NAICS – North American Industry Classification System
nm – not meaningful
NPA – Non-performing assets
NPL – Non-performing loans
NSF – Non-sufficient funds
OCI – Other comprehensive income (loss)
ORE – Other real estate
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
PPNR –Pre-provision net revenue
Qualpay –Qualpay, Inc.
Report –This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
SBA – Small Business Administration
SBIC – Small Business Investment Company
SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act – Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Series D Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D, $25 liquidation preference
Series E Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, $25 liquidation preference
SOFR – Secured Overnight Financing Rate
ii
Synovus – Synovus Financial Corp.
Synovus Bank – A Georgia state-chartered bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus, through which Synovus conducts its banking operations
Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023
Synovus Securities – Synovus Securities, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus
Synovus Trust – Synovus Trust Company, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
TE – Taxable equivalent
Treasury – United States Department of Treasury
UPB – Unpaid principal balance
U.S. – United States
Visa – The Visa U.S.A., Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively
Visa Class A shares – Class A shares of common stock issued by Visa are publicly traded shares which are not subject to restrictions on sale
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. Class B (B-1 and B-2) shares will be convertible into Visa Class A shares using a then-current conversion ratio upon the lifting of restrictions with respect to sale of Visa Class B shares
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
iii
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Interest-earning deposits with banks and other cash and cash equivalents
$
1,807,641
$
2,414,103
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
45,971
37,323
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
1,853,612
2,451,426
Investment securities held to maturity
2,622,457
—
Investment securities available for sale
7,554,168
9,788,662
Loans held for sale (includes $36,943 and $47,338 measured at fair value, respectively)
121,470
52,768
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
43,120,674
43,404,490
Allowance for loan losses
(484,985)
(479,385)
Loans, net
42,635,689
42,925,105
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
1,133,652
1,112,030
Premises, equipment, and software, net
380,267
365,851
Goodwill
480,440
480,440
Other intangible assets, net
37,207
45,928
Other assets
2,770,666
2,587,324
Total assets
$
59,589,628
$
59,809,534
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing deposits
$
11,561,626
$
12,507,616
Interest-bearing deposits
38,632,114
38,231,569
Total deposits
50,193,740
50,739,185
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
94,055
189,074
Other short-term borrowings
—
3,496
Long-term debt
2,021,050
1,932,534
Other liabilities
1,902,612
1,801,097
Total liabilities
54,211,457
54,665,386
Equity
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock - no par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 22,000,000
537,145
537,145
Common stock - $1.00 par value; authorized 342,857,142 shares; issued 172,077,277 and 171,360,188, respectively; outstanding 141,997,383 and 146,705,330, respectively
172,077
171,360
Additional paid-in capital
3,976,706
3,955,819
Treasury stock, at cost; 30,079,894 and 24,654,858 shares, respectively
(1,167,130)
(944,484)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(773,786)
(1,117,073)
Retained earnings
2,610,964
2,517,226
Total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity
5,355,976
5,119,993
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
22,195
24,155
Total equity
5,378,171
5,144,148
Total liabilities and equity
$
59,589,628
$
59,809,534
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
1
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Interest income:
Loans, including fees
$
700,657
$
686,094
$
2,093,942
$
1,985,881
Investment securities
87,643
61,642
238,440
183,118
Loans held for sale
1,045
17,914
2,755
29,292
Federal Reserve Bank balances
17,416
15,483
48,077
49,711
Other earning assets
3,746
4,906
11,245
14,059
Total interest income
810,507
786,039
2,394,459
2,262,061
Interest expense:
Deposits
345,314
292,060
1,013,734
707,774
Long-term debt
24,055
50,524
82,041
148,968
Other borrowings
398
296
4,101
25,877
Total interest expense
369,767
342,880
1,099,876
882,619
Net interest income
440,740
443,159
1,294,583
1,379,442
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
23,434
72,572
103,818
143,607
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses
417,306
370,587
1,190,765
1,235,835
Non-interest revenue:
Service charges on deposit accounts
23,683
21,385
68,403
67,836
Fiduciary and asset management fees
19,714
20,205
58,455
59,928
Card fees
18,439
18,602
57,343
51,485
Brokerage revenue
20,810
21,387
63,974
68,043
Mortgage banking income
4,033
3,671
11,395
12,138
Capital markets income
10,284
7,980
31,988
32,589
Income from bank-owned life insurance
8,442
6,965
23,886
21,106
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
(256,660)
1,030
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
13,126
Other non-interest revenue
18,575
6,944
55,233
25,260
Total non-interest revenue
123,980
107,139
114,017
352,541
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and other personnel expense
184,814
179,741
552,742
551,667
Net occupancy, equipment, and software expense
46,977
45,790
140,200
131,435
Third-party processing and other services
21,552
21,439
63,593
64,932
Professional fees
10,854
10,147
34,140
28,707
FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
7,382
11,837
37,694
33,266
Restructuring charges (reversals)
1,219
17,319
2,084
16,476
Loss on other loans held for sale
—
30,954
—
50,064
Other operating expense
40,892
36,305
107,779
106,019
Total non-interest expense
313,690
353,532
938,232
982,566
Income before income taxes
227,596
124,194
366,550
605,810
Income tax expense
46,912
27,729
76,476
133,242
Net income
180,684
96,465
290,074
472,568
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(871)
(630)
(1,960)
(796)
Net income attributable to Synovus Financial Corp.
181,555
97,095
292,034
473,364
Less: Preferred stock dividends
11,927
9,672
31,325
26,254
Net income available to common shareholders
$
169,628
$
87,423
$
260,709
$
447,110
Net income per common share, basic
$
1.19
$
0.60
$
1.80
$
3.06
Net income per common share, diluted
1.18
0.60
1.79
3.05
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
143,144
146,170
145,039
146,028
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
143,979
146,740
145,718
146,683
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
2
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
Income Tax
Net of Tax Amount
Before-tax Amount
Income Tax
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
227,596
$
(46,912)
$
180,684
$
124,194
$
(27,729)
$
96,465
Unamortized holding (losses) gains on investment securities transferred to held to maturity:
Net unamortized unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale investment securities transferred to held to maturity
—
—
—
—
—
—
Reclassification adjustment for the change in unamortized holding (losses) gains on held to maturity investment securities
19,834
(4,790)
15,044
—
—
—
Net change
19,834
(4,790)
15,044
—
—
—
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
255,064
(61,598)
193,466
(384,866)
93,676
(291,190)
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
Net change
255,064
(61,598)
193,466
(384,866)
93,676
(291,190)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
52,985
(12,796)
40,189
(39,096)
9,516
(29,580)
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income
36,768
(8,879)
27,889
48,296
(11,755)
36,541
Net change
89,753
(21,675)
68,078
9,200
(2,239)
6,961
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
364,651
$
(88,063)
$
276,588
$
(375,666)
$
91,437
$
(284,229)
Comprehensive income (loss)
457,272
(187,764)
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(871)
(630)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Synovus Financial Corp.
$
458,143
$
(187,134)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
Income Tax
Net of Tax Amount
Before-tax Amount
Income Tax
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
366,550
$
(76,476)
$
290,074
$
605,810
$
(133,242)
$
472,568
Unamortized holding (losses) gains on investment securities transferred to held to maturity:
Net unamortized unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale investment securities transferred to held to maturity
(708,549)
171,115
(537,434)
—
—
—
Reclassification adjustment for the change in unamortized holding (losses) gains on held to maturity investment securities
40,472
(9,774)
30,698
—
—
—
Net change
(668,077)
161,341
(506,736)
—
—
—
Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
773,230
(186,735)
586,495
(341,310)
83,075
(258,235)
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income
256,660
(61,983)
194,677
(1,030)
251
(779)
Net change
1,029,890
(248,718)
781,172
(342,340)
83,326
(259,014)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period
(22,345)
5,396
(16,949)
(102,218)
24,880
(77,338)
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income
113,118
(27,318)
85,800
130,935
(31,870)
99,065
Net change
90,773
(21,922)
68,851
28,717
(6,990)
21,727
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
452,586
$
(109,299)
$
343,287
$
(313,623)
$
76,336
$
(237,287)
Comprehensive income
633,361
235,281
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
(1,960)
(796)
Comprehensive income attributable to Synovus Financial Corp.
$
635,321
$
236,077
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
3
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
Synovus Financial Corp. Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except per share data)
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Retained Earnings
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
537,145
$
171,936
$
3,965,751
$
(1,066,239)
$
(1,050,374)
$
2,495,387
23,066
$
5,076,672
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
—
—
181,555
(871)
180,684
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
276,588
—
—
276,588
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.38 per share
—
—
—
—
—
(53,932)
—
(53,932)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock(1)
—
—
—
—
—
(11,927)
—
(11,927)
Repurchases of common stock including costs to repurchase
—
—
—
(100,891)
—
—
—
(100,891)
Restricted share unit vesting and taxes paid related to net share settlement
—
22
(442)
—
—
(119)
—
(539)
Stock options exercised, net
—
119
3,668
—
—
—
—
3,787
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
7,729
—
—
—
—
7,729
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
537,145
$
172,077
$
3,976,706
$
(1,167,130)
$
(773,786)
$
2,610,964
$
22,195
$
5,378,171
Balance at June 30, 2023
$
537,145
$
170,808
$
3,933,548
$
(944,484)
$
(1,395,175)
$
2,480,686
$
25,240
$
4,807,768
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
—
—
97,095
(630)
96,465
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
(284,229)
—
—
(284,229)
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.38 per share
—
—
—
—
—
(55,564)
—
(55,564)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock(1)
—
—
—
—
—
(9,672)
—
(9,672)
Restricted share unit vesting and taxes paid related to net share settlement
—
51
(589)
—
—
(211)
—
(749)
Stock options exercised, net
—
1
8
—
—
—
—
9
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
7,540
—
—
—
—
7,540
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
537,145
$
170,860
$
3,940,507
$
(944,484)
$
(1,679,404)
$
2,512,334
$
24,610
$
4,561,568
4
Synovus Financial Corp. Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands, except per share data)
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Retained Earnings
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
537,145
$
171,360
$
3,955,819
$
(944,484)
$
(1,117,073)
$
2,517,226
$
24,155
$
5,144,148
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
—
—
292,034
(1,960)
290,074
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
343,287
—
—
343,287
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $1.14 per share
—
—
—
—
—
(164,352)
—
(164,352)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock(2)
—
—
—
—
—
(31,325)
—
(31,325)
Repurchases of common stock including costs to repurchase
—
—
—
(222,646)
—
—
—
(222,646)
Restricted share unit vesting and taxes paid related to net share settlement
—
510
(9,059)
—
—
(2,619)
—
(11,168)
Stock options exercised, net
—
207
5,707
—
—
—
—
5,914
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
24,239
—
—
—
—
24,239
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
537,145
$
172,077
$
3,976,706
$
(1,167,130)
$
(773,786)
$
2,610,964
$
22,195
$
5,378,171
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
537,145
$
170,141
$
3,920,346
$
(944,484)
$
(1,442,117)
$
2,234,770
$
—
$
4,475,801
Cumulative-effect of change in accounting principle for ASU 2023-02
—
—
—
—
—
(297)
—
(297)
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
—
—
473,364
(796)
472,568
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
—
—
—
—
(237,287)
—
—
(237,287)
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $1.14 per share
—
—
—
—
—
(166,602)
—
(166,602)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock(2)
—
—
—
—
—
(26,254)
—
(26,254)
Restricted share unit vesting and taxes paid related to net share settlement
—
517
(8,821)
—
—
(2,647)
—
(10,951)
Stock options exercised, net
—
202
3,532
—
—
—
—
3,734
Share-based compensation expense
—
—
25,450
—
—
—
—
25,450
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
25,406
25,406
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
537,145
$
170,860
$
3,940,507
$
(944,484)
$
(1,679,404)
$
2,512,334
$
24,610
$
4,561,568
(1) For the three months ended September 30, 2024, dividends per share were $0.57 for Series D and $0.52 for Series E Preferred Stock. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, dividends per share were $0.57 for Series D and $0.37 for Series E Preferred Stock.
(2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, dividends per share were $1.71 for Series D and $1.26 for Series E Preferred Stock. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, dividends per share were $1.35 for Series D and $1.10 for Series E Preferred Stock.
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
5
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2024
2023
Operating Activities
Net income
$
290,074
$
472,568
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
103,818
143,607
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
47,548
63,554
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
15,016
22,827
Originations of loans held for sale
(4,540,026)
(468,407)
Proceeds from sales and payments on loans held for sale
4,479,035
798,317
Gain on sales of loans held for sale, net
(7,973)
(7,781)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(275,999)
(245,928)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
169,197
170,688
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
256,660
(1,030)
Share-based compensation expense
24,063
24,851
Loss on sales of loans
—
50,064
Net gain on sales of other real estate and other assets held for sale
(1,202)
(4,088)
Other
—
(2,832)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
560,211
1,016,410
Investing Activities
Net cash received (paid) for business combination and divestiture
—
8,359
Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities held to maturity
129,572
—
Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
477,981
714,090
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
1,365,923
82,595
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(2,255,313)
(709,932)
Net proceeds from sales of loans
25,125
1,642,232
Purchases of loans
—
(10,623)
Net (increase) decrease in loans
139,975
(1,750,770)
Net (purchases) redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
(3,587)
95,185
Net (purchases) redemptions of Federal Reserve Bank stock
(12,341)
(15,679)
Net proceeds from settlement (purchases) of bank-owned life insurance policies
2,324
3,360
Net increase in premises, equipment and software
(44,384)
(20,557)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate and other assets held for sale
25,534
9,367
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(149,191)
47,627
Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
(562,130)
1,339,392
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
(95,019)
(48,318)
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
(3,496)
(601,022)
Repayments and redemption of long-term debt
(1,075,000)
(4,621,226)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net
1,150,000
3,220,912
Dividends paid to common shareholders
(166,170)
(160,503)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(29,119)
(26,204)
Repurchases of common stock
(222,646)
—
Issuances, net of taxes paid, under equity compensation plans
(5,254)
(7,217)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1,008,834)
(904,186)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash
(597,814)
159,851
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, at beginning of period
2,451,426
1,977,780
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$
1,853,612
$
2,137,631
Supplemental Disclosures:
Income taxes paid
$
33,517
$
60,082
Interest paid
1,130,654
780,407
Non-cash Activities
Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
21,992
—
Investment securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity
2,715,635
—
Settlement of acquired debt
—
31,109
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
6
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies
General
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Synovus Financial Corp. include the accounts of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company and a registered bank holding company based in Columbus, Georgia. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synovus Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Company provides commercial and consumer banking in addition to a full suite of specialized products and services, including wealth services, treasury management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, capital markets, and international banking. Synovus also provides financial planning and investment advisory services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Synovus Trust and Synovus Securities.
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 (loss), 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' 2023 Form 10-K.
Reclassifications
Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current periods' presentation.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
In preparing the 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 revenue and expense 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 ACL, estimates of fair value, income taxes, and contingent liabilities.
Significant Accounting Policies Update
During the second quarter of 2024, Synovus transferred $2.72 billion in fair value of mortgage-backed securities from available for sale to held to maturity. At the time of transfer, $537.4 million of unrealized losses, net of tax, were retained in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities.
Transfer between Investment Securities Categories – When an investment security is transferred from the AFS to HTM category, the security's fair value becomes its new amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses and is a non-cash transaction. Unrealized gains or losses at the date of transfer of these securities continue to be reported in AOCI and are amortized into interest income on a level-yield basis over the remaining life of the security, in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.
Investment Securities Held to Maturity – Securities that Synovus has the full intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as HTM and are carried at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses. Accrued interest is excluded from the amortized cost of HTM securities and is included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. HTM securities are generally placed on non-accrual status using factors similar to those described for loans as referenced in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Held to Maturity Investment Securities – The Company assesses expected credit losses on HTM securities on a collective basis by major security type. All of the Company's HTM securities are either guaranteed or issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises, are highly rated by major credit rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses, and therefore, the zero-credit loss assumption has been applied. Any expected credit loss is provided through an allowance for credit losses on HTM securities and deducted from the amortized cost basis of the security. Synovus has elected to not measure an allowance on its accrued interest receivable as a result of the timely reversal of interest receivable deemed uncollectible. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Cash
7
collected on non-accrual HTM securities is generally applied to reduce the securities amortized cost basis and not as interest income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of accounting standards adopted or issued in 2024 and the estimated effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Standard
Description
Required date of adoption
Effect on Company's financial statements or other significant matters
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 to improve segment reporting disclosures. The amendments in this ASU improve financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information including significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker as well as the amount and composition of other segment items on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. Retrospective application is required in all prior periods unless impracticable to do so.
Annual periods beginning on January 1, 2024
The Company will present the new disclosure requirements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2024, and interim periods starting on January 1, 2025. The Company is currently finalizing its accounting policies and processes over the incremental segment information that will be required to be disclosed in the Segment Reporting footnote in the Form 10-K.
Standard
Description
Required date of adoption
Effect on Company's financial statements or other significant matters
Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The ASU addresses investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. Retrospective application in all prior periods is permitted.
January 1, 2025
The Company will adopt the new disclosures for the annual periods beginning on January 1, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the incremental income taxes information that will be required to be disclosed as well as the impact to the Income Taxes footnote in the Form 10-K.
8
Note 2 - Investment Securities
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized below.
September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Investment securities held to maturity:
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
$
2,622,457
$
105,441
$
—
$
2,727,898
Total investment securities held to maturity(1)
$
2,622,457
$
105,441
$
—
$
2,727,898
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,182,732
$
31,631
$
—
$
1,214,363
U.S. Government agency securities
29,993
—
(380)
29,613
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
1,594,649
17,120
(86,678)
1,525,091
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,242,750
5,290
(178,671)
2,069,369
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
674,333
350
(89,295)
585,388
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
2,093,328
54,817
(26,532)
2,121,613
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
9,085
—
(354)
8,731
Total investment securities available for sale(2)
$
7,826,870
$
109,208
$
(381,910)
$
7,554,168
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
588,082
$
9,547
$
—
$
597,629
U.S. Government agency securities
29,993
—
(1,053)
28,940
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
1,021,612
2,037
(97,985)
925,664
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
7,523,399
1,192
(1,094,212)
6,430,379
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
692,487
—
(104,892)
587,595
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
1,226,672
18,764
(35,653)
1,209,783
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
9,009
—
(337)
8,672
Total investment securities available for sale(2)
$
11,091,254
$
31,540
$
(1,334,132)
$
9,788,662
(1) The amounts reported exclude accrued interest receivable on investment securities HTM of $5.8 million at September 30, 2024, which is presented as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The amortized cost basis of investment securities HTM includes a discount of $(668.1) million at September 30, 2024 related to the unamortized portion of unrealized losses on investment securities HTM.
(2) The amounts reported exclude accrued interest receivable on investment securities AFS of $28.6 million and $26.6 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which is presented as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
At September 30, 2024, investment securities AFS and investment securities HTM with carrying values of $2.47 billion and $2.34 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits and other liabilities, as required by law or contractual agreements.
At December 31, 2023, investment securities AFS with a carrying value of $5.19 billion were pledged to secure certain deposits and other liabilities, as required by law or contractual agreements.
On April 1, 2024, Synovus transferred $2.72 billion in fair value of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises from AFS to HTM. At the time of transfer, $537.4 million of unrealized losses, net of tax, were retained in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities. The transfer of these
9
securities from AFS to HTM reduces our exposure to potential AOCI volatility associated with investment security market price fluctuations.
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2024, as part of an overall strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio, Synovus sold at amortized cost $1.62 billion of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises from AFS, which resulted in realized net losses of $256.7 million. Synovus also purchased $1.48 billion in total principal of AFS securities including U.S. Treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies, and commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises.
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Gross unrealized losses on investment securities AFS 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are presented below.
September 30, 2024
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
U.S. Government agency securities
—
—
29,613
(380)
29,613
(380)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
40,410
(483)
621,818
(86,195)
662,228
(86,678)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
—
—
1,655,295
(178,671)
1,655,295
(178,671)
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
—
—
554,911
(89,295)
554,911
(89,295)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
—
—
283,330
(26,532)
283,330
(26,532)
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
—
—
8,730
(354)
8,730
(354)
Total
$
40,410
$
(483)
$
3,153,697
$
(381,427)
$
3,194,107
$
(381,910)
December 31, 2023
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
Total
(in thousands)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Losses
U.S. Government agency securities
$
—
$
—
$
28,940
$
(1,053)
$
28,940
$
(1,053)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
159,402
(1,268)
565,358
(96,717)
724,760
(97,985)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
215,917
(1,193)
6,045,914
(1,093,019)
6,261,831
(1,094,212)
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
—
—
587,595
(104,892)
587,595
(104,892)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
34,406
(205)
276,675
(35,448)
311,081
(35,653)
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
—
—
8,672
(337)
8,672
(337)
Total
$
409,725
$
(2,666)
$
7,513,154
$
(1,331,466)
$
7,922,879
$
(1,334,132)
As of September 30, 2024, Synovus had two investment securities AFS in a loss position for less than 12 months and 211 investment securities AFS in a loss position for 12 months or longer. As of September 30, 2024, Synovus does not intend to sell investment securities AFS in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of the unrealized loss, which may not 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 AFS securities that are in an unrealized loss position prior to the respective securities' recovery of all such unrealized losses. As such, no write-downs to the amortized cost basis of the portfolio were recorded at September 30, 2024.
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At September 30, 2024, no ACL was established for investment securities AFS. Substantially all of the unrealized losses on the securities portfolio were the result of changes in market interest rates compared to the date the securities were acquired rather than the credit quality of the issuers or underlying loans. U.S. Treasury and agency securities and agency mortgage-backed securities are issued, guaranteed or otherwise supported by the United States government, an agency of the United States government, or a government sponsored enterprise.
As of September 30, 2024, all investment securities HTM were rated investment grade or supported by U.S. government agencies and have no history of credit losses supporting the application of a zero-credit loss assumption and no allowance for credit losses.
The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities HTM and investment securities AFS at September 30, 2024 are shown below. The expected life of MBSs 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, MBSs and CMOs, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been classified based on the final contractual maturity date.
(in thousands)
Within One Year
1 to 5 Years
5 to 10 Years
More Than 10 Years
Total
Investment securities HTM
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
Amortized cost
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
2,622,457
$
2,622,457
Fair value
—
—
—
2,727,898
2,727,898
Investment securities AFS
U.S. Treasury securities
Amortized cost
$
22,741
$
774,204
$
385,787
$
—
$
1,182,732
Fair value
22,741
792,477
399,145
—
1,214,363
U.S. Government agency securities
Amortized cost
—
29,993
—
—
29,993
Fair value
—
29,613
—
—
29,613
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
Amortized cost
—
50
3
1,594,596
1,594,649
Fair value
—
49
3
1,525,039
1,525,091
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
Amortized cost
—
—
—
2,242,750
2,242,750
Fair value
—
—
—
2,069,369
2,069,369
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
Amortized cost
—
27
8,890
665,416
674,333
Fair value
—
27
8,762
576,599
585,388
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
Amortized cost
—
1,065,288
1,010,913
17,127
2,093,328
Fair value
—
1,080,132
1,026,335
15,146
2,121,613
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
Amortized cost
—
9,085
—
—
9,085
Fair value
—
8,731
—
—
8,731
Gross gains and gross losses on sales of investment securities AFS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are presented below. The specific identification method is used to reclassify gains and losses out of other comprehensive
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income (loss) at the time of sale.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Gross realized gains on sales
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,030
Gross realized losses on sales
—
—
(256,660)
—
Investment securities gains (losses), net
$
—
$
—
$
(256,660)
$
1,030
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Note 3 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Aging and Non-Accrual Analysis
The following tables provide a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans by portfolio class as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Current
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
Total Accruing Past Due
Non-accrual with an ALL
Non-accrual without an ALL
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
14,442,436
$
12,537
$
1,936
$
14,473
$
94,339
$
12,665
$
14,563,913
Owner-occupied
8,007,986
43,708
—
43,708
47,000
1,390
8,100,084
Total commercial and industrial(1)
22,450,422
56,245
1,936
58,181
141,339
14,055
22,663,997
Investment properties
11,260,803
2,865
610
3,475
80,729
1,542
11,346,549
1-4 family properties
524,304
820
162
982
2,695
149
528,130
Land and development
300,113
1,002
—
1,002
1,690
—
302,805
Total commercial real estate
12,085,220
4,687
772
5,459
85,114
1,691
12,177,484
Consumer mortgages
5,266,124
8,363
—
8,363
48,956
—
5,323,443
Home equity
1,782,849
10,600
—
10,600
15,837
—
1,809,286
Credit cards
178,182
1,589
1,615
3,204
—
—
181,386
Other consumer loans
947,684
11,386
36
11,422
5,972
—
965,078
Total consumer
8,174,839
31,938
1,651
33,589
70,765
—
8,279,193
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs(2)
$
42,710,481
$
92,870
$
4,359
$
97,229
$
297,218
$
15,746
$
43,120,674
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
Current
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
Total Accruing Past Due
Non-accrual with an ALL
Non-accrual without an ALL
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
14,355,414
$
12,264
$
1,797
$
14,061
$
66,400
$
23,470
$
14,459,345
Owner-occupied
8,041,573
6,056
149
6,205
70,784
20,586
8,139,148
Total commercial and industrial(1)
22,396,987
18,320
1,946
20,266
137,184
44,056
22,598,493
Investment properties
11,322,516
740
278
1,018
12,796
26,974
11,363,304
1-4 family properties
595,359
87
—
87
2,605
451
598,502
Land and development
353,477
671
—
671
804
—
354,952
Total commercial real estate
12,271,352
1,498
278
1,776
16,205
27,425
12,316,758
Consumer mortgages
5,359,153
6,462
—
6,462
46,108
—
5,411,723
Home equity
1,785,836
10,374
716
11,090
10,473
—
1,807,399
Credit cards
190,299
1,818
2,024
3,842
—
—
194,141
Other consumer loans
1,053,587
15,574
89
15,663
6,697
29
1,075,976
Total consumer
8,388,875
34,228
2,829
37,057
63,278
29
8,489,239
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs(2)
$
43,057,214
$
54,046
$
5,053
$
59,099
$
216,667
$
71,510
$
43,404,490
(1) Includes senior housing loans of $3.10 billion and $3.28 billion at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which are primarily classified as owner-occupied in accordance with our underwriting process.
(2) The amortized cost basis of loans, net of deferred fees and costs excludes accrued interest receivable of $221.9 million and $256.3 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which is presented as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
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Pledged Loans
Loans with carrying values of $24.80 billion and $24.31 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral for borrowings and capacity at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, to the FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank.
Portfolio Segment Risk Factors
The risk characteristics and collateral information of each portfolio segment are as follows:
Commercial and Industrial Loans - The C&I loan portfolio is comprised of general middle market and commercial banking clients across a diverse set of industries. In accordance with Synovus' lending policy, each loan undergoes a detailed underwriting process, which incorporates uniform underwriting standards and oversight in proportion to the size and complexity of the lending relationship. These loans are secured by collateral such as business equipment, inventory, and real estate. Credit decisions on loans in the C&I portfolio are based on cash flow from the operations of the business as the primary source of repayment of the debt, with underlying real estate or other collateral being the secondary source of repayment.
Commercial Real Estate Loans - CRE loans primarily consist of income-producing investment properties loans. Additionally, CRE loans include 1-4 family properties loans as well as land and development loans. 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. 1-4 family properties loans include construction loans to homebuilders and commercial mortgage loans related to 1-4 family rental properties 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. Land and development loans include commercial and residential development as well as land acquisition loans and are secured by land held for future development, typically in excess of one year. Properties securing these loans are substantially within markets served by Synovus, and our preference is to obtain some level of recourse from project sponsors. Loans in this portfolio are underwritten based on the LTV of the collateral and the capacity of the guarantor(s).
Consumer Loans - The consumer loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through Synovus' banking network, including first and second residential mortgages, home equity, and consumer credit card loans, as well as home improvement loans, student, and personal loans from third-party lending ("other consumer loans"). Together, consumer mortgages and home equity comprise the majority of Synovus' consumer loans and are secured by first and second liens on residential real estate primarily located in the markets served by Synovus. The primary source of repayment for all consumer loans is generally the personal income of the borrower(s).
Credit Quality Indicators
The credit quality of the loan portfolio is reviewed and updated no less frequently than annually 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 categorized 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. Synovus fully reserves for any loans rated as Loss.
In the following tables, consumer 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 Retail Credit Classification Policy. Additionally, in accordance with Interagency Supervisory Guidance, the risk grade classifications of consumer loans (consumer mortgages and home equity) secured by junior liens on 1-4 family residential properties also consider available information on the payment status of any associated senior liens with other financial institutions.
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The following table summarizes each loan portfolio class by risk grade and origination year as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 as required under CECL.
September 30, 2024
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans
(in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Prior
Amortized Cost Basis
Converted to Term Loans
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
Pass
$
934,961
$
1,028,249
$
792,836
$
1,193,350
$
673,695
$
1,674,760
$
7,550,482
$
51,886
$
13,900,219
Special Mention
3,058
18,474
20,814
18,717
3,115
11,610
162,686
—
238,474
Substandard
24,733
11,262
61,038
16,934
34,589
16,657
241,394
4,053
410,660
Doubtful
85
—
—
5,911
390
—
7,238
—
13,624
Loss
—
281
—
—
—
—
655
—
936
Total commercial, financial and agricultural
962,837
1,058,266
874,688
1,234,912
711,789
1,703,027
7,962,455
55,939
14,563,913
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
4,704
16,181
3,104
8,685
768
3,659
44,633
—
81,734
Owner-occupied
Pass
530,817
990,813
1,523,512
1,285,723
889,231
1,815,520
633,504
—
7,669,120
Special Mention
2,064
2,499
58,020
29,153
33,873
54,748
—
—
180,357
Substandard
2,581
5,371
41,396
29,667
49,172
70,010
36,004
—
234,201
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
—
16,406
—
16,406
Total owner-occupied
535,462
998,683
1,622,928
1,344,543
972,276
1,940,278
685,914
—
8,100,084
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
76
—
182
1,538
10,276
—
—
12,072
Total commercial and industrial
1,498,299
2,056,949
2,497,616
2,579,455
1,684,065
3,643,305
8,648,369
55,939
22,663,997
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
4,704
$
16,257
$
3,104
$
8,867
$
2,306
$
13,935
$
44,633
$
—
$
93,806
Investment properties
Pass
503,828
667,123
3,355,278
2,670,450
958,907
2,500,687
197,991
—
10,854,264
Special Mention
4,606
2,234
96,870
138,423
—
68,788
—
—
310,921
Substandard
—
1,210
10,985
83,397
2,045
44,321
—
—
141,958
Doubtful
—
—
—
39,401
—
—
—
—
39,401
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
5
—
—
5
Total investment properties
508,434
670,567
3,463,133
2,931,671
960,952
2,613,801
197,991
—
11,346,549
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
174
4,752
—
4,600
—
—
9,526
1-4 family properties
Pass
108,463
94,108
101,161
81,883
29,777
57,377
47,838
—
520,607
Special Mention
—
—
706
604
175
88
—
—
1,573
Substandard
—
1,024
1,835
906
287
1,853
45
—
5,950
Total 1-4 family properties
108,463
95,132
103,702
83,393
30,239
59,318
47,883
—
528,130
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
103
—
—
—
143
—
—
246
16
September 30, 2024
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans
(in thousands)
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Prior
Amortized Cost Basis
Converted to Term Loans
Total
Land and development
Pass
63,215
88,437
57,777
28,347
5,083
43,083
12,762
—
298,704
Special Mention
—
—
476
27
—
519
—
—
1,022
Substandard
—
1,380
—
—
156
1,543
—
—
3,079
Total land and development
63,215
89,817
58,253
28,374
5,239
45,145
12,762
—
302,805
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
35
—
—
—
35
Total commercial real estate
680,112
855,516
3,625,088
3,043,438
996,430
2,718,264
258,636
—
12,177,484
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
—
$
103
$
174
$
4,752
$
35
$
4,743
$
—
$
—
$
9,807
Consumer mortgages
Pass
363,788
714,393
690,581
963,482
1,140,919
1,383,128
28
—
5,256,319
Substandard
96
1,876
4,463
6,896
17,820
35,945
—
—
67,096
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
28
—
—
28
Total consumer mortgages
363,884
716,269
695,044
970,378
1,158,739
1,419,101
28
—
5,323,443
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
11
—
1
25
112
—
—
149
Home equity
Pass
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,348,947
441,666
1,790,613
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,872
6,961
17,833
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
559
281
840
Total home equity
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,360,378
448,908
1,809,286
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
—
—
223
106
329
Credit cards
Pass
—
—
—
—
—
—
179,774
—
179,774
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
—
574
—
574
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,038
—
1,038
Total credit cards
—
—
—
—
—
—
181,386
—
181,386
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,650
—
5,650
Other consumer loans
Pass
115,901
89,160
132,940
159,238
86,039
100,411
274,087
—
957,776
Substandard
145
989
1,248
3,127
1,112
617
52
—
7,290
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
12
—
12
Total other consumer loans
116,046
90,149
134,188
162,365
87,151
101,028
274,151
—
965,078
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
180
2,119
3,812
5,713
1,754
1,860
1,786
—
17,224
Total consumer
479,930
806,418
829,232
1,132,743
1,245,890
1,520,129
1,815,943
448,908
8,279,193
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
180
$
2,130
$
3,812
$
5,714
$
1,779
$
1,972
$
7,659
$
106
$
23,352
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
2,658,341
$
3,718,883
$
6,951,936
$
6,755,636
$
3,926,385
$
7,881,698
$
10,722,948
$
504,847
$
43,120,674
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
4,884
$
18,490
$
7,090
$
19,333
$
4,120
$
20,650
$
52,292
$
106
$
126,965
17
December 31, 2023
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans
(in thousands)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Amortized Cost Basis
Converted to Term Loans
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
Pass
$
1,078,790
$
1,040,742
$
1,408,178
$
782,069
$
636,341
$
1,236,433
$
7,623,255
$
46,908
$
13,852,716
Special Mention
5,298
8,276
20,027
1,950
2,552
8,412
141,580
—
188,095
Substandard
36,557
14,742
35,744
37,186
88,940
21,032
182,069
1,685
417,955
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
355
224
—
579
Total commercial, financial and agricultural
1,120,645
1,063,760
1,463,949
821,205
727,833
1,266,232
7,947,128
48,593
14,459,345
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
9,367
3,436
8,175
19,532
1,165
2,071
30,696
203
74,645
Owner-occupied
Pass
859,887
1,521,469
1,501,405
958,620
710,634
1,401,416
782,180
—
7,735,611
Special Mention
1,709
9,114
22,562
2,593
4,689
48,640
79,031
—
168,338
Substandard
4,388
24,760
13,616
59,478
17,702
87,306
27,949
—
235,199
Total owner-occupied
865,984
1,555,343
1,537,583
1,020,691
733,025
1,537,362
889,160
—
8,139,148
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
433
6,836
1,544
2,862
—
—
11,675
Total commercial and industrial
1,986,629
2,619,103
3,001,532
1,841,896
1,460,858
2,803,594
8,836,288
48,593
22,598,493
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
9,367
$
3,436
$
8,608
$
26,368
$
2,709
$
4,933
$
30,696
$
203
$
86,320
Investment properties
Pass
593,540
3,140,041
2,863,327
1,161,697
1,052,638
1,900,744
261,737
—
10,973,724
Special Mention
—
1,616
169,550
—
48,429
33,903
—
—
253,498
Substandard
2,083
4,070
41,278
1,455
1,622
75,850
—
—
126,358
Doubtful
—
—
—
—
—
9,714
—
—
9,714
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
10
—
—
10
Total investment properties
595,623
3,145,727
3,074,155
1,163,152
1,102,689
2,020,221
261,737
—
11,363,304
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs(1)
546
7,685
5,668
3,801
1,893
22,647
3,109
—
45,349
1-4 family properties
Pass
167,729
142,930
119,054
31,928
29,740
55,243
42,099
—
588,723
Special Mention
3,104
947
—
184
—
311
1
—
4,547
Substandard
1,721
822
643
465
324
1,212
45
—
5,232
Total 1-4 family properties
172,554
144,699
119,697
32,577
30,064
56,766
42,145
—
598,502
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
—
24
—
—
24
Land and development
Pass
105,609
84,962
35,993
16,131
18,616
59,605
888
—
321,804
Special Mention
—
496
—
—
—
774
—
—
1,270
Substandard
29,204
411
74
—
593
1,596
—
—
31,878
Total land and development
134,813
85,869
36,067
16,131
19,209
61,975
888
—
354,952
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
77
—
—
—
—
77
Total commercial real estate
902,990
3,376,295
3,229,919
1,211,860
1,151,962
2,138,962
304,770
—
12,316,758
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
546
$
7,685
$
5,668
$
3,878
$
1,893
$
22,671
$
3,109
$
—
$
45,450
18
December 31, 2023
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
Revolving Loans
(in thousands)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Amortized Cost Basis
Converted to Term Loans
Total
Consumer mortgages
Pass
$
757,485
$
784,898
$
1,044,442
$
1,219,397
$
410,511
$
1,136,541
$
35
$
—
$
5,353,309
Substandard
564
2,810
5,517
15,913
9,478
23,662
—
—
57,944
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
470
—
—
470
Total consumer mortgages
758,049
787,708
1,049,959
1,235,310
419,989
1,160,673
35
—
5,411,723
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
108
251
403
402
965
5
—
2,134
Home equity
Pass
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,308,934
482,679
1,791,613
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
—
10,231
5,297
15,528
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
174
84
258
Total home equity
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,319,339
488,060
1,807,399
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
—
79
819
229
1,127
Credit cards
Pass
—
—
—
—
—
—
192,217
—
192,217
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
—
702
—
702
Loss
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,222
—
1,222
Total credit cards
—
—
—
—
—
—
194,141
—
194,141
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,165
—
7,165
Other consumer loans
Pass
134,969
181,455
219,415
114,006
28,256
112,724
277,368
—
1,068,193
Substandard
573
963
3,811
1,182
568
494
192
—
7,783
Total other consumer loans
135,542
182,418
223,226
115,188
28,824
113,218
277,560
—
1,075,976
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs(1)
627
6,040
24,231
3,625
1,971
2,026
2,358
—
40,878
Total consumer
893,591
970,126
1,273,185
1,350,498
448,813
1,273,891
1,791,075
488,060
8,489,239
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
627
$
6,148
$
24,482
$
4,028
$
2,373
$
3,070
$
10,347
$
229
$
51,304
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
3,783,210
$
6,965,524
$
7,504,636
$
4,404,254
$
3,061,633
$
6,216,447
$
10,932,133
$
536,653
$
43,404,490
Current YTD Period:
Gross charge-offs
$
10,540
$
17,269
$
38,758
$
34,274
$
6,975
$
30,674
$
44,152
$
432
$
183,074
(1) Includes $31.3 million in gross charge-offs related to the transfer of certain loans to held for sale that sold during 2023.
Collateral-Dependent Loans
We classify a loan as collateral-dependent when our borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and we expect repayment to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of collateral. Our commercial loans have collateral that is comprised of real estate and business assets. Our consumer loans have collateral that is substantially comprised of residential real estate.
There were no material changes in the extent to which collateral secures our collateral-dependent loans during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
19
Rollforward of Allowance for Loan Losses
The following tables detail the changes in the ALL by loan segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus had no significant transfers to loans held for sale. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Synovus charged-off $23.3 million and $31.3 million in previously established reserves for credit losses associated with the transfer of $1.17 billion and $1.59 billion, respectively, in loans to held for sale for the sales of medical office building loans and third-party consumer loans that both closed in the third quarter of 2023.
As Of and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Commercial & Industrial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance at June 30, 2024
$
220,730
$
141,680
$
122,691
$
485,101
Charge-offs
(21,484)
(5,833)
(6,789)
(34,106)
Recoveries
5,094
333
1,627
7,054
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
(4,272)
7,408
23,800
26,936
Ending balance at September 30, 2024
$
200,068
$
143,588
$
141,329
$
484,985
As Of and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Commercial & Industrial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance at June 30, 2023
$
159,987
$
169,726
$
141,525
$
471,238
Charge-offs
(40,483)
(23,364)
(10,088)
(73,935)
Recoveries
3,842
310
2,961
7,113
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
56,322
16,490
304
73,116
Ending balance at September 30, 2023
$
179,668
$
163,162
$
134,702
$
477,532
As Of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Commercial & Industrial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance at December 31, 2023
$
218,970
$
133,758
$
126,657
$
479,385
Charge-offs
(93,806)
(9,807)
(23,352)
(126,965)
Recoveries
12,971
1,562
6,539
21,072
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
61,933
18,075
31,485
111,493
Ending balance at September 30, 2024
$
200,068
$
143,588
$
141,329
$
484,985
As Of and For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Commercial & Industrial
Commercial Real Estate
Consumer
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance at December 31, 2022
$
161,550
$
143,575
$
138,299
$
443,424
Charge-offs
(71,197)
(23,465)
(40,864)
(135,526)
Recoveries
13,720
972
9,066
23,758
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
75,595
42,080
28,201
145,876
Ending balance at September 30, 2023
$
179,668
$
163,162
$
134,702
$
477,532
The ALL of $485.0 million and the reserve for unfunded commitments of $49.6 million, which is recorded in other liabilities, comprise the total ACL of $534.5 million at September 30, 2024. The ACL decreased $2.1 million compared to the December 31, 2023 ACL of $536.6 million, which consisted of the ALL of $479.4 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $57.2 million. The ACL to loans coverage ratio of 1.24% at September 30, 2024 was unchanged compared to 1.24% at December 31, 2023. When compared to the December 31, 2023 ACL, the September 30, 2024 ACL was slightly lower and characterized by lower net growth and improved performance, as well as increased economic uncertainty. The
20
Company includes adjustments, as appropriate, intended to capture the impact of uncertainties in the quantitative estimate. The ALL at September 30, 2024 included qualitative adjustments for higher risk portfolios such as Leveraged Lending, included in C&I, CRE Office Buildings and CRE Multi-family. The ALL at December 31, 2023 included quantitative adjustments to reflect uncertainty due to the impacts of government stimulus.
The ACL is estimated using a two-year reasonable and supportable forecast period. To the extent the lives of the loans in the portfolio extend beyond the period for which a reasonable and supportable forecast can be made, the Company reverts on a straight-line basis back to the historical rates over a one-year period. Synovus utilizes multiple economic forecast scenarios sourced from a reputable third-party provider that are probability-weighted internally. The current scenarios include a consensus baseline forecast, an upside scenario reflecting an accelerated recovery, a downside scenario that reflects adverse economic conditions, and an additional adverse scenario that assumes consistent slow growth that is less optimistic than the baseline. At September 30, 2024, the unemployment rate is the input that most significantly impacts our estimate. The multi-scenario forecast used in our estimate includes a weighted average unemployment rate of 4.5% over the forecasted period at September 30, 2024, consistent with December 31, 2023.
Financial Difficulty Modifications
When borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty, Synovus may make certain loan modifications as part of its loss mitigation strategies to maximize expected payment. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding accounting policies for FDMs.
The following tables present the amortized cost of FDM loans by loan portfolio class that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Interest Rate Reduction
Term Extension
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction and Term Extension
Total
Percentage of Total by Financing Class
Investment properties
74,269
—
—
—
74,269
0.7
Total commercial real estate
74,269
—
—
—
74,269
0.6
Other consumer loans
24
118
—
10
152
—
Total consumer
24
118
—
10
152
—
Total FDMs
$
74,293
$
118
$
—
$
10
$
74,421
0.2
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Interest Rate Reduction
Term Extension
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction and Term Extension
Total
Percentage of Total by Financing Class
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
—
$
7,130
$
—
$
—
$
7,130
—
%
Owner-occupied
—
188
—
—
188
—
Total commercial and industrial
—
7,318
—
—
7,318
—
Investment properties
74,269
2,227
—
—
76,496
0.7
Total commercial real estate
74,269
2,227
—
—
76,496
0.6
Consumer mortgages
122
—
209
—
331
—
Other consumer loans
197
553
—
10
760
0.1
Total consumer
319
553
209
10
1,091
—
Total FDMs
$
74,588
$
10,098
$
209
$
10
$
84,905
0.2
%
21
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Interest Rate Reduction
Term Extension
Principal Forgiveness and Term Extensions
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction and Term Extension
Total
Percentage of Total by Financing Class
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
408
$
13,304
$
—
$
—
$
194
$
13,906
0.1
%
Owner-occupied
—
18,979
—
—
11,750
30,729
0.4
Total commercial and industrial
408
32,283
—
—
11,944
44,635
0.2
Investment properties
—
2,216
—
—
—
2,216
—
1-4 family properties
—
36
—
—
—
36
—
Land and development
—
1,146
—
—
—
1,146
0.3
Total commercial real estate
—
3,398
—
—
—
3,398
—
Consumer mortgages
1,309
—
—
465
—
1,774
—
Other consumer loans
107
331
—
189
245
872
0.1
Total consumer
1,416
331
—
654
245
2,646
—
Total FDMs
$
1,824
$
36,012
$
—
$
654
$
12,189
$
50,679
0.1
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Interest Rate Reduction
Term Extension
Principal Forgiveness and Term Extensions
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction and Term Extension
Total
Percentage of Total by Financing Class
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
2,467
$
26,212
$
12,586
$
—
$
1,537
$
42,802
0.3
%
Owner-occupied
—
20,782
—
—
53,004
73,786
0.9
Total commercial and industrial
2,467
46,994
12,586
—
54,541
116,588
0.5
Investment properties
—
2,848
—
—
—
2,848
—
1-4 family properties
—
2,429
—
—
375
2,804
0.5
Land and development
—
1,146
—
—
—
1,146
0.3
Total commercial real estate
—
6,423
—
—
375
6,798
0.1
Consumer mortgages
2,114
—
—
465
—
2,579
—
Home equity
—
425
—
—
289
714
—
Other consumer loans
111
697
—
189
721
1,718
0.2
Total consumer
2,225
1,122
—
654
1,010
5,011
0.1
Total FDMs
$
4,692
$
54,539
$
12,586
$
654
$
55,926
$
128,397
0.3
%
22
The following tables present the financial effect of loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction
Weighted Average Term Extension (in months)
Weighted Average Payment Delay (in months)
Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction
Weighted Average Term Extension (in months)
Weighted Average Payment Delay (in months)
Commercial, financial and agricultural
—
%
—
—
—
%
12
—
Owner-occupied
—
—
—
—
60
—
Investment properties
1.2
—
—
1.2
12
—
Consumer mortgages
—
—
—
2.3
—
7
Other consumer loans
7.2
57
—
4.5
70
—
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Principal Forgiveness and Term Extensions
Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction
Weighted Average Term Extension (in months)
Weighted Average Payment Deferral (in months)
Principal Forgiveness and Term Extensions
Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction
Weighted Average Term Extension (in months)
Weighted Average Payment Deferral (in months)
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
—
2.2
%
12
—
$
1,200
2.2
%
27
—
Owner-occupied
—
4.4
6
—
—
2.3
8
—
Investment properties
—
—
6
—
—
—
12
—
1-4 family properties
—
—
12
—
—
0.4
12
—
Land and development
—
—
12
—
—
—
12
—
Consumer mortgages
—
2.5
—
6
—
1.6
—
6
Home equity
—
—
—
—
—
0.5
262
—
Other consumer loans
—
7.4
47
2
—
5.3
62
2
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, there were no material FDMs that subsequently defaulted, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, commercial, financial and agricultural loans of $74.7 million defaulted that were previously modified in the prior 12 months by receiving a term extension. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no material FDMs that subsequently defaulted. Defaults are defined as the earlier of the FDM being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no commitments to lend a material amount of additional funds to any borrower whose loan was classified as a FDM.
23
Synovus monitors the performance of FDMs to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table provides a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans on an amortized cost basis by loan portfolio class that have been modified during the 12 months prior to September 30, 2024.
As of September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Current
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
Non-accrual
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
26,239
$
1,005
$
—
$
355
$
27,599
Owner-occupied
2,745
—
—
250
2,995
Total commercial and industrial
28,984
1,005
—
605
30,594
Investment properties
44,100
—
—
32,397
76,497
1-4 family properties
—
—
—
—
—
Land and development
—
—
—
—
—
Total commercial real estate
44,100
—
—
32,397
76,497
Consumer mortgages
—
—
—
331
331
Home equity
—
—
—
—
—
Credit cards
—
—
—
—
—
Other consumer loans
539
106
—
229
874
Total consumer
539
106
—
560
1,205
Total FDMs
$
73,623
$
1,111
$
—
$
33,562
$
108,296
The following table provides a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans on an amortized cost basis by loan portfolio class that were modified on or after January 1, 2023, the date Synovus adopted ASU 2022-02, through September 30, 2023.
As of September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Current
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
Non-accrual (1)
Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
29,386
$
829
$
—
$
12,586
$
42,801
Owner-occupied
73,109
—
—
678
73,787
Total commercial and industrial
102,495
829
—
13,264
116,588
Investment properties
2,533
—
—
315
2,848
1-4 family properties
1,207
—
—
1,597
2,804
Land and development
1,146
—
—
—
1,146
Total commercial real estate
4,886
—
—
1,912
6,798
Consumer mortgages
1,184
—
—
1,394
2,578
Home equity
714
—
—
—
714
Credit cards
—
—
—
—
—
Other consumer loans
639
184
—
896
1,719
Total consumer
2,537
184
—
2,290
5,011
Total FDMs
$
109,918
$
1,013
$
—
$
17,466
$
128,397
(1) Loans were on non-accrual when modified and subsequently classified as FDMs.
24
Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Repurchases of Common Stock
Synovus announced on January 18, 2024 that its Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $300 million of common stock and $50 million of preferred stock in 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus repurchased 2.3 million shares of common stock at an average price of $43.58 per share via open market transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus repurchased 5.4 million shares of common stock at an average price of $40.66 per share via open market transactions.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
The following tables illustrate activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
(in thousands)
Net unamortized holding (losses) gains on AFS investment securities transferred to HTM
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities AFS(1)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges(1)
Total
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
(521,780)
$
(410,553)
$
(118,041)
$
(1,050,374)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
—
193,466
40,189
233,655
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
15,044
—
27,889
42,933
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
15,044
193,466
68,078
276,588
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(506,736)
$
(217,087)
$
(49,963)
$
(773,786)
Balance at June 30, 2023
$
—
$
(1,188,087)
$
(207,088)
$
(1,395,175)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
—
(291,190)
(29,580)
(320,770)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
—
—
36,541
36,541
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
—
(291,190)
6,961
(284,229)
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
—
$
(1,479,277)
$
(200,127)
$
(1,679,404)
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
—
$
(998,259)
$
(118,814)
$
(1,117,073)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(537,434)
586,495
(16,949)
32,112
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
30,698
194,677
85,800
311,175
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(506,736)
781,172
68,851
343,287
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(506,736)
$
(217,087)
$
(49,963)
$
(773,786)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
—
$
(1,220,263)
$
(221,854)
$
(1,442,117)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
—
(258,235)
(77,338)
(335,573)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
—
(779)
99,065
98,286
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
—
(259,014)
21,727
(237,287)
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
—
$
(1,479,277)
$
(200,127)
$
(1,679,404)
(1) For September 30, 2024, the ending balance in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale and cash flow hedges includes unrealized losses of $10.2 million and $11.6 million, respectively, related to residual tax effects remaining in OCI primarily due to previously established deferred tax asset valuation allowances in 2010 and 2011 and state rate changes. For September 30, 2023, the ending balance in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale and cash flow hedges includes unrealized losses of $13.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively, related to residual tax effects remaining in OCI due to previously established deferred tax asset valuation allowances in 2010 and 2011. In accordance with ASC 740-20-45-11(b), under the portfolio approach, these unrealized losses are realized at the time the entire portfolio is sold or disposed.
25
Note 5 - Fair Value Accounting
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K for a description of valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis.
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Estimated Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Trading securities:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
154
$
—
$
—
$
154
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
—
—
—
—
—
2,910
—
2,910
Other mortgage-backed securities
—
—
—
—
—
2,149
—
2,149
Asset-backed securities
—
13,719
—
13,719
—
7,839
—
7,839
Total trading securities
$
154
$
13,719
$
—
$
13,873
$
—
$
12,898
$
—
$
12,898
Investment securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
1,214,363
$
—
$
—
$
1,214,363
$
597,629
$
—
$
—
$
597,629
U.S. Government agency securities
—
29,613
—
29,613
—
28,940
—
28,940
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
—
1,525,091
—
1,525,091
—
925,664
—
925,664
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
—
2,069,369
—
2,069,369
—
6,430,379
—
6,430,379
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
—
585,388
—
585,388
—
587,595
—
587,595
Commercial mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
—
2,121,613
—
2,121,613
—
1,209,783
—
1,209,783
Corporate debt securities and other debt securities
—
8,731
—
8,731
—
8,672
—
8,672
Total investment securities available for sale
$
1,214,363
$
6,339,805
$
—
$
7,554,168
$
597,629
$
9,191,033
$
—
$
9,788,662
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
—
$
36,943
$
—
$
36,943
$
—
$
47,338
$
—
$
47,338
Other investments
—
—
14,711
14,711
—
—
12,560
12,560
Mutual funds and mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
62,901
—
—
62,901
53,742
—
—
53,742
Derivative assets
—
84,673
—
84,673
—
94,903
—
94,903
Liabilities
Securities sold short
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
3,496
$
—
$
—
$
3,496
Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
47,484
—
—
47,484
38,735
—
—
38,735
Derivative liabilities
—
175,413
—
175,413
—
259,650
—
259,650
Fair Value Option
Synovus has elected the fair value option for mortgage loans held for sale primarily to ease the operational burden required to maintain hedge accounting for these loans. Synovus is still able to achieve effective economic hedges on mortgage loans held for sale without the time and expense needed to manage a hedge accounting program.
26
The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the UPB of mortgage loans held for sale and the changes in fair value of these loans. An immaterial portion of these changes in fair value was attributable to instrument-specific credit risk.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
(in thousands)
As of September 30, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Fair value
$
36,943
$
47,338
Unpaid principal balance
35,801
45,627
Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
1,142
$
1,711
Changes in Fair Value Included in Net Income
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Location in Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
205
$
(581)
$
(569)
$
(373)
Mortgage banking income
Activity for Level 3 Assets
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 12 - Fair Value Accounting" of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K for a description of the valuation techniques and significant inputs for Level 3 assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Synovus did not have any transfers in or out of Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The following tables provide rollforwards of Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Other Investments
Beginning balance at June 30, 2024
$
14,423
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings
236
Additions
52
Ending balance at September 30, 2024
$
14,711
Total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to assets still held at September 30, 2024
$
236
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Other Investments
Beginning balance at June 30, 2023
$
11,770
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings
(26)
Additions
45
Ending balance at September 30, 2023
$
11,789
Total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
(26)
27
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Other Investments
Beginning balance at December 31, 2023
$
12,560
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings
671
Additions
1,480
Ending balance at September 30, 2024
$
14,711
Total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to assets still held at September 30, 2024
$
671
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Other Investments
Beginning balance at December 31, 2022
$
11,172
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
Included in earnings
(97)
Additions
714
Ending balance at September 30, 2023
$
11,789
Total net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
(97)
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.
September 30, 2024
Fair Value Adjustments for the
Location in Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Loans(1)
$
—
$
—
$
54,713
$
10,085
$
19,367
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
September 30, 2023
Fair Value Adjustments for the
Location in Consolidated Statements of Income
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Loans(1)
$
—
$
—
$
16,049
$
—
$
2,971
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
(1) Collateral-dependent loans that were written down to fair value of collateral.
28
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present the carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The fair values represent management’s best estimates based on a range of methodologies and assumptions. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K for a description of how fair value measurements are determined.
September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
1,853,612
$
1,853,612
$
1,853,612
$
—
$
—
Trading securities
13,873
13,873
154
13,719
—
Investment securities held to maturity
2,622,457
2,727,898
—
2,727,898
—
Investment securities available for sale
7,554,168
7,554,168
1,214,363
6,339,805
—
Loans held for sale
121,470
121,255
—
36,943
84,312
Other investments
14,711
14,711
—
—
14,711
Mutual funds and mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
62,901
62,901
62,901
—
—
Loans, net (1)
42,635,689
41,803,142
—
—
41,803,142
FRB and FHLB stock
200,873
200,873
—
200,873
—
Derivative assets
84,673
84,673
—
84,673
—
Financial liabilities
Non-interest-bearing deposits
$
11,561,626
$
11,561,626
$
—
$
11,561,626
$
—
Non-time interest-bearing deposits
28,103,562
28,103,562
—
28,103,562
—
Time deposits
10,528,552
10,535,667
—
10,535,667
—
Total deposits (2)
$
50,193,740
$
50,200,855
$
—
$
50,200,855
$
—
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
94,055
94,055
94,055
—
—
Long-term debt
2,021,050
2,032,273
—
2,032,273
—
Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
47,484
47,484
47,484
—
—
Derivative liabilities
175,413
175,413
—
175,413
—
(1) Synovus estimates the fair value of loans based on present value of the future cash flows using the interest rate that would be charged for a similar loan to a borrower with similar risk, adjusted for a discount based on the estimated time period to complete a sale transaction with a market participant.
(2) The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand, interest bearing demand, money market, and savings accounts reflects the carrying amount which is payable on demand, as of the respective date, and may not align with other valuation methods or processes. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
29
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
2,451,426
$
2,451,426
$
2,451,426
$
—
$
—
Trading securities
12,898
12,898
—
12,898
—
Investment securities available for sale
9,788,662
9,788,662
597,629
9,191,033
—
Loans held for sale
52,768
52,770
—
47,338
5,432
Other investments
12,560
12,560
—
—
12,560
Mutual funds and mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
53,742
53,742
53,742
—
—
Loans, net (1)
42,925,105
41,298,149
—
—
41,298,149
FRB and FHLB stock
184,944
184,944
—
184,944
—
Derivative assets
94,903
94,903
—
94,903
—
Financial liabilities
Non-interest-bearing deposits
$
12,507,616
$
12,507,616
$
—
$
12,507,616
$
—
Non-time interest-bearing deposits
27,449,088
27,449,088
—
27,449,088
—
Time deposits
10,782,481
10,769,002
—
10,769,002
—
Total deposits (2)
$
50,739,185
$
50,725,706
$
—
$
50,725,706
$
—
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
189,074
189,074
189,074
—
—
Securities sold short
3,496
3,496
3,496
—
—
Long-term debt
1,932,534
1,939,604
—
1,939,604
—
Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
38,735
38,735
38,735
—
—
Derivative liabilities
259,650
259,650
—
259,650
—
(1) Synovus estimates the fair value of loans based on present value of the future cash flows using the interest rate that would be charged for a similar loan to a borrower with similar risk, adjusted for a discount based on the estimated time period to complete a sale transaction with a market participant.
(2) The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand, interest bearing demand, money market, and savings accounts reflects the carrying amount which is payable on demand, as of the respective date, and may not align with other valuation methods or processes. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
30
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk, exposures related to liquidity and credit risk, and to facilitate client transactions. The primary types of derivative instruments utilized by Synovus consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments made to prospective mortgage loan clients, commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans, and foreign currency exchange forwards. Interest rate lock commitments represent derivative instruments since it is intended that such loans will be sold. Synovus also provides foreign currency exchange services, primarily forward contracts, with counterparties to allow commercial clients to mitigate exchange rate risk. Synovus covers its risk by entering into an offsetting foreign currency exchange forward contract. Synovus enters into risk participation agreements with financial institution counterparties where we are either a participant or a lead bank so that the risk of default on the interest rate swaps is shared. Synovus either pays or receives a fee depending on the participation type. 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. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding accounting policies for derivatives.
Hedging Derivatives
Cash flow hedging relationships mitigate exposure to the variability of future cash flows or other forecasted transactions. Synovus has entered into interest rate swap contracts to manage overall cash flow changes related to interest rate risk exposure on index-based variable rate commercial loans. The contracts effectively modify Synovus' exposure to interest rate risk by utilizing receive fixed/pay index-based variable rate interest rate swaps.
For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported initially as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of the tax impact, and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings with the impacts recorded in the same income statement line item used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. When a cash flow hedge relationship is discontinued but the hedged cash flows, or forecasted transactions, are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in OCI are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transactions are still expected to affect earnings. If, however, it is probable the forecasted transactions will no longer occur, the remaining accumulated amounts in OCI for the impacted cash flow hedges are immediately recognized in earnings.
Synovus recorded no unrealized gains (losses) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 related to terminated cash flow hedges. Synovus recognized pre-tax losses of $4.9 million and $15.8 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and pre-tax losses of $6.2 million and $17.7 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, related to the amortization of terminated cash flow hedges. Amounts related to the amortization of terminated cash flow hedges are being recognized into earnings in conjunction with the effective terms of the original swaps through the third quarter of 2026.
As of September 30, 2024, Synovus expects to reclassify into earnings approximately $55 million in pre-tax loss due to the receipt or payment of interest payments on all cash flow hedges within the next 12 months. Included in this amount is approximately $19 million in pre-tax loss related to the amortization of terminated cash flow hedges. As of September 30, 2024, the maximum length of time over which Synovus is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows is through the first quarter of 2028.
Fair value hedging relationships mitigate exposure to the change in fair value of an asset or liability. Synovus has entered into receive-fixed, pay-variable interest rate swap contracts to hedge the change in the fair value due to fluctuations in market interest rates for outstanding fixed-rate long-term debt and fixed-rate term interest-bearing deposits. The changes in fair value of the fair value hedges are recorded through earnings with an offset against changes in the fair value of the hedged item within interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. All components of each derivative instrument’s gain/(loss) are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Derivatives not designated as hedges include those that are entered into as either economic hedges to facilitate client needs or as part of Synovus' overall risk management strategy. Economic hedges are those that do not qualify to be treated as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge for accounting purposes but are necessary to economically manage the risk exposure associated with the assets and liabilities of Synovus. For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized in earnings immediately.
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
31
information, evaluating other market indicators, and periodically reviewing detailed financials. 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 client 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, client risk rating, collateral value, and client 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 client specific risk.
Collateral Requirements
Certain derivative transactions have collateral requirements, both at the inception of the trade and as the value of each derivative position changes. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Synovus had recorded the right to reclaim cash collateral of $50.6 million and $69.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Synovus had recorded the obligation to return cash collateral of $4.6 million and $5.7 million.
For derivatives cleared through central clearing houses, the variation margin payments made are legally characterized as settlements of the derivatives. As a result, these variation margin payments are netted against the fair value of the respective derivative contracts in the consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures.
The following table reflects the estimated fair value of derivative instruments included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets along with their respective notional amounts on a gross basis.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value
(in thousands)
Notional Amount
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
Notional Amount
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate contracts
$
4,600,000
$
—
$
5,214
$
5,600,000
$
—
$
7,527
Total cash flow hedges
$
—
$
5,214
$
—
$
7,527
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:
Interest rate contracts
$
1,678,900
$
—
$
866
$
2,563,504
$
—
$
12,891
Total fair value hedges
$
—
$
866
$
—
$
12,891
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
$
—
$
6,080
$
—
$
20,418
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Mortgage derivatives - forward commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans
60,500
—
191
60,906
—
567
Risk participation agreements
822,138
—
12
732,682
—
3
Foreign exchange contracts
135,225
—
1,229
41,603
—
528
Visa derivative
—
—
8,833
—
—
589
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
84,673
$
178,166
$
94,903
$
239,821
32
The following table presents the effect of hedging derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income and the total amounts for the respective line item affected for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Interest Income
Interest Expense
(in thousands)
Loans, including fees
Deposits
Long-term debt
Total interest income/expense amounts presented in the consolidated statements of income
$
700,657
$
345,314
$
24,055
Gain/(loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:(1)
Interest rate contracts:
Realized gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI, pre-tax, to interest income on loans
$
(36,768)
$
—
$
—
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on cash flow hedges
$
(36,768)
$
—
$
—
Gain/(loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Amounts related to interest settlements and amortization on derivatives
$
—
$
(5,626)
$
(3,052)
Recognized on derivatives
—
15,078
14,490
Recognized on hedged items
—
(15,078)
(14,490)
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on fair value hedges
$
—
$
(5,626)
$
(3,052)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Interest Income
Interest Expense
(in thousands)
Loans, including fees
Deposits
Long-term debt
Total interest income/expense amounts presented in the consolidated statements of income
$
686,094
$
292,060
$
50,524
Gain/(loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:(1)
Interest rate contracts:
Realized gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI, pre-tax, to interest income on loans
$
(48,296)
$
—
$
—
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on cash flow hedges
$
(48,296)
$
—
$
—
Gain/(loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Amounts related to interest settlements and amortization on derivatives
$
—
$
(6,806)
$
(5,188)
Recognized on derivatives
—
1,072
(939)
Recognized on hedged items
—
(1,072)
939
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on fair value hedges
$
—
$
(6,806)
$
(5,188)
(1) See Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in this Report for gain (loss) recognized on cash flow hedging relationships in AOCI.
33
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
Interest Income
Interest Expense
(in thousands)
Loans, including fees
Deposits
Long-term debt
Total interest income/expense amounts presented in the consolidated statements of income
$
2,093,942
$
1,013,734
$
82,041
Gain/(loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:(1)
Interest rate contracts:
Realized gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI, pre-tax, to interest income on loans
$
(113,118)
$
—
$
—
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on cash flow hedges
$
(113,118)
$
—
$
—
Gain/(loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Amounts related to interest settlements and amortization on derivatives
$
—
$
(18,151)
$
(10,394)
Recognized on derivatives
—
15,480
13,486
Recognized on hedged items
—
(15,480)
(13,486)
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on fair value hedges
$
—
$
(18,151)
$
(10,394)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Interest Income
Interest Expense
(in thousands)
Loans, including fees
Deposits
Long-term debt
Total interest income/expense amounts presented in the consolidated statements of income
$
1,985,881
$
707,774
$
148,968
Gain/(loss) on cash flow hedging relationships:(1)
Interest rate contracts:
Realized gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI, pre-tax, to interest income on loans
$
(130,935)
$
—
$
—
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on cash flow hedges
$
(130,935)
$
—
$
—
Gain/(loss) on fair value hedging relationships:
Amounts related to interest settlements and amortization on derivatives
$
—
$
(15,959)
$
(12,418)
Recognized on derivatives
—
(7,224)
(6,365)
Recognized on hedged items
—
7,224
6,365
Pre-tax income (loss) recognized on fair value hedges
$
—
$
(15,959)
$
(12,418)
(1) See Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for gain (loss) recognized on cash flow hedging relationships in AOCI.
The following table presents the carrying amount and associated cumulative basis adjustment related to the application of hedge accounting that is included in the carrying amount of the hedged assets/(liabilities) in fair value hedging relationships.
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Hedged Items Currently Designated
Hedged Items No Longer Designated
Hedged Items Currently Designated
Hedged Items No Longer Designated
(in thousands)
Carrying Amount of Assets/(Liabilities)
Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment
Carrying Amount of Assets/(Liabilities)
Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment
Interest-bearing deposits
$
(1,125,933)
$
36
$
62
$
(2,013,504)
$
(8,711)
$
1,267
Long-term debt
(551,399)
(124)
11,175
(546,872)
(5,986)
9,638
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus terminated a fair value hedge related to long-term debt with a carrying value of $198.4 million. The remaining fair value basis adjustment on the terminated hedging relationship will be amortized into interest expense over the respective remaining term.
34
The pre-tax effect of changes in fair value from derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is presented below.
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
Location in Consolidated Statements of Income
2024
2023
2024
2023
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Mortgage derivatives - forward commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans
Mortgage banking income
(215)
323
376
573
Risk participation agreements
Capital markets income
(11)
1
(9)
2
Foreign exchange contracts
Capital markets income
(1,233)
551
(701)
1,153
Visa derivative
Other non-interest expense
(8,700)
(900)
(8,700)
(3,927)
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
$
(9,992)
$
832
$
(8,629)
$
(1,452)
(1) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments (including credit related adjustments) for client swaps.
Note 7 - Net Income Per Common Share
The following table displays a reconciliation of the information used in calculating basic and diluted net income per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Diluted net income per common share incorporates the potential impact of contingently issuable shares, including awards which require future service as a condition of delivery of the underlying common stock.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Basic Net Income Per Common Share:
Net income available to common shareholders
$
169,628
$
87,423
$
260,709
$
447,110
Weighted average common shares outstanding
143,144
146,170
145,039
146,028
Net income per common share, basic
$
1.19
$
0.60
$
1.80
$
3.06
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share:
Net income available to common shareholders
$
169,628
$
87,423
$
260,709
$
447,110
Weighted average common shares outstanding
143,144
146,170
145,039
146,028
Effect of dilutive outstanding equity-based awards
835
570
679
655
Weighted average diluted common shares
143,979
146,740
145,718
146,683
Net income per common share, diluted
$
1.18
$
0.60
$
1.79
$
3.05
For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were 21 thousand potentially dilutive shares related to stock options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were 273 thousand potentially dilutive shares related to stock options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding. These potentially dilutive shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, Synovus enters into commitments to extend credit such as loan commitments and letters of credit to meet the financing needs of its clients. Synovus uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration
35
dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Synovus also has commitments to fund certain tax credits, CRA partnerships, and other investments.
The contractual amount of these financial instruments represents Synovus' maximum credit risk should the counterparty draw upon the commitment, and should the counterparty subsequently fail to perform according to the terms of the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Additionally, certain commitments (primarily consumer) can generally be canceled by providing notice to the borrower.
The ACL associated with unfunded commitments and letters of credit is recorded within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the ACL for unfunded commitments was $49.6 million and $57.2 million, respectively. Additionally, an immaterial amount of unearned fees relating to letters of credit are recorded within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Synovus also invests in tax credit partnerships, CRA partnerships, including SBIC programs, and other investments. The SBIC is a program initiated by the SBA in 1958 to assist in the funding of small business loans.
(in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Letters of credit(1)
$
236,031
$
200,269
Commitments to fund commercial and industrial loans
9,880,655
10,313,880
Commitments to fund commercial real estate, construction, and land development loans
1,973,849
2,496,656
Commitments under home equity lines of credit
2,115,145
2,135,120
Unused credit card lines
452,273
453,303
Other loan commitments
635,849
654,396
Total letters of credit and unfunded lending commitments
$
15,293,802
$
16,253,624
Tax credits, CRA partnerships, and other investments:
Carrying amount included in other assets(2)
$
596,259
$
573,992
Permanent and short-term construction loans and letter of credit unfunded commitments(3)
128,323
205,659
Funded portion of permanent and short-term loans and letters of credit(4)
238,585
211,921
(1) Represents the contractual amount net of risk participations purchased of approximately $18.4 million and $22.8 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(2) Future funding commitment amounts included in carrying amount within other liabilities of $313.2 million and $293.3 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(3) Represents the contractual amount net of risk participations of $4.4 million and $9.7 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(4) Represents the contractual amount net of risk participations of $18.2 million and $4.0 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Merchant Services
In accordance with credit and debit card association rules, Synovus provides merchant processing services for clients with a contractual arrangement under which certain sales and processing support are provided through an outside merchant services provider with Synovus owning the merchant contract relationship. In addition, Synovus sponsors various third-party MPS businesses that process credit and debit card transactions on behalf of merchants. In connection with these services, a liability may arise in the event of a billing dispute between the merchant and a cardholder that is ultimately resolved in the cardholder's favor. If the merchant defaults on its obligations, the cardholder, through its issuing bank, generally has until six months after the date of the transaction to present a chargeback to the MPS, which is primarily liable for any losses on covered transactions. However, if a sponsored MPS fails to meet its obligations, then Synovus, as the sponsor, could be held liable for the disputed amount. Synovus seeks to mitigate this risk through its contractual arrangements with the MPS and the merchants by withholding future settlements, retaining cash reserve accounts and/or obtaining other security. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus and the sponsored entities processed and settled $28.77 billion and $85.83 billion of transactions, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Synovus and the sponsored entities processed and settled $27.78 billion and $87.28 billion of transactions, respectively.
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 and governmental examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries, and investigations. Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has been the target of legal actions and other proceedings asserting claims for damages and related relief for losses. These actions include, but are not limited to, mortgage loan and other loan put-back claims, claims and counterclaims asserted by individual borrowers related to their loans, allegations of violations of state and federal laws, and regulations relating to
36
banking practices, including 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 were to occur.
At least quarterly, Synovus carefully examines and considers each legal matter using then available information, 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 reserve. An event is considered to be probable if the future event is likely to occur. In the absence of a determination that a loss contingency is both probable and reasonably estimable, no accrual is made. Once established, accruals are adjusted to reflect developments related to these matters. 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 September 30, 2024 are adequate.
In addition, where Synovus determines that there is a reasonable possibility of a loss in respect of legal matters, Synovus considers whether it is able to estimate the total reasonably possible loss or range of loss. Under GAAP, an event is “reasonably possible” if “the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely,” and an event is “remote” if the “chance of the future event or events occurring is slight." In many situations, Synovus may be unable to estimate reasonably possible losses due to the difficulty of predicting outcome of legal matters and the preliminary nature of the legal matters, as well as a variety of other factors and uncertainties. Those matters for which a meaningful estimate is not possible are not included within this estimated range and, therefore, this range does not represent our maximum loss exposure. For those legal matters where Synovus is able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, management currently estimates the aggregate range from our outstanding litigation is from zero to $10 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 lower or 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, in light of the significant uncertainties involved and the large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations or financial condition for any particular period.
Any estimate or determination relating to the future resolution of litigation, regulatory or governmental examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries, investigations, or similar matters is inherently uncertain and involves significant judgment. This is particularly true in the early stages of a legal matter, when legal issues and facts have not been well articulated, reviewed, analyzed, and vetted through discovery, preparation for trial or hearings, substantive and productive mediation or settlement discussions, or other actions. It is also particularly true with respect to class action and similar claims involving multiple defendants, matters with complex procedural requirements or substantive issues or novel legal theories, and examinations, investigations, and other actions conducted or brought by regulatory and governmental agencies, in which the normal adjudicative process is not applicable. Accordingly, we usually are unable to determine whether a favorable or unfavorable outcome is remote, reasonably likely, or probable, or to estimate the amount or range of a probable or reasonably likely loss, until relatively late in the course of a legal matter, sometimes not until a number of years have elapsed. Accordingly, our judgments and estimates relating to claims will change from time to time in light of developments, and actual outcomes will differ from our estimates. These differences may be material.
Synovus intends to vigorously pursue all available defenses to these legal matters but will also consider other alternatives, including settlement, in situations where there is an opportunity to resolve such legal matters on terms that Synovus considers to be favorable, including in light of the continued expense and distraction of defending such legal matters. Synovus maintains insurance coverage, which may be available to cover legal fees, or potential losses that might be incurred in connection with such legal matters. 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.
Note 9 - Segment Reporting
Synovus' business segments are based on the products and services provided or the clients served and reflect the manner in which financial information is evaluated by the chief operating decision maker. Synovus has four major reportable business segments: Wholesale Banking, Community Banking, Consumer Banking, and Financial Management Services. The management accounting policies and processes utilized in compiling segment financial information are highly subjective and, unlike financial accounting, are not based on authoritative guidance similar to GAAP. As a result, reported segment results are not necessarily comparable with similar information reported by other financial institutions.
The Wholesale Banking business segment serves primarily larger corporate and governmental clients by providing commercial lending, deposit, and capital markets services through specialty teams including middle market, CRE, senior
37
housing, premium finance, structured lending, asset-based lending, public finance, restaurant services, community investment capital, and capital markets.
The Community Banking business segment primarily serves small and medium-sized commercial clients as well as individual private wealth clients using a relationship-based approach. The commercial component of this segment focuses on locally owned and operated businesses.Private wealth services are delivered to the individuals operating the businesses as well as other individuals in the communities in which Community Banking operates. A comprehensive set of banking products are offered to the client set, including a full suite of lending, payments, and depository products as well as financial planning services.
The Consumer Banking business segment serves individual and small business clients through its branch and ATM network, in addition to digital and telephone channels. This segment provides individuals and small businesses with an array of comprehensive banking products and services, including depository accounts, credit and debit cards, payment solutions, goal-based planning, home equity and other consumer loans, and small business lending solutions.
The Financial Management Services business segment serves its clients by providing mortgage, trust services, professional portfolio management for fixed-income securities, securities underwriting and distribution, the execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer, asset management, financial planning, and family office services, as well as the provision of individual investment advice on equity and other securities.
Functional activities such as treasury, technology, operations, marketing, finance, enterprise risk, legal, human resources, corporate communications, executive management, among others, are included in Treasury and Corporate Other. In addition, certain assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense not allocated or attributable to a particular business segment, such as Synovus' third-party consumer loans and loans held for sale, as well as CIB, are included in Treasury and Corporate Other.
Synovus uses a centralized FTP methodology to attribute appropriate net interest income to the business segments. The intent of the FTP methodology is to transfer interest rate risk from the business segments by providing matched duration funding of assets and liabilities. The result is to centralize the financial impact, management, and reporting of interest rate risk in the Treasury and Corporate Other function, where it can be centrally monitored and managed. Treasury and Corporate Other charges (credits) an internal cost of funds for assets held in (or pays for funding provided by) each business segment. The process for determining FTP is based on a number of factors and assumptions, including prevailing market interest rates, the expected lives of various assets and liabilities, and the Company's broader funding profile.
The following tables present certain financial information for each reportable business segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The application and development of management reporting methodologies is a dynamic process and is subject to periodic enhancements. As these enhancements are made, financial results presented by each reportable business segment may be periodically revised. Loan and deposit transfers occur from time to time between reportable business segments primarily to maintain the migration of clients and relationship managers between segments; however, prior period loan and deposit balances and any related net interest income and FTP are not adjusted for transfers. Treasury and Corporate Other's non-interest revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was impacted by the net loss of $256.7 million recognized on sales of AFS investment securities in connection with the strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio in the second quarter of 2024.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Net interest income
$
181,596
$
100,910
$
136,329
$
26,813
$
(4,908)
$
440,740
Non-interest revenue
14,945
17,314
18,978
46,446
26,297
123,980
Non-interest expense
30,605
37,810
49,222
37,941
158,112
313,690
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)
$
165,936
$
80,414
$
106,085
$
35,318
$
(136,723)
$
251,030
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Net interest income
$
213,485
$
107,446
$
153,545
$
17,771
$
(49,088)
$
443,159
Non-interest revenue
10,329
14,161
18,901
48,348
15,400
107,139
Non-interest expense
63,311
39,587
51,461
42,879
156,294
353,532
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)
$
160,503
$
82,020
$
120,985
$
23,240
$
(189,982)
$
196,766
38
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
(in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Net interest income
$
546,836
$
298,030
$
410,506
$
75,283
$
(36,072)
$
1,294,583
Non-interest revenue
42,216
52,144
56,232
139,155
(175,730)
114,017
Non-interest expense
100,490
116,589
152,351
115,970
452,832
938,232
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)
$
488,562
$
233,585
$
314,387
$
98,468
$
(664,634)
$
470,368
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Net interest income
$
606,919
$
329,093
$
466,289
$
51,452
$
(74,311)
$
1,379,442
Non-interest revenue
39,980
53,202
60,611
150,639
48,109
352,541
Non-interest expense
131,929
108,513
151,269
129,119
461,736
982,566
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)
$
514,970
$
273,782
$
375,631
$
72,972
$
(487,938)
$
749,417
September 30, 2024
(dollars in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
25,341,633
$
7,957,555
$
2,750,021
$
5,295,822
$
1,775,643
$
43,120,674
Total deposits
$
13,655,638
$
10,900,104
$
18,617,135
$
1,237,924
$
5,782,939
$
50,193,740
Total full-time equivalent employees
339
533
1,507
566
1,783
4,728
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Wholesale Banking
Community Banking
Consumer Banking
Financial Management Services
Treasury and Corporate Other
Synovus Consolidated
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
25,506,870
$
7,966,794
$
2,825,411
$
5,374,280
$
1,731,135
$
43,404,490
Total deposits
$
13,847,833
$
10,198,357
$
18,698,298
$
1,488,090
$
6,506,607
$
50,739,185
Total full-time equivalent employees
334
576
1,522
604
1,762
4,798
Note 10 - Subsequent Event
On November 1, 2024, Synovus completed its previously announced public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.168% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2030. The Notes bear interest (i) from and including November 1, 2024 to but excluding November 1, 2029 at a fixed rate of 6.168% per annum; and (ii) from and including November 1, 2029 to but excluding November 1, 2030 in accordance with the formula for SOFR described in the prospectus supplement related to the offering, plus 2.347%. For more information on the 6.168% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2030, see Synovus’ Form 8-K dated October 29, 2024, as filed with the SEC on November 1, 2024.
39
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 financial services 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 financial services 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)
competition in the financial services industry, including competition from nontraditional banking institutions such as Fintechs;
(2)
our ability to realize the expected benefits from our strategic initiatives or other operational and execution goals in the time period expected, which could negatively affect our future profitability;
(3)
an economic downturn and contraction, including a recession, and the resulting effects on our capital, financial condition, credit quality, results of operations and future growth, including that the strength of the current economic environment could be further weakened by inflation and interest rate fluctuations;
(4)
changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market;
(5)
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;
(6)
the impacts of adverse developments in the banking industry on client confidence, liquidity, and regulatory responses to these developments (including increases in the cost of our deposit insurance assessments and increased regulatory scrutiny), our ability to effectively manage our liquidity risk and any growth plans, and the availability of capital and funding;
(7)
our ability to attract and retain employees and the impact of senior leadership transitions that are key to our strategic initiatives;
(8)
our strategic implementation of new lines of business, new products and services, and new technologies and the expansion of our existing business opportunities with a renewed focus on innovation;
(9)
inflation and their effects on our business, profitability, and our stock price as well as the impact on our clients (including the velocity and levels of deposit withdrawals and loan repayment);
(10)
changes in the interest rate environment, including changes to the federal funds rate, 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;
(11)
the impact of elevated interest rates on our financial projections, models, and guidance;
(12)
the risk that upcoming elections in the United States could result in changes in and uncertainty with respect to legislation, regulation, and government policy that could impact our business and the banking industry;
(13)
the impact of recent, proposed, and potential changes in governmental policy, laws, and regulations, potential, proposed, and recently enacted changes in monetary policy and in the regulation and taxation of banks and financial institutions, or the interpretation or application thereof and the uncertainty of future implementation and enforcement of these regulations, including inflationary pressures and potential interest rate fluctuations;
40
(14)
we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with regulatory initiatives and the rapid technological changes in the financial services industry;
(15)
our current and future information technology system enhancements and operational initiatives may not be successfully implemented, which could negatively impact our operations;
(16)
our business relationships with, and reliance upon, third parties that have strategic partnerships with us or that provide key components of our business infrastructure, including the costs of services and products provided to us by third parties, and disruptions in service or financial difficulties with a third-party vendor or business relationship;
(17)
our enterprise risk management framework, our compliance program, or our corporate governance and supervisory oversight functions may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;
(18)
our asset quality may deteriorate or that our allowance for credit losses may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
(19)
the ability of our operational framework to identify and manage risks associated with our business, such as credit risk, compliance risk, reputational risk, and operational risk, including by virtue of our relationships with third-party business partners, as well as our relationships with third-party vendors and other service providers;
(20)
we may be exposed to potential losses in the event of fraud and/or theft, or in the event that a third-party vendor, obligor, or business partner fails to pay amounts due to us under that relationship or under any arrangement that we enter into with them;
(21)
if economic conditions worsen or regulatory capital rules are modified, we may be required to undertake initiatives to improve or conserve our capital position;
(22)
our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks (including those impacting our vendors and other third parties) such as data security breaches, malware, "denial of service" attacks, "hacking", and identity theft, a failure of which could disrupt our business and result in the disclosure of and/or misuse or misappropriation of confidential or proprietary information, disruption, or damage of our systems, increased costs, significant losses, or adverse effects to our reputation;
(23)
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;
(24)
our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity, including our ability to pay dividends or take other capital actions;
(25)
our ESG strategies and initiatives, the scope and pace of which could alter our reputation and shareholder, employee, client, and third-party relationships;
(26)
we could realize losses if we sell assets and the proceeds we receive are lower than the carrying value of such assets;
(27)
our ability to obtain regulatory approval to take certain actions, including any dividends on our common or preferred stock, any repurchases of common or preferred stock, or any other issuance or redemption of any other regulatory capital instruments, as well as any applications in respect to strategic initiatives;
(28)
we may not be able to identify suitable bank and non-bank acquisition opportunities as part of our growth strategy and even if we are able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities, we may not be able to complete such transactions on favorable terms or realize the anticipated benefits from such acquisitions;
(29)
our concentrated operations in the Southeastern U.S. make us vulnerable to local economic conditions, local weather catastrophes, public health issues, and other external events;
(30)
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;
(31)
the fluctuation in our stock price and general volatility in the stock market;
(32)
the effects of any damages to our reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above; and
(33)
other factors and other information contained in this Report and in other reports and filings that we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, those found in "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Report.
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' 2023 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 statement 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.
41
INTRODUCTION AND CORPORATE PROFILE
Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company and a registered bank holding company based in Columbus, Georgia. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synovus Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Company provides commercial and consumer banking in addition to a full suite of specialized products and services, including wealth services, treasury management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, capital markets, and international banking. Synovus also provides financial planning and investment advisory services through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Synovus Trust and Synovus Securities.
Synovus Bank is positioned in some of the highest growth markets in the Southeast, with 247 branches and 360 ATMs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The following financial review summarizes the significant trends, changes in our business, transactions, and other matters affecting Synovus’ results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 and financial condition as of September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. 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' 2023 Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations consists of:
•Discussion of Results of Operations - Reviews Synovus' financial performance, as well as selected balance sheet items, items from the statements of income, significant transactions, and certain key ratios that illustrate Synovus' performance.
•Credit Quality, Capital Resources and Liquidity - Discusses credit quality, market risk, capital resources, and liquidity, as well as performance trends. It also includes a discussion of liquidity policies, how Synovus obtains funding, and related performance.
•Additional Disclosures - Discusses additional important matters, including critical accounting policies and non-GAAP financial measures.
A reading of each section is important to fully understand our financial performance.
42
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Table 1 - Consolidated Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
Net interest income
$
440,740
$
443,159
(1)
%
$
1,294,583
$
1,379,442
(6)
%
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
23,434
72,572
(68)
103,818
143,607
(28)
Non-interest revenue
123,980
107,139
16
114,017
352,541
(68)
Total revenue
564,720
550,298
3
1,408,600
1,731,983
(19)
Non-interest expense
313,690
353,532
(11)
938,232
982,566
(5)
Income before income taxes
227,596
124,194
83
366,550
605,810
(39)
Net income attributable to Synovus Financial Corp.
181,555
97,095
87
292,034
473,364
(38)
Net income available to common shareholders
169,628
87,423
94
260,709
447,110
(42)
Net income per common share, basic
1.19
0.60
98
1.80
3.06
(41)
Net income per common share, diluted
1.18
0.60
97
1.79
3.05
(41)
Net interest margin(1)
3.22
3.11
11
bps
3.16
3.25
(9)
bps
Net charge-off ratio(1)
0.25
0.61
(36)
0.33
0.34
(1)
Return on average assets(1)
1.2
0.6
60
0.7
1.0
(30)
Efficiency ratio (TE)
55.41
64.11
nm
66.42
56.62
nm
(1) Annualized
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
Sequential Quarter Change
September 30, 2023
Year-Over-Year Change
(dollars in thousands)
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
43,120,674
$
43,093,397
$
27,277
$
43,679,910
$
(559,236)
Total average loans, quarter
42,908,426
43,364,822
(456,396)
43,500,216
(591,790)
Total deposits
50,193,740
50,195,778
(2,038)
50,203,890
(10,150)
Core deposits (excludes brokered deposits)
45,088,301
44,793,743
294,558
43,982,131
1,106,170
Total average deposits, quarter
50,481,071
50,408,057
73,014
50,112,575
368,496
Non-performing assets ratio
0.73
%
0.60
%
13
bps
0.64
%
9
bps
Non-performing loans ratio
0.73
0.59
14
0.64
9
Past due loans over 90 days (as a % of loans)
0.01
0.01
—
0.01
—
ACL to loans coverage ratio
1.24
1.25
(1)
1.22
2
CET1 capital ratio
10.64
10.60
4
10.13
51
Total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio
8.99
8.48
51
7.65
134
Return on average common equity(1)
14.4
(2.1)
nm
8.2
nm
(1) Annualized
43
Economic Environment and Recent Events
While concerns regarding geopolitical pressures, the U.S. political situation, and changes in monetary policy have not abated, the Federal Reserve made its first foray into interest rate reduction with a 50 bps cut in September of 2024, easing monetary policy for the first time in four years. This resulted from continued evidence of inflation moving closer to the Fed’s 2% target and a desire to stave off any potential upswing in unemployment. Though predictions on interest rate actions have gone back and forth over the course of the year, the Federal Reserve’s own projections as of the end of October 2024 show an additional 50 bps of rate cuts for the remainder of the year, possibly distributed as two 25 bps rate actions taken at each of the November and December FOMC policy meetings as the Fed continues to monitor relevant economic data that will drive decision making.
Geopolitical tensions have been exacerbated by escalations in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, a Russian war with Ukraine which is in its third year, and increasingly inflammatory trade rhetoric from the U.S. and China in the months leading up to the U.S. election in November. The election itself carries specific risks and uncertainties as any change in administration could impact economic, regulatory, and fiscal policy by varying degrees.
U.S. fiscal policy has been expansionary in recent years, leaving a federal deficit which will most likely continue to grow regardless of which candidate wins the election. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, raised federal revenue by imposing an alternative corporate minimum tax if certain thresholds are met and a non-deductible excise tax on corporate share repurchases.
The bank failures in March and May of 2023 and the subsequent response by both the banking industry and the Federal Reserve served to mitigate the risks of such failures becoming more systemic. However, the residual impacts on the banking industry and the broader economic environment remain and have generally presented a more challenging outlook for the banking industry and for Synovus. These bank failures resulted in FDIC special assessment expenses, increased regulatory scrutiny, expectations for future regulatory changes, and continued pressure on deposits and liquidity.
Despite the headwinds discussed above, we believe our presence in strong Southeastern U.S. growth markets positions Synovus to execute on our 2024 updated fundamental guidance outlined below by making prudent decisions around business mix, balance sheet optimization, and operating expenses, all of which will support enhanced financial performance and a return to growth as we proceed beyond 2024.
Executive Summary
Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was $169.6 million, or $1.18 per diluted common share, compared to $87.4 million, or $0.60 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2023. Net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $260.7 million, or $1.79 per diluted common share, compared to $447.1 million, or $3.05 per diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The year-to-date year-over-year changes were primarily impacted by losses from sales of AFS investment securities totaling $256.7 million in connection with the strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio in the second quarter of 2024 and lower net interest income from continued increases in funding costs and negative deposit remixing. Provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $103.8 million compared to $143.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, with the decrease driven by improved performance, including a decrease in net charge-offs.
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.29 billion, down $84.9 million, or 6%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net interest margin was down 9 bps over the comparable nine-monthperiod in 2023 to 3.16%, impacted by negative deposit remixing and pricing lags within the deposit portfolio. Net interest margin was up 2 bps on a linked quarter basis. The third quarter 2024 included a full quarter impact of the investment securities repositioning in May 2024 and a modest improvement in asset yields, which helped more than offset deposit mix shifts that drove deposit costs to increase over the previous quarter. See "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Investment Securities" in this Report for more information on the securities repositioning.
Non-interest revenue for the third quarter of 2024 was $124.0 million, up $16.8 million, or 16%, compared to the third quarter of 2023, mostly due to higher commercial sponsorship income (primarily within other non-interest revenue), capital markets income, and analysis fees. Non-interest revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $114.0 million, down $238.5 million, or 68%, compared to the same period in 2023, and was impacted by losses from sales of AFS investment securities totaling $256.7 million in the second quarter of 2024 and the prior year $13.1 million one-time benefit from the recovery of a non-performing asset related to the regulatory approval of our Qualpay investment.
Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $313.7 million, down $39.8 million, or 11%, and year-to-date was $938.2 million, a decrease of $44.3 million, or 5% compared to the same periods in 2023, due in part to $31.0 million and $50.1 million in losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, related to the strategic sales of medical
44
office building loans and third-party consumer loans that closed in the third quarter of 2023. In addition, restructuring charges of $18.4 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2023 for one-time termination benefits associated with a voluntary early retirement program offered to certain qualified employees.
At September 30, 2024, loans, net of deferred fees and costs, of $43.12 billion, decreased $283.8 million from December 31, 2023. C&I loans increased slightly, impacted by growth in key strategic business lines partially offset by continued focus on strategically reducing non-relationship loans and increased paydowns. CRE loans declined primarily due to increased transactions from client property sales and refinancings partially offset by relatively stable loan production. The decrease in consumer loans resulted primarily from the continued strategic runoff of the third-party lending portfolio in addition to a decline in mortgage loans.
Credit metrics at September 30, 2024 included both NPAs and NPLs at 73 bps, and total past due loans at 23 bps as a percentage of total loans. Net charge-offs were $27.1 million, or 25 bps annualized, and $105.9 million, or 33 bps annualized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The ACL at September 30, 2024 totaled $534.5 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from December 31, 2023, and the ACL to loans coverage ratio at September 30, 2024 of 1.24% was unchanged compared to December 31, 2023.
Total period-end deposits at September 30, 2024 decreased $545.4 million compared to December 31, 2023, as a $937.6 million decline in brokered deposits, resulting from continued proactive management of our balance sheet position, was somewhat offset by a $392.1 million increase in core deposits. The growth in core deposits was primarily due to continued client demand for time deposits, partially offset by a decline in non-interest-bearing demand deposits primarily driven by commercial client deployment of excess funds. Additionally, growth in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts thus far in 2024 has contributed to the increase in core deposits compared to December 31, 2023. Total average deposit costs of 2.72% in the third quarter of 2024, increased 4 bps and 41 bps, from the prior quarter and prior year comparable periods, respectively.
At September 30, 2024, Synovus' CET1 ratio of 10.64% improved 42 bps and 51 bps compared to December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively, as our organic earnings, along with the completion of our risk-weighted assets optimization effort earlier in 2024, supported capital accretion that more than offset share repurchases and the strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio during the second quarter of 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus repurchased 5.4 million shares of common stock at an average price of $40.66 per share via open market transactions.
More detail on Synovus' financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 may be found in subsequent sections of "Item 2. – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Report. See also "Part 1 – Item 1A. – Risk Factors" of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K.
2024 Updated Fundamental Guidance
Updated fundamental guidancefor 2024, compared to 2023, is based on our current forecast, which incorporates our strategic objectives and assumes stable economic conditions:
•end of period loan (decline) growth of (1%) to 0%
•end of period core deposit(1) growth of 2% to 4%
•adjusted revenue (decline) growth(2)(3)(4) of (2.5%) to (2%)
•adjusted non-interest expense(2)(3)(5) growth of approximately 1% (excluding FDIC special assessment)
•net charge-off ratio of 0.30% to 0.35%(6)
•CET1 ratio of approximately 10.6%
•effective income tax rate of approximately 21%
(1) Excludes brokered deposits.
(2) Non-GAAP financial measure; see "Table 14 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Report for applicable reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure.
(3) Guidance based on 2023 baseline: adjusted revenue baseline of $2.28 billion and adjusted non-interest expense of $1.26 billion. Excluding the FDIC special assessment, the amount is $1.21 billion.
(4) Guidance incorporates a potential 50 bps of additional FOMC interest rate cut in the fourth quarter of 2024 (25 bps each in November and December of 2024)
(5) Recorded accrual reversals of $1.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, during the third and second quarters of 2024 and accruals for $12.8 million and $51.0 million, respectively, during the first quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023 related to the FDIC special assessment.
(6) Assumes stable economic conditions.
45
Changes in Financial Condition
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total assets decreased $219.9 million compared to December 31, 2023 to $59.59 billion. Investment securities totaled $10.18 billion and increased $388.0 million from December 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2024, Synovus repositioned the AFS securities portfolio by selling lower coupon, lower yielding mortgage-backed securities and purchasing higher yielding AFS securities. Additionally, on April 1, 2024, Synovus transferred $2.72 billion in fair value of investment securities from AFS to HTM, which reduced our exposure to potential volatility associated with investment security market price fluctuations. At the time of transfer, $708.5 million of pre-tax unrealized losses were retained in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities. See "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies and Note 2 - Investment Securities" in this Report for more information on the securities transfer and repositioning.
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs, decreased $283.8 million compared to December 31, 2023. C&I loans increased slightly, impacted by growth in key strategic business lines partially offset by continued focus on strategically reducing non-relationship loans and increased paydowns. CRE loans declined primarily due to increased transactions from client property sales and refinancings partially offset by relatively stable loan production. The decrease in consumer loans resulted primarily from the continued strategic runoff of the third-party lending portfolio in addition to a decline in mortgage loans, largely due to lower production impacted by continued elevated mortgage interest rates that have begun to moderate.
Deposits decreased $545.4 million compared to December 31, 2023, as a $937.6 million decline in brokered deposits, resulting from continued proactive management of our balance sheet position, was somewhat offset by a $392.1 million increase in core deposits. The loan to deposit ratio was 85.9% at September 30, 2024 as compared to 85.5% at December 31, 2023.
Total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity at September 30, 2024 increased $236.0 million compared to December 31, 2023, driven by a reduction in after-tax net unrealized losses on investment securities AFS of $781.2 million, which was somewhat offset by $506.7 million in after-tax net unrealized losses on investment securities HTM that were transferred from investment securities AFS. Retained earnings increased and included net income attributable to Synovus Financial Corp. of $292.0 million, partially offset by common and preferred stock dividends of $164.4 million and $31.3 million, respectively. In addition, there was a decrease of $222.6 million for common stock repurchases.
Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023.
Table 2 - Loans by Portfolio Class
September 30, 2024 vs. December 31, 2023 Change
September 30, 2024 vs. September 30, 2023 Change
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Commercial, financial and agricultural
$
14,563,913
33.8
%
$
14,459,345
33.3
%
$
104,568
1
%
$
14,498,966
33.2
%
$
64,947
—
%
Owner-occupied
8,100,084
18.8
8,139,148
18.7
(39,064)
—
8,281,988
19.0
(181,904)
(2)
Total commercial and industrial(1)
22,663,997
52.6
22,598,493
52.0
65,504
—
22,780,954
52.2
(116,957)
(1)
Investment properties
11,346,549
26.3
11,363,304
26.2
(16,755)
—
11,377,755
26.1
(31,206)
—
1-4 family properties
528,130
1.2
598,502
1.4
(70,372)
(12)
620,904
1.4
(92,774)
(15)
Land and development
302,805
0.7
354,952
0.8
(52,147)
(15)
396,194
0.9
(93,389)
(24)
Total commercial real estate
12,177,484
28.2
12,316,758
28.4
(139,274)
(1)
12,394,853
28.4
(217,369)
(2)
Consumer mortgages
5,323,443
12.4
5,411,723
12.5
(88,280)
(2)
5,391,282
12.3
(67,839)
(1)
Home equity
1,809,286
4.2
1,807,399
4.2
1,887
—
1,784,356
4.1
24,930
1
Credit cards
181,386
0.4
194,141
0.4
(12,755)
(7)
191,046
0.4
(9,660)
(5)
Other consumer loans
965,078
2.2
1,075,976
2.5
(110,898)
(10)
1,137,419
2.6
(172,341)
(15)
Total consumer
8,279,193
19.2
8,489,239
19.6
(210,046)
(2)
8,504,103
19.4
(224,910)
(3)
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
43,120,674
100.0
%
$
43,404,490
100.0
%
$
(283,816)
(1)
%
$
43,679,910
100.0
%
$
(559,236)
(1)
%
(1) Includes senior housing loans of $3.10 billion, $3.28 billion, and $3.46 billion at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, respectively, which are primarily classified as owner-occupied in accordance with our underwriting process.
At September 30, 2024, loans, net of deferred fees and costs of $43.12 billion, decreased $283.8 million, or 1%, from December 31, 2023. C&I loans increased slightly, impacted by growth in key strategic business lines partially offset by continued focus on strategically reducing non-relationship loans and increased paydowns. CRE loans declined primarily due to
46
increased transactions from client property sales and refinancings partially offset by relatively stable loan production. The decrease in consumer loans resulted primarily from the continued strategic runoff of the third-party lending portfolio in addition to a decline in mortgage loans, largely due to lower production impacted by continued elevated mortgage interest rates that have begun to moderate.
C&I loans remain the largest component of our loan portfolio, representing 52.6% of total loans, while CRE and consumer loans represent 28.2% and 19.2%, respectively. Our portfolio composition is guided by our strategic growth plan, in conjunction with a comprehensive concentration management policy which sets limits for C&I, CRE, and consumer loan levels as well as sub-categories therein.
Commercial Loans
Total commercial loans (which are comprised of C&I and CRE loans) at September 30, 2024 were $34.84 billion, or 80.8% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $34.92 billion, or 80.4%, at December 31, 2023.
Synovus actively manages and evaluates credit risk associated with its commercial loans through robust underwriting policies and routine loan monitoring in order to identify and mitigate any weakness as early as possible. Synovus’ management, along with its Chief Credit Officer and Credit Risk Committee, continually monitors and evaluates commercial concentrations by property class, industry, and relative to regulatory capital to remain in line with Board-established limits and adapt to changing industry conditions. As part of its risk management efforts, Synovus monitors its commercial loan portfolio on an ongoing basis to assess credit risks, identify emerging risks, and adjust its lending limits taking into account, among other things, (1) the size, complexity, and level of risk of loans and individual borrowers, (2) changes in the level of credit risk at both the borrower and portfolio level, (3) concentrations of credit risk pertaining to both specific industries and geographies in its loan portfolio, (4) loan structure, collateral location and quality, and project progress, and (5) economic forecasts and industry outlook.
Synovus has established recommended credit exposure limits for large commercial lending relationships based on Synovus' internal risk ratings for an individual borrower at the time the lending commitment is approved, with the final exposure limit being determined by the appropriate credit approval committee. Commercial credits are subject to review according to credit risk management monitoring practices as outlined in Synovus' loan policy, as well as a sampling process performed by Synovus Credit Review to ensure uniform application of policies and procedures and to validate risk rating accuracy. Synovus prepares targeted stress tests on a routine basis for its commercial loans. This testing is completed in addition to sensitivity testing completed at the initial extension of credit.
Commercial and Industrial Loans
The C&I loan portfolio represents the largest category of Synovus' loan portfolio and is primarily comprised of general middle market and commercial banking clients across a diverse set of industries as well as certain specialized lending verticals. The following table shows the composition of the C&I loan portfolio aggregated by NAICS code. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 95.2% and 94.8%, respectively, of Synovus' C&I loans are secured by real estate, business equipment, inventory, and other types of collateral. C&I loans at September 30, 2024 grew $65.5 million from December 31, 2023, and resulted primarily from growth in key business lines, led by middle market, specialty finance, and CIB, partially offset by continued strategic decline from non-relationship loans and increased paydowns.
47
Table 3 - Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
NAICS Code
Amount
%(1)
Amount
%(1)
Finance and insurance
52
$
4,629,351
20.4
%
$
4,429,716
19.6
%
Health care and social assistance
62
4,559,182
20.1
4,742,370
21.0
Accommodation and food services
72
1,557,767
6.9
1,455,283
6.4
Lessors of real estate
5,311
1,307,825
5.8
1,250,031
5.5
Manufacturing
31-33
1,290,647
5.7
1,369,012
6.1
Wholesale trade
42
1,258,319
5.6
1,129,905
5.0
Retail trade
44-45
1,110,583
4.9
1,111,225
4.9
Other industries
(2)
1,102,258
4.9
1,091,566
4.8
Construction
23
1,025,186
4.5
1,041,783
4.6
Other services
81
880,782
3.9
876,233
3.9
Professional, scientific, and technical services
54
865,777
3.8
890,119
3.9
Transportation and warehousing
48-49
840,262
3.7
937,368
4.2
Real estate and rental and leasing other
53
794,081
3.5
785,811
3.5
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
71
544,319
2.4
585,097
2.6
Public administration
92
459,447
2.0
487,089
2.2
Educational services
61
438,211
1.9
415,885
1.8
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
22,663,997
100.0
%
$
22,598,493
100.0
%
(1) Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total C&I loans.
(2) Comprised of NAICS industries that are less than 1% of total C&I loans at September 30, 2024.
At September 30, 2024, $14.56 billion of C&I loans, or 33.8% 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, cash surrender value of life insurance, and other business assets.
At September 30, 2024, $8.10 billion of C&I loans, or 18.8% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing owner-occupied properties. The financing of owner-occupied facilities is considered a C&I loan even though there is improved real estate as collateral such as senior housing facilities. This treatment is a result of the credit decision process, which focuses on cash flow from operations of the business to repay the debt. The secondary source of repayment on these loans is the underlying real estate. These loans are predominantly secured by owner-occupied and other real estate and, to a lesser extent, other types of collateral.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
CRE loans consist primarily of income-producing investment properties loans. Additionally, CRE loans include 1-4 family properties loans as well as land and development loans.
Total CRE loans of $12.18 billion decreased $139.3 million, or 1%, from December 31, 2023, primarily due to elevated levels of transaction activity from client property sales and refinancings partially offset by relatively stable loan production.
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. Total investment properties loans as of September 30, 2024 were $11.35 billion, or 93.2% of the CRE loan portfolio, and decreased $16.8 million from December 31, 2023.
48
The following table shows the principal categories of the investment properties loan portfolio at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Table 4 - Investment Properties Loan Portfolio
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
% (1)
Weighted Average LTV %(2)
Amount
% (1)
Weighted Average LTV %(2)
Multi-Family
$
4,379,459
38.6
%
52.2
%
$
4,098,188
36.1
%
53.6
%
Hotels
1,738,068
15.3
56.0
1,803,102
15.9
58.0
Office Buildings
1,778,698
15.7
54.8
1,891,587
16.6
58.1
Shopping Centers
1,260,460
11.1
52.4
1,319,049
11.6
55.0
Warehouses
837,145
7.4
51.3
854,475
7.5
54.3
Other investment property
1,352,719
11.9
53.4
1,396,903
12.3
59.3
Total investment properties loans
$
11,346,549
100.0
%
$
11,363,304
100.0
%
(1) Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total investment properties loans.
(2) LTV calculated by dividing the respective September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 commitment amount and senior lien by most recent appraisal (typically at origination).
1-4 Family Properties Loans
1-4 family properties loans include construction loans to home builders and commercial mortgage loans related to 1-4 family rental properties 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. At September 30, 2024, 1-4 family properties loans totaled $528.1 million, or 4.3% of the CRE loan portfolio, and decreased $70.4 million from December 31, 2023.
Land and Development Loans
Land and development loans include commercial and residential development as well as land acquisition loans and are secured by land held for future development, typically in excess of one year. Properties securing these loans are substantially within markets served by Synovus, and loan terms generally include personal guarantees from the principals. Loans in this portfolio are underwritten based on the LTV of the collateral and the capacity of the guarantor(s). Land and development loans of $302.8 million at September 30, 2024 decreased $52.1 million from December 31, 2023.
Consumer Loans
The consumer loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through Synovus' banking network, including first and second residential mortgages, home equity and consumer credit card loans, as well as both secured and unsecured loans from third-party lending. As of September 30, 2024, weighted-average FICO scores within the residential real estate portfolio based on committed balances were 783 for consumer mortgages and 796 for home equity, consistent with year-end 2023 scores.
Consumer loans at September 30, 2024 of $8.28 billion decreased $210.0 million, or 2%, compared to December 31, 2023. Mortgage loans decreased $88.3 million from December 31, 2023 largely due to lower production impacted by continued elevated mortgage interest rates that have begun to moderate. Other consumer loans decreased $110.9 million from December 31, 2023, primarily due to continued strategic runoff of the third-party lending portfolio.
Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for interest earning assets. The following table shows the composition of period-end deposits as of the dates indicated. See Table 11 - Quarter-to-Date Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
49
and Table 12 - Year-to-Date Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis in this Report for information on average deposits including average rates.
Table 5 - Composition of Period-end Deposits
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
%(1)
December 31, 2023
%(1)
September 30, 2023
%(1)
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits(2)
$
11,129,094
22.2
%
$
11,801,194
23.3
%
$
12,395,135
24.7
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits(2)
6,821,274
13.5
6,540,977
12.9
6,276,124
12.5
Money market accounts(2)
11,031,502
22.0
10,819,709
21.3
10,786,257
21.5
Savings deposits(2)
983,171
2.0
1,062,619
2.1
1,132,486
2.2
Public funds
7,047,563
14.0
7,349,505
14.5
6,885,705
13.7
Time deposits(2)
8,075,697
16.1
7,122,182
14.0
6,506,424
13.0
Brokered deposits
5,105,439
10.2
6,042,999
11.9
6,221,759
12.4
Total deposits
$
50,193,740
100.0
%
$
50,739,185
100.0
%
$
50,203,890
100.0
%
Core deposits(3)
$
45,088,301
89.8
%
$
44,696,186
88.1
%
$
43,982,131
87.6
%
Brokered time deposits
$
2,068,697
4.1
%
$
3,248,088
6.4
%
$
3,698,374
7.4
%
Public funds time deposits
$
384,158
0.8
%
$
412,211
0.8
%
$
318,605
0.6
%
(1) Deposits balance in each category expressed as percentage of total deposits.
(2) Excluding any public funds or brokered deposits.
(3) Core deposits exclude brokered deposits.
Total period-end deposits at September 30, 2024 decreased $545.4 million compared to December 31, 2023 as a $937.6 million decline in brokered deposits, resulting from continued proactive management of our balance sheet position, was somewhat offset by a $392.1 million increase in core deposits. The growth in core deposits was primarily due to continued client demand for time deposits, partially offset by a decline in non-interest-bearing demand deposits primarily driven by commercial client deployment of excess funds. Additionally, growth in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts thus far in 2024 has contributed to the increase in core deposits compared to December 31, 2023.
Total average deposit costs of 2.72% in the third quarter of 2024 increased 4 bps and 41 bps, from the prior quarter and prior year comparable periods, respectively. Total average deposit costs compared to the prior year comparable period were higher primarily due to the aforementioned continued client demand for time deposits along with remixing of non-interest-bearing demand deposits.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $24.71 billion and $23.77 billion, respectively, of our deposit portfolio was uninsured. The uninsured amounts are estimated based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the Bank's regulatory reporting requirements. At September 30, 2024, approximately 82% of our deposits are either insured (51%), collateralized (14%), or could be insured by switching to our insured cash sweep program, which has existing capacity (17%).
50
Non-interest Revenue
The following table shows the principal components of non-interest revenue.
Table 6 - Non-interest Revenue
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
23,683
$
21,385
$
2,298
11
%
$
68,403
$
67,836
$
567
1
%
Fiduciary and asset management fees
19,714
20,205
(491)
(2)
58,455
59,928
(1,473)
(2)
Card fees
18,439
18,602
(163)
(1)
57,343
51,485
5,858
11
Brokerage revenue
20,810
21,387
(577)
(3)
63,974
68,043
(4,069)
(6)
Mortgage banking income
4,033
3,671
362
10
11,395
12,138
(743)
(6)
Capital markets income
10,284
7,980
2,304
29
31,988
32,589
(601)
(2)
Income from bank-owned life insurance
8,442
6,965
1,477
21
23,886
21,106
2,780
13
Insurance revenue
602
243
359
148
1,297
1,241
56
5
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
nm
(256,660)
1,030
(257,690)
nm
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
1,929
(1,929)
nm
—
1,929
(1,929)
nm
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
nm
—
13,126
(13,126)
nm
Other non-interest revenue
17,973
4,772
13,201
277
53,936
22,090
31,846
144
Total non-interest revenue
$
123,980
$
107,139
$
16,841
16
%
$
114,017
$
352,541
$
(238,524)
(68)
%
Core banking fees (1)
$
47,963
$
45,408
$
2,555
6
%
$
143,612
$
136,878
$
6,734
5
%
Wealth revenue (2)
$
41,126
$
41,835
$
(709)
(2)
%
$
123,726
$
129,212
$
(5,486)
(4)
%
(1) Core banking fees consist of service charges on deposit accounts, card fees, and several other non-interest revenue components including line of credit non-usage fees, letter of credit fees, ATM fee income, and miscellaneous other service charges.
(2) Wealth revenue consists of fiduciary and asset management, brokerage, and insurance revenue.
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared to September 30, 2023
Non-interest revenue for the third quarter of 2024 was $124.0 million, up $16.8 million, or 16%, compared to the third quarter of 2023, mostly due to higher commercial sponsorship income (primarily within other non-interest revenue), capital markets income, and analysis fees. Non-interest revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $114.0 million, down $238.5 million, or 68%, compared to the same period in 2023, and was impacted by losses from sales of AFS investment securities totaling $256.7 million in connection with the strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio in the second quarter of 2024 and the prior year $13.1 million one-time benefit from the recovery of a non-performing asset related to the regulatory approval of our Qualpay investment.
Service charges on deposit accounts, consisting of account analysis fees, NSF fees, and all other service charges increased slightly over the prior year comparable periods. The largest category of service charges, account analysis fees, were up $2.1 million, or 20%, compared to the third quarter of 2023 and increased $4.6 million, or 14% on a comparable year-to-date basis largely due to a reduction in waivers that began in the second quarter of 2024. NSF/overdraft fees were up $0.2 million, or 4%, and down $3.0 million, or 17%, on a quarter-to-date and year-to-date basis, respectively. The year-to-date decline was primarily due to the impact of NSF/overdraft fee program changes implemented in the third quarter of 2023. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on consumer demand deposits and small business accounts, were flat quarter over quarter and were down $955 thousand, or 5%, in the comparable year-to-date period, primarily due to checking account product and fee changes implemented in the third quarter of 2023.
Fiduciary and asset management fees are derived from providing estate administration, personal trust, corporate trust, corporate bond, investment management, financial planning, and family office services. Fiduciary and asset management fees were down for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily driven by a decline in asset management income impacted by the sale of GLOBALT on September 30, 2023, partially offset by higher trust fees, including increased investment advisor fees.
Card fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees, debit card interchange fees, and merchant revenue. Card fees are reported net of certain associated expense items, including client loyalty program expenses and network expenses. Merchant
51
revenue relates to the fees that are charged to merchant clients based on a percentage of their credit or debit card transaction volume amounts. Card fees for the third quarter of 2024 were down slightly compared to the third quarter of 2023, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, card fees were up 11% on a comparable year-to-date basis, primarily due to $5.3 million higher merchant fees related to a full year of our Qualpay investment.
Brokerage revenue consists primarily of brokerage commissions as well as advisory fees earned from the management of client assets. Brokerage revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 3% and 6%, respectively, over the prior year comparable periods, with the decline mainly attributable to repurchase volume associated with a single municipal client, partially offset by higher market-driven advisory fees and increased rate-driven annuities revenue.
Mortgage banking income, consisting of net gains on loan origination/sales activities, increased in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This growth can be attributed to a more favorable interest rate environment and a stabilizing pipeline, partially offset by lower production revenue. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year-to-date period was primarily driven by reduced production revenue. Secondary market production for the third quarter of 2024 declined 20% compared to the third quarter of 2023, while year-to-date, production decreased 12% compared to the same period in 2023.
Capital markets income primarily includes fee income from client derivative transactions, debt capital market transactions, foreign exchange, gains (losses) from sales of SBA loans, as well as other miscellaneous income from capital market transactions. The increase in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to $1.7 million higher loan syndication arranger fees, $869 thousand higher debt capital market transaction fees, a $586 thousand increase in foreign exchange sales income, and a $318 thousand increase in gains on sales of SBA loans, partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease in fees on client derivative transactions. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was largely impacted by $4.5 million lower client derivative transactions and a $1.2 million decrease in LIHTC-related income, somewhat offset by a $3.1 million increase in debt capital market transaction fees and $1.8 million higher foreign exchange sales income.
The main components of other non-interest revenue are fees for letters of credit and unused lines of credit, safe deposit box fees, access fees for ATM use, other service charges and loan servicing fees, earnings on equity method investments, commercial sponsorship income, including transaction and servicing fees associated with a third-party lending relationship, and other miscellaneous items. The three months ended September 30, 2024 increase compared to the prior year was largely due to $6.9 million higher commercial sponsorship income and a $3.1 million increase in the fair value of non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets (offset in non-interest expense). The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 was largely attributable to $22.2 million higher commercial sponsorship income and a $3.0 million increase in the fair value of non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets (offset in non-interest expense).
52
Non-interest Expense
The following table summarizes the components of non-interest expense.
Table 7 - Non-interest Expense
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
2024
2023
$ Change
% Change
Salaries and other personnel expense
$
184,814
$
179,741
$
5,073
3
%
$
552,742
$
551,667
$
1,075
—
%
Net occupancy, equipment, and software expense
46,977
45,790
1,187
3
140,200
131,435
8,765
7
Third-party processing and other services
21,552
21,439
113
1
63,593
64,932
(1,339)
(2)
Professional fees
10,854
10,147
707
7
34,140
28,707
5,433
19
FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
7,382
11,837
(4,455)
(38)
37,694
33,266
4,428
13
Amortization of intangibles
2,907
3,042
(135)
(4)
8,721
7,319
1,402
19
Restructuring charges (reversals)
1,219
17,319
(16,100)
nm
2,084
16,476
(14,392)
nm
Valuation adjustment to Visa derivative
8,700
900
7,800
nm
8,700
3,927
4,773
nm
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt
—
(526)
526
nm
—
(903)
903
nm
Loss on other loans held for sale
—
30,954
(30,954)
nm
—
50,064
(50,064)
nm
Other operating expense
29,285
32,889
(3,604)
(11)
90,358
95,676
(5,318)
(6)
Total non-interest expense
$
313,690
$
353,532
$
(39,842)
(11)
%
$
938,232
$
982,566
$
(44,334)
(5)
%
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared to September 30, 2023
Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $313.7 million, down $39.8 million, or 11%, and year-to-date was $938.2 million, a decrease of $44.3 million, or 5%, compared to the same periods in 2023, due in part to $31.0 million and $50.1 million in losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, related to the strategic sales of medical office building loans and third-party consumer loans that closed in the third quarter of 2023. In addition, restructuring charges of $18.4 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2023 for one-time termination benefits associated with a voluntary early retirement program offered to certain qualified employees.
Salaries and other personnel expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to higher incentive compensation due to outperformance, a $3.1 million unfavorable change in the fair value of non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets (offset in non-interest revenue), and unfavorable impact from deferred loan origination costs driven by the overall mix of loan production, partially offset by lower employee insurance from decreased claims in 2024 and headcount reductions. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 increase was largely the result of higher incentive compensation due to outperformance, unfavorable impact from deferred loan origination costs driven by lower loan production, and a $3.0 million unfavorable change in the fair value of non-qualified deferred compensation plan assets (offset in non-interest revenue), partially offset by lower employee insurance from decreased claims in 2024, reduced temporary help expense, and headcount reductions. Total headcount of 4,806 was down by 191, or 4%, compared to September 30, 2023 primarily as a result of the voluntary early retirement program offered to certain qualified employees in 2023, in addition to strategic reductions in areas primarily impacted by production volume declines.
Net occupancy, equipment, and software expense increased compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to ongoing investments in technology in addition to increased property expense.
Third-party processing and other services expense includes all third-party core operating system and processing charges as well as third-party loan servicing charges. Third-party processing expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased compared to the same period in 2023 largely due to lower servicing fees associated with decreased third-party consumer loans.
Professional fees were up for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 due to $7.3 million higher legal fees primarily associated with the process of resolving certain loan relationships, partially offset by $2.1 million lower consulting fees compared to 2023.
FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2024 largely due to a lower base assessment rate and a $1.7 million reversal related to the FDIC special assessment based on the invoice received from the FDIC in the third quarter of 2024. The nine months ended September 30, 2024 increase was driven by a net increase of $7.2 million to the accrual related to updated estimates of the FDIC special assessment partially offset by a slightly lower base assessment rate.
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Amortization of intangibles increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 due to Synovus' acquisition of Qualpay in the second quarter of 2023.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, restructuring charges (reversals) primarily consisted of $4.3 million of asset impairment charges related to corporate offices/branches and $878 thousand of net severance expense somewhat offset by $3.8 million in gains on sales of properties, while the restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included $5.9 million in asset impairment/lease termination and common area maintenance charges related to corporate offices/branches as well as $568 thousand in net severance expense partially offset by $4.4 million in gains on sales of properties. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, restructuring charges (reversals) primarily consisted of $18.4 million in one-time termination benefits associated with a voluntary early retirement program offered to certain qualified employees and $857 thousand in gains on sale of branches previously closed. The nine months ended September 30, 2023 included the aforementioned charges related to the voluntary early retirement program in addition to $1.5 million of additional severance that was unrelated to the amount recorded for the voluntary early retirement program, partially offset by $4.1 million in gains on the sale of branches previously closed.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus recorded a valuation adjustment of $8.7 million to the Visa derivative associated with an indemnification agreement following Visa's announcement to fund to its litigation escrow account. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Synovus recorded valuation adjustments of $900 thousand and $3.9 million, respectively, to the Visa derivative associated with an indemnification agreement following Visa's announcement to fund to its litigation escrow account.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Synovus recorded losses of $31.0 million and $50.1 million, respectively, related to the strategic sales of medical office building loans and third-party consumer loans that closed in the third quarter of 2023.
Other operating expense includes advertising, travel, insurance, network and communication, other taxes, subscriptions and dues, other loan and ORE expense, postage and freight, training, business development, supplies, donations, and other miscellaneous expense. Other operating expense was down from the comparable periods in 2023 largely due to efforts to reduce client fraud and other operational losses as well as other prudent expense management efforts.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $46.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $27.7 million of tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023, representing effective tax rates of 20.6% and 22.3%, respectively. Income tax expense was $76.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to income tax expense of $133.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, representing effective tax rates of 20.9% and 22.0%, respectively.
The effective tax rate was lower for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024, due to varying levels of pre-tax income and a change in the timing and mix of discrete tax items recognized in the comparable periods. These discrete items include tax benefits from share-based compensation, the accrual and release of valuation allowances or reserves for uncertain tax positions, and accounting for changes in tax laws, all of which can vary significantly and affect comparability from period to period.
CREDIT QUALITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Credit Quality
Synovus diligently monitors the quality of its loan portfolio by industry, property type, and geography through a thorough portfolio review process and our analytical risk management tools. Such credit surveillance efforts are part of a broader credit risk management framework which includes Board oversight, as well as management-level committee oversight at varying levels across the portfolio. Governance includes limits across a host of factors, ranging from borrower-specific metrics and concentrations to enterprise-level portfolio concentrations. These measures are further complemented by an enterprise risk appetite framework, which helps ensure an expansive view across a myriad of credit risks within the portfolio.
At September 30, 2024, credit metrics included both NPAs and NPLs at 73 bps, and total past due loans at 23 bps as a percentage of total loans. Net charge-offs were $27.1 million, or 25 bps annualized, and $105.9 million, or 33 bps annualized, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Two major hurricanes have recently caused devastation to areas within and around the Synovus footprint, with Hurricane Helene impacting parts of the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee near the end of September 2024 and Hurricane Milton impacting parts of Florida in early October 2024. Following each storm, Synovus deployed its bankers to reach out to clients in affected areas, to assess any impact, and to develop a plan. Preliminary surveillance efforts thus far indicate that Synovus will experience minimal credit losses as a result of the hurricanes. Synovus activated its Loan Payment Deferral Disaster Relief
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Program for both hurricanes, which allows a payment deferral period of 90 days with relief requests available for up to 60 days from the disaster declaration date for impacted borrowers in FEMA-designated areas throughout the Synovus footprint. Through November 1, 2024, approximately $139 million of the total loan portfolio had a completed or pending 90-day payment deferral request.
The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
Table 8 - Credit Quality Metrics
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Non-performing loans
$
312,964
$
288,177
$
280,532
ORE and other assets
386
—
—
Non-performing assets
$
313,350
$
288,177
$
280,532
Total loans
$
43,120,674
$
43,404,490
$
43,679,910
Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
0.73
%
0.66
%
0.64
%
Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, ORE, and specific other assets
0.73
0.66
0.64
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
$
4,359
$
5,053
$
3,792
As a % of total loans
0.01
%
0.01
%
0.01
%
Total past due loans and still accruing
$
97,229
$
59,099
$
54,974
As a % of total loans
0.23
%
0.14
%
0.13
%
FDMs
$
108,296
$
249,529
$
128,397
Net charge-offs, quarter
27,052
41,574
66,822
Net charge-offs/average loans, quarter (annualized)
0.25
%
0.38
%
0.61
%
Net charge-offs, year-to-date
$
105,893
$
153,342
$
111,768
Net charge-offs/average loans, year-to-date (annualized)
0.33
%
0.35
%
0.34
%
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, quarter
$
26,936
$
43,427
$
73,116
Provision for (reversal of) unfunded commitments, quarter
(3,502)
2,045
(544)
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, quarter
$
23,434
$
45,472
$
72,572
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, year-to-date
111,493
189,303
145,876
Provision for (reversal of) unfunded commitments, year-to-date
(7,675)
(224)
(2,269)
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses, year-to-date
103,818
189,079
143,607
Allowance for loan losses
$
484,985
$
479,385
$
477,532
Reserve for unfunded commitments
49,556
57,231
55,185
Allowance for credit losses
$
534,541
$
536,616
$
532,717
ACL to loans coverage ratio
1.24
%
1.24
%
1.22
%
ALL to loans coverage ratio
1.12
1.10
1.09
ACL/NPLs
170.80
186.21
189.90
ALL/NPLs
154.96
166.35
170.22
Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $313.4 million at September 30, 2024, a $25.2 million, or 9%, increase from December 31, 2023 primarily due to the designation of a large commercial real estate office relationship as non-performing, partially offset by the resolution of a few non-performing relationships.
Criticized and Classified Loans
Our loan ratings are aligned to federal banking regulators' definitions of pass and criticized categories, which include special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss. Substandard accruing and non-accruing loans, doubtful, and loss loans are often collectively referred to as classified. Special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss loans are often collectively referred to as criticized and classified loans.The following table presents a summary of criticized and classified loans. Criticized and classified loans at September 30, 2024 increased $166.7 million compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to the
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downward migration of several commercial credits.
Table 9 - Criticized and Classified Loans
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Special mention
$
732,347
$
615,748
Substandard
888,641
898,579
Doubtful
69,431
9,714
Loss
2,859
2,539
Criticized and Classified loans
$
1,693,278
$
1,526,580
As a % of total loans
3.9
%
3.5
%
Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses was $23.4 million and $103.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a provision of $72.6 million and $143.6 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decreases compared to the same periods in 2023 were driven by improved performance, including a decrease in net charge-offs. Net charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $27.1 million and $105.9 million, respectively, compared to $66.8 million and $111.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The ALL of $485.0 million and the reserve for unfunded commitments of $49.6 million, which is recorded in other liabilities, comprise the total ACL of $534.5 million at September 30, 2024. The ACL decreased $2.1 million compared to the December 31, 2023 ACL of $536.6 million, which consisted of an ALL of $479.4 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $57.2 million. When compared to the December 31, 2023 ACL, the September 30, 2024 ACL was slightly lower and characterized by lower net growth and improved performance, as well as increased economic uncertainty. The ACL to loans coverage ratio of 1.24% at September 30, 2024 was unchanged compared to December 31, 2023.
Capital Resources
Synovus and Synovus Bank are required to comply with capital adequacy standards established by our primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve. Synovus and Synovus Bank measure capital adequacy using the standardized approach under Basel III. Beyond adhering to regulatory capital standards, Synovus also maintains a rigorous capital management and adequacy framework, which includes oversight by both the ALCO and the Board. This effort involves monitoring and managing our capital position in alignment with our Board’s risk appetite framework and with a Board-approved annual capital plan, with a focus on applicable regulatory capital ratios. Our ALCO serves to provide management level oversight within this framework, which may include establishing target operating ranges for certain capital measures, such as CET1, as a means to provide further clarity over the management of our capital position.
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At September 30, 2024, Synovus and Synovus Bank's capital levels remained strong and exceeded well-capitalized requirements currently in effect. The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Table 10 - Capital Ratios
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
CET1 capital
Synovus Financial Corp.
$
5,107,668
$
5,206,521
Synovus Bank
5,559,883
5,559,624
Tier 1 risk-based capital
Synovus Financial Corp.
5,644,813
5,743,666
Synovus Bank
5,559,883
5,559,624
Total risk-based capital
Synovus Financial Corp.
6,529,260
6,654,224
Synovus Bank
6,269,951
6,249,947
CET1 capital ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.64
%
10.22
%
Synovus Bank
11.60
10.93
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
11.76
11.28
Synovus Bank
11.60
10.93
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
13.60
13.07
Synovus Bank
13.08
12.29
Leverage ratio
Synovus Financial Corp.
9.55
9.49
Synovus Bank
9.43
9.21
At September 30, 2024, Synovus' CET1 ratio of 10.64% improved 42 bps compared to December 31, 2023, as our organic earnings, along with the completion of our risk-weighted assets optimization effort earlier in 2024, supported capital accretion that more than offset share repurchases and the strategic repositioning of the investment securities portfolio during the second quarter of 2024. We will continue to maintain a disciplined approach to capital management, which acknowledges the uncertain economic environment and ensures sufficient capital for expected client growth. Our focus remains on prioritizing the deployment of our balance sheet and capital position for core client growth; however, we expect to continue to complement that with share repurchases to effectively manage within our capital management framework. For additional information on regulatory capital requirements, see "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 10 - Regulatory Capital" to the consolidated financial statements of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K. Management reviews the Company's capital position on an ongoing basis and believes, based on internal capital analyses and earnings projections, that Synovus is well positioned to meet relevant regulatory capital standards.
The Company announced on January 18, 2024 that its Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $300 million of common stock and $50 million of preferred stock in 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus repurchased 2.3 million shares of common stock at an average price of $43.58 per share via open market transactions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Synovus repurchased 5.4 million shares of common stock at an average price of $40.66 per share via open market transactions.
On August 26, 2020, the federal banking regulators issued a final rule that allowed electing banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020 to mitigate the estimated effects of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year phase-in transition period. Synovus adopted CECL on January 1, 2020, and the September 30, 2024 regulatory capital ratios reflect Synovus' election of the five-year transition provision. At September 30, 2024, $14.6 million, or a cumulative 3 bps benefit to CET1, was deferred.
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Dividends
Synovus has historically paid a quarterly cash dividend to the holders of its common stock. Management and the Board of Directors closely monitor 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.
Synovus' ability to pay dividends on its common stock and 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.
Synovus declared common stock dividends of $164.4 million, or $1.14 per common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $166.6 million, or $1.14 per common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In addition, Synovus declared dividends on its preferred stock of $31.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $26.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity
Liquidity represents the extent to which Synovus has readily available sources of funding 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 as well as market risk.
In accordance with Synovus policies and regulatory guidance, ALCO evaluates contractual and anticipated cash flows under normal and stressed conditions to properly manage the Company’s liquidity profile. Synovus places an emphasis on maintaining numerous sources of current and contingent liquidity to meet its obligations to depositors, borrowers, and creditors on a timely basis. Liquidity is generated through various sources, including, but not limited to, maturities and repayments of loans by clients, maturities and sales of investment securities, and growth in core and wholesale deposits.
Synovus Bank also generates liquidity through the issuance of brokered certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Synovus Bank accesses funds from a broad geographic base to diversify its sources of funding and liquidity. Synovus Bank also has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB system and the Federal Reserve. Management continuously monitors and maintains appropriate levels of liquidity so as to provide adequate funding sources to manage client deposit withdrawals, loan requests, and other funding demands.
Total deposits at September 30, 2024 decreased $545.4 million compared to December 31, 2023, with a $937.6 million decline in brokered deposits, resulting from continued proactive management of our balance sheet position, that was somewhat offset by a $392.1 million increase in core deposits. The growth in core deposits was primarily due to continued client demand for time deposits partially offset by a decline in non-interest-bearing demand deposits primarily driven by commercial client deployment of excess funds. Additionally, growth in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts thus far in 2024 contributed to the increase in core deposits compared to December 31, 2023. Synovus continues to proactively manage its liquidity position, which has included the level of brokered deposits, and robust contingent liquidity is maintained across a diverse set of sources which include immediately available funds as well as funds we expect to be available within short notice. Contingent liquidity sources include primary sources such as FHLB borrowing capacity, FRB cash reserves, unencumbered securities, and third-party consumer loans, which includes our decision to sell loans from this portfolio and strategic runoff, while secondary sources consist of the Federal Reserve discount window, Fed Funds lines, and other sources. At September 30, 2024, contingent sources of liquidity totaled approximately $26.6 billion, and based on currently pledged collateral, Synovus Bank had access to FHLB funding of $7.4 billion, subject to FHLB credit policies.
In addition to bank level liquidity management, Synovus must manage liquidity at theParent Company level for various operating needs, including the servicing of debt, the payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock, payment of general corporate expense, and potential capital infusions into subsidiaries. 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 the Federal Reserve Bank. 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, both the GA DBF and Federal Reserve Bank may require approval to pay dividends, based on certain regulatory statutes and limitations.
Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs. However, if economic conditions were to significantly deteriorate, regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or Synovus Bank were to increase as a result of 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 - Market and Other General Risk - Recent negative developments affecting the banking industry, and resulting media coverage, have eroded client confidence in the banking system, and Credit and Liquidity Risk - Changes in the
58
cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results," ofSynovus' 2023 Form 10-K. Furthermore, Synovus may, from time to time, take advantage of attractive market opportunities to refinance, retire, or repurchase its existing debt, redeem or issue its preferred stock, repurchase shares, or strengthen its liquidity or capital position.
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average earning assets decreased $1.96 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The decline in average earning assets primarily resulted from a decline of $582.6 million in average investment securities (amortized cost basis), a decline of $580.6 million in average total loans, net of unearned income, and a decline of $559.2 million in average other loans held for sale. The lower average investment securities (amortized cost basis) were primarily due to the transfer of investment securities from AFS to HTM on April 1, 2024, which included unrealized losses at the date of transfer that will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities as an adjustment to yield, offsetting the amortization of the discount resulting from the transfer recorded at fair value. The decrease in average total loans, net of unearned income, was largely due to a continued focus on strategically reducing non-relationship loans, increased paydowns, and a decline in third-party consumer loans from continued run-off. The decline in average other loans held for sale was primarily attributable to sales of third-party consumer loans in 2023.
Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $332.9 million for the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities largely resulted from increases of $3.35 billion and $1.04 billion in average time deposits and average interest-bearing demand deposits, respectively, partially offset by a decrease of $830.8 million in average money market accounts, a decrease of $551.1 million in average brokered deposits, as well as decreases of $644.5 million and $1.80 billion in average other short-term borrowings and average long-term debt, respectively. The increases in time deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits and decrease in money market accounts were correlated, as fluctuations between these categories have been driven by the rate environment. The decreases to brokered deposits, other short-term borrowings, and long-term debt were largely due to the ongoing management of our liquidity position. Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $2.03 billion for the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to the continued pressures from the rate environment and client deployment of excess funds.
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.29 billion, down $84.9 million, or 6%, compared to the same period in 2023. Net interest margin was down 9 bps over the comparableperiod to 3.16%, impacted by negative deposit remixing and pricing lags within the deposit portfolio.
On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income was up $5.7 million, or 1%, and net interest margin for the third quarter of 2024 was up 2 bps compared to the second quarter of 2024. The third quarter included a full quarter impact of the investment securities repositioning in May and a modest improvement in asset yields. See "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Investment Securities" in this Report for more information on the securities repositioning. This helped more than offset deposit mix shifts that drove deposit costs to increase over the previous quarter. As we look to the fourth quarter of 2024, we project a relatively stable net interest margin. In isolation, the anticipated FOMC easing will serve as a modest headwind to the net interest margin as a result of repricing lead-lag impacts. However, the beneficial impact of fixed-rate asset repricing and hedge maturities in the fourth quarter of 2024 should support the net interest margin.
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Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
The following tables set forth the major components of net interest income and the related annualized yields and rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, as well as the variances between the periods caused by changes in interest rates versus changes in volume.
Table 11 - Quarter-to-Date Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
Three Months Ended September 30,
2024 Compared to 2023
2024
2023
Change due to (1)
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest
Yield/ Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Yield/ Rate
Volume
Yield/ Rate
Increase (Decrease)
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Commercial loans (2) (3)
$
34,610,296
$
592,142
6.81
%
$
34,990,459
$
579,177
6.57
%
$
(6,278)
$
19,243
$
12,965
Consumer loans (2)
8,298,130
109,908
5.28
8,509,757
108,065
5.06
(2,692)
4,535
1,843
Less: Allowance for loan losses
(482,863)
—
—
(461,385)
—
—
—
—
—
Loans, net
42,425,563
702,050
6.59
43,038,831
687,242
6.34
(8,970)
23,778
14,808
Total investment securities(4)
10,420,665
87,643
3.36
11,194,291
61,642
2.20
(4,278)
30,279
26,001
Trading account assets
14,392
246
6.84
16,186
237
5.86
(26)
35
9
Other earning assets(5)
1,408,415
18,803
5.24
1,237,445
16,369
5.17
2,218
216
2,434
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
170,977
2,113
4.94
244,906
3,783
6.18
(1,148)
(522)
(1,670)
Mortgage loans held for sale
34,890
612
7.01
53,904
879
6.52
(312)
45
(267)
Other loans held for sale
83,492
433
2.03
881,067
17,035
7.57
(15,176)
(1,426)
(16,602)
Total interest earning assets
$
54,558,394
$
811,900
5.92
%
$
56,666,630
$
787,187
5.51
%
$
(27,692)
$
52,405
$
24,713
Cash and due from banks
476,443
509,511
Premises and equipment
380,003
365,568
Other real estate
666
—
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
1,128,877
1,102,626
Other assets(6)
2,639,241
1,272,344
Total assets
$
59,183,624
$
59,916,679
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
10,834,829
$
71,786
2.64
%
$
10,114,171
$
52,983
2.08
%
$
3,768
$
15,035
$
18,803
Money market accounts
13,058,527
104,514
3.18
13,147,465
95,339
2.88
(644)
9,819
9,175
Savings deposits
1,007,962
355
0.14
1,178,322
280
0.09
(38)
113
75
Time deposits
8,437,861
93,052
4.39
6,180,584
59,972
3.85
21,845
11,235
33,080
Brokered deposits
5,476,231
75,607
5.49
6,442,690
83,486
5.14
(12,487)
4,608
(7,879)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
94,629
369
1.53
73,344
296
1.58
84
(11)
73
Other short-term borrowings
2,209
29
5.20
1,722
—
—
—
29
29
Long-term debt
1,385,836
24,055
6.93
3,230,374
50,524
6.18
(28,654)
2,185
(26,469)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
40,298,084
$
369,767
3.65
%
40,368,672
$
342,880
3.37
%
$
(16,126)
$
43,013
$
26,887
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
11,665,661
13,049,343
Other liabilities
1,967,351
1,713,131
Total equity
5,252,528
4,785,533
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
59,183,624
$
59,916,679
Net interest income and net interest margin, taxable equivalent (7)
$
442,133
3.22
%
$
444,307
3.11
%
$
(11,566)
$
9,392
$
(2,174)
Less: taxable-equivalent adjustment
1,393
1,148
Net interest income
$
440,740
$
443,159
(1) Changes in rate/volume will equal the increase/ (decrease) in interest income/expense.
(2) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. NPLs are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2024 - $12.7 million, 2023 - $11.8 million.
(3) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%, in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans to a taxable-equivalent basis.
(4) Securities are included on an amortized cost basis with yield and net interest margin calculated accordingly.
(5) Includes interest-bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements.
(6) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $(424.6) million and $(1.60) billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(7) The net interest margin is calculated by dividing annualized net interest income - TE by average total interest earnings assets.
60
Table 12 - Year-to-Date Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024 Compared to 2023
2024
2023
Change due to (1)
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest
Yield/ Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Yield/ Rate
Volume
Rate
Increase (Decrease)
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Commercial loans (2) (3)
$
34,852,642
$
1,769,316
6.78
%
$
35,216,487
$
1,672,529
6.35
%
$
(17,296)
$
114,083
$
96,787
Consumer loans (2)
8,363,281
328,681
5.24
8,580,029
316,757
4.92
(7,983)
19,907
11,924
Less: Allowance for loan losses
(485,540)
—
—
(457,818)
—
—
—
—
—
Loans, net
42,730,383
$
2,097,997
6.56
%
43,338,698
$
1,989,286
6.14
%
$
(25,279)
$
133,990
$
108,711
Total investment securities(4)
10,646,738
238,440
2.99
11,229,290
183,118
2.17
(9,463)
64,785
55,322
Trading account assets
11,600
473
5.44
16,302
671
5.49
(193)
(5)
(198)
Other earning assets(5)
1,302,499
51,776
5.23
1,398,211
51,660
4.87
(4,104)
4,220
116
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
182,793
7,073
5.16
277,136
11,439
5.50
(3,885)
(481)
(4,366)
Mortgage loans held for sale
34,012
1,773
6.95
48,398
2,297
6.33
(682)
158
(524)
Other loans held for sale
66,109
982
1.95
625,262
26,995
5.69
(23,819)
(2,194)
(26,013)
Total interest earning assets
54,974,134
$
2,398,514
5.83
%
56,933,297
$
2,265,466
5.32
%
$
(67,425)
$
200,473
$
133,048
Cash and due from banks
510,807
593,023
Premises and equipment
375,574
367,332
Other real estate
6,223
—
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
1,121,807
1,096,567
Other assets(6)
2,162,476
1,187,026
Total assets
$
59,151,021
$
60,177,245
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
10,738,505
$
206,010
2.56
%
$
9,702,651
$
118,007
1.63
%
$
12,640
$
75,363
$
88,003
Money market accounts
12,834,830
307,024
3.20
13,665,672
253,351
2.48
(15,426)
69,099
53,673
Savings deposits
1,033,696
946
0.12
1,274,142
771
0.08
(144)
319
175
Time deposits
8,241,879
272,976
4.42
4,892,146
121,019
3.31
83,006
68,951
151,957
Brokered deposits
5,565,332
226,778
5.44
6,116,392
214,627
4.69
(19,348)
31,499
12,151
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
107,546
1,587
1.94
98,212
1,317
1.77
124
146
270
Other short-term borrowings
60,763
2,514
5.44
705,292
24,559
4.59
(22,148)
103
(22,045)
Long-term debt
1,604,966
82,041
6.80
3,400,156
148,968
5.80
(77,949)
11,022
(66,927)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
40,187,517
$
1,099,876
3.66
%
39,854,663
$
882,619
2.96
%
$
(39,245)
$
256,502
$
217,257
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
11,944,508
13,972,152
Other liabilities
1,894,545
1,592,230
Total equity
5,124,451
4,758,200
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
59,151,021
$
60,177,245
Net interest income and net interest margin, taxable equivalent (7)
$
1,298,638
3.16
%
$
1,382,847
3.25
%
$
(28,180)
$
(56,029)
$
(84,209)
Less: taxable-equivalent adjustment
4,055
3,405
Net interest income
$
1,294,583
$
1,379,442
(1) Changes in rate/volume will equal the increase/ (decrease) in interest income/expense.
(2) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. NPLs are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2024 - $35.7 million, 2023 - $34.6 million.
(3) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 21%, in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans to a taxable-equivalent basis.
(4) Securities are included on an amortized cost basis with yield and net interest margin calculated accordingly.
(5) Includes interest-bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements.
(6) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $(836.6) million and $(1.53) billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(7) The net interest margin is calculated by dividing annualized net interest income - TE by average total interest earnings assets.
61
Market Risk Analysis
Interest rate risk is the primary market risk to which Synovus is potentially exposed. Synovus measures the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in market interest rates through the use of simulation modeling, which incorporates all of Synovus’ earning assets and liabilities. These simulations are used to determine a baseline net interest income projection and the sensitivity of the income profile based on changes in interest rates. These simulations incorporate assumptions and factors, including, but not limited to, changes in market rates, in the size or composition of the balance sheet, and in repricing characteristics as well as client behaviors for both loans and deposits. This includes estimates for deposit repricing characteristics which, for purposes of the sensitivity estimates provided below, relies upon a constant, through-the-cycle total deposit cost beta of approximately 45% when compared to FOMC policy and other short-term rates. The deposit beta assumptions are based on historical observations and future expectations. This process is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis in a manner consistent with Synovus’ ALCO governance framework.
The Risk Committee of the Board has chartered the ALCO and approved related policies to aid in the management and governance of various risks, including interest rate risk. The ALCO has an established limit framework for interest rate risk, which is monitored on an ongoing basis and is in alignment with the tolerances and limits as established by the Board. Additionally, Synovus’ ERM framework establishes a Board-approved risk appetite statement, which includes certain quantitative measurements for interest rate risk and helps to ensure management operates within the Board’s established appetite.
Synovus has modeled its baseline net interest income forecast assuming an interest rate projection that is flat to September 30, 2024 interest rate curves, with the federal funds rate at the Federal Reserve’s targeted range of 4.75% to 5.00% as of September 30, 2024 and the prime rate of 8.00% as of September 30, 2024. Synovus has modeled the impact of an immediate change in market interest rates across the yield curve of 100 and 200 bps to determine the sensitivity of net interest income for the next 12 months. As illustrated in the table below, the net interest income sensitivity derived from this simulation suggests that net interest income is projected to increase by 3.1% and 1.6% if interest rates increased by 200 and 100 bps, respectively. Net interest income is projected to decrease by 1.6% and 3.1% if interest rates decreased by 100 and 200 bps, respectively.
The following table represents the estimated sensitivity of net interest income at September 30, 2024, with comparable information for December 31, 2023.
Table 13 - Twelve Month Net Interest Income Sensitivity
Estimated % Change in Net Interest Income as Compared to Unchanged Rates (for the next 12 months)
Change in Interest Rates (in bps)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
+200
3.1%
3.7%
+100
1.6
1.9
-100
(1.6)
(2.0)
-200
(3.1)
(4.1)
While all of the above estimates are reflective of the general interest rate sensitivity of Synovus, local market conditions, the realized growth and remixing of the balance sheet, as well as the broader macroeconomic environment could all have a significant impact on both the sensitivity and realized level of net interest income. Additionally, should there be differences between realized deposit betas for a given level of rates as compared to the Company's estimates for through-the-cycle betas, this may also have a significant impact on our reported sensitivity and the realized level of net interest income.
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 the sensitivity of the Company's EVE. The EVE measurement process estimates the net fair value of assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet financial instruments under various interest rate scenarios. Management uses EVE sensitivity analyses as an additional means of measuring interest rate risk and incorporates this form of analysis within its governance and limits framework.
Synovus is also subject to market risk in certain of its fee income business lines. Financial management services revenue, which include trust, brokerage, and asset management fees, can be affected by risk in the securities markets, primarily the equity securities market. A significant portion of the fees in this unit are determined based upon a percentage of asset values. Weaker securities markets and lower equity values have an adverse impact on the fees generated by these operations. Trading account assets, maintained to facilitate brokerage client activity, are also subject to market risk; however, trading activities are limited and subject to risk policy limits. Additionally, Synovus utilizes various tools to measure and manage price risk in its trading portfolio.
62
Mortgage banking income is also subject to market risk. Mortgage loan originations are sensitive to levels of mortgage interest rates and therefore, mortgage banking income can be negatively impacted during periods of rising interest rates as we experienced during the prior year along with volatility in interest rates during the current year. The extension of commitments to clients to fund mortgage loans also subjects Synovus to market risk. This risk is primarily created by the time periods between making the commitment, closing, and delivering the loan. Synovus seeks to minimize its exposure by utilizing various risk management tools, including forward sales commitments and other economic hedges.
Derivative Instruments for Interest Rate Risk Management
Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of structural interest rate risks by executing end-user derivative transactions designated as hedges. Hedging relationships may be designated as either a cash flow hedge, which mitigates risk exposure to the variability of future cash flows or other forecasted transactions, or a fair value hedge, which mitigates risk exposure to adverse changes in the fair market value of a fixed rate asset or liability due to changes in market interest rates.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Synovus had $4.60 billion and $5.60 billion, respectively, in notional amounts outstanding of both effective and forward-starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments to hedge its exposure to contractually specified interest rate risk associated with floating rate loans.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Synovus had $1.68 billion and $2.56 billion, respectively, in notional amounts outstanding of receive-fixed, pay-variable interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedging instruments to hedge its exposure to the change in the fair value due to fluctuations in market interest rates for outstanding fixed-rate long-term debt and fixed-rate interest-bearing deposits.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus are in accordance with 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 credit losses and income taxes. 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 on a periodic basis, 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 "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how we record and report our financial performance. There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies, estimates, and assumptions, or the judgments affecting the application of these estimates and assumptions from those disclosed in Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled adjusted non-interest revenue, adjusted non-interest expense, adjusted revenue taxable equivalent (TE), adjusted tangible efficiency ratio, adjusted pre-provision net revenue (PPNR), adjusted net income available to common shareholders, adjusted net income per common share, diluted, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average common equity, return on average tangible common equity, adjusted return on average tangible common equity, and tangible common equity ratio, are not measures recognized under GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures to these measures are total non-interest revenue, total non-interest expense, total revenue, efficiency ratio-TE, PPNR, net income (loss) available to common shareholders, net income (loss) per common share, diluted, return on average assets, return on average common equity, and the ratio of total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity to total assets, respectively.
Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist management and investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength, the performance of its business, and the strength of its capital position. However, these non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of operating results or capital position as reported under GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as additional views of the way our financial measures are affected by significant items and other factors, and since they are not required to be uniformly applied, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures at other companies. Adjusted non-interest revenue and adjusted revenue (TE) are measures used by management to evaluate non-interest revenue and total revenue exclusive of net investment securities gains (losses), fair value adjustments on non-qualified deferred compensation, and other items not indicative of ongoing operations that could impact period-to-period comparisons. Adjusted non-interest expense and the adjusted tangible efficiency ratio are
63
measures utilized by management to measure the success of expense management initiatives focused on reducing recurring controllable operating costs. Adjusted net income available to common shareholders, adjusted net income per common share, diluted, adjusted return on average assets, and adjusted return on average common equity are measures used by management to evaluate operating results exclusive of items that are not indicative of ongoing operations and impact period-to-period comparisons. Adjusted PPNR is used by management to evaluate PPNR exclusive of items that management believes are not indicative of ongoing operations and impact period-to-period comparisons. Return on average tangible common equity and adjusted return on average tangible common equity are measures used by management to compare Synovus' performance with other financial institutions because it calculates the return available to common shareholders without the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization, thereby allowing management to evaluate the performance of the business consistently. The tangible common equity ratio is used by stakeholders to assess our capital position. The computations of these measures are set forth in the tables below.
Management does not provide a reconciliation for forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures where it is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the occurrence and the financial impact of various items that have not yet occurred, are out of Synovus’ control, or cannot be reasonably predicted. For the same reasons, Synovus’ management is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures provided without the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures.
Table 14 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Adjusted non-interest revenue
Total non-interest revenue
$
123,980
$
107,139
$
114,017
$
352,541
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
(1,929)
—
(1,929)
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
—
—
256,660
(1,030)
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
(13,126)
Fair value adjustment on non-qualified deferred compensation
(2,062)
1,035
(4,922)
(1,934)
Adjusted non-interest revenue
$
121,918
$
106,245
$
365,755
$
334,522
Adjusted non-interest expense
Total non-interest expense
$
313,690
$
353,532
$
938,232
$
982,566
(Loss) gain on other loans held for sale
—
(30,954)
—
(50,064)
Restructuring (charges) reversals
(1,219)
(17,319)
(2,084)
(16,476)
Valuation adjustment to Visa derivative
(8,700)
(900)
(8,700)
(3,927)
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt
—
526
—
903
Fair value adjustment on non-qualified deferred compensation
(2,062)
1,035
(4,922)
(1,934)
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
301,709
$
305,920
$
922,526
$
911,068
64
Table 14 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Adjusted revenue (TE) and adjusted tangible efficiency ratio
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
301,709
$
305,920
$
922,526
$
911,068
Amortization of intangibles
(2,907)
(3,042)
(8,721)
(7,319)
Adjusted tangible non-interest expense
$
298,802
$
302,878
$
913,805
$
903,749
Net interest income
$
440,740
$
443,159
$
1,294,583
$
1,379,442
Taxable equivalent adjustment
1,393
1,148
4,055
3,405
Net interest income (TE)
$
442,133
$
444,307
$
1,298,638
$
1,382,847
Net interest income
$
440,740
$
443,159
$
1,294,583
$
1,379,442
Total non-interest revenue
123,980
107,139
114,017
352,541
Total revenue
$
564,720
$
550,298
$
1,408,600
$
1,731,983
Taxable equivalent adjustment
1,393
1,148
4,055
3,405
Total (TE) revenue
$
566,113
$
551,446
$
1,412,655
$
1,735,388
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
(13,126)
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
(1,929)
—
(1,929)
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
—
—
256,660
(1,030)
Fair value adjustment on non-qualified deferred compensation
(2,062)
1,035
(4,922)
(1,934)
Adjusted revenue (TE)
$
564,051
$
550,552
$
1,664,393
$
1,717,369
Efficiency ratio (TE)
55.41
%
64.11
%
66.42
%
56.62
%
Adjusted tangible efficiency ratio
52.97
55.01
54.90
52.62
Adjusted pre-provision net revenue
Net interest income
$
440,740
$
443,159
$
1,294,583
$
1,379,442
Total non-interest revenue
123,980
107,139
114,017
352,541
Total non-interest expense
(313,690)
(353,532)
(938,232)
(982,566)
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)
$
251,030
$
196,766
$
470,368
$
749,417
Adjusted revenue (TE)
$
564,051
$
550,552
$
1,664,393
$
1,717,369
Adjusted non-interest expense
(301,709)
(305,920)
(922,526)
(911,068)
Adjusted PPNR
$
262,342
$
244,632
$
741,867
$
806,301
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders and adjusted diluted earnings per share
Net income available to common shareholders
$
169,628
$
87,423
$
260,709
$
447,110
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
(13,126)
Loss (gain) on other loans held for sale
—
30,954
—
50,064
Restructuring charges (reversals)
1,219
17,319
2,084
16,476
Valuation adjustment to Visa derivative
8,700
900
8,700
3,927
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt
—
(526)
—
(903)
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
(1,929)
—
(1,929)
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
—
—
256,660
(1,030)
Tax effect of adjustments (1)
(2,427)
(11,371)
(65,444)
(13,017)
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders
$
177,120
$
122,770
$
462,709
$
487,572
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
143,979
146,740
145,718
146,683
Net income per common share, diluted
$
1.18
$
0.60
$
1.79
$
3.05
Adjusted net income per common share, diluted
1.23
0.84
3.18
3.32
(1) An assumed marginal tax rate of 24.5% for 2024 and 24.3% for 2023 was applied.
65
Table 14 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Adjusted return on average assets (annualized)
Net income
$
180,684
$
96,465
$
290,074
$
472,568
Recovery of NPA
—
—
—
(13,126)
Loss (gain) on other loans held for sale
—
30,954
—
50,064
Restructuring charges (reversals)
1,219
17,319
2,084
16,476
Valuation adjustment to Visa derivative
8,700
900
8,700
3,927
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt
—
(526)
—
(903)
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
(1,929)
—
(1,929)
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
—
—
256,660
(1,030)
Tax effect of adjustments (1)
(2,427)
(11,371)
(65,444)
(13,017)
Adjusted net income
$
188,176
$
131,812
$
492,074
$
513,030
Net income annualized
$
718,808
$
382,714
$
387,471
$
631,822
Adjusted net income annualized
$
748,613
$
522,950
$
657,296
$
685,919
Total average assets
$
59,183,624
$
59,916,679
$
59,151,021
$
60,177,245
Return on average assets (annualized)
1.2
%
0.6
%
0.7
%
1.0
%
Adjusted return on average assets (annualized)
1.3
0.9
1.1
1.1
(1) An assumed marginal tax rate of 24.5% for 2024 and 24.3% for 2023 was applied.
66
Table 14 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued
Three Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Adjusted return on average common equity, return on average tangible common equity, and adjusted return on average tangible common equity (annualized)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
169,628
$
(23,741)
$
87,423
Loss (gain) on other loans held for sale
—
—
30,954
Restructuring charges (reversals)
1,219
(658)
17,319
Gain on sale of GLOBALT
—
—
(1,929)
Valuation adjustment to Visa derivative
8,700
—
900
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt
—
—
(526)
Investment securities (gains) losses, net
—
256,660
—
Tax effect of adjustments (1)
(2,427)
(62,644)
(11,371)
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders
$
177,120
$
169,617
$
122,770
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders annualized
$
704,630
$
682,196
$
487,077
Amortization of intangibles, annualized net of tax
8,735
8,831
9,131
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders excluding amortization of intangibles annualized
$
713,365
$
691,027
$
496,208
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders annualized
$
674,824
$
(95,486)
$
346,841
Amortization of intangibles, annualized net of tax
8,735
8,831
9,131
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders excluding amortization of intangibles annualized
$
683,559
$
(86,655)
$
355,972
Total average Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity less preferred stock
$
4,692,722
$
4,455,198
$
4,223,422
Average goodwill
(480,440)
(480,902)
(476,408)
Average other intangible assets, net
(38,793)
(41,547)
(59,016)
Total average Synovus Financial Corp. tangible shareholders' equity less preferred stock
$
4,173,489
$
3,932,749
$
3,687,998
Return on average common equity (annualized)
14.4
%
(2.1)
%
8.2
%
Adjusted return on average common equity (annualized)
15.0
15.3
11.5
Return on average tangible common equity (annualized)
16.4
(2.2)
9.7
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (annualized)
17.1
17.6
13.5
(1) An assumed marginal tax rate of 24.5% for 2024 and 24.3% for 2023 was applied.
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2023
Tangible common equity ratio
Total assets
$
59,589,628
$
59,809,534
$
59,342,930
Goodwill
(480,440)
(480,440)
(479,851)
Other intangible assets, net
(37,207)
(45,928)
(49,096)
Tangible assets
$
59,071,981
$
59,283,166
$
58,813,983
Total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity
$
5,355,976
$
5,119,993
$
4,536,958
Goodwill
(480,440)
(480,440)
(479,851)
Other intangible assets, net
(37,207)
(45,928)
(49,096)
Preferred stock, no par value
(537,145)
(537,145)
(537,145)
Tangible common equity
$
4,301,184
$
4,056,480
$
3,470,866
Total Synovus Financial Corp. shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
8.99
%
8.56
%
7.65
%
Tangible common equity ratio
7.28
6.84
5.90
67
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 section of this Report 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 September 30, 2024, 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 September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Synovus' internal control over financial reporting.
68
PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies" of this Report.
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, in evaluating an investment in the Company's securities, investors should consider carefully, among other things, the risk factors previously disclosed in "Part I - Item IA - Risk Factors” of Synovus' 2023 Form 10-K which could materially affect the Company's 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 are no material changes during the period covered by this Report to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2023 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
The Company announced on January 18, 2024 that its Board of Directors authorized share repurchases of up to $300 million of common stock and $50 million of preferred stock in 2024.
Table 15 - Share Repurchases
(in thousands, except per share data)
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
July 1 to July 31, 2024
344
$
46.43
344
$
163,330
August 1 to August 31, 2024
1,557
43.00
1,557
96,381
September 1 to September 30, 2024
392
43.30
392
79,392
Total
2,293
$
43.58
2,293
(1) The average price paid per share is calculated on a trade date basis for all open market transactions and excludes commissions, other transaction expenses, and the 1 percent excise tax charged on public company share repurchases.
The foregoing common stock repurchases during the third quarter of 2024 were purchased through open market transactions, including under plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) Pursuant to Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K, none of the Company's directors or executive officers adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
70
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.
November 4, 2024
By:
/s/ Andrew J. Gregory, Jr.
Date
Andrew J. Gregory, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)