SNV-09.30.2013-10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________
 
FORM 10-Q
 
______________________________
Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
Commission file number 1-10312
 
______________________________
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
______________________________
 
Georgia
 
58-1134883
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Bay Avenue
Suite 500, Columbus, Georgia
 
31901
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (706) 649-2311
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
Series B Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
______________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES x  NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES x  NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨    NO x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s class of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
 
 
October 31, 2013

Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value
 
 
 
972,255,413




Table of Contents

Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
Page
Financial Information
 
 
 
Index of Defined Terms
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Nine and Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Nine and Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
Other Information
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
Signatures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents



SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
2013 Notes – Synovus' 4.875% subordinated notes due February 15, 2013
2019 Senior Notes – Synovus' outstanding 7.875% senior notes due February 15, 2019 
ALCO – Synovus' Asset Liability Management Committee
ALL – allowance for loan losses
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification
ASU – Accounting Standards Update
Atlanta Fed – the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Basel III – a global regulatory framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
BOV – broker’s opinion of value
bp – basis point (bps - basis points)
C&D – residential construction and development loans
C&I – commercial and industrial loans
CB&T – Columbus Bank and Trust Company, a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp.
CCC – central clearing counterparty
CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
Common Stock – Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Synovus Financial Corp.
Company – Synovus Financial Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise
Covered Litigation – Certain Visa litigation for which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members
CPP – U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Purchase Program
CRE – Commercial Real Estate
Dodd-Frank Act – The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRR – dual risk rating
DTA – deferred tax asset
EL – expected loss
EPS – earnings per share
Exchange Act – Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB – Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC – Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Reserve Bank – The 12 banks that are the operating arms of the U.S. central bank. They implement the policies of the Federal Reserve Board and also conduct economic research.
Federal Reserve Board – The 7-member Board of Governors that oversees the Federal Reserve System establishes monetary policy (interest rates, credit, etc.) and monitors the economic health of the country. Its members are appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and serve 14-year terms.
Federal Reserve System – The 12 Federal Reserve Banks, with each one serving member banks in its own district. This system, supervised by the Federal Reserve Board, has broad regulatory powers over the money supply and the credit structure.
FHLB – Federal Home Loan Bank
FICO – Fair Isaac Corporation

i

Table of Contents

FFIEC – Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
GA DBF – Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
Georgia Commissioner – Banking Commissioner of the State of Georgia
GSE – government sponsored enterprise
HAP – Home Affordability Program
HELOC – home equity line of credit
IRC – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
IRS – Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
LTV – loan-to-collateral value ratio
MBS – mortgage-backed securities
MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
MSA – Metropolitan Statistical Area
nm – not meaningful
NOL – net operating loss
NPA – non-performing assets
NPL – non-performing loans
NSF – non-sufficient funds
OCI – other comprehensive income
ORE – other real estate
OTTI – other-than-temporary impairment
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
POS – point-of-sale
Rights Plan – Synovus' Shareholder Rights Plan dated April 26, 2010, as amended
SCM – State, county, and municipal
SEC – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act – Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Series A Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value
Series C Preferred Stock – Synovus' Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, $25 liquidation preference
Synovus – Synovus Financial Corp.
Synovus Bank – A Georgia state-chartered bank, formerly known as Columbus Bank and Trust Company, and wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus, through which Synovus conducts its banking operations
Synovus Bank MOU – MOU entered into by and among Synovus Bank, the FDIC and the GA DBF
Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012
Synovus Mortgage – Synovus Mortgage Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
Synovus MOU – MOU entered into by and among Synovus, the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF
Synovus Trust Company, N. A. – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
TAGP – Transaction Account Guarantee Program

ii

Table of Contents

TARP – Troubled Assets Relief Program
TBA – to-be-announced securities with respect to mortgage-related securities to be delivered in the future (MBSs and CMOs)
TDR – troubled debt restructuring (as defined in ASC 310-40)
Tender Offer – Offer by Synovus to purchase, for cash, all of its outstanding 2013 Notes, which commenced on February 7, 2012 and expired on March 6, 2012
Treasury – United States Department of the Treasury
tMEDS – tangible equity units, each composed of a prepaid common stock purchase contract and a junior subordinated amortizing note
Visa – The Visa U.S.A., Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively
Visa Class B shares – Class B shares of Common Stock issued by Visa which are subject to restrictions with respect to sale until all of the Covered Litigation has been settled
Visa Derivative – A derivative contract with the purchaser of Visa Class B shares which provides for settlements between the purchaser and Synovus based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares into Visa Class A shares
Warrant – A warrant issued to the Treasury by Synovus to purchase up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus Common Stock at a per share exercise price of $9.36 expiring on December 19, 2018


iii

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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, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
514,694

 
614,630

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
966,435

 
1,498,390

Interest earning deposits with banks
14,060

 
23,442

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
80,177

 
113,517

Trading account assets, at fair value
17,363

 
11,102

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
61,232

 
212,663

Other loans held for sale
9,351

 
10,690

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
3,151,344

 
2,981,112

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
19,711,610

 
19,541,690

Allowance for loan losses
(318,612
)
 
(373,405
)
Loans, net
$
19,392,998

 
19,168,285

Premises and equipment, net
476,088

 
479,546

Goodwill
24,431

 
24,431

Other intangible assets, net
3,783

 
5,149

Other real estate
126,640

 
150,271

Deferred tax asset, net
763,050

 
806,406

Other assets
616,714

 
660,378

Total assets
$
26,218,360

 
26,760,012

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
5,358,659

 
5,665,527

Interest bearing deposits, excluding brokered deposits
14,339,997

 
14,298,768

Brokered deposits
1,275,200

 
1,092,749

Total deposits
20,973,856

 
21,057,044

Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
194,613

 
201,243

Long-term debt
1,885,057

 
1,726,455

Other liabilities
232,974

 
205,839

Total liabilities
$
23,286,500

 
23,190,581

Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Series A Preferred Stock – no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; 967,870 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012
$

 
957,327

Series C Preferred Stock – no par value. 5,200,000 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013
125,400

 

Common stock - $1.00 par value. Authorized 1,200,000,000 shares; 977,923,690 issued at September 30, 2013 and 792,272,692 issued at December 31, 2012; 972,230,238 outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 786,579,240 outstanding at December 31, 2012    
977,924

 
792,273

Additional paid-in capital
2,138,593

 
2,189,874

Treasury stock, at cost – 5,693,452 shares
(114,176
)
 
(114,176
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(29,514
)
 
4,101

Accumulated deficit
(166,367
)
 
(259,968
)
Total shareholders’ equity
2,931,860

 
3,569,431

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,218,360

 
26,760,012

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Loans, including fees
$
650,192

 
700,620

 
217,982

 
229,814

      Investment securities available for sale
37,302

 
54,690

 
13,584

 
14,791

      Trading account assets
433

 
770

 
155

 
255

      Mortgage loans held for sale
3,987

 
4,260

 
869

 
1,764

      Federal Reserve Bank balances
2,498

 
2,697

 
814

 
688

      Other earning assets
1,343

 
1,103

 
448

 
364

Total interest income
$
695,755

 
764,140

 
233,852

 
247,676

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
48,964

 
77,529

 
16,354

 
21,144

Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
242

 
505

 
72

 
155

Long-term debt
40,688

 
39,445

 
13,456

 
14,032

Total interest expense
$
89,894

 
117,479

 
29,882

 
35,331

Net interest income
605,861

 
646,661

 
203,970

 
212,345

Provision for loan losses
55,534

 
173,843

 
6,761

 
63,572

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
550,327

 
472,818

 
197,209

 
148,773

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
58,142

 
57,319

 
19,426

 
20,404

Fiduciary and asset management fees
32,471

 
31,966

 
10,389

 
10,340

Brokerage revenue
21,231

 
19,786

 
6,636

 
6,844

Mortgage banking income
19,569

 
23,247

 
5,314

 
9,261

Bankcard fees
22,662

 
23,938

 
7,760

 
7,866

Investment securities gains, net
2,571

 
30,909

 
1,124

 
6,656

Other fee income
16,461

 
14,927

 
5,199

 
5,276

(Decrease) increase in fair value of private equity investments, net
(856
)
 
6,428

 
284

 
(944
)
Other non-interest income
21,139

 
25,329

 
7,446

 
7,530

Total non-interest income
$
193,390

 
233,849

 
63,578

 
73,233

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and other personnel expense
276,190

 
280,972

 
92,794

 
93,177

Net occupancy and equipment expense
77,025

 
79,512

 
26,475

 
26,647

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
24,059

 
37,171

 
7,639

 
9,205

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
28,800

 
55,677

 
10,359

 
11,997

Losses on other loans held for sale, net
487

 
4,005

 
408

 
4,104

Professional fees
28,922

 
29,270

 
11,410

 
10,074

Third-party services
30,446

 
28,466

 
10,151

 
9,429

Visa indemnification charges
801

 
5,546

 

 
833

Restructuring charges
7,295

 
3,444

 
687

 
1,192

Other operating expenses
76,774

 
78,827

 
27,405

 
24,834

Total non-interest expense
$
550,799

 
602,890

 
187,328

 
191,492

Income before income taxes
192,918

 
103,777

 
73,459

 
30,514

Income tax expense (benefit)
72,114

 
(2,393
)
 
27,765

 
(211
)
Net income
120,804

 
106,170

 
45,694

 
30,725

Dividends and accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
38,100

 
43,968

 
8,506

 
14,695

Net income available to common shareholders
$
82,704

 
62,202

 
37,188

 
16,030

Net income per common share, basic
0.10

 
0.08

 
0.04

 
0.02

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.09

 
0.07

 
0.04

 
0.02

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
865,565

 
786,429

 
956,694

 
786,576

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
927,329

 
909,717

 
959,680

 
910,396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
192,918

 
(72,114
)
 
120,804

 
103,777

 
2,393

 
106,170

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) realized in net income
336

 
(131
)
 
205

 
(1,155
)
 
441

 
(714
)
Net unrealized losses arising during the period

 

 

 
(337
)
 
134

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

 

 

 

 
(575
)
 
(575
)
Net unrealized gains (losses)
336

 
(131
)
 
205

 
(1,492
)
 

 
(1,492
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(2,571
)
 
990

 
(1,581
)
 
(30,909
)
 
11,900

 
(19,009
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(53,166
)
 
20,468

 
(32,698
)
 
26,848

 
(10,333
)
 
16,515

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

 

 

 

 
(1,567
)
 
(1,567
)
Net unrealized losses
(55,737
)
 
21,458

 
(34,279
)
 
(4,061
)
 

 
(4,061
)
Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(98
)
 
38

 
(60
)
 
(62
)
 
24

 
(38
)
Amortization arising during the period
830

 
(311
)
 
519

 
678

 
(261
)
 
417

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

 

 

 

 
237

 
237

Net unrealized gains
732

 
(273
)
 
459

 
616

 

 
616

Other comprehensive loss
$
(54,669
)
 
21,054

 
(33,615
)
 
(4,937
)
 

 
(4,937
)
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
87,189

 
 
 
 
 
101,233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
73,459

 
(27,765
)
 
45,694

 
30,514

 
211

 
30,725

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

 
(43
)
 
69

 
63

 
(33
)
 
30

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

 

 

 



 

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

 

 

 

 
33

 
33

Net unrealized gains
112

 
(43
)
 
69

 
63

 

 
63

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income
(1,124
)
 
433

 
(691
)
 
(6,656
)
 
2,563

 
(4,093
)
Net unrealized gains arising during the period
6,849

 
(2,637
)
 
4,212

 
15,772

 
(6,069
)
 
9,703

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

 

 

 

 
3,506

 
3,506

Net unrealized gains
5,725

 
(2,204
)
 
3,521

 
9,116

 

 
9,116

Post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income
(72
)
 
28

 
(44
)
 
(26
)
 
10

 
(16
)
Amortization arising during the period

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 
(10
)
 
(10
)
Net unrealized gains
(72
)
 
28

 
(44
)
 
(26
)
 

 
(26
)
Other comprehensive income
$
5,765

 
(2,219
)
 
3,546

 
9,153

 

 
9,153

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
49,240

 
 
 
 
 
39,878

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

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Table of Contents

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

 

 
790,989

 
2,241,171

 
(114,176
)
 
21,093

 
(1,058,642
)
 
2,827,452

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
106,170

 
106,170

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 
(4,937
)
 

 
(4,937
)
Cash dividends declared on Common Stock - $0.03 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 
(23,597
)
 
(23,597
)
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

 

 

 
(36,295
)
 

 

 

 
(36,295
)
Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
7,673

 

 

 
(7,673
)
 

 

 

 

Restricted share unit activity

 

 
1,280

 
(1,207
)
 

 

 
(73
)
 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 
6,907

 

 

 

 
6,907

Balance at September 30, 2012
$
954,690

 

 
792,269

 
2,202,903

 
(114,176
)
 
16,156

 
(976,142
)
 
2,875,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
957,327

 

 
792,273

 
2,189,874

 
(114,176
)
 
4,101

 
(259,968
)
 
3,569,431

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
120,804

 
120,804

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 
(33,615
)
 

 
(33,615
)
Cash dividends declared on Common Stock - $0.03 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 
(26,703
)
 
(26,703
)
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock

 

 

 
(33,741
)
 

 

 

 
(33,741
)
Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
10,543

 

 

 
(10,543
)
 

 

 

 

Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock
(967,870
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(967,870
)
Issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs

 
125,400

 

 

 

 

 

 
125,400

Settlement of prepaid Common Stock purchase contracts

 

 
122,848

 
(122,848
)
 



 

 

Issuance of Common Stock, net of issuance costs

 

 
59,871

 
114,893

 

 

 

 
174,764

Restricted share unit activity

 

 
2,603

 
(5,644
)
 

 

 
(500
)
 
(3,541
)
Stock options exercised

 

 
329

 
460

 

 

 

 
789

Share-based compensation tax benefit

 

 

 
371

 

 

 

 
371

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 
5,771

 

 

 

 
5,771

Balance at September 30, 2013
$

 
125,400

 
977,924

 
2,138,593

 
(114,176
)
 
(29,514
)
 
(166,367
)
 
2,931,860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
120,804

 
106,170

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
55,534

 
173,843

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
46,513

 
46,940

Deferred income tax expense
64,101

 
153

Decrease in interest receivable
8,229

 
9,029

Decrease in interest payable
(3,207
)
 
(8,406
)
(Increase) decrease in trading account assets
(6,261
)
 
10,913

Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
(749,437
)
 
(892,573
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
893,348

 
819,635

Gain on sales of mortgage loans held for sale, net
(10,789
)
 
(10,809
)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
38,663

 
(116,519
)
(Decrease) increase in accrued salaries and benefits
(4,584
)
 
5,697

Decrease in other liabilities
(468
)
 
(25,928
)
Investment securities gains, net
(2,571
)
 
(30,909
)
Losses on sales of other loans held for sale, net
487

 
4,005

Losses and write-downs on other real estate, net
22,714

 
42,695

Decrease (increase) in fair value of private equity investments, net
856

 
(6,428
)
Increase in accrual for Visa indemnification
801

 
5,546

Share-based compensation expense
5,771

 
6,907

Other, net
457

 
1,002

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
480,961

 
140,963

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Net cash received in acquisition
56,328

 

Net decrease (increase) in interest earning deposits with banks
9,382

 
(13,625
)
Net decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
33,340

 
42,598

Net decrease in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
531,955

 
751,850

Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
584,810

 
1,063,512

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
403,792

 
909,485

Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(1,197,122
)
 
(1,510,566
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
75,359

 
176,241

Proceeds from sales of other real estate
77,168

 
94,463

Principal repayments by borrowers on other loans held for sale
3,966

 
4,466

Net increase in loans
(423,252
)
 
(231,243
)
Purchases of premises and equipment
(24,971
)
 
(17,405
)
Proceeds from disposals of premises and equipment
3,172

 
3,179

Proceeds from sales of other assets held for sale
1,085

 
6,732

Net cash provided by investing activities
$
135,012

 
1,279,687

Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in demand and savings deposits
(281,267
)
 
73,630

Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
141,252

 
(1,638,551
)
Net increase in Federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term liabilities
(6,630
)
 
(147,893
)
Principal repayments on long-term debt
(301,431
)
 
(364,339
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
462,500

 
660,000

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(26,703
)
 
(23,597
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(33,741
)
 
(36,295
)

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Stock options exercised
789

 

Proceeds from issuance of Series C Preferred Stock
125,400

 

Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock
(967,870
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
174,764

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
569

 

Restricted stock activity
(3,541
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
$
(715,909
)
 
(1,477,045
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(99,936
)
 
(56,395
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
614,630

 
510,423

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
514,694

 
454,028

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid (received) paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income tax payments (refunds), net
$
1,669

 
(7,804
)
Interest paid
85,332

 
107,201

Non-cash Activities
 
 
 
Decrease in net unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of income taxes
(34,279
)
 
(4,061
)
Decrease (increase) in net unrealized losses on hedging instruments, net of income taxes
205

 
(1,492
)
Mortgage loans held for sale transferred to loans at fair value
14,471

 
1,542

Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
72,854

 
113,966

Loans transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value
117,806

 
256,232

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

 
8,142

Other loans held for sale foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value
3,246

 
58

Premises and equipment transferred to other assets held for sale at fair value
490

 
2,402

Accretion of discount on Series A Preferred Stock
10,543

 
7,673

Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit, net of income taxes
459

 
616

Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts
122,848

 

Securities purchased (sold) during the period but settled after period-end
35,160

 
(178,267
)
 
 
 
 
Acquisition:
 
 
 
Fair value of non-cash assets acquired
536

 

Fair value of liabilities assumed
56,864

 

 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.


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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies
Business Operations
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Synovus include the accounts of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Synovus provides integrated financial services, including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance, and mortgage services to its customers through locally-branded divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, in offices located throughout Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
In addition to our banking operations, we also provide various other financial services to our customers through the following direct and indirect wholly-owned non-bank subsidiaries, including: Synovus Securities, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which specializes in professional portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, the execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer and the provision of individual investment advice on equity and other securities; Synovus Trust Company, N.A., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which provides trust, asset management and financial planning services; and Synovus Mortgage Corp., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which offers mortgage services.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to the SEC Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X; therefore, they do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. All adjustments consisting of normally recurring accruals that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this Report have been included. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to the accounting policies as disclosed in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
In preparing the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the respective consolidated balance sheets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of other real estate; the fair value of investment securities; the fair value of private equity investments; and the valuation of deferred tax assets. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of certain impaired loans and other real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties and properties collateralizing impaired loans. In making this determination, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions at the time of valuation and anticipated sales values based on management’s plans for disposition.
Allowance for Loan Losses - Commercial Loans
During the three months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus began implementation of a Dual Risk Rating (DRR) methodology for certain components of its commercial loan portfolio.  The DRR includes sixteen probabilities of default grade categories and nine grade categories for estimating losses given an event of default.  The result is an expected loss (EL) rate established for each borrower.  The DRR results were utilized to determine the allowance for loan losses for selected components of the loan portfolio effective September 30, 2013, as it is considered to be a more refined estimate of loss. The DRR was primarily applied to commercial and industrial loans with outstanding balances greater than $1.0 million and total relationships above $2.5 million, which comprises approximately $2.4 billion of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2013.  The remaining commercial loan portfolio continues to have the single rating system applied and during 2014, the scope of DRR will expand to include C&I loans from $500 thousand to $1.0 million with total relationships above $2.5 million and Income Producing Real Estate (IPRE) loans initially above $2.5 million, with no relationship threshold, and expanding to include loans above $1.0 million later in the year.  Implementation of the DRR methodology during the three months ended September 30, 2013 resulted in a reduction to the total allowance for loan losses of approximately $2.5 million, which was not significant and was due to the more refined estimates of losses, as well as positive migration due to updated financial data resulting from improvements in the economy, which was not related to the DRR implementation. The initial phase of IPRE will be implemented during the first quarter of 2014 and will consist of loans above $2.5 million, which comprises approximately $2.0 billion of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2013. Based on information currently available, the impact to the total allowance for loan losses from the IPRE implementation during the first quarter of 2014 is not expected to be material.

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Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalents included $94.4 million and $68.4 million, respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank requirements. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $15.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of the due from banks balance was restricted as to withdrawal, including $15.0 million at those dates on deposit pursuant to a payment network arrangement.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements. Interest earning deposits with banks include $12.1 million at September 30, 2013 and $14.2 million at December 31, 2012, which is pledged as collateral in connection with certain letters of credit. Federal funds sold include $76.6 million at September 30, 2013, and $110.0 million at December 31, 2012, which are pledged to collateralize certain derivative instruments. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, and Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, generally mature in one day.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
During 2013, Synovus adopted the provisions of the following ASUs:
ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU relates to testing intangibles other than goodwill for impairment, and was adopted on January 1, 2013. If certain conditions are met, the ASU provides for a qualitative impairment assessment instead of a quantitative assessment. For Synovus, the ASU primarily applies to core deposit intangibles, which have a carrying value of $2.8 million at September 30, 2013. The ASU did not have an impact on Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and ASU 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2013-01 clarifies that the disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11 do not apply to trade receivables. The ASU also clarifies that the disclosure requirements in ASU 2011-11 apply to repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing and lending agreements that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, and derivatives accounted for in accordance with ASC 815-Derivatives and Hedging. Synovus adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013 and does not have financial instruments that are subject to the new requirements of ASU 2011-11; therefore, the clarifying ASU did not affect Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amount Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The FASB issued this ASU to improve the transparency of reporting reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by requiring entities to present in one place information about significant amounts reclassified and, in some cases, to provide cross-references to related footnote disclosures. ASU 2013-02 does not amend existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income and separately present reclassification adjustments and current period other comprehensive income. The provisions of ASU 2013-02 also require that entities present either in a single footnote or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line item affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, entities would instead cross reference to the related footnote to the financial statements for additional information. Synovus adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013. See "Note 8 - Other Comprehensive Income" to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the disclosures required by ASU 2013-02.
ASU 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. This ASU permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under FASB Topic 815, in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government and LIBOR. The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. The final guidance, issued on July 17, 2013, was effective immediately. Synovus will consider the provisions of this new guidance when developing new hedging strategies.
Reclassifications
Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current periods' presentation.

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Subsequent Events
Synovus has evaluated for consideration, or disclosure, all transactions, events, and circumstances, subsequent to the date of the consolidated balance sheet and through the date the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements were issued, and has reflected, or disclosed, those items deemed appropriate within the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Note 2 - Acquisition
On May 10, 2013, Synovus Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC, as receiver of Sunrise Bank, an affiliate of Capitol Bancorp Limited, to assume $56.8 million in deposits, including all uninsured deposits.  As part of this transaction, Synovus Bank also acquired $0.5 million in loans. Other assets and liabilities acquired in connection with this transaction were insignificant. Sunrise Bank operated in three locations, including Valdosta, Jeffersonville, and Atlanta, Georgia. Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, "Business Combinations". Both the purchased assets and assumed liabilities are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values.
Note 3 - Investment Securities
The following table summarizes Synovus' investment securities available for sale as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
 
September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost(1)
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
17,357

 

 

 
17,357

U.S. Government agency securities
 
33,493

 
1,293

 
(175
)
 
34,611

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
112,559

 
1,566

 

 
114,125

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
208,223

 
2,948

 
(2,260
)
 
208,911

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,400,366

 
16,813

 
(22,855
)
 
2,394,324

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
367,057

 
593

 
(5,971
)
 
361,679

State and municipal securities
 
9,357

 
226

 
(2
)
 
9,581

Equity securities
 
4,120

 
1,987

 

 
6,107

Other investments
 
5,067

 

 
(418
)
 
4,649

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
3,157,599

 
25,426

 
(31,681
)
 
3,151,344

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

 

 

 
356

U.S. Government agency securities
 
35,791

 
2,255

 

 
38,046

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

 
3,787

 

 
293,310

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

 
7,220

 
(8
)
 
245,593

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

 
37,646

 
(2,229
)
 
1,867,493

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

 
2,534

 
(1,682
)
 
514,489

State and municipal securities
 
15,218

 
582

 
(2
)
 
15,798

Equity securities
 
3,648

 
92

 

 
3,740

Other investments
 
3,000

 

 
(713
)
 
2,287

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

 
54,116

 
(4,634
)
 
2,981,112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Amortized cost is adjusted for other-than-temporary impairment charges, which have been recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investment securities with a fair value of $2.30 billion and $2.28 billion respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and payment network arrangements as required by law and contractual agreements.

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Synovus has reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 for OTTI and does not consider any securities in an unrealized loss position to be other-than-temporarily impaired. If Synovus intended to sell a security in an unrealized loss position, the entire unrealized loss would be reflected in income. Synovus does not intend to sell any of these investment securities prior to the recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be until maturity, and has the ability and intent to hold those securities for that period of time. Additionally, Synovus is not currently aware of any circumstances which will require it to sell any of the securities that are in an unrealized loss position.
Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to have OTTI are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. Currently, unrealized losses on debt securities are attributable to increases in interest rates on comparable securities from the date of purchase. Synovus regularly evaluates its investment securities portfolio to ensure that there are no conditions that would indicate that unrealized losses represent OTTI. These factors include the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the extent that the fair value is below amortized cost, and the credit standing of the issuer. As of September 30, 2013 there were 66 securities in a loss position for less than twelve months and 3 securities in a loss position for more than 12 months.
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are presented below.

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September 30, 2013
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency securities
14,905

 
175

 

 

 
14,905

 
175

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
123,551

 
2,260

 

 

 
123,551

 
2,260

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
1,393,981

 
22,855

 

 

 
1,393,981

 
22,855

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
231,994

 
5,971

 

 

 
231,994

 
5,971

State and municipal securities

 

 
39

 
2

 
39

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments
1,962

 
105

 
2,687

 
313

 
4,649

 
418

Total
$
1,766,393

 
31,366

 
2,726

 
315

 
1,769,119

 
31,681

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
(in thousands)
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities
$

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government agency securities

 

 

 

 

 

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 

 

 

 

 

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

 
8

 
2

 

 
3,316

 
8

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

 
2,229

 

 

 
286,452

 
2,229

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

 
325

 
168,906

 
1,357

 
210,942

 
1,682

State and municipal securities

 

 
35

 
2

 
35

 
2

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

Other investments
2,287

 
713

 

 

 
2,287

 
713

Total
$
334,089

 
3,275

 
168,943

 
1,359

 
503,032

 
4,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at September 30, 2013 are shown below. The expected life of mortgage-backed securities or CMOs may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-backed securities and CMOs, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been classified based on the final contractual maturity date.
 
Distribution of Maturities at September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Within One
Year
 
1 to 5
Years
 
5 to 10
Years
 
More Than
10 Years
 
No Stated
Maturity
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
17,357

 

 

 

 

 
17,357

U.S. Government agency securities
114

 
9,157

 
24,222

 

 

 
33,493

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,148

 
82,411

 

 

 

 
112,559

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
56

 
105

 
693

 
207,369

 

 
208,223

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
889

 
4,732

 
2,003,593

 
391,152

 

 
2,400,366

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

 

 
153

 
366,904

 

 
367,057

State and municipal securities
2,309

 
3,893

 
289

 
2,866

 

 
9,357

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
4,120

 
4,120

Other investments

 

 

 
3,000

 
2,067

 
5,067

Total amortized cost
$
50,873

 
100,298

 
2,028,950

 
971,291

 
6,187

 
3,157,599

Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
17,357

 

 

 

 

 
17,357

U.S. Government agency securities
115

 
9,475

 
25,021

 

 

 
34,611

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
30,876

 
83,249

 

 

 

 
114,125

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
57

 
110

 
717

 
208,027

 

 
208,911

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
942

 
5,044

 
1,989,871

 
398,467

 

 
2,394,324

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

 

 
154

 
361,525

 

 
361,679

State and municipal securities
2,330

 
3,945

 
314

 
2,992

 

 
9,581

Equity securities

 

 

 

 
6,107

 
6,107

Other investments

 

 

 
2,687

 
1,962

 
4,649

Total fair value
$
51,677

 
101,823

 
2,016,077

 
973,698

 
8,069

 
3,151,344

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales, gross gains, and gross losses on sales of securities available for sale during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
$
403,792

 
909,485

 
56,406

 
176,780

Gross realized gains
3,185

 
31,359

 
1,150

 
6,656

Gross realized losses
(614
)
 
(450
)
 
(26
)
 

Investment securities gains, net
$
2,571

 
30,909

 
1,124

 
6,656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Note 4 - Restructuring Charges
For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 total restructuring charges are as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Severance charges
$
7,311

 
2,488

 
701

 
1,456

Asset impairment charges

 
1,231

 

 
3

Gain on sale of assets held for sale, net
(55
)
 
(452
)
 
(30
)
 
(288
)
Professional fees and other charges
39

 
177

 
16

 
21

Total restructuring charges
$
7,295

 
3,444

 
687

 
1,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In January 2013, Synovus announced new efficiency initiatives to reduce expenses by approximately $30 million during 2013. The implementation of these initiatives is underway and on track to be completed during 2013. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus recognized restructuring charges of $7.3 million and $687 thousand, respectively, related to these efficiency initiatives. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, Synovus recognized $3.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in restructuring charges related to previously announced efficiency initiatives.
The liability for restructuring activities was $1.8 million at September 30, 2013 and consists primarily of future severance payments. Cash payments associated with this liability are expected to occur over the next three months.
Note 5 - Other Loans Held for Sale
Loans are transferred to other loans held for sale at fair value when Synovus makes the determination to sell specifically identified loans. The fair value of the loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the anticipated market prices of similar assets less estimated costs to sell. At the time of transfer, if the fair value is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the ALL. Decreases in the fair value subsequent to the transfer, as well as gains/losses realized from sale of these loans, are recognized as (gains) losses on other loans held for sale, net as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus sold loans with carrying values of $117.8 million and $256.2 million, respectively.

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Note 6 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Small business loans were previously reported as a component of retail loans. Effective September 30, 2013, small business loans are reported as a component of C&I loans. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. As a result of reclassifying small business loans to C&I loans, there are now three loan classes within C&I loans.
The following is a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans by portfolio class as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Current, Accruing Past Due, and Non-accrual Loans
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Current
 
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
 
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
 
Total Accruing Past Due
 
Non-accrual
 
 Total
 
Investment properties
$
4,356,447

 
4,999

 
83

 
5,082

 
79,584

 
4,441,113

 
1-4 family properties
1,120,944

 
5,706

 
795

 
6,501

 
46,800

 
1,174,245

 
Land acquisition
575,439

 
1,785

 

 
1,785

 
152,911

 
730,135

 
Total commercial real estate
6,052,830

 
12,490

 
878

 
13,368

 
279,295

 
6,345,493

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,335,434

 
14,012

 
1,071

 
15,083

 
64,907

 
5,415,424

 
Owner-occupied
3,754,611

 
15,347

 
132

 
15,479

 
41,559

 
3,811,649

 
Small business
579,360

 
6,143

 
399

 
6,542

 
5,475

 
591,377

 
Total commercial and industrial
9,669,405

 
35,502

 
1,602

 
37,104

 
111,941

 
9,818,450

 
Home equity lines
1,524,665

 
5,512

 
409

 
5,921

 
18,996

 
1,549,582

 
Consumer mortgages
1,426,542

 
17,124

 
293

 
17,417

 
38,902

 
1,482,861

 
Credit cards
250,581

 
1,690

 
1,534

 
3,224

 

 
253,805

 
Other retail
282,804

 
1,850

 
22

 
1,872

 
1,745

 
286,421

 
Total retail
3,484,592

 
26,176

 
2,258

 
28,434

 
59,643

 
3,572,669

 
Total loans
$
19,206,827

 
74,168

 
4,738

 
78,906

 
450,879

 
19,736,612

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

 
5,436

 
798

 
6,234

 
91,868

 
4,376,118

 
1-4 family properties
1,193,433

 
13,053

 
41

 
13,094

 
72,578

 
1,279,105

 
Land acquisition
599,034

 
3,422

 
298

 
3,720

 
191,475

 
794,229

 
Total commercial real estate
6,070,483

 
21,911

 
1,137

 
23,048

 
355,921

 
6,449,452

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,204,972

 
15,742

 
845

 
16,587

 
79,575

 
5,301,134

 
Owner-occupied
3,739,149

 
17,784

 
61

 
17,845

 
43,386

 
3,800,380

 
Small business
505,526

 
4,935

 
338

 
5,273

 
5,550

 
516,349

 
Total commercial and industrial
9,449,647

 
38,461

 
1,244

 
39,705

 
128,511

 
9,617,863

 
Home equity lines
1,515,396

 
9,555

 
705

 
10,260

 
16,741

 
1,542,397

 
Consumer mortgages
1,348,506

 
22,502

 
1,288

 
23,790

 
39,265

 
1,411,561

 
Credit cards
258,698

 
2,450

 
2,413

 
4,863

 

 
263,561

 
Other retail
271,175

 
3,135

 
24

 
3,159

 
2,895

 
277,229

 
Total retail
3,393,775

 
37,642

 
4,430

 
42,072

 
58,901

 
3,494,748

 
Total loans
$
18,913,905

 
98,014

 
6,811

 
104,825

 
543,333

 
19,562,063

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $25.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $20.4 million.
The credit quality of the loan portfolio is summarized no less frequently than quarterly using the standard asset classification system utilized by the federal banking agencies. These classifications are divided into three groups – Not Criticized (Pass), Special Mention, and Classified or Adverse rating (Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss) and are defined as follows:

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Pass - loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor (or guarantors, if any) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell in a timely manner, of any underlying collateral.
Special Mention - loans which have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. These loans are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant an adverse classification.
Substandard - loans which are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans with this classification are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful - loans which have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable on the basis of currently known facts, conditions, and values.
Loss - loans which are considered by management to be uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance on the institution's books as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off is not warranted.

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Table of Contents

In the following tables, retail loans and small business loans are classified as Pass except when they reach 90 days past due, or are downgraded to Substandard. Upon reaching 120 days past due, retail loans and small business loans are generally downgraded to Loss and charged off, in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. The risk grade classifications of retail loans secured by junior liens on 1-4 family residential properties also consider available information on the payment status of the associated senior lien with other financial institutions.
Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Risk Grade
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands)
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
$
3,947,495

 
284,162

 
207,720

 
1,736

 

 
4,441,113

 
1-4 family properties
875,055

 
155,426

 
134,307

 
9,457

 

 
1,174,245

 
Land acquisition
416,598

 
122,005

 
188,851

 
2,681

 

 
730,135

 
Total commercial real estate
5,239,148

 
561,593

 
530,878

 
13,874

 

 
6,345,493

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
4,909,574

 
264,771

 
227,454

 
13,532

 
93

(2)(3) 
5,415,424

 
Owner-occupied
3,437,988

 
191,353

 
180,144

 
2,164

 

 
3,811,649

 
Small business
580,394

 

 
10,130

 

 
853

(2)(4) 
591,377

 
Total commercial and industrial
8,927,956

 
456,124

 
417,728

 
15,696

 
946

 
9,818,450

 
Home equity lines
1,520,034

 

 
26,008

 

 
3,540

(2)(4) 
1,549,582

 
Consumer mortgages
1,450,122

 

 
30,632

 

 
2,107

(2)(4) 
1,482,861

 
Credit cards
252,270

 

 
657

 

 
878

(4) 
253,805

 
Other retail
283,096

 

 
3,131

 

 
194

(2)(4) 
286,421

 
Total retail
3,505,522

 

 
60,428

 

 
6,719

 
3,572,669

 
Total loans
$
17,672,626

 
1,017,717

 
1,009,034

 
29,570

 
7,665

 
19,736,612

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

 
463,532

 
253,484

 

 

 
4,376,118

 
1-4 family properties
903,213

 
197,148

 
176,672

 
1,953

 
119

(2)(3) 
1,279,105

 
Land acquisition
416,822

 
143,685

 
227,761

 
5,961

 

 
794,229

 
Total commercial real estate
4,979,137

 
804,365

 
657,917

 
7,914

 
119

(2)(3) 
6,449,452

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
4,729,473

 
311,475

 
249,122

 
10,964

 
100

(2)(3) 
5,301,134

 
Owner-occupied
3,339,576

 
261,116

 
198,833

 
855

 

 
3,800,380

 
Small business
504,503

 

 
10,563

 

 
1,283

(2)(4) 
516,349

 
Total commercial and industrial
8,573,552

 
572,591

 
458,518

 
11,819

 
1,383


9,617,863

 
Home equity lines
1,511,729

 

 
29,094

 

 
1,574

(2)(4) 
1,542,397

 
Consumer mortgages
1,372,957

 

 
38,023

 

 
581

(2)(4) 
1,411,561

 
Credit cards
260,194

 

 
1,776

 

 
1,591

(4) 
263,561

 
Other retail
271,619

 

 
5,379

 

 
231

(2)(4) 
277,229

 
Total retail
3,416,499

 

 
74,272

 

 
3,977

 
3,494,748

 
Total loans
$
16,969,188

 
1,376,956

 
1,190,707

 
19,733

 
5,479

 
19,562,063

(6 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $413.6 million and $518.1 million of non-accrual Substandard loans at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
(2) The loans within these risk grades are on non-accrual status.
(3) Amount was fully reserved and was charged-off in the subsequent quarter.
(4) Represent amounts that were 120 days past due. These credits are downgraded to the Loss category with an allowance for loan losses equal to the full loan amount and are charged off in the subsequent quarter.
(5)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $25.0 million.
(6)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $20.4 million.

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Table of Contents

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

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

 
138,495

 
38,984

 
28,000

 
373,405

Charge-offs
(73,825
)
 
(44,104
)
 
(27,359
)
 

 
(145,288
)
Recoveries
11,861

 
17,266

 
5,834

 

 
34,961

Provision for loan losses
31,181

 
7,502

 
21,851

 
(5,000
)
 
55,534

Ending balance
$
137,143

 
119,159

 
39,310

 
23,000

 
318,612

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
50,737

 
25,194

 
2,120

 

 
78,051

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
86,406

 
93,965

 
37,190

 
23,000

 
240,561

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,345,493

 
9,818,450

 
3,572,669

 

 
19,736,612

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
568,222

 
260,670

 
53,061

 

 
881,953

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,777,271

 
9,557,780

 
3,519,608

 

 
18,854,659

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

 
187,409

 
51,993

 
47,998

 
536,494

Charge-offs
(169,557
)
 
(118,571
)
 
(38,880
)
 

 
(327,008
)
Recoveries
16,513

 
14,221

 
6,341

 

 
37,075

Provision for loan losses
104,463

 
60,999

 
28,379

 
(19,998
)
 
173,843

Ending balance
$
200,513

 
144,058

 
47,833

 
28,000

 
420,404

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
55,400

 
32,086

 
707

 

 
88,193

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
145,113

 
111,972

 
47,126

 
28,000

 
332,211

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,739,134

 
9,485,908

 
3,523,876

 

 
19,748,918

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
745,510

 
393,733

 
60,244

 

 
1,199,487

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,993,624

 
9,092,175

 
3,463,632

 

 
18,549,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $25.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $17.1 million.


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Table of Contents

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

 
As Of and For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
138,329

 
133,190

 
40,361

 
23,000

 
334,880

Charge-offs
(9,474
)
 
(13,871
)
 
(6,908
)
 

 
(30,253
)
Recoveries
2,766

 
2,152

 
2,306

 

 
7,224

Provision for loan losses
5,522

 
(2,312
)
 
3,551

 

 
6,761

Ending balance
$
137,143

 
119,159

 
39,310

 
23,000

 
318,612

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
50,737

 
25,194

 
2,120

 

 
78,051

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
86,406

 
93,965

 
37,190

 
23,000

 
240,561

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(1)
$
6,345,493

 
9,818,450

 
3,572,669

 

 
19,736,612

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
568,222

 
260,670

 
53,061

 

 
881,953

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,777,271

 
9,557,780

 
3,519,608

 

 
18,854,659

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Of and For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(in thousands)
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
210,208

 
156,828

 
48,289

 
38,000

 
453,325

Charge-offs
(56,638
)
 
(41,979
)
 
(12,413
)
 

 
(111,030
)
Recoveries
5,902

 
6,502

 
2,133

 

 
14,537

Provision for loan losses
41,041

 
22,707

 
9,824

 
(10,000
)
 
63,572

Ending balance
$
200,513

 
144,058

 
47,833

 
28,000

 
420,404

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
55,400

 
32,086

 
707

 

 
88,193

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
145,113

 
111,972

 
47,126

 
28,000

 
332,211

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
$
6,739,134

 
9,485,908

 
3,523,876

 

 
19,748,918

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
745,510

 
393,733

 
60,244

 

 
1,199,487

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
$
5,993,624

 
9,092,175

 
3,463,632

 

 
18,549,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $25.0 million.
(2)Total before net deferred fees and costs of $17.1 million.


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Table of Contents

The tables below summarize impaired loans (including accruing TDRs) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
15,151

 
16,868

 

 
19,136

 

 
19,994

 

1-4 family properties
16,018

 
37,381

 

 
27,250

 

 
16,980

 

Land acquisition
33,903

 
83,679

 

 
43,792

 

 
33,129

 

Total commercial real estate
65,072

 
137,928

 

 
90,178

 

 
70,103

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural
13,197

 
22,440

 

 
16,076

 

 
14,769

 

Owner-occupied
24,502

 
32,546

 

 
21,776

 

 
23,243

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
37,699

 
54,986

 

 
37,852

 

 
38,012

 

Home equity lines

 

 

 
44

 

 
32

 

Consumer mortgages
1,196

 
2,751

 

 
1,575

 

 
1,196

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail
2

 
9

 

 
4

 

 
2

 

Total retail
1,198

 
2,760

 

 
1,623

 

 
1,230

 

Total impaired loans with no related allowance recorded
$
103,969

 
195,674

 

 
129,653

 

 
109,345

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
207,455

 
214,640

 
11,751

 
242,511

 
3,918

 
236,685

 
1,170

1-4 family properties
111,856

 
112,639

 
12,906

 
115,765

 
2,581

 
114,907

 
917

Land acquisition
183,839

 
203,094

 
26,080

 
192,070

 
2,220

 
188,283

 
726

Total commercial real estate
503,150

 
530,373

 
50,737

 
550,346

 
8,719

 
539,875

 
2,813

Commercial, financial and agricultural
118,025

 
119,481

 
17,255

 
131,033

 
2,675

 
120,859

 
913

Owner-occupied
100,341

 
101,081

 
7,649

 
110,868

 
2,765

 
110,892

 
857

Small business
4,605

 
4,605

 
290

 
3,621

 
102

 
3,740

 
44

Total commercial and industrial
222,971

 
225,167

 
25,194

 
245,522

 
5,542

 
235,491

 
1,814

Home equity lines
2,772

 
2,772

 
167

 
6,492

 
144

 
4,320

 
32

Consumer mortgages
38,203

 
38,203

 
1,868

 
49,731

 
1,457

 
46,595

 
512

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail
10,888

 
10,888

 
85

 
4,993

 
194

 
6,106

 
66

Total retail
51,863

 
51,863

 
2,120

 
61,216

 
1,795

 
57,021

 
610

Total impaired loans with allowance recorded
$
777,984

 
807,403

 
78,051

 
857,084

 
16,056

 
832,387

 
5,237

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
222,606

 
231,508

 
11,751

 
261,647

 
3,918

 
256,679

 
1,170

1-4 family properties
127,874

 
150,020

 
12,906

 
143,015

 
2,581

 
131,887

 
917

Land acquisition
217,742

 
286,773

 
26,080

 
235,862

 
2,220

 
221,412

 
726

Total commercial real estate
568,222

 
668,301

 
50,737

 
640,524

 
8,719

 
609,978

 
2,813

Commercial, financial and agricultural
131,222

 
141,921

 
17,255

 
147,109

 
2,675

 
135,628

 
913

Owner-occupied
124,843

 
133,627

 
7,649

 
132,644

 
2,765

 
134,135

 
857

Small business
4,605

 
4,605

 
290

 
3,621

 
102

 
3,740

 
44

Total commercial and industrial
260,670

 
280,153

 
25,194

 
283,374

 
5,542

 
273,503

 
1,814

Home equity lines
2,772

 
2,772

 
167

 
6,536

 
144

 
4,352

 
32

Consumer mortgages
39,399

 
40,954

 
1,868

 
51,306

 
1,457

 
47,791

 
512

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other retail
10,890

 
10,897

 
85

 
4,997

 
194

 
6,108

 
66

Total retail
53,061

 
54,623

 
2,120

 
62,839

 
1,795

 
58,251

 
610

Total impaired loans
$
881,953

 
1,003,077

 
78,051

 
986,737

 
16,056

 
941,732

 
5,237

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

20

Table of Contents

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

 
14,130

 

 
42,947

 

1-4 family properties
40,793

 
117,869

 

 
97,434

 

Land acquisition
59,697

 
125,023

 

 
158,015

 

Total commercial real estate
111,429

 
257,022

 

 
298,396

 

Commercial, financial and agricultural
18,618

 
34,753

 

 
40,947

 

Owner-occupied
12,563

 
16,680

 

 
27,763

 

Small business

 

 

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
31,181

 
51,433

 

 
68,710

 

Home equity lines
51

 
51

 

 
2,811

 

Consumer mortgages
1,247

 
2,263

 

 
3,706

 

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
7

 
15

 

 
127

 

Total retail
1,305

 
2,329

 

 
6,644

 

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

 
310,784

 

 
373,750

 

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
253,851

 
254,339

 
20,209

 
230,848

 
6,144

1-4 family properties
114,207

 
117,505

 
11,414

 
141,529

 
4,347

Land acquisition
205,591

 
205,601

 
27,325

 
97,173

 
2,018

Total commercial real estate
573,649

 
577,445

 
58,948

 
469,550

 
12,509

Commercial, financial and agricultural
161,711

 
163,472

 
17,186

 
164,905

 
3,974

Owner-occupied
117,651

 
126,106

 
7,308

 
134,960

 
4,602

Small business
3,333

 
3,333

 
184

 
1,950

 
76

Total commercial and industrial
282,695

 
292,911

 
24,678

 
301,815

 
8,652

Home equity lines
8,696

 
8,696

 
195

 
7,071

 
237

Consumer mortgages
50,261

 
50,261

 
880

 
38,912

 
1,300

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
3,304

 
3,304

 
74

 
2,543

 
167

Total retail
62,261

 
62,261

 
1,149

 
48,526

 
1,704

Total impaired loans with allowance recorded
$
918,605

 
932,617

 
84,775

 
819,891

 
22,865

Total impaired loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
$
264,790

 
268,469

 
20,209

 
273,795

 
6,144

1-4 family properties
155,000

 
235,374

 
11,414

 
238,963

 
4,347

Land acquisition
265,288

 
330,624

 
27,325

 
255,188

 
2,018

Total commercial real estate
685,078

 
834,467

 
58,948

 
767,946

 
12,509

Commercial, financial and agricultural
180,329

 
198,225

 
17,186

 
205,852

 
3,974

Owner-occupied
130,214

 
142,786

 
7,308

 
162,723

 
4,602

Small business
3,333

 
3,333

 
184

 
1,950

 
76

Total commercial and industrial
313,876

 
344,344

 
24,678

 
370,525

 
8,652

Home equity lines
8,747

 
8,747

 
195

 
9,882

 
237

Consumer mortgages
51,508

 
52,524

 
880

 
42,618

 
1,300

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
3,311

 
3,319

 
74

 
2,670

 
167

Total retail
63,566

 
64,590

 
1,149

 
55,170

 
1,704

Total impaired loans
$
1,062,520

 
1,243,401

 
84,775

 
1,193,641

 
22,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $986.7 million and $941.7 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Excluding accruing TDRs, there was no interest income recognized for the investment in impaired loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Interest income recognized for accruing TDRs was $16.1 million

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for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2013, and 2012, all impaired loans other than $574.2 million and $698.8 million, respectively, of accruing TDRs, were on non-accrual status.
Concessions provided in a TDR are primarily in the form of providing a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk, a period of time generally less than one year with a reduction of required principal and/or interest payments (e.g., interest only for a period of time), or extension of the maturity of the loan generally for less than one year. Insignificant periods of reduction of principal and/or interest payments, or one time deferrals of 3 months or less, are generally not considered to be financial concessions.
The following tables represent, by concession type, the post-modification balance for loans modified or renewed during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that were reported as accruing or non-accruing TDRs.
TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
44

 
$

 
121,263

 
4,372

 
125,635

 
1-4 family properties
99

 
424

 
28,863

 
8,629

 
37,916

 
Land acquisition
26

 
74

 
113,627

 
9,763

 
123,464

 
Total commercial real estate
169

 
498

 
263,753

 
22,764

 
287,015

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
64

 
183

 
20,946

 
11,067

 
32,196

 
Owner-occupied
36

 

 
21,116

 
21,818

 
42,934

 
Small business
36

 

 
1,109

 
2,725

 
3,834

 
Total commercial and industrial
136

 
183

 
43,171

 
35,610

 
78,964

 
Home equity lines
1

 

 

 
80

 
80

 
Consumer mortgages
123

 

 
10,230

 
4,004

 
14,234

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
56

 

 
879

 
1,424

 
2,303

 
Total retail
180

 

 
11,109

 
5,508

 
16,617

 
Total TDRs
485

 
$
681

 
318,033

 
63,882

 
382,596

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
13

 
$

 
74,111

 

 
74,111

 
1-4 family properties
41

 

 
4,832

 
2,133

 
6,965

 
Land acquisition
10

 

 
108,295

 
2,532

 
110,827

 
Total commercial real estate
64

 

 
187,238

 
4,665

 
191,903

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
9

 

 
3,039

 
2,078

 
5,117

 
Owner-occupied
7

 

 
5,496

 
7,482

 
12,978

 
Small business
12

 

 
192

 
1,117

 
1,309

 
Total commercial and industrial
28

 

 
8,727

 
10,677

 
19,404

 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 
Consumer mortgages
39

 

 
3,106

 
966

 
4,072

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
18

 

 
419

 
396

 
815

 
Total retail
57

 

 
3,525

 
1,362

 
4,887

 
Total TDRs
149

 
$

 
199,490

 
16,704

 
216,194

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net charge-offs of $199 thousand were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 upon restructuring of these loans.
(2) Net charge-offs of $146 thousand were recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2013 upon restructuring of these loans.


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Table of Contents

TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
60

 
$
77

 
63,727

 
46,044

 
109,848

 
1-4 family properties
113

 
404

 
55,301

 
12,063

 
67,768

 
Land acquisition
67

 

 
35,560

 
20,074

 
55,634

 
Total commercial real estate
240

 
481

 
154,588

 
78,181

 
233,250

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
101

 
35,058

 
41,803

 
24,485

 
101,346

 
Owner-occupied
51

 

 
29,572

 
6,201

 
35,773

 
Small business
28

 

 
802

 
2,201

 
3,003

 
Total commercial and industrial
180

 
35,058

 
72,177

 
32,887

 
140,122

 
Home equity lines
3

 

 
330

 
34

 
364

 
Consumer mortgages
260

 

 
6,674

 
20,285

 
26,959

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
52

 

 
566

 
2,524

 
3,090

 
Total retail
315

 

 
7,570

 
22,843

 
30,413

 
Total TDRs
735

 
$
35,539

 
234,335

 
133,911

 
403,785

(1 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
20

 
$
77

 
22,468

 
2,211

 
24,756

 
1-4 family properties
53

 
404

 
19,603

 
8,266

 
28,273

 
Land acquisition
29

 

 
13,504

 
4,801

 
18,305

 
Total commercial real estate
102

 
481

 
55,575

 
15,278

 
71,334

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
30

 
35,058

 
12,149

 
5,636

 
52,843

 
Owner-occupied
16

 

 
8,890

 
2,708

 
11,598

 
Small business
14

 

 
483

 
1,155

 
1,638

 
Total commercial and industrial
60

 
35,058

 
21,522

 
9,499

 
66,079

 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 
Consumer mortgages
62

 

 
754

 
5,655

 
6,409

 
Credit cards

 

 

 

 

 
Other retail
16

 

 
74

 
623

 
697

 
Total retail
78

 

 
828

 
6,278

 
7,106

 
Total TDRs
240

 
$
35,539

 
77,925

 
31,055

 
144,519

(2 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net charge-offs of approximately $16 million were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 upon restructuring of these loans.
(2) Net charge-offs of approximately $14 million were recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2012 upon restructuring of these loans.



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Table of Contents

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

 
$
4,519

 

 
$

1-4 family properties
9

 
12,374

 
1

 
1,620

Land acquisition
1

 
126

 

 

Total commercial real estate
12

 
17,019

 
1

 
1,620

Commercial, financial and agricultural
2

 
389

 

 

Owner-occupied
2

 
924

 

 

Small business
1

 
20

 

 

Total commercial and industrial
5

 
1,333

 

 

Home equity lines
1

 
98

 
1

 
98

Consumer mortgages
15

 
1,195

 
2

 
217

Credit cards

 

 

 

Other retail
1

 
195

 

 

Total retail
17

 
1,488

 
3

 
315

Total TDRs
34

 
$
19,840

 
4

 
$
1,935

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

Troubled Debt Restructurings Entered Into That Subsequently Defaulted(1) During
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012(2)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012(2)
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
Investment properties
8

 
$
7,418

 
5

 
$
3,866

1-4 family properties
12

 
8,098

 
7

 
5,395

Land acquisition
10

 
9,925

 
5

 
5,273

Total commercial real estate
30

 
25,441

 
17

 
14,534

Commercial, financial and agricultural
6

 
2,973

 
0

 

Owner-occupied
7

 
4,968

 
4

 
2,498

Small business
3

 
322

 
3

 
322

Total commercial and industrial
16

 
8,263

 
7

 
2,820

Home equity lines

 

 

 

Consumer mortgages
9

 
2,788

 
6

 
1,309

Credit cards

 

 

 

Other retail
2

 
53

 
2

 
53

Total retail
11

 
2,841

 
8

 
1,362

Total TDRs
57

 
$
36,545

 
32

 
$
18,716

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Default is defined as the earlier of the troubled debt restructuring being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments.
(2) Amounts related to loans modified or renewed into TDRs within 12 months of the default date that subsequently defaulted during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 were previously disclosed as 57 contracts with recorded investment totaling $60.1 million and 18 contracts with recorded investment totaling $11.2 million, respectively. These amounts were revised in the table above due to a re-evaluation of the defaulted status of certain loans during these periods.
If, at the time a loan was designated as a TDR, the loan was not already impaired, the measurement of impairment that resulted from the TDR designation changes from a general pool-level reserve to a specific loan measurement of impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35. Generally, the change in the allowance for loan losses resulting from such TDR designation is not significant. At September 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs totaling $574.2 million was $37.4 million compared to accruing TDRs of $673.4 million with an allocated allowance for loan losses of $41.4 million at December 31, 2012. Non-accrual, non-homogeneous loans (commercial-type impaired loans greater than $1 million) that are designated as TDRs, are individually measured for the amount of impairment, if any, both before and after the TDR designation.

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Table of Contents

Note 7 - Other Real Estate
ORE consists of properties obtained through a foreclosure proceeding or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. In accordance with provisions of ASC 310-10-35 regarding subsequent measurement of loans for impairment and ASC 310-40-15 regarding accounting for troubled debt restructurings by a creditor, a loan is classified as an in-substance foreclosure when Synovus has taken possession of the collateral regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings have taken place.
At foreclosure, ORE is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less the estimated cost to sell, which establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, ORE is evaluated quarterly and reported at fair value less estimated costs to sell, not to exceed the new cost basis, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in an adjustment to lower the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral, less costs to sell, is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Revenue and expenses from ORE operations as well as gains or losses on sales are recorded as foreclosed real estate expense, net, a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income. Subsequent declines in fair value are recorded on a property-by-property basis through use of a valuation allowance within other real estate on the consolidated balances sheets and valuation adjustment account in foreclosed real estate expense, net, a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
The carrying value of ORE was $126.6 million and $150.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, $76.1 million and $122.1 million, respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate at fair value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $28.8 million and $55.7 million, respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $22.7 million and $42.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $8.4 million and $8.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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Table of Contents

Note 8 - Other Comprehensive Income
The following table illustrates activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, and is shown for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
(in thousands)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale
 
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit
 
Total
Beginning balance as of December 31, 2012
$
(13,373
)
 
17,111

 
363

 
4,101

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
(32,698
)
 
519

 
(32,179
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
205

 
(1,581
)
 
(60
)
 
(1,436
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
205

 
(34,279
)
 
459

 
(33,615
)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2013
$
(13,168
)
 
(17,168
)
 
822

 
(29,514
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance as of July 1, 2013
$
(13,237
)
 
(20,689
)
 
866

 
(33,060
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
4,212

 

 
4,212

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
69

 
(691
)
 
(44
)
 
(666
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
69

 
3,521

 
(44
)
 
3,546

Ending balance as of September 30, 2013
$
(13,168
)
 
(17,168
)
 
822

 
(29,514
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
(in thousands)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale
 
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit
 
Total
Beginning balance as of December 31, 2011
$
(12,524
)
 
33,617

 

 
21,093

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(778
)
 
14,948

 
654

 
14,824

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(714
)
 
(19,009
)
 
(38
)
 
(19,761
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,492
)
 
(4,061
)
 
616

 
(4,937
)
Ending balance as of September 30, 2012
$
(14,016
)
 
29,556

 
616

 
16,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance as of July 1, 2012
$
(14,079
)
 
20,440

 
642

 
7,003

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
33

 
(4,093
)
 
(10
)
 
(4,070
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
30

 
13,209

 
(16
)
 
13,223

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
63

 
9,116

 
(26
)
 
9,153

Ending balance as of September 30, 2012
$
(14,016
)
 
29,556

 
616

 
16,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

In accordance with ASC 740-20-45-11(b), a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income is charged directly to other comprehensive income (loss). Thus, during the years 2010 and 2011, Synovus recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income directly to other comprehensive income (loss) by applying the portfolio approach for allocation of the valuation allowance. Synovus has consistently applied the portfolio approach which treats derivative instruments, equity securities, and debt securities as a single portfolio. As of September 30, 2013, the ending balance in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale includes unrealized losses of $12.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively, related to the residual tax effects remaining in OCI due to the previously established deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Under the portfolio approach, these unrealized losses are realized at the time the entire portfolio is sold or disposed.
The following table illustrates activity within the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013.
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of deferred gains (losses)
 
$
(336
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
131

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(205
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$
2,571

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(990
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
1,581

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
 
$
98

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(38
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
60

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of deferred gains (losses)
 
$
(112
)
 
Interest expense
 
 
43

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(69
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
  Realized gain on sale of securities
 
$
1,124

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(433
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
691

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Amortization of post-retirement unfunded health benefit:
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
 
$
72

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

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 

27

Table of Contents

Note 9 - Fair Value Accounting
Synovus carries various assets and liabilities at fair value based on the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820 and ASC 825. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an “exit price”) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
Synovus has implemented controls and processes for the determination of the fair value of financial instruments. The ultimate responsibility for the determination of fair value rests with Synovus. Synovus has established a process that has been designed to ensure there is an independent review and validation of fair values by a function independent of those entering into the transaction. This includes specific controls to ensure consistent pricing policies and procedures that incorporate verification for both market and derivative transactions. For all financial instruments where fair values are determined by reference to externally quoted prices or observable pricing inputs to models, independent price determination or validation is utilized. Where the market for a financial instrument is not active, fair value is determined using a valuation technique or pricing model. These valuation techniques and models involve a degree of estimation, the extent of which depends on each instrument's complexity and the availability of market-based data.
The most frequently applied pricing model and valuation technique utilized by Synovus is the discounted cash flow model. Discounted cash flows determine the value by estimating the expected future cash flows from assets or liabilities discounted to their present value. Synovus may also use a relative value model to determine the fair value of a financial instrument based on the market prices of similar assets or liabilities or an option pricing model such as binomial pricing that includes probability-based techniques. Assumptions and inputs used in valuation techniques and models include benchmark interest rates, credit spreads and other inputs used in estimating discount rates, bond and equity prices, price volatilities and correlations, prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity upon default.
Synovus refines and modifies its valuation techniques as markets develop and as pricing for individual financial instruments become more or less readily available. While Synovus believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions could result in different estimates of fair value at the balance sheet date. In order to determine the fair value, where appropriate, management applies valuation adjustments to the pricing information. These adjustments reflect management's assessment of factors that market participants would consider in setting a price, to the extent that these factors have not already been included in the pricing information. Furthermore, on an ongoing basis, management assesses the appropriateness of any model used. To the extent that the price provided by internal models does not represent the fair value of the financial instrument, management makes adjustments to the model valuation to calibrate it to other available pricing sources. Where unobservable inputs are used, management may determine a range of possible valuations based upon differing stress scenarios to determine the sensitivity associated with the valuation. As a final step, management considers the need for further adjustments to the modeled price to reflect how market participants would price the financial instrument.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Synovus determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the financial instrument's fair value measurement in its entirety. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs of the valuation hierarchy are defined below:

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Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

 
11,031

 

 
11,031

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

 
2,689

 

 
2,689

  State and municipal securities

 
385

 

 
385

  All other residential mortgage-backed
  securities    

 
1,001

 

 
1,001

Other investments

 
2,257

 

 
2,257

Total trading securities
$

 
17,363

 

 
17,363

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
61,232

 

 
61,232

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
17,357

 

 

 
17,357

U.S. Government agency securities

 
34,611

 

 
34,611

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
114,125

 

 
114,125

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

 
208,911

 

 
208,911

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

 
2,394,324

 

 
2,394,324

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

 
361,679

 

 
361,679

State and municipal securities

 
9,581

 

 
9,581

Equity securities
5,215

 

 
892

 
6,107

 Other investments(1)    
1,962

 

 
2,687

 
4,649

Total investment securities available for sale
$
24,534

 
3,123,231

 
3,579

 
3,151,344

Private equity investments

 
1,564

 
29,852

 
31,416

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,636

 

 

 
10,636

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
41,365

 

 
41,365

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
2,111

 

 
2,111

Total derivative assets
$

 
43,476

 

 
43,476

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
13,497

 

 
13,497

Salary stock units
1,237

 

 

 
1,237

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
42,345

 

 
42,345

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
1,707

 

 
1,707

Visa derivative

 

 
2,505

 
2,505

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
44,052

 
2,505

 
46,557

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

 
2,171

 

 
2,171

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

 
4,875

 

 
4,875

State and municipal securities

 
451

 

 
451

All other residential mortgage-backed securities

 
1,159

 

 
1,159

Other investments

 
2,446

 

 
2,446

Total trading securities
$

 
11,102

 

 
11,102

Mortgage loans held for sale

 
212,663

 

 
212,663

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

 

 

 
356

U.S. Government agency securities

 
38,046

 

 
38,046

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

 
293,310

 

 
293,310

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

 
245,593

 

 
245,593

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

 
1,867,493

 

 
1,867,493

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

 
514,489

 

 
514,489

State and municipal securities

 
15,798

 

 
15,798

Equity securities
2,849

 

 
891

 
3,740

 Other investments(1)    

 

 
2,287

 
2,287

Total investment securities available for sale
$
3,205

 
2,974,729

 
3,178

 
2,981,112

Private equity investments

 
1,168

 
30,708

 
31,876

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,001

 

 

 
10,001

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
61,869

 

 
61,869

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
2,793

 

 
2,793

Total derivative assets
$

 
64,662

 

 
64,662

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities

 
91

 

 
91

Salary stock units
1,888

 

 

 
1,888

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts

 
62,912

 

 
62,912

Mortgage derivatives(2)

 
525

 

 
525

Visa derivative

 

 
2,956

 
2,956

Total derivative liabilities
$

 
63,437

 
2,956

 
66,393

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

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Fair Value Option
The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance for mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value and the changes in fair value of these loans. The table does not reflect the change in fair value attributable to the related economic hedge Synovus uses to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the financial instruments. Changes in fair value were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income and other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income, as appropriate. An immaterial portion of these amounts was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
Net Gains (Losses) from Fair Value Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
(3,838
)
 
4,079

 
4,092

 
4,271

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
 
(in thousands)
As of September 30, 2013
 
As of December 31, 2012
Fair value
$
61,232

 
212,663

Unpaid principal balance
59,064

 
206,657

Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
2,168

 
6,006

 
 
 
 

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

 
30,708

 
(2,956
)
 
6,842

 
21,418

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

 
(856
)
 
(801
)
 
(450
)
 
6,428

 
(5,546
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
401

 

 

 
(710
)
 

 

Purchases

 



 

 
1,057

(2) 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 
1,252

 
(1,000
)
 

 
12,044

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 
(501
)
 

 
(1,851
)
Ending balance, September 30,
$
3,579

 
29,852

 
(2,505
)
 
4,181

 
28,903

 
(2,595
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the nine months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30,
$

 
(856
)
 
(801
)
 
(450
)
 
6,428

 
(5,546
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Derivative
Contracts, Net
Beginning balance, July 1,
$
3,454

 
29,568

 
(2,977
)
 
5,103

 
29,847

 
(3,050
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings(1)    

 
284

 

 

 
(944
)
 
(833
)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
125

 

 

 
78

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 
472

 
(1,000
)
 

 
1,288

Amortization of discount/premium

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance, September 30,
$
3,579

 
29,852

 
(2,505
)
 
4,181

 
28,903

 
(2,595
)
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at September 30,
$

 
284

 

 

 
(944
)
 
(833
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Included in earnings as a component of other non-interest income (expense).
(2) Represents additional capital contributed to a private equity investment fund for capital calls. There are no such calls outstanding as of September 30, 2013.


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


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

 

 
252,381

 
252,381

 

 

 
80,299

 
80,299

Other loans held for sale

 

 
4,425

 
4,425

 

 

 
7,420

 
7,420

Other real estate




17,279


17,279

 

 

 
79,293

 
79,293

Other assets held for sale
$

 

 
990

 
990

 

 

 
5,804

 
5,804

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represents impaired loans that are collateral-dependent.
The following table presents fair value adjustments recognized for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 for the assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Impaired loans(1)
$
27,624

 
89,522

 
4,630

 
38,273

Other loans held for sale
2,844

 
1,660

 
2,833

 
372

Other real estate
5,919

 
25,560

 
402

 
5,635

Other assets held for sale
$
246

 
1,405

 
76

 
60

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

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

 
Individual analysis of each investment
Multiple data points, including, but not limited to evaluation of past and projected business performance 
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
2,687

 
Discounted cash flow
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
400-450 bps (429 bps)
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of liquidity(2)
0%-10% (0%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
29,852

 
Individual analysis of each investee company
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial conditions, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed financing transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
N/A(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
$
2,505

 
Probability model
Probability-weighted potential outcomes of the Covered Litigation, and fees payable to the counterparty, through the estimated term of the contract
$400 thousand to $2.5 million ($2.5 million)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





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September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans
 
$
252,381

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 59% (21%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
4,425

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
0% - 5% (2.5%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
 
17,279

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
2.5% - 5.0% (3.5%)
0% - 10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets held for sale
 
$
990

 
Third party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs or BOV
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
7.5% - 29% (18%)
0% - 10% (7%)
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low of the value that would be assigned to a particular input. The weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is the value that management is using for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of liquidity.
(3) Synovus also makes adjustments to the values of the assets listed above for various reasons, including age of the appraisal, information known by management about the property, such as occupancy rates, changes to the physical conditions of the property, and other factors.
(4) The range has not been disclosed due to the wide range of possible values given the methodology used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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September 30, 2013

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
514,694

 
514,694

 
514,694

 

 

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
966,435

 
966,435

 
966,435

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
14,060

 
14,060

 
14,060

 

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
80,177

 
80,177

 
80,177

 

 

Trading account assets
17,363

 
17,363

 

 
17,363

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
61,232

 
61,232

 

 
61,232

 

Other loans held for sale
9,351

 
9,351

 

 

 
9,351

Investment securities available for sale
3,151,344

 
3,151,344

 
24,534

 
3,123,231

 
3,579

Private equity investments
31,416

 
31,416

 

 
1,564

 
29,852

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,636

 
10,636

 
10,636

 

 

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
19,711,610

 
19,474,694

 

 

 
19,474,694

Derivative assets
43,476

 
43,476

 

 
43,476

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
13,497

 
13,497

 

 
13,497

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,358,659

 
5,358,659

 

 
5,358,659

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,615,197

 
15,623,902

 

 
15,623,902

 

Federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and other short-term liabilities    
194,613

 
194,613

 
194,613

 

 

Salary stock units
1,237

 
1,237

 
1,237

 

 

Long-term debt
1,885,057

 
1,953,558

 

 
1,953,558

 

Derivative liabilities
$
46,557

 
46,557

 

 
44,052

 
2,505

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012

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

 
614,630

 
614,630

 

 

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

 
1,498,390

 
1,498,390

 

 

Interest earning deposits with banks
23,442

 
23,442

 
23,442

 

 

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

 
113,517

 
113,517

 

 

Trading account assets
11,102

 
11,102

 

 
11,102

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
212,663

 
212,663

 

 
212,663

 

Other loans held for sale
10,690

 
10,690

 

 

 
10,690

Investment securities available for sale
2,981,112

 
2,981,112

 
3,205

 
2,974,729

 
3,178

Private equity investments
31,876

 
31,876

 

 
1,168

 
30,708

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,001

 
10,001

 
10,001

 

 

Loans, net
19,541,690

 
19,254,199

 

 

 
19,254,199

Derivative assets
64,662

 
64,662

 

 
64,662

 

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
91

 
91

 

 
91

 

Non-interest bearing deposits
5,665,527

 
5,665,527

 

 
5,665,527

 

Interest bearing deposits
15,391,517

 
15,415,160

 

 
15,415,160

 

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

 
201,243

 
201,243

 

 

Salary stock units
1,888

 
1,888

 
1,888

 

 

Long-term debt
1,726,455

 
1,784,223

 

 
1,784,223

 

Derivative liabilities
$
66,393

 
66,393

 

 
63,437

 
2,956

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Note 10 - Derivative Instruments
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk. These derivative instruments generally consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments made to prospective mortgage loan customers, and commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments represent derivative instruments since it is intended that such loans will be sold.
From time to time, Synovus utilizes interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks primarily arising from its core banking activities. These interest rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest rate payment obligations without the exchange of underlying principal amounts. Swaps may be designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges, as discussed below. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts utilized to manage interest rate risk.
The Company is party to master netting arrangements with its dealer counterparties; however, the Company does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes.
Counterparty Credit Risk and Collateral
Entering into derivative contracts potentially exposes Synovus to the risk of counterparties’ failure to fulfill their legal obligations, including, but not limited to, potential amounts due or payable under each derivative contract. Notional principal amounts are often used to express the volume of these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. Synovus assesses the credit risk of its dealer counterparties by regularly monitoring publicly available credit rating information and other market indicators. Dealer collateral requirements are determined via risk-based policies and procedures and in accordance with existing agreements. Synovus seeks to minimize dealer credit risk by dealing with highly rated counterparties and by obtaining collateral for exposures above certain predetermined limits. Management closely monitors credit conditions within the customer swap portfolio, which management deems to be of higher risk than dealer counterparties. Collateral is secured at origination and credit related fair value adjustments are recorded against the asset value of the derivative as deemed necessary based upon an analysis, which includes consideration of the current asset value of the swap, customer credit rating, collateral value, and customer standing with regards to its swap contractual obligations and other related matters. Such asset values fluctuate based upon changes in interest rates regardless of changes in notional amounts and changes in customer specific risk.
Cash Flow Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of floating rate loans as cash flow hedges. These swaps hedge against the variability of cash flows from specified pools of floating rate prime based loans. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the hedging relationship quarterly using regression analysis. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income. As of September 30, 2013, there were no cash flow hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness.
Synovus expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income $447 thousand of interest expense during the next twelve months as amortization of deferred losses are recorded.
Synovus did not terminate any cash flow hedges during 2013 or 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred net loss balance of all previously terminated cash flow hedges at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $(1.7) million and $(2.0) million, respectively.
Fair Value Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of fixed rate liabilities as fair value hedges. These swaps hedge against the change in fair value of various fixed rate liabilities due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, LIBOR. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the fair value hedges quarterly using regression analysis. As of September 30, 2013, there were no fair value hedges outstanding, and therefore, no cumulative ineffectiveness. Ineffectiveness from fair value hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income.
Synovus did not terminate any fair value hedges during 2013 or 2012. The remaining unamortized deferred net gain balance of all previously terminated fair value hedges at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $11.5 million and $13.9 million, respectively.
Customer Related Derivative Positions
Synovus enters into interest rate swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies of a small number of commercial banking customers. Synovus mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting interest rate swap agreements with highly rated third party financial institutions. The interest rate swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair

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value on Synovus' consolidated balance sheet. Fair value changes are recorded in non-interest income in Synovus' consolidated statements of income. As of September 30, 2013, the notional amount of customer related interest rate derivative financial instruments, including both the customer position and the offsetting position, was $1.11 billion, a decrease of $32.7 million compared to December 31, 2012.
Visa Derivative
In conjunction with the sale of Class B shares of common stock issued by Visa to Synovus as a Visa USA member, Synovus entered into a derivative contract with the purchaser, which provides for settlements between the parties based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A shares. The conversion ratio changes when Visa deposits funds to a litigation escrow established by Visa to pay settlements for certain litigation, which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members. The litigation escrow is funded by proceeds from Visa’s conversion of Class B shares. The fair value of the derivative liability is based on an estimate of Synovus’ membership proportion of Visa’s aggregate exposure to the Covered Litigation, or in effect, the future cumulative deposits to the litigation escrow for settlement of the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty.
Mortgage Derivatives
Synovus originates first lien residential mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market and generally does not hold the originated loans for investment purposes. Mortgage loans are sold by Synovus for conversion to securities and the servicing of these loans is generally sold to a third-party servicing aggregator, or Synovus sells the mortgage loans as whole loans to investors either individually or in bulk on a servicing released basis.
Synovus enters interest rate lock commitments for residential mortgage loans which commit us to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. Interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that, if originated, will be held for sale, are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding interest rate lock commitments expose Synovus to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had commitments to fund at a locked interest rate, primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers in the amount of $89.9 million and $158.0 million, respectively. The fair value of these commitments resulted in a gain (loss) of $(0.7) million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to $93.0 million and $231.5 million, respectively. Such commitments are entered into to reduce the exposure to market risk arising from potential changes in interest rates, which could affect the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale and outstanding rate lock commitments, which guarantee a certain interest rate if the loan is ultimately funded or granted by Synovus as a mortgage loan held for sale. The commitments to sell mortgage loans are at fixed prices and are scheduled to settle at specified dates that generally do not exceed 90 days. The fair value of outstanding commitments to sell mortgage loans resulted in a loss of $(1.2) million and $(2.0) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
Collateral Contingencies
Certain derivative instruments contain provisions that require Synovus to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. When Synovus’ credit rating falls below investment grade, these provisions allow the counterparties of the derivative instrument to demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions and, for certain counterparties, request immediate termination. As Synovus’ current rating is below investment grade, Synovus is required to post collateral, as required by each agreement, against these positions. Additionally, as of June 10, 2013, the CCC became mandatory for certain trades as required under the Dodd-Frank Act. These derivative transactions also carry collateral requirements, both at the inception of the trade, and as the value of each derivative position changes. As trades are migrated to the CCC, dealer counterparty exposure will be reduced, and higher notional amounts of Synovus' derivative instruments will be housed at the CCC, a highly regulated and well-capitalized entity. As of September 30, 2013, collateral totaling $76.6 million consisting of Federal funds sold was pledged to the derivative counterparties, including $1.2 million with the CCC, to comply with collateral requirements.

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

(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Derivatives not designated
  as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
 
$
41,365

 
61,869

 
Other liabilities
 
$
42,345

 
62,912

Mortgage derivatives
Other assets
 
2,111

 
2,793

 
Other liabilities
 
1,707

 
525

Visa derivative
 
 

 

 
Other liabilities
 
2,505

 
2,956

 Total derivatives not
  designated as hedging
  instruments    
 
 
$
43,476

 
64,662

 
 
 
$
46,557

 
66,393

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

 
(337
)
 
Interest expense
 
336

 
(1,155
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of the amortization of the termination of cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below.
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Effective Portion
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income Effective Portion
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts
$

 

 
Interest expense
 
112

 
63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below.
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
$
63

 
1,223

Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
(1,865
)
 
819

Total
 
 
$
(1,802
)
 
2,042

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

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The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below.
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
2013
 
2012
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other non-interest income
 
$
221

 
51

Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage banking income
 
(6,806
)
 
(1,068
)
Total
 
 
$
(6,585
)
 
(1,017
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments (including credit related adjustments) for customer swaps and offsetting positions.
(2) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments recorded for interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgage loans to third party investors.
Note 11- Net Income Per Common Share
The following table displays a reconciliation of the information used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Basic Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
82,704

 
62,202

 
37,188

 
16,030

Weighted average common shares outstanding
865,565

 
786,429

 
956,694

 
786,576

Basic net income per common share
$
0.10

 
0.08

 
0.04

 
0.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
82,704

 
62,202

 
37,188

 
16,030

Weighted average common shares outstanding
865,565

 
786,429

 
956,694

 
786,576

Potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of securities or other contracts to purchase Common Stock
61,764

 
123,288

 
2,986

 
123,820

Weighted average diluted common shares
927,329

 
909,717

 
959,680

 
910,396

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.09

 
0.07

 
0.04

 
0.02

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and restricted share units is reflected in diluted net income per common share, unless the impact is anti-dilutive, by application of the treasury stock method.
During 2010, 13,800,000 units of tMEDS were issued through a public offering. On May 15, 2013, each remaining tMED automatically settled, and Synovus issued 122.8 million shares of Common Stock. As a result, these shares are no longer potentially dilutive shares from assumed exercise of these contracts to purchase Common Stock.
As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, there were 25.4 million and 30.4 million, respectively, potentially dilutive shares related to Common Stock options and Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock that were outstanding during 2013 and 2012, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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Note 12 - Share-based Compensation
General Description of Share-based Plans
Synovus has a long-term incentive plan under which the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to grant share-based awards to Synovus employees. On April 25, 2013, the Synovus shareholders approved the 2013 Omnibus Plan, replacing the 2007 Omnibus Plan. At September 30, 2013, Synovus had a total of 57,606,144 shares of its authorized but unissued Common Stock reserved for future grants under the 2013 Omnibus Plan. The Plan permits grants of share-based compensation including stock options, non-vested shares, and restricted share units. The grants generally include vesting periods ranging from two to five years and contractual terms of 10 years. Stock options are granted at exercise prices which equal the fair value of a share of common stock on the grant-date. Synovus has historically issued new shares to satisfy share option exercises and share unit conversions. Dividend equivalents are paid on outstanding restricted share units in the form of additional restricted share units that vest over the same vesting period or the vesting period left on the original restricted share unit grant.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation costs associated with employee grants are recorded as a component of salaries and other personnel expense in the consolidated statements of income. Share-based compensation costs associated with grants made to non-employee directors of Synovus are recorded as a component of other operating expenses. Share-based compensation expense for service-based awards is recognized net of estimated forfeitures for plan participants on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Total share-based compensation expense was $5.8 million and $2.3 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and $7.0 million and $2.4 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
Stock Options
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus awarded 6,003,250 stock options to key employees. The awards have a service-based vesting period of three years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded stock options was $1.03 determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At September 30, 2013, there were 22,835,167 options to purchase shares of Common Stock outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $6.96.
Restricted Share Units and Salary Stock Units
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus awarded 1,443,843 restricted share units to key employees and non-employee directors. The awards have a service-based vesting period of three years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the awarded restricted share units was $2.79 per share. At September 30, 2013, including dividend equivalents granted, there were 4,044,545 restricted share units outstanding with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $2.33.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus also granted 374,708 salary stock units to senior management, which vested and were expensed immediately upon grant. Compensation expense is initially determined based on the number of salary stock units granted and the market price of Common Stock at the grant date. Subsequent to the grant date, compensation expense is recorded for changes in Common Stock market price. The total fair value of salary stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.2 million. Additionally, Synovus recorded compensation expense of $200 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to salary stock units granted during 2012 that were settled on February 15, 2013. The salary stock units granted during 2013 are classified as liabilities and will be settled in cash on January 15, 2014.

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Note 13 - Income Taxes
The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $20.9 million and $18.7 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The $2.2 million increase in the valuation allowance from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 is related to certain state income tax credits and state NOL carryforwards that have various expiration dates through the tax year 2018 and 2028, respectively, and are expected to expire before they can be utilized.  Management assesses the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence.  Based on the assessment of all of the positive and negative evidence at September 30, 2013, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $763.1 million of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income.
Synovus expects to realize substantially all of the $763.1 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At September 30, 2013, $201.0 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration dates. Approximately $467.5 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses which expire in years beginning in 2028 through 2032. Additionally, $66.2 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which will expire in installments annually through the tax year 2032. Tax credit carryforwards at September 30, 2013 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $20.5 million, which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at September 30, 2013 total $28.7 million and have expiration dates through the tax year 2033.
The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management's conclusion at September 30, 2013 that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets of $763.1 million will be realized is based upon management's estimate of future taxable income. Management's estimate of future taxable income is based on internal projections which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to significant judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, the valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' financial condition or results of operations.
Synovus is subject to income taxation in the United States and various state jurisdictions.  Synovus' federal income tax return is filed on a consolidated basis, while state income tax returns are filed on both a consolidated and separate entity basis. Currently, no years for which Synovus filed a Federal income tax return are under examination by the IRS, and there are no state tax examinations currently in progress. Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the IRS for years before 2009, and excluding certain limited exceptions, Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by state and local income tax authorities for years before 2008. Although Synovus is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of future examinations, Synovus believes that the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions is adequate.
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $1.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. 
Note 14 - Legal Proceedings
Synovus carefully examines and considers each legal matter, and, in those situations where Synovus determines that a particular legal matter presents loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable, Synovus establishes an appropriate accrual. An event is considered to be “probable” if “the future event is likely to occur.” The actual amounts accrued by Synovus in respect of legal matters as of September 30, 2013 are not material to Synovus' unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued.
In addition, where Synovus determines that there is a reasonable possibility of a loss in respect of legal matters, including those legal matters described below, Synovus considers whether it is able to estimate the total reasonably possible loss or range of loss. An event is “reasonably possible” if “the chance of the future event or events occurring is more than remote but less than likely.” An event is “remote” if “the chance of the event or future event occurring is more than slight but less than reasonably possible." In many situations, Synovus may be unable to estimate reasonably possible losses due to the preliminary nature of the legal matters, as well as a variety of other factors and uncertainties. For those legal matters where Synovus is able to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, management currently estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses is from zero to $60 million in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, related to those matters. This estimated aggregate range is based upon information currently available to Synovus, and the actual losses could prove to be higher. As there are further developments in these legal matters, Synovus will reassess these matters, and the estimated range of reasonably possible losses may change as a result of this assessment. Based on Synovus' current knowledge and advice of counsel, management presently does not believe that the liabilities arising from these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Synovus' consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations for any particular period.

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Synovus intends to vigorously pursue all available defenses to these legal matters, but will also consider other alternatives, including settlement, in situations where there is an opportunity to resolve such legal matters on terms that Synovus considers to be favorable, including in light of the continued expense and distraction of defending such legal matters. Synovus also maintains insurance coverage, which may (or may not) be available to cover legal fees, or potential losses that might be incurred in connection with the legal matters described below. The above-noted estimated range of reasonably possible losses does not take into consideration insurance coverage which may or may not be available for the respective legal matters.
Securities Class Action
On July 7, 2009, the City of Pompano Beach General Employees' Retirement System filed suit against Synovus, and certain of Synovus' current and former officers, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Civil Action File No. 1:09-CV-1811) (the “Securities Class Action”); and on June 11, 2010, Lead Plaintiffs, the Labourers' Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada and the Sheet Metal Workers' National Pension Fund, filed an amended complaint alleging that Synovus and the named individual defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts that artificially inflated Synovus' stock price in violation of the federal securities laws. Lead Plaintiffs' allegations are based on purported exposure to Synovus' lending relationship with the Sea Island Company and the impact of such alleged exposure on Synovus' financial condition. Lead Plaintiffs in the Securities Class Action seek damages in an unspecified amount. On May 19, 2011, the Court ruled that the amended complaint failed to satisfy the mandatory pleading requirements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The Court also ruled that Lead Plaintiffs would be allowed the opportunity to submit a further amended complaint. Lead Plaintiffs served their second amended complaint on June 27, 2011. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss that complaint on July 27, 2011. On March 22, 2012, the Court granted in part and denied in part that Motion to Dismiss. On April 19, 2012, the Defendants filed a motion requesting that the Court reconsider its March 22, 2012 order. On September 26, 2012, the Court issued a written order denying the Motion for Reconsideration. Defendants filed their answer to the second amended complaint on May 21, 2012. On March 7, 2013, the Court granted Lead Plaintiffs' motion for class certification. On May 23, 2013, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Defendants permission to appeal the District Court’s certification of the class. On October 4, 2013, the Lead Plaintiffs and the Defendants reached a settlement-in-principle to settle the Securities Class Action. Under the settlement-in-principle, the Defendants shall cause to be paid $11.8 million (the “Settlement Payment”) in exchange for broad releases, dismissal with prejudice of the Securities Class Action and other material and customary terms and conditions.  Synovus expects that, subject to execution of an appropriate release of the Defendants’ insurance carriers and other customary acknowledgments by the Defendants, the Settlement Payment will be fully covered by insurance. There can be no assurance that the settlement-in-principle will be approved by the District Court. In the event the settlement-in-principle of the Securities Class Action is not approved by the District Court and finally settled, Synovus and the individually named defendants collectively intend to vigorously defend themselves against the Securities Class Action.
Overdraft Litigation
Posting Order Litigation
On September 21, 2010, Synovus, Synovus Bank and CB&T were named as defendants in a putative multi-state class action relating to the manner in which Synovus Bank charges overdraft fees to customers. The case, Childs et al. v. Columbus Bank and Trust et al., was filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, and asserts claims for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unconscionability, conversion and unjust enrichment for alleged injuries suffered by plaintiffs as a result of Synovus Bank's assessment of overdraft charges in connection with its POS/debit and automated-teller machine cards allegedly resulting from the sequence used to post payments to the plaintiffs' accounts. On October 25, 2010, the Childs case was transferred to a multi-district proceeding in the Southern District of Florida. In Re: Checking Account Overdraft Litigation, MDL No. 2036. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on October 21, 2011. The Synovus entities filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on November 22, 2011. On July 26, 2012, the court denied the motion as to Synovus and Synovus Bank, but granted the motion as to CB&T. Synovus and Synovus Bank filed their answer to the amended complaint on September 24, 2012. The case is currently in discovery.
Assertion of Overdraft Fees as Interest Litigation
Synovus Bank was also named as a defendant in a putative state-wide class action in which the plaintiffs allege that overdraft fees charged to customers constitute interest and, as such, are usurious under Georgia law. The case, Griner et. al. v. Synovus Bank, et. al. was filed in Gwinnett County State Court (state of Georgia) on July 30, 2010, and asserts claims for usury, conversion and money had and received for alleged injuries suffered by the plaintiffs as a result of Synovus Bank's assessment of overdraft charges in connection with its POS/debit and automated-teller machine cards used to access customer accounts. Plaintiffs contend that such overdraft charges constitute interest and are therefore subject to Georgia usury laws. Synovus Bank contends that such overdraft charges constitute non-interest fees and charges under both federal and Georgia law and are otherwise exempt from Georgia usury limits. On September 1, 2010, Synovus Bank removed the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court. On July 22, 2011, the federal court entered an order granting plaintiffs' motion to remand the case to the Gwinnett County State Court. Synovus Bank subsequently

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filed a motion to dismiss. On February 22, 2012, the state court entered an order denying the motion to dismiss. On March 1, 2012, the state court signed and entered a certificate of immediate review thereby permitting Synovus Bank to petition the Georgia Court of Appeals for a discretionary appeal of the denial of the motion to dismiss. On March 12, 2012, Synovus Bank filed its application for interlocutory appeal with the Georgia Court of Appeals. On April 3, 2012, the Georgia Court of Appeals granted Synovus Bank's application for interlocutory appeal of the state court's order denying Synovus Bank's motion to dismiss. On April 11, 2012, Synovus Bank filed its notice of appeal. Oral arguments were heard in the case on September 19, 2012. On March 28, 2013, the Georgia Court of Appeals entered an order affirming the denial of Synovus Bank's motion to dismiss and remanding the case back to the State Court of Gwinnett County for further proceedings. On April 8, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a motion requesting that the Court of Appeals reconsider its March 28, 2013 order. On April 11, 2013, the Court of Appeals entered an order denying Synovus Bank's motion for reconsideration.  On April 19, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a notice of its intent to petition the Supreme Court of Georgia for a writ of certiorari.  On May 1, 2013, Synovus Bank filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of Georgia.  On October 7, 2013, the Supreme Court of Georgia accepted certiorari and vacated the March 28, 2013 order of the Georgia Court of Appeals instanter with direction that the Court of Appeals remand the case to the trial court for further consideration in light of the effect, if any, of the July 3, 2013 Declaratory Order issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, which declares that to provide parity with national banks, overdraft fees imposed by state-chartered banks in connection with deposit accounts are not subject to Georgia’s usury laws. The trial court has scheduled a November 21, 2013 hearing for consideration of this issue.
Note 15 - Pending Branch Sales
On September 5, 2013, Synovus Bank signed a definitive agreement with IBERIABANK (“IBERIABANK”) pursuant to which IBERIABANK will acquire certain assets, including selected loans, and assume substantially all of the deposits associated with the Memphis, Tennessee, operations of Trust One Bank, a division of Synovus Bank.  The transaction is expected to close in January 2014.  Completion of the transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals. At September 30, 2013, the Trust One Bank division had approximately $127 million in loans and approximately $202 million in deposits in five branches serving the Memphis market.

ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In this Report, the words “Synovus,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Synovus Financial Corp. together with Synovus Bank and Synovus' other wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this Report which are not statements of historical fact; including those under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this Report, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Synovus' beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond Synovus' control and which may cause Synovus' actual results, performance or achievements or the commercial banking industry or economy generally, to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through Synovus' use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for Synovus' future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the commercial banking industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Synovus' management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this document. Many of these factors are beyond Synovus' ability to control or predict. These factors include, but are not limited to:
(1)
 
the risk that we may not realize the expected benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives, which will negatively affect our future profitability;
(2)
 
the risks that if economic conditions worsen or regulatory capital rules are modified, or the results of mandated “stress testing” do not satisfy certain criteria, we may be required to undertake additional strategic initiatives to improve our capital position;

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(3)
 
changes in the interest rate environment and competition in our primary market area may result in increased funding costs or reduced earning assets yields, thus reducing margins and net interest income;
(4)
 
changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, including any reduction in our credit ratings;
(5)
 
deterioration in credit quality may result in increased non-performing assets and credit losses, which could adversely impact our capital, financial condition, and results of operations;
(6)
 
the risk that our allowance for loan losses may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
(7)
 
declines in the values of residential and commercial real estate may result in write-downs of assets and realized losses on disposition of non-performing assets, which may increase credit losses and negatively affect our financial results;
(8)
 
the impact on our borrowing costs, capital costs and our liquidity due to our status as a non-investment grade issuer and any reduction in our credit ratings;
(9)
 
restrictions or limitations on access to funds from historical and alternative sources of liquidity could adversely affect our overall liquidity, which could restrict our ability to make payments on our obligations or dividend payments on our common stock and preferred stock and our ability to support asset growth and sustain our operations and the operations of Synovus Bank;
(10)
 
future availability and cost of additional capital and liquidity on favorable terms, if at all;
(11)
 
the risk that for deferred tax assets, we may be required to increase the valuation allowance in future periods, or we may not be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future;
(12)
 
the risk that we could have an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could impair our ability to timely and fully utilize our net operating losses and built-in losses that may exist when such “ownership change” occurs;
(13)
 
the impact on our financial results, reputation, and business if we are unable to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, board resolutions adopted at the request of our regulators, or other supervisory actions or directives and any necessary capital initiatives;
(14)
 
the impact of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other recent and proposed changes in governmental policy, laws and regulations, including proposed and recently enacted changes in the regulation of banks and financial institutions, or the interpretation or application thereof, including restrictions, increased capital requirements, limitations and/or penalties arising from banking, securities and insurance laws, enhanced regulations and examinations and restrictions on compensation;
(15)
 
the risk that we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock and preferred stock;
(16)
 
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
(17)
 
the risk that our enterprise risk management framework may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;
(18)
 
risks related to a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems of our infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks, which could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs or cause losses;
(19)
 
risks related to our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure, including the costs of services and products provided to us by third parties, and risks related to disruptions in service or financial difficulties of a third party vendor;
(20)
 
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, claims, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;

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(21)
 
risks related to the loss of customers to alternatives to bank deposits, which could affect our income and force us to rely on relatively more expensive sources of funding;
(22)
 
risks related to recent and proposed changes in the mortgage banking industry, including the impact of the “ability to pay” and “qualified mortgage” rules on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings;
(23)
 
the effects of any damages to Synovus' reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above;
(24)
 
the volatility of our stock price; and
(25)
 
other factors and other information contained in this Report, other reports and filings that we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, those found in “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
For a discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, refer to “Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other information contained in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K and our other periodic filings, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, that we file from time to time with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Synovus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information and statements, whether written or oral, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
INTRODUCTION AND CORPORATE PROFILE
Synovus Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services company and a registered financial holding company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. Synovus provides integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance, and mortgage services to its customers through locally-branded banking divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, and other offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
The following financial review summarizes the significant trends affecting Synovus’ results of operations and financial condition for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This discussion supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report and the consolidated financial statements of Synovus, the notes thereto, and management’s discussion and analysis contained in Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are divided into key segments:
 
Economic Overview—Provides an overview, including our thoughts on the impact of the economy, legislative and regulatory initiatives, and recent industry developments.
 
Discussion of Results of Operations—Reviews Synovus' financial performance, as well as selected balance sheet items, items from the statements of income, and certain key ratios that illustrate Synovus' performance.
 
Credit Quality, Capital Resources and Liquidity—Discusses credit quality, market risk, and liquidity, as well as performance trends. It also includes a discussion of liquidity policies, how Synovus obtains funding, and related performance.
 
Additional Disclosures—Provides comments on additional important matters including other contingencies, critical accounting policies and non-GAAP financial measures used within this Report.
A reading of each section is important to understand fully the nature of our financial performance.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
The nation’s economy began the third quarter acclimating to the June announcement by the Federal Reserve that its Quantitative Easing program could be tapered downwards towards eventual termination by mid-2014. The widely held expectation that initial tapering would be implemented at the September 18th Federal Reserve meeting was proved incorrect as action was deferred due

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to a fragile economic recovery, the potential risks of a government shutdown, and partisan debate over the national debt ceiling issues and the Affordable Care Act, each of which poses significant risk for a recovery that has yet to find sustained, vigorous growth. The Federal Reserve has stated that the commencement of the tapering process would be preceded by clear evidence of a sustained recovery.  Given the market events that were imminent at the end of the third quarter of 2013 (such as the government shutdown, which ran through the first half of October), statistics used by the Federal Reserve to make such a judgment are expected to be distorted, skewed, or unavailable in the fourth quarter of 2013. Due to this condition, consensus has developed that the Federal Reserve will defer the implementation of tapering until 2014.
Unemployment continued to decline, dropping to 7.3% at the end of the third quarter from 7.6% at the end of the second quarter; concerns that the downward movement may be due more to a decline in the labor force than actual organic job growth have muted the impact of the quarter’s progress. Within the Synovus footprint, most Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) showed declining unemployment, some mainly due to organic job growth (e.g., Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida MSA) and others due to labor force reductions (e.g., Columbus, Georgia MSA). Within the Synovus footprint MSAs, the lowest unemployment rate for the third quarter of 2013 was 5.1% in the Crestview-Fort Walton-Destin, Florida MSA, while the highest MSA unemployment rate was 12.9% in the Dalton, Georgia MSA.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index third quarter peak was 81.8 in August, before declining to 79.7 at quarter-end due to the then-imminent government shutdown and concern over the lack of resolution of the national debt ceiling issue. Consumer spending also peaked in August, as measured by several polls, and then dropped at higher-than-seasonal rates in September. This trend held in automobile sales (5.1% decline from August to September), National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Optimism Index (94.1 in August vs. 93.9 in September), and various other measures of economic health. Due to the United States government shutdown, some datasets for September remained unreleased at quarter-end, although consensus opinion points towards the same trend. It is likely that in Synovus markets where U.S. government employment is indicative of regional economic conditions, early fourth quarter consumption reductions could occur, with a minor recovery in losses as affected U.S. government employees are given back-pay.
After the late surge in mortgage rates at the end of the second quarter, homebuyers and refinancing home owners found some relief with the postponement of tapering in mid-September as rates dropped accordingly; the average 30-year mortgage rate at the end of the quarter was 4.62%, historically very low, yet roughly 100 bps over 2013 troughs. The pace of permitting in residential construction (including multi-family) slowed dramatically in the third quarter as evidenced by declines in permit volume in many MSAs within the Synovus footprint. Median home sale prices within the Synovus footprint generally increased year-over-year during the quarter, where Atlanta, for example, led the Synovus MSAs with a 39% year-over-year increase. Only two markets logged year-over-year median home sale price declines; these are Huntsville, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia, both with a 5% decrease. It should be noted, however, that during the most recent economic recession, both the Huntsville and Columbus markets saw only minimal housing market declines, when compared to those declines experienced in other Synovus footprint areas (e.g., in Atlanta, Georgia).
Commercial real estate continued its recovery as asset values pushed higher, particularly in the multi-family and industrial/warehouse sectors where capitalization rates are at or near historical lows and rents have generally exceeded pre-recession levels. Premium pricing for major metro market properties has pushed investors seeking adequate yields towards secondary markets and major inland transportation hubs. There is some general concern in the office sector, specifically the medical subsector where the impact of the Affordable Care Act is unclear. Expense control by hospitals and the consolidation of independent physician practices could result in an oversupply of vacant medical office space.
European nations continue to experience weak economic conditions, and as a result the Central Bank has kept key interest rates low in hopes of positively impacting below-normal lending levels. After experiencing lower first and second quarter international consumption rates, China had increased factory production and retail sales during the third quarter. Additionally, during the third quarter, the prospect of military intervention in Syria over chemical weapon attacks created uncertainties; however, a non-aggressive settlement was achieved and oil prices subsided. At this time, Synovus does not have direct exposure to global markets, but it will continue to monitor the impact of international developments on domestic economic activity and will determine the most appropriate strategies to pursue.

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DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Highlights
A summary of Synovus’ financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is set forth in the table below.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
Change
Net interest income
$
605,861

 
646,661

 
(6.3)%
 
203,970

 
212,345

 
(3.9)%
Provision for loan losses
55,534

 
173,843

 
(68.1
)
 
6,761

 
63,572

 
(89.4
)
Non-interest income
193,390

 
233,849

 
(17.3
)
 
63,578

 
73,233

 
(13.2
)
Non-interest expense
550,799

 
602,890

 
(8.6
)
 
187,328

 
191,492

 
(2.2
)
Adjusted non-interest expense(1)
502,618

 
520,886

 
(3.5
)
 
171,038

 
167,421

 
2.2

Income before income taxes
192,918

 
103,777

 
85.9

 
73,459

 
30,514

 
140.7

Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income(1)    
294,062

 
328,715

 
(10.5
)
 
95,386

 
111,501

 
(14.5
)
Net income available to common shareholders
82,704

 
62,202

 
33.0

 
37,188

 
16,030

 
132.0

Net income per common share, basic
0.10

 
0.08

 
19.4

 
0.04

 
0.02

 
90.7

Net income per common share, diluted
$
0.09

 
0.07

 
27.4

 
0.04

 
0.02

 
120.1

Net interest margin
3.41
%
 
3.51

 
(10) bps

 
3.40
%
 
3.51

 
(11) bps

Net charge-off ratio
0.75

 
1.95

 
(120) bps

 
0.47

 
1.97

 
(150) bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
 
Sequential Quarter Change
 
September 30, 2012
 
Year Over Year Change
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
19,711,610

 
19,608,283

 
103,327

 
$
19,731,865

 
(20,255
)
Total deposits
20,973,856

 
20,710,703

 
263,153

 
20,846,830

 
127,026

Core deposits(1)    
19,698,656

 
19,372,640

 
326,016

 
19,926,871

 
(228,215
)
Core deposits excluding time deposits(1)    
16,128,904

 
15,995,424

 
133,480

 
16,155,754

 
(26,850
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-performing assets ratio
2.96
%
 
3.21

 
(25) bps

 
4.51
%
 
(155) bps

Past due loans over 90 days
0.02

 
0.02

 

 
0.05

 
(3) bp

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital(1)
$
2,292,758

 
2,904,985

 
(612,227
)
 
$
2,835,950

 
(543,192
)
Tier 1 common equity(1)
2,157,358

 
1,932,260

 
225,098

 
1,871,260

 
286,098

Total risk-based capital
2,835,108

 
3,445,161

 
(610,053
)
 
3,465,950

 
(630,842
)
Tier 1 capital ratio(1)
10.55
%
 
13.49

 
(294) bp

 
13.23
%
 
(268) bps

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
9.93

 
8.97

 
96 bps

 
8.73

 
120 bps

Total risk-based capital ratio
13.04

 
15.99

 
(295) bps

 
16.16

 
(312) bps

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio(1)
11.18

 
13.43

 
(225) bps

 
11.16

 
2 bps

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio(1)
10.61

 
9.71

 
90 bps

 
7.35

 
326 bps

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Results for the Nine and Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net income available to common shareholders was $82.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted common share, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $62.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  For the three months ended September 30, 2013, net income available to common shareholders was $37.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted common share, compared to $16.0 million and $0.02 per diluted common share for the same period a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes $72.1 million in income tax expense, while net income available to common shareholders for the same period a year ago includes an income tax benefit of $2.4 million. For 2013, earnings are subject to income tax expense at an effective rate of approximately 37% following the reversal of substantially all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the three months ended December 31, 2012. Income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $192.9 million, an $89.1 million, or 85.9%, increase over the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

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Overall improvement for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period one year ago is due to a $151.2 million decrease in total credit costs and an $18.3 million decrease in adjusted non-interest expense, partially offset by a $40.8 million decrease in net interest income and a $40.5 million decrease in non-interest income.  All key credit quality metrics continued to improve during the three months ended September 30, 2013. Credit costs continued to decline and totaled $22.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $24.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and $85.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Net charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2013 totaled $23.0 million or 0.47% of average loans annualized, down from $30.0 million or 0.61% of average loans annualized for the three months ended June 30, 2013.  The annualized net charge-off ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is 0.75%, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2008. NPL inflows were $47.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, down from $66.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, and down 58.7% from $114.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Total non-performing assets declined $48.3 million from $635.2 million at June 30, 2013 to $586.9 million at September 30, 2013, and declined $312.5 million or 34.7% from September 30, 2012. As a percentage of total loans outstanding, past due loans remained at favorable levels with total loans past due and still accruing interest of 0.40% at September 30, 2013 compared to 0.41% and 0.55% at June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively, and loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest were 0.02% at September 30, 2013 compared to 0.02% at June 30, 2013 and 0.05% at September 30, 2012.
Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income (which excludes provision for loan losses, other credit costs, restructuring charges, Visa indemnification charges, and investment securities gains, net) decreased 10.5% to $294.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $328.7 million for nine months ended September 30, 2012, and declined 14.5% to $95.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to $111.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012. As compared to the three months ended June 30, 2013, pre-tax, pre-credit costs income decreased 2.7% to $95.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in pre-tax, pre-credit costs income was primarily driven by a $1.5 million decrease in non-interest income (primarily due to a $2.0 million decrease in mortgage banking income) and a $3.3 million increase in adjusted non-interest expense (primarily due to higher employment expenses), and was partially offset by a $1.9 million increase in net interest income (due primarily to one additional calendar day in the quarter). The $16.1 million decline from the three months ended September 30, 2012 was driven by an $8.4 million decrease in net interest income, a $4.1 million decrease in adjusted non-interest income, and a $3.6 million increase in adjusted non-interest expense. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 3.41%, down 10 bps from 3.51%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Earning asset yields decreased by 24 bps compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012 while the effective cost of funds decreased by 14 bps. The primary factors negatively impacting earning asset yields were a 41 bps decrease in the yield on taxable investment securities and a 32 bps decline in loan yields. The investment yield decrease was due to lower yields available for the reinvestment of maturing higher yielding securities and a higher level of purchased premium amortization. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward pricing of maturing and prepaid loans. A reduction in low yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank had a modest positive impact on earning asset yields. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing certificates of deposit and a decrease in the effective cost of core money market deposits and long term debt. As compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, core certificates of deposit declined by 33 bps, core money market deposits declined by 8 bps, and the cost of long term debt declined by 81 bps. See reconciliation of core deposits in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
At September 30, 2013, total loans outstanding were $19.71 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $103.3 million, or 2.1% annualized. The growth was led by retail loans which grew $83.3 million, or 9.5% annualized. Additionally, commercial and industrial loans grew by $18.1 million, and commercial real estate loans grew by $3.2 million.
At September 30, 2013, total deposits were $20.97 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $263.2 million, or 5.0% annualized. The increase in total deposits was driven by increases in non-interest bearing demand deposits and time deposit account balances. Core deposits ended the quarter at $19.70 billion, up $326.0 million or 6.7% annualized compared to June 30, 2013. Total deposits decreased $83.2 million from $21.06 billion at December 31, 2012 due to a decrease in non-interest bearing demand deposit balances. Core deposits decreased $265.6 million from $19.96 billion at December 31, 2012. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
Total shareholders' equity was $2.93 billion at September 30, 2013, compared to $3.57 billion at December 31, 2012. The quarterly change reflects the July 2013 exit from TARP through the redemption of $967.9 million of the Company's Series A preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury through the Capital Purchase Program. Additionally, the September 30, 2013 balances reflect the Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock offerings (approximately $300 million in net proceeds) completed during the third quarter in connection with the TARP redemption.

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TARP Redemption and Third Quarter 2013 Capital Transactions
Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock Offerings
On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 59,870,550 shares of its Common Stock at $3.09 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of $174.8 million.
On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of non-cumulative Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share).  The offering generated net proceeds of $125.4 million. From the date of issuance to, but excluding, August 1, 2018, the rate for declared dividends is 7.875% per annum.  From and including August 1, 2018, the dividend rate will change to a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
Redemption of TARP Preferred Stock
On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. Over two-thirds of the $967.9 million TARP redemption was funded by internally available funds. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from the equity offerings completed in July 2013, described above.
In connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, which resulted in a $5.1 million reduction in net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2013.
The cost of the Series A Preferred Stock (consisting of dividends paid to the Treasury on a quarterly basis, and related accretion) was approximately $59 million per year. The elimination of this cost, net of the impact of the transactions described above which funded the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, is expected to result in a net annualized increase to diluted EPS of $0.04 (based on annualized second quarter 2013 actual results).
The U.S. Treasury continues to hold Warrants, which expire on December 19, 2018. Synovus will continue to evaluate the potential repurchase of these Warrants directly from the U.S. Treasury or through participation in a subsequent auction process, which may or may not be successful.
Changes in Financial Condition
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, total assets decreased $541.7 million from $26.76 billion at December 31, 2012 to $26.22 billion. The principal components of this decrease were a decrease of $99.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $151.4 million in mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value, and a $532.0 million decrease in interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank which was primarily due to the use of these funds for TARP. These decreases were partially offset by a $170.2 million increase in investment securities available for sale and a $169.9 million increase in loans, net of deferred fees and costs.

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Table of Contents

Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012.
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2013 vs. December 31, 2012 % Change(1)
 
September 30, 2012
 
September 30, 2013 vs. September 30, 2012 % Change
Investment properties
$
4,441,113

 
4,376,118

 
2.0
 %
 
$
4,402,464

 
0.9
 %
1-4 family properties
1,174,245

 
1,279,105

 
(11.0
)
 
1,427,250

 
(17.7
)
Land acquisition
730,135

 
794,229

 
(10.8
)
 
909,420

 
(19.7
)
Total commercial real estate
6,345,493

 
6,449,452

 
(2.2
)
 
6,739,134

 
(5.8
)
Commercial, financial and agricultural
5,415,424

 
5,301,134

 
2.9

 
5,163,546

 
4.9

Owner-occupied
3,811,649

 
3,800,380

 
0.4

 
3,877,578

 
(1.7
)
Small business
591,377

 
516,349

 
19.4

 
444,784

 
33.0

Total commercial and industrial
9,818,450

 
9,617,863

 
2.8

 
9,485,908

 
3.5

Home equity lines
1,549,582

 
1,542,397

 
0.6

 
1,572,986

 
(1.5
)
Consumer mortgages
1,482,861

 
1,411,561

 
6.8

 
1,416,820

 
4.7

Credit cards
253,805

 
263,561

 
(4.9
)
 
257,922

 
(1.6
)
Other retail
286,421

 
277,229

 
4.4

 
276,148

 
3.7

Total retail
3,572,669

 
3,494,748

 
3.0

 
3,523,876

 
1.4

Total loans
19,736,612

 
19,562,063

 
1.2

 
19,748,918

 
(0.1
)
Deferred fees and costs, net
(25,002
)
 
(20,373
)
 
nm

 
(17,053
)
 
nm

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
19,711,610

 
19,541,690


1.2
 %
 
$
19,731,865

 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Percentage changes are annualized.
At September 30, 2013, total loans outstanding were $19.71 billion, a sequential quarter increase of $103.3 million or 2.1% on an annualized basis. Retail loans provided $83.3 million of the $103.3 million in net growth for the quarter, increasing 9.5% on an annualized basis.
Commercial Loans
Total commercial loans (which are comprised of C&I and CRE loans) at September 30, 2013 were $16.16 billion or 81.9% of the total loan portfolio compared to $16.07 billion, or 82.2%, at December 31, 2012 and $16.23 billion, or 82.2%, at September 30, 2012.
At both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had 22 commercial loan relationships with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded). The average funded balance of these relationships at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was approximately $67 million and $70 million, respectively.
Commercial and Industrial Loans
Total C&I loans at September 30, 2013 were $9.82 billion, or 49.8% of the total loan portfolio compared to $9.62 billion, or 49.2% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012 and $9.49 billion, or 48.1% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2012. C&I loans grew $200.6 million or 2.8% annualized from December 31, 2012 with growth in commercial, financial, and agricultural and small business outpacing owner-occupied growth. Loans in the health care and social assistance industry, which consist primarily of senior housing loans and are reported within commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, have grown approximately $142 million or 14.1% annualized since December 31, 2012. The C&I portfolio is currently concentrated on small to middle market commercial and industrial lending disbursed throughout a diverse group of industries in the Southeast, including health care and social assistance, finance and insurance, manufacturing, construction, real estate leasing, wholesale trade, and retail trade as shown in the following table. The portfolio is relationship focused and, as a result, Synovus' lenders have in-depth knowledge of the borrowers, most of which have guaranty arrangements. C&I loans are primarily originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions and made to commercial customers primarily to finance capital expenditures, including real property, plant and equipment, or as a source of working capital. In accordance with Synovus' uniform lending policy, each loan undergoes a detailed underwriting process which incorporates uniform underwriting standards and oversight in proportion to the size and complexity of the lending relationship. Approximately 92% of Synovus' C&I loans are secured by real estate, business equipment, inventory, and other types of collateral.

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Table of Contents

Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
Health care and social assistance
$
1,499,639

 
15.3
%
 
1,357,185

 
14.1
%
Manufacturing
816,055

 
8.3
%
 
767,371

 
8.0
%
Real estate other
810,191

 
8.3
%
 
771,487

 
8.0
%
Retail trade
704,756

 
7.2
%
 
664,524

 
6.9
%
Wholesale trade
602,777

 
6.1
%
 
567,538

 
5.9
%
Small business
591,377

 
6.0
%
 
516,349

 
5.4
%
Finance and insurance
513,096

 
5.2
%
 
529,120

 
5.5
%
Real estate leasing
493,807

 
5.0
%
 
578,695

 
6.0
%
Construction
434,407

 
4.4
%
 
485,936

 
5.1
%
Accommodation and food services
429,765

 
4.4
%
 
451,130

 
4.7
%
Professional, scientific, and technical services
396,089

 
4.0
%
 
418,756

 
4.3
%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
286,962

 
2.9
%
 
290,762

 
3.0
%
Educational services
220,757

 
2.3
%
 
221,775

 
2.3
%
Transportation and warehousing
195,679

 
2.0
%
 
205,038

 
2.1
%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
160,875

 
1.6
%
 
182,190

 
1.9
%
Other services
882,271

 
9.0
%
 
967,193

 
10.1
%
Other industries
779,947

 
8.0
%
 
642,814

 
6.7
%
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
9,818,450

 
100.0
%
 
$
9,617,863

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total commercial and industrial loans. 
C&I lending is a key component of Synovus' growth and diversification strategy (reducing overall concentration in CRE and growing the percentage of C&I loans relative to the total loan portfolio). Synovus has actively invested in additional expertise, product offerings, and product quality to provide its C&I clients with increased and enhanced product offerings and customer service. Complementing this investment in C&I growth, management continues to focus on streamlining and enhancing Synovus' existing product lines, especially for traditional retail, small business, and professional services customers.
The Corporate Banking Group provides lending solutions to larger corporate clients and includes specialty units such as syndications and senior housing. These units partner with Synovus' local bankers to build relationships across the five-state footprint, as well as the southeastern and southwestern United States. To date, loan syndications consist primarily of loans where Synovus is participating in the credit (versus being the lead bank). Senior housing loans are typically extended to borrowers in the assisted living or skilled nursing facilities sectors. The Corporate Banking Group also originates loans and participates in loans to well-capitalized public companies and larger private companies that operate in the five-state footprint as well as other states in the Southeast.
The Equipment Financing Group was formed in 2013 and is expected to drive revenue growth with small, middle, and large commercial banking customers. The formation of this group further strengthens the equipment financing line of business and signals Synovus' continued commitment to offer a broad range of expertise, products, and services to commercial customers.
At September 30, 2013, $3.81 billion of total C&I loans, or 19.3% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing owner-occupied properties. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business or organization. The secondary source of repayment on these loans is the real estate. These loans are predominately secured by owner-occupied properties and other real estate. Other types of collateral securing these loans consist primarily of marketable equipment, marketable inventory, accounts receivable, equity and debt securities, and time deposits.
At September 30, 2013, $5.42 billion of total C&I loans, or 27.5% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing commercial, financial, and agricultural business activities. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business or organization. The secondary source of repayment is the collateral, which consists primarily of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, time deposits, and other business assets.
Small business loans were previously reported as a component of retail loans. Effective September 30, 2013, small business loans are reported as a component of C&I loans. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. At September 30, 2013, $591.4 million of total C&I loans, or 3.0% of the total loan portfolio, represented loans originated for the purpose of financing small business activities. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business.


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Table of Contents

Commercial Real Estate Loans
CRE loans consist of investment properties loans, 1-4 family properties loans, and land acquisition loans. CRE loans are primarily originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions. These loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies referenced above. Total CRE loans, which represent 32.1% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2013, were $6.34 billion, a decline of $104.0 million or 2.2% annualized from December 31, 2012 primarily as a result of charge-offs and loan sales as continued de-risking in residential C&D and land acquisition loans offset growth in other categories.
Investment Properties Loans
Total investment properties loans as of September 30, 2013 were $4.44 billion, or 70.0% of the total CRE portfolio and 22.5% of the total loan portfolio, an increase of $64.0 million or 2.0% annualized from $4.38 billion or 67.9% of the total CRE portfolio, and 22.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. Investment properties loans consist of construction and mortgage loans for income producing properties and are primarily made to finance multi-family properties, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, and other commercial development properties. Synovus' investment properties portfolio is well diversified with no concentration by property type, geography (other than the fact that most of these loans are in Synovus' primary market areas of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida), or tenants. These loans have been underwritten with stressed interest rates and vacancies and are generally recourse in nature with short-term maturities (three years or less) allowing for restructuring opportunities that reduce Synovus' overall risk exposure. The investment properties loans are primarily secured by the property being financed by the loans; however, these loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets beyond the property being financed.
1-4 Family Properties Loans
At September 30, 2013, 1-4 family properties loans totaled $1.17 billion, or 18.5% of the total CRE portfolio and 5.9% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $1.28 billion, or 19.8% of the total CRE portfolio and 6.5% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. 1-4 family properties loans include construction loans to homebuilders, commercial mortgage loans to real estate investors, and residential development loans to developers and are almost always secured by the underlying property being financed by such loans. These properties are primarily located in the markets served by Synovus. Underwriting standards for these types of loans include stricter approval requirements as well as more stringent underwriting standards than current regulatory guidelines. Construction and residential development loans are generally interest-only loans and typically have maturities of three years or less, and 1-4 family rental properties generally have maturities of three to five years, with amortization periods of up to fifteen to twenty years. Although housing and real estate markets in the five southeastern states within Synovus' footprint are showing signs of stabilization, Synovus has actively worked to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Residential C&D Loans
Total residential C&D loans (consisting of 1-4 family construction loans and residential development loans) were $321.2 million at September 30, 2013, a decline of $92.1 million or 29.8% annualized from December 31, 2012 primarily driven by pay-downs, asset dispositions and charge-offs.
Land Acquisition Loans
Total land acquisition loans were $730.1 million at September 30, 2013, or 3.7% of the total loan portfolio, a decline of $64.1 million or 10.8% annualized from December 31, 2012. Land acquisition loans are secured by land held for future development, typically in excess of one year. These loans have short-term maturities and are typically unamortized. Land securing these loans is substantially within the Synovus footprint, and loan terms generally include personal guarantees from the principals. Loans in this portfolio are underwritten based on the loan to value of the collateral and the capacity of the guarantor(s). Generally, the maximum loan-to-value at the time of origination or refinancing is aligned with regulatory requirements. Synovus has actively worked to reduce its exposure to these types of loans.
Retail Loans
Retail loans at September 30, 2013 totaled $3.57 billion, representing 18.1% of the total loan portfolio compared to $3.49 billion, or 17.8% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012 and $3.52 billion or 17.8% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2012.
The retail loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through Synovus' banking network, including first and second residential mortgages, HELOCs, credit card, automobile, and other retail loans. The majority of Synovus' retail loans are consumer mortgages and home equity lines secured by first and second liens on residential real estate primarily located in the markets served by Synovus in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Credit card loans totaled $253.8 million at September 30, 2013, including $57.5 million of commercial credit card loans. The commercial credit card loans relate to Synovus' commercial and small business customers who utilize corporate credit cards for various business activities.

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Table of Contents

Retail loans are subject to uniform lending policies and consist primarily of loans with strong borrower credit scores (most recently measured as of June 30, 2013). As of June 30, 2013, weighted-average FICO scores within the residential real estate portfolio were 760 for HELOC and 734 for consumer mortgages. Conservative debt-to-income ratios (average debt to income ratio of loans originated) were maintained in the third quarter of 2013 at 28.3%, as compared to 27.1% in the fourth quarter of 2012. Utilization rates (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of 61.3% and 61.7% at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and loan-to-value ratios based upon prudent guidelines were maintained to ensure consistency with Synovus' overall risk philosophy. Apart from credit card loans and unsecured loans, Synovus does not originate loans with LTV ratios greater than 100% at origination except for infrequent situations provided that certain underwriting requirements are met. Additionally, at origination, loan maturities are determined based on the borrower's ability to repay (cash flow or earning power of the borrower that represents the primary source of repayment) and the collateralization of the loan, including the economic life of the asset being pledged. Collateral securing these loans provides a secondary source of repayment in that the collateral may be liquidated. Synovus determines the need for collateral on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include the purpose of the loan, current and prospective credit-worthiness of the customer, terms of the loan, and economic conditions.
Risk levels 1-6 (descending) are assigned based upon a risk score matrix. At least annually, the retail loan portfolio data is sent to a consumer credit reporting agency for a refresh of customers' credit scores. The most recent credit score refresh was completed as of June 30, 2013. Revolving lines of credit are regularly reviewed for any material change in financial circumstances, and when appropriate, the line of credit may be suspended.
Higher-risk consumer loans as defined by the FDIC are consumer loans (excluding consumer loans defined as nontraditional mortgage loans) where, as of the origination date or, if the loan has been refinanced, as of the refinance date, the probability of default within two years is greater than 20%, as determined using a defined historical stress period. These loans are not a part of Synovus' retail lending strategy, and Synovus does not currently develop or offer specific higher-risk consumer loans, alt-A, no documentation or stated income retail residential real estate loan products. Synovus estimates that, as of September 30, 2013, it has approximately $157 million of higher-risk consumer loans (4.4% of the retail portfolio and 0.8% of the total loan portfolio). Included in this amount is approximately $23 million of accruing TDRs. Synovus makes retail lending decisions based upon a number of key credit risk determinants including credit scores, bankruptcy predictor scores, loan-to-value ratios, and debt-to-income ratios. Prior to 2009, Synovus Mortgage originated Fannie Mae alt-A loans which were generally sold into the secondary market. Synovus Mortgage no longer originates such loans, and as of September 30, 2013 the balance of such loans remaining on the balance sheet is not material.
Monitoring of Collateral
Synovus follows a risk-based approach as it relates to the credit monitoring processes for its loan portfolio. Synovus updates the fair value of the real estate collateral securing collateral-dependent impaired loans each calendar quarter, with appraisals generally received on an annual basis, or sooner if appropriate, from an independent unaffiliated certified or licensed appraiser. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as selling costs and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. Synovus updates the values of collateral that are in the form of accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and cash surrender value of life insurance policies at least annually and the values of collateral that are in the form of marketable securities and brokerage accounts at least quarterly.
It is the Company's policy to obtain, on at least an annual basis, an updated appraisal from an independent, unaffiliated certified or licensed appraiser for loan relationships of $1 million and over when at least one of the loans in the relationship is on non-accrual status. For relationships under $1 million, while independent appraisals are not mandated by the Company's policies, management will obtain such appraisals when considered prudent. For credits that are not on impaired status, Synovus generally obtains an unaffiliated third-party appraisal of the value of the real estate collateral prior to each loan renewal. Additionally, if conditions warrant (e.g., loans that are not considered impaired but exhibit a higher or potentially higher risk), Synovus engages an unaffiliated appraiser to reappraise the value of the collateral on a more frequent basis. Examples of circumstances that could warrant a new appraisal on an existing performing credit include instances in which local market conditions where the real estate collateral is located have deteriorated, the collateral has experienced damage (fire, wind damage, etc.), the lease or sell-out of the collateral has not met the original projections, and the net operating income of the collateral has declined. In circumstances where the collateral is no longer considered sufficient, Synovus seeks to obtain additional collateral. Examples of adjustments made quarterly to appraised values include broker's commission, unpaid real estate taxes, attorney's fees, other estimated costs to dispose of the property, known damage to the property, known declines in the net operating income of the property or rent rolls, as well as third-party market data.

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Loan Guarantees
In addition to collateral, Synovus generally requires a guarantee from all principals on all commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending relationships. Specifically, Synovus generally obtains unlimited guarantees from any entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or partnership) that owns or controls 50% or more of the borrowing entity. Limited guarantees on a pro rata basis are generally required for all 20% or more owners.
Synovus evaluates the financial ability of a guarantor through an evaluation of the guarantor's current financial statements, income tax returns for the two most recent years, and financial information regarding a guarantor's business or related interests. In addition, to validate the support that a guarantor provides relating to a commercial real estate loan, Synovus analyzes both substantial assets owned by the guarantor to ensure that the guarantor has the necessary ownership interest and control over these assets to convert to cash, and the global cash flow of the guarantor. For loans that are not considered impaired, the allowance for loan losses is determined based on the risk rating of each loan. The risk rating incorporates a number of factors, including guarantors. If a loan is impaired, with certain limited exceptions, a guarantee is not considered in determining the amount to be charged-off.
Other Real Estate
The carrying value of ORE was $126.6 million, $150.3 million, and $189.2 million at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, the ORE carrying value reflects cumulative write-downs totaling approximately $112 million, or 47% of the related loans' unpaid principal balance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, $76.1 million and $122.1 million, respectively, of loans and other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to ORE at fair value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expense, net, of $28.8 million and $55.7 million, respectively. These expenses included write-downs for declines in fair value of ORE subsequent to the date of foreclosure and net realized losses resulting from sales transactions totaling $22.7 million and $42.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
At foreclosure, ORE is reported at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs, which establishes a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, ORE is evaluated quarterly and reported at fair value less estimated selling costs, not to exceed the new cost basis, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation and anticipated sales values considering management's plans for disposition, which could result in an adjustment to lower the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral, less costs to sell, is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.
Synovus' objective is to dispose of ORE properties in a timely manner and to maximize net sale proceeds. Synovus has a centralized managed assets division, with the specialized skill set to facilitate this objective. While there is not a defined timeline for their sale, ORE properties are actively marketed through unaffiliated third parties, including real estate brokers and real estate auctioneers. Sales are made on an opportunistic basis, as acceptable buyers and terms are identified. In addition, Synovus may also decide to sell ORE properties in bulk asset sales to unaffiliated third parties, in which case the typical period of marketing the property will likely not occur. In some cases, Synovus is approached by potential buyers of ORE properties or Synovus may contact independent third parties who we believe might have an interest in an ORE property.

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Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for interest earning assets. The following table shows the relative composition of deposits.
Composition of Deposits
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2013
 
%(1)
 
December 31, 2012
 
%(1)
 
September 30, 2012
 
%(1)
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,358,659

 
25.5
%
 
$
5,665,527

 
26.9
%
 
$
5,503,288

 
26.4
%
Interest bearing demand deposits
4,038,710

 
19.3

 
4,016,209

 
19.1

 
3,442,746

 
16.5

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
6,124,544

 
29.2

 
6,136,538

 
29.1

 
6,650,919

 
31.9

Savings deposits
606,991

 
2.9

 
562,717

 
2.7

 
558,801

 
2.7

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
3,569,752

 
17.0

 
3,583,304

 
17.0

 
3,771,117

 
18.1

Brokered deposits
1,275,200

 
6.1

 
1,092,749

 
5.2

 
919,959

 
4.4

Total deposits
$
20,973,856

 
100.0

 
$
21,057,044

 
100.0

 
$
20,846,830

 
100.0

Core deposits(2)    
$
19,698,656

 
93.9

 
$
19,964,295

 
94.8

 
$
19,926,871

 
95.6

Core deposits excluding time deposits(2)    
$
16,128,904

 
76.9
%
 
$
16,380,991

 
77.8
%
 
$
16,155,754

 
77.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Deposits balance in each category expressed as percentage of total deposits.
(2) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Total deposits at September 30, 2013 increased $263.2 million, or 5.0% annualized, from June 30, 2013. Compared to December 31, 2012, total deposits declined $83.2 million, or 0.5% annualized and compared to September 30, 2012, total deposits increased $127.0 million or 0.6%. The year-to-date decline in total deposits was driven by reductions in non-interest bearing demand deposits due to expected reductions in clearing and SCM temporary accounts which were at elevated levels at year-end. Non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percentage of total deposits was 25.5% at September 30, 2013, compared to 26.9% at December 31, 2012 and 26.4% at September 30, 2012.
Time deposits of $100,000 and greater at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012 were $3.13 billion, $2.86 billion, and $2.82 billion respectively, and included brokered time deposits of $1.07 billion, $892.3 million, and $742.7 million, respectively. These larger deposits represented 14.9%, 13.6%, and 13.5% of total deposits at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, respectively, and included brokered time deposits which represented 5.1%, 4.2%, and 3.6% of total deposits at September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, respectively. See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
At September 30, 2013, total brokered deposits represented 6.1% of Synovus' total deposits compared to 5.2% and 4.4% of total deposits at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively.
Net Interest Income
The following table summarizes the components of net interest income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, including the tax-equivalent adjustment that is required in making yields on tax-exempt loans and investment securities comparable to taxable loans and investment securities. The taxable-equivalent adjustment is based on a 35% Federal income tax rate.
Net Interest Income
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income
$
695,755

 
764,140

 
233,852

 
247,676

Taxable-equivalent adjustment
1,703

 
2,340

 
529

 
761

Interest income, taxable equivalent
697,458

 
766,480

 
234,381

 
248,437

Interest expense
89,894

 
117,479

 
29,882

 
35,331

Net interest income, taxable equivalent
$
607,564

 
649,001

 
204,499

 
213,106

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Non-interest Income
Total reported non-interest income for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 was $193.4 million and $63.6 million, respectively, down from the same periods a year ago by, 17.3% or $40.5 million, and 13.2% or $9.7 million, respectively. The decline was due to higher levels of investment securities gains and private equity investment gains realized during 2012, and a current year decrease in mortgage banking income. Excluding net investment securities gains and private equity investment gains/(losses), non-interest income decreased $4.8 million or 2.5% and decreased $5.4 million or 7.9%, respectively for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same periods a year ago.
The following table shows the principal components of non-interest income.
Non-interest Income

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
58,142

 
57,319

 
19,426

 
20,404

Fiduciary and asset management fees
32,471

 
31,966

 
10,389

 
10,340

Brokerage revenue
21,231

 
19,786

 
6,636

 
6,844

Mortgage banking income
19,569

 
23,247

 
5,314

 
9,261

Bankcard fees
22,662

 
23,938

 
7,760

 
7,866

Investment securities gains, net
2,571

 
30,909

 
1,124

 
6,656

Other fee income
16,461

 
14,927

 
5,199

 
5,276

(Decrease) increase in fair value of private equity investments, net
(856
)
 
6,428

 
284

 
(944
)
Other non-interest income
21,139

 
25,329

 
7,446

 
7,530

Total non-interest income
$
193,390

 
233,849

 
63,578

 
73,233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Components of Non-interest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 were $58.1 million and $19.4 million, up $823 thousand or 1.4%, and down $978 thousand or 4.8%, respectively, from $57.3 million and $20.4 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and all other service charges. NSF fees for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 were $25.3 million and $8.6 million, compared to $27.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively, for the same periods a year earlier, a decrease of $2.6 million and $950 thousand, or 9.3% and 9.9%, respectively, due to lower opt-in rates under Regulation E (Regulation E limits the ability of a financial institution to assess an overdraft fee for paying automated teller machine and debit card transactions that overdraw a customer's account unless the customer affirmatively consents, or opts-in, to the institution's payment of overdrafts for these transactions) and from a decline in the number of accounts following product changes implemented in June of 2012. Account analysis fees were $16.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, up $1.5 million, or 10.1%, and $472 thousand, or 9.1%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012 due to service charge increases implemented on January 1, 2013, reductions in discounted/waived fees, and reductions in earnings credit rates. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $16.1 million and $5.2 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, up $1.9 million, or 13.2% and down $500 thousand, or 8.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The year-over year increase in all other service charges is primarily due to product changes implemented in June of 2012.
Fiduciary and asset management fees are derived from providing estate administration, employee benefit plan administration, personal trust, corporate trust, corporate bond, investment management and financial planning services. Fiduciary and asset management fees were $32.5 million and $10.4 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013. Fiduciary and asset management fees increased $505 thousand or 1.6% and $49 thousand or 0.5% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012.
Brokerage revenue, which consists primarily of brokerage commissions, was $21.2 million and $6.6 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013. Brokerage revenue increased $1.4 million or 7.3%, but decreased $208 thousand or 3.0%, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The year-to-date increase in brokerage revenue is largely due to cross-selling strategies and improved market conditions.
Mortgage banking income decreased $3.7 million, or 15.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, when compared to the same period in 2012, and decreased $3.9 million, or 42.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The decline for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in mortgage

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production with refinancing volume down significantly as well as lower revenue per loan due to new purchase market competitive pressures. Mortgage banking income is expected to decline modestly from third quarter levels during the fourth quarter of 2013.
Bankcard fees decreased $1.3 million, or 5.3%, and $106 thousand, or 1.3%, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to a decline in transaction volume. Bankcard fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees and debit card interchange fees. Debit card interchange fees were $9.7 million, down 8.0% and $3.5 million, down 1.9% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. Credit card interchange fees were $15.4 million, up 0.1%, and $5.3 million, up 1.3% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012.
Other fee income includes fees for letters of credit, safe deposit box fees, access fees for automated teller machine use, customer swap dealer fees, and other miscellaneous fee-related income. Other fee income increased $1.5 million, or 10.3% and decreased $77 thousand, or 1.5%, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012.
The main components of other non-interest income are income from company-owned life insurance policies, insurance commissions, card sponsorship fees, and other miscellaneous items. Other non-interest income decreased $4.2 million, or 16.5% and $84 thousand, or 1.1%, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. Other non-interest income for the prior year included $3.9 million for interest income on tax refunds received during the first quarter of 2012.
Non-interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 decreased by $52.1 million, or 8.6%, and $4.2 million, or 2.2%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The decline was led by significant reductions in foreclosed real estate expense and FDIC insurance expense. Adjusted non-interest expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, which excludes restructuring charges, credit costs, and Visa indemnification charges, declined $18.3 million, or 3.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and increased $3.6 million, or 2.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same periods in 2012. The prior year quarter included the benefit of a $1.7 million litigation expense reserve reversal while the current year quarter included higher levels of advertising and professional fees. Synovus continues to focus on increasing efficiencies while investing in new technologies and in key talent. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation.
The following table summarizes the components of non-interest expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Non-interest Expense

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Salaries and other personnel expense
$
276,190

 
280,972

 
92,794

 
93,177

Net occupancy and equipment expense
77,025

 
79,512

 
26,475

 
26,647

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
24,059

 
37,171

 
7,639

 
9,205

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
28,800

 
55,677

 
10,359

 
11,997

Losses on other loans held for sale, net
487

 
4,005

 
408

 
4,104

Professional fees
28,922

 
29,270

 
11,410

 
10,074

Third-party services
30,446

 
28,466

 
10,151

 
9,429

Visa indemnification charges
801

 
5,546

 

 
833

Restructuring charges
7,295

 
3,444

 
687

 
1,192

Other operating expenses
76,774

 
78,827

 
27,405

 
24,834

Total non-interest expense
$
550,799

 
602,890

 
187,328

 
191,492

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total employees were 4,725 at September 30, 2013, down 312, or 6.2%, from 5,037 employees at September 30, 2012. Salaries and other personnel expenses decreased $4.8 million, or 1.7% and decreased $383 thousand, or 0.4% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to the decrease in headcount, but partially offset by increases in employee insurance costs.
Net occupancy and equipment expense declined $2.5 million, or 3.1% and $172 thousand, or 0.6% during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, reflecting savings realized from ongoing efficiency initiatives.

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FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees decreased $13.1 million, or 35.3% and $1.6 million, or 17.0% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012, primarily due to a decline in the assessment rate for Synovus Bank. While the FDIC deposit assessment rate for Synovus Bank will continue to trend well below the average assessment rate for 2012, the assessment rate will increase in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to average 2013 rates primarily due to the phase-out from the earnings component measure of the deferred tax asset recapture of $637.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Foreclosed real estate costs decreased $26.9 million or 48.3% and declined $1.6 million, or 13.7% for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2012. The decline was largely a result of lower levels of write-downs due to declines in fair value of ORE, as well as lower ORE inventory due to a reduction in the level of foreclosures. For further discussion of foreclosed real estate, see the section captioned “Other Real Estate” of this Report.
Professional fees for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 were $28.9 million and $11.4 million, respectively, compared to $29.3 million and $10.1 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The elevated professional fees relate primarily to increased legal fees incurred in connection with credit workouts and problem loan activity as well as legal matters that are disclosed in "Note 14 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report.  
Restructuring charges of $7.3 million and $687 thousand recognized during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, primarily consist of severance charges. For further explanation of restructuring charges, see "Note 4 - Restructuring Charges" of this Report.
Other operating expenses declined $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, other operating expenses were up $2.6 million, or 10.4% from the same period in 2012 due to the benefit of a $1.7 million litigation expense reserve reversal in the prior year and higher levels of advertising costs during the current quarter.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $72.1 million and $27.8 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to an income tax benefit of $2.4 million and $0.2 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The income tax impact for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012 was minimal because the Company recognized reductions to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which offset current tax expense. Following the reversal of substantially all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company expects to record income tax expense during 2013 at an effective tax rate of approximately 37%. The actual effective income tax rate in future periods could be affected by items that are infrequent in nature, such as new legislation and changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
At September 30, 2013, the net deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, was $763.1 million compared to $806.4 million at December 31, 2012. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases, including operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. 
Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all positive and negative evidence. Based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence at September 30, 2013, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that $763.1 million of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income.  If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, the valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' financial condition or results of operations.
Synovus expects to realize the $763.1 million net deferred tax asset well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At September 30, 2013, $201.0 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration date. Approximately $467.5 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses, which will expire in installments annually beginning in 2028 through 2032. Additionally, $66.2 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state NOLs which expire in installments through the tax year 2032. Tax credit carryforwards at September 30, 2013 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $20.5 million, which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at September 30, 2013 total $28.7 million and have expiration dates through the tax year 2033.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contains provisions that limit the utilization of NOL carryovers if there has been an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the IRC. In general, this would occur if ownership of common stock held by one or more 5% shareholders increased by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest pre-change ownership within a three year period. If Synovus experiences such an ownership change, the utilization of pre-change NOLs to reduce future federal income tax obligations could be limited. To reduce the likelihood of such an ownership change, Synovus adopted a Rights Plan in 2010 that was ratified by Synovus shareholders in 2011. The Rights Plan, as amended on April 24, 2013, will expire on April 28, 2016. 

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CREDIT QUALITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Credit Quality
Synovus continuously monitors the credit quality of its loan portfolio and maintains an allowance for loan losses that management believes is sufficient to absorb probable losses inherent in its loan portfolio. All credit quality measures continued to show improvement during the third quarter of 2013.
The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
Credit Quality Metrics
As of and for the Three Months Ended,
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2012
Provision for loan losses
$
6,761

 
13,077

 
35,696

 
146,526

 
63,572

Other credit costs
15,603

 
10,887

 
13,595

 
39,236

 
22,046

Total credit costs
$
22,364

 
23,964

 
49,291

 
185,762

 
85,618

Non-performing loans    
450,879

 
483,464

 
513,227

 
543,333

 
700,204

Impaired loans held for sale(1)    
9,351

 
12,083

 
9,129

 
9,455

 
10,019

Other real estate
126,640

 
139,653

 
155,237

 
150,271

 
189,182

 Non-performing assets    
$
586,870

 
635,200

 
677,593

 
703,059

 
899,405

Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
2.29
%
 
2.47

 
2.65

 
2.78

 
3.55

Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE
2.96
%
 
3.21

 
3.47

 
3.57

 
4.51

NPL inflows
$
47,446

 
66,860

 
83,901

 
262,708

 
114,805

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
4,738

 
4,595

 
5,799

 
6,811

 
8,972

As a % of total loans
0.02
%
 
0.02

 
0.03

 
0.03

 
0.05

Total past due loans and still accruing
$
78,906

 
80,678

 
88,330

 
104,825

 
108,633

As a % of total loans
0.40
%
 
0.41

 
0.46

 
0.54

 
0.55

Net charge-offs
$
23,029

 
29,969

 
57,329

 
193,525

 
96,493

Net charge-offs/average loans
0.47
%
 
0.61

 
1.18

 
3.94

 
1.97

Allowance for loan losses
$
318,612

 
334,880

 
351,772

 
373,405

 
420,404

Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans
1.62
%
 
1.71

 
1.82

 
1.91

 
2.13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Represent only impaired loans that have been specifically identified to be sold. Impaired loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sell, based primarily on estimated sales proceeds net of selling costs.
Total credit costs
Total credit costs (provision for loan losses plus other credit costs which consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net, provision for losses on unfunded commitments, and charges related to other loans held for sale) for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 were $22.4 million and $85.6 million, respectively, including provision for loan losses of $6.8 million and $63.6 million, respectively, and expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $10.4 million and $12.0 million, respectively. Total credit costs improved 9.2% on a sequential quarter basis and improved 73.9% from the third quarter of 2012, driven by an 89.4% decrease in provision for loan losses. Synovus currently expects that credit costs in the fourth quarter of 2013 will be similar to the second and third quarters of 2013 levels, which would result in a meaningful decline in credit costs compared to the first half of the year.
Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $586.9 million at September 30, 2013, a $48.3 million decrease from June 30, 2013 and a $312.5 million or 34.7% decrease from $899.4 million at September 30, 2012. The year-over-year and sequential quarter declines in non-performing assets were primarily driven by asset dispositions and lower NPL inflows. Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans, other loans held for sale, and other real estate were 2.96% at September 30, 2013 compared to 3.21% at June 30, 2013, and 4.51% at September 30, 2012. Synovus currently expects that NPAs and NPLs will continue on an overall downward trend.
During the recent credit crisis, the residential construction and development and land acquisition portfolio experienced a higher level of NPLs and losses than any other loan category. From 2008 through September 2013, this portfolio had $2.11 billion in losses, which was approximately 47% of all losses during this period of time. The exposure from this portfolio has declined significantly as the performing loans in this portfolio have decreased 85.1% from a peak of $5.88 billion, or 22.2% of total performing loans at the end of 2007 to $877.4 million or 4.6% of total performing loans at September 30, 2013. NPLs in this

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portfolio have also decreased $632.3 million or 78.4% from a peak of $806.2 million at September 30, 2009 to $173.9 million at September 30, 2013. Synovus is generally not actively seeking to originate these types of loans, and is continuing to closely monitor and reduce the remaining exposure in this portfolio.
The table below presents the composition of total residential C&D and land acquisition loans by state at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Composition of Residential C&D and Land Acquisition Loans by State(1)
 
September 30, 2013
(dollars in thousands)
Non-performing Loans
 
Performing Loans
 
Total Loans
Georgia(2)
$
140,671

 
468,369

 
609,040

Florida
17,945

 
130,580

 
148,525

South Carolina
5,659

 
143,950

 
149,609

Tennessee
2,501

 
12,992

 
15,493

Alabama
7,115

 
121,538

 
128,653

Total Residential C&D and Land Acquisition Loans
$
173,891

 
877,429

 
1,051,320

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

 
512,064

 
700,763

Florida
20,165

 
148,993

 
169,158

South Carolina
10,573

 
146,644

 
157,217

Tennessee
892

 
21,059

 
21,951

Alabama
16,740

 
141,703

 
158,443

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

 
970,463

 
1,207,532

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Loans are grouped based on where the loans were originated.
(2) Atlanta represents $229.0 million of total residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, $205.5 million of performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, and $23.5 million of non-performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans.
(3) Atlanta represents $253.8 million of total residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, $222.1 million of performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans, and $31.7 million of non-performing residential construction and development and land acquisition loans.
NPL inflows during the third quarter of 2013 were $47.4 million, down $67.4 million or 58.7% from the third quarter of 2012 additions of $114.8 million.
NPL Inflows by Portfolio Type
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)
September 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
September 30,
2012
Investment properties
$
6,734

 
13,180

 
12,058

 
79,174

 
34,414

1-4 family properties
6,416

 
17,522

 
20,350

 
17,858

 
19,811

Land acquisition
3,451

 
6,532

 
6,562

 
125,653

 
16,116

Total commercial real estate
16,601

 
37,234

 
38,970

 
222,685

 
70,341

Commercial, financial and agricultural
8,534

 
10,876

 
13,943

 
16,025

 
15,153

Owner-occupied
8,817

 
4,177

 
6,517

 
8,833

 
9,909

Small business
1,625

 
1,163

 
1,879

 
2,087

 
1,300

Total commercial and industrial
18,976

 
16,216

 
22,339

 
26,945

 
26,362

Home equity
3,724

 
4,633

 
7,904

 
5,255

 
3,785

Consumer mortgage
7,518

 
8,007

 
12,563

 
6,486

 
13,385

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail
627

 
770

 
2,125

 
1,336

 
932

Total retail
11,869

 
13,410

 
22,592

 
13,077

 
18,102

Total NPL inflows
$
47,446

 
66,860

 
83,901

 
262,707

 
114,805

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Past Due Loans

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Loans past due 90 days or more, which based on a determination of collectability are accruing interest, are classified as past due loans. Synovus' policy prohibits making additional loans to a borrower, or any related interest of a borrower, who is on non-accrual status except under certain workout plans and if such extension of credit aids with loss mitigation. Additionally, Synovus' policy discourages making additional loans to a borrower, or any related interest of the borrower, who has a loan that is past due as to principal or interest for more than 90 days and remains on accruing status.
As a percentage of total loans outstanding, loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest continue to be at very low levels and were 0.02% at both September 30, 2013 and June 30, 2013. These loans are in the process of collection, and management believes that sufficient collateral value securing these loans exists to cover contractual interest and principal payments.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
When borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, Synovus may, in order to assist the borrowers in repaying the principal and interest owed to Synovus, make certain modifications to the borrower's loan. All loan modifications and renewals are evaluated for troubled debt restructuring (TDR) classification. In accordance with ASU 2011-02, A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring, issued in April 2011, a TDR is defined as a modification with a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulties when Synovus has granted a financial concession that it would not normally make. The market rate concept in ASU 2011-02 states that if a borrower does not otherwise have access to funds at a market interest rates for debt with characteristics similar to those of the restructured debt, the restructuring would be considered to be at a below-market rate, which indicates that the lender may have granted a concession. Since Synovus often increases or maintains the interest rate upon renewal of a commercial loan, including renewals of loans involving borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, the market rate concept has become a significant factor in determining if a loan is classified as a TDR. All TDRs are considered to be impaired loans, and the amount of impairment, if any, is determined in accordance with ASC 310-10-35, Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-an amendment of ASC 450-20 and ASC 310-40.
Concessions provided by Synovus in a TDR are generally made in order to assist borrowers so that debt service is not interrupted and to mitigate the potential for loan losses. A number of factors are reviewed when a loan is renewed, refinanced, or modified, including cash flows, collateral values, guarantees, and loan structures. Concessions are primarily in the form of either providing a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk to assist the borrower in managing cash flows, or an extension of the maturity of the loan generally for less than one year, or a period of time generally less than one year with a reduction of required principal and/or interest payments (e.g., interest only for a period of time). These types of concessions may be made during the term of a loan or upon the maturity of a loan, as a loan renewal. Multiple types of concessions may be granted concurrent with the restructuring. Renewals of loans made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties are evaluated for TDR designation by determining if concessions are being granted, including consideration of whether the renewed loan has an interest rate that is at market, given the credit risk related to the loan. Insignificant periods of reduction of principal and/or interest payments, or one time deferrals of three months or less, are generally not considered to be financial concessions. Further, it is generally Synovus' practice not to defer principal and/or interest for more than twelve months.
Since 2009, for consumer mortgage borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that evidence that current monthly payments are unsustainable, Synovus has been providing through its consumer real estate HAP, a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk and/or an extension of the maturity and amortization period beyond loan policy limits for renewed loans. All consumer loans restructured or modified under HAP are TDRs. As of September 30, 2013, there were $31.3 million in accruing TDRs that were part of the HAP program.
Accruing TDRs were $574.2 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $635.1 million at June 30, 2013 and $698.8 million at September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these accruing TDRs was $37.4 million compared to $39.3 million at June 30, 2013 and $41.4 million at December 31, 2012. Accruing TDRs are considered performing because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. At September 30, 2013, 98.4% of accruing TDRs were current, and 49.8% or $285.8 million of accruing TDRs were graded as Pass (17.9%) or Special Mention (31.9%) loans.
Accruing TDRs by Risk Grade
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Pass
$
102,933

 
17.9
%
 
$
145,435

 
21.6
%
Special Mention
182,860

 
31.9

 
248,661

 
36.9

Substandard accruing
288,442

 
50.2

 
279,287

 
41.5

  Total accruing TDRs
$
574,235

 
100.0
%
 
$
673,383

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Accruing TDRs Aging and Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Class
 
September 30, 2013
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
150,510

 
1,394

 

 
151,904

 
7,569

1-4 family properties
101,334

 
1,398

 

 
102,732

 
8,946

Land acquisition
74,778

 

 

 
74,778

 
6,414

Total commercial real estate
326,622

 
2,792

 

 
329,414

 
22,929

Commercial, financial and agricultural
92,435

 
1,483

 

 
93,918

 
6,283

Owner-occupied
92,233

 
2,428

 

 
94,661

 
5,826

Small business
3,984

 
621

 

 
4,605

 
290

Commercial and industrial
188,652

 
4,532

 

 
193,184

 
12,399

Home equity lines
42,652

 

 

 
42,652

 
1,844

Consumer mortgages
993

 
1,752

 
26

 
2,771

 
167

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
6,117

 
97

 

 
6,214

 
85

Total retail
49,762

 
1,849

 
26

 
51,637

 
2,096

Total accruing TDRs
$
565,036

 
9,173

 
26

 
574,235

 
37,424

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

 
1,230

 

 
181,062

 
10,721

1-4 family properties
107,813

 
336

 

 
108,149

 
10,329

Land acquisition
82,234

 
1,557

 

 
83,791

 
5,949

Total commercial real estate
369,879

 
3,123

 

 
373,002

 
26,999

Commercial, financial and agricultural
135,557

 
2,006

 

 
137,563

 
5,636

Owner-occupied
96,151

 
1,073

 

 
97,224

 
7,382

Small business
2,647

 
686

 

 
3,333

 
184

Commercial and industrial
234,355

 
3,765

 

 
238,120

 
13,202

Home equity lines
8,696

 

 

 
8,696

 
195

Consumer mortgages
48,492

 
1,769

 

 
50,261

 
880

Credit cards

 

 

 

 

Other retail loans
2,994

 
310

 

 
3,304

 
74

Total retail
60,182

 
2,079

 

 
62,261

 
1,149

Total accruing TDRs
$
664,416

 
8,967

 

 
673,383

 
41,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accruing TDRs may generally be returned to accrual status if there has been sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, usually a minimum of six months. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR will generally no longer be reported as a TDR after a period of performance and after the loan has been reported as a TDR at a year-end reporting date, and if at the time of the modification, the interest rate was at market, considering the credit risk associated with the borrower. Non-accruing TDRs were $225.8 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $94.4 million at December 31, 2012. The increase from December 31, 2012 is primarily due to the restructuring of one larger credit relationship, which was previously reported as an impaired non-accruing relationship, during the third quarter of 2013.

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Non-accruing TDRs by Type
 
 
 
(in thousands)
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Investment properties
$
64,689

 
11,812

1-4 family properties
14,603

 
26,084

Land acquisition
120,072

 
31,573

  Total commercial real estate
199,364

 
69,469

Commercial, financial and agricultural
13,452

 
16,453

Owner-occupied
7,439

 
2,600

Small business
446

 
1,062

 Commercial and industrial
21,337

 
20,115

Home equity lines
1,069

 
992

Consumer mortgages
3,985

 
3,436

Credit cards

 

Other retail loans
14

 
383

Total retail
5,068

 
4,811

Total non-accruing TDRs
$
225,769

 
94,395

 
 
 
 
Potential Problem Loans
Potential problem loans are defined by management as being certain performing loans with a well-defined weakness where there is known information about possible credit problems of borrowers which causes management to have concerns about the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present repayment terms of such loans. Potential problem commercial loans consist of commercial Substandard accruing loans but exclude loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest and accruing TDRs classified as Substandard. Synovus had $301.6 million of potential problem commercial loans at September 30, 2013 compared to $325.8 million and $597.5 million at June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these potential problem loans was $26.7 million compared to $30.8 million and $73.6 million at June 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. Synovus cannot predict at this time whether these potential problem loans ultimately will become non-performing loans or result in losses.
Net Charge-offs
The year-to-date annualized net charge-off ratio is now below 1% which is the lowest level since the first quarter of 2008. Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $110.3 million, or 0.75% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $179.6 million or 61.9% compared to $289.9 million or 1.95% as a percentage of average loans annualized for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The decline in net charge-offs was driven by a decline in NPL inflows, better realization rates on loan dispositions, and lower impairment charge-offs on existing collateral dependent impaired loans. Net charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were $23.0 million or 0.47% as a percentage of average loans annualized, a decrease of $73.4 million or 76.1% compared to $96.5 million or 1.97% as a percentage of average loans annualized for the three months ended September 30, 2012. Synovus currently expects the annualized net charge-off ratio for 2013 to be below 1%.

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The following tables show net charge-offs by loan type for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Net Charge-offs by Loan Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Investment properties
$
26,416

 
40,346

 
3,643

 
9,937

1-4 family properties
13,393

 
42,700

 
3,186

 
11,088

Land for future development
22,155

 
69,998

 
(121
)
 
29,711

Total commercial real estate
61,964

 
153,044

 
6,708

 
50,736

Commercial, financial and agricultural
12,074

 
66,530

 
4,930

 
26,415

Owner-occupied
11,472

 
35,849

 
6,054

 
8,275

Small business
3,292

 
1,971

 
735

 
787

 Commercial and industrial
26,838

 
104,350

 
11,719

 
35,477

Home equity lines
6,432

 
14,329

 
1,368

 
5,796

Consumer mortgages
7,877

 
11,344

 
1,242

 
2,470

Credit cards
4,895

 
5,540

 
1,416

 
1,717

Other retail loans
2,321

 
1,326

 
576

 
297

Retail
21,525

 
32,539

 
4,602

 
10,280

Total net charge-offs
$
110,327

 
289,933

 
23,029

 
96,493

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses was $55.5 million, a decrease of $118.3 million or 68.1% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for loan losses was $6.8 million, a decrease of $56.8 million or 89.4% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012.The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily a result of continued improvement in credit quality trends, including:
Reduced net loan charge-offs by $179.6 million or 61.9% from $289.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $110.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013;
Reduced NPL inflows by $180.5 million or 47.7% from $378.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $198.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013;
Reduced loans rated Special Mention by $476.0 million or 31.9% from $1.49 billion at September 30, 2012 to $1.02 billion at September 30, 2013;
Reduced loans rated Substandard accruing by $369.4 million or 38.3% from $964.8 million at September 30, 2012 to $595.4 million at September 30, 2013; and
Pass rated loans as a percentage of total loans were 89.5% at September 30, 2013 compared to 84.0% at September 30, 2012.
The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2013 was $318.6 million or 1.62% of total loans compared to $373.4 million or 1.91% of total loans at December 31, 2012 and $420.4 million or 2.13% of total loans at September 30, 2012. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses is primarily due to continued improvement in credit quality trends, which includes reduced NPL inflows, NPLs and net charge-offs, as well as improved risk grade migration trends and stabilizing fair values of collateral.  
A substantial number of Synovus' loans are secured by real estate located in five southeastern states (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial part of Synovus' loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas. Based on current information and market conditions, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

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Capital Resources
Synovus has always placed great emphasis on maintaining a solid capital base and continues to satisfy applicable regulatory capital requirements. Management is committed to maintaining a capital level sufficient to assure shareholders, customers, and regulators that Synovus is financially sound.
The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Capital Ratios
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)    
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Tier 1 capital
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
$
2,292,758

 
2,832,244

Synovus Bank
2,726,783

 
3,173,530

Tier 1 common equity(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,157,358

 
1,864,917

Total risk-based capital
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
2,835,108

 
3,460,998

Synovus Bank
$
2,998,121

 
3,441,364

Tier 1 capital ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.55
%
 
13.24

Synovus Bank
12.59

 
14.88

Tier 1 common equity ratio(1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
9.93

 
8.72

Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
13.04

 
16.18

Synovus Bank
13.84

 
16.14

Leverage ratio
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
8.96

 
11.00

Synovus Bank
10.71

 
12.41

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
10.61
%
 
9.66

 
 
 
 
(1) See reconciliation of “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
As a financial holding company, Synovus and its subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, are required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution as defined by federal banking regulations. The capital measures used by the federal banking regulators include the total risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and the leverage ratio. Synovus Bank is a state-chartered bank under the regulations of the GA DBF. Under applicable regulations, Synovus Bank is well-capitalized if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive from a federal and/or state banking regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. However, even if Synovus Bank satisfies all applicable quantitative criteria to be considered well-capitalized, the regulations also establish procedures for “downgrading” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Management believes that, as of September 30, 2013, Synovus and Synovus Bank meet all capital requirements to which they are subject. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. Over two-thirds of the TARP redemption was funded by internally available funds from an upstream dividend of $680 million from Synovus Bank. The balance of the redemption was funded by net proceeds from equity offerings completed in July 2013, described below. In connection with the redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, which resulted in a $5.1 million reduction in net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The U.S. Treasury continues to hold the Warrants, which expire on December 19, 2018. Synovus will continue to evaluate the potential repurchase of these Warrants directly from the U.S. Treasury or through participation in a subsequent auction process, which may or may not be successful.

    On July 24, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of 59,870,550 shares of its Common Stock at $3.09 per share. The offering generated net proceeds of $174.8 million.

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On July 25, 2013, Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, non-cumulative, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share).  The offering generated net proceeds of $125.4 million. From the date of issuance to, but excluding, August 1, 2018, the rate for declared dividends is 7.875% per annum.  From and including August 1, 2018, the dividend rate will change to a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.39% per annum.
There are limitations on the inclusion of deferred tax assets for regulatory capital based on Tier 1 capital levels and projected future earnings. As of September 30, 2013, total disallowed deferred tax assets were $647.8 million or 2.98% of risk weighted assets, compared to $710.5 million or 3.32% of risk weighted assets at December 31, 2012. The DTA limitation will continue to decrease over time, thus creating additional regulatory capital in future periods. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - While we recently reversed the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets, we may not be able to realize these assets in the future and they may be subject to additional valuation allowances, which could adversely affect our operating results and regulatory capital ratios" of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus' Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. As previously disclosed, in 2010, Synovus Bank entered into the Synovus Bank MOU. The FDIC and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus Bank MOU effective as of May 29, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus Bank’s Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity.
On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve released final United States Basel III regulatory capital rules implementing the global regulatory capital reforms of Basel III and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The FDIC and OCC subsequently approved the final rule on July 9, 2013. The rule applies to all banking organizations that are currently subject to regulatory capital requirements as well as certain savings and loan holding companies.  The rule strengthens the definition of regulatory capital, increases risk-based capital requirements, and makes selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The rule becomes effective January 1, 2015, for most banking organizations, subject to a transition period for several aspects of the rule, including the new minimum capital ratio requirements, the capital conservation buffer, and the regulatory capital adjustments and deductions. Based on management's interpretation of the regulation, Synovus' estimated Tier 1 common equity ratio under Basel III as of September 30, 2013 is 9.72%. See reconciliation of "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
Management currently believes, based on internal capital analyses and earnings projections, that Synovus' capital position is adequate to meet current and future regulatory minimum capital requirements. However, Synovus continues to actively monitor economic conditions, evolving industry capital standards, and changes in regulatory standards and requirements, and engages in regular discussions with its regulators regarding capital at both Synovus and Synovus Bank.
Dividends
Synovus has historically paid a quarterly cash dividend to the holders of its Common Stock. Management closely monitors trends and developments in credit quality, liquidity (including dividends from subsidiaries), financial markets and other economic trends, as well as regulatory requirements regarding the payment of dividends, all of which impact Synovus' capital position. Management will continue to periodically review dividend levels to determine if they are appropriate in light of these factors. Synovus' ability to pay dividends on its capital stock, including the Common Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, is partially dependent upon dividends and distributions that it receives from its bank and non-banking subsidiaries, which are restricted by various regulations administered by federal and state bank regulatory authorities, as further discussed below in the section titled "Liquidity." On July 19, 2013, Synovus received an upstream dividend of $680.0 million from Synovus Bank, which Synovus utilized to redeem its $967.9 million of Series A Preferred Stock on July 26, 2013. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality and overall financial condition.
    Under the terms of the Board resolution described above under "Capital Resources," Synovus is required to inform and consult with the applicable regulatory agencies in advance of declaring or paying any future dividends on its capital stock, including the Common Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock. The Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has in some cases discouraged payment unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.
Synovus declared and paid dividends of $0.03 per common share for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. In addition to dividends paid on its Common Stock, Synovus paid dividends of $33.7 million and $9.5 million to the Treasury on its Series A Preferred Stock during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Synovus paid dividends of $36.3 million and $12.1 million to the Treasury on its Series A Preferred Stock during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. On July 26, 2013, Synovus redeemed all 967,870 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S.

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Treasury under the CPP established under TARP. On July 25, 2013 Synovus completed a public offering of $130 million of Series C Preferred Stock (5.2 million shares, no par value, non-cumulative, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share). Synovus recorded the first dividend payment on the Series C Preferred Stock following the declaration date of October 2, 2013.
Liquidity
Liquidity represents the extent to which Synovus has readily available sources of funding needed to meet the needs of depositors, borrowers and creditors, to support asset growth, and to otherwise sustain operations of Synovus and its subsidiaries, at a reasonable cost, on a timely basis, and without adverse consequences. ALCO monitors Synovus' economic, competitive, and regulatory environment and is responsible for measuring, monitoring, and reporting on liquidity and funding risk, interest rate risk, and market risk and has the authority to establish policies relative to these risks. ALCO, operating under liquidity and funding policies approved by the Board of Directors, actively analyzes contractual and anticipated cash flows in order to properly manage Synovus’ liquidity position.
Contractual and anticipated cash flows are analyzed under normal and stressed conditions to determine forward looking liquidity needs and sources. Synovus analyzes liquidity needs under various scenarios of market conditions and operating performance. This analysis includes stress testing and measures expected sources and uses of funds under each scenario. Emphasis is placed on maintaining numerous sources of current and potential liquidity to allow Synovus to meet its obligations to depositors, borrowers, and creditors on a timely basis.
Liquidity is generated primarily through maturities and repayments of loans by customers, maturities and sales of investment securities, deposit growth, and access to sources of funds other than deposits. Management continuously monitors and maintains appropriate levels of liquidity so as to provide adequate funding sources to meet estimated customer deposit withdrawals and future loan requests. Liquidity is also enhanced by the acquisition of new deposits. Each of the banking divisions monitors deposit flows and evaluates local market conditions in an effort to retain and grow deposits.
Synovus Bank also generates liquidity through the national deposit markets. Synovus Bank issues longer-term certificates of deposit across a broad geographic base to diversify its sources of funding and liquidity. Access to these deposits could become more limited if Synovus Bank’s asset quality and financial performance were to significantly deteriorate. Synovus Bank has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB System. At September 30, 2013, Synovus Bank had access to incremental funding, subject to available collateral and FHLB credit policies, through utilization of FHLB advances.
In addition to bank level liquidity management, Synovus must manage liquidity at the Parent Company for various operating needs including potential capital infusions into subsidiaries, the servicing of debt, the payment of dividends on our Common Stock and Preferred Stock, and payment of general corporate expenses. The primary source of liquidity for Synovus consists of dividends from Synovus Bank which is governed by certain rules and regulations of the GA DBF and FDIC. Dividends from Synovus Bank in 2010 were $43.9 million. During 2012 and 2011, Synovus Bank did not pay dividends to the Parent Company. On July 19, 2013, the Parent Company received a $680.0 million dividend from Synovus Bank, which Synovus utilized along with the net proceeds from its July Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock offerings to redeem its $967.9 million of Series A Preferred Stock on July 26, 2013. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality and overall condition. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
As previously disclosed, in 2009, Synovus entered into the Synovus MOU with the Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF. The Atlanta Fed and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus MOU effective as of April 22, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus' Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity. As previously disclosed, in 2010, Synovus Bank entered into the Synovus Bank MOU. The FDIC and the GA DBF terminated the Synovus Bank MOU effective as of May 29, 2013, and replaced it with a resolution adopted by Synovus Bank’s Board of Directors relating to, among other things, continued emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining strong levels of capital and liquidity.
On February 13, 2012, Synovus issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Senior Notes in a public offering for aggregate proceeds of $292.6 million, net of discount and debt issuance costs. Concurrent with this offering, Synovus announced a Tender Offer for any and all of its 2013 Notes, with a total principal amount outstanding of $206.8 million. An aggregate principal amount of $146.1 million of the 2013 Notes, representing 71% of the outstanding principal amount, were tendered in the Tender Offer. Synovus paid total consideration of $146.1 million for these notes, which was funded from a portion of the net proceeds of the 2019 Senior Notes.
Synovus has historically enjoyed a solid reputation in the capital markets and in the past few years has accessed the capital markets to provide needed liquidity resources, including its public offerings completed in 2009, 2010, 2012 and the third quarter

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of 2013. Despite the success of these public offerings, there can be no assurance that Synovus will be able to obtain additional new borrowings or issue additional equity on favorable terms, if at all. See "Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our status as a non-investment grade issuer and any further reductions in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from the capital markets and impact our liquidity” of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs through the near future. However, if economic conditions were to significantly deteriorate, regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or Synovus Bank increase as the result of regulatory directives or otherwise, or Synovus believes it is prudent to enhance current liquidity levels, then Synovus may seek additional liquidity from external sources. See "Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors - Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results" of Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K.
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average total assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased $242.1 million, or 0.9%, to $26.30 billion as compared to $26.54 billion for the first nine months of 2012. Average earning assets decreased $818.3 million, or 3.3%, in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 and represented 90.7% of average total assets at September 30, 2013, as compared to 93.0% at September 30, 2012. The reduction in average earning assets resulted from a $509.9 million decrease in average taxable investment securities, a $155.5 million net decrease in average loans, net, and a $125.4 million reduction in interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank. Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $517.8 million, or 2.9%, to $17.39 billion for the first nine months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease in funding sources utilized to support earning assets was driven by an $802.4 million decrease in average interest bearing deposits and a $133.0 million decrease in average federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These reductions were partially offset by a $417.6 million increase in average long-term debt.
Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $605.9 million, a decrease of $40.8 million, or 6.31%, compared to $646.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 3.41%, down 10 bps from 3.51%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Earning asset yields decreased by 24 bps compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012 while the effective cost of funds decreased by 14 bps. The primary factors negatively impacting earning asset yields were a 41 bps decrease in the yield on taxable investment securities and a 32 bps decline in loan yields. The investment yield decrease was due to lower yields available for the reinvestment of maturing higher yielding securities and a higher level of purchased premium amortization. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward pricing of maturing and prepaid loans. A reduction in low yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank had a modest positive impact on earning asset yields. The effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing certificates of deposit and a decrease in the effective cost of core money market deposits and long term debt. As compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012, core certificates of deposit declined by 33 bps, core money market deposits declined by 8 bps, and the cost of long term debt declined by 81 bps. See reconciliation of core deposits in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report.
On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income increased by $1.9 million and the net interest margin increased by 1 bp to 3.40%. Yields on earning assets increased 1 bp and the effective cost of funds was unchanged. Yields on earning assets were positively impacted by a 6 bps increase in taxable investment security yields which was partially offset by a 2 bps decrease in loan yields. Investment yields were positively impacted by higher reinvestment rates and a decrease in purchased premium amortization. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward pricing of maturing and prepaid loans.
Current expectations are for slight downward pressure on the net interest margin during the fourth quarter of 2013. This expectation is primarily due to a projected modest decline in realized loan yields.


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Quarterly yields earned on average interest-earning assets and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the five most recent quarters are presented below.
Average Balances, Interest, and Yields
2013
 
2012
(dollars in thousands) (yields and rates annualized)
Third Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Third Quarter
Interest Earning Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities (1)
$
3,062,976

 
3,034,152

 
2,984,129

 
3,069,000

 
3,495,838

Yield
1.76
%
 
1.70

 
1.42

 
1.62

 
1.67

Tax-exempt investment securities(1)(3)
$
9,835

 
11,435

 
14,362

 
17,377

 
19,503

Yield (taxable equivalent) (3)
6.26
%
 
6.47

 
6.34

 
6.59

 
6.47

Trading account assets
$
13,806

 
7,847

 
8,629

 
9,600

 
12,343

Yield
4.50
%
 
6.34

 
7.12

 
8.04

 
8.27

Commercial loans(2)(3)
$
16,067,424

 
16,075,832

 
15,999,999

 
16,171,318

 
16,102,353

Yield
4.37
%
 
4.39

 
4.48

 
4.50

 
4.65

Consumer loans(2)
$
3,528,057

 
3,454,874

 
3,461,622

 
3,514,257

 
3,529,528

Yield
4.61
%
 
4.62

 
4.68

 
4.70

 
4.72

Allowance for loan losses
$
(328,084
)
 
(351,075
)
 
(372,239
)
 
(405,237
)
 
(446,495
)
Loans, net (2)
$
19,267,397

 
19,179,631

 
19,089,382

 
19,280,338

 
19,185,386

Yield
4.50
%
 
4.52

 
4.54

 
4.65

 
4.79

Mortgage loans held for sale
$
85,493

 
129,742

 
179,507

 
208,839

 
175,199

Yield
4.07
%
 
4.35

 
3.80

 
3.72

 
4.03

Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
$
1,375,920

 
1,550,113

 
1,343,652

 
1,366,422

 
1,215,743

Yield
0.24
%
 
0.24

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
0.24

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock (4)
$
70,741

 
65,014

 
65,330

 
66,630

 
53,239

Yield
2.30
%
 
2.35

 
2.36

 
2.03

 
1.87

Total interest earning assets
$
23,886,168

 
23,977,934
 
23,684,991

 
24,018,206

 
24,157,251

Yield
3.89
%
 
3.88

 
3.95

 
3.99

 
4.09

Interest Bearing Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
$
3,933,902

 
3,895,675

 
3,839,707

 
3,872,025

 
3,344,561

Rate
0.23
%
 
0.18

 
0.18

 
0.18

 
0.19

Money Market accounts
$
6,148,289

 
6,072,155

 
6,135,649

 
6,251,374

 
6,751,607

Rate
0.33
%
 
0.33

 
0.33

 
0.33

 
0.33

Savings deposits
$
607,144

 
609,832

 
581,792

 
558,726

 
557,086

Rate
0.11
%
 
0.11

 
0.11

 
0.10

 
0.10

Time deposits under $100,000
$
1,526,974

 
1,537,639

 
1,581,092

 
1,648,554

 
1,763,864

Rate
0.62
%
 
0.64

 
0.69

 
0.74

 
0.85

Time deposits over $100,000
$
2,022,719

 
1,891,623

 
1,958,870

 
2,015,582

 
2,176,488

Rate
0.84
%
 
0.88

 
0.93

 
0.99

 
1.11

Brokered money market accounts
$
202,802

 
202,532

 
202,734

 
180,216

 
186,336

Rate
0.27
%
 
0.31

 
0.32

 
0.34

 
0.33

Brokered time deposits
$
1,130,491

 
1,131,444

 
1,013,461

 
800,434

 
820,908

Rate
0.70
%
 
0.77

 
0.99

 
1.42

 
1.83

Total interest bearing deposits
$
15,572,321

 
15,340,900

 
15,313,305

 
15,326,911

 
15,600,850

Rate
0.42
%
 
0.42

 
0.44

 
0.47

 
0.54

Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities
$
195,717

 
206,046

 
214,661

 
266,431

 
350,183

Rate
0.14
%
 
0.15

 
0.17

 
0.17

 
0.17

Long-term debt
$
1,885,385

 
1,762,173

 
1,688,580

 
1,740,588

 
1,372,741

Rate
2.85
%
 
3.06

 
3.26

 
3.31

 
4.09

Total interest bearing liabilities
$
17,653,423

 
17,309,119

 
17,216,546

 
17,333,930

 
17,323,774

Rate
0.67
%
 
0.68

 
0.72

 
0.75

 
0.81

Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
5,306,447

 
5,327,795

 
5,232,587

 
5,466,312

 
5,560,827


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Effective cost of funds
0.49
%
 
0.49

 
0.52

 
0.54

 
0.58

Net interest margin
3.40
%
 
3.39

 
3.43

 
3.45

 
3.51

Taxable equivalent adjustment (3)
$
529

 
557

 
618

 
766

 
761

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

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Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
The following tables set forth the major components of net interest income and the related annualized yields and rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, as well as the variances between the periods caused by changes in interest rates versus changes in volume.
Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013 Compared to 2012
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,027,374

 
3,537,261

 
$
36,931

 
54,012

 
1.63
%
 
2.04
%
 
$
(7,780
)
 
(9,301
)
 
$
(17,081
)
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
11,861

 
21,483

 
567

 
1,033

 
6.37

 
6.41

 
(461
)
 
(5
)
 
(466
)
Total investment securities
3,039,235

 
3,558,744

 
37,498

 
55,045

 
1.65

 
2.06

 
(8,241
)
 
(9,306
)
 
(17,547
)
Trading account assets
10,113

 
13,650

 
433

 
770

 
5.71

 
7.52

 
(199
)
 
(138
)
 
(337
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
19,414,763

 
19,681,670

 
647,483

 
697,070

 
4.46

 
4.73

 
(9,443
)
 
(40,144
)
 
(49,587
)
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
114,997

 
144,697

 
4,307

 
5,670

 
5.01

 
5.23

 
(1,162
)
 
(201
)
 
(1,363
)
Allowance for loan losses
(350,304
)
 
(491,363
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
19,179,456

 
19,335,004

 
651,790

 
702,740

 
4.54

 
4.86

 
(10,605
)
 
(40,345
)
 
(50,950
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
131,236

 
126,093

 
3,987

 
4,260

 
4.05

 
4.51

 
174

 
(448
)
 
(274
)
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
1,423,348

 
1,570,319

 
2,576

 
2,844

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
(264
)
 
(3
)
 
(267
)
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
67,048

 
64,958

 
1,174

 
821

 
2.33

 
1.69

 
26

 
327

 
353

Total interest earning assets
$
23,850,436

 
24,668,768

 
$
697,458

 
766,480

 
3.91
%
 
4.15
%
 
$
(19,109
)
 
(49,913
)
 
$
(69,022
)
Cash and due from banks
435,440

 
447,469

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
478,543

 
480,593

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
148,671

 
201,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,382,171

 
738,809

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,295,261

 
26,537,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,890,106

 
3,429,498

 
$
5,784

 
5,723

 
0.20
%
 
0.22
%
 
$
758

 
(697
)
 
$
61

Money market accounts
6,321,433

 
6,969,477

 
15,580

 
21,393

 
0.33

 
0.41

 
(1,987
)
 
(3,826
)
 
(5,813
)
Savings deposits
599,682

 
549,479

 
473

 
451

 
0.11

 
0.11

 
41

 
(19
)
 
22

Time deposits
4,598,569

 
5,263,700

 
27,127

 
49,961

 
0.79

 
1.27

 
(6,318
)
 
(16,516
)
 
(22,834
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
205,405

 
338,438

 
242

 
505

 
0.16

 
0.20

 
(199
)
 
(64
)
 
(263
)
Long-term debt
1,779,434

 
1,361,808

 
40,688

 
39,446

 
3.05

 
3.86

 
12,057

 
(10,815
)
 
1,242

Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,394,629

 
17,912,400

 
$
89,894

 
117,479

 
0.69

 
0.88

 
$
4,352

 
(31,937
)
 
$
(27,585
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,289,213

 
5,521,857

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
198,829

 
239,019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
3,412,590

 
2,864,072

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,295,261

 
26,537,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
607,564

 
649,001

 
3.41
%
 
3.51
%
 
$
(23,461
)
 
(17,976
)
 
$
(41,437
)
Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
1,703

 
2,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 


 
$
605,861

 
646,661

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2013 - $18.4 million, 2012 - $14.1 million.
(2) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-
equivalent basis.
(3) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of $17.8 million and $68.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and
2012, respectively.


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The following tables set forth the major components of net interest income and the related annualized yields and rates for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, as well as the variances between the periods caused by changes in interest rates versus changes in volume.
Net Interest Income and Rate/Volume Analysis
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2013 Compared to 2012
 
Average Balances
 
Interest
 
Annualized Yield/Rate
 
Change due to
 
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
$
3,062,976

 
3,495,838

 
$
13,483

 
14,584

 
1.76
%
 
1.67
%
 
$
(1,822
)
 
721

 
$
(1,101
)
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
9,835

 
19,503

 
154

 
316

 
6.26

 
6.47

 
(158
)
 
(4
)
 
(162
)
Total investment securities
3,072,811

 
3,515,341

 
13,637

 
14,900

 
1.78

 
1.70

 
(1,980
)
 
717

 
(1,263
)
Trading account assets
13,806

 
12,343

 
155

 
255

 
4.50

 
8.27

 
30

 
(130
)
 
(100
)
Taxable loans, net(1)
19,486,551

 
19,488,309

 
217,124

 
228,670

 
4.42

 
4.66

 
(21
)
 
(11,525
)
 
(11,546
)
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)
108,930

 
143,572

 
1,359

 
1,865

 
4.95

 
5.17

 
(451
)
 
(55
)
 
(506
)
Allowance for loan losses
(328,084
)
 
(446,495
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
19,267,397

 
19,185,386

 
218,483

 
230,535

 
4.50

 
4.79

 
(472
)
 
(11,580
)
 
(12,052
)
Mortgage loans held for sale
85,493

 
175,199

 
869

 
1,763

 
4.07

 
4.03

 
(911
)
 
17

 
(894
)
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank, and other short-term investments
1,375,920

 
1,215,743

 
830

 
735

 
0.24

 
0.24

 
97

 
(2
)
 
95

Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
70,741

 
53,239

 
407

 
249

 
2.30

 
1.87

 
82

 
76

 
158

Total interest earning assets
$
23,886,168

 
24,157,251

 
$
234,381

 
248,437

 
3.89
%
 
4.09
%
 
$
(3,154
)
 
(10,902
)
 
$
(14,056
)
Cash and due from banks
420,527

 
438,745

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
478,359

 
476,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
142,562

 
191,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(3)
1,328,637

 
723,017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,256,253

 
25,986,563

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
3,933,902

 
3,344,561

 
$
2,269

 
1,624

 
0.23
%
 
0.19
%
 
$
282

 
363

 
$
645

Money market accounts
6,351,090

 
6,937,943

 
5,238

 
5,794

 
0.33

 
0.33

 
(488
)
 
(68
)
 
(556
)
Savings deposits
607,144

 
557,086

 
161

 
145

 
0.11

 
0.10

 
13

 
3

 
16

Time deposits
4,680,185

 
4,761,260

 
8,686

 
13,581

 
0.74

 
1.13

 
(231
)
 
(4,664
)
 
(4,895
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
195,717

 
350,183

 
72

 
155

 
0.14

 
0.17

 
(66
)
 
(17
)
 
(83
)
Long-term debt
1,885,385

 
1,372,741

 
13,456

 
14,032

 
2.85

 
4.09

 
5,285

 
(5,861
)
 
(576
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
17,653,423

 
17,323,774

 
$
29,882

 
35,331

 
0.67

 
0.81

 
$
4,795

 
(10,244
)
 
$
(5,449
)
Non-interest bearing deposits
5,306,447

 
5,560,827

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
206,863

 
221,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
3,089,520

 
2,879,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
26,256,253

 
25,986,563

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
 
 
204,499

 
213,106

 
3.40
%
 
3.51
%
 
$
(7,949
)
 
(658
)
 
$
(8,607
)
Taxable equivalent adjustment
 
 
 
 
529

 
761

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 
 
 
$
203,970

 
212,345

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Average loans are shown net of unearned income. Non-performing loans are included. Interest income includes fees as follows: 2013 - $6.7 million, 2012 - $5.2 million.
(2) Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% in adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-
equivalent basis.
(3) Includes average net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale of ($26.2) million and $67.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and
2012, respectively.


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Market Risk Analysis
Interest rate risk is the primary market risk to which Synovus is potentially exposed. Synovus measures its sensitivity to changes in market interest rates through the use of a simulation model. Synovus uses this simulation model to determine a baseline net interest income forecast and the sensitivity of this forecast to changes in interest rates. These simulations include all of Synovus’ earning assets and liabilities. Forecasted balance sheet changes, primarily reflecting loan and deposit growth and mix forecasts, are included in the periods modeled. Anticipated deposit mix changes in each interest rate scenario are also included in the periods modeled. Projected rates for loans and deposits are based on management's outlook and local market conditions.
Synovus has modeled its baseline net interest income forecast assuming a flat interest rate environment with the federal funds rate at the Federal Reserve’s current targeted range of 0% to 0.25% and the current prime rate of 3.25%. Due to the targeted federal funds rate being at or near 0% at this time, only rising rate scenarios have been modeled. Synovus has modeled the impact of a gradual increase in short-term rates of 100 and 200 basis points to determine the sensitivity of net interest income for the next twelve months. Synovus continues to maintain a modestly asset sensitive position which would be expected to benefit net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. The following table represents the estimated sensitivity of net interest income to these changes in short term interest rates at September 30, 2013, with comparable information for December 31, 2012.
 
 
 
Estimated % Change in Net Interest Income as Compared to Unchanged Rates (for the next twelve months)
 
 
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
+200
 
3.9%
 
2.1%
 
+100
 
2.6%
 
1.6%
 
Flat
 
—%
 
—%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Several factors could serve to diminish or eliminate this asset sensitivity. These factors include a higher than projected level of deposit customer migration to higher cost deposits, such as certificates of deposit, which would increase total interest expense and serve to reduce the realized level of asset sensitivity. Another factor which could impact the realized interest rate sensitivity is the repricing behavior of interest bearing non-maturity deposits. Assumptions for repricing are expressed as a beta relative to the change in the prime rate. For instance, a 50% beta would correspond to a deposit rate that would increase 0.5% for every 1% increase in the prime rate. Projected betas for interest bearing non-maturity deposit repricing are a key component of determining the Company's interest rate risk positioning. Should realized betas be higher than projected betas, the expected benefit from higher interest rates would be diminished. The following table presents an example of the potential impact of an increase in repricing betas on Synovus' realized interest rate sensitivity position.
 
 
As of September 30, 2013
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
Base Scenario
 
15% Increase in Average Repricing Beta
+200
 
3.9%
 
2.7%
+100
 
2.6%
 
1.9%
 
 
 
 
 
While all of the above estimates are reflective of the general interest rate sensitivity of Synovus, local market conditions and their impact on loan and deposit pricing would be expected to have a significant impact on the realized level of net interest income. Actual realized balance sheet growth and mix would also impact the realized level of net interest income.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
Other Contingencies
Repurchase Obligations for Mortgage Loans Originated for Sale
Financial institutions have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of repurchase demands they received, including from government sponsored enterprises, mortgage insurers, and other purchasers of residential mortgage-backed securitizations, generally due to findings of underwriting deficiencies in the mortgage origination process and in the packaging of mortgages by certain mortgage lenders. Based on information currently available, management believes that it does not have significant exposure to contingent losses that may arise relating to the representations and warranties that it has made in connection with its mortgage loan sales. See "Part I-Item 1A - Risk Factors- We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify mortgage loan purchasers as a result of breaches of representations and warranties, borrower fraud, or certain borrower defaults, which could harm our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition" of Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.

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Residential mortgage loans originated by Synovus Mortgage are sold to third-party GSEs and non-GSE purchasers on a non-recourse basis and on a servicing released basis. These loans are originated and underwritten internally by Synovus personnel and are primarily to borrowers in Synovus’ geographic market footprint.
Each GSE and non-GSE purchaser has specific guidelines and criteria for sellers of loans, and the risk of credit loss with regard to the principal amount of the loans sold is transferred to the purchasers upon sale. While the loans are sold without recourse, the purchase agreements require Synovus Mortgage to make certain representations and warranties regarding the existence and sufficiency of file documentation and the absence of fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers in connection with obtaining the loan. If it is determined that loans sold were in breach of these representations or warranties, Synovus Mortgage has obligations to either repurchase the loan at the unpaid principal balance and all interest and fees due or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of the loan.
To date, repurchase activity pursuant to the terms of these representations and warranties has been minimal and has primarily been associated with loans originated from 2005 through 2008. From January 1, 2005 through September 30, 2013, Synovus Mortgage originated and sold approximately $3.4 billion of first lien GSE eligible mortgage loans and approximately $7.7 billion of first and second lien non-GSE eligible mortgage loans. The total expense pertaining to losses from repurchases of mortgage loans previously sold, including amounts accrued in accordance with ASC 450, was $768 thousand and $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total accrued liability related to mortgage repurchase claims was $4.0 million and $5.2 million, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Management reviews the adequacy of the mortgage repurchase reserve on at least a quarterly basis. During each review, management considers a number of factors including previous claims experience, estimated probable losses associated with loans subject to repurchase, as well as estimates regarding future claims volume. Synovus Mortgage sold approximately 30% of its loans originated in the 2005 through 2008 period to certain financial institutions who have settled litigation with the GSE who purchased, held and securitized the mortgages. This settlement ultimately limits Synovus' exposure to repurchases and make whole requests during the origination years 2005 through 2008.  Synovus' exposure is further reduced by the limited third party originations during the 2005 through 2008 periods, the origination of loans primarily within Synovus' five state footprint, and the fact that less than 11% of Synovus Mortgage's loan originations were low or no documentation loans. See "Part I-Item 1A - Risk Factors- We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans or indemnify mortgage loan purchasers as a result of breaches of representations and warranties, borrower fraud, or certain borrower defaults, which could harm our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition" in Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.
Mortgage Loan Foreclosure Practices
At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Synovus had $3.03 billion and $2.95 billion, respectively of home equity and consumer mortgage loans which are secured by first and second liens on residential properties. Of the amounts at September 30, 2013, $483.0 million and $474.4 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina, which are states where foreclosures proceed through the courts. Of the amounts at December 31, 2012, $454.1 million and $468.3 million, respectively, consist of mortgages relating to properties in Florida and South Carolina, which are states where foreclosures proceed through the courts. Also, foreclosure practices of financial institutions nationwide came under scrutiny due to the discovery of questionable residential foreclosure procedures of certain large financial institutions. The current focus in foreclosure practices of financial institutions nationwide led Synovus to evaluate its foreclosure process related to home equity and consumer mortgage loans within its loan portfolio. To date, foreclosure activity in the home equity and consumer mortgage loan portfolio has been low. Any foreclosures on these loans are handled by designated Synovus personnel and external legal counsel, as appropriate, following established policies regarding legal and regulatory requirements. Based on information currently available, management believes that it does not have significant exposure related to our foreclosure practices.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1 of the notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards updates.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus conform to GAAP and to general practices within the banking and financial services industries. Synovus has identified certain of its accounting policies as “critical accounting policies.” In determining which accounting policies are critical in nature, Synovus has identified the policies that require significant judgment or involve complex estimates. It is management's practice to discuss critical accounting policies with the Board of Director's Audit Committee, including the development, selection, and disclosure of the critical accounting policies. The application of these policies has a significant impact on Synovus’ unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. Synovus’ financial results could differ significantly if different judgments or estimates are applied in the application of these policies. All accounting policies described in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Synovus' 2012 Form 10-K should be reviewed for a greater understanding of how we record and report our financial performance.

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During the three months ended September 30, 2013, Synovus began implementation of a Dual Risk Rating (DRR) methodology for certain components of its commercial loan portfolio. These changes are described in Note 1 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements. There have been no other significant changes to Synovus’ critical accounting policies from those disclosed in Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled pre-tax, pre-credit costs income; adjusted non-interest income; adjusted non-interest expense; core deposits and core deposits excluding time deposits; the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, the Tier 1 common equity ratio, and the estimated Tier 1 common equity ratio under final Basel III rules are not measures recognized under U.S. GAAP and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are income (loss) before income taxes; total non-interest income; total non-interest expense; total deposits, the ratio of total shareholders’ equity to total assets, and the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, respectively.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of Synovus’ core business and the strength of its capital position. Synovus believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength and capital position. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures at other companies. Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income is a measure used by management to evaluate core operating results exclusive of credit costs as well as certain adjusted revenues and expenses such as investment securities gains, net and restructuring charges. Adjusted non-interest income is a measure used by management to evaluate non-interest income exclusive of net investment securities gains. Adjusted non-interest expense is a measure used by management to gauge the success of expense management initiatives focused on reducing recurring controllable operating costs. Core deposits and core deposits excluding time deposits are measures used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, the Tier 1 common equity ratio, and the estimated Tier 1 common equity ratio under final Basel III rules are used by management and investment analysts to assess the strength of Synovus’ capital position. The computations of these measures are set forth in the tables below.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Pre-tax, Pre-credit Costs Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
$
192,918

 
103,777

 
73,459

 
30,514

Add: Provision for loan losses
55,534

 
173,843

 
6,761

 
63,572

Add: Other credit costs (1)    
40,085

 
73,014

 
15,603

 
22,046

Add: Restructuring charges
7,295

 
3,444

 
687

 
1,192

Add: Visa indemnification charges
801

 
5,546

 

 
833

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(2,571
)
 
(30,909
)
 
(1,124
)
 
(6,656
)
Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income
$
294,062

 
328,715

 
95,386

 
111,501

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Non-interest Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-interest income
$
193,390

 
233,849

 
63,578

 
73,233

Less: Investment securities gains, net
(2,571
)
 
(30,909
)
 
(1,124
)
 
(6,656
)
    Adjusted non-interest income
$
190,819

 
202,940

 
62,454

 
66,577

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Non-interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-interest expense
$
550,799

 
602,890

 
187,328

 
191,492

Less: Other credit costs(1)    
(40,085
)
 
(73,014
)
 
(15,603
)
 
(22,046
)
Less: Restructuring charges
(7,295
)
 
(3,444
)
 
(687
)
 
(1,192
)
Less: Visa indemnification charges
(801
)
 
(5,546
)
 

 
(833
)
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
502,618

 
$
520,886

 
$
171,038

 
$
167,421

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in thousands, except per share data)
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2012
Core Deposits and Core Deposits Excluding Time Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
$
20,973,856

 
21,057,044

 
20,846,830

Less: Brokered deposits
(1,275,200
)
 
(1,092,749
)
 
(919,959
)
Core deposits
19,698,656

 
19,964,295

 
19,926,871

Less: Time deposits
(3,569,752
)
 
(3,583,304
)
 
(3,771,117
)
Core deposits excluding time deposits
$
16,128,904

 
16,380,991

 
16,155,754

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
26,218,360

 
26,760,012

 
25,764,644

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(3,783
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(5,895
)
Tangible Assets
$
26,190,146

 
26,730,432

 
25,734,318

Total shareholders' equity
2,931,860

 
3,569,431

 
2,875,700

Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(3,783
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(5,895
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,400
)
 

 

Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value

 
(957,327
)
 
(954,690
)
Tangible common equity
$
2,778,246

 
2,582,524

 
1,890,684

Less: tMEDS

 
(260,083
)
 
(260,083
)
Tangible common equity excluding tMEDS
$
2,778,246

 
2,322,441

 
1,630,601

Total shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
11.18
%
 
13.34

 
11.16

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
10.61
%
 
9.66

 
7.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
$
2,931,860

 
3,569,431

 
2,875,700

Less: Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)
29,514

 
(4,101
)
 
(16,156
)
Less: Goodwill
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Less: Other intangible assets, net
(3,783
)
 
(5,149
)
 
(5,895
)
Less: Disallowed deferred tax assets (2)
(647,828
)
 
(710,488
)
 

Other items
7,426

 
6,982

 
6,732

Tier 1 capital
$
2,292,758

 
2,832,244

 
2,835,950

Less: Qualifying trust preferred securities
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
 
(10,000
)
Less: Series C Preferred Stock, no par value
(125,400
)
 

 

Less: Series A Preferred Stock, no par value

 
(957,327
)
 
(954,690
)
Tier 1 common equity
2,157,358

 
1,864,917

 
1,871,260

Total risk-weighted assets
$
21,735,362

 
21,387,935

 
21,443,178

Tier 1 capital ratio
10.55
%
 
13.24

 
13.23

Tier 1 common equity ratio
9.93
%
 
8.72

 
8.73

 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio Under Basel III Rules
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 common equity (Basel I)
$
2,157,358

 
 
 
 
Add: Adjustment related to capital components
50,000

 
 
 
 
Estimated Tier 1 common equity under final Basel III rules without AOCI
2,207,358

 
 
 
 
Estimated risk-weighted assets under final Basel III rules
$
22,713,616

 
 
 
 
Estimated Tier 1 common equity ratio under Basel III rules
9.72
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Other credit costs consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net.
(2) Only one year of projected future taxable income may be applied in calculating deferred tax assets for regulatory capital purposes.

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ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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


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PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries and investigations. In the wake of the recent financial credit crisis that began in 2007, Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has become the target of numerous legal actions and other proceedings asserting claims for damages and related relief for losses resulting from this recent financial crisis. These actions include claims and counterclaims asserted by individual borrowers related to their loans and allegations of violations of state and federal laws and regulations relating to banking practices, including several purported putative class action matters. In addition to actual damages if Synovus does not prevail in any asserted legal action, credit-related litigation could result in additional write-downs or charge-offs of assets, which would adversely affect Synovus' results of operations during the period in which the write-down or charge-off occurred.
Based on our current knowledge and advice of counsel, management presently does not believe that the liabilities arising from these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Synovus' consolidated financial condition, operating results or cash flows. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations for any particular period. For additional information, see "Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 14 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report, which Note is incorporated herein by this reference.
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Part I-Item 1A of Synovus’ 2012 Form 10-K which could materially affect its business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or future results. Please be aware that these risks may change over time and other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, or the trading price of our securities.
There were no material changes during the period covered by this Report to the risk factors previously disclosed in Synovus’ 2012 10-K.
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS  
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
3.1

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

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

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

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

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

 
Amendment No. 2, dated April 24, 2013, to Shareholder Rights Plan dated as of April 26, 2010 (as amended) by and between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2013, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2013.
 
 
 
12.1

 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
 
31.1

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

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

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

 
Interactive Data File
 
 
 






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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
 
 
 
November 6, 2013
By:
 
/s/ Thomas J. Prescott
Date
 
 
Thomas J. Prescott
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


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