovus’ shareholders also approved an amendment to Synovus’ articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Synovus’ common stock from 1.2 billion shares to 2.4 billion shares. Synovus effected the increase in the number of authorized shares on April 24, 2014. Upon the reverse stock split effective date, the number of Synovus’ authorized shares of common stock were proportionately reduced from 2.4 billion shares to 342.9 million shares.

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Changes in Financial Condition
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, total assets increased $425.7 million from $26.20 billion at December 31, 2013 to $26.63 billion. The principal component of this increase was growth of $398.0 million in loans net of deferred fees and costs. Additionally, mortgage loans held for sale increased $30.6 million, interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank increased $44.8 million, and cash and cash equivalents increased $126.8 million. These increases were partially offset by a $119.2 million decrease in investment securities available for sale and a $67.1 million decrease in net deferred tax assets. The increase in funding sources utilized to support asset growth was driven by a $223.3 million increase in long-term debt with increased utilization of FHLB advances and a $116.7 million increase in total deposits with increases in brokered deposits of $355.4 million.
Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and June 30, 2013.
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
June 30, 2014 vs. December 31, 2013 % Change(1)
 
June 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2014 vs. June 30, 2013
% Change
Investment properties
$
4,810,349

 
4,603,754

 
9.0
 %
 
$
4,446,989

 
8.2
 %
1-4 family properties
1,059,089

 
1,156,471

 
(17.0
)
 
1,213,559

 
(12.7
)
Land acquisition
598,555

 
705,333

 
(30.5
)
 
754,202

 
(20.6
)
  Total commercial real estate
6,467,993

 
6,465,558

 
0.1

 
6,414,750

 
0.8

Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,574,941

 
5,490,214

 
3.1

 
5,374,141

 
3.7

Owner-occupied
3,786,279

 
3,795,439

 
(0.5
)
 
3,784,937

 

Small business
886,570

 
687,216

 
58.5

 
568,881

 
55.8

Total commercial and industrial
10,247,790

 
9,972,869

 
5.6

 
9,727,959

 
5.3

Home equity lines
1,664,520

 
1,587,541

 
9.8

 
1,507,738

 
10.4

Consumer mortgages
1,561,111

 
1,519,068

 
5.6

 
1,451,212

 
7.6

Credit cards
255,369

 
256,846

 
(1.2
)
 
251,788

 
1.4

Other retail
287,935

 
284,778

 
2.2

 
278,603

 
3.3

Total retail
3,768,935

 
3,648,233

 
6.7

 
3,489,341

 
8.0

Total loans
20,484,718

 
20,086,660

 
4.0

 
19,632,050

 
4.3

Deferred fees and costs, net
(28,955
)
 
(28,862
)
 
0.6

 
(23,767
)
 
21.8

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
20,455,763

 
20,057,798

 
4.0
 %
 
$
19,608,283

 
4.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Percentage changes are annualized
At June 30, 2014, total loans were $20.46 billion, an increase of $847.5 million or 4.3% compared to June 30, 2013. Sequential quarter loan growth of $296.8 million or 5.9% annualized was driven by strong growth in C&I and retail loans across the Synovus footprint. Synovus currently expects loan growth to be in the 4%-6% range for the full year.
Commercial Loans
Total commercial loans (which are comprised of C&I and CRE loans) at June 30, 2014 were $16.72 billion or 81.6% of the total loan portfolio compared to $16.44 billion, or 81.9%, at December 31, 2013 and $16.14 billion, or 82.3%, at June 30, 2013.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Synovus had 27 and 25 commercial loan relationships with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded), respectively. The average funded balance of these relationships at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $38 million and $65 million, respectively.
Commercial and Industrial Loans
The C&I portfolio represents the largest category of Synovus' total loan portfolio and 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 and social assistance, finance and insurance, manufacturing, construction, real estate leasing, wholesale trade, and retail trade as 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. C&I 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

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complexity of the lending relationship. Approximately 91% of Synovus' C&I loans are secured by real estate, business equipment, inventory, and other types of collateral.
Total C&I loans at June 30, 2014 were $10.25 billion, or 50.0% of the total loan portfolio compared to $9.97 billion, or 49.7% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 and $9.73 billion, or 49.6% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2013. C&I loans grew $274.9 million or 5.6% annualized from December 31, 2013, driven by increases in small business and commercial, financial, and agricultural loans. The increase in small business loans was primarily driven by renewals of existing loans which were previously classified as commercial, financial and agricultural and are now reported as small business loans.
Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
Health care and social assistance
$
1,662,877

 
16.2
%
 
1,609,565

 
16.1
%
Manufacturing
958,705

 
9.3
%
 
912,140

 
9.2
%
Real estate other
860,381

 
8.4
%
 
831,482

 
8.3
%
Retail trade
790,270

 
7.7
%
 
758,325

 
7.6
%
Wholesale trade
620,606

 
6.0
%
 
612,045

 
6.1
%
Finance and insurance
569,776

 
5.6
%
 
580,796

 
5.8
%
Professional, scientific, and technical services
538,129

 
5.2
%
 
507,674

 
5.1
%
Construction
476,655

 
4.6
%
 
494,600

 
5.0
%
Accommodation and food services
446,660

 
4.4
%
 
429,811

 
4.3
%
Real estate leasing
631,669

 
6.2
%
 
591,070

 
5.9
%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
354,171

 
3.5
%
 
307,190

 
3.1
%
Educational services
242,912

 
2.4
%
 
233,627

 
2.3
%
Transportation and warehousing
211,877

 
2.1
%
 
215,027

 
2.2
%
Mining
201,874

 
2.0
%
 
203,815

 
2.1
%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
163,831

 
1.6
%
 
168,413

 
1.7
%
Other services
879,356

 
8.6
%
 
917,069

 
9.2
%
Other industries
638,041

 
6.2
%
 
600,220

 
6.0
%
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
10,247,790

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,972,869

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total commercial and industrial loans. 
Synovus has actively invested in additional expertise, product offerings, and product quality to provide its C&I clients with increased and enhanced product offerings and customer service. Complementing this investment in C&I, 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, senior housing, and equipment finance. 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 being 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. The Equipment Financing Group was formed in late 2013 and is expected to drive loan growth with small, middle, and large commercial banking customers in future periods. The formation of this group further strengthens the equipment financing line of business and signals Synovus' continued commitment to offer a broad range of expertise, products, and services to commercial customers.
At June 30, 2014, $3.79 billion of total C&I loans, or 18.5% 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, 2014, $5.57 billion of total C&I loans, or 27.2% 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.

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At June 30, 2014, $886.6 million of total C&I loans, or 4.3% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing small business activities. Small business loans are scored using a small business credit scoring model and are generally classified as small business when the loan is less than or equal to $500,000 and for a business purpose. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
CRE loans consist of investment properties loans, 1-4 family properties loans, and land acquisition loans. CRE loans are primarily originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions. These loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies referenced above. Total CRE loans, which represent 31.6% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2014, were $6.47 billion compared to $6.47 billion or 32.2% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 and $6.41 billion or 32.7% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2013. CRE loans grew $2.4 million or 0.1% annualized from December 31, 2013 and $53.2 million or 0.8% from June 30, 2013 primarily as a result of growth in investment properties loans being partially offset by planned reductions in land acquisition and 1-4 family properties loans.
Investment Properties Loans
Total investment properties loans as of June 30, 2014 were $4.81 billion, or 74.4% of the total CRE portfolio and 23.5% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $4.60 billion or 71.2% of the total CRE portfolio, and 22.9% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013, an increase of $206.6 million or 9.0% annualized primarily due to initiatives to grow this portion of the loan portfolio. 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, 2014, 1-4 family properties loans totaled $1.06 billion, or 16.4% of the total CRE portfolio and 5.2% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $1.16 billion, or 17.9% of the total CRE portfolio and 5.8% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013. 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 have stabilized, Synovus has continued to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Land Acquisition Loans
Total land acquisition loans were $598.6 million at June 30, 2014, or 2.9% of the total loan portfolio, a decline of $106.8 million or 30.5% annualized from December 31, 2013. 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 continued to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Retail Loans
Retail loans at June 30, 2014 totaled $3.77 billion, representing 18.4% of the total loan portfolio compared to $3.65 billion, or 18.1% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 and $3.49 billion or 17.7% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2013. Retail loans increased by $120.7 million or 6.7% annualized from December 31, 2013 primarily due to targeted efforts around certain products including HELOCs and portfolio mortgages.
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, 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. Substantially all retail loans are to in-market borrowers with no indirect lending products, which increases opportunities for cross-selling. Credit card loans totaled

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$255.4 million at June 30, 2014, including $58.6 million of commercial credit card loans. The 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 June 30, 2014). At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, weighted-average FICO scores within the residential real estate portfolio were 771 and 768 (HELOC), respectively, and 732 and 720 (consumer mortgages), respectively. Conservative debt-to-income ratios (average HELOC debt to income ratio of loans originated) were maintained in the second quarter of 2014 at 30.0%, as compared to 28.6% in the first quarter of 2014. HELOC utilization rates (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of 61.6% and 61.3% at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and loan-to-value ratios based upon prudent guidelines were maintained to ensure consistency with Synovus' overall risk philosophy. At June 30, 2014, 34% of our home equity lines balances were secured by a first lien while 66% were secured by a second lien. 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 June 30, 2014. Management reviews the refreshed scores to monitor the credit risk migration of the retail loan portfolio, which impacts the allowance for loan losses. Management also considers the results from the refreshed scores for possible changes in underwriting policies. 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 the origination date or, if the loan has been refinanced, as of the refinance date, 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, 2014, it had $144.8 million of higher-risk consumer loans (3.8% of the retail portfolio and 0.7% of the total loan portfolio). Included in this amount is approximately $20 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, 2014, the balance of such loans remaining on the balance sheet was less than $1 million.
Other Real Estate
The carrying value of ORE was $101.5 million, $112.6 million, and $139.7 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and June 30, 2013, respectively. As of June 30, 2014, the ORE carrying value reflects cumulative write-downs totaling approximately $79 million, or 44% of the related loans' unpaid principal balance. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, $25.3 million and $53.2 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, 2014 and 2013, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $9.7 million and $18.4 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 $8.2 million and $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 selling costs, 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

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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, 2014
 
%(1)
 
December 31, 2013
 
%(1)
 
June 30, 2013
 
%(1)
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,875,301

 
28.0
%
 
$
5,642,751

 
27.0
%
 
$
5,203,437

 
25.1
%
Interest bearing demand deposits
3,819,655

 
18.2

 
3,969,634

 
19.0

 
4,069,102

 
19.7

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
6,035,608

 
28.7

 
6,069,548

 
29.1

 
6,114,998

 
29.5

Savings deposits
646,987

 
3.1

 
602,655

 
2.9

 
607,887

 
2.9

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
3,166,496

 
15.1

 
3,498,200

 
16.8

 
3,377,216

 
16.3

Brokered deposits
1,449,420

 
6.9

 
1,094,002

 
5.2

 
1,338,063

 
6.5

Total deposits
$
20,993,467

 
100.0

 
$
20,876,790

 
100.0

 
$
20,710,703

 
100.0

Core deposits(2)    
$
19,544,047

 
93.1

 
$
19,782,788

 
94.8

 
$
19,372,640

 
93.5

Core deposits excluding time deposits(2)    
$
16,377,551

 
78.0
%
 
$
16,284,588

 
78.0
%
 
$
15,995,424

 
77.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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, 2014 increased $116.7 million, or 1.1% annualized, from December 31, 2013; excluding the impact of the Memphis transaction, total deposits increased $308.0 million or 3.0% annualized compared to December 31, 2013. Core deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction were down $47.4 million or 0.5% annualized compared to December 31, 2013 and up $362.7 million or 1.9% compared to June 30, 2013. Non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percentage of total deposits was 28.0% at June 30, 2014, compared to 27.0% at December 31, 2013 and 25.1% at June 30, 2013. See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Time deposits of $100,000 and greater at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 were $3.10 billion, $2.91 billion, and $3.00 billion respectively, and included brokered time deposits of $1.27 billion, $880.8 million, and $1.14 billion, respectively. These larger deposits represented 14.7%, 13.9%, and 14.5% of total deposits at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and June 30, 2013, respectively, and included brokered time deposits which represented 6.1%, 4.2%, and 5.5% of total deposits at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and June 30, 2013, respectively.
At June 30, 2014, total brokered deposits represented 6.9% of Synovus' total deposits compared to 5.2% and 6.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2013, and June 30, 2013, respectively.
Net Interest Income
The following table summarizes the components of net interest income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, 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)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income
$
460,595

 
461,903

 
232,213

 
231,513

Taxable-equivalent adjustment
898

 
1,175

 
443

 
557

Interest income, taxable equivalent
461,493

 
463,078

 
232,656

 
232,070

Interest expense
55,029

 
60,012

 
27,162

 
29,436

Net interest income, taxable equivalent
$
406,464

 
403,066

 
205,494

 
202,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Non-interest Income
Non-interest income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 was $133.6 million and $63.4 million, respectively, up $3.8 million, or 2.9%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013, and down $1.7 million, or 2.6%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2013. Adjusted non-interest income, which excludes net investment securities gains and the current year net gain of $5.8 million from the Memphis transaction, declined $1.9 million, or 1.5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same period a year ago, and declined $301 thousand, or 0.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
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)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
38,451

 
38,716

 
$
19,238

 
19,195

Fiduciary and asset management fees
22,329

 
22,083

 
11,296

 
11,111

Brokerage revenue
12,920

 
14,595

 
6,707

 
7,002

Mortgage banking income
8,794

 
14,255

 
5,283

 
7,338

Bankcard fees
16,212

 
14,902

 
8,695

 
7,838

Investment securities gains, net
1,331

 
1,448

 

 
1,403

Other fee income
9,791

 
11,262

 
4,928

 
5,775

Decrease in fair value of private equity investments, net
(369
)
 
(1,140
)
 
(119
)
 
(883
)
Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
5,789

 

 

 

Other non-interest income
18,321

 
13,692

 
7,360

 
6,313

Total non-interest income
$
133,569

 
129,813

 
$
63,388

 
65,092

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Components of Non-interest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 were $38.5 million and $19.2 million, down $264 thousand or 0.7%, and up $43 thousand or 0.2%, respectively, compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2013. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and all other service charges. NSF fees of $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were unchanged compared to NSF fees of $16.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. NSF fees were $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, up $175 thousand, or 2.2%, compared to the same period in 2013. Account analysis fees were $12.0 million and $6.0 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, up $847 thousand, or 7.6%, and $370 thousand, or 6.6%, compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2013 primarily due to pricing structure changes. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $9.8 million and $4.9 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, down $1.1 million, or 10.3%, and down $502 thousand, or 9.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, with more retail customers meeting requirements to avoid charges.
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 $22.3 million and $11.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, an increase of $246 thousand, or 1.1%, and $185 thousand, or 1.7%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013.
Brokerage revenue, which consists primarily of brokerage commissions, was $12.9 million and $6.7 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, brokerage revenue was down $1.7 million, or 11.5%, and $295 thousand, or 4.2%, respectively. The year-over-year decline in brokerage revenue is largely due to market uncertainty and the unfavorable impact of severe winter weather on transactions during the first quarter of 2014.
Mortgage banking income declined $5.5 million, or 38.3%, and $2.1 million or 28.0% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2013. The decline was primarily due to a decrease in mortgage production with a significant decline in refinancing volume that began in the third quarter of 2013. Mortgage banking income during the remainder of 2014 is expected to be relatively stable to increasing from second quarter 2014 levels driven by continued benefits from strategic talent additions and growth in purchase originations.
Bankcard fees increased $1.3 million, or 8.8%, and $857 thousand, or 10.9%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, due primarily to an increase in transaction volume and a reduction in processing expense. Bankcard fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees and debit card interchange fees. Debit card interchange fees were $6.7 million, up $376 thousand, or 5.9%, and $3.5 million, up $169 thousand, or 5.1%, for the six and three

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months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. Credit card interchange fees were $11.0 million, up $823 thousand, or 8.1%, and $5.8 million, up $552 thousand, or 10.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013.
The gain on sale of Memphis branches consists of a gain, net of associated costs, from the sale of certain loans, premises, deposits, and other assets and liabilities of the Memphis, Tennessee operations of Trust One Bank, a division of Synovus Bank on January 17, 2014. Please see "Note 3 - Sale of Branches" of this Report for further explanation of this transaction.
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 service charges. Other fee income declined $1.5 million, or 13.1%, and $847 thousand, or 14.7%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. The decline in other fee income is primarily due to a decline in customer swap dealer fees.
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 increased $4.6 million, or 33.8%, and $1.0 million, or 16.6%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. Other non-interest income for the current year included a $3.1 million gain from the sale of a branch property during the first quarter of 2014.
Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 increased by $2.9 million, or 0.8%, and $1.0 million, or 0.6%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. Adjusted non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, which excludes restructuring charges, credit costs, and Visa indemnification charges, increased $5.0 million, or 1.5%, and $1.7 million, or 1.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 due largely to planned increases in advertising expense. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation. New expense savings initiatives of approximately $30 million are underway to be fully implemented during 2014. These expense savings initiatives are expected to be offset, however, by investments in talent, technology, and marketing.
The following table summarizes the components of non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
Non-interest Expense

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Salaries and other personnel expense
$
185,985

 
183,396

 
$
92,540

 
89,479

Net occupancy and equipment expense
52,480

 
50,550

 
26,425

 
26,383

Third-party services
19,561

 
20,295

 
9,464

 
10,366

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
17,768

 
16,420

 
8,049

 
7,941

Professional fees
15,901

 
17,511

 
8,224

 
10,416

Advertising expense
8,757

 
3,399

 
6,281

 
1,821

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
9,745

 
18,441

 
4,063

 
7,502

Losses on other loans held for sale, net
2,226

 
79

 
(40
)
 
(86
)
Visa indemnification charges
752

 
801

 
356

 
764

Restructuring charges
16,293

 
6,607

 
7,716

 
1,758

Other operating expenses
36,897

 
45,973

 
19,127

 
24,842

Total non-interest expense
$
366,365

 
363,472

 
$
182,205

 
181,186

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total employees were 4,640 at June 30, 2014, down 113, or 2.4%, from 4,753 employees at June 30, 2013. Salaries and other personnel expenses increased $2.6 million, or 1.4%, and increased $3.1 million, or 3.4%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 primarily due to increases in employee incentive expense, but partially offset by the decrease in headcount.
Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.9 million, or 3.8%, and increased $42 thousand, or 0.2%, during the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 reflecting Synovus' recent investments in technology.
Third-party services expense includes all third-party core operating system and processing charges. Third-party services expense declined $734 thousand, or 3.6%, and declined $901 thousand, or 8.7%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, reflecting savings realized from ongoing efficiency initiatives.

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FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees increased $1.3 million, or 8.2%, and $108 thousand, or 1.4%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, primarily due to the phase-out from the earnings component measure of the deferred tax asset recapture of $637.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Professional fees declined $1.6 million, or 9.2%, and $2.2 million, or 21.0%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. The decline in professional fees is mostly from a decrease in attorney fees.
Advertising expense increased $5.4 million, or 157.6%, and $4.5 million, or 244.9%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013 due to a 2014 advertising campaign that includes brand and capability awareness in key markets throughout Synovus' footprint. Advertising expense for the second half of 2014 is expected to be at similar levels as the second quarter of 2014 run rate due primarily to ongoing expenses associated with the 2014 advertising campaign. Actual expenses will depend on level of activity.
Foreclosed real estate costs declined $8.7 million, or 47.2%, and $3.4 million, or 45.8%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013. The decline was largely a result of lower levels of write-downs from 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.
Losses on other loans held for sale of $2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $2.1 million compared to the same period a year ago with losses mostly related to the sale of one loan.
Other operating expenses declined $9.1 million and $5.7 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013. The first quarter of 2014 includes a $2.9 million recovery upon the termination of a letter of credit which was previously fully reserved, and the second quarter of 2014 includes a $1.6 million recovery on property taxes paid from a loan pay-off. Additionally, most all other expense categories declined for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013.
In January 2014, Synovus announced the planned implementation during 2014 of new expense savings initiatives which are expected to result in annualized cost savings of $30 million. The initiatives include planned workforce reductions as well as planned reductions in occupancy expenses. Synovus began to implement these initiatives during the first quarter of 2014, undertaking the first targeted staff reductions. As a result of these actions, Synovus recorded aggregate restructuring charges of $8.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014, consisting primarily of $8.0 million in severance charges related to employees identified for involuntary termination. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2014, upon management's decision to close 13 branches across the five-state footprint during the fourth quarter of 2014, Synovus recorded asset impairment charges of $7.4 million. Restructuring charges for the fourth quarter of 2014 are expected to include approximately $6 million in charges related to lease exit costs associated with the planned branch closings (based upon the expectation that these leased facilities will cease to be used during the fourth quarter of 2014).  
The projected annualized cost savings of $30 million relate only to the implementation of the above mentioned expense savings initiatives. The projected reduction in expenses during 2014 resulting from the implementation of these initiatives is expected to be fully offset by incremental expenses associated with investments in talent, technology, and marketing. Management currently expects that adjusted non-interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2014 will be approximately the same as in 2013 ($670 million). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K for applicable reconciliation.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $55.7 million and $27.1 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $44.3 million and $27.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. Synovus expects to record income tax expense during 2014 at an annual 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, 2014, the net deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, was $677.5 million compared to $744.6 million million at December 31, 2013. 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. Based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence at June 30, 2014, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $677.5 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

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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 $677.5 million net deferred tax asset well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At June 30, 2014, $195.8 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and, therefore, have no expiration date. Approximately $390.1 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, $56.0 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which expire in installments through the tax year 2034. Tax credit carryforwards at June 30, 2014 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $24.6 million, which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at June 30, 2014 total $26.0 million and have expiration dates through the tax year 2034.
A legislative proposal has called for lowering the current 35% federal corporate income tax rate. If the corporate income tax rate is lowered, it would reduce the value of the deferred tax assets which would result in additional income tax expense in the period that such lower rate is enacted. Changes in future enacted income tax rates could be significant to Synovus' financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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 tax benefits preservation rights plan in 2010 that was ratified by Synovus shareholders in 2011. This tax benefits preservation rights plan, as amended on April 24, 2013 and ratified by Synovus shareholders in 2014, 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 improvement accelerated during the second quarter of 2014 with non-performing loans declining by 32.5% to an ending non-performing loans ratio of 1.27%.
The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
Credit Quality Metrics
As of and for the Three Months Ended,
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
Provision for loan losses
$
12,284

 
9,511

 
14,064

 
6,761

 
13,077

Other credit costs
4,635

 
8,128

 
8,285

 
15,603

 
10,887

Total credit costs
$
16,919

 
17,639

 
22,349

 
22,364

 
23,964

Non-performing loans    
259,547

 
384,324

 
416,300

 
450,879

 
483,464

Impaired loans held for sale(1)    
2,045

 
3,120

 
10,685

 
9,351

 
12,083

Other real estate
101,533

 
110,757

 
112,629

 
126,640

 
139,653

 Non-performing assets    
$
363,125

 
498,201

 
539,614

 
586,870

 
635,200

Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
1.27
%
 
1.91

 
2.08

 
2.29

 
2.47

Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE
1.77
%
 
2.46

 
2.67

 
2.96

 
3.21

NPL inflows
$
34,321

 
35,460

 
41,175

 
47,446

 
66,860

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
4,798

 
6,563

 
4,489

 
4,738

 
4,595

As a % of total loans
0.02
%
 
0.03

 
0.02

 
0.02

 
0.02

Total past due loans and still accruing
$
60,428

 
75,038

 
72,600

 
78,906

 
80,678

As a % of total loans
0.30
%
 
0.37

 
0.36

 
0.40

 
0.41

Net charge-offs
$
35,372

 
15,181

 
25,116

 
23,029

 
29,969

Net charge-offs/average loans
0.69
%
 
0.30

 
0.51

 
0.47

 
0.61

Allowance for loan losses
$
277,783

 
300,871

 
307,560

 
318,612

 
334,880

Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans
1.36
%
 
1.49

 
1.53

 
1.62

 
1.71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.

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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, 2014 and June 30, 2013 were $16.9 million and $24.0 million, respectively, including provision for loan losses of $12.3 million and $13.1 million, respectively, and expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $4.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively. Total credit costs improved 4.1% on a sequential quarter basis and improved 29.4 % from the second quarter of 2013. Synovus currently expects that credit costs for the second half of 2014 will be similar to the second quarter level as further credit quality improvements are partially offset by provision for loan losses associated with loan growth.
Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $363.1 million at June 30, 2014, a $176.5 million or 32.7% decrease from December 31, 2013 and a $272.1 million or 42.8% decrease from $635.2 million at June 30, 2013. The year-over-year decline in non-performing assets was primarily driven by significant balance reductions in legacy non-performing assets, a continued decline in NPL inflows, as well as asset dispositions. Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans, other loans held for sale, and other real estate were 1.77% at June 30, 2014 compared to 2.67% at December 31, 2013, and 3.21% at June 30, 2013. Synovus currently expects that NPAs and NPLs will continue on an overall downward trend throughout the second half of 2014.
NPL inflows during the second quarter of 2014 were $34.3 million, down $32.5 million or 48.7% from the second quarter of 2013 inflow additions of $66.9 million.
NPL Inflows by Loan Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Investment properties
$
5,126

 
25,238

 
$
2,407

 
13,180

1-4 family properties
5,078

 
37,872

 
3,533

 
17,522

Land for future development
6,541

 
13,094

 
2,694

 
6,532

Total commercial real estate
16,745

 
76,204

 
8,634


37,234

Commercial, financial and agricultural
17,710

 
24,819

 
12,163

 
10,876

Owner-occupied
10,876

 
10,694

 
2,972

 
4,177

Small business
3,426

 
3,042

 
1,452

 
1,163

 Total commercial and industrial
32,012

 
38,555

 
16,587

 
16,216

Home equity lines
4,790

 
12,537

 
1,587

 
4,633

Consumer mortgages
14,789

 
20,570

 
6,739

 
8,007

Credit cards

 

 

 

Other retail loans
1,445

 
2,895

 
774

 
770

Total retail
21,024

 
36,002

 
9,100

 
13,410

Total NPL inflows
$
69,781

 
150,761

 
$
34,321

 
66,860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Past Due Loans
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% at June 30, 2014 and 2013 and December 31, 2013. 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
For consumer mortgage borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that evidence that current monthly payments are unsustainable, Synovus has been providing through its consumer real estate home affordability program (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 that have been restructured or modified under HAP are TDRs. In December 2013, the home affordability program ended, and any of the loans in this program that are renewed, refinanced, or modified will no longer be able to utilize this program. As of June 30, 2014, there were $2.7 million in accruing TDRs that remain part of the HAP program.
Accruing TDRs were $444.1 million at June 30, 2014, compared to $556.4 million at December 31, 2013 and $635.1 million at June 30, 2013. At June 30, 2014, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these accruing TDRs was $24.3 million compared to $27.7 million at December 31, 2013 and $39.3 million at June 30, 2013. Accruing TDRs are considered performing because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. At June 30, 2014, 99% of accruing TDRs were current, and 46.4% or $206.3 million of accruing TDRs were graded as Pass (22.4%) or Special Mention (24.0%) loans. At June 30, 2014, troubled

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debt restructurings (accruing and non-accruing) were $548.4 million, a decrease of $221.4 million or 28.8% compared to December 31, 2013.
Accruing TDRs by Risk Grade
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Pass
$
99,416

 
22.4
%
 
$
114,930

 
20.7
%
Special Mention
106,840

 
24.0

 
153,547

 
27.6

Substandard accruing
237,852

 
53.6

 
287,933

 
51.7

  Total accruing TDRs
$
444,108

 
100.0
%
 
$
556,410

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing TDRs Aging and Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Class
 
June 30, 2014
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
117,101

 

 

 
117,101

 
3,602

1-4 family properties
85,284

 

 

 
85,284

 
9,150

Land acquisition
44,804

 

 
76

 
44,880

 
2,980

Total commercial real estate
247,189

 

 
76

 
247,265

 
15,732

Commercial, financial and agricultural
56,222

 
1,369

 

 
57,591

 
3,220

Owner-occupied
80,162

 
688

 

 
80,850

 
3,943

Small business
8,865

 
619

 
48

 
9,532

 
444

Total commercial and industrial
145,249

 
2,676

 
48

 
147,973

 
7,607

Home equity lines
3,487

 

 
85

 
3,572

 
85

Consumer mortgages
37,239

 
2,542

 

 
39,781

 
780

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
5,190

 
327

 

 
5,517

 
97

Total retail
45,916

 
2,869

 
85

 
48,870

 
962

Total accruing TDRs
$
438,354

 
5,545

 
209

 
444,108

 
24,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
141,289

 
1,657

 

 
142,946

 
4,410

1-4 family properties
104,478

 
1,618

 
43

 
106,139

 
7,233

Land acquisition
69,976

 

 

 
69,976

 
5,090

Total commercial real estate
315,743

 
3,275

 
43

 
319,061

 
16,733

Commercial, financial and agricultural
91,145

 
268

 
59

 
91,472

 
5,199

Owner-occupied
84,265

 
2,095

 
66

 
86,426

 
4,210

Small business
5,162

 
507

 

 
5,669

 
336

Total commercial and industrial
180,572

 
2,870

 
125

 
183,567

 
9,745

Home equity lines
2,475

 
275

 

 
2,750

 
116

Consumer mortgages
42,383

 
1,371

 
265

 
44,019

 
967

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
6,951

 
62

 

 
7,013

 
109

Total retail
51,809

 
1,708

 
265

 
53,782

 
1,192

Total accruing TDRs
$
548,124

 
7,853

 
433

 
556,410

 
27,670

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
Non-accruing TDRs may generally be returned to accrual status if there has been a period of performance, consisting usually of at least a six month sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR will generally no longer be reported as a TDR after a period of performance which is generally a minimum of six months and after 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. Non-accruing TDRs were $104.3 million at June 30, 2014 compared to $213.4 million at December 31, 2013. The $109.1 million or 51.1% decline from December 31, 2013 is primarily related to significant balance reductions in legacy non-performing loans.

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Non-accruing TDRs by Type
 
 
 
(in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Investment properties
$
32,233

 
$
53,130

1-4 family properties
5,067

 
8,368

Land acquisition
28,486

 
124,324

  Total commercial real estate
65,786

 
185,822

Commercial, financial and agricultural
15,330

 
13,351

Owner-occupied
16,845

 
8,165

Small business
1,125

 
269

 Total commercial and industrial
33,300

 
21,785

Home equity lines
1,044

 
1,060

Consumer mortgages
4,116

 
4,727

Credit cards

 

Other retail loans
65

 
13

Total retail
5,225

 
5,800

Total non-accruing TDRs
$
104,311

 
$
213,407

 
 
 
 
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 $229.6 million of potential problem commercial loans at June 30, 2014 compared to $239.3 million and $325.8 million at December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, 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
Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $50.6 million, or 0.50% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $36.7 million or 42.1% compared to $87.3 million or 0.90% as a percentage of average loans annualized for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The decline in net charge-offs was driven by a decline in NPL inflows, lower impairment charge-offs on existing collateral dependent impaired loans, and a decrease in retail net charge-offs. Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2014 totaled $35.4 million or 0.69% of average loans annualized, up $5.4 million from $30.0 million or 0.61% of average loans annualized for the three months ended June 30, 2013 due to the significant reduction in NPLs which had existing reserves.
The following tables show net charge-offs by loan type for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
Net Charge-offs by Loan Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Investment properties
$
8,894

 
$
22,773

 
$
5,222

 
$
10,020

1-4 family properties
1,692

 
10,207

 
1,063

 
7,204

Land for future development
20,104

 
22,276

 
18,686

 
5,358

Total commercial real estate
30,690

 
55,256

 
24,971


22,582

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,095

 
7,144

 
3,911


(1,640
)
Owner-occupied
4,306

 
5,417

 
979


1,563

Small business
881

 
2,557

 
309


395

 Total commercial and industrial
11,282

 
15,118

 
5,199


318

Home equity lines
3,247

 
5,064

 
1,940


2,133

Consumer mortgages
1,969

 
6,636

 
1,194


2,740

Credit cards
2,522

 
3,479

 
1,436


1,614

Other retail loans
843

 
1,745

 
632


582

Total retail
8,581

 
16,924

 
5,202


7,069

Total net charge-offs
$
50,553

 
$
87,298

 
$
35,372


$
29,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the provision for loan losses was $21.8 million, a decrease of $27.0 million or 55.3% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, the provision for loan losses was $12.3 million, a decrease of $794 thousand or 6.1% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2013. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily a result of continued improvement in credit quality trends, including:
Reduced net loan charge-offs by $36.7 million or 42.1% from $87.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $50.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014;
Reduced NPL inflows by $81.0 million or 53.7% from $150.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 to $69.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014;
Reduced loans rated Special Mention by $307.4 million or 29.4% from $1.04 billion at June 30, 2013 to $736.5 million at June 30, 2014;
Reduced loans rated Substandard accruing by $125.7 million or 20.6% from $609.4 million at June 30, 2013 to $483.7 million at June 30, 2014; and
Pass rated loans as a percentage of total loans were 92.8% at June 30, 2014 compared to 89.1% at June 30, 2013.
The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2014 was $277.8 million or 1.36% of total loans compared to $307.6 million or 1.53% of total loans at December 31, 2013 and $334.9 million or 1.71% of total loans at June 30, 2013. 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 stable collateral values.  
Capital Resources
Synovus is required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve Board and our subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, must comply with similar capital adequacy standards established by the FDIC. Synovus has always placed great emphasis on maintaining a solid capital base and continues to satisfy applicable regulatory capital requirements.
The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Capital Ratios
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)    
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Tier 1 capital
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
$
2,500,491

 
2,351,493

Synovus Bank
2,940,754

 
2,806,197

Tier 1 common equity(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,364,511

 
2,215,631

Total risk-based capital
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,958,274

 
2,900,865

Synovus Bank
$
3,218,300

 
3,084,756

Tier 1 capital ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
11.01
%
 
10.54

Synovus Bank
12.98

 
12.61

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.42

 
9.93

Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
13.03

 
13.00

Synovus Bank
14.21

 
13.86

Leverage ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
9.69

 
9.13

Synovus Bank
11.43

 
10.94

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.91
%
 
10.68

 
 
 
 
(1) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.

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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. At June 30, 2014, Synovus' capital ratios were well above current regulatory requirements and Synovus Bank's capital levels exceeded well-capitalized requirements. All capital ratios increased as of June 30, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 driven by earnings and accretion of deferred tax assets. The increase in capital was partially offset by an increase in risk-weighted assets due to loan growth.
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 from an upstream dividend of $680.0 million from Synovus Bank. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from the following equity offerings completed in July 2013. On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 8,552,936 shares of its Common Stock at $21.63 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of $175.2 million. On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock.  The offering generated net proceeds of $126.0 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 the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
During 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 also approved the final rule during 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 Synovus and 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. Under the final rules, the minimum capital requirements will be a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5%; Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; Total capital ratio of 8%; and leverage ratio of 4%. When fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the new rules include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% that is added on top of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. Additionally, the new rules also revise the "prompt corrective action" regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, with the following requirements for well-capitalized status: Common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%; Tier 1 capital ratio of 8% (as compared to the current 6%); Total capital ratio of 10%; and leverage ratio of 5%. Based on management's interpretation of the regulation, Synovus' estimated common equity Tier 1 ratio under Basel III as of June 30, 2014 is 10.21%, which is well in excess of the minimum requirements, and compares to a Tier 1 common equity ratio of 10.42% under current capital rules. 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 (Basel III revises limitation criteria effective January 1, 2015). As of June 30, 2014, total disallowed deferred tax assets were $547.8 million or 2.41% of risk weighted assets, compared to $618.5 million or 2.77% of risk weighted assets at December 31, 2013. The DTA limitation will continue to decrease over time, thus creating additional regulatory capital in future periods.
Management currently believes, based on internal capital analyses and earnings projections, that Synovus' capital position is adequate to meet current and future regulatory minimum capital requirements.
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. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, Synovus Bank received regulatory approval and paid upstream dividends totaling $40.0 million to Synovus Financial Corp. For

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the remainder of 2014, Synovus Bank expects to submit quarterly requests to the GA DBF and FDIC for approval of future upstream dividends of $20.0 million per quarter to Synovus.
    Synovus declared and paid dividends of $0.14 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Please see "Note 2 - Reverse Stock Split", of this Report for information on Synovus' recent reverse stock split. In addition to dividends paid on its Common Stock, Synovus paid dividends of $5.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014 on its Series C Preferred Stock. Synovus paid dividends of $24.2 million to the Treasury on its Series A Preferred Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2013. 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. On July 25, 2013 Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock. For the Series C Preferred Stock, 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 the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
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 manage customer deposit withdrawals, loan requests, and funding maturities. 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.
Synovus Bank also generates liquidity through the national deposit markets. Synovus Bank issues certificates of deposit across a broad geographic base to diversify its sources of funding and liquidity. 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, 2014, 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. 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 along with the net proceeds from its July Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock offerings to redeem its $967.9 million of Series A Preferred Stock on July 26, 2013. During the first and second quarters of 2014, Synovus Bank received regulatory approval and paid upstream dividends totaling $40.0 million to Synovus Financial Corp. Synovus Bank expects to submit quarterly requests to the GA DBF and FDIC for future upstream dividends. 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' 2013 Form 10-K.
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. The Board resolutions were terminated on April 23, 2014. As previously disclosed, in 2010, 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

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things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. The Board resolutions were terminated on April 23, 2014.
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 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' 2013 Form 10-K.
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average total assets for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $58.7 million, or 0.2%, to $26.37 billion as compared to $26.32 billion for the first six months of 2013. Average earning assets increased $270.9 million, or 1.1%, in the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 and represented 91.4% of average total assets at June 30, 2014, as compared to 90.6% at June 30, 2013. The increase in average earning assets resulted from a $790.3 million increase in average loans, net, and a $127.1 million increase in average taxable investment securities. The increase was largely offset by a $521.2 million reduction in average interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank, and a $105.2 million decrease in average mortgage loans held for sale. Average interest bearing liabilities increased $225.3 million, or 1.3%, to $17.49 billion for the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in funding sources utilized to support earning assets was driven by a $402.5 million increase in long-term debt due to the increased utilization of FHLB advances. The increase was partially offset by a $200.3 million decrease in core time deposits.
Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $405.6 million, an increase of $3.7 million, or 0.91%, compared to $401.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
The net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 3.40%, down 1 bps from 3.41% for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Earning asset yields decreased by 7 bps compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013 while the effective cost of funds decreased by 6 bps. The primary factor negatively impacting earning asset yields was a 24 bp decline in loan yields. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward repricing of maturing and prepaid loans. Factors positively impacting earning asset yields included a 33 bp increase in taxable investment securities yields and a reduction in lower yielding interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing core certificates of deposit and brokered time deposits, and a decrease in the cost of long-term debt. As compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013, core certificates of deposit declined by 12 bps, brokered time deposits declined by 31 bps, and the cost of long-term debt declined by 61 bps. See reconciliation of core deposits in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income increased by $4.5 million and the net interest margin increased by 2 bps to 3.41%. The increase in net interest income for the second quarter was driven by loan growth as well as one more calendar day. Yields on earning assets were unchanged as a modest decline in loan yields was offset by an improvement in the earning asset mix. The effective cost of funds decreased 2 bps. The cost of core certificates of deposits was down 2 bps and brokered time deposits declined by 11 bps.
Current expectations are for slight downward pressure on the net interest margin during the remainder of 2014. This expectation is primarily due to a projected modest decline in realized loan yields.


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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
2014
 
2013
(dollars in thousands) (yields and rates annualized)
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities (1)
$
3,091,537

 
3,181,678

 
3,196,561

 
3,062,976

 
3,034,152

Yield
1.87
%
 
1.91

 
1.90

 
1.76

 
1.70

Tax-exempt investment securities(1)(3)
$
5,781

 
6,421

 
7,758

 
9,835

 
11,435

Yield (taxable equivalent) (3)
6.23
%
 
6.24

 
6.14

 
6.26

 
6.47

Trading account assets
$
16,011

 
20,346

 
10,021

 
13,806

 
7,847

Yield
2.25
%
 
3.16

 
4.60

 
4.50

 
6.34

Commercial loans(2)(3)
$
16,673,930

 
16,451,594

 
16,217,373

 
16,067,424

 
16,075,832

Yield
4.19
%
 
4.21

 
4.28

 
4.37

 
4.39

Consumer loans(2)
$
3,695,010

 
3,628,347

 
3,615,836

 
3,528,057

 
3,454,874

Yield
4.51
%
 
4.53

 
4.50

 
4.61

 
4.62

Allowance for loan losses
$
(293,320
)
 
(307,078
)
 
(316,001
)
 
(328,084
)
 
(351,075
)
Loans, net (2)
$
20,075,620

 
19,772,863

 
19,517,208

 
19,267,397

 
19,179,631

Yield
4.32
%
 
4.34

 
4.40

 
4.50

 
4.52

Mortgage loans held for sale
$
59,678

 
38,699

 
46,036

 
85,493

 
129,742

Yield
4.13
%
 
4.15

 
3.94

 
4.07

 
4.35

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
$
843,018

 
935,300

 
1,235,144

 
1,375,920

 
1,550,113

Yield
0.23
%
 
0.23

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
0.24

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock (4)
$
76,172

 
82,585

 
70,815

 
70,741

 
65,014

Yield
4.15
%
 
3.21

 
2.85

 
2.30

 
2.35

Total interest earning assets
$
24,167,817

 
24,037,892
 
24,083,543
 
23,886,168
 
23,977,934
Yield
3.86
%
 
3.86

 
3.85

 
3.89

 
3.88

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
3,830,956

 
3,878,590

 
4,102,398

 
3,933,902

 
3,895,675

Rate
0.19
%
 
0.19

 
0.19

 
0.23

 
0.18

Money Market accounts
$
6,033,523

 
6,077,357

 
6,161,893

 
6,148,289

 
6,072,155

Rate
0.31
%
 
0.32

 
0.33

 
0.33

 
0.33

Savings deposits
$
644,103

 
616,962

 
605,054

 
607,144

 
609,832

Rate
0.09
%
 
0.10

 
0.10

 
0.11

 
0.11

Time deposits under $100,000
$
1,364,322

 
1,423,487

 
1,491,673

 
1,526,974

 
1,537,639

Rate
0.57
%
 
0.59

 
0.61

 
0.62

 
0.64

Time deposits over $100,000
$
1,824,349

 
1,956,925

 
2,049,094

 
2,022,719

 
1,891,623

Rate
0.74
%
 
0.76

 
0.80

 
0.84

 
0.88

Brokered money market accounts
$
184,233

 
207,681

 
210,380

 
202,802

 
202,532

Rate
0.27
%
 
0.26

 
0.27

 
0.27

 
0.31

Brokered time deposits
$
1,216,934

 
1,027,167

 
984,047

 
1,130,491

 
1,131,444

Rate
0.51
%
 
0.62

 
0.65

 
0.70

 
0.77

Total interest bearing deposits
$
15,098,420

 
15,188,169

 
15,604,539

 
15,572,321

 
15,340,900

Rate
0.36
%
 
0.38

 
0.39

 
0.42

 
0.42

Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities
$
219,490

 
215,027

 
216,757

 
195,717

 
206,046

Rate
0.13
%
 
0.14

 
0.15

 
0.14

 
0.15

Long-term debt
$
2,099,578

 
2,156,836

 
1,886,223

 
1,885,385

 
1,762,173

Rate
2.58
%
 
2.52

 
2.85

 
2.85

 
3.06

Total interest bearing liabilities
$
17,417,488

 
17,560,032

 
17,707,519

 
17,653,423

 
17,309,119

Rate
0.62
%
 
0.64

 
0.65

 
0.67

 
0.68

Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,765,287

 
5,537,090

 
5,545,529

 
5,306,447

 
5,327,795


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Table of Contents

Effective cost of funds
0.45
%
 
0.47

 
0.47

 
0.49

 
0.49

Net interest margin
3.41
%
 
3.39

 
3.38

 
3.40

 
3.39

Taxable equivalent adjustment (3)
$
443

 
455

 
481

 
$
529

 
557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.

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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, 2014 and 2013, 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,
 
2014 Compared to 2013
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,136,359

 
3,009.278

 
$
29,622

 
23,448

 
1.89
%
 
1.56
%
 
$
983

 
5,191

 
$
6,174

Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
6,099

 
12.891

 
190

 
413

 
6.23

 
6.40

 
(216
)
 
(7
)
 
(223
)
Total investment securities
3,142,458

 
3,022.169

 
29,812

 
23,861

 
1.90

 
1.58

 
767

 
5,184

 
5,951

Trading account assets
18,166

 
8.236

 
251

 
278

 
2.76

 
6.75

 
332

 
(359
)
 
(27
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
20,125,993

 
19,378.274

 
425,559

 
430,359

 
4.26

 
4.48

 
16,611

 
(21,411
)
 
(4,800
)
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
99,245

 
118.081

 
2,377

 
2,949

 
4.83

 
5.04

 
(471
)
 
(101
)
 
(572
)
Allowance for loan losses
(300,161
)
 
(361.599
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
19,925,077

 
19,134.756

 
427,936

 
433,308

 
4.33

 
4.57

 
16,140

 
(21,512
)
 
(5,372
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
49,247

 
154.487

 
1,018

 
3,118

 
4.13

 
4.04

 
(2,109
)
 
9

 
(2,100
)
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
888,904

 
1,447.452

 
1,022

 
1,747

 
0.23

 
0.24

 
(637
)
 
(88
)
 
(725
)
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
79,361

 
65.171

 
1,454

 
766

 
3.66

 
2.35

 
165

 
523

 
688

Total interest earning assets
$
24,103,213

 
23,832.271

 
$
461,493

 
463,078

 
3.85
%
 
3.92
%
 
$
14,658

 
(16,243
)
 
$
(1,585
)
Cash and due from banks
406,196

 
443.021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
468,723

 
478.636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
112,128

 
151.776

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,283,490

 
1,409.387

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,373,750

 
26,315.091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,854,641

 
3,867,846

 
$
3,576

 
3,515

 
0.19
%
 
0.18
%
 
$
(12
)
 
73

 
$
61

Money market accounts
6,251,211

 
6,306,359

 
9,687

 
10,342

 
0.31

 
0.33

 
(90
)
 
(565
)
 
(655
)
Savings deposits
630,607

 
595,889

 
298

 
312

 
0.10

 
0.11

 
19

 
(33
)
 
(14
)
Time deposits
4,406,587

 
4,557,085

 
14,182

 
18,441

 
0.65

 
0.82

 
(612
)
 
(3,647
)
 
(4,259
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
217,271

 
210,330

 
151

 
170

 
0.14

 
0.16

 
5

 
(24
)
 
(19
)
Long-term debt
2,128,049

 
1,725,580

 
27,135

 
27,232

 
2.55

 
3.16

 
6,307

 
(6,404
)
 
(97
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,488,366

 
17,263,089

 
$
55,029

 
60,012

 
0.63

 
0.70

 
$
5,617

 
(10,600
)
 
$
(4,983
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,651,819

 
5,280,454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
235,471

 
194,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
2,998,094

 
3,576,803

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,373,750

 
26,315,091

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
406,464

 
403,066

 
3.40
%
 
3.41
%
 
$
9,041

 
(5,643
)
 
$
3,398

Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
898

 
1,175

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 
 
 
$
405,566

 
401,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2014 - $13.9 million, 2013 - $11.7 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 ($1.7) million and $40.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and
2013, respectively.

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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, 2014 and 2013, 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,
 
2014 Compared to 2013
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,091,537

 
3,034,152

 
$
14,430

 
12,865

 
1.87
%
 
1.70
%
 
$
243

 
1,322

 
$
1,565

Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
5,781

 
11,435

 
90

 
185

 
6.23

 
6.47

 
(91
)
 
(4
)
 
(95
)
Total investment securities
3,097,318

 
3,045,587

 
14,520

 
13,050

 
1.88

 
1.71

 
152

 
1,318

 
1,470

Trading account assets
16,011

 
7,847

 
90

 
124

 
2.25

 
6.34

 
129

 
(163
)
 
(34
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
20,271,085

 
19,417,645

 
214,975

 
214,761

 
4.30

 
4.44

 
9,447

 
(9,233
)
 
214

Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
97,855

 
113,061

 
1,177

 
1,407

 
4.83

 
4.99

 
(189
)
 
(41
)
 
(230
)
Allowance for loan losses
(293,320
)
 
(351,075
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
20,075,620

 
19,179,631

 
216,152

 
216,168

 
4.32

 
4.52

 
9,258

 
(9,274
)
 
(16
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
59,678

 
129,742

 
616

 
1,411

 
4.13

 
4.35

 
(760
)
 
(35
)
 
(795
)
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
843,018

 
1,550,113

 
487

 
934

 
0.23

 
0.24

 
(405
)
 
(42
)
 
(447
)
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
76,172

 
65,014

 
791

 
383

 
4.15

 
2.35

 
65

 
343

 
408

Total interest earning assets
$
24,167,817

 
23,977,934

 
$
232,656

 
232,070

 
3.86
%
 
3.88
%
 
$
8,439

 
(7,853
)
 
$
586

Cash and due from banks
415,537

 
428,104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
471,518

 
477,916

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
110,569

 
153,232

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,255,426

 
1,377,637

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,420,867

 
26,414,823

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,830,956

 
3,895,675

 
$
1,787

 
1,786

 
0.19
%
 
0.18
%
 
$
(29
)
 
30

 
$
1

Money market accounts
6,217,756

 
6,274,687

 
4,741

 
5,163

 
0.31

 
0.33

 
(47
)
 
(375
)
 
(422
)
Savings deposits
644,103

 
609,832

 
143

 
160

 
0.09

 
0.11

 
9

 
(26
)
 
(17
)
Time deposits
4,405,605

 
4,560,706

 
6,850

 
8,784

 
0.63

 
0.77

 
(298
)
 
(1,636
)
 
(1,934
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
219,490

 
206,046

 
75

 
80

 
0.13

 
0.15

 
5

 
(10
)
 
(5
)
Long-term debt
2,099,578

 
1,762,173

 
13,566

 
13,463

 
2.58

 
3.06

 
2,574

 
(2,471
)
 
103

Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,417,488

 
17,309,119

 
$
27,162

 
29,436

 
0.62

 
0.68

 
$
2,214

 
(4,488
)
 
$
(2,274
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,765,287

 
5,327,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
219,291

 
197,006

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
3,018,801

 
3,580,903

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,420,867

 
26,414,823

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
205,494

 
202,634

 
3.41
%
 
3.39
%
 
$
6,225

 
(3,365
)
 
$
2,860

Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
443

 
557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 
 
 
$
205,051

 
202,077

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2014 - $7.4 million, 2013 - $5.9 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 on investment securities available for sale of $2.7 million and $38.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and
2013, respectively.


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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 and liabilities. Forecasted balance sheet changes, primarily reflecting loan and deposit growth forecasts, are included in the periods modeled. Anticipated deposit mix changes in each interest rate scenario are also included in the periods modeled.
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, 2014, with comparable information for December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
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, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
+200
 
5.9%
 
5.0%
 
+100
 
3.8%
 
3.2%
 
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, 2014
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
Base Scenario
 
15% Increase in Average Repricing Beta
+200
 
5.9%
 
4.8%
+100
 
3.8%
 
3.2%
 
 
 
 
 
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
The majority of mortgage loans originated by Synovus are sold to third-party purchasers on a servicing released basis, without recourse, or continuing involvement. These sales are typically effected as non-recourse loan sales to GSEs and non-GSE purchasers. Each purchaser of Synovus’ mortgage loans 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 generally transferred to the purchasers upon sale. While the loans are sold without recourse, the purchase agreements require Synovus 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 has obligations to either repurchase the loan at the unpaid principal balance and related investor fees or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of the loan.
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 generally transferred to the purchasers upon sale. The purchase agreements

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require Synovus 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 has obligations to either repurchase the loan at the unpaid principal balance and related investor fees 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, 2014, Synovus Mortgage originated and sold approximately $8.0 billion of first lien GSE eligible mortgage loans and approximately $3.5 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 $1.5 million and $388 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total accrued liability related to mortgage repurchase claims was $4.2 million at June 30, 2014 and $4.1 million at December 31, 2013. 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’ 2013 Form 10-K.
Mortgage Loan Foreclosure Practices
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Synovus had $3.23 billion and $3.11 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, 2014, $560.1 million and $497.8 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina, which are states where foreclosures proceed through the courts and of the amounts at December 31, 2013, $508.4 million and $483.4 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina. 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
The following accounting pronouncements were issued during the first six months of 2014:
ASU 2014-01, "Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects." The ASU permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using a proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. A reporting entity should evaluate whether the conditions have been met to apply the proportional amortization method to an investment in a qualified affordable housing project through a limited liability entity at the time of initial investment on the basis of facts and circumstances that exist at that time. A reporting entity should re-evaluate the conditions upon the occurrence of certain specified events. An investment in a qualified affordable housing project through a limited liability entity should be tested for impairment when there are events or changes in circumstances indicating that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment. The decision to apply the proportional amortization method of accounting is an accounting policy decision that should be applied consistently to all qualifying affordable housing project investments rather than a decision to be applied to individual investments. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update on Synovus’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The standard is intended to increase comparability across industries and jurisdictions. The core principle of the revenue model is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2016. Early application is not permitted for public entities. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update on Synovus' Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 amends the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. Under ASU 2014-08, an entity’s disposal of a component or group of components must be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. Additionally, this ASU requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The provisions of this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a material impact on Synovus’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

See Note 1 of the notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued and adopted accounting standards updates.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and conform to the accounting and reporting guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. Synovus has identified certain of its accounting policies as “critical accounting policies,” consisting of those related to the allowance for loan losses, contingent liabilities related to legal matters, deferred tax assets valuation allowance, other real estate, and determining the fair value of financial instruments. 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 Directors' Audit Committee, including the development, selection, implementation 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 used in the application of these policies. All accounting policies described in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how we record and report our financial performance. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, there have been no significant changes to Synovus’ critical accounting policies, estimates and assumptions, or the judgments affecting the application of these estimates and assumptions from those disclosed in Synovus' 2013 Form 10-K.
Allowance for Loan Losses - Dual Risk Rating Implementation
Synovus began implementation of a Dual Risk Rating allowance for loan losses methodology (DRR methodology) for certain components of its commercial and industrial loan portfolio during the third quarter of 2013. The DRR includes sixteen probabilities of default categories and nine categories for estimating losses given an event of default. The result is an expected loss rate established for each borrower. The DRR methodology is generally considered in the banking industry to be a more refined estimate of the inherent risk of loss. The third quarter of 2013 DRR methodology implementation was applied to approximately $2.4 billion of the total commercial and industrial loan portfolio. Implementation of the DRR methodology resulted in a reduction to the provision for loan losses and the allowance for loan losses of approximately $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013. Management currently expects to implement the DRR methodology for additional components of the commercial loan portfolio over the next few years. The implementation is expected to be in multiple phases, with each component determined based primarily on loan type and size. The timing of future implementations will depend upon completion of applicable data analysis and model assessment. Once full implementation is completed, management estimates that the DRR methodology will be utilized to calculate the allowance for loan losses on commercial loans amounting to over 30% of the total loan portfolio.
Based on existing economic trends and conditions, current composition of the loan portfolio, as well as other information presently available, management estimates that the impact from future DRR methodology implementations to the total allowance for loan losses, provision for loan losses, and related trends will not be significant.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income, adjusted non-interest income, adjusted non-interest expense, core deposits, core deposits excluding time deposits, core deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction, total deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction, Tier 1 common equity, the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, the Tier 1 common equity ratio, and the estimated common equity Tier 1 ratio under final Basel III rules are not measures recognized under U.S. GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are income before income taxes, total non-interest income, total non-interest expense, total deposits, Tier 1 capital, 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

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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. Adjusted 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 revenues and expenses such as investment securities gains, net and restructuring charges. Adjusted non-interest income is a measure used by management to evaluate non-interest income exclusive of net investment securities gains and other non-recurring income items. 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, core deposits excluding time deposits, core deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction, and total deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction are measures used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. Tier 1 common equity, the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, the Tier 1 common equity ratio, and the estimated common equity Tier 1 ratio under final Basel III rules 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
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
Adjusted Pre-tax, Pre-credit Costs Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
150,975

 
119,459

 
$
73,950

 
72,906

Add: Provision for loan losses
21,795

 
48,773

 
12,284

 
13,077

Add: Other credit costs (1)    
12,763

 
24,482

 
4,635

 
10,887

Add: Restructuring charges
16,293

 
6,607

 
7,716

 
1,758

Add: Visa indemnification charges
752

 
801

 
356

 
764

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(1,331
)
 
(1,448
)
 

 
(1,403
)
Less: Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
(5,789
)
 

 

 

Adjusted Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income
$
195,458

 
198,674

 
$
98,941

 
97,989

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Non-interest Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-interest income
$
133,569

 
129,813

 
$
63,388

 
65,092

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(1,331
)
 
(1,448
)
 

 
(1,403
)
Less: Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
(5,789
)
 

 

 

    Adjusted non-interest income
$
126,449

 
128,365

 
$
63,388

 
63,689

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Non-interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-interest expense
366,365

 
363,472

 
182,205

 
181,186

Less: Other credit costs(1)    
(12,763
)
 
(24,482
)
 
(4,635
)
 
(10,887
)
Less: Restructuring charges
(16,293
)
 
(6,607
)
 
(7,716
)
 
(1,758
)
Less: Visa indemnification charges
(752
)
 
(801
)
 
(356
)
 
(764
)
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
336,557

 
331,582

 
$
169,498

 
167,777

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014

 
December 31, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
Core Deposits, Core Deposits Excluding Time Deposits, Core Deposits Excluding the Impact From the Memphis Transaction, and Total Deposits Excluding the Impact From the Memphis Transaction

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
$
20,993,467

 
20,950,891

 
20,876,790

 
20,710,703

Less: Brokered deposits
(1,449,420
)
 
(1,365,939
)
 
(1,094,002
)
 
(1,338,063
)
Core deposits
19,544,047

 
19,584,952

 
19,782,788

 
19,372,640

Less: Time deposits
(3,166,496
)
 
(3,220,073
)
 
(3,498,200
)
 
(3,377,216
)
Core deposits excluding time deposits
$
16,377,551

 
16,364,879

 
16,284,588

 
15,995,424

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core deposits
19,544,047

 
 
 
 
 
 
Add: Impact from the Memphis transaction
191,302

 
 
 
 
 
 
Core deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction
$
19,735,349

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
20,993,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
Add: Impact from the Memphis transaction
191,302

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits excluding the impact from the Memphis transaction
$
21,184,769

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,627,290

 
26,435,426

 
26,201,604

 
26,563,174

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(1,678
)
 
(1,883
)
 
(3,415
)
 
(4,156
)
Tangible Assets
$
26,601,181

 
26,409,112

 
26,173,758

 
26,534,587

Total shareholders' equity
3,053,051

 
2,998,496

 
2,948,985

 
3,568,204

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(1,678
)
 
(1,883
)
 
(3,415
)
 
(4,156
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,980
)
 
(125,980
)
 
(125,862
)
 

Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value

 

 

 
(962,725
)
Tangible common equity
$
2,900,962

 
2,846,202

 
2,795,277

 
2,576,892

Total shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
11.47

 
11.34

 
11.25

 
13.43

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
10.91
%
 
10.78
%
 
10.68
%
 
9.71
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued

 
 
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
Tier 1 Common Equity and Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
$
3,053,051

 
2,998,496

 
2,948,985

 
3,568,204

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
13,716

 
30,463

 
41,258

 
33,060

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(1,678
)
 
(1,883
)
 
(3,415
)
 
(4,156
)
Less: Disallowed deferred tax assets (2)
(547,786
)
 
(579,537
)
 
(618,516
)
 
(674,996
)
Other items
7,619

 
7,682

 
7,612

 
7,304

Tier 1 capital
$
2,500,491

 
2,430,790

 
2,351,493

 
2,904,985

Less: Qualifying trust preferred securities
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,980
)
 
(125,980
)
 
(125,862
)
 

Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value

 

 

 
(962,725
)
Tier 1 common equity
$
2,364,511

 
2,294,810

 
2,215,631

 
1,932,260

Total risk-weighted assets
22,702,108

 
22,404,099

 
22,316,091

 
21,542,287

Tier 1 capital ratio
11.01

 
10.85

 
10.54

 
13.49

Tier 1 common equity ratio
10.42
%
 
10.24

 
9.93

 
8.97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio Under Basel III Rules
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 common equity (Basel I)
$
2,364,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
Add: Adjustment related to capital components
60,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated common equity Tier 1 under final Basel III rules without AOCI
$
2,424,511

 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated risk-weighted assets under final Basel III rules
23,750,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated common equity Tier 1 ratio under Basel III rules
10.21
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Other credit costs consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net.
(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.

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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, 2014, 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, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Synovus' internal controls over financial reporting.


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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, 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 the 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 could 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’ 2013 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’ 2013 10-K.
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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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

 
Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2014, as filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014.
 
 
 
3.4

 
Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2014, as filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014.
 
 
 
3.5

 
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

 
Specimen stock certificate for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008.
 
 
 
4.2

 
Specimen stock certificate for Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report in Form 8-K dated July 2, 2013, as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2013.
 
 
 
4.3

 
Warrant for purchase of up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus Common Stock, incorporated by reference o Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008.
 
 
 
4.4

 
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.
 
 
 
4.5

 
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.
 
 
 
4.6

 
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.
 
 
 
4.7

 
Indenture, dated as of June 20, 2005, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-126767) filed with the SEC on July 21, 2005.
 
 
 
4.8

 
Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2012, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Melton Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
 
 
 
4.9

 
Specimen Physical Stock Certificate of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2014, as filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 

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Interactive Data File
 
 
 

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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 6, 2014
By:
 
/s/ Thomas J. Prescott
Date
 
 
Thomas J. Prescott
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


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