SNV 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2015 | Alphaminr
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP

SNV 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2015

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP
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10-Q 1 snv-06302015x10q.htm 10-Q SNV-06.30.2015-10Q
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, 2015
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, 2015

Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
131,993,103





Table of Contents
Page
Financial Information
Index of Defined Terms
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
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






SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
ALCO – Synovus' Asset Liability Management Committee
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification
ASR – accelerated share repurchase
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
CET1 – Common Equity Tier 1 Capital defined by Basel III capital rules
CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
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
CRE – Commercial Real Estate
Dodd-Frank Act – The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
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
GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
HELOC – home equity line of credit
IASB – International Accounting Standards Board
IRC – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
LTV – loan-to-collateral value ratio
NAICS – North American Industry Classification System

i


NPA – non-performing assets
NPL – non-performing loans
NSF – non-sufficient funds
OCI – other comprehensive income
ORE – other real estate
OTTI – other-than-temporary impairment
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
SCM – state, county, and municipal
SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act – Securities Act of 1933, as amended
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' 2014 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014
Synovus Mortgage – Synovus Mortgage Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
Synovus Trust Company, N. A. – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
TDR – troubled debt restructuring (as defined in ASC 310-40)
Treasury – United States Department of the Treasury
VIE – variable interest entity, as defined in ASC 810-10
Visa – The Visa U.S.A., Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively
Visa Class B shares – Class B shares of common stock issued by Visa which are subject to restrictions with respect to sale until all of the Covered Litigation has been settled
Visa derivative – A derivative contract with the purchaser of Visa Class B shares which provides for settlements between the purchaser and Synovus based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares into Visa Class A shares
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


ii



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, 2015
December 31, 2014

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
360,832

485,489

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
1,289,205

721,362

Interest earning deposits with banks
18,694

11,810

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
72,487

73,111

Trading account assets, at fair value
11,973

13,863

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
98,202

63,328

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
3,354,673

3,041,406

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
21,494,869

21,097,699

Allowance for loan losses
(254,702
)
(261,317
)
Loans, net
$
21,240,167

20,836,382

Premises and equipment, net
445,579

455,235

Goodwill
24,431

24,431

Other real estate
66,449

85,472

Deferred tax asset, net
571,402

622,464

Other assets
651,776

616,878

Total assets
$
28,205,870

27,051,231

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
6,421,815

6,228,472

Interest bearing deposits, excluding brokered deposits
14,775,216

13,660,830

Brokered deposits
1,452,150

1,642,398

Total deposits
22,649,181

21,531,700

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
188,285

126,916

Long-term debt
2,139,219

2,140,319

Other liabilities
223,028

211,026

Total liabilities
$
25,199,713

24,009,961

Shareholders' Equity
Series C Preferred Stock – no par value. 5,200,000 shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014
125,980

125,980

Common stock - $1.00 par value. Authorized 342,857,143 shares; 140,425,254 issued at June 30, 2015 and 139,950,422 issued at December 31, 2014; 132,257,577 outstanding at June 30, 2015 and 136,122,843 outstanding at December 31, 2014
140,425

139,950

Additional paid-in capital
2,981,434

2,960,825

Treasury stock, at cost – 8,167,677 shares at June 30, 2015 and 3,827,579 shares at December 31, 2014
(311,859
)
(187,774
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(22,323
)
(12,605
)
Retained earnings
92,500

14,894

Total shareholders’ equity
3,006,157

3,041,270

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
28,205,870

27,051,231

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

1


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Interest income:
Loans, including fees
$
432,026

427,080

$
216,756

215,737

Investment securities available for sale
28,117

29,746

14,175

14,490

Trading account assets
224

251

117

90

Mortgage loans held for sale
1,397

1,018

766

616

Federal Reserve Bank balances
1,592

998

947

472

Other earning assets
1,698

1,502

893

808

Total interest income
465,054

460,595

233,654

232,213

Interest expense:
Deposits
31,631

27,742

16,813

13,521

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
89

151

46

75

Long-term debt
26,427

27,136

13,151

13,566

Total interest expense
58,147

55,029

30,010

27,162

Net interest income
406,907

405,566

203,644

205,051

Provision for loan losses
11,034

21,795

6,636

12,284

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
395,873

383,771

197,008

192,767

Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts
38,928

38,451

19,795

19,238

Fiduciary and asset management fees
23,414

22,329

11,843

11,296

Brokerage revenue
14,032

12,920

6,782

6,707

Mortgage banking income
13,995

8,794

7,511

5,283

Bankcard fees
16,576

16,212

8,499

8,695

Investment securities gains, net
2,710

1,331

1,985


Other fee income
9,851

9,791

4,605

4,928

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net

5,789



Other non-interest income
15,181

17,952

7,812

7,241

Total non-interest income
134,687

133,569

68,832

63,388

Non-interest expense:
Salaries and other personnel expense
191,054

185,985

94,565

92,540

Net occupancy and equipment expense
52,713

52,480

26,541

26,425

Third-party processing expense
21,015

19,560

10,672

9,464

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
13,725

17,531

6,767

7,885

Professional fees
12,011

15,901

6,417

8,224

Advertising expense
6,309

8,757

2,865

6,281

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
13,847

9,745

4,351

4,063

Visa indemnification charges
729

752

354

356

Restructuring charges, net
(102
)
16,293

5

7,716

Other operating expenses
45,412

39,361

25,269

19,251

Total non-interest expense
356,713

366,365

177,806

182,205

Income before income taxes
173,847

150,975

88,034

73,950

Income tax expense
64,091

55,686

32,242

27,078

Net income
109,756

95,289

55,792

46,872

Dividends on preferred stock
5,119

5,119

2,559

2,559

Net income available to common shareholders
$
104,637

90,170

$
53,233

44,313

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.78

0.65

$
0.40

0.32

Net income per common share, diluted
0.78

0.65

0.40

0.32

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
133,935

138,961

132,947

138,991

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
134,678

139,535

133,625

139,567

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

2


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)


Six Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
Before-tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
173,847

(64,091
)
109,756

150,975

(55,686
)
95,289

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

(87
)
137

224

(87
)
137

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income
(2,710
)
1,043

(1,667
)
(1,331
)
513

(818
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(13,467
)
5,188

(8,279
)
45,640

(17,572
)
28,068

Net unrealized (losses) gains
(16,177
)
6,231

(9,946
)
44,309

(17,059
)
27,250

Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(84
)
32

(52
)
(144
)
56

(88
)
Actuarial gains arising during the period
236

(93
)
143

395

(152
)
243

Net unrealized gains
$
152

(61
)
91

251

(96
)
155

Other comprehensive (loss) income
$
(15,801
)
6,083

(9,718
)
44,784

(17,242
)
27,542

Comprehensive income
$
100,038

122,831

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Three Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
Before-tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
88,034

(32,242
)
55,792

73,950

(27,078
)
46,872

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

(44
)
68

112

(44
)
68

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income
(1,985
)
764

(1,221
)



Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(28,678
)
11,042

(17,636
)
26,797

(10,317
)
16,480

Net unrealized (losses) gains
(30,663
)
11,806

(18,857
)
26,797

(10,317
)
16,480

Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(42
)
16

(26
)
(72
)
28

(44
)
Actuarial gains arising during the period
236

(93
)
143

395

(152
)
243

Net unrealized gains
$
194

(77
)
117

323

(124
)
199

Other comprehensive (loss) income
$
(30,357
)
11,685

(18,672
)
27,232

(10,485
)
16,747

Comprehensive income
$
37,120

63,619

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

3


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Series C Preferred Stock
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
Total
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-adjustment to issuance costs
118






118

Restricted share unit activity

39

(507
)



(468
)
Stock options exercised

75

1,229




1,304

Share-based compensation net 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

Balance at
December 31, 2014
$
125,980

139,950

2,960,825

(187,774
)
(12,605
)
14,894

3,041,270

Net income





109,756

109,756

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes




(9,718
)

(9,718
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.20 per share





(26,664
)
(26,664
)
Cash dividends paid on Series C Preferred Stock





(5,119
)
(5,119
)
Repurchases and completion of ASR agreement to repurchase shares of common stock


14,515

(124,085
)


(109,570
)
Restricted share unit activity

278

(4,314
)


(367
)
(4,403
)
Stock options exercised

197

3,074




3,271

Share-based compensation net tax benefit


1,063




1,063

Share-based compensation expense


6,271




6,271

Balance at June 30, 2015
$
125,980

140,425

2,981,434

(311,859
)
(22,323
)
92,500

3,006,157

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

4


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Operating Activities
Net income
109,756

95,289

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses
11,034

21,795

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
28,169

26,342

Deferred income tax expense
58,302

49,891

Decrease (increase) in trading account assets
1,891

(14,205
)
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
(454,708
)
(347,327
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
426,430

325,722

Gain on sales of mortgage loans held for sale, net
(8,988
)
(6,522
)
Increase in other assets
(38,776
)
(8,924
)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
(34,914
)
1,955

Investment securities gains, net
(2,710
)
(1,331
)
Losses and write-downs on other real estate, net
11,066

8,229

Share-based compensation expense
6,271

4,698

Write-downs on other assets held for sale

7,508

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net

(5,789
)
Gain on sale of branch property

(3,116
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
112,823

154,215

Investing Activities
Net cash used in dispositions

(90,571
)
Net (increase) decrease in interest earning deposits with banks
(6,884
)
16,664

Net decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
623

1,422

Net increase in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
(567,843
)
(44,756
)
Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
314,239

245,108

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
82,156

20,815

Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(686,074
)
(111,505
)
Proceeds from sales of loans and principal repayments on other loans held for sale
21,866

37,300

Proceeds from sales of other real estate
19,348

28,147

Net increase in loans
(445,124
)
(594,896
)
Net increase in premises and equipment
(8,805
)
(23,938
)
Proceeds from sales of other assets held for sale
351

241

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(1,276,147
)
(515,969
)
Financing Activities
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
1,039,670

208,039

Net increase in certificates of deposit
77,813

100,011

Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
61,369

(20,292
)
Principal repayments on long-term debt
(425,078
)
(375,667
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
425,000

600,000

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(26,664
)
(19,460
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(5,119
)
(5,119
)
Stock options exercised
3,271

1,304

Repurchases of common stock
(109,570
)

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
2,378

201

Restricted stock activity
(4,403
)
(468
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
$
1,038,667

488,549

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(124,657
)
126,795

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
485,489

469,630

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
360,832

596,425


5


Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for:
Income tax payments (refunds), net
8,751

4,530

Interest paid
55,747

56,657

Non-cash Activities
Premises and equipment transferred to other assets held for sale
939

13,037

Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
11,391

25,280

Loans transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value
19,459

31,605

Securities purchased during the period but settled after period-end
47,159


Dispositions:
Fair value of non-cash assets sold

(100,982
)
Fair value of liabilities sold

(191,553
)
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

6



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 customers through locally-branded divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, in offices located in 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' 2014 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies as disclosed in Synovus' 2014 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; contingent liabilities related to legal matters; and the deferred tax assets valuation allowance.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks. At June 30, 2015 , no amount of the due from banks balance was restricted as to withdrawal. At December 31, 2014 , $125 thousand 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. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank included $123.1 million and $89.7 million , respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank requirements. Interest earning deposits with banks include $6.6 million and $7.1 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, which is pledged as collateral in connection with certain letters of credit. Federal funds sold include $68.1 million and $67.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, 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.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

During 2014, the FASB issued the following ASUs, all of which became effective January 1, 2015:

ASU 2014-01, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects

In January 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance which permits Synovus to make an accounting policy election to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects using a proportional amortization method, if certain

7


conditions are met, and to present the amortization as a component of income tax expense. The amended guidance would be applied retrospectively to all periods presented and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Regardless of the policy election, the amended guidance, where disclosed, enables the users of the financial statements to understand the nature of investments in qualified affordable housing projects and the effect of the measurement of the investments in qualified affordable housing projects and the related tax credits on Synovus’ financial position and results of operations.

Synovus adopted the amended guidance on January 1, 2015, and did not make an accounting policy election to apply the proportional amortization method for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects because the impact to the consolidated financial statements was insignificant. Therefore, the adoption did not have an impact on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements. At June 30, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of Synovus' investments in LIHTC partnerships was $9.9 million . See Note 18 "Variable Interest Entities" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding these investments.

Additionally, adoption of the following standards effective January 1, 2015 did not have a significant impact on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure
ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments when the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period
ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures
ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity
ASU 2014-04, Receivables -Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40), Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure
Reclassifications
Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current periods' presentation.
Subsequent Events
Synovus has evaluated for consideration, or disclosure, all transactions, events, and circumstances, subsequent to the date of the consolidated balance sheet and through the date the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements were issued, and has reflected, or disclosed, those items deemed appropriate within the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 - Share Repurchase Program
On October 21, 2014, Synovus announced a $250 million share repurchase program, which will expire on October 23, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, Synovus had repurchased a total of $197.5 million , or 7.4 million shares, of common stock under the share repurchase program through a combination of share repurchases under the accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement described below and open market transactions.
During October 2014, Synovus entered into an ASR agreement to purchase $75.0 million of Synovus common stock under the share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2014, Synovus had repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock under the ASR agreement. During January 2015, Synovus repurchased 392 thousand shares upon completion of the ASR agreement. Additionally, since October 2014 through June 30, 2015, Synovus has repurchased $122.5 million , or 4.5 million shares, of common stock through open market transactions, including $109.4 million , or 3.9 million shares, of common stock repurchased during the first half of 2015.
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 branches 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.

8


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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below.
June 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
$
43,149

383


43,532

U.S. Government agency securities
24,505

763


25,268

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
126,947

920


127,867

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
176,856

2,012

(794
)
178,074

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,416,229

12,780

(18,280
)
2,410,729

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
534,730

4,487

(1,949
)
537,268

State and municipal securities
4,566

120

(1
)
4,685

Equity securities
3,228

4,375


7,603

Other investments
20,145


(498
)
19,647

Total investment securities available for sale
$
3,350,355

25,840

(21,522
)
3,354,673

December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost (1)
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
$
42,636

190


42,826

U.S. Government agency securities
26,426

898


27,324

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
81,332

710


82,042

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
177,678

2,578

(440
)
179,816

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,250,897

19,915

(9,131
)
2,261,681

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
414,562

4,856

(2,342
)
417,076

State and municipal securities
5,024

183

(1
)
5,206

Equity securities
3,228

3,520



6,748

Other investments
19,121

7

(441
)
18,687

Total investment securities available for sale
$
3,020,904

32,857

(12,355
)
3,041,406

(1)
Amortized cost is adjusted for other-than-temporary impairment charges in 2014 , which have been recognized in the consolidated statements of income and were considered inconsequential.
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , investment securities with a carrying value of $2.22 billion and $2.12 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 prior to the respective securities' recovery of all such unrealized losses.

9


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, 2015 , Synovus had thirty-seven investment securities in a loss position for less than twelve months and thirty-two 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , are presented below.
June 30, 2015
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
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
30,996

169

19,805

625

50,801

794

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
803,540

4,383

620,762

13,897

1,424,302

18,280

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
74,962

176

78,262

1,773

153,224

1,949

State and municipal securities


47

1

47

1

Other investments
14,900

100

4,747

398

19,647

498

Total
$
924,398

4,828

723,623

16,694

1,648,021

21,522

December 31, 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
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies


21,488

440

21,488

440

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
251,134

763

798,282

8,368

1,049,416

9,131

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
20,338

61

119,172

2,281

139,510

2,342

State and municipal securities


45

1

45

1

Other investments


3,680

441

3,680

441

Total
$
271,472

824

942,667

11,531

1,214,139

12,355


10


The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2015 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, 2015
(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
$
18,286

24,863




43,149

U.S. Government agency securities
78

12,000

12,427



24,505

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,412

96,535




126,947

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



176,856


176,856

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
28

1,025

1,939,029

476,147


2,416,229

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



534,730


534,730

State and municipal securities
1,020

938


2,608


4,566

Equity securities




3,228

3,228

Other investments


15,000

2,000

3,145

20,145

Total amortized cost
$
49,824

135,361

1,966,456

1,192,341

6,373

3,350,355

Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
$
18,286

25,246




43,532

U.S. Government agency securities
78

12,336

12,854



25,268

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,582

97,285




127,867

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



178,074


178,074

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
29

1,077

1,926,628

482,995


2,410,729

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



537,268


537,268

State and municipal securities
1,038

945


2,702


4,685

Equity securities




7,603

7,603

Other investments


14,900

1,701

3,046

19,647

Total fair value
$
50,013

136,889

1,954,382

1,202,740

10,649

3,354,673

Proceeds from sales, gross gains, and gross losses on sales of securities available for sale for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 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)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
$
82,156

$20,815
$
49,737


Gross realized gains
2,710

1,419

1,985


Gross realized losses

(88
)


Investment securities gains, net
$
2,710

1,331

$
1,985



11


Note 5 - Restructuring Charges
For the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , total restructuring charges consist of the following components:
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Severance charges
$

8,047

$


Lease termination charges
(4
)

(4
)

Asset impairment charges

7,358


7,358

Gain on sale of assets held for sale, net
(157
)



Professional fees and other charges
59

888

9

358

Total restructuring charges, net
$
(102
)
16,293

$
5

7,716

For the six months ended June 30, 2015 , Synovus recorded net gains of $157 thousand on the sale of certain branch locations and recorded additional expense, net of $55 thousand associated with the 2014 branch closings. Restructuring charges for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 related primarily to expense savings initiatives that were approved during 2014. The initiatives include the consolidation or closing of certain branch locations as well as workforce reductions. Severance charges for the six months ended June 30, 2014 consisted of estimated involuntary termination benefits for targeted staff reductions identified during 2014. These termination benefits were 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.   Asset impairment charges for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 were recorded following the decision to close 13 branches during 2014. Additionally, substantially all of the professional fees and other charges for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 consist of professional fees incurred in connection with an organizational restructuring implemented during 2014.

12


The following table presents aggregate activity associated with accruals that resulted from restructuring charges during the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 :
Severance Charges
Lease Termination Charges
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
3,291

5,539

8,830

Accruals for efficiency initiatives

(4
)
(4
)
Payments
(1,038
)
(411
)
(1,449
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
2,253

5,124

7,377

Balance at April 1, 2015
2,770

5,318

8,088

Accruals for efficiency initiatives

(4
)
(4
)
Payments
(517
)
(190
)
(707
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
$
2,253

5,124

7,377

Severance Charges
Lease Termination Charges
Total
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
1,572

1,383

2,955

Accruals for efficiency initiatives
8,047


8,047

Payments
(3,395
)
(1,305
)
(4,700
)
Balance at June 30, 2014
6,224

78

6,302

Balance at April 1, 2014
7,688

94

7,782

Accruals for efficiency initiatives



Payments
(1,464
)
(16
)
(1,480
)
Balance at June 30, 2014
$
6,224

78

6,302

All professional fees and other charges were paid in the years that they were incurred. No other restructuring charges resulted in payment accruals.

13


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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .
Current, Accruing Past Due, and Non-accrual Loans
June 30, 2015
(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
$
5,409,452

1,092

183

1,275

13,166

5,423,893

1-4 family properties
1,075,754

1,873

389

2,262

19,390

1,097,406

Land acquisition
524,265

6,099

741

6,840

23,396

554,501

Total commercial real estate
7,009,471

9,064

1,313

10,377

55,952

7,075,800

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,205,203

9,691

926

10,617

43,733

6,259,553

Owner-occupied
4,104,001

6,759

671

7,430

29,338

4,140,769

Total commercial and industrial
10,309,204

16,450

1,597

18,047

73,071

10,400,322

Home equity lines
1,659,927

5,376

546

5,922

17,802

1,683,651

Consumer mortgages
1,758,735

10,160

2

10,162

24,855

1,793,752

Credit cards
243,464

1,893

1,367

3,260


246,724

Other retail
318,691

3,085

7

3,092

1,958

323,741

Total retail
3,980,817

20,514

1,922

22,436

44,615

4,047,868

Total loans
$
21,299,492

46,028

4,832

50,860

173,638

21,523,990

(1
)
December 31, 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
$
5,194,393

1,851


1,851

20,720

5,216,964

1-4 family properties
1,105,186

4,067

432

4,499

24,197

1,133,882

Land acquisition
551,308

363


363

34,375

586,046

Total commercial real estate
6,850,887

6,281

432

6,713

79,292

6,936,892

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,130,184

9,979

1,790

11,769

40,359

6,182,312

Owner-occupied
4,042,389

6,404

225

6,629

26,099

4,075,117

Total commercial and industrial
10,172,573

16,383

2,015

18,398

66,458

10,257,429

Home equity lines
1,659,869

6,992

703

7,695

16,434

1,683,998

Consumer mortgages
1,648,145

12,626

12

12,638

33,278

1,694,061

Credit cards
250,304

1,971

1,374

3,345


253,649

Other retail
297,703

2,361

101

2,462

2,295

302,460

Total retail
3,856,021

23,950

2,190

26,140

52,007

3,934,168

Total loans
$
20,879,481

46,614

4,637

51,251

197,757

21,128,489

(2
)
(1) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.1 million .
(2) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.8 million .








14


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 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


Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Risk Grade
June 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard (1)
Doubtful (2)
Loss
Total
Investment properties
$
5,184,993

151,839

87,061



5,423,893

1-4 family properties
944,376

65,752

78,648

8,630


1,097,406

Land acquisition
458,762

48,798

46,491

450


554,501

Total commercial real estate
6,588,131

266,389

212,200

9,080


7,075,800

Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,959,330

159,282

129,704

10,323

914

(3)
6,259,553

Owner-occupied
3,904,444

97,192

138,347

327

459

(3)
4,140,769

Total commercial and industrial
9,863,774

256,474

268,051

10,650

1,373

10,400,322

Home equity lines
1,657,790


22,471

1,762

1,628

(3)
1,683,651

Consumer mortgages
1,759,349


32,685

1,593

125

(3)
1,793,752

Credit cards
245,357


427


940

(4)
246,724

Other retail
319,932


3,667

56

86

(3)
323,741

Total retail
3,982,428


59,250

3,411

2,779

4,047,868

Total loans
$
20,434,333

522,863

539,501

23,141

4,152

21,523,990

(5
)
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Pass
Special
Mention
Substandard (1)
Doubtful (2)
Loss
Total
Investment properties
$
4,946,609

167,490

102,865



5,216,964

1-4 family properties
943,721

86,072

96,392

7,697


1,133,882

Land acquisition
462,313

60,902

62,101

730


586,046

Total commercial real estate
6,352,643

314,464

261,358

8,427



6,936,892

Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,905,589

143,879

123,225

9,539

80

(3)
6,182,312

Owner-occupied
3,817,653

95,647

161,045

327

445

(3)
4,075,117

Total commercial and industrial
9,723,242

239,526

284,270

9,866

525


10,257,429

Home equity lines
1,659,794


20,043

2,009

2,152

(3)
1,683,998

Consumer mortgages
1,653,491


37,656

2,654

260

(3)
1,694,061

Credit cards
252,275


495


879

(4)
253,649

Other retail
298,991


3,339

32

98

(3)
302,460

Total retail
3,864,551


61,533

4,695

3,389

3,934,168

Total loans
$
19,940,436

553,990

607,161

22,988

3,914

21,128,489

(6
)
(1) Includes $146.3 million and $170.9 million of non-accrual Substandard loans at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.
(2) The loans within this risk grade are on non-accrual status. Commercial loans generally have an allowance for loan losses in accordance with ASC 310, and retail loans generally have an allowance for loan losses 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 $29.1 million .
(6) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.8 million .

16


The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

As Of and For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial & Industrial
Retail
Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
101,471

118,110

41,736


261,317

Charge-offs
(10,397
)
(9,074
)
(11,757
)

(31,228
)
Recoveries
6,481

3,570

3,528


13,579

Provision for loan losses
(6,864
)
10,444

7,454


11,034

Ending balance
$
90,691

123,050

$
40,961

$

$
254,702

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
17,197

10,292

1,092


28,581

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
73,494

112,758

39,869


226,121

Loans:
Ending balance: total loans (1)
$
7,075,800

10,400,322

4,047,868


21,523,990

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
193,230

112,491

41,013


346,734

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,882,570

10,287,831

4,006,855


21,177,256

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 loans
(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 for loan losses
8,353

26,425

10,017

(23,000
)
21,795

Ending balance
$
104,394

130,814

42,575


277,783

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
21,470

19,053

961


41,484

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
82,924

111,761

41,614


236,299

Loans:
Ending balance: total loans (2)
$
6,650,571

10,065,212

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
$
6,319,157

9,862,313

3,717,754


19,899,224

(1) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.1 million .
(2) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 million .


17


The following table details the changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans

As Of and For The Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial & Industrial
Retail
Unallocated
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance
$
94,208

117,806

41,357


253,371

Charge-offs
(2,957
)
(3,802
)
(3,845
)

(10,604
)
Recoveries
2,540

1,305

1,454


5,299

Provision for loan losses
(3,100
)
7,741

1,995


6,636

Ending balance
$
90,691

123,050

40,961


254,702

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
17,197

10,292

1,092


28,581

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
73,494

112,758

39,869


226,121

Loans:
Ending balance: total loans (1)
$
7,075,800

10,400,322

4,047,868


21,523,990

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
193,230

112,491

41,013


346,734

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
6,882,570

10,287,831

4,006,855


21,177,256

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
2,410

7,667

2,207


12,284

Ending balance
$
104,394

$
130,814

$
42,575

$

$
277,783

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
21,470

19,053

961


41,484

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
82,924

111,761

41,614


236,299

Loans:
Ending balance: total loans (2)
$
6,650,571

10,065,212

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
$
6,319,157

9,862,313

3,717,754


19,899,224

(1) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.1 million .
(2) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $29.0 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.


18


The tables below summarize impaired loans (including accruing TDRs) as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .
Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
June 30, 2015
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
(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
$
10,143

12,858


14,279


13,595


1-4 family properties
2,146

7,754


2,685


2,482


Land acquisition
12,076

51,816


18,550


16,285


Total commercial real estate
24,365

72,428


35,514


32,362


Commercial, financial and agricultural
3,811

6,981


5,344


4,694


Owner-occupied
17,655

20,749


17,932


18,306


Total commercial and industrial
21,466

27,730


23,276


23,000


Home equity lines
352

384


59


117


Consumer mortgages
1,415

2,694


1,065


1,135


Credit cards







Other retail







Total retail
1,767

3,078


1,124


1,252


Total impaired loans with no
related allowance recorded
$
47,598

103,236


59,914


56,614


With allowance recorded
Investment properties
73,222

73,222

7,633

82,837

1,247

79,258

616

1-4 family properties
59,985

60,797

6,312

66,855

807

61,177

451

Land acquisition
35,658

36,256

3,252

42,584

548

40,675

265

Total commercial real estate
168,865

170,275

17,197

192,276

2,602

181,110

1,332

Commercial, financial and agricultural
39,277

39,360

8,068

47,618

637

40,585

268

Owner-occupied
51,748

51,745

2,224

60,375

953

56,879

443

Total commercial and industrial
91,025

91,105

10,292

107,993

1,590

97,464

712

Home equity lines
8,921

8,921

185

7,034

123

8,404

64

Consumer mortgages
25,105

25,105

833

28,960

661

26,622

316

Credit cards







Other retail
5,220

5,220

74

5,287

166

5,323

82

Total retail
39,246

39,246

1,092

41,281

950

40,349

462

Total impaired loans with
allowance recorded
$
299,136

300,626

28,581

341,550

5,142

318,923

2,506

Total impaired loans
Investment properties
$
83,365

86,080

7,633

97,116

1,247

92,853

616

1-4 family properties
62,131

68,551

6,312

69,540

807

63,659

451

Land acquisition
47,734

88,072

3,252

61,134

548

56,960

265

Total commercial real estate
193,230

242,703

17,197

227,790

2,602

213,472

1,332

Commercial, financial and agricultural
43,088

46,341

8,068

52,962

637

45,279

268

Owner-occupied
69,403

72,494

2,224

78,307

953

75,185

443

Total commercial and industrial
112,491

118,835

10,292

131,269

1,590

120,464

712

Home equity lines
9,273

9,305

185

7,093

123

8,521

64

Consumer mortgages
26,520

27,799

833

30,025

661

27,757

316

Credit cards







Other retail
5,220

5,220

74

5,287

166

5,323

82

Total retail
41,013

42,324

1,092

42,405

950

41,601

462

Total impaired loans
$
346,734

403,862

28,581

401,464

5,142

375,537

2,506


19


Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
December 31, 2014
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Recorded Investment
Unpaid Principal Balance
Related Allowance
Average Recorded Investment
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
Investment properties
$
15,368

20,237


25,311


1-4 family properties
2,981

10,520


5,441


Land acquisition
21,504

61,843


29,954


Total commercial real estate
39,853

92,600


60,706


Commercial, financial and agricultural
7,391

11,193


8,984


Owner-occupied
17,017

19,612


19,548


Total commercial and industrial
24,408

30,805


28,532


Home equity lines





Consumer mortgages
995

2,065


1,352


Credit cards





Other retail





Total retail
995

2,065


1,352


Total impaired loans with no
related allowance recorded
$
65,256

125,470


90,590


With allowance recorded
Investment properties
$
81,758

83,963

5,413

129,289

3,690

1-4 family properties
80,625

81,357

11,442

94,773

2,645

Land acquisition
49,300

49,483

4,900

89,195

1,689

Total commercial real estate
211,683

214,803

21,755

313,257

8,024

Commercial, financial and agricultural
59,035

59,041

7,597

91,221

2,392

Owner-occupied
62,583

62,601

2,854

78,950

2,610

Total commercial and industrial
121,618

121,642

10,451

170,171

5,002

Home equity lines
4,848

4,848

129

3,604

1,405

Consumer mortgages
33,450

33,450

1,040

39,427

115

Credit cards





Other retail
5,293

5,293

101

4,997

315

Total retail
43,591

43,591

1,270

48,028

1,835

Total impaired loans with
allowance recorded
$
376,892

380,036

33,476

531,456

14,861

Total impaired loans
Investment properties
$
97,126

104,200

5,413

154,600

3,690

1-4 family properties
83,606

91,877

11,442

100,214

2,645

Land acquisition
70,804

111,326

4,900

119,149

1,689

Total commercial real estate
251,536

307,403

21,755

373,963

8,024

Commercial, financial and agricultural
66,426

70,234

7,597

100,205

2,392

Owner-occupied
79,600

82,213

2,854

98,498

2,610

Total commercial and industrial
146,026

152,447

10,451

198,703

5,002

Home equity lines
4,848

4,848

129

3,604

1,405

Consumer mortgages
34,445

35,515

1,040

40,779

115

Credit cards





Other retail
5,293

5,293

101

4,997

315

Total retail
44,586

45,656

1,270

49,380

1,835

Total impaired loans
$
442,148

505,506

33,476

622,046

14,861


20


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 . 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 . Interest income recognized for accruing TDRs was $8.0 million and $4.0 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 . At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , all impaired loans other than $268.5 million and $348.4 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.

21


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, 2015 and 2014 that were reported as accruing or non-accruing TDRs.
TDRs by Concession Type
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
Principal Forgiveness
Below Market Interest Rate
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
Total
Investment properties
4

$

16,932

3,815

20,747

1-4 family properties
21

14,823

3,358

879

19,060

Land acquisition
6


604

819

1,423

Total commercial real estate
31

14,823

20,894

5,513

41,230

Commercial, financial and agricultural
49


1,580

3,844

5,424

Owner-occupied
3


1,739

416

2,155

Total commercial and industrial
52


3,319

4,260

7,579

Home equity lines
48


2,517

2,148

4,665

Consumer mortgages
12


510

786

1,296

Credit cards





Other retail
13


257

495

752

Total retail
73


3,284

3,429

6,713

Total TDRs
156

$
14,823

27,497

13,202

55,522

(1
)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
Principal Forgiveness
Below Market Interest Rate
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
Total
Investment properties
1

$


211

211

1-4 family properties
8


502

729

1,231

Land acquisition
3


349

111

460

Total commercial real estate
12


851

1,051

1,902

Commercial, financial and agricultural
24


565

1,954

2,519

Owner-occupied
1



416

416

Total commercial and industrial
25


565

2,370

2,935

Home equity lines
37


1,542

2,013

3,555

Consumer mortgages
1


265


265

Credit cards





Other retail
7



431

431

Total retail
45


1,807

2,444

4,251

Total TDRs
82

$

3,223

5,865

9,088

(2
)
(1) Net charge-offs of $4.0 million were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2015 upon restructuring of these loans.
(2) No net charge-offs were recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2015 upon restructuring of these loans.




22


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
10

$

7,548

1,699

9,247

1-4 family properties
29


1,511

3,656

5,167

Land acquisition
12


4,517

2,042

6,559

Total commercial real estate
51


13,576

7,397

20,973

Commercial, financial and agricultural
40


4,541

11,697

16,238

Owner-occupied
12


19,475

14,262

33,737

Total commercial and industrial
52


24,016

25,959

49,975

Home equity lines
6


729

451

1,180

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
5

$

405

1,168

1,573

1-4 family properties
18


1,082

1,542

2,624

Land acquisition
11


4,517

1,508

6,025

Total commercial real estate
34


6,004

4,218

10,222

Commercial, financial and agricultural
19


2,750

7,415

10,165

Owner-occupied
5


16,987

11,444

28,431

Total commercial and industrial
24


19,737

18,859

38,596

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


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, 2015
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Contracts
Recorded
Investment
Investment properties

$


$

1-4 family properties




Land acquisition




Total commercial real estate




Commercial, financial and agricultural




Owner-occupied




Total commercial and industrial




Home equity lines
1

34



Consumer mortgages




Credit cards




Other retail
1

81



Total retail
2

115



Total TDRs
2

$
115


$

* 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, 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




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.
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, 2015 , the allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs totaling $268.5 million was $15.3 million compared to accruing TDRs of $348.4 million with an allocated allowance for loan losses of $21.0 million at December 31, 2014 . 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.

24


Note 7 - Other Real Estate
The carrying value of ORE was $66.4 million and $85.5 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , $11.4 million and $25.3 million , respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value less costs to sell. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $13.8 million and $9.7 million , respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $11.1 million and $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Note 8 - Goodwill
At June 30, 2015, 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 30 th of each year. At June 30, 2015, Synovus completed its annual goodwill impairment evaluation, and as a result of this evaluation, concluded that goodwill was not impaired.
For the 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 $125.7 million , which exceeded the carrying value of $83.7 million by $42.0 million , or 50% . 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.


25


Note 9 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables illustrate activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
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, 2014
$
(12,824
)
(713
)
932

(12,605
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

(8,279
)
143

(8,136
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
137

(1,667
)
(52
)
(1,582
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
137

(9,946
)
91

(9,718
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
(12,687
)
(10,659
)
1,023

(22,323
)
Balance as of April 1, 2015
$
(12,755
)
8,198

906

(3,651
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

(17,636
)
143

(17,493
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
68

(1,221
)
(26
)
(1,179
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
68

(18,857
)
117

(18,672
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
(12,687
)
(10,659
)
1,023

(22,323
)
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
137

27,250

155

27,542

Balance at 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
68

16,480

199

16,747

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

(13,716
)



26


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). 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, 2015 , the 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 a 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.

27


The following table illustrates activity within the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Amortization of deferred losses
$
(224
)
(224
)
Interest expense
87

87

Income tax (expense) benefit
$
(137
)
(137
)
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Realized gain on sale of securities
$
2,710

1,331

Investment securities gains, net
(1,043
)
(513
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
1,667

818

Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
Amortization of actuarial gains
$
84

144

Salaries and other personnel expense
(32
)
(56
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
52

88

Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
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
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Amortization of deferred losses
$
(112
)
(112
)
Interest expense
44

44

Income tax (expense) benefit
$
(68
)
(68
)
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Realized gain on sale of securities
$
1,985


Investment securities gains, net
(764
)

Income tax (expense) benefit
$
1,221


Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
Amortization of actuarial gains
$
42

72

Salaries and other personnel expense
(16
)
(28
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
26

44

Reclassifications, net of income taxes

28


Note 10 - Fair Value Accounting
Synovus carries various assets and liabilities at fair value based on the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements , and ASC 825, Financial Instruments . 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, U.S. Treasury securities, and mutual funds.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined by using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. U.S. Government sponsored agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises and agencies, obligations of states and municipalities, collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, and mortgage loans held-for-sale are generally included in this category. Certain private equity investments that invest in publicly traded companies are also considered Level 2 assets.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and may also include the use of market prices of assets or liabilities that are not directly comparable to the subject asset or liability. These methods of valuation may result in a significant portion of the fair value being derived from unobservable assumptions that reflect Synovus' own estimates for assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. This category primarily includes collateral-dependent impaired loans, other real estate, certain equity investments, and private equity investments.
See Note 16 "Fair Value Accounting" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2014 Form 10-K for a description of valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis.




29


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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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. Transfers betweens levels for the period ended June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were inconsequential.
June 30, 2015
(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

1,011


1,011

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

7,193


7,193

State and municipal securities

156


156

All other mortgage-backed
securities

2,416


2,416

Other investments

1,197


1,197

Total trading securities
$

11,973


11,973

Mortgage loans held for sale

98,202


98,202

Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
43,532



43,532

U.S. Government agency securities

25,268


25,268

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

127,867


127,867

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

178,074


178,074

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

2,410,729


2,410,729

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

537,268


537,268

State and municipal securities

4,685


4,685

Equity securities
7,603



7,603

Other investments (1)
3,047

14,900

1,700

19,647

Total investment securities available for sale
$
54,182

3,298,791

1,700

3,354,673

Private equity investments

1,033

26,959

27,992

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,218



11,218

Derivative assets:
Interest rate contracts

27,948


27,948

Mortgage derivatives (2)

2,691


2,691

Total derivative assets
$

30,639


30,639

Liabilities
Trading account liabilities

1,546


1,546

Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate contracts

28,566


28,566

Visa derivative


1,415

1,415

Total derivative liabilities
$

28,566

1,415

29,981


30


December 31, 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

145


145

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

2,449


2,449

State and municipal securities

1,976


1,976

All other mortgage-backed securities

2,483


2,483

Other investments

6,810


6,810

Total trading securities
$

13,863


13,863

Mortgage loans held for sale

63,328


63,328

Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
42,826



42,826

U.S. Government agency securities

27,324


27,324

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

82,042


82,042

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

179,816


179,816

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

2,261,681


2,261,681

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

417,076


417,076

State and municipal securities

5,206


5,206

Equity securities
6,748



6,748

Other investments (1)
2,035

15,007

1,645

18,687

Total investment securities available for sale
$
51,609

2,988,152

1,645

3,041,406

Private equity investments

995

27,367

28,362

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,252



11,252

Derivative assets:
Interest rate contracts

30,904


30,904

Mortgage derivatives (2)

1,213


1,213

Total derivative assets
$

32,117


32,117

Liabilities
Trading account liabilities

2,100


2,100

Salary stock units
1,206



1,206

Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate contracts

31,398


31,398

Mortgage derivatives (2)

753


753

Visa derivative


1,401

1,401

Total derivative liabilities
$

32,151

1,401

33,552

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


31


Fair Value Option
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)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Mortgage loans held for sale
(563
)
1,782

(973
)
1,057

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
(in thousands)
As of June 30, 2015
As of December 31, 2014
Fair value
$
98,202

63,328

Unpaid principal balance
96,925

61,488

Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
1,277

1,840


32


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, 2015 and 2014 (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 2015 and 2014, Synovus did not have any transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy.

Six Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Private Equity Investments
Visa Derivative
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Private Equity Investments
Other Derivative Contracts, Net
Beginning balance, January 1,
1,645

27,367

(1,401
)
2,350

27,745

(2,706
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings

(408
)
(729
)
(88
)
(369
)
(752
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
55



144



Purchases






Sales






Issuances






Settlements


715

(540
)

1,020

Amortization of discount/premium






Transfers in and/or out of Level 3






Ending balance, June 30,
1,700

26,959

(1,415
)
1,866

27,376

(2,438
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at June 30,

(408
)
(729
)
(88
)
(369
)
(752
)
Three Months Ended June 30,
2015
2014
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Private Equity Investments
Visa Derivative
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Private Equity Investments
Visa Derivative
Beginning balance, April 1,
$
1,654

27,081

(1,425
)
2,399

27,495

(2,525
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings

(122
)
(354
)

(119
)
(356
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
46



7



Purchases






Sales






Issuances






Settlements


364

(540
)

443

Amortization of discount/premium






Transfers in and/or out of Level 3






Ending balance, June 30,
$
1,700

26,959

(1,415
)
1,866

27,376

(2,438
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at June 30,
$

(122
)
(354
)

(119
)
(356
)

33


Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Certain assets are 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.


June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Impaired loans *
$


6,702

6,702



28,588

28,588

Other loans held for sale






3,411

3,411

Other real estate




38,201


38,201



32,046

32,046

Other assets held for sale
$






3,718

3,718


The following table presents fair value adjustments recognized in earnings for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 for the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Impaired loans *
$
1,792

8,144

$
1,546

5,542

Other loans held for sale

1,631


1,631

Other real estate
8,962

3,229

4,714

654

Other assets held for sale

7,508


7,508

* Impaired loans that are collateral-dependent.






























34


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.
June 30, 2015
(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
1,700

Discounted cash flow analysis
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
465-565 bps (513 bps)
Discount for lack of marketability (2)
0%-10% (0%)
Private equity investments
26,959

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
N/A
Visa derivative liability
1,415

Internal valuation
Estimated future cumulative deposits to the litigation escrow for settlement of the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty
N/A

June 30, 2015
(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
$
6,702

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 100% (29%)
0% - 10% (7%)
Other real estate
38,201

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 42% (5%)
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.

35


December 31, 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
1,645

Discounted cash flow analysis
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
600-675 bps (639 bps)
Discount for lack of marketability (2)
0%-10% (0%)
Private equity investments
27,367

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
1,401

Internal valuation
Estimated future cumulative deposits to the litigation escrow for settlement of the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty
N/A
December 31, 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
$
28,588

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (2)
Estimated selling costs
0%-100% (46%)
0%-10% (7%)
Other loans held for sale
3,411

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (2)
Estimated selling costs
0%-11% (7%)
0%-10% (7%)
Other real estate
32,046

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (2)
Estimated selling costs
0%-61% (16%)
0%-10% (7%)
Other assets held for sale
3,718

Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (2)
Estimated selling costs
0%-100% (49%)
0%-10% (7%)
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low end 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, pending sales, and other factors.

36


Sensitivity Analysis of Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Measured on a Recurring Basis
Included in the fair value estimates of financial instruments carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet are those estimated in full or in part using valuation techniques based on assumptions that are not supported by observable market prices, rates, or other inputs. Unobservable inputs are assessed carefully, considering the current economic environment and market conditions. However, by their very nature, unobservable inputs imply a degree of uncertainty in their determination, because they are supported by little, if any, market activity for the related asset or liability.
Investment Securities Available for Sale
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the corporate obligations in Level 3 assets are the credit spread embedded in the discount rate and the discount for lack of liquidity. Generally, a change in one or more assumptions, and the degree or sensitivity of the change used, can have a significant impact on fair value. With regard to the trust preferred securities in Level 3 assets, raising the credit spread, and raising the discount for lack of 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 changes in any of these inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) valuation of the Visa derivative liability. Also, additional funding into the escrow generally results in a proportional increase in our derivative liability.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying and fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The fair value represents management’s best estimates based on a range of methodologies and assumptions. For financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, such as loans, interest bearing deposits (including brokered deposits), and long-term debt, the fair value amounts should not be taken as an estimate of the amount that would be realized if all such financial instruments were to be settled immediately.















37


The carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments, as well as the level within the fair value hierarchy, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
June 30, 2015

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
360,832

360,832

360,832



Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
1,289,205

1,289,205

1,289,205



Interest earning deposits with banks
18,694

18,694

18,694



Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
72,487

72,487

72,487



Trading account assets
11,973

11,973


11,973


Mortgage loans held for sale
98,202

98,202


98,202


Investment securities available for sale
3,354,673

3,354,673

54,182

3,298,791

1,700

Private equity investments
27,992

27,992


1,033

26,959

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,218

11,218

11,218



Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
21,494,869

21,310,531



21,310,531

Derivative assets
30,639

30,639


30,639


Financial liabilities
Trading account liabilities
1,546

1,546


1,546


Non-interest bearing deposits
6,421,815

6,421,815


6,421,815


Interest bearing deposits
16,227,366

16,238,771


16,238,771


Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
188,285

188,285

188,285



Long-term debt
2,139,219

2,200,777


2,200,777


Derivative liabilities
$
29,981

29,981


28,566

1,415

December 31, 2014

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
485,489

485,489

485,489



Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
721,362

721,362

721,362



Interest earning deposits with banks
11,810

11,810

11,810



Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
73,111

73,111

73,111



Trading account assets
13,863

13,863


13,863


Mortgage loans held for sale
63,328

63,328


63,328


Other loans held for sale
3,606

3,606



3,606

Investment securities available for sale
3,041,406

3,041,406

51,609

2,988,152

1,645

Private equity investments
28,362

28,362


995

27,367

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,252

11,252

11,252



Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
21,097,699

20,872,939



20,872,939

Derivative assets
32,117

32,117


32,117


Financial liabilities
Trading account liabilities
2,100

2,100


2,100


Non-interest bearing deposits
6,228,472

6,228,472


6,228,472


Interest bearing deposits
15,303,228

15,299,372


15,299,372


Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
126,916

126,916

126,916



Salary stock units
1,206

1,206

1,206



Long-term debt
2,140,319

2,191,279


2,191,279


Derivative liabilities
$
33,553

33,553


32,151

1,401


38


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.
Synovus may also utilize 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
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, 2015 , 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 is recorded.
Synovus did not terminate any cash flow hedges during 2015 or 2014 . The remaining unamortized deferred net loss balance of all previously terminated cash flow hedges at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $(894) thousand and $(1.1) 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, 2015 , there were no fair value hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness.
Synovus did not terminate any fair value hedges during 2015 or 2014 . The remaining unamortized deferred gain balance on all previously terminated fair value hedges at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $6.1 million and $7.6 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.

39


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, 2015 , the notional amount of customer related interest rate derivative financial instruments, including both the customer position and the offsetting position, was $1.10 billion , an increase of $13.9 million compared to December 31, 2014 .
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 $1.4 million at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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. 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 commits it to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. Interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that, if originated, will be held for sale, are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding interest rate lock commitments expose Synovus to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , Synovus had commitments to fund at a locked interest rate, primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers in the amount of $108.5 million and $73.4 million , respectively. The fair value of these commitments resulted in a gain of $266 thousand and $ 1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to $149.5 million and $113.0 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 gain of $2.0 million and a loss of $ (2.0) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2015 , collateral totaling $68.1 million consisting of Federal funds sold was pledged to the derivative counterparties, including $8.2 million with the CCC, to comply with collateral requirements.

40


The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is presented below.
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities

(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
$
27,948

30,904

Other liabilities
$
28,566

31,398

Mortgage derivatives
Other assets
2,691

1,213

Other liabilities

753

Visa derivative


Other liabilities
1,415

1,401

Total derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments
$
30,639

32,117

$
29,981

33,552

The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 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
2015
2014
Interest rate contracts (1)
Other non-interest income
(124
)
384

Mortgage derivatives (2)
Mortgage banking income
2,231

(755
)
Total
$
2,107

(371
)
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
2015
2014
Interest rate contracts (1)
Other non-interest income
$
55

281

Mortgage derivatives (2)
Mortgage banking income
1,128

(435
)
Total
$
1,183

(154
)
(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, 2015 and 2014 , Synovus reclassified $1.5 million 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.

41


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, 2015 and 2014 .

Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Basic Net Income Per Common Share:
Net income available to common shareholders
$
104,637

90,170

$
53,233

44,313

Weighted average common shares outstanding
133,935

138,961

132,947

138,991

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.78

0.65

0.40

0.32

Diluted Net Income Per Common Share:
Net income available to common shareholders
$
104,637

90,170

53,233

44,313

Weighted average common shares outstanding
133,935

138,961

132,947

138,991

Potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of
securities or other contracts to purchase common stock
743

574

678

576

Weighted average diluted common shares
134,678

139,535

133,625

139,567

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.78

0.65

0.40

0.32

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.
As of June 30, 2015 and 2014 , there were 2.7 million and 3.5 million , respectively, potentially dilutive shares related to common stock options and Warrants to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2015 , Synovus had a total of 7.0 million shares of its authorized but unissued common stock reserved for future grants under the 2013 Omnibus Plan. The 2013 Omnibus Plan authorizes 8.6 million 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, and performance share units) count as two 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, restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units. The grants generally include vesting periods ranging from three to five years and contractual terms of ten 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, market restricted share units, and performance 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. Total share-based compensation expense was $6.3 million and $3.0 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $4.7 million and $2.5 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively.
Stock Options
No stock option grants were made during the six months ended June 30, 2015 . At June 30, 2015 , there were 1.9 million outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $36.27 .


42


Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, and Market Restricted Share Units
During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , Synovus awarded 318 thousand restricted share units that have a service-based vesting period of three years and awarded 82 thousand performance share units that vest upon service and performance conditions. Synovus also granted 82 thousand market restricted share units during the six months ended June 30, 2015 . The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded restricted share units, performance share units and market restricted share units was $28.05 per share. Market restricted share units and performance share units are granted at target and are compared annually to required market and performance metrics. The performance share units vest upon meeting certain service and performance conditions. Return on average assets (ROAA) performance is evaluated each year over a three-year performance period, with share distribution determined at the end of the three years. The number of performance share units that will ultimately vest ranges from 0% to 150% of target based on Synovus' three-year weighted average ROAA (as defined). The market restricted share units have a three-year service-based vesting component as well as a total shareholder return multiplier. The number of market restricted share units that will ultimately vest ranges from 75% to 125% of target based on Synovus' total shareholder return (TSR). At June 30, 2015 , including dividend equivalents granted, there were 1.1 million restricted share units, performance share units and market restricted share units outstanding with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $24.91 .
Note 14 - Legal Proceedings
Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and disputes 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. Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has been 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 mortgage loan and other loan put-back claims, 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 such asserted legal actions, 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. Synovus also from time to time faces disputes with customers and other counterparties, and in many cases, those disputes can pose both financial and reputational risk to Synovus.
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, 2015 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 more than slight but less than reasonably possible." In many situations, Synovus may be unable to estimate reasonably possible losses due to the preliminary nature of the legal matters, as well as a variety of other factors and uncertainties. For those legal matters where Synovus is able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, management currently estimates the aggregate range from our pending and threatened litigation, including, without limitation, the matters described below, is from zero to $15 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, reputational risk 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.

43


TelexFree Litigation
On October 22, 2014, several pending lawsuits were consolidated into a multi-district putative class action case captioned In re: TelexFree Securities Litigation, MDL Number 4:14-md2566-TSH, United States District Court District of Massachusetts. Synovus Financial Corp. and Synovus Bank were named as defendants with numerous other defendants in the purported class action lawsuit.   An Amended Complaint was filed on March 31, 2015 which consolidated and amended the claims previously asserted. The claims against Synovus Financial Corp. were dismissed by Plaintiffs on April 10, 2015 so now, as to Synovus-related entities, only claims against Synovus Bank remain pending.   TelexFree was a merchant customer of Base Commerce, LLC “Base Commerce”, an independent sales organization/member service provider sponsored by Synovus Bank. The purported class action lawsuit generally alleges that TelexFree engaged in an improper multi-tier marketing scheme involving voice-over Internet protocol telephone services and that the various defendants, including Synovus Bank, provided financial services to TelexFree that allowed TelexFree to conduct its business operations. Synovus Bank filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on June 1, 2015.
Synovus Bank believes it has substantial defenses related to these purported claims and intends to vigorously defend the claims asserted. Synovus currently cannot reasonably estimate losses attributable to this matter.
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;

44


(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;
(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 non-bank 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 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 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 obtain any applicable regulatory approval to take certain capital actions, including any increases in dividends on our common stock, any repurchases of common stock or any other issuance or redemption of any other regulatory capital instruments;
(19)
our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity, including our ability to pay dividends or take other capital actions;
(20)
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;
(21)
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;
(22)
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;
(23)
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related
thereto;
(24)
risks related to the fluctuation in our stock price;
(25)
the effects of any damages to Synovus' reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above; and

45


(26)
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' 2014 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' 2014 Form 10-K and our other periodic filings, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, that we file from time to time with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Synovus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information and statements, whether written or oral, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law.
INTRODUCTION AND CORPORATE PROFILE
Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company and a registered bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. We provide integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance and mortgage services to our customers through 28 locally-branded banking divisions of our 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 for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and financial condition as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . 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’ 2014 Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations consist of:
Ÿ 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.

Ÿ 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.

Ÿ Additional Disclosures - provides comments on additional important matters including 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.

46


DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
Change
2015
2014
Change
Net interest income
$
406,907

405,566

0.3%
$
203,644

205,051

(0.7)%
Provision for loan losses
11,034

21,795

(49.4)
6,636

12,284

(46.0
)
Non-interest income
134,687

133,569

0.8
68,832

63,388

8.6

Adjusted non-interest income (1)
131,977

126,449

4.4
66,847

63,388

5.5

Non-interest expense
356,713

366,365

(2.6)
177,806

182,205

(2.4
)
Adjusted non-interest expense (1)
334,238

336,557

(0.7)
166,872

169,498

(1.5
)
Income before income taxes
173,847

150,975

15.1
88,034

73,950

19.0

Adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income (1)
204,646

195,458

4.7
103,619

98,941

4.7

Net income
109,756

95,289

15.2
55,792

46,872

19.0

Net income available to common shareholders
104,637

90,170

16.0
53,233

44,313

20.1

Net income per common share, basic
0.78

0.65

20.4
0.40

0.32

25.6

Net income per common share, diluted
0.78

0.65

20.2
0.40

0.32

25.5

Net interest margin
3.22
%
3.40

(18) bps

3.15
%
3.41

(26) bps

Net charge-off ratio
0.17

0.50

(33) bps

0.10

0.69

(59) bps

June 30, 2015
March 31, 2015
Sequential Quarter Change
June 30, 2014
Year-Over-Year Change
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
21,494,869

21,106,213

388,656

$
20,455,763

1,039,106

Total deposits
22,649,181

22,107,849

541,332

20,993,467

1,655,714

Total average deposits
22,466,102

21,615,049

851,053

20,863,706

1,602,396

Average core deposits (1)
20,910,171

20,020,227

889,944

19,462,539

1,447,632

Average core deposits excluding average state, county, and municipal (SCM) deposits (1)
18,632,388

17,796,034

836,354

17,193,687

1,438,701

Non-performing assets ratio
1.11
%
1.28

(17) bps

1.77
%
(66) bps

Non-performing loans ratio
0.81

0.92

(11) bps

1.27

(46) bps

Past due loans over 90 days
0.02

0.02


0.02


Tier 1 capital (2)
$
2,615,827

2,592,618

23,209

$
2,500,491

115,336

Common equity Tier 1 capital (transitional) (2)
2,615,827

2,592,618

23,209

N/A

N/A

Tier 1 common equity (1)(2)
N/A

N/A

N/A

2,364,511

N/A

Total risk-based capital (2)
2,971,518

3,039,552

(68,034
)
2,958,274

13,244

Tier 1 capital ratio (2)
10.73%

10.80

(7) bps

11.01
%
(28) bps

Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio (transitional) (2)
10.73

10.80

(7) bps

N/A

N/A

Tier 1 common equity ratio (1)(2)
N/A

N/A

N/A

10.42

N/A

Total risk-based capital ratio (2)
12.18

12.66

(48) bps

13.03

(85) bps

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio
10.66

10.97

(31) bps

11.47

(81) bps

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
10.13

10.43

(30) bps

10.91

(78) bps

(1)
See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
(2) 2015 regulatory capital determined under Basel III transitional capital rules. Prior periods were determined under Basel I capital rules.

47


Results for the Six and Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
For the six months ended June 30, 2015 , net income available to common shareholders was $104.6 million , or $0.78 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $90.2 million , or $0.65 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 . For the three months ended June 30, 2015 , net income available to common shareholders was $53.2 million , or $0.40 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $44.3 million , or $0.32 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2014 .
Results for the six months ended June 30, 2015 reflect continued broad-based improvement in credit quality as the NPL ratio declined to 0.81% at June 30, 2015 from 0.92% at March 31, 2015 and 1.27% a year ago. Additionally, other real estate balances declined $8.3 million, or 11.2%, and $35.1 million, or 34.6%, compared to March 31, 2015, and June 30, 2014 , respectively. Credit costs totaled $12.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to $15.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and $16.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 . Net charge-offs for the three months ended June 30, 2015 totaled $5.3 million, or 0.10% of average loans annualized, down $7.0 million from $12.3 million in the first quarter of 2015 and down $30.1 million from $35.4 million in the second quarter of 2014. Total non-performing assets were $240.1 million at June 30, 2015 , down $30.0 million, or 11.1%, from the previous quarter, and down $123.0 million, or 33.9%, from a year ago.
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, litigation contingency expense, and certain other items) was $204.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 with $103.6 million reported for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and $101.0 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The sequential quarter increase of $2.6 million in adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income was led by an increase in mortgage banking income of $1.0 million and included the benefit of one more calendar day as well as three more business days with increases in interest income of $381 thousand and service charges on deposit accounts of $661 thousand. Additionally, adjusted non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2015 was $495 thousand lower than the first quarter of 2015 driven by a seasonal decline in employment taxes. Compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 , adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income grew $9.2 million, comprised of a $5.5 million increase in adjusted non-interest income led by growth in mortgage banking income, an increase in net interest income of $1.3 million with year-over-year average loan growth of $973.6 million, or 4.8%, and a decrease of $2.3 million in adjusted non-interest expense. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
The net interest margin declined thirteen basis points to 3.15% compared to 3.28% in the previous quarter and was twenty six basis points below the second quarter of 2014 net interest margin of 3.41%. The yield on earning assets was 3.61%, a decline of twelve basis points from the first quarter of 2015, and the effective cost of funds increased one basis point to 0.46%. The yield on loans declined five basis points and the increased balances at the Federal Reserve Bank contributed seven basis points of the linked quarter decline. Compared to the second quarter of 2014, the yield on earning assets declined twenty five basis points from 3.86% and the effective cost of funds increased one basis point from 0.45%.
At June 30, 2015 , total loans outstanding were $21.49 billion , a sequential quarter increase of $388.7 million, or 7.4% annualized, and a year-over-year increase of $1.04 billion, or 5.1%. Growth for the quarter was across all loan categories with CRE loans growing $164.3 million, or 9.5% annualized, retail loans increasing $127.1 million, or 13.0% annualized, and C&I loans growing by $97.0 million, or 3.8% annualized. Total average loans grew $179.4 million, or 3.4% annualized, from the previous quarter and $915.5 million, or 4.5%, as compared to the second quarter of 2014.
At June 30, 2015 , total deposits were $22.65 billion and total average deposits were $22.47 billion, with total average deposits up $851.1 million, or 15.8% annualized, from the previous quarter. Average core deposits ended the quarter at $20.91 billion, up $889.9 million, or 17.8%, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Average core deposits excluding average state, county, and municipal (SCM) deposits grew $836.4 million, or 18.9% annualized, over the first quarter of 2015 and $1.44 billion, or 8.4%, over the second quarter of 2014. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
Synovus continued to return capital to shareholders during the second quarter of 2015, acquiring an additional $50.3 million of common stock following repurchases of $59.1 million during the first quarter of 2015. Since October 2014 through June 30, 2015, Synovus has repurchased $197.5 million of common stock. Additionally, during the first half of 2015, Synovus declared common stock dividends totaling $0.20 per share, representing a 43% increase from the dividends declared during the first half of 2014. Total shareholders' equity was $3.01 billion at June 30, 2015 , compared to $3.04 billion at December 31, 2014, and $3.05 billion at June 30, 2014.

48


Changes in Financial Condition
During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , total assets increased $1.15 billion from $27.05 billion at December 31, 2014 to $28.21 billion . The principal components of this increase were an increase of $567.8 million in interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank, an increase of $397.2 million in loans, net of deferred fees and costs, and an increase in investment securities available for sale, at fair value of $313.3 million. An increase of $1.12 billion in deposits provided the funding source for the growth in loans, net of deferred fees and costs and increase in investment securities available for sale, at fair value and drove the increase in interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2015 , December 31, 2014 , and June 30, 2014 .
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
June 30, 2015 vs. December 31, 2014 % Change (1)
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014
% Change
Investment properties
$
5,423,893

5,216,964

8.0
%
$
4,890,580

10.9
%
1-4 family properties
1,097,406

1,133,882

(6.5
)
1,150,706

(4.6
)
Land acquisition
554,501

586,046

(10.9
)
609,285

(9.0
)
Total commercial real estate
7,075,800

6,936,892

4.0

6,650,571

6.4

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,259,553

6,182,312

2.5

6,059,794

3.3

Owner-occupied
4,140,769

4,075,117

3.2

4,005,418

3.4

Total commercial and industrial
10,400,322

10,257,429

2.8

10,065,212

3.3

Home equity lines
1,683,651

1,683,998


1,664,520

1.1

Consumer mortgages
1,793,752

1,694,061

11.9

1,561,111

14.9

Credit cards
246,724

253,649

(5.5
)
255,369

(3.4
)
Other retail
323,741

302,460

14.2

287,935

12.4

Total retail
4,047,868

3,934,168

5.8

3,768,935

7.4

Total loans
21,523,990

21,128,489

3.8

20,484,718

5.1

Deferred fees and costs, net
(29,121
)
(30,790
)
(10.9
)
(28,955
)
0.6

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
21,494,869

21,097,699

3.8
%
$
20,455,763

5.1
%
(1) Percentage changes are annualized
At June 30, 2015 , total loans were $21.49 billion , an increase of $397.2 million, or 3.8% annualized, and $1.04 billion or 5.1% compared to December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 , respectively, driven by growth in most categories across the loan portfolio. Annual percentage loan growth for 2015 is currently expected to be in the mid single-digits.
Commercial Loans
Total commercial loans (which are comprised of C&I and CRE loans) at June 30, 2015 were $17.48 billion , or 81.2% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $17.19 billion , or 81.4%, at December 31, 2014 and $16.72 billion, or 81.6%, at June 30, 2014 .
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , Synovus had 27 and 25 commercial loan relationships respectively with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded). The average funded balance of these relationships at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was approximately $36 million.
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 dispersed throughout a diverse group of industries in the Southeast, including health care and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, real-estate related industries, wholesale trade, and finance and insurance as shown in the following table (aggregated by NAICS code). Loans in the health care and social assistance industry have grown approximately $127 million, or 13.8% annualized, from December 31, 2014 , as specialized lending units continue to build relationships in senior housing, medical office lending, and other health care related areas. 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

49


standards and oversight in proportion to the size and 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, 2015 were $10.40 billion , or 48.3% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $10.26 billion , or 48.6% of the total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2014 and $10.07 billion , or 49.1% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2014 . C&I loans grew $142.9 million, or 2.8% annualized, from December 31, 2014 , driven primarily by increases in specialty units such as senior housing, equipment finance, and medical office lending.
Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
% (1)
Amount
% (1)
Health care and social assistance
$
1,984,245

19.1
%
1,856,795

18.1
%
Manufacturing
866,462

8.3

878,492

8.6

Retail trade
830,372

8.0

814,882

8.0

Real estate and rental and leasing
694,681

6.7

721,477

7.0

Wholesale trade
671,896

6.5

627,736

6.1

Finance and insurance
644,630

6.2

684,319

6.7

Professional, scientific, and technical services
574,218

5.5

588,862

5.7

Real estate other
532,604

5.1

497,396

4.8

Accommodation and food services
451,600

4.3

438,745

4.3

Construction
423,135

4.1

432,521

4.2

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
390,248

3.8

366,041

3.6

Transportation and warehousing
290,290

2.8

250,221

2.4

Information
273,608

2.6

239,996

2.3

Administration, support, waste management, and remediation
220,605

2.1

247,226

2.4

Educational services
219,871

2.1

227,272

2.2

Other services
866,376

8.3

860,105

8.4

Other industries
465,481

4.5

525,343

5.2

Total commercial and industrial loans
$
10,400,322

100.0
%
$
10,257,429

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 facility (versus being the lead bank). Senior housing loans are typically extended to borrowers in the assisted living, independent living, or memory care facilities sectors. The equipment finance group originates loans to small, middle, and large commercial banking customers, and the formation of this group has further strengthened the equipment financing line of business and signals Synovus' continued commitment to offer a broad range of expertise, products, and services to commercial customers. The Corporate Banking Group also originates direct loans to well-capitalized public companies and larger private companies that operate in the five-state footprint as well as other states in the Southeast.
At June 30, 2015 , $6.26 billion of C&I loans, or 29.1% 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.
At June 30, 2015 , $4.14 billion of C&I loans, or 19.2% 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, and to a lesser extent, other types of collateral.

50


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 32.9% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2015 , were $7.08 billion compared to $6.94 billion , or 32.8% of the total loan portfolio, at December 31, 2014 and $6.65 billion , or 32.5% of the total loan portfolio, at June 30, 2014 . CRE loans increased $138.9 million, or 4.0% annualized, from December 31, 2014 and $425.2 million, or 6.4%, from June 30, 2014 , driven by growth in investment properties loans 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, 2015 were $5.42 billion , or 76.7% of the total CRE portfolio and 25.2% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $5.22 billion , or 75.2% of the total CRE portfolio, and 24.7% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 , an increase of $206.9 million, or 8.0% annualized, with draws on existing construction commitments being a significant contributor. 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. 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, 2015 , 1-4 family properties loans totaled $1.10 billion , or 15.5% of the total CRE portfolio and 5.1% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $1.13 billion , or 16.3% of the total CRE portfolio and 5.3% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 . 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.
Land Acquisition Loans
Total land acquisition loans were $554.5 million at June 30, 2015 , or 2.6% of the total loan portfolio, a decline of $31.5 million, or 10.9% annualized, from December 31, 2014 . 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, 2015 totaled $4.05 billion , representing 18.8% of the total loan portfolio compared to $3.93 billion , or 18.6% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 and $3.77 billion or 18.4% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2014 . Retail loans increased $113.7 million, or 5.8% annualized, from December 31, 2014 and $278.9 million, or 7.4%, from June 30, 2014 , primarily as a result of significant growth in consumer mortgage loans of $99.7 million, or 11.9% annualized, from December 31, 2014 and $232.6 million, or 14.9%, from June 30, 2014 .
The retail loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through Synovus' banking network, including first and second residential mortgages, home equity lines, credit card loans, automobile loans, 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 $246.7 million at June 30, 2015 , including $60.3 million of commercial credit card loans. The commercial credit card loans relate to Synovus' commercial 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, 2015). At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , weighted-average FICO scores within the residential real estate portfolio were 775 and 772, respectively, for HELOCs and 736 and 735, respectively, for consumer mortgages . Conservative debt-to-income ratios (average HELOC debt to income ratio of loans originated) were maintained in the second

51


quarter of 2015 at 31.6% compared to 31.3% in the first quarter of 2015. HELOC utilization rates (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of 60.6% and 61.3% at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and loan-to-value ratios based upon prudent guidelines were maintained to ensure consistency with Synovus' overall risk philosophy. At June 30, 2015 , 34% of home equity line balances were secured by a first lien, and 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 to retail loans 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, 2015. 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, 2015 , it had $123.7 million of higher-risk consumer loans (3.1% of the retail portfolio and 0.6% of the total loan portfolio). Included in this amount is approximately $14 million of accruing TDRs. Synovus makes retail lending decisions based upon a number of key credit risk determinants including FICO scores as well as bankruptcy predictor scores, loan-to-value, and debt-to-income ratios.
Other Real Estate
The carrying value of ORE was $66.4 million , $85.5 million , and $101.5 million at June 30, 2015 , December 31, 2014 , and June 30, 2014 , respectively. As of June 30, 2015 , the ORE carrying value reflects cumulative write-downs totaling approximately $72 million, or 52% of the related loans' unpaid principal balance. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , $11.4 million and $25.3 million , respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value less costs to sell. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $13.8 million and $9.7 million , respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $11.1 million and $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Synovus' objective is to dispose of ORE properties in a timely manner and to maximize net sale proceeds. Synovus has a centralized managed assets division with the specialized skill set to facilitate this objective. While there is not a defined timeline for their sale, ORE properties are actively marketed through unaffiliated third parties, including real estate brokers and real estate auctioneers. Sales are made on an opportunistic basis, as acceptable buyers and terms are identified. In addition, Synovus may also decide to sell ORE properties in bulk asset sales to unaffiliated third parties, in which case the typical period of marketing the property will likely not occur. In some cases, Synovus is approached by potential buyers of ORE properties or Synovus may contact independent third parties who we believe might have an interest in an ORE property.

52


Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for interest earning assets. The following table shows the relative composition of average deposits for the time periods indicated.
Composition of Average Deposits
Three Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2015
% (1)
March 31, 2015
% (1)
December 31, 2014
% (1)
September 30, 2014
% (1)
June 30, 2014
% (1)
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
6,436,167

28.7
%
$
6,108,558

28.3
%
$
6,110,047

28.6
%
$
5,824,592

27.8
%
$
5,765,287

27.6
%
Interest bearing demand deposits
3,919,401

17.4

3,800,476

17.6

3,781,389

17.7

3,722,599

17.8

3,830,956

18.4

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
6,466,610

28.8

6,210,704

28.7

6,009,897

28.2

6,044,138

28.9

6,033,522

28.9

Savings deposits
675,260

3.0

649,597

3.0

638,813

3.0

645,654

3.1

644,103

3.1

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
3,412,733

15.2

3,250,892

15.0

3,193,507

15.0

3,206,984

15.3

3,188,671

15.3

Brokered deposits
1,555,931

6.9

1,594,822

7.4

1,602,354

7.5

1,494,620

7.1

1,401,167

6.7

Total average deposits
$
22,466,102

100.0

$
21,615,049

100.0

$
21,336,007

100.0

$
20,938,587

100.0

$
20,863,706

100.0

Average core deposits (2)
$
20,910,171

93.1

20,020,227

92.6

$
19,733,653

92.5

$
19,443,967

92.9

$
19,462,539

93.3

Average core deposits excluding average SCM deposits (2)
$
18,632,388

82.9

17,796,034

82.3

$
17,548,896

82.3

$
17,398,150

83.1

$
17,193,687

82.4

(1) Deposits balance in each category expressed as percentage of total deposits.
(2) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.

During the second quarter of 2015, total average deposits increased $851.1 million, or 15.8% annualized, compared to the first quarter of 2015, and increased $1.60 billion, or 7.7%, compared to the second quarter of 2014. Average core deposits were up $889.9 million, or 17.8% annualized, compared to the previous quarter, and up $1.45 billion, or 7.4%, compared to the second quarter a year ago. Average core deposits excluding average state, county, and municipal (SCM) deposits grew $836.4 million, or 18.9% annualized, over the prior quarter and $1.44 billion, or 8.4%, over the second quarter of 2014. The increase in deposits was largely due to growth in money market, non-interest bearing demand and time deposit products. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percentage of total average deposits was 28.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to 28.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 27.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 . See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Average time deposits of $100,000 and greater for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , March 31, 2015, and June 30, 2014 were $3.43 billion, $3.34 billion, and $3.04 billion respectively, and included average brokered time deposits of $1.37 billion, $1.41 billion, and $1.22 billion, respectively. These larger deposits represented 15.3%, 15.4%, and 14.6% of total average deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , March 31, 2015, and June 30, 2014 , respectively, and included brokered time deposits which represented 6.1%, 6.5%, and 5.8% of total average deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , March 31, 2015, and June 30, 2014 , respectively.
During the second quarter of 2015, total average brokered deposits represented 6.9% of Synovus' total average deposits compared to 7.4% and 6.7% of total average deposits the previous quarter and the second quarter a year ago, respectively.
Non-interest Income
Non-interest income for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 was $134.7 million and $68.8 million , respectively, up $1.1 million, or 0.8%, and up $5.4 million, or 8.6%, compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Adjusted non-interest income, which excludes net investment securities gains and the prior year net gain of $5.8 million from the Memphis transaction, increased $5.5 million, or 4.4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to the same period a year ago and increased $3.5 million, or 5.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to the same period a year ago. The increase over prior year was driven primarily by an increase in mortgage banking income as well as growth in service charges on deposit accounts, fiduciary and asset management fees, brokerage revenue, and gains on sales of SBA loans. 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)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
38,928

38,451

$
19,795

19,238

Fiduciary and asset management fees
23,414

22,329

11,843

11,296

Brokerage revenue
14,032

12,920

6,782

6,707

Mortgage banking income
13,995

8,794

7,511

5,283

Bankcard fees
16,576

16,212

8,499

8,695

Investment securities gains, net
2,710

1,331

1,985


Other fee income
9,851

9,791

4,605

4,928

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net

5,789



Other non-interest income
15,181

17,952

7,812

7,241

Total non-interest income
$
134,687

133,569

$
68,832

63,388

Principal Components of Non-interest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 were up $477 thousand, or 1.2%, and up $557 thousand, or 2.9%, respectively, compared to the same time periods in 2014. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and all other service charges. NSF fees were $17.9 million and $9.2 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, an increase of $1.2 million, or 7.3%, and $896 thousand, or 10.8%, compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively, due primarily to an increase in overdraft service utilization rates and higher Regulation E opt-in rates (Regulation E limits the ability of a financial institution to assess an overdraft fee for paying automated teller machine and debit card transactions that overdraw a customer's account unless the customer affirmatively consents, or opts-in, to the institution's payment of overdrafts for these transactions). Account analysis fees were $11.4 million and $5.6 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, down $593 thousand, or 5.0%, and $370 thousand, or 6.2%, compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively, primarily due to higher earnings credit balances and a decline in the number of accounts on analysis. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $9.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 , down $149 thousand, or 1.5%, compared to the same period in 2014, with more retail customers meeting requirements to qualify for fee waivers on checking products. All other service charges on deposit accounts for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $5.0 million, up $30 thousand, or 0.6%, compared to the same period in 2014 .
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 $23.4 million and $11.8 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, an increase of $1.1 million, or 4.9%, and $547 thousand, or 4.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 , due to new talent acquisition in strategic markets and an increase in assets-under-management of 4.3%.
Brokerage revenue, which consists primarily of brokerage commissions, was $14.0 million and $6.8 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 . Compared to the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , brokerage revenue was up $1.1 million, or 8.6%, and $75 thousand or 1.1%, respectively. The year-over-year increase was largely due to the unfavorable impact of severe winter weather on transactions during the first quarter of 2014. Additionally, the increase was driven by talent acquisition of commission-based financial consultants and brokers and a favorable increase in customer fee-based assets-under-management.
Mortgage banking income increased $5.2 million, or 59.1%, and increased $2.2 million, or 42.2%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2014 , due primarily to an increase in mortgage production which was driven by the rate environment, talent acquisitions, investments in key markets, and enhanced product offerings. Synovus currently expects mortgage banking income for the second half of 2015 to be similar to levels for the six months ended June 30, 2015 .
Bankcard fees increased $364 thousand, or 2.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to the same period in 2014 , and for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , bankcard fees declined by $196 thousand, or 2.3%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 . Bankcard fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees and debit card interchange fees. Debit card interchange fees were $8.2 million, up $73 thousand, or 0.9%, and $4.2 million, up $21 thousand, or 0.5%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 . Credit card interchange fees were

53


$11.5 million, up $535 thousand, or 4.9%, and $6.0 million, up $188 thousand, or 3.3%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 .
Other fee income includes fees for letters of credit and unused lines of credit, safe deposit box fees, access fees for automated teller machine use, customer swap dealer fees, and other service charges. Other fee income increased $60 thousand, or 0.6%, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to the same period in 2014 . Other fee income declined $323 thousand, or 6.6%, for the three months ended June 30, 2015 , compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 due primarily to a decline in fees on unused lines of credit and letters of credit.
The 2014 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.
The main components of other non-interest income are income from company-owned life insurance policies, gains from sales of SBA loans, insurance commissions, card sponsorship fees, and other miscellaneous items. Other non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $2.8 million lower than the six months ended June 30, 2014 due to a $3.1 million gain from the sale of a branch property during the first quarter of 2014. Other non-interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2015 increased $571 thousand, or 7.9%, compared to the same period in 2014 largely due to an increase in gains on sales of SBA loans of $501 thousand. Gains from sales of SBA loans totaled $2.8 million during the first half of 2015, up $1.6 million compared to the same period in 2014. Synovus has an increased focus on the SBA lending line of business and expects an increase in SBA gains for the full year 2015 compared to 2014.
Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 declined $9.7 million, or 2.6%, and $4.4 million, or 2.4%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. Adjusted non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , which excludes litigation contingency expense, restructuring charges, credit costs, and Visa indemnification charges, declined $2.3 million, or 0.7%, and $2.6 million, or 1.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 . See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation.
The following table summarizes the components of non-interest expense for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Non-interest Expense

Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Salaries and other personnel expense
$
191,054

185,985

$
94,565

92,540

Net occupancy and equipment expense
52,713

52,480

26,541

26,425

Third-party processing expense
21,015

19,560

10,672

9,464

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
13,725

17,531

6,767

7,885

Professional fees
12,011

15,901

6,417

8,224

Advertising expense
6,309

8,757

2,865

6,281

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
13,847

9,745

4,351

4,063

Visa indemnification charges
729

752

354

356

Restructuring charges, net
(102
)
16,293

5

7,716

Other operating expenses
45,412

39,361

25,269

19,251

Total non-interest expense
$
356,713

366,365

$
177,806

182,205

Salaries and other personnel expenses increased $5.1 million, or 2.7%, and $2.0 million, or 2.2%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 primarily due to annual merit increases, higher health insurance expense, higher incentive compensation, and additional variable compensation associated with higher mortgage and brokerage revenue. These increases were somewhat offset by the decrease in salaries and other personnel expense resulting from the decline of 197, or 4.3%, in total headcount at June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014. The decline in headcount was driven by the elimination of positions during 2014 in connection with branch closings, further refinement of our branch staffing model, and other efficiency initiatives.

54


Net occupancy and equipment expense was up slightly by $233 thousand and $116 thousand for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 . Synovus continues to invest in technology and rationalize its branch network which has declined to 258 branches at June 30, 2015 from 271 branches at June 30, 2014.
Third-party processing expense includes all third-party core operating system and processing charges. Third-party processing expense increased $1.5 million, or 7.4%, and $1.2 million, or 12.8%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 driven by investments in technology.
FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees declined $3.8 million, or 21.7%, and $1.1 million, or 14.2%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 , primarily due to significant improvement in credit metrics included in the FDIC assessment scorecard with declines of 33.9% and 39.5% in NPAs and accruing TDRs, respectively, at June 30, 2015 compared to June 30, 2014.
Professional fees declined $3.9 million, or 24.5%, and $1.8 million, or 22.0%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014. The decline in professional fees was driven by a decrease in attorney fees.
Advertising expense was $6.3 million and $2.9 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to $8.8 million and $6.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Advertising expense for the second half of 2015 is expected to increase from the first half of 2015 based on increased levels of advertising spend related to our branding campaign as well as our product campaigns.
Foreclosed real estate costs were up $4.1 million, or 42.1%, and up $288 thousand, or 7.1%, for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to the same periods in 2014 . Foreclosed real estate costs during the remainder of 2015 are expected to be lower than the first half of 2015 levels. For further discussion of foreclosed real estate, see the section captioned “Other Real Estate” of this Report.
Other operating expenses include other credit related expenses which were lower in 2014 due to the following: $2.9 million recovery upon the termination of a letter of credit which was fully reserved during the first quarter of 2014 and $1.6 million recovery on property taxes paid from a loan pay-off during the second quarter of 2014. Other operating expenses for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 also include $4.4 million in litigation contingency expense.
Management currently expects that adjusted non-interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2015 will be approximately the same as in 2014 ($675 million). See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in Synovus' 2014 Form 10-K for applicable reconciliation.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $64.1 million and $32.2 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, compared to $55.7 million and $27.1 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. The effective tax rate was 36.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as well as the same period in 2014. Synovus calculated the provision for income taxes for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 by applying the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pre-tax income and adjusting for discrete items that occurred during the period. 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. Synovus currently expects an annual effective tax rate of approximately 36%-37% for the full year 2015.
At June 30, 2015 , the net deferred tax asset was $571.4 million, compared to $622.5 million at December 31, 2014 . The decrease in the net deferred tax asset is primarily driven by the continued generation of taxable income.



55


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 continued to improve during the second quarter of 2015 with non-performing assets declining by 11.1% sequentially to an ending non-performing assets ratio of 1.11%, past dues remaining at low levels, and the net charge-off ratio declining to 0.10%, down 13 basis points from the first quarter of 2015. The non-performing loans ratio has also continued to decline, ending the quarter at 0.81%.
The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
Credit Quality Metrics
As of and for the Three Months Ended,
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2015
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
September 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
Provision for loan losses
$
6,636

$
4,397

8,193

3,843

12,284

Other credit costs
6,175

11,273

8,213

11,858

4,635

Total credit costs
$
12,811

$
15,670

16,406

15,701

16,919

Non-performing loans
173,638

194,232

197,757

242,382

259,547

Impaired loans held for sale (1)
-

1,082

3,606

338

2,045

Other real estate
66,449

74,791

85,472

81,636

101,533

Non-performing assets
$
240,087

$
270,105

286,835

324,356

363,125

Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
0.81
%
0.92

0.94

1.18

1.27

Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE
1.11
%
1.28

1.35

1.57

1.77

NPL inflows
$
21,397

26,059

32,630

32,988

34,321

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
4,832

5,025

4,637

4,067

4,798

As a % of total loans
0.02
%
0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

Total past due loans and still accruing
$
50,860

57,443

51,251

72,712

60,428

As a % of total loans
0.24
%
0.27

0.24

0.35

0.30

Net charge-offs
$
5,306

12,343

16,252

12,250

35,372

Net charge-offs/average loans
0.10
%
0.23

0.31

0.24

0.69

Allowance for loan losses
$
254,702

253,371

261,317

269,376

277,783

Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans
1.18
%
1.20

1.24

1.31

1.36

(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.
Total credit costs
Total credit costs (provision for loan losses plus other credit costs which consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net,) for the quarters ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 were $12.8 million and $16.9 million , respectively, including provision for loan losses of $6.6 million and $ 12.3 million , respectively, and expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $ 4.4 million and $ 4.1 million , respectively. Total credit costs improved 18.2% on a sequential quarter basis and improved 24.3% from the second quarter of 2014 .









56


Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $240.1 million at June 30, 2015 , a $46.7 million, or 16.3%, decrease from December 31, 2014 and a $123.0 million, or 33.9%, decrease from $363.1 million at June 30, 2014 . 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 1.11% at June 30, 2015 compared to 1.35% at December 31, 2014 , and 1.77 % at June 30, 2014 . Synovus currently expects that NPAs will continue to decline at a modest pace for the remainder of 2015.
NPL Inflows by Loan Type
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Investment properties
$
3,680

5,126

$
3,385

2,407

1-4 family properties
2,974

5,226

2,057

3,681

Land for future development
370

6,541

194

2,694

Total commercial real estate
7,024

16,893

5,636


8,782

Commercial, financial and agricultural
17,032

19,677

7,935

12,946

Owner-occupied
10,865

12,187

3,416

3,493

Small business


Total commercial and industrial
27,897

31,864

11,351

16,439

Home equity lines
5,469

4,790

1,491

1,587

Consumer mortgages
6,473

14,789

2,873

6,739

Credit cards




Other retail loans
593

1,445

46

774

Total retail
12,535

21,024

4,410

9,100

Total NPL inflows
$
47,456

69,781

$
21,397

34,321

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, 2015 , December 31, 2014 , and June 30, 2014 . 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.

57


Troubled Debt Restructurings
Accruing TDRs were $268.5 million at June 30, 2015 , compared to $348.4 million at December 31, 2014 and $444.1 million at June 30, 2014 . Accruing TDRs declined $79.9 million, or 22.9%, from December 31, 2014 and $175.6 million, or 39.5%, from a year ago primarily due to lower TDR inflows as well as fewer TDRs having to retain the TDR designation upon subsequent renewal, refinance, or modification. At June 30, 2015 , the allowance for loan losses allocated to these accruing TDRs was $15.3 million compared to $21.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $24.3 million at June 30, 2014 . Accruing TDRs are considered performing because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. At both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , approximately 99% of accruing TDRs were current. In addition, subsequent defaults on accruing TDRs (defined as the earlier of the TDR being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments within twelve months of the TDR designation) have declined significantly to two defaults with a recorded investment of $115 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to eight defaults with a recorded investment of $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 .
At June 30, 2015 , 41.7%, or $111.9 million, of accruing TDRs were graded as Pass ( 32.4% ) or Special Mention ( 9.3% ) loans. At June 30, 2015 , troubled debt restructurings (accruing and non-accruing) were $323.3 million, a decrease of $99.7 million, or 23.6%, compared to December 31, 2014 .
Accruing TDRs by Risk Grade
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
%
Amount
%
Pass
$
86,968

32.4
%
$
86,354

24.8
%
Special Mention
24,980

9.3

65,446

18.8

Substandard accruing
156,594

58.3

196,627

56.4

Total accruing TDRs
$
268,542

100.0
%
$
348,427

100.0
%

58


Accruing TDRs Aging and Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Class
June 30, 2015
(in thousands)
Current
30-89 Days Past Due
90+ Days Past Due
Total
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
97,733

259


97,992

7,584

1-4 family properties
25,717



25,717

2,273

Land acquisition
29,464



29,464

1,390

Total commercial real estate
152,914

259


153,173

11,247

Commercial, financial and agricultural
26,865

113


26,978

964

Owner-occupied
50,090



50,090

2,097

Total commercial and industrial
76,955

113


77,068

3,061

Home equity lines
8,712

209


8,921

185

Consumer mortgages
23,371

789


24,160

711

Credit cards





Other retail loans
5,121

99


5,220

74

Total retail
37,204

1,097


38,301

970

Total accruing TDRs
$
267,073

1,469


268,542

15,278

December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Current
30-89 Days Past Due
90+ Days Past Due
Total
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
109,436



109,436

5,294

1-4 family properties
39,655



39,655

6,838

Land acquisition
43,696



43,696

2,815

Total commercial real estate
192,787



192,787

14,947

Commercial, financial and agricultural
46,995

197


47,192

2,373

Owner-occupied
66,463

548


67,011

2,854

Total commercial and industrial
113,458

745


114,203

5,227

Home equity lines
4,657

191


4,848

129

Consumer mortgages
28,714

2,164

418

31,296

592

Credit cards





Other retail loans
5,095

180

18

5,293

101

Total retail
38,466

2,535

436

41,437

822

Total accruing TDRs
$
344,711

3,280

436

348,427

20,996













59


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 $54.8 million at June 30, 2015 compared to $74.6 million at December 31, 2014 , a decrease of $19.8 million, or 26.5%, primarily due to principal reductions.
Non-accruing TDRs by Type
(in thousands)
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Investment properties
$
9,681

$
15,922

1-4 family properties
4,077

7,523

Land acquisition
17,219

24,037

Total commercial real estate
30,977

47,482

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,565

7,478

Owner-occupied
11,347

14,427

Total commercial and industrial
17,912

21,905

Home equity lines
908

893

Consumer mortgages
4,861

4,256

Credit cards


Other retail loans
144

66

Total retail
5,913

5,215

Total non-accruing TDRs
$
54,802

$
74,602

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 $216.5 million of potential problem commercial loans at June 30, 2015 compared to $222.5 million and $229.6 million at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 , respectively. Synovus cannot predict at this time whether these potential problem loans ultimately will become non-performing loans or result in losses.















60


Net Charge-offs
Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were $17.6 million , or 0.17% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $32.9 million, or 65.1%, compared to $50.6 million , or 0.50%, as a percentage of average loans annualized for the six months ended June 30, 2014 . 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 lower charges on the resolution and disposition of distressed loans. The net charge-off ratio for 2015 is expected to be below the previously guided range of 30 to 40 basis points due to the continued significant credit improvements.
The following tables show net charge-offs by loan type for the six and three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) by Loan Type
Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Investment properties
$
165

$
8,894

$
1,717

$
5,222

1-4 family properties
2,951

1,692

(905
)
1,063

Land for future development
800

20,104

(395
)
18,686

Total commercial real estate
3,916

30,690

417


24,971

Commercial, financial and agricultural
3,129

6,645

436


4,118

Owner-occupied
2,375

4,637

2,061


1,081

Total commercial and industrial
5,504

11,282

2,497


5,199

Home equity lines
1,305

3,247

573


1,940

Consumer mortgages
4,438

1,969

769


1,194

Credit cards
1,915

2,522

811


1,436

Other retail loans
571

843

238


632

Total retail
8,229

8,581

2,391


5,202

Total net charge-offs
$
17,649

$
50,553

$
5,305


$
35,372

Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
For the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the provision for loan losses was $11.0 million , a decrease of $10.8 million, or 49.4% , compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 . The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily a result of continued improvement in credit quality trends, including:
Reduced net loan charge-offs by $32.9 million, or 65.1%, from $50.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $17.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 ;
Reduced NPL inflows by $22.3 million, or 32.0%, from $69.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $47.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 ;
Reduced loans rated Special Mention by $213.7 million, or 29.0%, from $736.5 million at June 30, 2014 to $522.9 million at June 30, 2015 ;
Reduced loans rated Substandard accruing by $90.5 million, or 18.7%, from $483.7 million at June 30, 2014 to $393.2 million at June 30, 2015 ; and
Pass rated loans as a percentage of total loans were 94.9% at June 30, 2015 compared to 92.8% at June 30, 2014 .
The allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2015 was $254.7 million or 1.18% of total loans compared to $261.3 million or 1.24% of total loans at December 31, 2014 and $277.8 million or 1.36% of total loans at June 30, 2014 . The decrease in the allowance for loan losses is primarily due to continued improvement in credit quality trends, which includes lower NPL levels as well as reduced NPL inflows and net charge-offs, 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 Basel III capital rules, implemented in the U.S. with certain changes mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, strengthen the definition of regulatory capital, increase risk-based capital requirements, and make selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The rules became effective January 1, 2015, for Synovus and Synovus Bank, subject to a transition period for

61


several aspects, including the capital conservation buffer and certain regulatory capital adjustments and deductions, as described below. Under the Basel III capital rules, the minimum capital requirements for Synovus and Synovus Bank include a common equity Tier 1 (CET1) 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 Basel III capital rules include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% that is added on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer will begin on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and be phased-in over a three-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). 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. Under the Basel III capital rules, Synovus and Synovus Bank are well-capitalized if each has a CET1 ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and are 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.
At June 30, 2015, Synovus' and Synovus Bank's capital levels each exceeded well-capitalized requirements currently in effect. The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Capital Ratios
(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014

Capital rules in effect:
Basel III
Basel I
Tier 1 capital
Synovus Financial Corp.
$
2,615,827

2,543,625

Synovus Bank
3,040,311

2,988,189

Common equity Tier 1 capital (transitional)
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,615,827

N/A

Synovus Bank
3,040,311

N/A

Tier 1 common equity (1)
Synovus Financial Corp.
N/A

2,407,645

Total risk-based capital
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,971,518

2,987,406

Synovus Bank
$
3,296,578

3,251,836

Tier 1 capital ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.73
%
10.86

Synovus Bank
12.49

12.76

Common equity Tier 1 ratio (transitional)
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.73

N/A

Synovus Bank
12.49

N/A

Tier 1 common equity ratio (1)
Synovus Financial Corp.
N/A

10.28

Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
12.18

12.75

Synovus Bank
13.54

13.89

Leverage ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
9.48

9.67

Synovus Bank
11.04

11.39

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.13

10.69

(1) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Capital ratios at June 30, 2015 were impacted by common stock repurchases of $50.3 million during the second quarter and $59.1 million during the first quarter pursuant to Synovus' $250 million share repurchase program announced on October 21, 2014 and which expires on October 23, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, Synovus had repurchased a total of $197.5 million , or 7.4 million shares, of common stock under the share repurchase program through a combination of share repurchases under the accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement described below and open market transactions. Synovus entered into the ASR agreement during October 2014 to purchase $75.0 million of Synovus common stock under the share repurchase program. As of December

62


31, 2014, Synovus had repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock under the ASR agreement. During January 2015, Synovus repurchased 392 thousand shares upon completion of the ASR agreement. Additionally, since October 2014 through June 30, 2015, Synovus has repurchased $122.5 million , or 4.5 million shares, of common stock through open market transactions including $109.4 million , or 3.9 million shares, of common stock repurchased during the first half of 2015.
Additionally, 2015 capital ratios are impacted by changes required under Basel III capital rules, which, for Synovus, increased risk-weighted assets by approximately $420 million when the capital rules went into effect at March 31, 2015 with higher risk-weights assigned to certain categories including unfunded lines of credit, non-performing loans, and various other categories. Synovus and Synovus Bank elected to make a permanent election to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from regulatory capital, and therefore will retain the same accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) treatment as under the regulatory capital rules in effect prior to January 1, 2015.
As of June 30, 2015, total disallowed deferred tax assets were $384.0 million or 1.57% of risk-weighted assets, compared to $412.9 million or 1.72% of risk-weighted assets at March 31, 2015, and compared to $492.2 million or 2.10% of risk weighted assets at December 31, 2014. Disallowed deferred tax assets for the new Basel III ratio, CET1, were $258.2 million at June 30, 2015, compared to $287.2 million at March 31, 2015 due to a three-year phase-in of the total disallowed deferred tax asset for the CET1 capital measure. Basel III revised the deferred tax asset limitation criteria effective January 1, 2015 and now includes the component of deferred tax assets arising from temporary timing differences in regulatory capital up to certain levels of CET1. Thus, the disallowed portion of deferred tax assets, under Basel III, is comprised of net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Under Basel I, there were limitations on the inclusion of deferred tax assets for regulatory capital based on Tier 1 capital levels and projected future earnings. The treatment of deferred tax assets under Basel III had an initial favorable impact on Synovus' regulatory capital ratios. Synovus' deferred tax asset should continue to decrease over time, thus creating additional regulatory capital in future periods.
Synovus' CET1 ratio was 10.73% at June 30, 2015 under Basel III transitional provisions and the estimated fully phased-in CET1 ratio, as of June 30, 2015 was approximately 10.09%, both of which are well in excess of the regulatory requirements prescribed by Basel III.
Management currently believes, based on internal capital analyses and earnings projections, that Synovus and Synovus Bank's 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 current and projected capital levels, liquidity (including dividends from subsidiaries), financial markets and other economic trends, as well as regulatory requirements regarding the payment of dividends. During October 2014, Synovus increased the quarterly common stock dividend (which was paid on January 2, 2015) from $0.07 to $0.10 per share. Synovus' ability to pay dividends on its capital stock, including the common stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, is primarily 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." During 2014, Synovus Bank paid upstream dividends of $182.0 million to Synovus. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , Synovus Bank paid upstream dividends of $150.0 million to Synovus.
Synovus declared dividends of $0.20 per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $0.14 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 . In addition to dividends paid on its common stock, Synovus paid dividends of $5.1 million on its Series C Preferred Stock during both the six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014.
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 through the issuance of brokered certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Synovus Bank accesses these funds from a broad geographic base to diversify its sources of funding and liquidity. Synovus Bank has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB System. At June 30, 2015, 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 2014, Synovus Bank paid upstream dividends totaling $182.0 million to Synovus Financial Corp. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , Synovus Bank paid upstream dividends of $150.0 million to Synovus. 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, liquidity and overall condition. In addition, GA DBF rules and related statutes contain additional restrictions on payments of dividends by Synovus Bank. In particular, the Georgia Financial Institutions Code contains restrictions on the ability of a Georgia bank to pay dividends other than from retained earnings without the approval of the GA DBF. As a result of this restriction, Synovus Bank is currently required to seek approval from the GA DBF to pay dividends to Synovus.
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' 2014 Form 10-K.
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average total assets for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $1.33 billion, or 5.0%, to $27.70 billion as compared to $26.37 billion for the first six months of 2014 . Average earning assets increased $1.45 billion, or 6.0%, in the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 and represented 92.2% of average total assets at June 30, 2015 , as compared to 91.4% at June 30, 2014 . The increase in average earning assets resulted from a $1.01 billion increase in average loans, and a $469.1 million increase in federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $621.4 million or 11.0%, to $6.27 billion for the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Average interest bearing liabilities increased $699.2 million, or 4.0%, to $18.19 billion for the first six months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 . The increase in interest bearing liabilities was driven by a $284.0 million increase in money market deposit accounts (excluding brokered deposits), a $268.9 million increase in brokered time deposits, and a $62.3 million increase in long-term debt.
Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $406.9 million , an increase of $1.3 million , or 0.33% , compared to $405.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 .
The net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 3.22% , down 18 bps from 3.40% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 . Earning asset yields decreased by 18 bps compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 while the effective cost of funds was flat. The primary factor negatively impacting earning asset yields was a 16 bp decline in loan yields.
On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income increased by $381 thousand and the net interest margin decreased by 13 bps to 3.15% . The increase in net interest income for the second quarter was due to one additional calendar day in the quarter and an $833.4 million increase in average earning assets. Yields on earning assets decreased by 12 bps while the effective cost of funds increased by 1 bp. The primary factors negatively impacting earning asset yields were a 5 bp decline in loan yields and an increase in the average balance of lower yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. The effective cost of funds was negatively impacted by an 8 bp increase in the cost of time deposits over $100 thousand, a 7 bp increase in the cost of time deposits under $100 thousand, and a 3 bp increase in money market deposits (excluding brokered deposits).
Current expectations are for the net interest margin to be flat to slightly down in the second half of 2015 from the second quarter level, as modest loan yield pressure is offset by liquidity deployment.

63


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
2015
2014
(dollars in thousands) (yields and rates annualized)
Second Quarter
First Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
Interest Earning Assets:
Taxable investment securities (1)
$
3,165,513

2,998,597

3,027,769

3,035,940

3,091,537

Yield
1.79
%
1.85

1.85

1.84

1.87

Tax-exempt investment securities (1)(3)
$
4,595

4,967

5,030

5,168

5,781

Yield (taxable equivalent) (3)
6.15
%
6.21

6.19

6.21

6.23

Trading account assets
$
12,564

14,188

12,879

16,818

16,011

Yield
3.72
%
3.02

3.08

2.52

2.25

Commercial loans (2)(3)
$
17,297,130

17,176,641

16,956,294

16,603,287

16,673,930

Yield
4.01
%
4.06

4.09

4.17

4.19

Consumer loans (2)
$
3,986,151

3,929,188

3,895,397

3,814,160

3,695,010

Yield
4.37
%
4.45

4.42

4.44

4.51

Allowance for loan losses
$
(254,177
)
(257,167
)
(268,659
)
(274,698
)
(293,320
)
Loans, net (2)
$
21,029,104

20,848,662

20,583,032

20,142,749

20,075,620

Yield
4.14
%
4.19

4.22

4.29

4.32

Mortgage loans held for sale
$
90,419

64,507

60,892

70,766

59,678

Yield
3.39
%
3.92

3.84

3.96

4.13

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
$
1,590,114

1,123,250

898,871

974,363

843,018

Yield
0.24
%
0.24

0.23

0.23

0.23

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock (4)
$
76,091

80,813

75,547

78,131

76,172

Yield
4.57
%
3.90

4.53

3.57

4.15

Total interest earning assets
$
25,968,400

25,134,984

24,664,020

24,323,935

24,167,817

Yield
3.61
%
3.73

3.78

3.81

3.86

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
3,919,401

3,800,476

3,781,389

$
3,722,599

3,830,956

Rate
0.18
%
0.19

0.19

0.19

0.19

Money Market accounts
$
6,466,610

6,210,704

6,009,897

6,044,138

6,033,523

Rate
0.35
%
0.32

0.29

0.29

0.31

Savings deposits
$
675,260

649,597

638,813

645,654

644,103

Rate
0.06
%
0.05

0.07

0.07

0.09

Time deposits under $100,000
$
1,351,299

1,324,513

1,315,905

1,335,848

1,364,322

Rate
0.68
%
0.61

0.57

0.56

0.57

Time deposits over $100,000
$
2,061,434

1,926,380

1,877,602

1,871,136

1,824,349

Rate
0.88
%
0.80

0.76

0.75

0.74

Brokered money market accounts
$
185,909

181,754

191,103

174,538

184,233

Rate
0.31
%
0.30

0.28

0.27

0.27

Brokered time deposits
$
1,370,022

1,413,068

1,411,252

1,320,082

1,216,934

Rate
0.67
%
0.63

0.58

0.52

0.51

Total interest bearing deposits
$
16,029,935

15,506,492

15,225,961

15,113,995

15,098,420

Rate
0.42
%
0.39

0.36

0.35

0.36

Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities
$
232,531

222,658

186,993

171,429

219,490

Rate
0.08
%
0.08

0.07

0.08

0.13

Long-term debt
$
2,173,595

2,207,215

2,084,636

2,142,705

2,099,578

Rate
2.39
%
2.41

2.55

2.54

2.58

Total interest bearing liabilities
$
18,436,061

17,936,365

17,497,590

17,428,129

17,417,488

Rate
0.65
%
0.63

0.62

0.62

0.62

Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
6,436,167

6,108,558

6,110,047

5,824,592

5,765,287

Effective cost of funds
0.46
%
0.45

0.44

0.44

0.45


64


Net interest margin
3.15
%
3.28

3.34

3.37

3.41

Taxable equivalent adjustment (3)
$
330

349

372

408

443

(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.

65


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, 2015 and 2014 , 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,
2015 Compared to 2014
Average Balances
Interest
Annualized Yield/Rate
Change due to
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
Volume
Rate
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Taxable investment securities
$
3,082,516

3,136,359

$
28,021

29,622

1.82
%
1.89

$
(505
)
(1,096
)
$
(1,601
)
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)
4,780

6,099

148

190

6.18

6.23

(41
)
(1
)
(42
)
Total investment securities
3,087,296

3,142,458

28,169

29,812

1.82

1.90

(546
)
(1,097
)
(1,643
)
Trading account assets
13,372

18,166

224

251

3.35

2.76

(65
)
38

(27
)
Taxable loans, net (1)
21,118,864

20,125,993

430,861

425,559

4.11

4.26

20,974

(15,672
)
5,302

Tax-exempt loans, net (1)(2)
76,182

99,245

1,791

2,377

4.74

4.83

(552
)
(34
)
(586
)
Allowance for loan losses
(255,664
)
(300,161
)
Loans, net
20,939,382

19,925,077

432,652

427,936

4.17

4.33

20,422

(15,706
)
4,716

Mortgage loans held for sale
77,535

49,247

1,397

1,018

3.60

4.13

579

(201
)
378

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
1,357,972

888,904

1,632

1,022

0.24

0.23

512

98

610

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
78,439

79,361

1,658

1,454

4.23

3.66

(17
)
221

204

Total interest earning assets
$
25,553,996

24,103,213

$
465,732

461,493

3.67
%
3.85

$
20,885

(16,647
)
$
4,238

Cash and due from banks
429,450

406,196

Premises and equipment, net
452,352

468,723

Other real estate
79,102

112,128

Other assets (3)
1,189,794

1,283,490

Total assets
$
27,704,694

26,373,750

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,860,267

3,854,641

$
3,547

3,576

0.19
%
0.19

$
5

(34
)
$
(29
)
Money market accounts
6,523,208

6,251,211

10,818

9,687

0.33

0.31

418

713

1,131

Savings deposits
662,499

630,607

183

298

0.06

0.10

16

(131
)
(115
)
Time deposits
4,723,685

4,406,587

17,083

14,182

0.73

0.65

1,022

1,878

2,900

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
227,622

217,271

89

151

0.08

0.14

7

(69
)
(62
)
Long-term debt
2,190,312

2,128,049

26,427

27,135

2.41

2.55

787

(1,495
)
(708
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
18,187,593

17,488,366

$
58,147

55,029

0.64

0.63

$
2,255

862

$
3,117

Non-interest bearing deposits
6,273,267

5,651,819

Other liabilities
216,632

235,472

Shareholders' equity
3,027,202

2,998,093

Total liabilities and equity
$
27,704,694

26,373,750

Net interest income/margin
407,585

406,464

3.22
%
3.40

$
18,630

(17,509
)
$
1,121

Taxable equivalent adjustment
678

898

Net interest income, actual
$
406,907

405,566

(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2015 - $15.2 million, 2014 - $13.9 million.
(2) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-
equivalent basis.
(3) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $26.6 million and ($1.7) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and
2014 , respectively.

66



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, 2015 , with comparable information for December 31, 2014 .
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, 2015
December 31, 2014
+200
6.2%
6.7%
+100
4.2%
4.3%
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, 2015
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
Base Scenario
15% Increase in Average Repricing Beta
+200
6.2%
4.7%
+100
4.2%
3.4%
The net interest income simulation model is the primary tool utilized to evaluate potential interest rate risks over a shorter
term time horizon. Synovus also evaluates potential longer term interest rate risk through modeling and evaluation of economic
value of equity (EVE). Simulation modeling is utilized to measure the economic value of equity and its sensitivity to immediate
changes in interest rates. These simulations value only the current balance sheet and do not incorporate growth assumptions used in the net interest income simulation. The economic value of equity is the net fair value of assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet financial instruments derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at current market interest rates. From this baseline valuation, Synovus evaluates changes in the value of each of these items in various interest rate scenarios to determine the net impact on the economic value of equity. As illustrated in the table below, the economic value of equity model indicates that, compared with a valuation assuming stable rates, EVE is projected to increase by 4.6% and 6.8%, assuming an immediate and sustained increase in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points, respectively.
Estimated Change in EVE
Immediate Change in Interest Rates (in basis points)
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
+200
6.8%
6.7%
+100
4.6%
4.4%


67



ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following ASUs will be implemented effective January 1, 2016 or later:
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.
On April 29, 2015, the FASB issued a proposal to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, for public and non-public companies. The proposed new effective date will be annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and the interim periods within that year, for public business entities. As such, for Synovus, the ASU will be effective on January 1, 2018, for both its interim and annual reporting periods. This proposal represents a one-year deferral from the original effective date.
The proposed new effective date guidance will allow early adoption for all entities (i.e., both public business entities and other entities) as of the original effective date for public business entities, which was annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and the interim periods within that year.
The FASB has already issued one proposal to amend certain aspects of the standard related to licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. The FASB plans to issue a second proposal covering the new practical expedients to ease transition and other clarifications, in the near term, with a 45-day comment period.
Management is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements. The standard is expected to potentially impact ORE sales, interchange revenue, credit card loyalty programs, uncollectible credit card interest and fees, asset managers’ performance fees, treasury management services revenue, and miscellaneous fees; however the overall financial statement impact for Synovus is not expected to be material. Extensive new disclosures will be required, including disaggregation of total revenue, information about performance obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances between periods, and information about key judgments and estimates and policy decisions regarding revenue recognition.
ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 was issued by the FASB to modify the analysis that companies must perform to determine whether a legal entity should be consolidated. ASU 2015-02 simplifies current consolidation rules by reducing the number of consolidation models; placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest; reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (VIE); and changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or VIEs. Although the ASU is expected to result in the deconsolidation of many entities, companies will need to reevaluate all their previous consolidation conclusions. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued a new ASU that intends to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard will more closely align the presentation of debt issuance costs under U.S. GAAP with the presentation under comparable IFRS standards.
Under current accounting standards, debt issuance costs are reported on the balance sheet as assets and amortized as interest expense. The new ASU requires that debt issuance costs be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, which is similar to the presentation of debt discounts or premiums. The costs will continue to be amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. The cost of issuing debt will no longer be recorded as a separate asset, except when incurred before receipt of the funding from the associated debt liability. The ASU requires retrospective application to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of ASU 2015-03 will not 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 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, 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' 2014 Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how we record and report our financial performance. During the three months ended June 30, 2015 , 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' 2014 Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income, adjusted non-interest income, adjusted non-interest expense, average core deposits, average core deposits excluding average SCM deposits, the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, Tier 1 common equity and the Tier 1 common equity ratio are not measures recognized under U.S. GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are income before income taxes, total non-interest income, total non-interest expense, total deposits, the ratio of total shareholders’ equity to total assets, Tier 1 capital, and the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, respectively.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of Synovus’ core business and the strength of its capital position. Synovus believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength and capital position. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures at other companies. 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. Average core deposits and average core deposits excluding average SCM deposits are measures used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio,Tier 1 common equity, and the Tier 1 common equity ratio are used by management and investment analysts to assess the strength of Synovus’ capital position. The computations of these measures are set forth in the tables below.

68


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Six Months Ended
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2014
Adjusted Pre-tax, Pre-credit Costs Income
Income before income taxes
$
173,847

150,975

$
88,034

73,950

Add: Provision for loan losses
11,034

21,795

6,636

12,284

Add: Other credit costs (1)
17,448

12,763

6,175

4,635

Add: Restructuring charges
(102
)
16,293

5

7,716

Add: Litigation contingency expense (2)
4,400


4,400


Add: Visa indemnification charges
729

752

354

356

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(2,710
)
(1,331
)
(1,985
)

Less: Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net

(5,789
)


Adjusted pre-tax, pre-credit costs income
$
204,646

195,458

$
103,619

98,941

Adjusted Non-interest Income
Total non-interest income
$
134,687

133,569

$
68,832

63,388

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(2,710
)
(1,331
)
(1,985
)

Less: Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net

(5,789
)


Adjusted non-interest income
$
131,977

126,449

$
66,847

63,388

Adjusted Non-interest Expense
Total non-interest expense
$
356,713

366,365

$
177,806

182,205

Less: Other credit costs (1)
(17,448
)
(12,763
)
(6,175
)
(4,635
)
Less: Restructuring charges
102

(16,293
)
(5
)
(7,716
)
Less: Visa indemnification charges
(729
)
(752
)
(354
)
(356
)
Less: Litigation contingency expense (2)
(4,400
)

(4,400
)

Adjusted non-interest expense
$
334,238

336,557

$
166,872

169,498



69



Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued

(dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2015
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
September 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
Average Core Deposits and Average Core Deposits Excluding Average SCM Deposits
Average total deposits
$
22,466,102

21,615,049

21,336,007

20,938,587

20,863,706

Less: Average brokered deposits
(1,555,931
)
(1,594,822
)
(1,602,354
)
(1,494,620
)
(1,401,167
)
Average core deposits
$
20,910,171

20,020,227

19,733,653

19,443,967

19,462,539

Less: Average SCM deposits
(2,277,783
)
(2,224,193
)
(2,184,757
)
(2,045,817
)
(2,268,852
)
Average core deposits excluding average SCM deposits
$
18,632,388

17,796,034

17,548,896

17,398,150

17,193,687

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio
Total assets
$
28,205,870

27,633,784

27,051,231

26,519,110

26,627,290

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(863
)
(1,061
)
(1,265
)
(1,471
)
(1,678
)
Tangible assets
$
28,180,576

27,608,292

27,025,535

26,493,208

26,601,181

Total shareholders' equity
3,006,157

3,030,635

3,041,270

3,076,545

3,053,051

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(863
)
(1,061
)
(1,265
)
(1,471
)
(1,678
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,980
)
(125,980
)
(125,980
)
(125,980
)
(125,980
)
Tangible common equity
2,854,883

2,879,163

2,889,594

2,924,663

2,900,962

Total shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
10.66
%
10.97

11.24

11.60

11.47

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
10.13
%
10.43

10.69

11.04

10.91

Tier 1 Common Equity and Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio
Total shareholders' equity
$
3,041,270

3,053,051

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
12,605

13,716

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(1,265
)
(1,678
)
Less: Disallowed deferred tax assets
(492,199
)
(547,786
)
Other items
7,645

7,619

Tier 1 capital
$
2,543,625

2,500,491

Less: Qualifying trust preferred securities
(10,000
)
(10,000
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,980
)
(125,980
)
Tier 1 common equity
$
2,407,645

2,364,511

Total risk-weighted assets
$
23,431,450

22,702,108

Tier 1 capital ratio
10.86
%
11.01

Tier 1 common equity ratio
10.28
%
10.42

(1) Other credit costs consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net.
(2) Amounts for other periods presented herein are not reported separately as amounts are not material.

70



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.
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, 2015 , Synovus' disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
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, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Synovus' internal controls over financial reporting.


71


PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and disputes 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. Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has been 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 mortgage loan and other loan put-back claims, 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 such asserted legal actions, 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. Synovus also from time to time faces disputes with customers and other counterparties, and in many cases, those disputes can pose both financial and reputational risk to Synovus.
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. For additional information, see "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 14 - 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’ 2014 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’ 2014 10-K.
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
On October 21, 2014, Synovus announced a $250 million share repurchase program, which will expire on October 23, 2015. The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the second quarter of 2015.
Share Repurchases
Total Number of Shares Repurchased
Average Price Paid per Share (1)
Total Number
of Shares Repurchased as
Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
Maximum Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
April 2015
744,600

$
27.86

744,600

$
82,127,559

May 2015
609,400

28.17

609,400

64,960,137

June 2015
414,500

29.98

414,500

52,532,110

Total
1,768,500

$
28.47

1,768,500

$
52,532,110

(1) The average price paid per share is calculated on a trade date basis for all open market transactions and excludes commissions and other transaction expenses.

72



ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
None.

73


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

Summary of Plan Adjustments, effective as of May 16, 2014, to Shareholder Rights Plan between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated may 19, 2014, as filed with the SWEC on May 19, 2014.
4.8

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.
4.9

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.
4.10

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.

74


31.2

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

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

Interactive Data File

75


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 5, 2015
By:
/s/ Thomas J. Prescott
Date
Thomas J. Prescott
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


76
TABLE OF CONTENTS