Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________
 
FORM 10-K
 
______________________________
Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
Commission file number 1-10312
 
______________________________
financialappendixt231a02a06.jpg
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 if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES x  NO  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 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 Website, 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
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
As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $3,372,136,919 based on the closing sale price of $28.99 reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2016.
As of February 24, 2017, there were 122,349,767 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Incorporated Documents
Form 10-K Reference Locations
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 20, 2017 (“Proxy Statement”)
Part III



Table of Contents
 
 
Page
 
Index of Defined Terms
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 




SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.

INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS


ALCO – Synovus' Asset Liability Management Committee
ALL – allowance for loan losses
ASC – Accounting Standards Codification
ASR – accelerated share repurchase
ASU – Accounting Standards Update
ATM - automatic teller machine
AUM – assets under management
Basel III – The third Basel Accord developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to strengthen existing regulatory capital requirements
BHC – bank holding company
BSA/AML – Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering
BOV – broker’s opinion of value
bp(s) – basis point(s)
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.
CET1 – Common Equity Tier 1 Capital defined by Basel III capital rules
CFPB – Consumer Finance Protection Bureau
CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
Code – Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Company – Synovus Financial Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise
Covered Litigation – Certain Visa litigation for which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members
CRE – Commercial Real Estate
DIF – Deposit Insurance Fund
Dodd-Frank Act – The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRR – Dual Risk Rating
EL – expected loss
EVE – economic value of equity
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.

i


FHLB – Federal Home Loan Bank
FICO – Fair Isaac Corporation
FinCEN – The Treasury's financial crimes enforcement network
FINRA – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
FFIEC – Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
GA DBF – Georgia Department of Banking and Finance
GAAP – Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
GGL – government guaranteed loans
GSE – government sponsored enterprise
Global One – Entaire Global Companies, Inc., the parent company of Global One Financial, Inc., as acquired by Synovus on October 1, 2016. Throughout this Report, we refer to this acquisition as "Global One."
HELOC – home equity line of credit
IPO – initial public offering
IRS – Internal Revenue Service
LGD – loss given default
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
LIHTC – Low Income Housing Tax Credit
LTV – loan-to-collateral value ratio
MBS – mortgage-backed securities
nm – not meaningful
NOL – net operating loss
NPA – non-performing assets
NPL – non-performing loans
NSF – non-sufficient funds
NYSE – New York Stock Exchange
OCI – other comprehensive income
OFAC – Office of Foreign Assets Control
ORE – other real estate
OTTI – other-than-temporary impairment
Parent Company – Synovus Financial Corp.
PD – probability of default
POS – point-of-sale
Rights Plan – Synovus' Shareholder Rights Plan dated April 26, 2010, as amended
SBA – Small Business Administration
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.

ii


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' 2016 Form 10-K – Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016
Synovus Mortgage – Synovus Mortgage Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
Synovus Trust Company, N. A. – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Synovus Bank
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)
the Treasury – United States Department of the Treasury
UDAAP - Unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices
VIE – variable interest entity (as defined in ASC 810-10)
Visa – The Visa U.S.A. Inc. card association or its affiliates, collectively
Visa Class A shares – Class A shares of common stock issued by Visa are publicly traded shares which are not subject to restrictions on sale.
Visa Class B shares – Class B shares of common stock issued by Visa which are subject to restrictions with respect to sale until all of the Covered Litigation has been settled. Class B shares will be convertible into Visa Class A shares using a then current conversion ratio upon the lifting of restrictions with respect to sale of Visa Class B shares.
Visa Derivative – A derivative contract with the purchaser of Visa Class B shares which provides for settlements between the purchaser and Synovus based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares into Visa Class A shares.
Visa IPO – The IPO of shares of Class A common stock by Visa, Inc. on March 25, 2008
Warrant – A warrant issued to Treasury by Synovus to purchase up to 2,215,819 shares of Synovus common stock at a per share exercise price of $65.52 expiring on December 19, 2018, as was issued by Synovus to Treasury in 2008 in connection with the Capital Purchase Program, promulgated under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

iii


Part I
In this Report, the words “Synovus,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Synovus Financial Corp. together with Synovus Bank and Synovus' other wholly-owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this Report which are not statements of historical fact, including those under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this Report, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Synovus' beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond Synovus' control and which may cause Synovus' actual results, performance or achievements or the commercial banking industry or economy generally, to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through Synovus' use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for Synovus' future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the commercial banking industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Synovus' management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this document. Many of these factors are beyond Synovus' ability to control or predict. These factors include, but are not limited to:

(1)
the risk that competition in the financial services industry may adversely affect our future earnings and growth;
(2)
the risk that we may not realize the expected benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives, which could negatively affect our future profitability;
(3)
the risk that our current and future information technology system enhancements and initiatives may not be successfully implemented, which could negatively impact our operations;
(4)
the risk that our enterprise risk management framework may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;
(5)
the risk that our allowance for loan losses may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
(6)
the risk that any future economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition, results of operations and future growth;
(7)
changes in the interest rate environment, including changes to the fed funds rate, and competition in our primary market area may result in increased funding costs or reduced earning assets yields, thus reducing margins and net interest income;
(8)
our ability to attract and retain key employees;
(9)
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
(10)
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;
(11)
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;
(12)
the impact of recent and proposed changes in governmental policy, laws and regulations, including proposed and recently enacted changes in the regulation of banks and financial institutions, or the interpretation or application thereof and the uncertainty of future implementation and enforcement of these regulations in light of the 2016 national election results;
(13)
the risk that we could realize losses if we determine to sell non-performing assets and the proceeds we receive are lower than the carrying value of such assets;
(14)
the risk that we may be exposed to potential losses in the event of fraud on cash accounts and/or theft;
(15)
the risk that we may not be able to identify suitable acquisition targets as part of our growth strategy and even if we are able to identify suitable acquisition targets, we may not be able to complete such acquisitions or successfully integrate bank or nonbank acquisitions into our existing operations;
(16)
the impact on our financial results, reputation, and business if we are unable to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations or other supervisory actions or directives and any necessary capital initiatives;

1


(17)
the risks that if economic conditions worsen or regulatory capital rules are modified, or the results of mandated “stress testing” do not satisfy certain criteria, we may be required to undertake initiatives to improve our capital position;
(18)
changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market;
(19)
restrictions or limitations on access to funds from historical and alternative sources of liquidity could adversely affect our overall liquidity, which could restrict our ability to make payments on our obligations and our ability to support asset growth and sustain our operations and the operations of Synovus Bank;
(20)
our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity, including our ability to pay dividends or take other capital actions;
(21)
the risk that we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock or Series C Preferred Stock or obtain any applicable regulatory approval to take certain capital actions, including any increases in dividends on our common stock, any repurchases of common stock or any other issuance or redemption of any other regulatory capital instruments;
(22)
risks related to recent and proposed changes in the mortgage banking industry, including the risk that we may be required to repurchase mortgage loans sold to third parties and the impact of the “ability to pay” and “qualified mortgage” rules on our loan origination process and foreclosure proceedings;
(23)
the risk that our current tax position, including the realization of our deferred tax assets in the future, could be subject to comprehensive tax reform;
(24)
the risk that we could have an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the 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;
(25)
the costs and effects of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;
(26)
risks related to the fluctuation in our stock price;
(27)
the effects of any damages to our reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above; and
(28)
other factors and other information contained in this Report and in other reports and filings that we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, those found in "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Report.

For a discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, refer to “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other information contained in this Report and our other periodic filings, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, that we file from time to time with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Synovus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
General
Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company and a registered bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Georgia. We provide integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance and mortgage services to our customers through 28 locally-branded banking divisions of our wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, and other offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee. With the completion of its acquisition of Global One on October 1, 2016, the company also provides life insurance premium financing.
Our relationship-driven community banking model is built on creating long-term relationships with our customers. This relationship banking approach allows our bankers to serve their customers' individual needs and demonstrates our commitment to the communities in which we operate. We believe that these factors position us to take advantage of future growth opportunities in our existing markets.
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia in 1972. Our principal executive offices are located at 1111 Bay Avenue, Suite 500, Columbus, Georgia 31901 and our telephone number at that address is (706) 649-2311. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SNV.”

2



2016 Business Highlights
Synovus' 2016 financial results reflected another year of strong performance. Our key achievements in 2016 include the following:
•
Earnings growth - Net income available to common shareholders for 2016 was $236.5 million, a 9.6% increase from $215.8 million in 2015. Diluted earnings per share was $1.89 for 2016, up 16.7% from 2015.

•
Revenue growth - Total revenues were $1.17 billion, an increase of $73.9 million or 6.8% from 2015, with net interest income and non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains growing 8.7% and 0.8%, respectively, from the prior year.

•
Loan growth - Loan growth was solid in 2016, as we continued to diversify and optimize our portfolio. With continued momentum in all of our lines of business, total loans outstanding were $23.86 billion at the end of 2016, up 6.4% from $22.43 billion at year-end 2015. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Loans" of this Report for further information.

•
Deposit growth - Total average deposits increased $1.33 billion, or 5.9%, from 2015 to $23.88 billion in 2016. Average core transaction deposit accounts increased $1.44 billion, or 9.2%, from 2015 to $17.13 billion in 2016, driven primarily by an increase in money market and non-interest bearing demand deposits. See “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.

•
Credit improvement - Non-performing assets declined 18.4% to $175.7 million at December 31, 2016. Our NPA ratio was 0.74% as of December 31, 2016, down 22 basis points from December 31, 2015. Additionally, the net charge-off ratio remained low at 0.12%, down 1 basis point from 2015.

•
Disciplined expense management - Total non-interest expense of $755.9 million increased 5.3% during the year while adjusted non-interest expense increased by 3.3% to $732.5 million. The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio for 2016 were 64.74% and 61.06%, respectively, both showing an 87 basis points improvement from 2015. See “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.

•
Strong capital - The common equity Tier I ratio was 9.96% at year-end compared to 10.37% a year ago. During the year, we returned over $322 million to common shareholders, with repurchases of $262.9 million in common stock and common stock dividends of $59.4 million. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million to be completed during 2017, and approved a 25% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend to $0.15 per share, effective with the quarterly dividend payable in April 2017.
Additional information relating to our business and our subsidiaries, including a detailed description of our operating results and financial condition for 2016, 2015 and 2014, is contained below and under "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Report.
Banking Operations
Synovus conducts its banking operations through Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank is a Georgia state-chartered bank. Synovus Bank operates through 28 locally-branded bank divisions throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Synovus Bank offers commercial banking services and retail banking services. Our commercial banking services include cash management, asset management, capital markets services, institutional trust services and commercial, financial and real estate loans. Our retail banking services include accepting customary types of demand and savings deposits accounts; mortgage, installment and other retail loans; investment and brokerage services; safe deposit services; automated banking services; automated fund transfers; Internet-based banking services; and bank credit card services, including MasterCard and Visa services.

3


As of December 31, 2016, Synovus Bank operated under the following 28 locally-branded bank divisions in the following states: 
Table 1 – Bank Divisions
 
State(s)
CB&T Bank of East Alabama
 
Alabama
Community Bank & Trust of Southeast Alabama
 
Alabama
The Bank of Tuscaloosa
 
Alabama
Sterling Bank
 
Alabama
First Commercial Bank of Huntsville
 
Alabama
First Commercial Bank
 
Alabama
The First Bank of Jasper
 
Alabama
Tallahassee State Bank
 
Florida
Coastal Bank and Trust of Florida
 
Florida
First Coast Community Bank
 
Florida
Synovus Bank
 
Florida
Synovus Bank of Jacksonville
 
Florida
Columbus Bank and Trust Company
 
Georgia
Commercial Bank
 
Georgia
Commercial Bank & Trust Company of Troup County
 
Georgia
SB&T Bank
 
Georgia
The Coastal Bank of Georgia
 
Georgia
First State Bank and Trust Company of Valdosta
 
Georgia
First Community Bank of Tifton
 
Georgia
CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia
 
Georgia
Sea Island Bank
 
Georgia
Citizens First Bank
 
Georgia
AFB&T
 
Georgia
Bank of North Georgia
 
Georgia
Georgia Bank & Trust
 
Georgia
NBSC
 
South Carolina
The Bank of Nashville
 
Tennessee
Cohutta Banking Company
 
Tennessee and Georgia
 
 
 
The following chart reflects the distribution of our branch locations as of December 31, 2016, in each of the states in which we conduct banking operations: 
Table 2 – Bank Branch Locations
 
Branches
Georgia
 
114

Alabama
 
37

South Carolina
 
38

Florida
 
48

Tennessee
 
11

Total
 
248

 
 
 

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Major Non-bank Subsidiaries
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:
•
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, asset management and financial planning services, and the provision of individual investment advice on equity and other securities;
•
Synovus Trust Company, N.A., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which provides trust services; and
•
Synovus Mortgage Corp., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which offers mortgage services.
Business Developments
Synovus has traditionally focused on a strategy that includes expanding and diversifying its franchise in terms of revenues, profitability and asset size while maintaining a community banking, relationship-based approach to banking. This strategy has encompassed both organic growth as well as acquisitions of complementary banks and financial services businesses. The fourth quarter 2016 acquisition of Global One, a life insurance premium finance lender based in Atlanta, is one such example of executing on our growth strategy.
During 2016, we continued to execute on our realignment of our corporate, commercial, and retail bankers, and investment professionals to more effectively identify and pursue strategic customer relationships in our markets. We believe these changes, begun in 2014, simplify the way we deliver services to our customers and enable more consistent delivery across our footprint; leverage our relationship-based banking model to better align the strengths of our bankers with the needs of our customers; and position us to realize increased shareholder value.
Lending Activities
Overview
The primary goal of Synovus' lending function is to help customers achieve their financial goals by providing quality financing products that are fair to the customer and profitable to Synovus. Management believes that this purpose can best be accomplished by building strong customer relationships over time and maintaining a strong presence and position of influence in the communities Synovus serves. Synovus strives to serve all of its customers with the highest levels of courtesy, respect, gratitude and fairness and deliver its services with unparalleled expertise, efficiency, responsiveness and accuracy. This relationship-based approach to banking enables Synovus' bankers to develop a deep knowledge of Synovus' customers and the markets in which they operate. Synovus has processes to ensure consistency of its lending processes across all of its banking divisions, to maintain strong underwriting criteria in evaluating new loans and loan renewals, and to diversify its loan portfolio in terms of type, industry and geographical concentration. Synovus believes that these measures better position Synovus to meet the credit needs of businesses and consumers in the markets it serves while pursuing a balanced strategy of loan profitability, loan growth and loan quality.

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Synovus conducts the majority of its lending activities within the framework of its relationship-based approach to banking, built on creating long-term relationships with its customers. The following tables summarize Synovus' loan portfolio by type at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 3 – Loans by Type
 
2016
 
2015
(dollars in thousands)
 
Total Loans*
 
%
 
Total Loans*
 
%
Investment properties
 
$
5,932,619

 
24.8
%
 
$
5,751,631

 
25.6
%
1-4 family properties
 
1,023,821

 
4.3

 
1,129,156

 
5.0

Land acquisition
 
409,534

 
1.7

 
513,981

 
2.3

Total commercial real estate
 
7,365,974

 
30.8

 
7,394,768

 
32.9

Commercial, financial, and agricultural
 
6,915,927

 
29.0

 
6,453,180

 
28.7

Owner-occupied
 
4,636,016

 
19.4

 
4,318,950

 
19.3

Total commercial and industrial
 
11,551,943

 
48.4

 
10,772,130

 
48.0

Home equity lines
 
1,617,265

 
6.8

 
1,689,914

 
7.5

Consumer mortgages
 
2,296,604

 
9.6

 
1,938,683

 
8.6

Credit cards
 
232,413

 
1.0

 
240,851

 
1.1

Other retail loans
 
818,183

 
3.4

 
423,318

 
1.9

Total retail
 
4,964,465

 
20.8

 
4,292,766

 
19.1

Deferred fees and costs, net
 
(25,991
)
 
         nm

 
(30,099
)
 
nm

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
 
$
23,856,391

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,429,565

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Loan balance in each category is before net deferred fees and costs and is expressed as a percentage of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs.
nm = not meaningful
The following discussion describes the underwriting procedures of Synovus’ lending function and presents the principal types of lending conducted by Synovus. The results of Synovus’ lending activities and the relative risk of Synovus’ loan portfolio are discussed in “Part II – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report.
Underwriting Approach
Recognizing that its loan portfolio is the primary source of revenue, Synovus' management believes that proper and consistent loan underwriting throughout Synovus' banking divisions is critical to Synovus' long-term financial success. Synovus' underwriting approach is designed to effectively govern the degree of assumed risk and ensure that its credit relationships conform to Synovus' overall risk philosophy. Synovus' underwriting standards address collateral requirements; guarantor requirements (including policies on financial statements, tax returns, and limited guarantees); requirements regarding appraisals and their review; loan approval hierarchy; standard consumer credit scoring underwriting criteria (including credit score thresholds, maximum maturity and amortization, loan-to-value limits, global debt service coverage, and debt to income limits); CRE and C&I underwriting guidelines (including minimum debt service coverage ratio, maximum amortization, minimum equity requirements, maximum loan-to-value ratios); lending limits; and credit approval authorities. Additionally, Synovus utilizes a loan concentration policy to limit and manage its exposure to certain loan concentrations, including CRE. The loan concentration policy provides a more detailed program for portfolio risk management and reporting, including limits on CRE loans as a percentage of risk-based capital (in the aggregate and by loan type), large borrower concentration limits and monitoring, as well as portfolio mix monitoring. Synovus' underwriting process is structured to require oversight that is proportional to the size and complexity of the lending relationship.
Synovus utilizes a tiered credit approval process requiring all loans to be approved by concurring bank officers. Larger loans are approved by more senior bank officers as well as an independent senior credit officer, with the largest loans requiring approval of Synovus Bank's Loan Committee, which is comprised of the Chief Credit Officer, the Chief Community Banking Officer, the Chief Commercial Banking Officer, and other key executives of Synovus Bank. The centralized underwriting policy and philosophy also provides a structured, conservative approach to lending. For instance, loan-to-value limits on certain types of loan offerings are lower than regulatory requirements, and large borrower concentration limits are explicit. Furthermore, Synovus has established across all of its banking divisions more stringent underwriting requirements on certain types of commercial real estate lending, including loans for the purpose of financing shopping centers and land.

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Commercial and Industrial Loan Portfolio
The C&I loan portfolio represents the largest category of Synovus' total loan portfolio. Synovus' C&I loan portfolio is currently concentrated on small to middle market C&I lending disbursed throughout a diverse group of industries primarily in the Southeast and other selected areas in the United States, including health care and social assistance, real estate-related industries, retail trade, manufacturing, finance and insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical services. 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 originated through Synovus' local market banking divisions and the Corporate Banking Group to commercial customers primarily to finance capital expenditures, including real property, plant and equipment, or as a source of working capital. At December 31, 2016, 40.1% of Synovus' total C&I loans represented loans for the purpose of financing owner-occupied properties. The primary source of repayment on these C&I loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the borrower's business. The secondary source of repayment on these C&I loans is the real estate securing such loans. In accordance with Synovus' uniform lending policy, each loan undergoes a detailed underwriting process, which incorporates the uniform underwriting approach, procedures and evaluations described above. Approximately 93% of Synovus' C&I loans are secured by business assets including equipment, inventory, real estate, and other types of collateral. Total C&I loans at December 31, 2016 were $11.55 billion, or 48.4%, of the total loan portfolio.
C&I lending is a key component of Synovus' growth and diversification strategy. Synovus continues to invest in additional lending expertise in key strategic markets as well as offer enhanced products and services to its C&I customers. During the fourth quarter of 2016, $356.7 million of C&I loans were added with the acquisition of Global One. The addition of these loans through Global One aligns well with our strategy of further diversifying our loan portfolio and growing loans, as well as providing additional cross-sell opportunities through collaboration with other Synovus business units. Complementing this investment in C&I growth, Synovus' management continues to focus on streamlining and enhancing Synovus' existing product lines, especially for traditional retail, small business and professional services customers.
The Corporate Banking Group provides lending solutions to larger corporate customers and includes specialty commercial units such as loan syndications, corporate real estate, senior housing, middle market, equipment finance, and healthcare banking. These units partner with Synovus' local bankers to build relationships across the five-state footprint, as well as other selected areas in the United States. To date, loan syndications consist primarily of loans where Synovus is participating in the credit. Senior housing loans are typically extended to borrowers primarily in the assisted living, independent living, or memory care facilities sectors. Synovus has continued to develop its middle market lending program by enhancing its focus on this program and reallocating lending resources while sustaining momentum from investments made in other specialty lines such as healthcare banking. The Corporate Banking Group also originates direct loans to well-capitalized public companies and larger private companies that operate predominantly in the five-state footprint and other selected areas throughout the United States.
Commercial Real Estate Loan Portfolio
Synovus' CRE loans consist of investment property loans, residential construction and development loans, land acquisition loans, and 1-4 family perm/mini-perm loans. As is the case with Synovus' C&I loans, the CRE loans are primarily originated through Synovus Bank's local market banking divisions. Total CRE loans as of December 31, 2016 were $7.37 billion, or 30.8%, of the total loan portfolio.
Investment Property Loans
Synovus' investment property 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 property portfolio is well diversified by property type, geography (primarily within Synovus' market areas of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida) and tenants. These loans are generally recourse in nature with short-term maturities (3 years or less), allowing for restructuring opportunities which reduces Synovus' overall risk exposure. The investment property loans are primarily secured by the property being financed by the loans; however, they may also be secured by real estate or other assets beyond the property being financed. Investment property loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies and procedures described above, although such loans have historically been underwritten with stressed interest rates and vacancies. All investment property loans of $1 million or more are reviewed semi-annually to more closely monitor the performance of the portfolio. Total investment property loans as of December 31, 2016 were $5.93 billion, or 24.8%, of the total loan portfolio.
1-4 Family Properties Loans
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. 1-4 family properties loans are almost always secured by the underlying property being financed by such loans. These properties are primarily located in the markets served by Synovus. These loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies and procedures described above. At December 31, 2016, these loans totaled $1.02 billion, or 4.3% of the total loan portfolio.

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Land Acquisition Loans
Land acquisition loans are secured by land held for future development, typically in excess of one year. They have short-term maturities and are typically unamortized. These properties are substantially within the Synovus footprint and generally carry personal guarantees from the principals. They are underwritten based on the loan to value of the collateral and the capacity of the guarantor(s). These loans are generally subject to the same uniform lending policies and procedures described above. Land acquisition loans have a maximum loan-to-value limit which is aligned with regulatory requirements. At December 31, 2016, these loans were $409.5 million, or 1.7% of the total loan portfolio. Synovus is not actively seeking to originate these types of loans, due to diversification and overarching credit objectives.
Retail Loan Portfolio
Synovus' retail loan portfolio consists of a wide variety of loan products offered through its banking network as well as third-party lending partnerships, including first and second residential mortgages, home equity lines, credit card loans, home improvement loans, student loans, and other retail loans. These various types of secured and unsecured retail loans are marketed to qualifying existing customers and to other creditworthy candidates primarily in Synovus' market area. The majority of Synovus' retail loans are consumer mortgages secured by first and second liens on residential real estate primarily located in the markets served by Synovus. Total retail loans as of December 31, 2016 were $4.96 billion, or 20.8%, of the total loan portfolio.
In accordance with Synovus' lending policy, each loan undergoes a detailed underwriting process which incorporates uniform underwriting standards and oversight that is proportional to the size and complexity of the lending relationship. Retail loans are subject to the same uniform lending policies referenced above and consist primarily of loans with strong borrower credit scores (weighted average FICO scores within the retail residential real estate portfolio were 768 (HELOCs) and 773 (Consumer Mortgages) at December 31, 2016, conservative debt-to-income ratios (average HELOCs debt-to-income ratio of 31.7% at December 31, 2016), utilization rates (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of 58.3% at December 31, 2016 and loan-to-value ratios based upon prudent guidelines to ensure consistency with Synovus' overall risk philosophy. At December 31, 2016 , 36% of our home equity lines balances were secured by a first lien while 64% were secured by a second lien. Apart from credit card loans and unsecured loans, Synovus does not originate loans with LTV ratios greater than 100% at origination except for infrequent situations provided that certain underwriting requirements are met. Additionally, at origination, loan maturities are determined based on the borrower's ability to repay (cash flow or earning power of the borrower that represents the primary source of repayment) and the collateralization of the loan, including the economic life of the asset being pledged. Collateral securing these loans provides a secondary source of repayment in that the collateral may be liquidated. Synovus determines the need for collateral on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered include the purpose of the loan, current and prospective credit-worthiness of the customer, terms of the loan, and economic conditions.
Mortgage Banking
Synovus offers various types of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans for the purpose of purchasing, refinancing or constructing residential properties. Synovus originated $1.38 billion in residential mortgage loans in 2016. The majority of the originated loans are conforming mortgage loans for owner-occupied properties. Conforming loans are loans that are underwritten in accordance with the underwriting standards set forth by government sponsored entities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. These loans are generally collateralized by 1-4 family residential real estate properties and are made to borrowers in good credit standing.
The majority of mortgage loans originated by Synovus are sold to third-party purchasers on a servicing released basis, without recourse or continuing involvement. Each purchaser of our mortgage loans has specific guidelines and criteria for sellers of loans, and the risk of credit loss with regard to the principal amount of the loans sold is generally transferred to the purchasers upon sale. While the loans are sold without recourse, the purchase agreements require Synovus to make certain representations and warranties regarding the existence and sufficiency of file documentation and the absence of fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers in connection with obtaining the loan. If it is determined that the loans sold were in breach of these representations or warranties, Synovus has obligations to either repurchase the loan for the unpaid principal balance and related investor fees or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of the loan. 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. Additionally, foreclosure activity in the home equity and consumer mortgage loan portfolios has been low.
See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Mortgage Banking” and "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 this Report for a more detailed discussion of Synovus' obligations with respect to the mortgage loans it sells to third-party purchasers and Synovus' mortgage loan foreclosure practices and risks related to our mortgage loan operations.

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Credit Quality
Synovus continuously monitors credit quality and maintains an allowance for loan losses that management believes is sufficient to absorb probable and estimable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. For a more detailed discussion of Synovus' credit quality, see “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Credit Quality” of this Report for further information.
Monitoring of Collateral
Synovus' loan portfolio and the collateral securing such loans is predominantly located in a five state footprint consisting of Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. C&I loans represent 48.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2016. These loans are predominantly secured by owner-occupied and other real estate. Other types of collateral securing these loans consist primarily of marketable equipment, marketable inventory, accounts receivable, equity and debt securities, time deposits, and cash surrender value of life insurance. Total CRE loans represent 30.8% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2016. These loans are primarily secured by commercial real estate, including 1-4 family properties, land, and investment properties. The collateral generally consists of the property being financed by the loans; however, collateral may also include real estate or other assets beyond the property being financed. Retail loans at December 31, 2016 totaled $4.96 billion, or 20.8%, of the total loan portfolio. Of this amount, $3.91 billion consists of consumer mortgages secured by first and second liens on residential real estate. Credit card loans represent $232.4 million of this amount, and these loans are generally unsecured. Other retail loans represent $818.2 million of this amount, and they are primarily secured by collateral consisting of marketable securities, automobiles, and time deposits.
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 usually received on a periodic basis 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 value of collateral that is in the form of accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and cash surrender value of life insurance policies at least annually and the value of collateral that is in the form of marketable securities and brokerage accounts at least quarterly.
It is the Company's policy to obtain, on a periodic 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 (e.g., 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.
Loan Guarantees
In addition to collateral, Synovus generally requires a guarantee from all principals on all CRE and C&I lending relationships. Specifically, Synovus generally obtains unlimited guarantees from any entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or partnership) that owns or controls 50 percent or more of the borrowing entity. Limited guarantees on a pro-rata basis are generally required for all 20 percent 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, as well as financial information regarding a guarantor’s business or related interests. In addition, to validate the support that a guarantor provides relating to a CRE loan, Synovus analyzes 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. With certain limited exceptions, Synovus seeks performance under guarantees in the event of a borrower’s default.
Unsecured Loans
At December 31, 2016, Synovus had unsecured loans totaling $1.46 billion, which represents approximately 6% of total loans. This segment of our portfolio includes approximately $799 million in commercial loans to borrowers that are primarily in the manufacturing, insurance, financial services, utilities, and religious organization sectors.

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Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
Despite credit standards, effective operation of internal controls, and a continuous loan review process, the inherent risk in the lending process results in periodic charge-offs. The provision for loan losses is the charge to operating earnings necessary to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. Through the provision for loan losses, Synovus maintains an allowance for losses on loans that management believes will absorb probable losses inherent within the loan portfolio. However, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions, as well as changes in assumptions regarding a borrower's ability to pay and/or collateral values. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination procedures, periodically review Synovus Bank's allowance for loan losses. Based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, such agencies may require Synovus Bank to recognize additions to its allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is a significant accounting estimate that is determined through periodic and systematic detailed reviews of the company's loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is determined based on an analysis which assesses the inherent risk for probable losses within the loan portfolio. Significant judgments and estimates are necessary in the determination of the allowance for loan losses. Significant judgments include, among others, loan risk ratings and classifications, the determination and measurement of impaired loans, the timing of loan charge-offs, the probability of loan defaults, the net loss exposure in the event of loan defaults, the loss emergence period, qualitative loss factors, management's plans, if any, for disposition of certain loans as well as other qualitative considerations.
See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Credit Quality” and "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our allowance for loan losses may not cover actual losses, and we may be required to materially increase our allowance, which may adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of operations." of this Report for further discussion.
Non-performing Assets and Past Due Loans
Non-performing assets consist of loans classified as non-accrual, impaired loans held for sale and real estate acquired through foreclosure. Synovus' management continuously monitors non-performing and past due loans to prevent further deterioration regarding the condition of these loans.
See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Credit Quality” of this Report for further information.
Investment Activities
Our investment securities portfolio consists principally of debt securities classified as available for sale. Investment securities available for sale provide Synovus with a source of liquidity and a relatively stable source of income. The investment securities portfolio also provides management with a tool to balance the interest rate risk of its loan and deposit portfolios.
Our investment strategy focuses on the use of the investment securities portfolio to generate interest income and to assist in the management of interest rate risk. Synovus also utilizes a significant portion of its investment portfolio to secure certain deposits and other liabilities requiring collateralization. At December 31, 2016, $2.04 billion of these investment securities were pledged to secure certain deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements as required by law and contractual agreements. The investment securities portfolio consists primarily of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. GSEs, both of which have a high degree of liquidity and limited credit risk. A mortgage-backed security depends on the underlying pool of mortgage loans to provide a cash flow pass-through of principal and interest. At December 31, 2016, all of the collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed pass-through securities held by Synovus were issued or backed by federal agencies or GSEs.
Funding Activities
Liquidity represents the extent to which Synovus has readily available sources of funding to meet the needs of depositors, borrowers, and creditors, to support asset growth, and to otherwise sustain operations of Synovus and its subsidiaries, at a reasonable cost, on a timely basis, and without adverse consequences. Core deposits represent the largest source of funds for lending and investing activities. Scheduled payments, as well as prepayments, from our loan and investment portfolios also provide a source of funds. Additional funding sources which provide liquidity include FHLB advances, brokered deposits and other short-term borrowed funds, as well as equity and debt issued through the capital markets. Following is a brief description of the various sources of funds used by Synovus. For further discussion relating to Synovus' funding sources, see “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Deposits,” “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity” and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 12 - Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings" of this Report.

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Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for Synovus' interest earning assets and remain a strength of Synovus' business. Deposits are attracted principally from customers within Synovus' retail branch network through the offering of a broad array of deposit products to individuals and businesses, including non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts, interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and time deposit accounts. Synovus also utilizes brokered deposits as a funding source in addition to deposits attracted through its retail branch network. Terms vary among deposit products with respect to commitment periods, minimum balances, and applicable fees. Interest paid on deposits represents the largest component of Synovus' interest expense. Interest rates offered on interest-bearing deposits are determined based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, (1) interest rates offered in local markets by competitors, (2) current and expected economic conditions, (3) anticipated future interest rates, (4) the expected amount and timing of funding needs, and (5) the availability and cost of alternative funding sources. Customer deposits are attractive sources of funding because of their stability and relative cost. Deposits are regarded as an important part of the overall customer relationship and provide a strong foundation for providing other needs based solutions to our customers.
See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Deposits” of this Report for further information.
Borrowed Funds and Non-Deposit Liquidity
Synovus' ability to borrow funds from non-deposit sources provides additional flexibility in meeting the liquidity needs of Synovus. Synovus generates non-deposit liquidity through scheduled payments and prepayments of loans and investment securities and access to sources of funds other than deposits. Synovus Bank has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, 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 level 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, share repurchases 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 the Federal Reserve Board.
During 2014, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $182.0 million including cash dividends of $90.6 million. During 2015, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $225.0 million including cash dividends of $199.9 million. During 2016, Synovus Bank made upstream cash dividends of $325 million to the Parent Company. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality, liquidity and overall condition. In addition, GA DBF rules and related statutes contain limitations on payments of dividends by Synovus Bank without the approval of the GA DBF. 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 may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results.”
Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs. However, if economic conditions were to significantly deteriorate, regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or Synovus Bank 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 may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results."
Enterprise Risk Management
As a financial services organization, Synovus accepts a certain degree of risk with each business decision it makes. Risk management does not eliminate risk, but seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between risk and return, which is critical to optimizing shareholder value. Understanding our risks and managing them appropriately can enhance our ability to make better decisions, deliver on objectives, and improve performance. The enterprise risk framework has been established within Synovus, which begins with the Board of Directors, working primarily with the Risk Committee of the Board. The Risk Committee fulfills the overarching oversight role for the risk management process, including approving risk tolerance levels and risk policies and limits, monitoring key and emerging risks, and reviewing risk assessments. In addition, oversight of certain risk is allocated to all other committees of the Board who meet regularly and report to the Board.
The Chief Risk Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer and provides overall vision, direction and leadership regarding the enterprise risk management framework. The framework includes an Executive Risk Committee, chaired by the Chief Risk Officer, and various management risk committees. Executive Risk Committee membership includes all Synovus' corporate executive officers and the Senior Director of Enterprise Risk, and the committee provides management oversight of the Enterprise

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Risk Program. Management risk committees are responsible for effective risk measurement, management and reporting of their respective risk categories. The Chief Risk Officer is an active member of each of the management risk committees.

•ALCO -Interest Rate/Market Risk and Liquidity Risk
•Credit Risk Committee - Credit Risk
•Regulatory Compliance Risk Committee - Compliance Risk
•Operational Risk Committee - Operational Risk
•Executive Risk Committee - All risks including Strategic Risk, Reputational Risk and Litigation Risk

Management believes that Synovus' primary risk exposures are operational, regulatory compliance, credit, liquidity, and strategic risk. Operational risk arises from the potential that inadequate information systems, operational problems, inadequate or failed internal controls, human error, fraud, security breaches such as cyber-attacks, or external events will result in unexpected losses. Compliance risk arises from nonconformance with laws, rules, and regulations that apply to the financial services industry and exposes the Company to monetary penalties, enforcement actions, or other sanctions. Credit risk is risk of loss arising from our borrowers' or counterparties' inability to meet the financial terms of any contract with the Company, or other failure to perform as agreed. Liquidity risk arises from an inability of the Company to meet current or future obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. Strategic risk arises from threats to long-term growth and strategic direction such as the ability to meet competitive challenges, attract and retain customers and team members, keep pace with technological changes, and develop new products and services.
ALCO
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 create 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. Operating under interest rate risk policies approved by the Board of Directors, ALCO analyzes the interest rate sensitivity of Synovus and develops and implements strategies to improve balance sheet structure and interest rate risk positioning. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity” and “Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Report for further information.
Credit Risk
The Company has established a credit risk management process with policies, controls and regular Board and management oversight. Credit risk management is guided by centralized credit policies that provide for a consistent and prudent approach to underwriting and approvals of credits. The Credit Risk Committee, chaired by the Chief Credit Officer, monitors credit management reports, establishes lending policies, limits, and guidance to better manage the loan function, and provides strategies to manage the level of credit risk in the loan portfolio. The Credit Risk Committee oversees risk grade accuracy, credit servicing requirements, and loan concentration levels and manages risk in the execution of loan growth strategies.
The Regional Credit function reports to the Chief Credit Officer, providing independence from the line of business. Regional Credit manages credit activities within each region, underwriting borrowing relationships over certain dollar thresholds, managing small business accounts, jointly approving loans for amounts greater than the banking division's lending authority, and evaluating loan administration processes.
Synovus maintains a centralized Retail Lending Center where consumer loans are centrally processed, scored, and analyzed. This structure enhances the control environment, drives efficiencies, and provides a more consistent overall customer experience.
Synovus has established the ALL Oversight Council to review and approve the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the ALL methodology. The Council includes the Chief Risk Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other senior management. The Council meets at least quarterly and considers enhancements and refinements to the ALL process and models in light of new and other relevant information. The allowance adequacy and the ALL methodology are reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors at least quarterly. The Model Risk Management function reviews the ALL models on an annual basis and prior to implementation of model changes.
Regulatory Compliance Risk
Compliance laws, rules and standards generally cover matters such as observing proper standards of market conduct, managing conflicts of interest, treating customers fairly, and ensuring the suitability of customer advice. They also include basic prudential banking requirements and specific areas such as the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

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The Regulatory Compliance Risk Committee was created to assist the Board and management in overseeing the management of overall compliance risk, developing and implementing policy, and ensuring that compliance issues are resolved effectively and expeditiously. The Committee is made up of senior management from the business lines, risk management, legal, human resources, and compliance functions and specifically provides oversight for the Corporate Compliance Policy and Programs, including UDAAP, Fair Lending, and BSA/AML Policy and Programs and customer complaint management throughout the Company. Written policies contain the principles to be followed by management and staff of the banking divisions, subsidiaries and business lines throughout the Company and explain and direct the processes by which risks are identified and managed. The individual policies guide the Company's compliance functions and provide for monitoring, training, and risk assessments.
Operational Risk
Synovus aims to minimize and mitigate unexpected loss through a proactive and structured approach to operational risk management. The Operational Risk Committee provides oversight of the operational risk function, maintaining effective processes to assess, monitor and mitigate operational risk. Specific responsibilities include providing a forum for addressing operational issues that require collaboration of multiple operational groups, reviewing significant operational risk exposures and remediation strategies, and reviewing risk metrics for ongoing pertinence to the risk management framework.
Business units are responsible for identifying and reporting operational risks that require resolution, participating in risk assessments, responding to changes in risk metrics and implementing corrective actions and new risk solutions.
Executive Risk Committee
The Executive Risk Committee oversees the Enterprise Risk Program, policies and the framework, monitors key and emerging risks, and evaluates the effectiveness of action plans to address key risks and issues. The Committee recommends capital actions, evaluates and vets stress testing results, including stress scenarios, and reviews new and modified products. In addition, the Committee establishes and recommends to the Board for approval the risk appetite and risk tolerance levels.
Competition
The financial services industry is highly competitive and could become more competitive as a result of recent and ongoing legislative, regulatory and technological changes, and continued consolidation and economic turmoil within the financial services industry. Our bank subsidiary and wholly-owned non-bank subsidiaries compete actively with national and state banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions and other nonbank financial intermediaries, including securities brokers and dealers, investment advisory firms, mortgage companies, insurance companies, trust companies, finance companies, leasing companies, mortgage companies and certain governmental agencies, all of which actively engage in marketing various types of loans, deposit accounts and other financial services. In addition, competition from nontraditional banking institutions, often known as FinTech, continues to increase, with consumers having the opportunity to select from a growing variety of traditional and nontraditional alternatives. The ability of such non-banking financial institutions to provide services previously limited to commercial banks has intensified competition. Because non-banking financial institutions are not subject to many of the same regulatory restrictions as banks and bank holding companies, they can often operate with greater flexibility and lower cost structures. These competitors have been successful in developing products that are in direct competition with or are alternatives to the banking services offered by traditional banking institutions. Our ability to deliver strong financial performance will depend in part on our ability to expand the scope of, and effectively deliver, products and services, which will allow us to meet the changing needs of our customers. However, we often compete with much larger national and regional banks that have more resources than we do to deliver new products and services and introduce new technology to enhance the customer experience. See "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Competition in the financial services industry may adversely affect our future earnings and growth."
As of December 31, 2016, we were the second largest bank holding company headquartered in Georgia based on assets. Customers for financial services are generally influenced by convenience, quality of service, personal contacts, price of services and availability of products. We continue to be pleased with the traction we have in most of our key markets, as well as overall markets, based on FDIC-insured institutions as of June 30, 2016 with customer deposits growing 6% over the time frame.  Over the last year, we have continued to rationalize our branch network and focused on improving the mix of our deposits, but have also largely been able to maintain and grow market share throughout our footprint.
Employees
As of December 31, 2016, Synovus had 4,436 employees compared to 4,452 employees at December 31, 2015.
Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors
Like all bank holding companies and financial holding companies, we are regulated extensively under federal and state law. In addition, Synovus Bank and certain of our non-bank subsidiaries are subject to regulation under federal and state law. The following discussion sets forth some of the elements of the bank regulatory framework applicable to us and certain of our subsidiaries. The regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the DIF and not for the protection of security

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holders and creditors. To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions.
General
Bank holding companies and financial holding companies are subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. In addition, the GA DBF, regulates holding companies that own Georgia-chartered banks under the bank holding company laws of the State of Georgia. Synovus Bank, which became a member of the Federal Reserve System in November 2016, is also subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board, and by its state banking regulator, the GA DBF. Numerous other federal and state laws, as well as regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, the GA DBF, and the FDIC govern almost all aspects of the operations of Synovus Bank. Synovus Trust Company, N.A., a subsidiary of Synovus Bank that provides trust services, is organized as a national trust bank and thus is subject to supervision and regulation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Various federal and state bodies regulate and supervise our non-bank subsidiaries including our brokerage, investment advisory, insurance agency and processing operations. These include, but are not limited to, the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, federal and state banking regulators and various state regulators of insurance and brokerage activities.
In addition, we are subject to supervision and regulation by the CFPB with regard to our offering and provision of consumer financial products and services. The CFPB was established by the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, which is discussed in greater detail below. The CFPB has broad authority to regulate the offering and provision of consumer financial products. The CFPB has rulemaking authority for a range of federal consumer financial protection laws (such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). The CFPB has the authority to supervise and examine depository institutions, like Synovus Bank, with more than $10 billion in assets, together with all affiliates of such a depository institution, like us and our subsidiaries, for compliance with these federal consumer financial protection laws. Finally, the CFPB has broad enforcement authority with regard to compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws.
Permitted Activities
The Bank Holding Company Act limits the activities in which bank holding companies and their subsidiaries may engage. A bank holding company and its subsidiaries are generally permitted to engage in or acquire direct or indirect control of more than 5 percent of the voting shares of any company engaged in those activities that are “closely related to banking” as defined by the Federal Reserve Board.
The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the bank holding company's continued ownership, activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries.
A bank holding company, such as us, may file an election with the Federal Reserve Board to be treated as a financial holding company and engage in an expanded list of financial activities. The election must be accompanied by a certification that the company's insured depository institution subsidiary is “well capitalized” and “well managed.” Additionally, the rating of the bank holding company's subsidiary bank(s) under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 must be satisfactory or better. We have made such an election and are treated as a financial holding company. As such, we may engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activities, including insurance underwriting, securities underwriting and dealing, and making merchant banking investments in commercial and financial companies. If either of our depository institution subsidiaries, Synovus Bank or Synovus Trust Company, ceases to be “well capitalized” or “well managed” under applicable regulatory standards, the Federal Reserve Board may, among other things, place limitations on our ability to conduct these broader financial activities or, if the deficiencies persist, require us to divest the banking subsidiary or the businesses engaged in activities permissible only for financial holding companies. In addition, if Synovus Bank receives a rating of less than satisfactory under the Community Reinvestment Act, we would be prohibited from engaging in any additional activities other than those permissible for bank holding companies that are not financial holding companies. If, after becoming a financial holding company and undertaking activities not permissible for a bank holding company, the company fails to continue to meet any of the prerequisites for financial holding company status, including those described above, the company must enter into an agreement with the Federal Reserve Board to comply with all applicable requirements. If the company does not return to compliance within 180 days, the Federal Reserve Board may order the company to divest its subsidiary bank or the company may discontinue or divest investments in companies engaged in, activities permissible only for a financial holding company.
Actions by Federal and State Regulators
Like all bank and financial holding companies, we are regulated extensively under federal and state law. Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions, state banking regulators, the Federal Reserve Board, and separately the FDIC as the insurer of bank deposits, have the authority to compel or restrict certain actions on our part if they determine that we have insufficient capital or other resources, or are otherwise operating in a manner

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that may be deemed to be inconsistent with safe and sound banking practices. Under this authority, our bank regulators can require us or our subsidiaries to enter into informal or formal supervisory agreements, including board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders, pursuant to which we would be required to take identified corrective actions to address cited concerns and to refrain from taking certain actions.
If we become subject to and are unable to comply with the terms of any future regulatory actions or directives, supervisory agreements, or orders, then we could become subject to additional, heightened supervisory actions and orders, possibly including consent orders, prompt corrective action restrictions and/or other regulatory actions, including prohibitions on the payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock. If our regulators were to take such additional supervisory actions, then we could, among other things, become subject to significant restrictions on our ability to develop any new business, as well as restrictions on our existing business, and we could be required to raise additional capital, dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period of time, or both. The terms of any such supervisory action could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition, and the value of our common stock and preferred stock. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - We may become subject to supervisory actions and enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.” of this Report.
Change in Control
Subject to certain exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with regulations promulgated thereunder, require Federal Reserve Board approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a bank or bank holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25 percent or more of any class of voting securities, and a rebuttable presumption of control exists if a person acquires 10 percent or more, but less than 25 percent, of any class of voting securities and either the company has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act or no other person owns a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. In certain cases, a company may also be presumed to have control under the Bank Holding Company Act if it acquires 5 percent or more of any class of voting securities. Our common stock and preferred stock is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
On September 22, 2008, the Federal Reserve Board issued a policy statement on non-controlling equity investments in banks and bank holding companies, that permits investors to (1) acquire up to 33 percent of the total equity of a target bank or bank holding company, subject to certain conditions, including (but not limited to) that the investing firm does not acquire 15 percent or more of any class of voting securities and (2) designate at least one director, without triggering the various regulatory requirements associated with control.
Standards for Safety and Soundness
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (1) internal controls, information systems and audit systems; (2) loan documentation; (3) credit underwriting; (4) interest rate risk exposure; and (5) asset quality. The agencies also must prescribe standards for asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation, as well as standards for compensation, fees and benefits, including a prohibition on any compensatory arrangement that would provide any executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder of the institution with excessive compensation, fees or benefits and any compensatory arrangement that could lead to material financial loss to an institution. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement these required standards. These guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards used to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if a regulator determines that a bank fails to meet any standards prescribed by the guidelines, the regulator may require the bank to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance, consistent with deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.
Dividends
Synovus is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Under the laws of the State of Georgia, we, as a business corporation, may declare and pay dividends in cash or property unless the payment or declaration would be contrary to restrictions contained in our Articles of Incorporation, or unless, after payment of the dividend, we would not be able to pay our debts when they become due in the usual course of our business or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities. In addition, we are also subject to federal regulatory capital requirements that effectively limit the amount of cash dividends, if any that we may pay.
The Federal Reserve Board may restrict our ability to pay dividends on any class of stock or any other Tier 1 capital instrument if we are not deemed to have a strong capital position. In addition, we may have to reduce or eliminate dividends if:
•
our net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends;

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•our prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with our capital needs and overall current and
prospective financial condition; or
•we will not meet, or are in danger of not meeting, the minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.
Further, Federal Reserve Board guidance provides that bank holding companies should consult with the Federal Reserve Board before taking any actions that could result in a diminished capital base, including increasing dividends or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or other regulatory capital instruments.
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.
The primary sources of funds for our payment of dividends to our shareholders are cash on hand and dividends from Synovus Bank and our non-bank subsidiaries. Various federal and state statutory provisions and regulations limit the amount of dividends that Synovus Bank and our non-bank subsidiaries may pay. Synovus Bank is a Georgia bank. Under the regulations of the GA DBF, a Georgia bank must have approval of the GA DBF to pay cash dividends if, at the time of such payment:
•
the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets is less than 6 percent;
•the aggregate amount of dividends to be declared or anticipated to be declared during the current calendar year exceeds
50 percent of its net after-tax profits before dividends for the previous calendar year; or
•its total classified assets in its most recent regulatory examination exceeded 80 percent of its Tier 1 capital plus its
allowance for loan and lease losses.
In addition, the Georgia Financial Institutions Code contains restrictions on the ability of a Georgia bank to pay dividends other than from retained earnings without the approval of the GA DBF. As a result of the foregoing restrictions, Synovus Bank may be required to seek approval from the GA DBF to pay dividends.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, or FDICIA, generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution, including payment of a dividend, or paying any management fee to its holding company, if the institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. In addition, federal banking regulations applicable to us and our bank subsidiaries require minimum levels of capital that limit the amounts available for payment of dividends. Finally, “stress testing requirements” established by the Dodd-Frank Act, which are described below in “Our Capital Requirements,” may impact the ability of some banks and bank holding companies to pay dividends.
See “Part II - Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities - Dividends” and “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Parent Company” of this Report for further information.
Capital
We, and separately Synovus Bank, are required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve Board. As a financial holding company, we, Synovus Bank, and Synovus Trust Company are each required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution, as that term is defined under the rules of the Federal Reserve Board for us and as defined separately for Synovus Bank and Synovus Trust Company in “Prompt Corrective Action for Undercapitalization” below.
Our Capital Requirements
The Federal Reserve Board has issued guidelines pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company or financial holding company. These guidelines include quantitative measures that assign risk weightings to assets and off-balance sheet items and that define and set minimum regulatory capital requirements. Effective on January 1, 2015, this regulatory capital framework changed in important respects for us as a result of new rules (“Basel III Capital Rules” or “Revised Rules”) implementing the Dodd-Frank Act and a separate, international regulatory capital initiative known as “Basel III.” Among other things, the Basel III Capital Rules raised the minimum thresholds for required capital and revised certain aspects of the definitions and elements of the capital that can be used to satisfy these required minimum thresholds. While the rules became effective on January 1, 2014 for certain large banking organizations, most U.S. banking organizations, including Synovus and Synovus Bank, began compliance on January 1, 2015.
Through December 31, 2014, the applicable capital guidelines required us to maintain Tier 1 Capital of at least 4 percent of risk-weighted assets, Total Capital (the sum of Tier 1 Capital and Tier 2 Capital) of at least 8 percent of risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 Capital of at least 4 percent of adjusted quarterly average assets. Under this framework, Tier 1 Capital consisted principally of shareholders' equity less any amounts of disallowed deferred tax assets, goodwill, other intangible assets, non-financial equity investments, and other items that are required to be deducted by the Federal Reserve Board. Tier 2 Capital consisted principally

16


of perpetual and trust preferred stock that was not eligible to be included as Tier 1 Capital, term subordinated debt, intermediate-term preferred stock and, subject to limitations, general allowances for loan and lease losses.
The Basel III Capital Rules made substantial changes to this framework. Among other things, the Revised Rules (1) introduced a new capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”), (2) specified that Tier 1 Capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 Capital” instruments meeting certain requirements, (3) defined CET1 narrowly by requiring that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital and (4) expanded the scope of the deductions/adjustments from capital that apply to Synovus and other banking organizations. Under the Revised Rules, for most banking organizations, including Synovus, the most common form of “Additional Tier 1 Capital” is non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, such as our Series C Preferred Stock, and the most common forms of Tier 2 capital are subordinated notes and a portion of the allocation for loan losses, in each case, subject to certain specific requirements set forth in the regulation. Under the Revised Rules, certain hybrid securities, such as trust preferred securities, do not qualify as Tier 1 capital.
Similar to the rules applicable to our results through 2014, under the Revised Rules, assets are adjusted under the risk-based guidelines to take into account different risk characteristics. The Revised Rules changed risk weights for certain assets and off-balance sheet exposures that resulted in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories, including a 150% risk weight (instead of a 100% risk weight) for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans.
Further, the Revised Rules set forth the following minimum capital ratios, effective January 1, 2015:
•
4.5 percent CET1 to risk-weighted assets.
•
6.0 percent Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets.
•
8.0 percent Total Capital to risk-weighted assets.
•
4.0 percent Tier 1 leverage ratio to average consolidated assets.
As discussed below, the Revised Rules also provide for changes to the Prompt Corrective Action framework to correspond to these new minimum capital thresholds.
The Revised Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1, which include the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a three-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter until fully phased-in at January 1, 2018).
The Basel III Capital Rules also introduce a minimum “capital conservation buffer” equal to 2.5% of an organization’s total risk-weighted assets, which exists in addition to the required minimum CET1, Tier 1, and Total Capital ratios identified above. The “capital conservation buffer,” which must consist entirely of CET1, is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phased-in over a three-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). Thus, when the capital conservation buffer is fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the Revised Rules will require us to maintain: (1) a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7%, (2) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, (3) a minimum ratio of Total capital (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5% and (4) a minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets.
Under capital standards applicable to our 2014 results, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items included in shareholders’ equity under GAAP were excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Under the Revised Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded. However, the Revised Rules permit most banking organizations, including us and Synovus Bank, to make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. Synovus and Synovus Bank have made the permanent election to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income from regulatory capital by selecting the "opt-out" election on the March 31, 2015 Call Report and FR Y-9C; thus, Synovus and Synovus Bank will retain the same accumulated other comprehensive income treatment as under the regulatory capital rules in effect prior to January 1, 2015.
As of December 31, 2016, based on management’s interpretation of the Revised Rules, Synovus meets all capital adequacy requirements including the capital conservation buffer, under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure. Regardless, complying with the Revised Rules will likely affect our operations going forward.

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We are also subject to “stress testing” requirements that are designed to require banking organizations to assess the potential impact of different scenarios on their earnings, losses, and capital over a set time period, with consideration given to certain relevant factors, including the organization's condition, risks, exposures, strategies, and activities. Specifically, banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion, such as us and Synovus Bank, are required to conduct annual company-run stress tests, report the results to their primary federal regulator and the Federal Reserve Board, and publish a summary of the results. Among other things, these rules establish stress test methodologies, set forth the form of the report that must be submitted, and require publication of a summary of results. Under the rules, stress tests must be conducted using certain scenarios (baseline, adverse and severely adverse), which the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC will provide each year. In addition, the rules require such organizations to begin publicly disclosing a summary of certain stress test results (i.e., results under the “severely adverse” scenario). On October 18, 2016, we disclosed a summary of our 2016 results of the stress testing process on our website.
In addition, the banking agencies have issued guidance on stress testing for banking organizations with more than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, which outlines four “high-level” principles for stress testing practices that should be a part of a banking organization's stress-testing framework. Regulators have stated that they expect banking organizations subject to the guidance to comply with these principles when conducting stress testing in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act requirements discussed above. The guidance calls for a banking organization’s stress testing framework to (1) include activities and exercises that are tailored to and sufficiently capture the banking organization's exposures, activities and risks; (2) employ multiple conceptually sound stress testing activities and approaches; (3) be forward-looking and flexible; and (4) be clear, actionable, well-supported, and used in the decision-making process.
See "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - We may be required to undertake additional strategic initiatives to improve our capital position due to changes in economic conditions or changes in regulatory capital rules." of this Report.
Capital Ratios
Certain regulatory capital ratios for Synovus and Synovus Bank as of December 31, 2016 are shown in the following table, applying the capital rules applicable to our 2016 results.
Table 4 – Capital Ratios as of December 31, 2016
 
Regulatory Minimums
 
Regulatory Minimums to be Well-Capitalized
 
Synovus
 
Synovus Bank
CET1
4.5
%
 
6.5
%
 
9.96
%
 
11.97
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
6.0

 
8.0

 
10.07

 
11.97

Total risk-based capital ratio
8.0

 
10.0

 
12.01

 
12.93

Leverage ratio
4.0

 
5.0

 
8.99

 
10.68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources” and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 14 - Regulatory Capital" of this Report for further information.
Prompt Corrective Action for Undercapitalization
FDICIA established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized insured depository institutions. Under this system, the federal banking regulators are required to rate insured depository institutions on the basis of five capital categories as described below. The federal banking regulators are also required to take mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions, with respect to insured depository institutions in the three undercapitalized categories, the severity of which will depend upon the capital category in which the insured depository institution is assigned. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, FDICIA requires the banking regulator to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured depository institution that is critically undercapitalized. The federal banking agencies have specified by regulation the relevant capital level for each category. The thresholds for each of these categories were revised pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, which are discussed above in “Our Capital Requirements.” These revised categories applied to Synovus Bank beginning on January 1, 2015, and are discussed below. Under the regulations, all insured depository institutions are assigned to one of the following capital categories:
•
Well Capitalized - A well-capitalized insured depository institution is one (1) having a total risk-based capital ratio of 10 percent or greater, (2) having a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8 percent or greater, (3) having a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5 percent or greater, (4) having a leverage capital ratio of 5 percent or greater and (5) that is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

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•
Adequately Capitalized - An adequately-capitalized depository institution is one having (1) a total risk-based capital ratio of 8 percent or more, (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6 percent or more, (3) a CET1 capital ratio of 4.5 percent or more, and (4) a leverage ratio of 4 percent or more.
•
Undercapitalized - An undercapitalized depository institution is one having (1) a total capital ratio of less than 8 percent, (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 6 percent, (3) a CET1 capital ratio of less than 4.5 percent, or (4) a leverage ratio of less than 4 percent.
•
Significantly Undercapitalized - A significantly undercapitalized institution is one having (1) a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6 percent (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4 percent, (3) a CET1 ratio of less than 3 percent or (4) a leverage capital ratio of less than 3 percent.
•
Critically Undercapitalized - A critically undercapitalized institution is one having a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2 percent.
The prompt corrective action regulations permit the appropriate federal banking regulator to downgrade an institution to the next lower category if the regulator determines after notice and opportunity for hearing or response that the institution (1) is in an unsafe or unsound condition or (2) has received and not corrected a less-than-satisfactory rating for any of the categories of asset quality, management, earnings or liquidity in its most recent examination. Supervisory actions by the appropriate federal banking regulator depend upon an institution's classification within the five categories. Our management believes that our insured bank subsidiary, Synovus Bank, has the requisite capital levels to qualify as a well capitalized institution under the FDICIA regulations. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources” and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 14 - Regulatory Capital" of this Report for further information.
If an institution fails to remain well-capitalized, it will be subject to a variety of enforcement remedies that increase as the capital condition worsens. For instance, FDICIA generally prohibits an insured depository institution from making any capital distribution, including payment of a dividend, or paying any management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized as a result. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to restrictions on borrowing from the Federal Reserve System. In addition, undercapitalized depository institutions may not accept brokered deposits absent a waiver from the FDIC, are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans for regulatory approval. A depository institution's holding company must guarantee any required capital restoration plan, up to an amount equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the depository institution's assets at the time it becomes undercapitalized or the amount of the capital deficiency when the institution fails to comply with the plan. Federal banking agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution's capital. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized.
Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or conservator.
Deposit Insurance and Assessments
Deposits at Synovus Bank are insured by the DIF, as administered by the FDIC, up to the applicable limits established by law. The Dodd-Frank Act amended the statutory regime governing the DIF. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act established a minimum designated reserve ratio of 1.35% of estimated insured deposits (which the FDIC has set at 2.0% each year since 2010), required that the fund reserve ratio reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020, and directed the FDIC to amend its regulations to redefine the assessment base used for calculating deposit insurance assessments. Specifically, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the assessment base to be an amount equal to the average consolidated total assets of the insured depository institution during the assessment period, minus the sum of the average tangible equity of the insured depository institution during the assessment period and an amount the FDIC determines is necessary to establish assessments consistent with the risk-based assessment system found in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Under FDIC rules, banks such as Synovus Bank with at least $10 billion in assets pay a surcharge to enable the reserve ratio to reach 1.35% by December 31, 2018.
Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. As of July 1, 2016, minimum and maximum assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) for institutions the size of Synovus Bank range from 3 to 30 basis points of total assets less tangible capital. The FDIC's current system represents a change, required by the Dodd-Frank Act, from its prior practice of basing the assessment on an institution's aggregate deposits.
In addition, the FDIC collects FICO deposit assessments, which are calculated off of the assessment base described above. FICO assessments are set quarterly, and it was 0.565 (annual) basis points for all four quarters in 2016. Synovus Bank pays the deposit insurance assessment and pays the quarterly FICO assessments.

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With respect to brokered deposits, an insured depository institution must be well-capitalized in order to accept, renew or roll over such deposits without FDIC clearance. An adequately capitalized insured depository institution must obtain a waiver from the FDIC in order to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits. Undercapitalized insured depository institutions generally may not accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of FinancialCondition and Results of Operations - Deposits” of this Report for further information.
Incentive Compensation
In June 2010, the federal banking agencies issued a joint guidance on executive compensation designed to help ensure that a banking organization's incentive compensation policies do not encourage imprudent risk taking and are consistent with the safety and soundness of the organization. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires those agencies, along with the SEC, to adopt rules to require reporting of the incentive compensation and to prohibit certain compensation arrangements. The federal banking agencies and the Commission proposed such rules in April 2011. In addition, in June 2012, the SEC issued final rules to implement the Dodd-Frank Act's requirement that the Commission direct the national securities exchanges to adopt certain listing standards related to the compensation committee of a company's board of directors as well as its compensation advisers.
In 2016, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have also proposed rules that would, depending upon the assets of the institution, directly regulate incentive compensation arrangements and would require enhanced oversight and recordkeeping. As of December 31, 2016, these rules have not been implemented.
Dodd-Frank Act; Future Changes to Legal Framework
The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 brought about a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, addressing, among other things, systemic risk, capital adequacy, deposit insurance assessments, consumer financial protection, interchange fees, derivatives, lending limits, mortgage lending practices, registration of investment advisors and changes among the bank regulatory agencies. Key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that have impacted or are likely to impact the operations of Synovus or Synovus Bank include:
•
Creation of the CFPB with with centralized authority, including rulemaking, examination and enforcement authority, for consumer protection in the banking industry.
•
New limitations on federal preemption.
•
New prohibitions and restrictions on the ability of a banking entity to engage in proprietary trading and have certain interests in, or relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund (known as the "Volcker Rule").
•
Application of new regulatory capital requirements, including changes to leverage and risk-based capital standards and changes to the components of permissible tiered capital.
•
Requirement that the company and its subsidiary banks be well capitalized and well managed in order to engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies.
•
Changes to the assessment base for deposit insurance premiums.
•
Permanently raising the FDIC's standard maximum insurance amount to $250,000.
•
Repeal of the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, therereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.
•
Restrictions on compensation, including a prohibition on incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk by taking covered financial institutions and are deemed to be excessive, or that may lead to material losses.
•
Requirement that sponsors of asset-backed securities retain a percentage of the credit risk underlying the securities.
•
Requirement that banking regulators remove references to and requirements of reliance upon credit ratings from their regulations and replace them with appropriate alternatives for evaluating creditworthiness.
Some of these and other major changes, could materially impact the profitability of our business, the value of assets we hold or the collateral available for our loans, require changes to business practices or force us to discontinue businesses and expose us to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk. Many of these provisions became effective upon enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, while others were subject to further study, rule-making, and the discretion of regulatory bodies and have only recently taken effect or will take effect in the coming years.
In light of these significant changes and the discretion afforded to federal regulators, we cannot fully predict the effect that compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act or any implementing regulations will have on Synovus' businesses or its ability to pursue future business opportunities. Additional regulations resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may materially adversely affect Synovus' business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Part 1 - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Regulation of the financial services industry continues to undergo major changes, and future legislation could increase our cost of doing business or harm our competitive position.” of this Report.

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Additional changes to the laws and regulations applicable to us are frequently proposed at both the federal and state levels. The likelihood, timing, and scope of any such change and the impact any such change may have on us are impossible to determine with any certainty.
Volcker Rule
In December 2013, the Federal Reserve Board and other regulators jointly issued final rules implementing requirements of a new Section 13 to the Bank Holding Company Act, commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.”
The Volcker Rule generally prohibits Synovus and its subsidiaries from (i) engaging in proprietary trading for its own account, and (ii) acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in or sponsoring a “covered fund,” all subject to certain exceptions. The Volcker Rule also specifies certain limited activities in which Synovus and its subsidiaries may continue to engage, and requires us to implement a compliance program.
The regulators provided for a Volcker Rule conformance date of July 21, 2015. Conformance with the provisions prohibiting certain “covered funds” activities was extended by a Federal Reserve Board order that provided for an extension of the Volcker Rule conformance period for legacy ownership interests and sponsorship of covered funds until July 21, 2016. The Federal Reserve Board has granted the last available statutory extension for such covered funds activities until July 21, 2017. Further, the Federal Reserve Board permits limited exemptions, upon application, for divestiture of certain "illiquid" covered funds, for an additional period of up to 5 years beyond that date.
The Volcker Rule further restricts and limits the types of activities in which Synovus and its subsidiaries may engage. Moreover, it requires Synovus and its subsidiaries to adopt complex compliance monitoring and reporting systems in order to ensure compliance with the rule while engaging in activities that Synovus and its subsidiaries currently conduct.
Consumer Protection Regulations
Retail activities of banks are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations designed to protect consumers, which for us and our subsidiaries and affiliates are enforced at the federal level by the CFPB. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by banks are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. Loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:
•
the federal Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z , governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
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the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, providing for certain practices and disclosures in residential real estate lending (including disclosures integrated with those required by Regulation Z);
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the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
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the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
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the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, governing the use and provision of information to consumer reporting agencies;
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the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and
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the guidance of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
Deposit operations also are subject to:
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the Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires disclosure of deposit terms to consumers;
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Regulation CC, which relates to the availability of deposit funds to consumers;
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the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain the confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and
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the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services, as well as electronic transfers initiated by consumers in the U.S. to recipients in foreign countries.
The CFPB adopted a rule that implements the ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “ATR/QM rule”), which took effect on January 10, 2014, and has impacted our residential mortgage lending practices, and the residential mortgage market generally. The ATR/QM rule requires lenders to consider, among other things, income, employment status, assets, payment amounts, and credit history before approving a mortgage, and provides a compliance “safe harbor” for lenders that issue certain “qualified mortgages.” The ATR/QM rule defines a “qualified mortgage” to have certain specified characteristics, and generally prohibit loans with negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, or terms

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exceeding 30 years from being qualified mortgages. The rule also establishes general underwriting criteria for qualified mortgages, including that monthly payments be calculated based on the highest payment that will apply in the first five years of the loan and that the borrower have a total debt-to-income ratio that is less than or equal to 43 percent. While “qualified mortgages” will generally be afforded safe harbor status, a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements will attach to “qualified mortgages” that are “higher priced mortgages” (which are generally subprime loans). In addition, the banking regulators have issued final rules that require the securitizer of asset-backed securities to retain not less than 5 percent of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the asset-backed securities, unless subject to an exemption for asset-backed securities that are collateralized exclusively by residential mortgages that qualify as “qualified residential mortgages.” These definitions are expected to significantly shape the parameters for the majority of consumer mortgage lending in the U.S.
Reflecting the CFPB's focus on the residential mortgage lending market, the CFPB has also issued rules to implement requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act pertaining to mortgage loan origination (including with respect to loan originator compensation and loan originator qualifications) and has finalized, integrated mortgage disclosure rules that replace and combine certain requirements under the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and took effect on October 3, 2015.
In addition, there are a number of significant consumer protection standards that apply to functional areas of operation (rather than applying only to loan or deposit products). For example, the Federal Reserve Board has issued rules aimed at protecting consumers in connection with retail foreign exchange transactions.
In recent years, the Federal Reserve Board and the CFPB have made a number of changes to Regulation E. For example, financial institutions are prohibited from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions. Regulation E amendments also require financial institutions to provide consumers with a notice that explains the financial institution's overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service and the consumer's choices. Financial institutions also must monitor overdraft payment programs for “excessive or chronic” customer use and undertake “meaningful and effective” follow-up action with customers that overdraw their accounts more than six times during a rolling 12-month period. Furthermore, the CFPB has engaged in studies of overdraft practices and the costs to consumers, and has indicated that it may issue new rules regarding these services.
Regulation E also includes rules for “remittance transfers,” which require financial institutions to provide consumers that transfer funds to overseas recipients with detailed disclosures and to meet other requirements.
It is anticipated that the CFPB will engage in numerous other rulemakings in the near term that may impact our business, as the CFPB has indicated that, in addition to specific statutory mandates, it is working on a wide range of initiatives to address issues in markets for consumer financial products and services. The CFPB has also undertaken an effort to “streamline” consumer regulations and has established a database to collect, track and make public consumer complaints, including complaints against individual financial institutions.
The CFPB also has broad authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts and practices and to investigate and penalize financial institutions that violate this prohibition. The CFPB has begun to bring enforcement actions against certain financial institutions for UDAAP violations and issued some guidance on the topic, which provides insight into the agency’s expectations regarding these standards. Among other things, CFPB guidance and its UDAAP-related enforcement actions have emphasized that management of third-party service providers is essential to effective UDAAP compliance and that the CFPB and other regulators are particularly focused on marketing and sales practices.
In addition, Synovus Bank may also be subject to certain state laws and regulations designed to protect consumers. We cannot fully predict the effect that being regulated by a new, additional regulatory authority focused on consumer financial protection, or any new implementing regulations or revisions to existing regulations that may result from the establishment of this new authority, will have on Synovus' businesses. Additional regulations resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act and the broad authority of the CFPB could adversely affect Synovus' business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Part 1 - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Regulation of the financial services industry continues to undergo major changes, and future legislation could increase our cost of doing business or harm our competitive position.” of this Report.
Anti-Money Laundering; USA PATRIOT Act; Office of Foreign Assets Control
Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function, among other requirements such as obtaining beneficial ownership information for certain accounts. We are prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence in dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. We also must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions. Recent laws provide law enforcement authorities with increased access to financial information maintained by banks. Anti-money laundering obligations have been substantially strengthened as a result of the USA PATRIOT Act, enacted in 2001 and renewed in 2006.

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The USA PATRIOT Act amended, in part, the Bank Secrecy Act and provides for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering. The statute also creates enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanics for the U.S. government, including: (1) requiring standards for verifying customer identification at account opening; (2) promulgating rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; (3) requiring reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with FinCEN for transactions exceeding $10,000; and (4) mandating the filing of suspicious activity reports if a bank believes a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations. The statute also requires enhanced due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation may send bank regulatory agencies lists of the names of persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. Banks can be requested to search their records for any relationships or transactions with persons on those lists and may be required to report any identified relationships or transactions. Furthermore, OFAC is responsible for helping to ensure that U.S. entities do not engage in transactions with certain prohibited parties, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes, and routinely updates, lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts, including the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. If we find a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, we must freeze such account, file a suspicious activity report and notify the appropriate authorities.
Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these anti-money laundering obligations and recently have been active in imposing “cease and desist” and other regulatory orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be in violation of these requirements.
Commitments to Synovus Bank
Under the Federal Reserve Board's policy and regulation, we are expected to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to Synovus Bank and Synovus Trust Company, and to commit resources to support Synovus Bank in circumstances when we might not do so absent such policy. Under the Bank Holding Company Act, the Federal Reserve Board may require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary, other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank, upon the Federal Reserve Board's determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any depository institution subsidiary. Further, the Federal Reserve Board has discretion to require a bank holding company to divest itself of any bank or non-bank subsidiaries if the agency determines that any such divestiture may aid the depository institution's financial condition. In addition, any loans by us to Synovus Bank would be subordinate in right of payment to depositors and to certain other indebtedness of the bank. Notably, the Dodd-Frank Act codified the Federal Reserve Board's “source of strength” doctrine. In addition to the foregoing requirements, the Dodd-Frank Act's new provisions authorize the Federal Reserve Board to require a company that directly or indirectly controls a bank to submit reports that are designed both to assess the ability of such company to comply with its “source of strength” obligations and to enforce the company's compliance with these obligations. The Federal Reserve Board has not yet issued rules implementing this requirement.
If we were to enter bankruptcy or become subject to the orderly liquidation process established by the Dodd-Frank Act, any commitment by us to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of Synovus Bank would be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee or the FDIC, as appropriate, and entitled to a priority of payment. In addition, the FDIC provides that any insured depository institution generally will be liable for any loss incurred by the FDIC in connection with the default of, or any assistance provided by the FDIC to, a commonly controlled insured depository institution. Synovus Bank is an FDIC-insured depository institution and thus subject to these requirements.
Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders
A variety of legal limitations restrict Synovus Bank from lending or otherwise supplying funds or in some cases transacting business with us or our non-bank subsidiaries. Synovus Bank is subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W. Section 23A places limits on the amount of “covered transactions,” which include loans or extensions of credit to, investments in or certain other transactions with, affiliates as well as the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. The aggregate of all covered transactions is limited to 10 percent of the bank's capital and surplus for any one affiliate and 20 percent for all affiliates. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, certain covered transactions must meet specified collateral requirements ranging from 100 to 130 percent. Also, Synovus Bank is prohibited from purchasing low quality assets from any of its affiliates. Section 608 of the Dodd-Frank Act broadened the definition of “covered transaction” to include derivative transactions and the borrowing or lending of securities if the transaction will cause a bank to have credit exposure to an affiliate. The expanded definition of “covered transaction” also includes the acceptance of debt obligations issued by an affiliate as collateral for a bank's loan or extension of credit to a third-party. Furthermore, reverse repurchase transactions will be viewed as extensions of credit (instead of asset purchases) and thus become subject to collateral requirements. The expanded definition of “covered transaction” took effect on July 21, 2012 under the terms of the Dodd-Frank Act.

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Section 23B, among other things, prohibits an institution from engaging in certain transactions with affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies. Except for limitations on low quality asset purchases and transactions that are deemed to be unsafe or unsound, Regulation W generally excludes affiliated depository institutions from treatment as affiliates. Transactions between a bank and any of its subsidiaries that are engaged in certain financial activities may be subject to the affiliated transaction limits. The Federal Reserve Board also may designate bank subsidiaries as affiliates.
Banks are also subject to quantitative restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, and their related interests. In general, such extensions of credit (1) may not exceed certain dollar limitations, (2) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties and (3) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Certain extensions of credit also require the approval of a bank's Board of Directors.
Regulatory Examinations
Federal and state banking agencies require us and our subsidiary banks to prepare annual reports on financial condition and to conduct an annual audit of financial affairs in compliance with minimum standards and procedures. Synovus Bank, Synovus Trust Company, and in some cases we and our nonbank affiliates, must undergo regular on-site examinations by the appropriate regulatory agency, which will examine for adherence to a range of legal and regulatory compliance responsibilities. A bank regulator conducting an examination has complete access to the books and records of the examined institution. The results of the examination are confidential. The cost of examinations may be assessed against the examined institution as the agency deems necessary or appropriate.
Community Reinvestment Act
The Community Reinvestment Act requires the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate the record of Synovus Bank in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These evaluations are considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could result in additional requirements and limitations on the bank.
Commercial Real Estate Lending
Lending operations that involve concentrations of commercial real estate loans are subject to enhanced scrutiny by federal banking regulators. The regulators have advised financial institutions of the risks posed by commercial real estate lending concentrations. Such loans generally include land development, construction loans and loans secured by multifamily property, and nonfarm, nonresidential real property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property. The guidance prescribes the following guidelines for examiners to help identify institutions that are potentially exposed to concentration risk and may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny:
•
total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represent 100 percent or more of the institutions total capital, or
•
total commercial real estate loans represent 300 percent or more of the institution's total capital, and the outstanding balance of the institution's commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50 percent or more during the prior 36 months.
In addition, the banking regulators have issued final rules that require the securitizer of asset-backed securities to retain not less than 5 percent of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the asset-backed securities. This may impact our business by reducing the amount of our commercial real estate lending and increasing the cost of borrowing.
Branching
The Dodd-Frank Act substantially amended the legal framework that had previously governed interstate branching activities. Formerly, under the Reigle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, a bank's ability to branch into a particular state was largely dependent upon whether the state “opted in” to de novo interstate branching. Many states did not “opt-in,” which resulted in branching restrictions in those states. The Dodd-Frank Act removed the “opt-in” concept and permits banks to engage in de novo branching outside of their home states, provided that the laws of the target state permit banks chartered in that state to branch within that state. Accordingly, de novo interstate branching by Synovus Bank is subject to these new standards. All branching in which Synovus Bank may engage remains subject to regulatory approval and adherence to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Anti-Tying Restrictions
In general, a bank may not extend credit, lease, sell property, or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for them on the condition that (1) the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property, or services from or to the bank or bank holding company or their subsidiaries or (2) the customer not obtain some other credit, property, or services from a competitor,

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except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of the credit extended. A bank may, however, offer combined-balance products and may otherwise offer more favorable terms if a customer obtains two or more traditional bank products. The law also expressly permits banks to engage in other forms of tying and authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to grant additional exceptions by regulation or order. Also, certain foreign transactions are exempt from the general rule.
Privacy and Credit Reporting
Financial institutions are required to disclose their policies for collecting and protecting nonpublic customer information obtained from consumers. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing nonpublic personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties, with some exceptions, such as the processing of transactions requested by the consumer. Financial institutions generally may not disclose certain consumer or account information to any nonaffiliated third-party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing. Federal and state banking agencies have prescribed standards for maintaining the security and confidentiality of consumer information, and we are subject to such standards, as well as certain federal and state laws or standards for notifying consumers in the event of a security breach.
Synovus Bank utilizes credit bureau data in underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V on a uniform, nationwide basis, including credit reporting, prescreening, and sharing of information between affiliates and the use of credit data. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act, permits states to enact identity theft laws that are not inconsistent with the conduct required by the provisions of that Act.
Enforcement Powers
Synovus Bank and its “institution-affiliated parties,” including management, employees, agents, independent contractors and consultants, such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the institution's affairs, are subject to potential civil and criminal penalties for violations of law, regulations or written orders of a government agency. Violations can include failure to timely file required reports, filing false or misleading information or submitting inaccurate reports. Civil penalties may be as high as $1,000,000 a day for such violations and criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes may include imprisonment for 20 years. Regulators have flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties, and the FDIC has the authority to terminate deposit insurance. When issued by a banking agency, cease-and-desist and similar orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions determined to be appropriate by the ordering agency. The federal banking agencies also may remove a director or officer from an insured depository institution (or bar them from the industry) if a violation is willful or reckless. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - We may become subject to supervisory actions and enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.” of this Report.
Debit Interchange Fees
Interchange fees, or "swipe" fees, are fees that merchants pay to credit card companies and card-issuing banks such as Synovus Bank for processing electronic payment transactions on their behalf. The maximum permissible interchange fee that a non-exempt issuer may receive for an electronic debit transaction is the sum of 21 cents per transaction and 5 basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction, subject to an upward adjustment of 1 cent if an issuer certifies that it has implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve the fraud-prevention standards set forth buy the Federal Reserve. In addition, card issuers and networks are prohibited from entering into arrangements requiring that debit card transactions be processed on a single network or only two affiliated networks, and allows merchants to determine transaction routing.
Monetary Policy and Economic Controls
The earnings of Synovus Bank, and therefore our earnings, are affected by the policies of regulatory authorities, including the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board. An important function of the Federal Reserve Board is to promote orderly economic growth by influencing interest rates and the supply of money and credit. Among the methods that have been used to achieve this objective are open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate for bank borrowings, expanded access to funds for nonbanks and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These methods are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, interest rates on loans and securities, and rates paid for deposits. In response to the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve Board created several innovative programs to stabilize certain financial institutions and to ensure the availability of credit, which the Federal Reserve Board has begun to modify in light of improved economic conditions.
The effects of the various Federal Reserve Board policies on our future business and earnings cannot be predicted. We cannot predict the nature or extent of any effects that possible future governmental controls or legislation might have on our business and earnings.

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Depositor Preference Statute
Federal law provides that deposits and certain claims for administrative expenses and employee compensation against an insured depository institution are afforded priority over other general unsecured claims against such institution, including federal funds and letters of credit, in the liquidation or other resolution of the institution by any receiver.
Other Regulatory Matters
Synovus and its subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to numerous examinations by federal and state banking regulators, as well as the SEC, the FINRA, the NYSE and various state insurance and securities regulators. Synovus and its subsidiaries have from time to time received requests for information from regulatory authorities in various states, including state insurance commissions and state attorneys general, securities regulators and other regulatory authorities, concerning their business practices. Such requests are considered incidental to the normal conduct of business.
Shareholder Say-On-Pay Votes
The Dodd-Frank Act requires public companies to take shareholders' votes on proposals addressing compensation (known as say-on-pay), the frequency of a say-on-pay vote, and the golden parachutes available to executives in connection with change-in-control transactions. Public companies must give shareholders the opportunity to vote on the compensation at least every three years and the opportunity to vote on frequency at least every six years, indicating whether the say-on-pay vote should be held annually, biennially, or triennially. The first say-on-pay vote occurred at our 2010 annual shareholders meeting. The say-on-pay, the say-on-parachute and the say-on-frequency votes are explicitly nonbinding and cannot override a decision of our Board of Directors.
Available Information
Our website address is www.synovus.com. We file with or furnish to the SEC Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders, and, from time to time, amendments to these documents and other documents called for by the SEC. The reports and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC are available to investors on or through our website at investor.synovus.com under the heading “Financial Information” and then under “SEC Filings.” These reports are available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with the SEC.
In addition, the public may read and copy any of the materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, such as Synovus, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees and have also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of our board committees, as well as information on how to contact our Board of Directors, are available in the Corporate Governance Section of our website at investor.synovus.com/govdocs. We will post any waivers of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics granted to our directors or executive officers on our website at investor.synovus.com.
We include our website addresses throughout this filing only as textual references. The information contained on our website is not incorporated in this document by reference.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
This section highlights the material risks that we currently face. 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.
Competition in the financial services industry may adversely affect our future earnings and growth.
We operate in a highly competitive environment and our profitability and our future growth depends on our ability to compete successfully. We face pricing competition for loans and deposits and we compete for customers based on such factors as convenience, product lines, accessibility of service and service capabilities. Certain of our competitors are larger and have more resources than we do, enabling them to be more aggressive than us in competing for loans and deposits and investing in new products, technology and services. In addition, the ability of non-bank competitors to provide services previously limited to commercial banks has intensified the competition we face. These non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern us and, therefore, may be able to operate with greater flexibility and lower cost structures. This significant competition in attracting and retaining deposits and making loans as well as in providing other financial services may impact our future earnings and growth.
We may not realize the expected benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives, which could negatively impact our future profitability.
In the current competitive banking environment, operating costs must reduce or grow much slower than overall revenue growth. In addition, we must continue to implement strategies to grow our loan portfolio and increase non-interest income in order to realize continued earnings growth and to remain competitive with the other banks in the markets we serve. Since 2010, we have implemented a series of strategic efficiency and growth initiatives to address the challenges facing us and defined strategies for expense reduction, streamlining of processes and long-term growth initiatives. While we have realized cost-savings as a result of various expense savings initiatives, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will be successful in controlling expenses in the future as a number of factors can influence our levels of expenses, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, while expense control continues to be a major focus for us, management also expects to continue to make strategic investments in technology and talent that are expected to improve our customer experience and support future growth which will require an increase in our expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will ultimately realize the anticipated benefits of our expense reduction and growth strategies, which may impair our earnings growth.
Furthermore, if we do not realize the anticipated cost-savings from our efficiency initiatives, we may need to take additional actions to achieve the desired cost-savings. The implementation of these initiatives may also have unintended impacts on our ability to attract and retain business and customers. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that the anticipated long-term benefits from our efficiency and growth initiatives will be realized, and if they are not we may not achieve our strategic and financial objectives.
We may not be able to successfully implement current or future information technology system enhancements and operational initiatives, which could adversely affect our business operations and profitability.
We are investing significant resources in information technology system enhancements and operational initiatives in order to provide functionality and security at an appropriate level, to improve our operating efficiency and to streamline our customer experience. We may not be able to successfully implement and integrate such system enhancements and initiatives, which could adversely impact the ability to comply with a number of legal and regulatory requirements, which could result in sanctions from regulatory authorities. In addition, these projects could have higher than expected costs and/or result in operating inefficiencies, which could increase the costs associated with the implementation as well as ongoing operations. Failure to properly utilize system enhancements that are implemented in the future could result in impairment charges that adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations, could result in significant costs to remediate or replace the defective components and could impact our ability to compete. In addition, we may incur significant training, licensing, maintenance, consulting and amortization expenses during and after implementation, and any such costs may continue for an extended period of time. As such, we cannot guarantee that the anticipated long-term benefits of these system enhancements and operational initiatives will be realized.
If our enterprise risk management framework is not effective at mitigating risk and loss to us, we could suffer unexpected losses and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our enterprise risk management framework seeks to achieve an appropriate balance between risk and return, which is critical to optimizing shareholder value. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and analyze the types of risk to which we are subject, including strategic, market, credit, liquidity, operational, regulatory compliance, litigation and reputational. However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. For example, the financial and credit crisis and resulting regulatory reform highlighted both the importance and some of the limitations of managing unanticipated risks. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

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Our allowance for loan losses may not cover actual losses, and we may be required to materially increase our allowance, which may adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
We derive the most significant portion of our revenues from our lending activities. When we lend money, commit to lend money or enter into a letter of credit or other contract with a counterparty, we incur credit risk, which is the risk of losses if our borrowers do not repay their loans or our counterparties fail to perform according to the terms of their contracts. We estimate and maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expenses, which represents management's best estimate of probable credit losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans, as described under Notes 1 and 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report and under “Critical Accounting Policies - Allowance for Loan Losses” under “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is established to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks using existing qualitative and quantitative information, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans, changes in assumptions regarding a borrower's ability to pay, changes in collateral values, risk ratings, and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may cause the allowance for loan losses to become inadequate and require an increase in the provision for loan losses.
Because the risk rating of the loans is dependent on certain subjective information and is subject to changes in the borrower's credit risk profile, evolving local market conditions and other factors, it can be difficult for us to predict the effects that those factors will have on the classifications assigned to the loan portfolio, and thus difficult to anticipate the velocity or volume of the migration of loans through the classification process and effect on the level of the allowance for loan losses. Accordingly, we monitor our credit quality and our reserve requirements and use that as a basis for capital planning and other purposes. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity” and “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources” of this Report for further information.
Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination procedures, periodically review the allowance. Based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination, such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance or additional loan charge offs. An increase in the allowance for loan losses would result in a decrease in net income and capital, and could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
Any future economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition, results of operations, and future growth.
Management continually monitors market conditions and economic factors throughout our footprint. If conditions were to worsen nationally, regionally or locally, then we could see a sharp increase in our total net charge-offs and also be required to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses. Furthermore, the demand for loans and our other products and services could decline. An increase in our non-performing assets and related increases in our provision for loan losses, coupled with a potential decrease in the demand for loans and our other products and services, could negatively affect our business and could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition, results of operations and future growth.
Changes in interest rates may have an adverse effect on our net interest income.
Net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that we earn on interest-earning assets and the interest expense that we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, is a major component of our income and our primary source of revenue from our operations. A narrowing of interest rate spreads could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. The Federal Reserve began raising rates in late 2015 and market rates increased during 2016. While further rate increases are expected in 2017, there is no assurance that rates will increase as expected, or at all. Regional and local economic conditions, competitive pressures and the policies of regulatory authorities, including monetary policies of the FRB, affect interest income and interest expense. We have ongoing policies and procedures designed to manage the risks associated with changes in market interest rates. However, changes in interest rates still may have an adverse effect on our profitability. A significant portion of our loans, including commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans, bear interest at variable rates. Increases in market interest rates can have a negative impact on our business, including reducing the amount of money our customers borrow or adversely affecting their ability to repay outstanding loan balances that may increase due to adjustments in their variable rates. In addition, as interest rates increase, in order to compete for deposits in our primary market areas, we may have to offer more attractive interest rates to depositors, or pursue other sources of liquidity, such as wholesale funds. While we actively manage against these risks through hedging and other risk mitigation strategies, if our assumptions are wrong or overall economic conditions are significantly different that anticipated, our risk mitigation techniques may be insufficient.
Our net interest income was $899.2 million for 2016, an increase of 8.7% compared to $827.3 million for 2015. Our total loans were $23.86 billion as of December 31, 2016, an increase of 6.4% compared to $22.43 billion as of December 31, 2015. Any future decrease in loan yields or lower realized yields on investment securities could reduce our net interest income and could

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cause pressure on net interest income in future periods. Net interest income also may be negatively impacted by the high level of competition that we face in our primary market area. Significant reduction in our net interest income could have a material adverse impact on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to attract and retain key employees, which may adversely impact our ability to successfully execute our growth strategies.
Our financial success depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly motivated, well-qualified personnel. We face significant competition in the recruitment of qualified employees from financial institutions and others. Moreover, as the banking industry transforms due to technological innovation, we must continually assess and manage how our talent needs change over time. In addition, our future growth and the continued diversification of our loan portfolio depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain the right mix of well-qualified employees. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, our ability to execute our business strategies may suffer and we may be required to substantially increase our overall compensation or benefits to attract and retain such employees. In June 2010, the federal banking regulators jointly issued comprehensive final guidance designed to ensure that incentive compensation policies do not undermine the safety and soundness of banking organizations by encouraging employees to take imprudent risks. In 2016, the federal banking regulators also proposed rules that would, depending upon the assets of the institution, directly regulate incentive compensation arrangements and would require enhanced oversight and recordkeeping. As of December 31, 2016, these rules have not been implemented. These regulations may significantly restrict the amount, form, and context in which we pay incentive compensation and may put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to non-financial institutions in terms of attracting and retaining key employees.
The financial services market is undergoing rapid technological changes, and if we are unable to stay current with those changes, we will not be able to effectively compete.
The financial services market, including banking services, is undergoing rapid changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to keep pace with these technological changes and to use technology to satisfy and grow customer demand for our products and services and to create additional efficiencies in our operations. We expect that we will need to make substantial investments in our technology and information systems to compete effectively and to stay current with technological changes. Some of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements and will be able to invest more heavily in developing and adopting new technologies, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. As a result, our ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business may be impaired, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
We rely extensively on information technology systems to operate our business and an interruption or security breach may disrupt our business operations, result in reputational harm and have an adverse effect on our operations.
As a large financial institution, we rely extensively on our information technology systems to operate our business, including to process, record and monitor a large number of customer transactions on a continuous basis. As customer, public and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased, our operational systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions and breakdowns. Our business, financial, accounting, data processing systems or other operating systems and facilities may stop operating properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be sudden increases in customer transaction volume; electrical or telecommunications outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes; disease pandemics; events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and, as described below, cyber-attacks.
We have policies, procedures and systems designed to prevent or limit the effect of possible failures, interruptions or breaches in security of information systems and business continuity programs designed to provide services in the case of an event resulting in material disruptions of our operating systems. We regularly seek to test the effectiveness of and enhance these policies, procedures and systems. However, there is no guarantee that these safeguards or programs will address all of the threats that continue to evolve. The occurrence of any failure, interruption or security breach of any of our operating systems, or the systems of other companies on which we rely, could result in a wide variety of adverse consequences to us, including disruptions to our business operations, damage to our reputation, loss of customers, liabilities to us and increased regulatory scrutiny.
We face significant cyber and data security risk that could result in the disclosure of confidential information, adversely affect our business or reputation and expose us to significant liabilities.
As a large financial institution, we are under continuous threat of loss due to the velocity and sophistication of cyber-attacks. This risk continues to increase. Two of the most significant cyber-attack risks that we face are e-fraud and loss of sensitive customer data. Loss from e-fraud occurs when cybercriminals breach and extract funds directly from customer or our accounts. Any loss of sensitive customer data that results from attempts to breach our systems, such as account numbers and social security numbers,

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would present significant reputational, legal and/or regulatory costs to us. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature and complexity of these threats from cybercriminals and hackers, our plans to continue to provide internet banking and mobile banking channels, and our plans to develop additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our customers. While we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches to date, we have been the subject of attempted hacking and cyber-attacks and there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future.
The occurrence of any cyber-attack or information security breach could result in material adverse consequences to us including damage to our reputation and the loss of customers. We also could face litigation or additional regulatory scrutiny. Litigation or regulatory actions in turn could lead to significant liability or other sanctions, including fines and penalties or reimbursement to customers adversely affected by a security breach. Even if we do not suffer any material adverse consequences as a result of events affecting us directly, successful attacks or systems failures at other large financial institutions could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in financial institutions including us.
We continually review the security of our IT systems and make the necessary investments to improve the resiliency of our systems and their security from attack. Nonetheless, there remains the risk that we may be materially harmed by a cyber-attack or information security breach. Attack methods continue to evolve in sophistication, velocity, and frequency and can occur from a variety of sources, such as foreign governments, hacktivists, or other well-financed entities, and may originate from less regulated and remote areas of the world. As a result, if such an attack or breach does occur, we will take reasonable and customary measures to address the situation, based on our crisis management plan; however, there can be no assurance that such measures will effectively prevent or mitigate any resulting losses.
We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.
Third parties provide key components of our business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, Internet connections and network access. We have selected these third-party vendors carefully and have conducted the due diligence consistent with regulatory guidance and best practices. While we have ongoing programs to review third party vendors and assess risk, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyber-attacks and security breaches at a vendor, failure of a vendor to provide services for any reason or poor performance of services, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. Financial or operational difficulties of a third-party vendor could also hurt our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor's ability to serve us. Furthermore, our vendors could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. Replacing these third-party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an unavoidable inherent risk to our business operations.
Regulation of the financial services industry continues to undergo major changes, and future legislation could increase our cost of doing business or harm our competitive position.
The Dodd-Frank Act brought about a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, addressing, among other things, systemic risk, capital adequacy, deposit insurance assessments, consumer financial protection, interchange fees, derivatives, lending limits, mortgage lending practices, registration of investment advisors and changes among the bank regulatory agencies. Key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that have impacted or are likely to impact our operations or the operations of Synovus Bank include:
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Creation of the CFPB with centralized authority, including examination and enforcement authority, for consumer protection in the banking industry.
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Limitations on federal preemption.
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Prohibitions and restrictions on the ability of a banking entity and nonbank financial company to engage in proprietary trading and have certain interests in, or relationships with, a hedge fund or private equity fund (the “Volcker Rule”).
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Application of new regulatory capital requirements, including changes to leverage and risk-based capital standards and changes to the components of permissible tiered capital.
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Requirement that the company and its subsidiary bank be well capitalized and well managed in order to engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies.
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Changes to the assessment base for deposit insurance premiums.
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Permanently raising the FDIC's standard maximum deposit insurance amount to a $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance.
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Repeal of the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.

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Restrictions on compensation, including a prohibition on incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk taking by covered financial institutions and are deemed to be excessive, or that may lead to material losses.
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Requirement that sponsors of asset-backed securities retain a percentage of the credit risk of the assets underlying the securities.
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Requirement that banking regulators remove references to and requirements of reliance upon credit ratings from their regulations and replace them with appropriate alternatives for evaluating credit worthiness.
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Rules pertaining to a mortgage borrower’s ability to repay, mortgage loan originator compensation and qualifications, and integrated mortgage disclosure rules that will replace and combine certain existing requirements under the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, among other requirements affecting the mortgage origination and secondary marketing of mortgages.
Some of these and other major changes could materially impact the profitability of our business, the value of assets we hold or the collateral available for our loans, require changes to business practices or force us to discontinue businesses and expose us to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk. Many of these provisions became effective upon enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, while others were subject to further study, rulemaking, and the discretion of regulatory bodies and have only recently taken effect or will take effect in coming years. In light of these significant changes and the discretion afforded to federal regulators, we cannot fully predict the effect that compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act or any implementing regulations will have on our businesses or our ability to pursue future business opportunities. Additional regulations resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Certain other reform proposals have resulted in us becoming subject to stricter capital requirements and leverage limits, and affect the scope, coverage, or calculation of capital, all of which could require us to reduce business levels or to raise capital, including in ways that may adversely impact our shareholders or creditors. See “Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors” of this Report for further information. We cannot predict whether new legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any regulations, would have on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
The 2016 national election results have introduced further uncertainty into future implementation and enforcement of the Dodd-Frank Act and other regulatory requirements applicable to the banking sector. While these developments have contributed to increased market valuations of companies in the banking and financial services industry, including our company, there is no assurance that any regulatory changes will be implemented or that benefits to our future financial performance will continue to be realized.
We could realize losses if we determine to sell non-performing assets and the proceeds we receive are lower than the carrying value of such assets.
Distressed asset sales have been a component of our strategy to further strengthen the balance sheet, improve asset quality, and enhance earnings. We could realize future losses if the proceeds we receive upon dispositions of non-performing assets are lower than the recorded carrying value of such assets, which could adversely affect our results of operations in future periods. Accordingly, we could realize an increased level of credit costs in any period during which we determine to dispose of an increased level of distressed assets. Further, although market conditions have improved, if market conditions experience another downturn, this could negatively impact our ability to dispose of distressed assets, and may result in higher credit losses on sales of distressed assets.
We are subject to a variety of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal risk, and regulatory and compliance risk, and the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and regulatory and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, including unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. See “Part I - Item 1. Business - Enterprise Risk Management” of this Report for further information. Negative public opinion may result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion may adversely affect our ability to attract and keep customers and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Actual or alleged conduct by us may result in negative public opinion about our business. Negative public opinion may also affect our credit ratings, which are important to our access to unsecured wholesale borrowings.
Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions, and our large transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. We also may be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (for example, computer viruses, cyber-

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attacks or electrical or telecommunications outages, or natural disasters, disease pandemics or other damage to property or physical assets) which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. The occurrence of any of these risks may result in a diminished ability of us to operate our business (for example, by requiring us to expend significant resources to correct the defect), as well as potential liability to customers, reputational damage and regulatory intervention, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, perhaps materially.
As an issuer of credit and debit cards we are exposed to losses in the event that holders of our cards experience fraud on their card accounts.
Our customers regularly use Synovus-issued credit and debit cards to pay for transactions with retailers and other businesses. There is the risk of data security breaches at these retailers and other businesses that could result in the misappropriation of our customers’ credit and debit card information. When our customers use Synovus-issued cards to make purchases from those businesses, card account information is provided to the business. If the business’s systems that process or store card account information are subject to a data security breach, holders of our cards who have made purchases from that business may experience fraud on their card accounts. While we expect that the rollout of EMV-enabled credit and debit cards will have a positive impact on fraudulent transactions, we may nonetheless suffer losses associated with reimbursing our customers for fraudulent transactions on customers’ card accounts, as well as for other costs related to data security compromise events, such as replacing cards associated with compromised card accounts. In addition, we provide card transaction processing services to some merchant customers under agreements we have with payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard. Under these agreements, we may be responsible for certain losses and penalties if one of our merchant customers suffers a data security breach.
In the last several years, a number of large retailers suffered substantial data security breaches compromising millions of credit and debit card accounts. To date, our losses and costs related to these breaches have not been material, but other similar events in the future could be more significant to us.
If we pursue acquisitions in the future as part of our growth strategy, we may not be able to complete such acquisitions or successfully integrate bank or nonbank acquisitions into our existing operations.
While we have historically grown by acquisition, we curtailed our acquisition strategy following the economic downturn. As we have returned to profitability, we have begun to pursue and complete acquisitions of bank or non-bank operations as a growth strategy. However, we may not be successful in identifying suitable acquisition candidates, and even if we identify such candidates, we may not be successful in completing such acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all.
In particular, difficulties may arise in the integration of the business and operations of BHCs, banks and other non-bank entities we acquire and, as a result, we may not be able to achieve the cost savings and synergies that we expect will result from such transactions. Achieving cost savings is dependent on consolidating certain operational and functional areas, eliminating duplicative positions and terminating certain agreements for outside services. Additional savings are dependent upon the integration of the acquired entity’s businesses with our businesses, the conversion of core operating systems, data systems and products and the standardization of business practices. The integration could result in higher than expected deposit attrition, loss of key employees, disruption of our businesses or the businesses of the acquired company, or otherwise adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.
In addition, we must generally satisfy a number of meaningful conditions before we can complete an acquisition of another bank or BHC, including federal and/or state regulatory approvals. Also, under the Dodd-Frank Act, U.S. regulators must take systemic risk into account when evaluating whether to approve a potential acquisition transaction. We cannot be certain when or if, or on what terms and conditions, any required regulatory approvals will be granted, if at all.
The fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.
The Federal Reserve Board regulates the supply of money and credit in the U.S. Its policies determine in large part the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. They can also materially decrease the value of financial assets we hold. Federal Reserve policies may also adversely affect borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans, or could adversely create asset bubbles which result from prolonged periods of accommodative policy. This, in turn, may result in volatile markets and rapidly declining collateral values. Changes in Federal Reserve policies are beyond our control and difficult to predict; consequently, the impact of these changes on our activities and results of operations is difficult to predict. Also, potential new taxes on corporations generally, or on financial institutions specifically, would adversely affect our net income.
We may become subject to supervisory actions and enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.
Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions, state banking regulators, the Federal Reserve, and separately the FDIC as the insurer of bank deposits, each has the authority to compel or restrict certain actions on our part if any of them determine that we have insufficient capital or are otherwise operating in a

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manner that may be deemed to be inconsistent with safe and sound banking practices. In addition to examinations for safety and soundness, we and our subsidiaries also are subject to continuous examination by state and federal banking regulators, including the CFPB, for compliance with various laws and regulations, as well as consumer compliance initiatives. As a result of this regulatory oversight and examination process, our regulators may require us to enter into informal or formal supervisory agreements, including board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders, pursuant to which we could be required to take identified corrective actions to address cited concerns, or to refrain from taking certain actions.
If we become subject to and are unable to comply with the terms of any future regulatory actions or directives, supervisory agreements, or orders, then we could become subject to additional, heightened supervisory actions and orders, possibly including consent orders, prompt corrective action restrictions and/or other regulatory actions, including prohibitions on the payment of dividends on our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. If our regulators were to take such additional supervisory actions, then we could, among other things, become subject to significant restrictions on our ability to develop any new business, as well as restrictions on our existing business, and we could be required to raise additional capital, discontinue our share repurchase program, dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period of time, or all of the above. The terms of any such supervisory action could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock. See “Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation, and Other Factors” in this Report for further information
We may be required to undertake additional strategic initiatives to improve our capital position due to changes in economic conditions or changes in regulatory capital rules.
Effective January 1, 2015, the regulatory capital framework changed for us in important respects as a result of the new rules implementing the Dodd-Frank Act and a separate, international regulatory capital initiative known as “Basel III” (collectively, the “Basel III Capital Rules”). Among other things, the Basel III Capital Rules raised the minimum thresholds for required capital and revised certain aspects of the definitions and elements of the capital that can be used to satisfy these required minimum thresholds. The Basel III Capital Rules also introduced a minimum “capital conservation buffer” equal to 2.5% of an organization’s total risk-weighted assets, which exists in addition to the required minimum CET1, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios identified above. The “capital conservation buffer,” which must consist entirely of CET1, is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phased-in over a three-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). At January 1, 2017, the buffer was increased to 1.25%. In 2016, we repurchased $124.7 million in outstanding subordinated notes that mature in 2017 in conjunction with a cash tender offer. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we completed the repurchase of $300 million of capital stock under our previously announced share repurchase program. As a result and as of December 31, 2016, our CET1 ratio under Basel III was 9.51% on a fully phased-in basis, which is in excess of the minimum common equity and additional conservation buffer stipulated by the Basel III Capital Rules. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources" and "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
We and Synovus Bank are also subject to stress testing requirements, including public disclosures of certain results. The results of such stress testing may require us to take certain actions to improve our capital position. See “Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors” of this Report for further information.
Moreover, federal bank regulators have issued a series of guidance and rulemakings applicable to large banks. While many of these do not currently apply to us due to our asset size, these issuances could impact industry capital standards and practices in many potentially unforeseeable ways.
We continue to actively monitor economic conditions, evolving industry capital standards, and changes in regulatory standards and requirements, and engage in regular discussions with our regulators regarding capital at both Synovus and Synovus Bank. As part of our ongoing management of capital, we will continue to identify, consider, and pursue additional strategic initiatives to bolster our capital position as deemed necessary, including strategies that may be required to meet the requirements of Basel III and other regulatory initiatives regarding capital, and will continue to evaluate our share repurchase program and increased dividends. The need to maintain more capital and greater liquidity than has been required historically could limit our business activities, including lending, and our ability to expand, either organically or through future acquisitions. It could also result in us taking steps to increase our capital that may be dilutive to shareholders or limit our ability to pay dividends or otherwise return capital to shareholders.
Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results.
We may be unable to access historical and alternative sources of liquidity, including the capital markets, brokered deposits, and borrowings from the FHLB, which could adversely affect our overall liquidity. Liquidity represents the extent to which we

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have readily available sources of funding needed to meet the needs of our depositors, borrowers and creditors, to support asset growth, and to otherwise sustain our operations and the operations of our subsidiary bank. In managing our consolidated balance sheet, we depend on access to a variety of sources of funding to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs, and to accommodate the transaction and cash management needs of our customers. Sources of funding available to us, and upon which we rely as regular components of our liquidity and funding management strategy, include borrowings from the FHLB and brokered deposits. See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity” and “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources” of this Report for further information. We also have historically enjoyed a solid reputation in the capital markets and have been able to raise funds in the form of either short- or long-term borrowings or equity or debt issuances. If, due to market disruptions, perceptions about our credit ratings or other factors, we are unable to access the capital markets in the future, our capital resources and liquidity may be adversely affected.
In general, the amount, type and cost of our funding, including from other financial institutions, the capital markets and deposits, directly impacts our costs of operating our business and growing our assets and can therefore positively or negatively affect our financial results. A number of factors could make funding more difficult, more expensive or unavailable on any terms, including, but not limited to, a downgrade in our credit ratings, financial results, changes within our organization, specific events that adversely impact our reputation, disruptions in the capital markets, specific events that adversely impact the financial services industry, counterparty availability, changes affecting our assets, the corporate and regulatory structure, interest rate fluctuations, general economic conditions and the legal, regulatory, accounting and tax environments governing our funding transactions. Also, we compete for funding with other banks and similar companies, many of which are substantially larger, and have more capital and other resources than we do. In addition, as some of these competitors consolidate with other financial institutions, these advantages may increase. Competition from these institutions may increase the cost of funds.
In addition to bank level liquidity management, we must manage liquidity at the Parent Company for various needs including potential capital infusions into subsidiaries, the servicing of debt, the payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock and share repurchases. The primary source of liquidity for us consists of dividends from Synovus Bank which are governed by certain rules and regulations of our supervising agencies. During 2015, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $225.0 million including cash dividends of $199.9 million. During 2016, Synovus Bank made upstream cash dividends to the Parent Company totaling $325.0 million. On January 31, 2017, Synovus Bank paid an upstream cash dividend of $100.0 million to the Parent Company. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality, liquidity and overall condition. In addition, GA DBF rules and related statutes contain additional restrictions on payments of dividends by Synovus Bank. In particular, the Georgia Financial Institutions Code contains restrictions on the ability of a Georgia bank to pay dividends other than from retained earnings and under other circumstances without the approval of the GA DBF. As a result of these restrictions, Synovus Bank may be required to seek approval from the GA DBF to pay dividends. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and repay maturing debt obligations.” of this Report. See "Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulatory and Other Factors - Dividends" of this Report for further information. Synovus expects that it will receive additional dividends from Synovus Bank in 2017. If Synovus does not receive dividends from Synovus Bank in 2017 at the levels anticipated, its liquidity could be adversely affected and it may not be able to continue to execute its current capital plan to return capital to its shareholders. In addition to dividends from Synovus Bank, we have historically had access to a number of alternative sources of liquidity, including the capital markets, but there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain such liquidity on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. If our access to these traditional and alternative sources of liquidity is diminished or only available on unfavorable terms, then our overall liquidity and financial condition will be adversely affected.
If Synovus Bank is unable to grow its deposits, it may be subject to paying higher funding costs.
The total amount that we pay for funding costs is dependent, in part, on Synovus Bank’s ability to grow its deposits. If Synovus Bank is unable to sufficiently grow its deposits to meet liquidity needs, it may be subject to paying higher funding costs to meet these liquidity needs. Synovus Bank competes with banks and other financial services companies for deposits. If competitors raise the rates they pay on deposits, Synovus Bank’s funding costs may increase, either because Synovus Bank raises rates to avoid losing deposits or because Synovus Bank loses deposits and must rely on more expensive sources of funding. Higher funding costs reduce our net interest margin and net interest income. Synovus Bank’s customers could withdraw their deposits in favor of alternative investments, causing Synovus Bank to lose a lower cost source of funding. Checking and savings account balances and other forms of customer deposits may decrease when customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt and repay maturing debt obligations.
As of December 31, 2016, we and our consolidated subsidiaries had $2.16 billion of long-term debt outstanding. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest or to satisfy our obligations in respect of our debt, to refinance our debt or to fund capital expenditures will depend on our future financial and operating performance and our ability to maintain adequate

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liquidity. Prevailing economic conditions (including interest rates), regulatory constraints, including, among other things, on distributions to us from our subsidiaries and required capital levels with respect to our subsidiary bank and financial subsidiaries, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, may also affect our ability to meet these needs. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or obtain future borrowings in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity, and we may not be able to refinance any of our debt when needed on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments in our business, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity or debt financing or restructure our debt on terms that may not be favorable to us.
We may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock.
Holders of our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically paid a quarterly cash dividend to the holders of our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock, we are not legally required to do so. Further, the Federal Reserve could decide at any time that paying any dividends on our common stock or preferred stock could be an unsafe or unsound banking practice. The reduction or elimination of dividends paid on our common stock or preferred stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock or preferred stock, as applicable. In addition, if we fail to pay dividends on our Series C Preferred Stock for six quarters, whether or not consecutive, the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to certain rights to elect two directors to our Board of Directors.
For a discussion of current regulatory limits on our ability to pay dividends, see “Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors - Dividends,” “Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors - We may become subject to supervisory actions and enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.” and “Part II - Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities - Dividends” in this Report for further information.
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.
Synovus Mortgage sells the majority of all the mortgage loans that it originates. 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 for the amount of the unpaid principal balance and related investor fees or make the purchaser whole for any economic losses associated with the loan. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions designed to address perceived deficiencies in the residential mortgage loan origination and underwriting process, in part by creating new documentation requirements and underwriting criteria. If Synovus and Synovus Mortgage fail to take steps to ensure and document that each borrower has the capacity and the ability to repay their loans, their potential liability to these customers will increase.
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. The total accrued liability related to mortgage repurchase claims was $2.3 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Our current tax position, including the realization of our deferred tax assets in the future, could be subject to potential legislative, administrative or judicial changes or interpretations, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Comprehensive tax reform being proposed by the President and Congress, including current proposals to lower the federal corporate income tax rate could significantly impact our tax position in the future, resulting in a reduction to our deferred tax asset balance and a corresponding one-time, non-cash increase in income tax expense.  Because Synovus had $395.4 million in net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, $218.3 million of which is disallowed when calculating regulatory capital, a reduction in our deferred tax asset balance and a corresponding increase in our income tax expense could have a material impact on our results of operations when enacted. In addition, future tax reform could impact our operating results in a number of other ways. We are unable to predict whether any of these changes or proposals will be enacted.  See “Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Income Tax Expense” and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 24 - Income Taxes" in this Report for further information.
Issuances or sales of common stock or other equity securities could result in an “ownership change” as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the event an “ownership change” were to occur, our ability to fully utilize a significant portion of our U.S. federal and state tax net operating losses and certain built-in losses that have not been recognized for tax purposes could be impaired as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Code.
Our ability to use certain realized NOLs and unrealized built-in losses to offset future taxable income may be significantly limited if we experience an “ownership change” as defined by Section 382 of the Code. An ownership change under Section 382

35


generally occurs when a change in the aggregate percentage ownership of the stock of the corporation held by “five percent shareholders” increases by more than fifty percentage points over a rolling three-year period. A corporation experiencing an ownership change generally is subject to an annual limitation on its utilization of pre-change losses and certain post-change recognized built-in losses equal to the value of the stock of the corporation immediately before the “ownership change,” multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate (subject to certain adjustments). The annual limitation is increased each year to the extent that there is an unused limitation in a prior year. Since U.S. federal net operating losses generally may be carried forward for up to 20 years, the annual limitation also effectively provides a cap on the cumulative amount of pre-change losses and certain post-change recognized built-in losses that may be utilized. Pre-change losses and certain post-change recognized built-in losses in excess of the cap are effectively unable to be used to reduce future taxable income. In some circumstances, issuances or sales of our stock (including any common stock or other equity issuances or debt-for-equity exchanges and certain transactions involving our stock that are outside of our control) could result in an “ownership change” under Section 382.
In April 2010, we adopted a Rights Plan, which was approved by our shareholders in April 2011 at our 2011 annual meeting. In April 2013, our Board extended the Rights Plan to April 26, 2016, with shareholder ratification in April 2014 at our 2014 annual meeting. Prior to its expiration in 2016, the Board determined to amend the expiration of the Rights Plan to the close of business on April 29, 2019. We presently intend to seek shareholder ratification of the amendment to the Rights Plan at our 2017 annual meeting. The Rights Plan provides an economic disincentive for any one person or group acting in concert to become an owner, for relevant tax purposes, of 5% or more of our stock and is intended to protect our NOLs from the potential negative consequence of an ownership change as defined under Section 382 of the Code.
While adoption of the Rights Plan should reduce the likelihood that future transactions in our stock will result in an ownership change, there can be no assurance that the Rights Plan will be effective to deter a shareholder from increasing its ownership interests beyond the limits set by the Rights Plan or that an ownership change will not occur in the future, especially if the Rights Plan is not extended or a new Rights Plan is not adopted when the current Rights Plan terminates. Furthermore, our ability to enter into future transactions, including those requiring the issuance of additional ownership interests, may be impaired if such transactions result in an unanticipated “ownership change” under Section 382. If an “ownership change” under Section 382 were to occur, the value of our net operating losses and a portion of the net unrealized built-in losses will be impaired.
The costs and effects of litigation, investigations or similar matters involving us or other financial institutions or counterparties, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, could materially affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may be involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters arising out of our business, including those described in “Part I - Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 21 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report. Synovus cannot predict the outcome of these or any other legal matters. We establish reserves for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the losses can be reasonably estimated. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not established a reserve. In addition, the actual cost of resolving a legal claim may be substantially higher than any amounts reserved for that matter. For those legal matters where the amounts associated with the claims are not probable and the costs cannot be reasonably estimated, Synovus estimates a range of reasonably possible losses. As of December 31, 2016, Synovus' management currently estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses resulting from our outstanding litigation, including, without limitation, the matters described in this Report is from zero to $12.0 million in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, related to those matters. This estimated aggregate range is based upon information currently available to us, and the actual losses could prove to be higher. As there are further developments in these legal matters, we will reassess these matters and the estimated range of reasonably possible losses may change as a result of this assessment. In addition, in the future, we may need to record additional litigation reserves with respect to these matters. Further, regardless of how these matters proceed, it could divert our management's attention and other resources away from our business.
Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against it and indemnification rights to which we are entitled may not be honored, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation or investigation significantly exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, premiums for insurance covering the financial and banking sectors are rising. We may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, nor may we be able to obtain adequate replacement policies with acceptable terms or at historic rates, if at all.
Our stock price is subject to fluctuations, and the value of your investment may decline.
The trading price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations. The stock market in general, and the market for the stocks of commercial banks and other financial services companies in particular, has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that sometimes have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance, and the value of your investment may decline.

36


Certain shares of our common stock are entitled to ten votes per share on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders.
Although we only have one class of common stock, certain shares of our common stock are entitled to ten votes per share on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders, including common stock that has been beneficially owned continuously by the same shareholder for a period of forty-eight consecutive months before the record date of any meeting of shareholders at which the share is eligible to be voted. Therefore, while a holder of common stock may have an economic interest in us that is identical to or even greater than another shareholder, that other shareholder may be entitled to ten times as many votes per share. As a result, some groups of shareholders will be able to approve strategic transactions or increases in authorized capital stock, among other matters submitted to the shareholders, even over the objections of shareholders, who hold equivalent or greater economic stakes in our company.
Our articles of incorporation, our Rights Plan and certain banking laws and regulations may have an anti-takeover effect.
Provisions of our articles of incorporation, our Rights Plan and certain banking laws and regulations, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to our shareholders. The combination of these provisions may inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
NONE.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We and our subsidiaries own or lease all of the real property and/or buildings in which we operate our business. All of such buildings are in a good state of repair.
As of December 31, 2016, we and our subsidiaries owned 210 facilities encompassing approximately 2,001,747 square feet and leased from third parties 96 facilities encompassing approximately 1,028,423 square feet. The owned and leased facilities are primarily comprised of office space from which we conduct our business in our headquarters in Columbus, Georgia and throughout our footprint. See Table 2 for a list of bank branches by state. The following table provides additional information with respect to our leased facilities: 
Table 5 - Properties
Square Footage
Number of Locations
 
Average Square Footage
Under 3,000
15

 
1,565

3,000 – 9,999
58

 
4,850

10,000 – 18,999
7

 
13,205

19,000 – 30,000
8

 
25,101

Over 30,000
8

 
53,804

 
 
 
 
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 - Premises and Equipment" of this Report for further information.
ITEM 3. 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. Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has been the target of numerous legal actions and other proceedings asserting claims for damages and related relief for losses. 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 putative class action matters. In addition to actual damages if Synovus does not prevail in asserted legal actions, credit-related litigation could result in additional write-downs or charge-offs of loans, which could adversely affect Synovus' results of operations during the period in which the write-down or charge-off were to occur.
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

37


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 II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 21 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report, which Note is incorporated in this Item 3 by this reference.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
NOT APPLICABLE.

38


Part II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Shares of our common stock are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “SNV.” On February 24, 2017, the closing price per share of our common stock as quoted, at the end of regular trading, on the NYSE was $42.23.
Market and Stock Price Information
The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 as reported on the NYSE.
Table 6 – Stock Price Information
 
 
 
High  
 
Low  
2016
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2016
$
41.83

 
31.41

Quarter ended September 30, 2016
33.59

 
27.26

Quarter ended June 30, 2016
32.55

 
27.61

Quarter ended March 31, 2016
32.01

 
25.48

 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2015
$
33.68

 
28.55

Quarter ended September 30, 2015
32.52

 
27.30

Quarter ended June 30, 2015
31.43

 
27.32

Quarter ended March 31, 2015
28.84

 
24.41

 
 
 
 
As of February 24, 2017, there were 122,349,767 shares of Synovus common stock issued and outstanding and 14,063 shareholders of record of Synovus common stock, some of which are holders in nominee name for the benefit of a number of different shareholders.
Dividends
The table below sets forth information regarding dividends declared on our common stock during the periods set forth below.
Table 7 – Dividends
 
 
 
Date Paid to Shareholders
 
Per Share Amount
2016
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2016
January 2, 2017
 
$
0.12

Quarter ended September 30, 2016
October 3, 2016
 
0.12

Quarter ended June 30, 2016
July 1, 2016
 
0.12

Quarter ended March 31, 2016
April 1, 2016
 
0.12

 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
Quarter ended December 31, 2015
January 4, 2016
 
$
0.12

Quarter ended September 30, 2015
October 1, 2015
 
0.10

Quarter ended June 30, 2015
July 1, 2015
 
0.10

Quarter ended March 31, 2015
April 1, 2015
 
0.10

 
 
 
 
During both 2016 and 2015, Synovus paid dividends of $10.2 million on its Series C Preferred Stock.

39


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, and will continue to periodically review dividend levels to determine if they are appropriate in light of these factors and the restrictions on payment of dividends described below.
Under the laws of the State of Georgia, we, as a business corporation, may declare and pay dividends in cash or property unless the payment or declaration would be contrary to restrictions contained in our articles of incorporation, or unless, after payment of the dividend, we would not be able to pay our debts when they become due in the usual course of our business, or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities. In addition, we are also subject to federal regulatory capital requirements that effectively limit the amount of cash dividends, if any, that we may pay.
Synovus' ability to pay dividends is partially dependent upon dividends and distributions that it receives from Synovus Bank and its non-banking subsidiaries, which are restricted by various regulations administered by federal and state bank regulatory authorities. During 2015, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $225.0 million including cash dividends of $199.9 million. During 2016, Synovus Bank made upstream cash dividends to the Parent Company totaling $325.0 million. On January 31, 2017, Synovus Bank paid an upstream cash dividend of $100.0 million to the Parent Company. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality, liquidity and overall condition. In addition, GA DBF rules and related statutes contain limitations on payments of dividends by Synovus Bank without the approval of the GA DBF. See "Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors - Dividends" of this Report for further information. Synovus is also subject to contractual restrictions that limit its ability to pay dividends if there is an event of default under such contract. Synovus in the future may become subject to additional supervisory actions and/or enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on business, operating flexibility, financial condition, and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.
See “Part I - Item 1. Business - Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors - Dividends," "Part I - Item 1A. Risk factors - We may become subject to supervisory actions and enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, reputation, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock and preferred stock.” and “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - We may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock.” of this Report for additional information regarding dividends on Synovus stock.

40


Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative shareholder return on Synovus stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the KBW Regional Bank Index for the last five fiscal years (assuming a $100 investment on December 31, 2011 and reinvestment of all dividends).
snv-1231201_chartx49747a03.jpg
Table 8 - Stock Performance
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
Synovus
 
$
100

 
177.19

 
263.83

 
287.20

 
348.12

 
441.65

Standard & Poor's 500 Index
 
100

 
113.41

 
146.98

 
163.72

 
162.53

 
178.02

KBW Regional Bank Index
 
100

 
130.22

 
175.88

 
188.57

 
208.08

 
282.40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








41



Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On October 21, 2014, Synovus announced a $250 million share repurchase program, which expired on October 23, 2015 and was completed prior to its expiration. Following the expiration of the 2014 share repurchase program, Synovus' Board of Directors authorized a new $300 million share repurchase program to be completed over the next 15 month period. This program was announced on October 20, 2015 and completed during the fourth quarter of 2016. The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2016, all of which were made under the $300 million share repurchase program.
Effective September 29, 2016, Synovus entered into an ASR to repurchase the remaining $50.0 million of Synovus common stock under the share repurchase program, and repurchased 1.2 million shares at an initial average price of $31.87. In total, the average repurchase price pursuant to the ASR was $36.13.
Table 9 - Share Repurchases
 
Total Number of Shares Repurchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number
of Shares Repurchased as
Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
October 2016
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
$
10,582

(1) 
November 2016
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
$
10,582

(1) 
December 2016
 
147

(1) 
 
(2) 
147

 
$
—

 
Total
 
147

 
 
 
147

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased in October and November 2016 and the total number of shares repurchased in December 2016 reflected the aggregate value of and number of shares of the stock that was held back by the counterparty to the ASR pending final settlement of the ASR that occurred in December 2016.
(2) The average price paid per share has been left blank as the 147 thousand shares repurchased in December 2016 as part of the final settlement of the ASR were included in the pool of shares purchased upon entry into the ASR in the third quarter of 2016.
Following the expiration of the $300 million share repurchase program, the Board of Directors authorized a new $200 million share repurchase program that will expire at the end of 2017. This new program was announced on January 17, 2017.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Table 10 - Selected Financial Data
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Income Statement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues(1)    
$
1,166,363

 
1,092,469

 
1,080,057

 
1,060,818

 
1,128,941

Net interest income
899,180

 
827,318

 
819,284

 
810,192

 
854,117

Provision for loan losses
28,000

 
19,010

 
33,831

 
69,598

 
320,369

Non-interest income
273,194

 
267,920

 
262,104

 
253,571

 
313,966

Non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains
267,183

 
265,151

 
260,773

 
250,626

 
274,824

Non-interest expense
755,923

 
717,655

 
744,998

 
741,537

 
816,237

Net income(2)
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

 
159,383

 
830,209

Dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock    
10,238

 
10,238

 
10,238

 
40,830

 
58,703

Net income available to common shareholders(2)
236,546

 
215,844

 
185,011

 
118,553

 
771,506

Per share data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share, basic(2)
1.90

 
1.63

 
1.34

 
0.93

 
6.87

Net income per common share, diluted(2)
1.89

 
1.62

 
1.33

 
0.88

 
5.93

Cash dividends declared per common share
0.48

 
0.42

 
0.31

 
0.28

 
0.28

Book value per common share
22.92

 
22.19

 
21.42

 
20.32

 
23.25

Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale
3,718,195

 
3,587,818

 
3,041,406

 
3,199,358

 
2,981,112

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
23,856,391

 
22,429,565

 
21,097,699

 
20,057,798

 
19,541,690

Total assets
30,104,002

 
28,792,653

 
27,050,237

 
26,200,205

 
26,757,940

Deposits
24,648,060

 
23,242,661

 
21,531,700

 
20,876,790

 
21,057,044

Long-term debt
2,160,881

 
2,186,893

 
2,139,325

 
2,031,742

 
1,724,382

Total shareholders’ equity
2,927,924

 
3,000,196

 
3,041,270

 
2,948,985

 
3,569,431

Performance ratios and other data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
0.84
%
 
0.80

 
0.74

 
0.61

 
3.15

Return on average equity
8.40

 
7.49

 
6.45

 
4.84

 
29.04

Net interest margin
3.27

 
3.19

 
3.38

 
3.40

 
3.50

Dividend payout ratio(3)    
25.38

 
25.93

 
23.13

 
30.77

 
4.71

Total shareholders' equity to total assets ratio
9.73

 
10.42

 
11.24

 
11.25

 
13.34

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio(4)    
9.09

 
9.90

 
10.69

 
10.68

 
9.66

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
124,389

 
132,423

 
138,495

 
127,495

 
112,352

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
125,078

 
133,201

 
139,154

 
134,226

 
130,015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Consists of net interest income and non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains.
(2) The year ended December 31, 2012 reflects a $796.3 million income tax benefit due primarily to the reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
(3) Determined by dividing cash dividends declared per common share by diluted net income per share.
(4) See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.


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ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary
The following financial review provides a discussion of Synovus' financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations as well as a summary of Synovus' critical accounting policies. This section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.
Overview of 2016 Financial Results
Net income available to common shareholders was $236.5 million, or $1.89 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 9.6% and 16.7%, respectively, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $215.8 million, or $1.62 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Total revenues were $1.17 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $73.9 million or 6.8% from 2015, with net interest income and non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains growing 8.7% and 0.8%, respectively, from the prior year. Net interest income was $899.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, up $71.9 million, or 8.7%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The net interest margin was 3.27% for 2016, an increase of 8 basis points from 2015. The yield on earning assets increased 8 basis points to 3.72% and the effective cost of funds was unchanged at 0.45%. The yield on loans was 4.14%, an increase of 1 basis point over 2015.
Total non-interest income was $273.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $5.3 million, or 2.0%, compared to the prior year. Non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains was $267.2 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 0.8%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Total non-interest expense of $755.9 million increased $38.3 million, or 5.3%, during the year ended December 31, 2016 while adjusted non-interest expense increased by $23.4 million, or 3.3%, to $732.5 million. Employment expense of $402.0 million was up $21.1 million compared to 2015 reflecting annual salary increases and higher commissions and incentive compensation. The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio for 2016 were 64.74% and 61.06%, respectively, both showing an 87 basis points improvement from 2015. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
2016 results reflect continued broad-based improvement in credit quality as total non-performing assets declined 18.4% to $175.7 million at December 31, 2016. The NPA ratio was 0.74% as of December 31, 2016, down 22 basis points from December 31, 2015. The NPL ratio declined to 0.64% at December 31, 2016 from 0.75% at December 31, 2015. ORE was $22.3 million at December 31, 2016, down $24.7 million or 52.6% from $47.0 million at December 31, 2015. Net charge-offs remained low at $28.7 million, or only 0.12% of average loans, down 1 basis point from 2015. Total past due loans over 90 days were only 0.01% at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Provision expense was $28.0 million in 2016 compared to $19.0 million in 2015. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016 was $251.8 million, or 1.06% of loans, representing a $738 thousand decline compared to December 31, 2015.
Results for the year ended December 31, 2016 included restructuring charges of $8.3 million with $5.3 million related to continued corporate real estate optimization activities. Synovus continues to evaluate its branch network while deploying additional digital and online capabilities to increase convenience for customers while lowering transaction costs, and identified and closed nine branches during the year ended December 31, 2016. Asset impairment charges associated with branch closures identified during 2016 totaled $2.8 million.
Total loans at December 31, 2016 were $23.86 billion, a $1.43 billion, or 6.4%, increase from a year ago. Loan growth was driven by a $779.8 million, or 7.2%, increase in C&I loans including $356.7 million from Synovus' Global One acquisition as well as organic, direct loan originations, a $671.7 million, or 15.6%, increase in retail loans with our lending partnerships portfolio growing $393.7 million and our consumer mortgages increasing by $357.9 million, or 18.5%. With the objective of portfolio diversification, CRE loans declined slightly by $28.8 million, or 0.4%; investment properties loans grew by $181.0 million, or 3.1%, and non-strategic 1-4 family properties and land acquisition loans declined by $105.3 million, or 9.3%, and $104.4 million, or 20.3%, respectively.
Total deposits increased $1.41 billion, or 6.0%, from 2015 to $24.65 billion at December 31, 2016. Total average deposits increased $1.33 billion, or 5.9%, from 2015 to $23.88 billion in 2016. Average core transaction deposit accounts increased $1.44 billion, or 9.2%, from 2015 to $17.13 billion in 2016, driven by an increase in money market and non-interest bearing demand deposits as well as growth in interest bearing demand deposits and savings deposits. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.

44


During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of the 2017 notes in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
During 2016, Synovus maintained strong capital while continuing to optimize capital levels. The Company returned over $322 million to common shareholders, with repurchases of $262.9 million in common stock and common stock dividends of $59.4 million. Additionally, common shares outstanding declined 5.6% from 2015 and book value per common share increased 3.3% to $22.92 at December 31, 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million to be completed during 2017, and approved a 25% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend to $0.15 per share, effective with the quarterly dividend payable in April 2017. Total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 was $2.93 billion, a decline of $72.3 million from a year ago and the CET1 ratio at December 31, 2016 was 9.96% compared to 10.37% at December 31, 2015. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Capital Resources" and "Part II - Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities - Share Repurchases" of this Report for further discussion regarding Synovus' common stock repurchase program and common stock dividend increase. 

45


Consolidated Financial Highlights
A summary of Synovus’ financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is set forth in the table below.
Table 11 - Consolidated Financial Highlights
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Net interest income
 
$
899,180

 
827,318

 
8.7
 %
Provision for loan losses
 
28,000

 
19,010

 
47.3

Non-interest income
 
273,194

 
267,920

 
2.0

Non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains
 
267,183

 
265,151

 
0.8

Non-interest expense
 
755,923

 
717,655

 
5.3

Adjusted non-interest expense (1)
 
732,458

 
709,009

 
3.3

Income before income taxes
 
388,451

 
358,573

 
8.3

Net income
 
246,784

 
226,082

 
9.2

Net income available to common shareholders
 
236,546

 
215,844

 
9.6

Net income per common share, basic
 
1.90

 
1.63

 
16.7

Net income per common share, diluted
 
1.89

 
1.62

 
16.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
 
$
23,856,391

 
22,429,565

 
6.4
 %
Total deposits
 
24,648,060

 
23,242,661

 
6.0

Total average deposits
 
23,880,021

 
22,551,679

 
5.9

Average core deposits (1)    
 
22,573,804

 
21,129,730

 
6.8

Average core transaction deposit accounts(1)    
 
17,133,511

 
15,694,985

 
9.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest margin
 
3.27
%
 
3.19

 
8
  bps
Non-performing assets ratio
 
0.74

 
0.96

 
(22
)
Non-performing loans ratio
 
0.64

 
0.75

 
(11
)
Past due loans over 90 days
 
0.01

 
0.01

 
—

Net charge-off ratio
 
0.12

 
0.13

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital    
 
$
2,685,880

 
2,660,016

 
1.0
 %
Common equity Tier 1 capital (transitional)
 
2,654,287

 
2,660,016

 
(0.2
)
Total risk-based capital
 
3,201,268

 
3,255,758

 
(1.7
)
Tier 1 capital ratio
 
10.07
%
 
10.37

 
(30
) bps
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio (transitional)
 
9.96

 
10.37

 
(41
)
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
12.01

 
12.70

 
(69
)
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio    
 
9.73

 
10.42

 
(69
)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)    
 
9.09

 
9.90

 
(81
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.


46


Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus are in accordance with GAAP and conform to the accounting and reporting guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. Synovus has identified certain of its accounting policies as “critical accounting policies,” consisting of those related to the accounting for the allowance for loan losses and determining the fair value of financial instruments. In determining which accounting policies are critical in nature, Synovus has identified the policies that require significant judgment or involve complex estimates. It is management's practice to discuss critical accounting policies with the Board of Directors' Audit Committee on a periodic basis, including the development, selection, implementation, and disclosure of the critical accounting policies. The application of these policies has a significant impact on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements. Synovus’ financial results could differ significantly if different judgments or estimates are applied in the application of these policies.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is a significant accounting estimate that represents management's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the funded loan portfolio. The economic and business climate in any given industry or market is difficult to gauge and can change rapidly, and the effects of those changes can vary by borrower. Significant judgments and estimates are necessary in the determination of the allowance for loan losses. Significant judgments include, among others, loan risk ratings and classifications, the determination and measurement of impaired loans, the timing of loan charge-offs, the probability of loan defaults, the net loss exposure in the event of loan defaults, the loss emergence period, qualitative loss factors, as well as other qualitative considerations. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management makes numerous assumptions, estimates, and assessments, which are inherently subjective. The use of different estimates or assumptions could have a significant impact on the provision for loan losses, allowance for loan losses, non-performing loans, loan charge-offs, financial condition, and results of operations. A detailed discussion of the methodology used in determining the ALL as well as information regarding recently issued accounting standards related to the ALL are included in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of this Report.
Fair Value Measurements
Synovus evaluates assets, liabilities, and other financial instruments that are either required or elected to be recorded, reported, or disclosed at fair value, and determines the fair value of these instruments as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Synovus updates the fair value measurements of each instrument on a periodic basis, but no less than quarterly.
Synovus selects the most appropriate technique for determining the fair value of the asset or liability. The degree of management judgment involved in determining fair value is dependent upon the availability of quoted prices or observable market data. There is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices; however, when quoted prices and observable market data are not available, Synovus uses a valuation technique requiring more judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value.
Fair value is measured either on a recurring basis, in which the fair value is the primary measure of accounting, or on a non-recurring basis, to measure items for potential impairment, or for disclosure purposes.
Assets, liabilities, and other financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy are generally less liquid and estimating their fair value requires inputs that are unobservable and require the application of significant judgment in order to determine the appropriate fair value of each of these instruments. As of December 31, 2016, Synovus reported $27.3 million of assets (or 0.1% of total assets) classified as Level 3, of which $25.5 million consisted of private equity investments. Also, as of December 31, 2016, Synovus reported $19.8 million of liabilities (or 0.07% of total liabilities) classified as Level 3.
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16 - Fair Value Accounting" of this Report for further discussion of fair value measurements and Synovus' use of the various fair value methodologies and the types of assets and liabilities in which fair value accounting is applied.
DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Investment Securities Available for Sale
The investment securities portfolio consists principally of debt securities classified as available for sale. Investment securities available for sale provide Synovus with a source of liquidity and a relatively stable source of income. The investment securities portfolio also provides management with a tool to balance the interest rate risk of its loan and deposit portfolios. See Table 13 for maturity and average yield information of the investment securities available for sale portfolio.
The investment strategy focuses on the use of the investment securities portfolio to generate interest income and to assist in the management of interest rate risk. Synovus increased the portfolio's duration during 2016 while the average balance of the portfolio increased at a pace similar to overall earning asset growth. The weighted average duration of the investment securities portfolio was 3.7 years at December 31, 2016 compared to 2.9 years at December 31, 2015.
Synovus also utilizes a significant portion of its investment portfolio to secure certain deposits and other liabilities requiring collateralization. At December 31, 2016, $2.04 billion of these investment securities were pledged to secure certain deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements as required by law and contractual agreements. The investment securities are primarily mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and GSEs, both of which have a high degree of liquidity and limited credit risk. A mortgage-backed security depends on the underlying pool of mortgage loans to provide a cash flow pass-through of principal and interest. At December 31, 2016, all of the collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed pass-through securities held by Synovus were issued or backed by federal agencies or GSEs.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale as a percentage of their amortized cost was 98.7% and 99.8%, respectively. The investment securities available for sale portfolio had gross unrealized gains of $11.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $61.5 million, for a net unrealized loss of $50.4 million as of December 31, 2016. The investment securities available for sale portfolio had gross unrealized gains of $19.3 million and gross unrealized losses of $27.3 million, for a net unrealized loss of $8.0 million as of December 31, 2015. Shareholders’ equity included net unrealized losses of $44.3 million and $18.2 million on the available for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The average balance of investment securities available for sale increased to $3.57 billion in 2016 from $3.26 billion in 2015. Synovus earned a taxable-equivalent rate of 1.89% and 1.82% for 2016 and 2015, respectively, on its investment securities available for sale portfolio. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, average investment securities available for sale represented 12.96% and 12.55%, respectively, of average interest earning assets.
The following table shows investment securities available for sale by type as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
Table 12 - Investment Securities Available for Sale
December 31,
 
 
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
107,802

 
43,357

 
U.S. Government agency securities
12,993

 
13,623

 
Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
—

 
126,909

 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
174,202

 
210,004

 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
2,506,340

 
2,630,419

 
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
890,442

 
529,597

 
State and municipal securities
2,794

 
4,434

 
Equity securities
3,782

 
9,672

 
Other investments
19,840

 
19,803

 
Total fair value
$
3,718,195

 
3,587,818

 
 
 
 
 

47


The calculation of weighted average yields for investment securities available for sale displayed below is based on the amortized cost and effective yields of each security. The yield on state and municipal securities is computed on a taxable-equivalent basis using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%. Maturity information is presented based upon contractual maturity. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Table 13 - Maturities and Weighted Average Yields of Investment Securities Available for Sale as of December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)
Within One
Year
 
1 to 5
Years
 
5 to 10
Years
 
More Than
10 Years
 
No Stated
Maturity
 
Total
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
$
18,435

 
89,367

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
107,802

U.S. Government agency securities
1,021

 
6,019

 
5,953

 
—

 
—

 
12,993

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

 
—

 
14,784

 
159,418

 
—

 
174,202

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
158

 
88

 
624,216

 
1,881,878

 
—

 
2,506,340

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

 
—

 
—

 
890,442

 
—

 
890,442

State and municipal securities
110

 
240

 
—

 
2,444

 
—

 
2,794

Other investments
—

 
—

 
14,952

 
1,796

 
3,092

 
19,840

Securities with no stated maturity
  (equity securities)    
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,782

 
3,782

Total
$
19,724

 
95,714

 
659,905

 
2,935,978

 
6,874

 
3,718,195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Yield
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
0.33
%
 
1.54

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1.34

U.S. Government agency securities
4.72

 
5.39

 
5.44

 
—

 
—

 
5.36

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

 
 
 
2.81

 
2.43

 
—

 
2.46

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
5.53

 
5.46

 
1.84

 
2.14

 
—

 
2.07

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

 
—

 
—

 
2.02

 
—

 
2.02

State and municipal securities
8.21

 
7.86

 
—

 
5.55

 
—

 
5.85

Other investments
—

 
—

 
5.50

 
4.50

 
2.12

 
4.86

Securities with no stated maturity
  (equity securities)    
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2.58

 
2.58

Total
0.34
%
 
1.80

 
1.97

 
2.12

 
2.22

 
2.08

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

48


Loans
The following table shows loans by portfolio class and as a percentage of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.    
Table 14 - Loans by Portfolio Class
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
(dollars in thousands)
 
Total Loans
 
     %*    
 
Total Loans
 
     %*    
Investment properties
 
$
5,932,619

 
24.8
%
 
$
5,751,631

 
25.6
%
1-4 family properties
 
1,023,821

 
4.3

 
1,129,156

 
5.0

Land acquisition
 
409,534

 
1.7

 
513,981

 
2.3

Total commercial real estate
 
7,365,974

 
30.8

 
7,394,768

 
32.9

Commercial, financial, and agricultural
 
6,915,927

 
29.0

 
6,453,180

 
28.7

Owner-occupied
 
4,636,016

 
19.4

 
4,318,950

 
19.3

Total commercial and industrial
 
11,551,943

 
48.4

 
10,772,130

 
48.0

Home equity lines
 
1,617,265

 
6.8

 
1,689,914

 
7.5

Consumer mortgages
 
2,296,604

 
9.6

 
1,938,683

 
8.6

Credit cards
 
232,413

 
1.0

 
240,851

 
1.1

Other retail loans
 
818,183

 
3.4

 
423,318

 
1.9

Total retail
 
4,964,465

 
20.8

 
4,292,766

 
19.1

Deferred fees and costs, net
 
(25,991
)
 
nm

 
(30,099
)
 
nm

Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
 
$
23,856,391

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,429,565

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Loan balance in each category is before net deferred fees and costs and is expressed as a percentage of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs.
nm - not meaningful
Total loans ended the year at $23.86 billion, a $1.43 billion or 6.4% increase from a year ago. Loan growth was driven by a $779.8 million or 7.2% increase in C&I loans, including the addition of $356.7 million in loans from our Global One acquisition as well as organic, direct loan originations, and a $671.7 million or 15.6% increase in retail loans, led by our lending partnerships portfolio growing $393.7 million in addition to our consumer mortgages increasing by $357.9 million or 18.5%. With the objective of portfolio diversification, CRE loans declined slightly by $28.8 million or 0.4%. Investment properties loans grew by $181.0 million or 3.1% while non-strategic 1-4 family properties and land acquisition loans declined by $105.3 million, or 9.3%, and $104.4 million, or 20.3%, respectively. Average loans are currently expected to increase by 5% to 7% in 2017.
Commercial Loans
The commercial loan portfolio consists of C&I loans and CRE loans. Total commercial loans at December 31, 2016 were $18.92 billion, or 79.2% of the total loan portfolio, and grew $751.0 million or 4.1% from December 31, 2015.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Synovus had 29 and 24 commercial loan relationships with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded), respectively. The increase in the number of commercial loan relationships in 2016 is due to growth in commitments to existing relationships. The average funded balance of these relationships at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $34 million and $35 million, respectively.
Commercial and Industrial Loans
The C&I loan portfolio represents the largest category of Synovus' total loan portfolio and is disbursed throughout a diverse group of industries primarily in the Southeast including health care and social assistance, real estate-related industries, professional, scientific, and technical services, and administration and support, waste management, and remediation services. The following table shows the composition of the C&I loan portfolio.

49


Table 15 - Commercial and Industrial Loans by Industry
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%*
 
Amount
 
%*
Health care and social assistance
$
2,598,438

 
22.5
%
 
$
2,242,852

 
20.8
%
Retail trade
876,951

 
7.6

 
868,834

 
8.0

Manufacturing
872,559

 
7.5

 
880,010

 
8.1

Real estate and rental and leasing
771,188

 
6.7

 
685,310

 
6.4

Finance and insurance
764,811

 
6.6

 
736,492

 
6.8

Professional, scientific, and technical services
719,056

 
6.2

 
628,626

 
5.8

Wholesale trade
645,124

 
5.6

 
672,167

 
6.2

Real estate other
561,133

 
4.9

 
506,328

 
4.7

Accommodation and food services
530,232

 
4.6

 
490,626

 
4.6

Construction
465,632

 
4.0

 
406,287

 
3.8

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
387,589

 
3.4

 
394,587

 
3.7

Transportation and warehousing
385,350

 
3.3

 
336,048

 
3.1

Administration, support, waste management, and remediation
287,391

 
2.5

 
211,227

 
2.0

Information
240,437

 
2.1

 
234,893

 
2.2

Educational services
222,516

 
1.9

 
210,656

 
2.0

Other services
816,846

 
7.1

 
859,315

 
8.0

Other industries
406,690

 
3.5

 
407,872

 
3.8

Total C&I loans
$
11,551,943

 
100.0
%
 
$
10,772,130

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total C&I loans.

Total C&I loans at December 31, 2016 were $11.55 billion, or 48.4% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $10.77 billion, or 48.0% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015, an increase of $779.8 million, or 7.2%, from 2015. The industries that primarily contributed to the growth during 2016 included healthcare and social assistance, real estate-related industries, and professional, scientific and technical services, which were all also impacted by loans added as a result of our Global One acquisition. At December 31, 2016, $6.92 billion, or 59.9% of the total C&I loans represented loans for the purpose of financing commercial, financial, and agricultural business activities compared to $6.45 billion or 59.9% of the total C&I loans at December 31, 2015. The primary source of repayment on these loans is revenue generated from products or services offered by the business or organization. The secondary source of repayment is the collateral, which consists primarily of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, time deposits, cash surrender value of life insurance, and other business assets. At December 31, 2016, $4.64 billion, or 40.1% of the total C&I loans represented loans for the purpose of financing owner-occupied properties compared to $4.32 billion or 40.1% of the total C&I loans at December 31, 2015. 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 underlying real estate. These loans are predominantly secured by owner-occupied and other real estate, and to a lesser extent, other types of collateral.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Total CRE loans, consisting of investment properties, 1-4 family properties, and land acquisition loans and representing 30.8% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2016, were $7.37 billion, a decrease of $28.8 million, or 0.4%, from December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily the result of reductions in land acquisition loans and 1-4 family properties loans largely offset by growth in investment properties loans.
Investment Properties Loans
Investment properties loans consist of construction and mortgage loans for income producing properties and are primarily made to finance multi-family properties, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses and other commercial development properties. Total investment properties loans as of December 31, 2016 were $5.93 billion, or 80.5% of the total CRE loan portfolio, and 24.8% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $5.75 billion, or 77.8% of the total CRE loan portfolio, and 25.6% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015. Total investment properties increased $181.0 million or 3.1% during 2016 primarily due to growth in multi-family properties, office buildings, and hotels.

50


The following table shows the principal categories of the investment properties loan portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 16 - Investment Properties Loan Portfolio
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
%*
Multi-family
$
1,568,234

 
26.4
%
 
$
1,391,453

 
24.2
%
Hotels
748,951

 
12.6

 
703,825

 
12.2

Office buildings
1,568,328

 
26.4

 
1,495,247

 
26.0

Shopping centers
964,325

 
16.3

 
956,394

 
16.6

Warehouses
486,300

 
8.2

 
563,217

 
9.8

Other investment property
596,481

 
10.1

 
641,495

 
11.2

Total investment properties loans
$
5,932,619

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,751,631

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total investment properties loans.
1-4 Family Properties Loans
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. Construction and residential development loans are primarily interest-only loans and typically carry maturities of three years or less, and 1-4 family rental properties carry maturities of three to five years, with amortization periods of up to fifteen to twenty years. At December 31, 2016, 1-4 family properties loans declined to $1.02 billion, or 13.9% of the total CRE portfolio, and 4.3% of the total loan portfolio, compared to $1.13 billion, or 15.3% of the total CRE portfolio, and 5.0% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 primarily due to principal reductions and limited originations of new loans.
Land Acquisition Loans
Land acquisition loans were $409.5 million at December 31, 2016, or 5.6% of the total CRE portfolio and 1.7% of the total loan portfolio. Land acquisition loans declined 20.3% from December 31, 2015, primarily due to principal reductions and very limited originations of new loans.
Retail Loans
Total retail loans as of December 31, 2016 were $4.96 billion, or 20.8% of the total loan portfolio compared to $4.29 billion, or 19.1% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015. Total retail loans increased by $671.7 million, or 15.6%, from December 31, 2015 due primarily to the strategic initiative to diversify the composition of the loan portfolio. Consumer mortgages increased $357.9 million or 18.5% from 2015 to $2.30 billion primarily due to continued recruiting of mortgage loan originators in strategic markets throughout the footprint as well as enhanced origination efforts, which also create additional cross-selling opportunities for other products. Credit card loans totaled $232.4 million at December 31, 2016 and $240.9 million at December 31, 2015, including $53.4 million and $52.2 million of commercial credit card loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These commercial credit card loans relate to Synovus' commercial customers who utilize corporate credit cards for various business activities.
Other retail loans increased $394.9 million or 93.3% to $818.2 million at December 31, 2016, primarily due to two consumer-based lending partnerships. One lending partnership, which began near the end of the third quarter of 2015, is a point-of-sale program that provides merchants and contractors nationwide with the ability to offer term financing to their customers for major purchases and home improvement projects. The other lending partnership, which began in the second quarter of 2016, primarily provides qualified borrowers nationwide the ability to refinance student loan debt. As of December 31, 2016, these partnerships had combined balances of $469.3 million, and management currently expects that these lending partnerships will not comprise more than 3% of the total loan portfolio in 2017.
Risk levels 1-6 (descending) are assigned to retail loans based upon a risk score matrix. The retail loan portfolio is sent to a consumer credit reporting agency for a refresh of customers' credit scores at least annually to determine ongoing consistency or negative migration in the quality of the portfolio. As part of the refresh most recently completed as of December 31, 2016, revolving lines of credit were reviewed for a material change in financial circumstances and subsequently suspended for further advances when warranted. FICO scores within the retail residential real estate portfolio have generally remained stable over the last several years.
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 sub-prime, alt-A, no documentation or stated income

51


retail residential real estate loan products. Synovus estimates that, as of December 31, 2016, it has $102.0 million of higher-risk consumer loans (2.1% of said portfolio and 0.4% of the total loan portfolio) compared to $116.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Included in these amounts are $11.5 million and $13.4 million, respectively, of accruing TDRs as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Synovus makes retail lending decisions based upon a number of key credit risk determinants including FICO scores, loan-to-value, and debt-to-income ratios.
At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, weighted average FICO scores within the retail residential real estate portfolio were 768 and 769 (HELOCs), respectively, and 773 and 759 (Consumer Mortgages), respectively. Total past dues within the retail residential real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2016 were 0.65% (HELOCs) and 0.35% (Consumer Mortgages) compared to 0.35% (HELOCs) and 0.45% (Consumer Mortgages) at December 31, 2015. The net charge-off ratios for the year ended December 31, 2016 were 0.09% (HELOCs) and 0.07% (Consumer Mortgages) compared to 0.18% (HELOCs) and 0.31% (Consumer Mortgages) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
See "Part I - Item 1. Business - Monitoring of Collateral and Loan Guarantees" of this Report for information on monitoring of collateral and loan guarantees.
The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Table 17 - Five Year Composition of Loan Portfolio
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
 %*
 
Amount
 
 %*
 
Amount
 
 %*
 
Amount
 
 %*
 
Amount
 
 %*
 
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
$
6,915,927

 
29.0
%
 
$
6,453,180

 
28.8
%
 
$
6,182,312

 
29.3
%
 
$
5,895,265

 
29.4
%
 
$
5,592,858

 
28.6
%
 
Owner-occupied
4,636,016

 
19.4

 
4,318,950

 
19.2

 
4,085,407

 
19.4

 
4,036,186

 
20.1

 
3,976,593

 
20.3

 
Real estate — construction
1,717,626

 
7.2

 
2,181,174

 
9.7

 
1,714,942

 
8.1

 
1,758,054

 
8.8

 
1,748,774

 
8.9

 
Real estate — mortgage
5,648,348

 
23.6

 
5,213,594

 
23.2

 
5,211,660

 
24.7

 
4,748,922

 
23.6

 
4,749,090

 
24.3

 
Total commercial
18,917,917

 
79.2

 
18,166,898

 
80.9

 
17,194,321

 
81.5

 
16,438,427

 
81.9

 
16,067,315

 
82.1

 
Retail
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate — mortgage
3,913,869

 
16.4

 
3,628,597

 
16.1

 
3,378,059

 
15.9

 
3,106,609

 
15.4

 
2,953,958

 
15.1

 
Retail loans — credit cards
232,413

 
1.0

 
240,851

 
1.1

 
253,649

 
1.2

 
256,846

 
1.3

 
263,561

 
1.4

 
Retail loans — other
818,183

 
3.4

 
423,318

 
1.9

 
302,460

 
1.4

 
284,778

 
1.4

 
277,229

 
1.4

 
Total retail
4,964,465

 
20.8

 
4,292,766

 
19.1

 
3,934,168

 
18.5

 
3,648,233

 
18.1

 
3,494,748

 
17.9

 
Total loans
23,882,382

 
 
 
22,459,664

 


 
21,128,489

 
 
 
20,086,660

 
 
 
19,562,063

 
 
 
Deferred fees and costs, net
(25,991
)
 
nm

 
(30,099
)
 
nm

 
(30,790
)
 
nm
 
(28,862
)
 
nm
 
(20,373
)
 
nm
 
Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
$
23,856,391

 
100.0
%
 
$
22,429,565

 
100.0
%
 
$
21,097,699

 
100.0
%
 
$
20,057,798

 
100.0
%
 
$
19,541,690

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Loan balance in each category is before net deferred fees and costs and is expressed as a percentage of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs.
nm - not meaningful

52


Deposits
Deposits provide the most significant funding source for interest earning assets. Total deposits were $24.65 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of $1.41 billion, or 6.0%, compared to year-end 2015. Non-interest bearing deposits totaled $7.09 billion, at December 31, 2016, an increase of $352.8 million, or 5.2%, from December 31, 2015.
The following table shows the relative composition of average deposits for 2016 and 2015. See Table 21 for additional information on average deposits including average rates paid in 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Table 18 - Composition of Average Deposits
 
2016
 
2015
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
$
7,017,168

 
29.4
%
 
$
6,485,371

 
28.8
%
Interest bearing demand deposits
4,299,026

 
18.0

 
3,949,087

 
17.5

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
7,191,715

 
30.1

 
6,661,327

 
29.5

Savings deposits
794,096

 
3.3

 
675,947

 
3.0

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
3,271,798

 
13.7

 
3,357,998

 
14.9

Brokered deposits
1,306,217

 
5.5

 
1,421,949

 
6.3

Total average deposits
23,880,021

 
100.0

 
22,551,679

 
100.0

   Average core deposits(2)    
22,573,804

 
94.5

 
21,129,730

 
93.7

   Average core transaction deposit accounts(2)    
$
17,133,511

 
71.7
%
 
$
15,694,985

 
69.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Deposits balance in each category expressed as percentage of total deposits.
(2) See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
Total average deposits increased $1.33 billion, or 5.9%, to $23.88 billion in 2016 from $22.55 billion in 2015. Average core deposits were up $1.44 billion, or 6.8%, from 2015 and average non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percentage of total average deposits were 29.4% for 2016 compared to 28.8% for 2015. Average core transaction deposit accounts grew $1.44 billion, or 9.2%, from the previous year. The increase in deposits was driven by growth in money market and non-interest bearing demand deposits as well as growth in interest bearing demand deposits and savings deposits. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
Average brokered deposits represented 5.5% of Synovus' total average deposits for 2016 compared to 6.3% for 2015.
Time deposits of $100,000 and greater at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $2.73 billion and $2.77 billion, respectively, and included brokered time deposits of $718.0 million and $759.5 billion, respectively. See Table 19 for the maturity distribution of time deposits of $100,000 or more. These larger deposits represented 11.1% and 11.9% of total deposits at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and included brokered time deposits which represented 2.9% and 3.3% of total deposits at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The following table shows maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2016.
Table 19 - Maturity Distribution of Time Deposits of $100,000 or More
 
 
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2016
3 months or less
 
$
532,075

Over 3 months through 6 months
 
458,678

Over 6 months through 12 months
 
724,339

Over 12 months
 
1,018,584

Total outstanding
 
$
2,733,676

 
 
 

53


Net Interest Income
The following table summarizes the components of net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, including the tax-equivalent adjustment that is required in making yields on tax-exempt loans and investment securities comparable to taxable loans and investment securities. The taxable-equivalent adjustment is based on a 35% federal income tax rate.
Table 20 - Net Interest Income
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income
 
$
1,022,803

 
945,962

 
928,692

Taxable-equivalent adjustment
 
1,285

 
1,304

 
1,678

Interest income, taxable-equivalent
 
1,024,088

 
947,266

 
930,370

Interest expense
 
123,623

 
118,644

 
109,408

Net interest income, taxable-equivalent
 
$
900,465

 
828,622

 
820,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (interest income less interest expense) is the largest component of total revenues, representing earnings from the primary business of gathering funds from customer deposits and other sources, and investing those funds primarily in loans and investment securities. Synovus’ long-term objective is to manage those assets and liabilities to maximize net interest income while balancing interest rate, credit, liquidity, and capital risks. For 2017, Synovus expects net interest income to increase by 8% to 10%, assuming rates remain unchanged from year-end 2016 levels. Synovus remains in an asset sensitive position, with a 25 basis point increase across the rate curve resulting in a 1.3% annualized increase in net interest income. 
Net interest income is presented in this discussion on a tax-equivalent basis so that the income from assets exempt from federal income taxes is adjusted based on a statutory marginal federal tax rate of 35% in all years (see Table 20 above). The net interest margin is defined as taxable-equivalent net interest income divided by average total interest earning assets and provides an indication of the efficiency of the earnings from balance sheet activities. The net interest margin is affected by changes in the spread between interest earning asset yields and interest bearing liability costs (spread rate), and by the percentage of interest earning assets funded by non-interest bearing funding sources.
Net interest income for 2016 was $899.2 million, up $71.9 million, or 8.7%, from 2015. On a taxable-equivalent basis, net interest income increased $71.8 million, or 8.7%, from 2015. During 2016, average earning assets increased $1.53 billion, or 5.9%, primarily as a result of an increase in net loans and investment securities balances.
Net interest income for 2015 was $827.3 million, up $8.0 million, or 1.0%, from 2014. On a taxable-equivalent basis, net interest income increased $7.7 million, or 0.9%, from 2014. During 2015, average earning assets increased $1.69 billion, or 7.0%, primarily as a result of an increase in net loans and investment securities balances.
Net Interest Margin
The net interest margin was 3.27% for 2016, an increase of 8 basis points from 2015. The yield on earning assets increased 8 basis points to 3.72% and the effective cost of funds was unchanged at 0.45%. The effective cost of funds includes non-interest bearing funding sources primarily consisting of demand deposits.
The primary components of the yield on interest earning assets are loan yields, yields on investment securities, and the yield on balances held with the Federal Reserve Bank. The primary factors positively impacting earning asset yields were a 1 basis point increase in loan yields and a 7 basis point increase in taxable investment securities yields. The increase in taxable investment securities yields was due to a lower level of purchased premium amortization and a modest increase in the effective duration of the investment portfolio. Earning asset yields were also positively impacted by a reduction in average balances of lower yielding funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank.
The primary factors impacting the effective cost of funds during 2016 were a 6 basis point increase in the cost of time deposits and a 15 basis point increase in the cost of long-term debt. These increases were offset by a higher level of non-interest bearing funding, a 4 basis point decline in the cost of money market accounts, and a 1 basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing demand deposits.
The net interest margin was 3.19% for 2015, a decrease of 19 basis points from 2014. The yield on earning assets decreased 19 basis points to 3.64% and the effective cost of funds was unchanged at 0.45%. The effective cost of funds includes non-interest bearing funding sources primarily consisting of demand deposits.

54


During 2015, loan yields decreased 16 basis points to 4.13%. Loan yield decreases were primarily driven by downward repricing of maturing and prepaid loans as well as a continued low level of market rates on newly originated loans. Additionally, taxable investment securities yields declined 6 basis points due to a higher level of purchased premium amortization.
The primary factors impacting the effective cost of funds during 2015 were an 11 point basis point increase in the cost of time deposits and a 4 basis point increase in the cost of money market deposits. These increases were offset by a higher level of non- interest bearing funding.
Table 21 - Average Balances, Interest, and Yields
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
  Yield/
   Rate    
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
  Yield/
   Rate    
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
  Yield/
   Rate    
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable loans, net(1)(2)    
$
23,022,443

 
$
941,978

 
4.09
%
 
$
21,462,926

 
875,147

 
4.08
%
 
$
20,338,439

 
860,070

 
4.23
%
 
Tax-exempt loans, net(1)(2)(3)    
74,929

 
3,469

 
4.63

 
73,907

 
3,444

 
4.66

 
93,147

 
4,449

 
4.78

 
Less Allowance for loan losses
254,646

 
—

 
—

 
254,863

 
—

 
—

 
285,803

 
—

 
—

 
Loans, net
22,842,726

 
945,447

 
4.14

 
21,281,970

 
878,591

 
4.13

 
20,145,783

 
864,519

 
4.29

 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable investment securities
3,563,818

 
67,335

 
1.89

 
3,258,121

 
58,968

 
1.81

 
3,083,677

 
57,605

 
1.87

 
Tax-exempt investment securities(3)    
3,335

 
203

 
6.09

 
4,604

 
285

 
6.19

 
5,595

 
348

 
6.22

 
Total investment securities
3,567,153

 
67,538

 
1.89

 
3,262,725

 
59,253

 
1.82

 
3,089,272

 
57,953

 
1.88

 
Trading account assets
5,332

 
91

 
1.71

 
10,499

 
303

 
2.89

 
16,494

 
456

 
2.76

 
Interest earning deposits with banks    
22,121

 
42

 
0.19

 
16,641

 
14

 
0.08

 
14,816

 
2

 
0.01

 
Due from Federal Reserve Bank    
847,346

 
4,356

 
0.51

 
1,201,254

 
3,144

 
0.26

 
821,394

 
2,081

 
0.25

 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements    
74,407

 
184

 
0.25

 
76,143

 
63

 
0.08

 
76,747

 
48

 
0.06

 
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock    
87,520

 
3,784

 
4.32

 
73,843

 
3,353

 
4.54

 
78,089

 
3,007

 
3.85

 
Mortgage loans held for sale
75,288

 
2,646

 
3.51

 
68,722

 
2,545

 
3.70

 
57,606

 
2,304

 
4.00

 
Total interest earning assets
27,521,893

 
1,024,088

 
3.72
%
 
25,991,797

 
947,266

 
3.64
%
 
24,300,201

 
930,370

 
3.83
%
 
Cash and cash equivalents
402,047

 
 
 
 
 
414,519

 
 
 
 
 
411,741

 
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
430,651

 
 
 
 
 
450,056

 
 
 
 
 
464,018

 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
36,211

 
 
 
 
 
69,869

 
 
 
 
 
101,628

 
 
 
 
 
Other assets(4)    
1,090,148

 
 
 
 
 
1,172,717

 
 
 
 
 
1,258,737

 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
29,480,950

 
 
 
 
 
28,098,958

 
 
 
 
 
26,536,325

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits    
$
4,299,026

 
$
7,198

 
0.17
%
 
$
3,949,087

 
7,117

 
0.18
%
 
$
3,802,896

 
7,110

 
0.19
%
 
Money market accounts
7,702,353

 
23,482

 
0.30

 
6,883,496

 
23,687

 
0.34

 
6,230,354

 
18,636

 
0.30

 
Savings deposits
794,096

 
640

 
0.08

 
675,947

 
375

 
0.06

 
636,468

 
521

 
0.08

 
Time deposits
4,067,378

 
32,886

 
0.81

 
4,557,778

 
34,355

 
0.75

 
4,486,904

 
28,913

 
0.64

 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements    
216,593

 
200

 
0.09

 
205,305

 
168

 
0.08

 
198,085

 
220

 
0.11

 
Long-term debt
2,236,022

 
59,217

 
2.65

 
2,114,197

 
52,942

 
2.50

 
2,120,800

 
54,008

 
2.55

 
Total interest bearing liabilities
19,315,468

 
123,623

 
0.64
%
 
18,385,810

 
118,644

 
0.65
%
 
17,475,507

 
109,408

 
0.63
%
 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
7,017,168

 
 
 
 
 
6,485,371

 
 
 
 
 
5,810,866

 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
208,808

 
 
 
 
 
209,877

 
 
 
 
 
224,600

 
 
 
 
 
Equity
2,939,506

 
 
 
 
 
3,017,900

 
 
 
 
 
3,025,352

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
29,480,950

 
 
 
 
 
$
28,098,958

 
 
 
 
 
$
26,536,325

 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin
 
 
900,465

 
3.27
%
 
 
 
828,622

 
3.19
%
 
 
 
820,962

 
3.38
%
 
Less Taxable-equivalent adjustment
 
 
1,285

 
 
 
 
 
1,304

 
 
 
 
 
1,678

 
 
 
Net interest income, actual
 
 
899,180

 
 
 
 
 
827,318

 
 
 
 
 
819,284

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
Average loans are shown net of deferred fees and costs. Non-performing loans are included.
(2) 
Interest income includes net loan fees as follows: 2016 — $30.8 million, 2015 — $30.5 million, and 2014 — $29.3 million.
(3) 
Reflects taxable-equivalent adjustments, using the statutory federal tax rate of 35%, adjusting interest on tax-exempt loans and investment securities to a taxable-equivalent basis.
(4) 
Includes average net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale of $30.1 million, $19.7 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

55


Table 22 - Rate/Volume Analysis
2016 Compared to 2015
Change Due to(1)
 
2015 Compared to 2014
Change Due to(1)
 
(in thousands)
Volume
 
Yield/Rate
 
Net Change
 
Volume
 
Yield/Rate
 
Net Change
 
Interest earned on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable loans, net
$
63,628

 
$
3,203

 
$
66,831

 
$
47,566

 
$
(32,489
)
 
$
15,077

 
Tax-exempt loans, net(2)
48

 
(23
)
 
25

 
(920
)
 
(85
)
 
(1,005
)
 
Taxable investment securities
5,533

 
2,834

 
8,367

 
3,262

 
(1,899
)
 
1,363

 
Tax-exempt investment securities(2)
(79
)
 
(3
)
 
(82
)
 
(62
)
 
(1
)
 
(63
)
 
Trading account assets
(149
)
 
(63
)
 
(212
)
 
(165
)
 
12

 
(153
)
 
Interest earning deposits with banks
4

 
24

 
28

 
—

 
12

 
12

 
Due from Federal Reserve Bank
(920
)
 
2,132

 
1,212

 
950

 
113

 
1,063

 
Federal funds sold and securities
  purchased under resale agreements    
(1
)
 
122

 
121

 
—

 
15

 
15

 
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
621

 
(189
)
 
432

 
(163
)
 
509

 
346

 
Mortgage loans held for sale
243

 
(143
)
 
100

 
445

 
(204
)
 
241

 
Total interest income
68,928

 
7,894

 
76,822

 
50,913

 
(34,017
)
 
16,896

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing demand deposits
630

 
(549
)
 
81

 
278

 
(271
)
 
7

 
Money market accounts
2,784

 
(2,989
)
 
(205
)
 
1,959

 
3,092

 
5,051

 
Savings deposits
71

 
194

 
265

 
32

 
(178
)
 
(146
)
 
Time deposits
(3,678
)
 
2,209

 
(1,469
)
 
454

 
4,988

 
5,442

 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
9

 
23

 
32

 
8

 
(60
)
 
(52
)
 
Other borrowed funds
3,046

 
3,229

 
6,275

 
(168
)
 
(898
)
 
(1,066
)
 
Total interest expense
2,862

 
2,117

 
4,979

 
2,563

 
6,673

 
9,236

 
Net interest income
$
66,066

 
$
5,777

 
$
71,843

 
$
48,350

 
$
(40,690
)
 
$
7,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) 
The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to the yield/rate component.
(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.
Non-interest Income
Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $273.2 million, up $5.3 million, or 2.0%, compared to 2015. Non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains increased $2.0 million, or 0.8%, compared to 2015. The increase in non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains over prior year was driven by an increase of $1.7 million, or 2.3%, in combined fiduciary, asset management, brokerage, and insurance revenues and an increase of $1.3 million, or 1.6%, in service charges on deposit accounts. Synovus expects 2017 growth of 2% to 4% in non-interest income excluding net investment securities gains (losses).
The following table shows the principal components of non-interest income.
Table 23 - Non-interest Income
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
81,425

 
80,142

 
78,897

Fiduciary and asset management fees
 
46,594

 
45,928

 
45,226

Brokerage revenue
 
27,028

 
27,855

 
27,088

Mortgage banking income
 
24,259

 
24,096

 
18,354

Bankcard fees
 
33,318

 
33,172

 
32,931

Investment securities gains, net
 
6,011

 
2,769

 
1,331

Other fee income
 
20,220

 
21,170

 
19,130

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
 
—

 
—

 
5,789

Other non-interest income
 
34,339

 
32,788

 
33,358

Total non-interest income
 
$
273,194

 
267,920

 
262,104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

56


Principal Components of Non-interest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts were $81.4 million in 2016, an increase of $1.3 million, or 1.6%, from the previous year, and $80.1 million in 2015, an increase of 1.6% from 2014. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and all other service charges. NSF fees were $37.7 million in 2016, an increase of $447 thousand, or 1.2%, from 2015, due primarily to an increase in overdraft service utilization rates. Account analysis fees were $24.3 million in 2016, up $998 thousand, or 4.3%, compared to 2015 largely due to fee increases to align more closely with market rates. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $19.4 million for 2016, a decrease of $163 thousand, or 0.8%, compared to 2015.
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 $46.6 million in 2016, an increase of $666 thousand, or 1.5%, from 2015, driven in part by continued growth in AUM with growth of 3.4% from 2015. Fiduciary and asset management fees were $45.9 million in 2015, an increase of 1.6% from 2014, due to new talent acquisition in strategic markets and an increase in assets under management of 2.5%.
At December 31, 2016, the market value of AUM was approximately $11.2 billion, an increase of 3.4% from 2015, and $10.8 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase of 2.5% from 2014. Reported AUM include approximately $246 million and $240 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of assets managed for certain Synovus employee retirement plans. AUM consist of all assets where Synovus has investment authority. Assets under advisement were approximately $3.4 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Assets under advisement consist of non-managed assets as well as non-custody assets where Synovus earns a consulting fee. Assets under advisement at December 31, 2016 increased 5.3% from 2015 following a decrease of 11.4% in 2015 from 2014. Total assets under management and advisement were approximately $14.6 billion at December 31, 2016 compared to approximately $14.0 billion at December 31, 2015. Many of the fiduciary and asset management fee charges are based on asset values, and changes in these values throughout the year directly impact fees earned.
Brokerage revenue was $27.0 million in 2016, an $827 thousand, or 3.0%, decrease from 2015, and $27.9 million in 2015, a $767 thousand, or 2.8%, increase from 2014. The decline in 2016 from 2015 was largely driven by market conditions during the first nine months of 2016 with customers executing fewer transactions on average. Brokerage revenue consists primarily of brokerage commissions. Brokerage AUM were $1.91 billion and $1.70 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Mortgage banking income increased $163 thousand, or 0.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015. Mortgage banking income increased $5.7 million, or 31.3%, during 2015 compared to 2014 due primarily to an increase in mortgage production which was driven by the rate environment, talent acquisitions, investments in key markets, and enhanced product offerings.
Bankcard fees increased $146 thousand, or 0.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015. Bankcard fees consist primarily of credit card interchange fees and debit card interchange fees. Debit card interchange fees were $17.1 million, up $448 thousand, or 2.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. Credit card interchange fees were $22.3 million, down $666 thousand, or 2.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015. Bankcard fees increased $241 thousand, or 0.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014.
Other fee income includes fees for letters of credit and unused lines of credit, safe deposit box fees, access fees for ATM use, customer swap dealer fees, and other service charges. Other fee income was lower by $950 thousand, or 4.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 2015 due primarily to a decrease in customer swap dealer fees. Other fee income increased $2.0 million, or 10.7%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due primarily to an increase in customer swap dealer fees.
The main components of other non-interest income are income from company-owned life insurance policies, insurance commissions, gains from sales of government guaranteed loans, card sponsorship fees, and other miscellaneous items. Other non-interest income was up $1.6 million, or 4.7%, in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase of $1.6 million was driven by growth in insurance revenues. Insurance revenues grew $1.9 million, or 64.6%, over prior year, reflecting Synovus' ability to meet additional needs of its financial management services customers. Additionally, 2016 included an increase of $1.3 million in gains from bank-owned life insurance death benefits as well as an increase of $666 thousand in company-owned life insurance policy revenue driven by additional investments during 2015. Gains from sales of government guaranteed loans were $4.9 million in 2016 compared to $5.4 million in 2015. Earnings on equity method investments resulted in a net loss of $46 thousand in 2016 compared to a net gain of $1.6 million in 2015. Other non-interest income declined $570 thousand, or 1.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. Other non-interest income for 2014 included a $3.1 million gain from the sale of a branch property.

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Non-interest Expense
Total non-interest expense for 2016 was $755.9 million, an increase of $38.3 million, or 5.3%, from 2015, and $717.7 million in 2015, a decrease of $27.3 million, or 3.7%, compared to 2014. Adjusted non-interest expense, which excludes fair value adjustment to Visa derivative, loss on early extinguishment of debt, net, merger-related expense, restructuring charges, litigation settlement/contingency expenses, and amortization of intangibles was $732.5 million in 2016, an increase of $23.4 million, or 3.3%, from 2015, and $709.0 million in 2015, an increase of $1.1 million, or 0.1%, from 2014. The increase in adjusted non-interest expense during 2016 was due primarily to an increase in salaries and other personnel expense reflecting annual salary increases and higher commissions and incentive compensation. Synovus expects 2017 total non-interest expense increase to be 2% to 4%. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
The following table summarizes non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Table 24 - Non-interest Expense
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
$
402,026

 
380,918

 
371,904

Net occupancy and equipment expense
 
109,347

 
107,466

 
105,806

Third-party processing expense
 
46,320

 
42,851

 
40,042

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
 
26,714

 
27,091

 
33,485

Professional fees
 
26,698

 
26,646

 
26,440

Advertising expense
 
20,264

 
15,477

 
24,037

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
 
12,838

 
22,803

 
25,321

Fair value adjustment to Visa derivative
 
5,795

 
1,464

 
3,041

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
 
4,735

 
1,533

 
—

Merger-related expense
 
1,636

 
—

 
—

Restructuring charges
 
8,267

 
36

 
20,585

Other operating expenses
 
91,283

 
91,370

 
94,337

Total non-interest expense
 
$
755,923

 
717,655

 
744,998

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 vs. 2015
Salaries and other personnel expense increased $21.1 million, or 5.5%, in 2016 compared to 2015 due primarily to annual merit increases and higher commissions and incentive compensation. Synovus continues to maintain an expense discipline on this important component, which reflects a 0.4% reduction in headcount from a year ago (reduction of 0.9% excluding impact of acquisition of Global One). Moreover, Synovus continues to strategically invest in talent and technology that enhance the customer experience and drive revenue growth.
Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.9 million, or 1.8%, during 2016. Synovus continues to evaluate its branch network while deploying additional digital and on-line capabilities to increase convenience for customers while lowering transaction costs, and identified and closed nine branches during the year ended December 31, 2016. Synovus' branch network consists of 248 branches at December 31, 2016.
Third-party processing expense includes all third-party core operating system and processing charges as well as third-party servicing charges. Third-party processing expense increased $3.5 million, or 8.1%, compared to 2015 driven by an increase of $2.6 million from servicing charges associated with growth from Synovus' two consumer-based lending partnerships. One lending partnership began near the end of the third quarter of 2015 and the other lending partnership began in the second quarter of 2016.
FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees declined $377 thousand, or 1.4%, in 2016 compared to 2015. On March 15, 2016 , the FDIC approved a final rule to increase the DIF to the statutorily required minimum level of 1.35 percent. Congress, in the Dodd-Frank Act, increased the minimum for the DIF reserve ratio, the ratio of the amount in the fund to insured deposits, from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent and required that the ratio reach that level by September 30, 2020. Further, the Dodd-Frank Act also made banks with $10 billion or more in total assets responsible for the increase from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent. Under a rule adopted by the FDIC in 2011, regular assessment rates for all banks decline when the reserve ratio reaches 1.15 percent, which occurred during the second quarter of 2016. Banks with total assets of less than $10 billion have substantially lower assessment rates under the 2011 rule. The final rule imposed on banks with at least $10 billion in assets a surcharge of 4.5 cents per $100 of their assessment base, after making certain adjustments. The FDIC expects the reserve ratio will likely reach 1.35 percent after

58


approximately two years of payments of the surcharges. The final rule became effective on July 1, 2016 with surcharge assessments beginning July 1, 2016. Synovus' FDIC insurance cost remained relatively flat for the second half of 2016 compared to the first half of 2016 following the surcharge assessment since regular assessment rates declined at the same time the surcharge assessment became effective.
Advertising expense was up $4.8 million in 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of Synovus increasing brand awareness activities.
Foreclosed real estate costs declined $10.0 million, or 43.7%, to $12.8 million in 2016 as a result of lower inventory due to a reduction in the level of foreclosures as well as lower levels of losses and write-downs due to declines in fair value of ORE. ORE was $22.3 million at December 31, 2016, down $24.7 million or 52.6% from $47.0 million at December 31, 2015.
Merger-related expense consists of professional fees relating to the October 1, 2016 acquisition of Global One. See"Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 - Acquisition" in this Report for more information on the acquisition of Global One.
During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of its subordinated notes maturing in 2017 in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, restructuring charges totaled $8.3 million with $5.3 million related to Synovus' continued corporate real estate optimization activities. Synovus continues to evaluate its branch network while deploying additional digital and on-line capabilities to increase convenience for customers while lowering transaction costs, and identified and closed nine branches during the year ended December 31, 2016. Asset impairment charges associated with branch closures identified during 2016 totaled $2.8 million.
Other operating expenses for 2016 included $2.5 million in litigation settlement expenses and other operating expenses for 2015 included $5.1 million in litigation settlement/contingency expenses. Please refer to "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 21 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report for a more detailed discussion of legal proceedings and expenses related thereto.
The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio for 2016 were 64.74% and 61.06%, respectively, both showing an 87 basis points improvement from 2015. Synovus remains focused on achieving its long-term goal of an adjusted efficiency ratio below 60%. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
2015 vs. 2014
Salaries and other personnel expense increased $9.0 million, or 2.4%, in 2015 compared to 2014 due primarily to higher production-driven incentives and annual merit increases. These increases were partially offset by the decrease in salaries and other personnel expense resulting from the decline of 59, or 1.3%, in total headcount at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. The decline in headcount was driven primarily by the elimination of positions during 2014 in connection with branch closings, further refinement of our branch staffing model, and other efficiency initiatives.
Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.7 million, or 1.6%, during 2015 and included a $1.1 million charge for lease exit costs. Synovus continued to invest in technology and rationalize its branch network which consisted of 257 branches at December 31, 2015.
Third-party processing expense includes all third-party core operating system and processing charges. Third-party processing expense increased $2.8 million, or 7.0%, compared to 2014 driven by investments in technology.
FDIC insurance costs and other regulatory fees declined $6.4 million, or 19.1%, in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to significant improvement in credit metrics included in the FDIC assessment scorecard with declines of 24.9% and 35.7% in NPAs and accruing TDRs, respectively.
Advertising expense was $15.5 million in 2015 compared to $24.0 million in 2014. During 2015, we paused on broad-based brand awareness advertising spend while we conducted customer research, focusing instead on targeted retail campaigns and capability advertising. This resulted in a significant reduction in advertising costs compared to 2014.
Foreclosed real estate costs declined $2.5 million, or 9.9%, to $22.8 million in 2015. The decline was largely a result of lower levels of losses and write-downs due to declines in fair value of ORE, as well as lower inventory due to a reduction in the level of foreclosures.
Other operating expenses for 2015 included $5.1 million in litigation settlement/contingency expenses, and other operating expenses for 2014 included $12.8 million in litigation settlement expenses. Please refer to "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements

59


and Supplementary Data - Note 21 - Legal Proceedings" of this Report for a more detailed discussion of legal proceedings and expenses related thereto.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $141.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $132.5 million and $107.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 36.5%, 36.9% and 35.5%, respectively. Synovus currently expects an effective income tax rate of approximately 36% to 37% for the year ending December 31, 2017. The 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.
Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. At December 31, 2016, total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, were $395.4 million compared to $511.9 million at December 31, 2015. The decline is mainly due to the utilization of NOL carryforwards.
Synovus currently expects to realize the $395.4 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At December 31, 2016, $126.4 million or 32% of the net deferred tax asset relates to federal net operating losses which have expiration dates beginning in 2031 through 2036. Approximately $361 million in taxable income must be generated to allow for the realization of the corresponding deferred tax asset. Additionally, $213.9 million of the net deferred tax assets have no expiration date as of December 31, 2016. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 24 - Income Taxes"" of this Report for additional discussion regarding deferred income taxes.
Currently, income tax reform is being considered which could result in a reduction of the corporate federal income tax rate.   A reduction of the corporate federal income tax rate would result in a net deferred tax asset write-off, with a corresponding one-time, non-cash increase in income tax expense. This charge could be material to our results of operations if the reduction in the corporate income tax rate is enacted with an effective date of January 1, 2017.  Taxable income in future periods will result in continued declines in the net deferred tax asset balance. Accordingly, if the rate reduction is enacted effective January 1, 2018, the impact to our results of operations is not expected to be significant because the net deferred tax asset write-off would be largely offset by a reduction in our effective income tax rate for the year.
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 Code. 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 and was subsequently amended in 2013 and ratified by Synovus shareholders in 2014. The Rights Plan was renewed on April 20, 2016 and will expire on April 29, 2019. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors - Issuances or sales of common stock or other equity securities could result in an “ownership change” as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the event an “ownership change” were to occur, our ability to fully utilize a significant portion of our U.S. federal and state tax net operating losses and certain built-in losses that have not been recognized for tax purposes could be impaired as a result of the operation of Section 382 of the Code."
Credit Quality
During 2016, credit quality continued to improve, with most key credit quality measures improving from 2015 levels.
Total credit costs
Total credit costs (provision for loan losses plus other credit costs which consist primarily of foreclosed real estate expense, net and other loan expenses) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were $47.5 million, $50.7 million, and $66.7 million, respectively, including provision for loan losses of $28.0 million, $19.0 million and $33.8 million, respectively, and net expenses related to foreclosed real estate of $12.8 million, $22.8 million, and $25.3 million, respectively. Total credit costs for 2016 declined $3.1 million or 6.2% from 2015, driven primarily by a decline of $10.0 million or 43.7% in net foreclosed real estate expenses partially offset by a $9.0 million or 47.3% increase in provision for loan losses.Total credit costs for 2015 declined $16.0 million or 24.0% from 2014, driven primarily by a $14.8 million or 43.8% decrease in provision for loan losses and lower net foreclosed real estate expenses. Total credit costs for 2014 declined $51.3 million or 43.5% from 2013, driven primarily by a $35.8 million or 51.4% decrease in provision for loan losses and lower net foreclosed real estate expenses.
Non-performing Assets
Total NPAs were $175.7 million at December 31, 2016, a $39.7 million or 18.4% decrease from $215.4 million at December 31, 2015. The decline in non-performing assets was primarily due to resolution and disposition of non-performing assets and charge-

60


offs. Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans, other loans held for sale, and other real estate declined 22 basis points to 0.74% at December 31, 2016 compared to 0.96% at December 31, 2015.
Non-performing loans were $153.4 million at December 31, 2016, a $15.0 million or 8.9% decrease from $168.4 million at December 31, 2015. The decline was driven by resolution and disposition of distressed loans (which includes some performing loans). Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.64% at December 31, 2016 compared to 0.75% at December 31, 2015.
ORE was $22.3 million at December 31, 2016, down $24.7 million or 52.6% from $47.0 million at December 31, 2015. The decline from 2015 was driven by sales, fewer properties being transferred into other real estate, and to a lesser extent, write-downs for declines in fair value subsequent to foreclosure. ORE sales for 2016 were $34.9 million compared to $51.1 million in 2015.
The following table shows the components of NPAs by portfolio class at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 25 - NPAs by Portfolio Class
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
(in thousands)
NPLs(1)
 
Impaired Loans Held for Sale
 
ORE
 
Total NPAs(2)
 
NPLs(1)
 
Impaired Loans Held for Sale
 
ORE
 
Total NPAs(2)
Investment properties
$
5,436

 
$
—

 
$
746

 
$
6,182

 
$
23,040

 
—

 
$
3,689

 
26,729

1-4 family properties
18,108

 
—

 
5,659

 
23,767

 
16,839

 
—

 
11,976

 
28,815

Land acquisition
7,071

 
—

 
5,868

 
12,939

 
17,768

 
—

 
15,677

 
33,445

Total commercial real estate
30,615

 
—

 
12,273

 
42,888

 
57,647

 
—

 
31,342

 
88,989

Commercial, financial, and agricultural
59,074

 
—

 
5,004

 
64,078

 
49,137

 
—

 
6,116

 
55,253

Owner-occupied
16,503

 
—

 
1,549

 
18,052

 
20,293

 
—

 
2,556

 
22,849

Total commercial and industrial
75,577

 
—

 
6,553

 
82,130

 
69,430

 
—

 
8,672

 
78,102

Retail
47,186

 
—

 
3,482

 
50,668

 
41,293

 
—

 
7,016

 
48,309

Total
$
153,378

 
$
—

 
$
22,308

 
$
175,686

 
$
168,370

 
—

 
$
47,030

 
215,400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) NPL ratio is 0.64% and 0.75% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2) NPA ratio is 0.74% and 0.96% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
NPL inflows were up slightly for 2016 to $123.5 million compared to $104.4 million for 2015. The following table shows NPL inflows by portfolio class for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 26 - NPL Inflows by Portfolio Class
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
Investment properties
$
13,581

 
$
16,050

 
1-4 family properties
6,525

 
5,822

 
Land acquisition
3,699

 
5,193

 
Total commercial real estate
23,805

 
27,065

 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
55,395

 
34,458

 
Owner-occupied
15,750

 
18,631

 
Total commercial and industrial
71,145

 
53,089

 
Retail
28,501

 
24,199

 
Total NPL inflows
$
123,451

 
$
104,353

 
 
 
 
 
 



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Asset Dispositions
During 2016, 2015 and 2014, Synovus completed sales of distressed assets (consisting primarily of NPLs and ORE) with total carrying values of $54.8 million, $79.3 million, and $119.1 million, respectively. Distressed asset sales have been a component of Synovus' strategy to further strengthen the balance sheet, improve asset quality, and enhance future earnings.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
At December 31, 2016, troubled debt restructurings (accruing and non-accruing) were $207.2 million, a decrease of $64.1 million or 23.6% compared to December 31, 2015. Non-accruing TDRs of $11.4 million at December 31, 2016 decreased $36.0 million or 76.0% from December 31, 2015, primarily due to principal reductions. Accruing TDRs were $195.8 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $223.9 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $28.1 million or 12.6%, primarily due to a decline in TDR inflows as well as fewer TDRs having to retain the TDR designation upon subsequent renewal, refinance, or modification. At December 31, 2016, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these accruing TDRs was $9.8 million compared to $12.6 million at December 31, 2015. The allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs has declined due to the decreased level of accruing TDRs. Accruing TDRs are considered performing because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. At both December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 99% of accruing TDRs were current. In addition, subsequent defaults on accruing TDRs (defaults defined as the earlier of the TDR being placed on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments within twelve months of the TDR designation) have remained low, and consisted of only two defaults with a recorded investment of $181 thousand and seven defaults with a recorded investment of $12.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively,
The table below shows accruing TDRs by grade at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 27 - Accruing TDRs by Risk Grade
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Pass
$
81,615

 
41.7
%
 
$
75,015

 
33.5
%
Special mention
29,250

 
14.9

 
40,365

 
18.0

Substandard accruing
84,911

 
43.4

 
108,493

 
48.5

  Total accruing TDRs
$
195,776

 
100.0
%
 
$
223,873

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





62


The following table shows accruing TDRs, the allowance for loan losses on accruing TDRs by portfolio class and the aging of accruing TDRs by portfolio class at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 28 - Accruing TDRs Aging and Allowance for Loan Losses by Portfolio Class
 
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90+ Days
Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
31,422

 
133

 
—

 
31,555

 
1,679

1-4 family properties
31,391

 
—

 
—

 
31,391

 
1,294

Land acquisition
16,078

 
10

 
—

 
16,088

 
845

Total commercial real estate
78,891

 
143

 
—

 
79,034

 
3,818

Commercial, financial and agricultural
31,443

 
798

 
—

 
32,241

 
2,919

Owner-occupied
52,333

 
—

 
—

 
52,333

 
2,332

Total commercial and industrial
83,776

 
798

 
—

 
84,574

 
5,251

Home equity lines
7,526

 
412

 
—

 
7,938

 
120

Consumer mortgages
18,518

 
572

 
—

 
19,090

 
487

Credit cards
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
5,013

 
127

 
—

 
5,140

 
167

Total retail
31,057

 
1,111

 
—

 
32,168

 
774

Total accruing TDRs
193,724

 
2,052

 
—

 
195,776

 
9,843

 
December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Current
 
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90+ Days
Past Due
 
Total
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Investment properties
$
51,080

 
—

 
—

 
51,080

 
4,820

1-4 family properties
43,764

 
—

 
—

 
43,764

 
2,665

Land acquisition
19,929

 
380

 
—

 
20,309

 
899

Total commercial real estate
114,773

 
380

 
—

 
115,153

 
8,384

Commercial, financial and agricultural
24,934

 
592

 
208

 
25,734

 
1,257

Owner-occupied
47,141

 
387

 
—

 
47,528

 
1,995

Total commercial and industrial
72,075

 
979

 
208

 
73,262

 
3,252

Home equity lines
9,575

 
—

 
—

 
9,575

 
206

Consumer mortgages
20,520

 
712

 
—

 
21,232

 
581

Credit cards
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
4,459

 
192

 
—

 
4,651

 
132

Total retail
34,554

 
904

 
—

 
35,458

 
919

Total accruing TDRs
$
221,402

 
2,263

 
208

 
223,873

 
12,555

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The following table shows non-accruing TDRs by portfolio class at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 29 - Non-accruing TDRs by Portfolio Class
 
 
 
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Investment properties
$
58

 
$
19,998

1-4 family properties
2,781

 
2,957

Land acquisition
366

 
9,924

  Total commercial real estate
3,205

 
32,879

Commercial, financial and agricultural
4,515

 
7,753

Owner-occupied
239

 
1,777

 Total commercial and industrial
4,754

 
9,530

Home equity lines
846

 
548

Consumer mortgages
2,571

 
4,103

Other retail loans
16

 
340

Total retail
3,433

 
4,991

Total non-accruing TDRs
$
11,392

 
$
47,400

 
 
 
 
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses" of this Report for further information.
Past Due Loans
Loans past due 90 days or more, which based on a determination of collectability are accruing interest, are classified as past due loans. Synovus’ policy 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 more than 90 days and remains on accruing status. Additionally, Synovus’ policy prohibits making additional loans to a borrower, or any related interest of a borrower, who is on nonaccrual status except under certain workout plans and if such extension of credit aids with loss mitigation.
Past due loans have remained at low levels. As a percentage of total loans outstanding, loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest were 0.01% at both December 31, 2016 and 2015. 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. As a percentage of total loans outstanding, loans 30 or more days past due and still accruing interest were 0.27% and 0.21% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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The following table shows the aging of past due loans by portfolio class at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Table 30 - Loans Past Due by Portfolio Class
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
90+ Days Past Due
(dollars in thousands)
Amount

 
%
 
Amount

 
%
 
Amount

 
%
 
Amount

 
%
Investment properties
$
2,958

 
0.05
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
2,284

 
0.04
%
 
$
—

 
—
%
1-4 family properties
4,962

 
0.48

 
161

 
0.02

 
6,300

 
0.57

 
103

 
0.01

Land acquisition
1,117

 
0.27

 
—

 
—

 
639

 
0.12

 
32

 
0.01

Total commercial real estate
9,037

 
0.12

 
161

 
—

 
9,223

 
0.13

 
135

 
—

Commercial, financial and agricultural
9,542

 
0.14

 
720

 
0.01

 
12,222

 
0.19

 
785

 
0.01

Owner-occupied
17,913

 
0.39

 
244

 
0.01

 
5,254

 
0.12

 
95

 
—

Total commercial and industrial
27,455

 
0.24

 
964

 
0.01

 
17,476

 
0.16

 
880

 
0.01

Home equity lines
10,013

 
0.62

 
473

 
0.03

 
5,882

 
0.35

 
—

 
—

Consumer mortgages
7,876

 
0.34

 
81

 
—

 
8,657

 
0.45

 
134

 
0.01

Credit cards
1,819

 
0.78

 
1,417

 
0.61

 
1,663

 
0.69

 
1,446

 
0.60

Other retail loans
5,771

 
0.71

 
39

 
—

 
2,390

 
0.56

 
26

 
0.01

Total retail
25,479

 
0.51

 
2,010

 
0.04

 
18,592

 
0.43

 
1,606

 
0.04

Total loans past due
$
61,971

 
0.26
%
 
$
3,135

 
0.01
%
 
$
45,291

 
0.20
%
 
$
2,621

 
0.01
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Potential Problem Loans
Management continuously monitors non-performing and past due loans to mitigate further deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. Potential problem loans are defined by management as certain performing loans with a well-defined weakness where there is information about possible credit problems of borrowers which causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present repayment terms of such loans. Potential problem commercial loans consist of substandard accruing loans but exclude both loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest and substandard accruing troubled debt restructurings, which are reported separately. Management’s decision to include performing loans in the category of potential problem loans indicates that management has recognized a higher degree of risk associated with these loans. In addition to accruing loans 90 days past due and accruing restructured loans, Synovus had $162.0 million of potential problem commercial loans at December 31, 2016 compared to $181.0 million at December 31, 2015. Management’s current expectation of probable losses from potential problem loans is included in the allowance for loan losses, and management cannot predict at this time whether these potential problem loans ultimately will become non-performing loans or result in losses.
Net Charge-offs
Total net charge-offs were $28.7 million, or 0.12% of average loans for 2016, a slight increase of $907 thousand or 3.3% compared to 2015. Total net charge-offs were $27.8 million or 0.13% of average loans for 2015, a decrease of $51.2 million or 64.8% compared to $79.1 million, or 0.39% of average loans for 2014. Net charge-offs have declined from 2014 levels primarily as a result of lower mark-to-market charges, decreased charge-offs related to NPL inflows, and lower charges on the resolution and disposition of distressed loans. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for 2017 are expected to be in the 15 to 20 basis points range.


65


The following table shows net charge-offs (recoveries) by portfolio class for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Table 31 - Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) by Portfolio Class
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
 
Amount
 
%(1)
Investment properties
$
4,544

 
0.08
%
 
$
(441
)
 
(0.01
)%
 
$
14,413

 
0.30
%
1-4 family properties
(145
)
 
(0.01
)
 
2,065

 
0.19

 
4,872

 
0.42

Land for future development
(1,409
)
 
(0.31
)
 
(1,270
)
 
(0.23
)
 
18,644

 
2.97

Total commercial real estate
2,990

 
0.04

 
354

 
0.01

 
37,929

 
0.57

Commercial, financial and agricultural
12,255

 
0.18

 
8,464

 
0.13

 
16,736

 
0.28

Owner-occupied
3,713

 
0.08

 
5,508

 
0.13

 
7,577

 
0.19

  Total commercial and industrial
15,968

 
0.14

 
13,972

 
0.13

 
24,313

 
0.24

Home equity lines
1,462

 
0.09

 
2,996

 
0.18

 
5,361

 
0.33

Consumer mortgages
1,425

 
0.07

 
5,506

 
0.31

 
4,442

 
0.28

Credit cards
4,500

 
1.92

 
3,991

 
1.64

 
4,532

 
1.80

Other retail loans
2,393

 
0.39

 
1,012

 
0.30

 
2,478

 
0.86

  Total retail
9,780

 
0.21

 
13,505

 
0.33

 
16,813

 
0.45

Total net charge-offs
$
28,738

 
0.12
%
 
$
27,831

 
0.13
 %
 
$
79,055

 
0.39
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Net charge-off ratio as a percentage of average loans.
Provision for Loan Losses and Allowance for Loan Losses
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses" and "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies" of this Report for further information.
The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $28.0 million, an increase of $9.0 million or 47.3% compared to 2015. The increase was due to growth in loans outstanding, movement towards expected normalization of provision expense levels, as well as the continued stabilization of the allowance for loan loss factors. The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $19.0 million, a decrease of $14.8 million or 43.8% compared to 2014. The decrease in the provision for loan losses from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to continued improvement in credit quality during 2015 and 2014, including reduced NPL inflows and NPLs, lower net charge-offs, and lower levels of loans rated special mention and accruing substandard.
The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016 was $251.8 million or 1.06% of total loans, compared to $252.5 million or 1.13% of total loans at December 31, 2015. The slight decrease in the allowance for loan losses during 2016 was primarily a result of improvement in the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio.

66


A summary by loan category of loans charged off, recoveries of loans previously charged off, and additions to the allowance through provision for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented in the following table:
Table 32 - Allowance for Loan Losses – Summary of Activity by Loan Category
 
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year
$
252,496

 
261,317

 
307,560

 
373,405

 
536,494

Allowance for loan losses of sold Memphis loans
—

 
—

 
(1,019
)
 
—

 
—

Loans charged off
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
20,058

 
16,589

 
30,024

 
38,121

 
117,398

Owner-occupied
4,981

 
5,994

 
8,917

 
20,815

 
67,413

Real estate — construction
6,815

 
9,019

 
31,753

 
51,651

 
208,130

Real estate — mortgage
11,401

 
4,979

 
17,963

 
35,380

 
108,569

Total commercial
43,255

 
36,581

 
88,657

 
145,967

 
501,510

Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate — mortgage
6,071

 
13,020

 
15,636

 
22,662

 
43,364

Retail loans — credit cards
5,376

 
5,382

 
6,114

 
7,811

 
9,110

Retail loans — other
3,258

 
2,356

 
3,131

 
3,513

 
2,791

  Total retail
14,705

 
20,758

 
24,881

 
33,986

 
55,265

Total loans charged off
57,960

 
57,339

 
113,538

 
179,953

 
556,775

 Recoveries of loans previously charged off
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
7,803

 
8,125

 
13,287

 
17,314

 
24,810

Owner-occupied
1,268

 
486

 
1,341

 
2,604

 
2,935

Real estate — construction
7,846

 
8,202

 
8,714

 
11,348

 
23,721

Real estate — mortgage
7,380

 
5,442

 
3,073

 
5,720

 
12,855

Total commercial
24,297

 
22,255

 
26,415

 
36,986

 
64,321

Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate — mortgage
3,184

 
4,518

 
5,832

 
4,748

 
6,324

Retail loans — credit cards
876

 
1,391

 
1,583

 
1,918

 
1,630

Retail loans — other
865

 
1,344

 
653

 
858

 
1,042

Total retail
4,925

 
7,253

 
8,068

 
7,524

 
8,996

Recoveries of loans previously charged off
29,222

 
29,508

 
34,483

 
44,510

 
73,317

Net loans charged off
28,738

 
27,831

 
79,055

 
135,443

 
483,458

Provision for loan losses
28,000

 
19,010

 
33,831

 
69,598

 
320,369

 Allowance for loan losses at end of year
$
251,758

 
252,496

 
261,317

 
307,560

 
373,405

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Allowance for loan losses to loans, net of deferred fees and costs
1.06
%
 
1.13

 
1.24

 
1.53

 
1.91

  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans net of deferred fees and costs
0.12
%
 
0.13

 
0.39

 
0.69

 
2.45

Allowance to non-performing loans excluding collateral-dependent impaired loans with no related allowance
202.01
%
 
189.47

 
197.22

 
95.43

 
93.49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


67


The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Table 33 - Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
%(1)    
 
Amount
 
%(1)    
 
Amount
 
%(1)    
 
Amount
 
%(1)    
 
Amount
 
%(1)    
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
$
88,208

 
29.0
%
 
$
83,859

 
28.8
%
 
$
76,981

 
29.3
%
 
$
76,992

 
29.4
%
 
$
90,122

 
28.6
%
Owner-occupied
37,570

 
19.4

 
39,130

 
19.2

 
41,129

 
19.4

 
38,443

 
20.1

 
48,373

 
20.3

Real estate — construction
33,827

 
7.2

 
38,354

 
9.7

 
48,742

 
8.1

 
53,697

 
8.8

 
90,156

 
8.9

Real estate — mortgage
47,989

 
23.6

 
48,779

 
23.2

 
52,729

 
24.7

 
73,949

 
23.6

 
77,770

 
24.3

Total commercial
207,594

 
79.2

 
210,122

 
80.9

 
219,581

 
81.5

 
243,081

 
81.9

 
306,421

 
82.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate — mortgage
28,381

 
16.4

 
29,579

 
16.1

 
29,887

 
15.9

 
29,607

 
15.4

 
24,577

 
15.1

Retail loans — credit cards
8,936

 
1.0

 
8,604

 
1.1

 
9,853

 
1.2

 
10,030

 
1.3

 
12,278

 
1.4

Retail loans — other
6,847

 
3.4

 
4,191

 
1.9

 
1,996

 
1.4

 
1,842

 
1.4

 
2,129

 
1.4

Total retail
44,164

 
20.8

 
42,374

 
19.1

 
41,736

 
18.5

 
41,479

 
18.1

 
38,984

 
17.9

Unallocated
—

 
 
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
23,000

 
—

 
28,000

 
—

Total allowance for loan losses
$
251,758

 
100.0
%
 
$
252,496

 
100.0
%
 
$
261,317

 
100.0
%
 
$
307,560

 
100.0
%
 
$
373,405

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Loan balance in each category expressed as a percentage of total loans, net of deferred fees and costs.

The following table shows selected credit quality metrics at December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Table 34 - Selected Credit Quality Metrics
 
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Non-performing loans    
$
153,378

 
168,370

 
197,757

 
416,300

 
543,333

Impaired loans held for sale    
—

 
—

 
3,607

 
10,685

 
9,455

Other real estate
22,308

 
47,030

 
85,472

 
112,629

 
150,271

 Non-performing assets    
$
175,686

 
215,400

 
286,836

 
539,614

 
703,059

Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
$
3,135

 
2,621

 
4,637

 
4,489

 
6,811

As a % of loans
0.01
%
 
0.01

 
0.02

 
0.02

 
0.03

Total past due loans and still accruing
$
65,106

 
47,912

 
51,251

 
72,600

 
104,825

As a % of loans
0.27
%
 
0.21

 
0.24

 
0.36

 
0.54

Accruing TDRs
$
195,776

 
223,873

 
348,427

 
556,410

 
673,383

Non-performing loans as a % of total loans
0.64
%
 
0.75

 
0.94

 
2.08

 
2.78

Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE
0.74
%
 
0.96

 
1.35

 
2.67

 
3.57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

68


Capital Resources
Synovus and Synovus Bank are required to comply with capital adequacy standards established by their primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve. Synovus has always placed great emphasis on maintaining a solid capital base and continues to satisfy applicable regulatory capital requirements.
At December 31, 2016, Synovus' and Synovus Bank's capital levels each exceeded well-capitalized requirements currently in effect. The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus and Synovus Bank's capitalization.
Table 35 – Capital Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
Tier 1 capital
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
$
2,685,880

 
2,660,016

 
Synovus Bank
 
3,187,583

 
3,136,132

 
Common equity tier 1 capital (transitional)
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
2,654,287

 
2,660,016

 
Synovus Bank
 
3,187,583

 
3,136,132

 
Total risk-based capital
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
3,201,268

 
3,255,758

 
Synovus Bank
 
3,441,563

 
3,390,764

 
Tier 1 capital ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
10.07
%
 
10.37

 
Synovus Bank
 
11.97

 
12.25

 
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio (transitional)
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
9.96

 
10.37

 
Synovus Bank
 
11.97

 
12.25

 
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
12.01

 
12.70

 
Synovus Bank
 
12.93

 
13.25

 
Leverage ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
8.99

 
9.43

 
Synovus Bank
 
10.68

 
11.15

 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
9.09

 
9.90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
The Basel III capital rules became effective January 1, 2015, for Synovus and Synovus Bank, subject to a transition period for several aspects, including the capital conservation buffer and certain regulatory capital adjustments and deductions, as described below. Under the Basel III capital rules, the minimum capital requirements for Synovus and Synovus Bank include a common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 4.5%; Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; total capital ratio of 8%; and leverage ratio of 4%. When fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III capital rules include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% that is added on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer will begin on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and be phased-in over a three-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). As a financial holding company, Synovus and its subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, are required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution as defined by federal banking regulations. Under the Basel III capital rules, Synovus and Synovus Bank are well-capitalized if each has a CET1 ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and are not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive from a federal and/or state banking regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.
With regard to our share repurchase programs, Synovus completed its $300 million share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2016. This program was authorized during the third quarter of 2015 and was executed over a 15 month period through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. In 2016, Synovus repurchased a total of $262.9 million, or 8.7 million shares, of common stock, $212.9 million, or 7.3 million shares, of common stock of which was executed through open

69


market transactions and $50.0 million, or 1.4 million shares, of which was executed through an ASR. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $37.1 million, or 1.2 million shares, through open market transactions. Synovus completed its $250 million share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2015. This program was announced on October 21, 2014 and expired on October 23, 2015. Under this program, Synovus repurchased 9.1 million shares of common stock through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. From October 2014 through September 30, 2015, Synovus repurchased $175.0 million, or 6.2 million shares, of common stock through open market transactions, including $161.9 million, or 5.7 million shares, of common stock repurchased during 2015. Synovus also entered into a $75.0 million ASR in October 2014. During 2014, Synovus repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock under this ASR, and during January 2015, Synovus repurchased 392 thousand shares upon completion of this ASR.
On December 7, 2015, Synovus issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes due in 2025 in a public offering, for aggregate proceeds of $246.6 million, net of debt issuance costs. Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $46.7 million of its 2017 subordinated notes in privately negotiated transactions which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million. During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of the 2017 subordinated notes in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
As of December 31, 2016, total disallowed deferred tax assets were $218.3 million or 0.82% of risk-weighted assets compared to $341.1 million or 1.33% of risk-weighted assets at December 31, 2015. Disallowed deferred tax assets for CET1 were $131.0 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $215.5 million at December 31, 2015, due to a three-year phase-in of the total disallowed deferred tax asset for the CET1 capital measure. Basel III revised the deferred tax asset limitation criteria effective January 1, 2015 and now includes the component of deferred tax assets arising from temporary timing differences in regulatory capital up to certain levels of CET1. Thus, the disallowed portion of deferred tax assets is comprised of NOL carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Synovus' deferred tax asset is projected to continue to decline, thus creating additional regulatory capital in future periods. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Income Taxes" in this Report for more information on Synovus' net deferred tax asset.
Synovus' CET1 ratio was 9.96% at December 31, 2016 under Basel III transitional provisions and the estimated fully phased-in CET1 ratio, as of December 31, 2016, was 9.51%, both of which are well in excess of regulatory requirements. See "Part II - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Report for applicable reconciliation to GAAP measure.
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. Synovus' 2016 DFAST results show that capital ratios remain above regulatory minimums throughout the forecast period in the severely adverse scenario. During the fourth quarter of 2016, Synovus' Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million of the Company's common stock to be executed during 2017. The Board of Directors also approved a 25% increase in the Company's quarterly common stock dividend from $0.12 to $0.15 per share, effective with the quarterly dividend payable in April 2017.
Liquidity
Liquidity represents the extent to which Synovus has readily available sources of funding needed to meet the needs of depositors, borrowers and creditors, to support asset growth, and to otherwise sustain operations of Synovus and its subsidiaries, at a reasonable cost, on a timely basis, and without adverse consequences. ALCO monitors Synovus' economic, competitive, and regulatory environment and is responsible for measuring, monitoring, and reporting on liquidity and funding risk, interest rate risk, and market risk and has the authority to establish policies relative to these risks. ALCO, operating under liquidity and funding policies approved by the Board of Directors, actively analyzes contractual and anticipated cash flows in order to properly manage Synovus’ liquidity position.
Contractual and anticipated cash flows are analyzed under normal and stressed conditions to determine forward looking liquidity needs and sources. Synovus analyzes liquidity needs under various scenarios of market conditions and operating performance. This analysis includes stress testing and measures expected sources and uses of funds under each scenario. Emphasis is placed on maintaining numerous sources of current and potential liquidity to allow Synovus to meet its obligations to depositors, borrowers, and creditors on a timely basis.
Liquidity is generated primarily through maturities and repayments of loans by customers, maturities and sales of investment securities, deposit growth, and access to sources of funds other than deposits. Management continuously monitors and maintains appropriate levels of liquidity so as to provide adequate funding sources to manage customer deposit withdrawals, loan requests, and funding maturities. Liquidity is also enhanced by the acquisition of new deposits. Each of the banking divisions monitors deposit flows and evaluates local market conditions in an effort to retain and grow deposits.

70


Synovus Bank also generates liquidity through the national deposit markets through the issuance of brokered certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Synovus Bank accesses these funds from a broad geographic base to diversify its sources of funding and liquidity. Synovus Bank has the capacity to access funding through its membership in the FHLB system. At December 31, 2016, based on currently pledged collateral, Synovus Bank had access to incremental funding of $790 million, 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 level for various operating needs including the servicing of debt, the payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock, share repurchases, payment of general corporate expenses and potential capital infusions into subsidiaries. The primary source of liquidity for Synovus consists of dividends from Synovus Bank, which is governed by certain rules and regulations of the GA DBF and the Federal Reserve Bank. During 2014, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $182.0 million including cash dividends of $90.6 million. During 2015, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $225.0 million including cash dividends of $199.9 million. During 2016, Synovus Bank paid upstream cash dividends of $325.0 million to the Parent Company. On January 31, 2017, Synovus Bank paid an upstream cash dividend of $100.0 million to the Parent Company. Synovus' ability to receive dividends from Synovus Bank in future periods will depend on a number of factors, including, without limitation, Synovus Bank's future profits, asset quality, liquidity, and overall condition. In addition, GA DBF rules and related statutes contain limitations on payments of dividends by Synovus without the approval of the GA DBF.
On December 7, 2015, Synovus issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt due in 2025 in a public offering, for aggregate proceeds of $246.6 million, net of debt issuance costs. Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $46.7 million of its subordinated notes maturing in 2017 in privately negotiated transactions which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million. During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of the 2017 notes in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs. However, if economic conditions were to significantly deteriorate, regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or Synovus Bank 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 may adversely affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial results."
Contractual Cash Obligations
The following table summarizes, by remaining maturity, Synovus’ significant contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2016. Excluded from the table below are certain liabilities with variable cash flows and/or no contractual maturity. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 20 - Commitments and Contingencies" of this Report for information on Synovus' commitments to extend credit including loan commitments and letters of credit. Additionally, see "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 11 - Deposits" of this Report for information on contractual maturities of time deposits.
Table 36 - Contractual Cash Obligations
 
Payments Due After December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
1 Year or Less
 
Over 1 - 3 Years
 
4 - 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
 
Total
Long-term debt obligations
$
332,551

 
656,286

 
837,058

 
571,409

 
2,397,304

Capital lease obligations
113

 
222

 
230

 
1,268

 
1,833

Operating lease obligations
27,527

 
53,773

 
46,826

 
154,219

 
282,345

Purchase commitments
43,147

 
40,437

 
844

 
367

 
84,795

Total contractual cash obligations
$
403,338

 
750,718

 
884,958

 
727,263

 
2,766,277

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.

71


Short-term Borrowings
The following table sets forth certain information regarding federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, the principal components of short-term borrowings.
Table 37 - Short-term Borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at December 31,
 
$
159,699

 
177,025

 
126,916

Weighted average interest rate at December 31,
 
0.08
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.08
%
Maximum month end balance during the year
 
$
286,175

 
250,453

 
247,170

Average amount outstanding during the year
 
216,593

 
205,305

 
198,085

Weighted average interest rate during the year
 
0.09
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.11
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earning Assets and Sources of Funds
Average total assets for 2016 increased $1.38 billion, or 4.9%, to $29.48 billion as compared to average total assets for 2015. Average earning assets increased $1.53 billion, or 5.9%, in 2016 as compared to the prior year. Average earning assets represented 93.4% and 92.5% of average total assets for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in average earning assets resulted primarily from a $1.56 billion increase in average loans, net, and a $305.7 million increase in average taxable investment securities. These increases were partially offset by a $353.9 million decrease in average interest bearing funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits and average money market deposits increased by $531.8 million and $818.9 million, respectively, and represented the primary funding source growth for the year.
Average total assets for 2015 increased $1.56 billion, or 5.9%, to $28.10 billion as compared to average total assets for 2014. Average earning assets increased $1.69 billion, or 7.0%, in 2015 as compared to the prior year. Average earning assets represented 92.5% and 91.6% of average total assets for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in average earning assets resulted primarily from a $1.14 billion increase in average loans, net, a $379.9 million increase in average interest bearing funds at the Federal Reserve Bank, and a $174.4 million increase in average taxable investment securities. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits and average money market deposits increased by $674.5 million and $653.1 million, respectively, and represented the primary funding source growth for the year.
For more detailed information on the average balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, refer to Table 21 - Average Balances, Interest, and Yields.
The table below shows the maturity of selected loan categories as of December 31, 2016. Also provided are the amounts due after one year, classified according to the sensitivity in interest rates. Actual repayments of loans may differ from the contractual maturities reflected therein because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with and without prepayment penalties. Additionally, the refinancing of such loans or the potential delinquency of such loans could create differences between the contractual maturities and the actual repayment of such loans.
Table 38 - Loan Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
One Year Or Less    
 
Over One Year Through Five Years    
 
Over Five Years    
 
    Total
Selected loan categories:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, financial, and agricultural
$
1,958,096

 
3,995,326

 
962,505

 
6,915,927

Owner-occupied
697,137

 
2,512,162

 
1,426,717

 
4,636,016

Real estate - construction
710,804

 
950,297

 
56,525

 
1,717,626

Total
$
3,366,037

 
7,457,785

 
2,445,747

 
13,269,569

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans due after one year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Having predetermined interest rates
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,096,411

Having floating or adjustable interest rates
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,807,121

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
9,903,532

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

72


Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of this Report for further information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The measures entitled adjusted non-interest expense, adjusted efficiency ratio, average core deposits, average core transaction deposit accounts, common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio (fully phased-in), tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, adjusted return on average assets, and return on average tangible common equity are determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and therefore are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are total non-interest expense, efficiency ratio, total average deposits, the ratio of total shareholders’ equity to total assets, return on average assets, and return on average common equity, respectively.
Synovus believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist management and investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength and capitalization, and the performance of its business and the strength of its capital position, but they have inherent limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as additional views of the way our financial measures are affected by significant items and other factors, and since they are not required to be uniformly applied, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures at other companies. Adjusted non-interest expense and the adjusted efficiency ratio are measures utilized by management to measure the success of expense management initiatives focused on reducing recurring controllable operating costs. Average core deposits and average core transaction deposit accounts are measures used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. The common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio (fully phased-in) and the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio are used by management and bank regulators to assess the strength of our capital position. Adjusted return on average assets is a measure used by management to compare Synovus' performance with other financial institutions because it calculates the return on average assets without the impact of items that are not indicative of ongoing operations. Return on average tangible common equity is a measure used by management to compare Synovus’ performance with other financial institutions because it calculates the return available to common shareholders without the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization, thereby allowing management to evaluate the performance of the business consistently.
The computations of adjusted non-interest expense, adjusted efficiency ratio, average core deposits, average core transaction deposit accounts, common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio (fully phased-in), tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, adjusted return on average assets, and return on average tangible common equity and the reconciliation of these measures to total non-interest expense, efficiency ratio, total average deposits, the ratio of total shareholders’ equity to total assets, return on average assets, and return on average common equity are set forth in the tables below.
























73


Table 39 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Adjusted Non-interest Expense
 
 


 


Total non-interest expense
$
755,923

 
717,655

 
744,998

Litigation settlement/contingency expenses

(2,511
)
 
(5,110
)
 
(12,812
)
Restructuring charges
(8,267
)
 
(36
)
 
(20,585
)
Fair value adjustment to Visa derivative
(5,795
)
 
(1,464
)
 
(3,041
)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
(4,735
)
 
(1,533
)
 
—

Merger-related expense
(1,636
)
 
—

 
—

Amortization of intangibles
(521
)
 
(503
)
 
(603
)
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
732,458

 
709,009

 
707,957

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted non-interest expense
$
732,458

 
709,009

Adjusted non-interest expense
 
Foreclosed real estate expense, net
(12,838
)
 
(22,803
)
 
 
Other credit costs(1)
(6,701
)
 
(8,853
)
 
 
Adjusted non-interest expense excluding credit costs
$
712,919

 
677,353

 
 
Net interest income
899,180

 
827,318

 
 
Tax equivalent adjustment
1,285

 
1,304

 
 
Total non-interest income
273,194

 
267,920

 
 
Investment securities gains, net
(6,011
)
 
(2,769
)
 
 
Total revenues
$
1,167,648

 
1,093,773

 

Efficiency ratio
64.74
%
 
65.61

 

Adjusted efficiency ratio
61.06
%
 
61.93

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Average Core Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
Average Core Transaction Deposit Accounts
 
 
 
 
 
Average total deposits
$
23,880,021

 
22,551,679

 


Average brokered deposits
(1,306,217
)
 
(1,421,949
)
 
 
Average core deposits
22,573,804

 
21,129,730

 
 
Average state, county, and municipal (SCM) deposits
(2,295,266
)
 
(2,232,437
)
 
 
Average time deposits, excluding SCM deposits
(3,145,027
)
 
(3,202,308
)
 
 
Average core transaction deposit accounts
$
17,133,511

 
15,694,985

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Other credit costs consist primarily of other loan expenses.
























74


Table 39 - Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, continued
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio (fully phased-in)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1
$
2,654,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustment related to capital components
(94,387
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Common equity Tier 1 (fully phased-in)
2,559,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in)
26,909,755

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Common equity Tier 1 ratio (fully phased-in)
9.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Common Equity Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
30,104,002

 
28,792,653

 
27,050,237

 
26,201,604

 
26,760,012

Goodwill
(59,678
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Other intangible assets, net
(13,223
)
 
(471
)
 
(1,265
)
 
(3,415
)
 
(5,149
)
Tangible assets
$
30,031,101

 
28,767,751

 
27,024,541

 
26,173,758

 
26,730,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
$
2,927,924

 
3,000,196

 
3,041,270

 
2,948,985

 
3,569,431

Goodwill
(59,678
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
 
(24,431
)
Other intangible assets, net
(13,223
)
 
(471
)
 
(1,265
)
 
(3,415
)
 
(5,149
)
Series C Preferred Stock
(125,980
)
 
(125,980
)
 
(125,980
)
 
(125,862
)
 
—

Series A Preferred Stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(957,327
)
Tangible common equity
$
2,729,043

 
2,849,314

 
2,889,594

 
2,795,277

 
2,582,524

Tangible equity units
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(260,084
)
Tangible common equity excluding tangible equity units
$
2,729,043

 
2,849,314

 
2,889,594

 
2,795,277

 
2,322,440

Total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio     
9.73
%
 
10.42

 
11.24

 
11.25

 
13.34

      Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
9.09
%
 
9.90

 
10.69

 
10.68

 
9.66

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Return on Average Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
246,784

 
226,082

 
 
 
 
 
 
Litigation settlement/contingency expenses

2,511

 
5,110

 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charges
8,267

 
(36
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value adjustment to Visa derivative
5,795

 
1,464

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
4,735

 
1,533

 
 
 
 
 
 
Merger-related expense
1,636

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles
521

 
503

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities gains, net
(6,011
)
 
(2,769
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax effect of adjustments
(6,458
)
 
(2,148
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income, after-tax
$
257,780

 
229,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total average assets
$
29,480,950

 
28,098,958

 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
0.84
%
 
0.80

 
 
 
 
 
 
      Adjusted return on average assets
0.87
%
 
0.82

 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total average shareholders' equity
$
2,939,506

 
3,017,900

 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Series C Preferred Stock
(125,980
)
 
(125,980
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total average common equity
$
2,813,526

 
2,891,920

 
 
 
 
 
 
Average goodwill
(32,151
)
 
(24,431
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average other tangible assets, net
(269
)
 
(853
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average tangible common equity
$
2,781,106

 
2,866,636

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
236,546

 
215,844

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles, after-tax
328

 
317

 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders
$
236,874

 
216,161

 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average common equity
8.41
%
 
7.46

 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average tangible common equity
8.52
%
 
7.54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


75


Parent Company
The Parent Company’s net assets consist primarily of its investment in Synovus Bank. The Parent Company’s primary uses of cash are for the servicing of debt, payment of dividends to shareholders, and repurchases of common stock. The Parent Company also provides the necessary funds to strengthen the capital of its subsidiaries if needed. These uses of cash are primarily funded by dividends from Synovus Bank, borrowings from external sources, and equity offerings.
Synovus returned over $322 million in capital to common shareholders during 2016 with $262.9 million of common stock repurchases and $59.4 million of common stock dividends. During the fourth quarter of 2016, Synovus' Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million of the Company's common stock to be executed during 2017. The Board of Directors also approved a 25% increase in the Company's quarterly common stock dividend from $0.12 to $0.15 per share, effective with the quarterly dividend payable in April 2017.
With regard to our share repurchase programs, Synovus completed its $300 million share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2016. This program was authorized during the third quarter of 2015 and was executed over a 15 month period through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. In 2016, Synovus repurchased a total of $262.9 million, or 8.7 million shares, of common stock, $212.9 million, or 7.3 million shares, of common stock of which was executed through open market transactions and $50.0 million, or 1.4 million shares, of which was executed through an ASR. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $37.1 million, or 1.2 million shares, through open market transactions. Synovus completed its $250 million share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2015. This program was announced on October 21, 2014 and expired on October 23, 2015. Under this program, Synovus repurchased 9.1 million shares of common stock through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. From October 2014 through September 30, 2015, Synovus repurchased $175.0 million, or 6.2 million shares, of common stock through open market transactions, including $161.9 million, or 5.7 million shares, of common stock repurchased during 2015. Synovus also entered into a $75.0 million ASR in October 2014. During 2014, Synovus repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock under this ASR, and during January 2015, Synovus repurchased 392 thousand shares upon completion of this ASR.
On October 1, 2016, Synovus completed its acquisition of Global One. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Synovus acquired Global One for an up-front payment of $30 million, consisting of the issuance of 821 thousand shares of Synovus common stock valued at $26.6 million and $3.4 million in cash, with additional annual payments to the former shareholders of Global One for three to five years based on a percentage of Global One's earnings as defined in the merger agreement.
On December 7, 2015, Synovus issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes due in 2025 in a public offering, for aggregate proceeds of $246.6 million, net of debt issuance costs. Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $46.7 million of its 2017 subordinated notes in privately negotiated transactions which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million. During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of the 2017 subordinated notes in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
On January 31, 2017, Synovus Bank paid an upstream cash dividend of $100.0 million to the Parent Company. During 2016, Synovus Bank paid upstream cash dividends of $325.0 million to the Parent Company. During 2015, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $225.0 million including cash dividends of $199.9 million. During 2014, Synovus Bank made upstream cash distributions to the Parent Company totaling $182.0 million including cash dividends of $90.6 million.     
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity
Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in either diminished current market values or reduced current and potential net income. Synovus’ most significant market risk is interest rate risk. This risk arises primarily from Synovus’ core community banking activities of extending loans and accepting deposits.
Managing interest rate risk is a primary goal of the asset liability management function. Synovus attempts to achieve consistency in net interest income while limiting volatility arising from changes in interest rates. Synovus seeks to accomplish this goal by balancing the maturity and repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities along with the selective use of derivative instruments. Synovus manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by ALCO and approved by the Board of Directors. ALCO meets periodically and has responsibility for developing asset liability management policies, reviewing the interest rate sensitivity of Synovus, and developing and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet structure and interest rate risk positioning.

76


Synovus measures the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in market interest rates through the utilization of simulation modeling. On at least a quarterly basis, the following twenty-four month time period is simulated to determine a baseline net interest income forecast and the sensitivity of this forecast to changes in interest rates. These simulations include all of Synovus’ earning assets and liabilities. Forecasted balance sheet changes, primarily reflecting loan and deposit growth forecasts, are included in the periods modeled. Projected rates for loans and deposits are based on management’s outlook and local market conditions. Anticipated deposit mix changes in each interest rate scenario are also included in the periods modeled.
The magnitude and velocity of rate changes among the various asset and liability groups exhibit different characteristics for each possible interest rate scenario; additionally, customer loan and deposit preferences can vary in response to changing interest rates. Simulation modeling enables Synovus to capture the expected effect of these differences. Assumptions utilized in the model are updated on an ongoing basis and are reviewed and approved by ALCO and the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. Synovus is also able to model expected changes in the shape of interest rate yield curves for each rate scenario. Simulation also enables Synovus to capture the effect of expected prepayment level changes on selected assets and liabilities subject to prepayment.
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 0.50% to 0.75% and the current prime rate of 3.75%. Synovus has modeled the impact of a gradual increase in short-term rates of 100 and 200 basis points and a decline of 25 basis points to determine the sensitivity of net interest income for the next twelve months. As illustrated in the table below, the net interest income sensitivity model indicates that, compared with a net interest income forecast assuming stable rates, net interest income is projected to increase by 2.2% and increase by 4.6% if interest rates increased by 100 and 200 basis points, respectively. Net interest income is projected to decline by 2.3% if interest rates decreased by 25 basis points. These changes were within Synovus’ policy limit of a maximum 5% negative change.
Table 40 - Twelve Month Net Interest Income Sensitivity
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
Estimated Change in Net Interest Income
As of December 31,
2016
 
2015
+200
 
4.6%
 
6.4%
+100
 
2.2%
 
3.8%
Flat
 
—%
 
—%
-25
 
-2.3%
 
-2.6%
 
 
 
 
 
The measured interest rate sensitivity indicates an asset sensitive position over the next year, which could serve to improve net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. The level of asset sensitivity has moderately declined in the past year, primarily due to duration extension within the investment portfolio and a modest reduction in the duration of our funding base. The actual realized change in net interest income would depend on several factors, some of which could serve to diminish or eliminate the asset sensitivity noted above. 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 in a rising rate environment 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 position. 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 in a rising rate environment on Synovus' realized interest rate sensitivity position.
Table 41 - Core Deposit Beta Sensitivity
 
 
Change in Short-term Interest Rates (in basis points)
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
Base Scenario
 
15% Increase in Average Repricing Beta
+200
 
4.6%
 
2.8%
+100
 
2.2%
 
1.3%
 
 
 
 
 
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.

77


The net interest income simulation model is the primary tool utilized to evaluate potential interest rate risks over a shorter term time horizon. Synovus also evaluates potential longer term interest rate risk through modeling and evaluation of economic value of equity (EVE). This EVE modeling allows Synovus to capture longer-term repricing risk and options risk embedded in the balance sheet. Simulation modeling is utilized to measure the economic value of equity and its sensitivity to immediate changes in interest rates. These simulations value only the current balance sheet and do not incorporate growth assumptions used in the net interest income simulation. The EVE is the net fair value of assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet financial instruments derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at current market interest rates. From this baseline valuation, Synovus evaluates changes in the value of each of these items in various interest rate scenarios to determine the net impact on the economic value of equity. Key assumptions utilized in the model, namely loan prepayments, deposit pricing betas, and non-maturity deposit durations have a significant impact on the results of the EVE simulations.
As illustrated in the table below, the EVE model indicates that, compared with a valuation assuming stable rates, EVE is projected to increase by 3.2% and 2.8%, assuming an immediate and sustained increase in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points, respectively. Assuming an immediate 25 basis point decline in rates, EVE is projected to decrease by 3.3%. These changes were within Synovus' policy which limits the maximum negative change in EVE to 20% of the base EVE.
Table 42 - Economic Value of Equity Sensitivity
 
 
Immediate Change in Interest Rates
(in basis points)
 
Estimated Change in EVE
As of December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
+200
 
2.8%
 
3.2%
+100
 
3.2%
 
3.4%
- 25
 
-3.3%
 
- 3.5%
 
 
 
 
 
Synovus is also subject to market risk in certain of its fee income business lines. Financial management services revenues, which include trust, brokerage, and asset management fees, can be affected by risk in the securities markets, primarily the equity securities market. A significant portion of the fees in this unit are determined based upon a percentage of asset values. Weaker securities markets and lower equity values have an adverse impact on the fees generated by these operations. Trading account assets, maintained to facilitate brokerage customer activity, are also subject to market risk. This risk is not considered significant, as trading activities are limited and subject to risk policy limits. Mortgage banking income is also subject to market risk. Mortgage loan originations are sensitive to levels of mortgage interest rates and therefore, mortgage banking income could be negatively impacted during a period of rising interest rates. The extension of commitments to customers to fund mortgage loans also subjects Synovus to market risk. This risk is primarily created by the time period between making the commitment and closing and delivering the loan. Synovus seeks to minimize this exposure by utilizing various risk management tools, the primary of which are forward sales commitments and best efforts commitments.
Derivative Instruments for Interest Rate Risk Management
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risks. 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 when it is intended that such loans will be sold.
Synovus may also utilize interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks primarily arising from its core banking activities. These interest rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest rate payment obligations without the exchange of underlying principal amounts. Swaps may be designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Synovus had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts utilized to manage interest rate risk.

78


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Synovus Financial Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Synovus Financial Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Synovus Financial Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Synovus Financial Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
February 27, 2017



79


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Synovus Financial Corp.:
We have audited Synovus Financial Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Synovus Financial Corp.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Synovus Financial Corp. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Synovus Financial Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 27, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
February 27, 2017



80


Synovus Financial Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
December 31,
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
2016
 
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
395,175

 
367,092

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
 
527,090

 
829,887

Interest earning deposits with banks
 
18,720

 
17,387

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
 
58,060

 
69,819

Trading account assets, at fair value
 
9,314

 
5,097

Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
 
51,545

 
59,275

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
 
3,718,195

 
3,587,818

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
 
23,856,391

 
22,429,565

Allowance for loan losses
 
(251,758
)
 
(252,496
)
Loans, net
 
23,604,633

 
22,177,069

Premises and equipment, net
 
417,485

 
445,155

Goodwill
 
59,678

 
24,431

Other intangible assets
 
13,223

 
471

Other real estate
 
22,308

 
47,030

Deferred tax asset, net
 
395,356

 
511,948

Other assets
 
813,220

 
650,174

Total assets
 
$
30,104,002

 
28,792,653

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
7,085,804

 
6,732,970

Interest bearing deposits, excluding brokered deposits
 
16,183,273

 
15,434,171

Brokered deposits
 
1,378,983

 
1,075,520

Total deposits
 
24,648,060

 
23,242,661

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
 
159,699

 
177,025

Long-term debt
 
2,160,881

 
2,186,893

Other liabilities
 
207,438

 
185,878

Total liabilities
 
27,176,078

 
25,792,457

Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Series C Preferred Stock – no par value. 5,200,000 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
125,980

 
125,980

Common stock - $1.00 par value. Authorized 342,857,143 shares at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; issued 142,025,720 at December 31, 2016 and 140,592,409 at December 31, 2015; outstanding 122,266,106 at December 31, 2016 and 129,547,032 at December 31, 2015    
 
142,026

 
140,592

Additional paid-in capital
 
3,028,405

 
2,989,981

Treasury stock, at cost – 19,759,614 shares at December 31, 2016 and 11,045,377 shares at December 31, 2015
 
(664,595
)
 
(401,511
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 
(55,659
)
 
(29,819
)
Retained earnings
 
351,767

 
174,973

Total shareholders’ equity
 
2,927,924

 
3,000,196

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
30,104,002

 
28,792,653

 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.


81


Synovus Financial Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
 
$
944,233

 
877,384

 
862,916

Investment securities available for sale
 
67,467

 
59,154

 
57,832

Trading account assets
 
91

 
303

 
456

Mortgage loans held for sale
 
2,646

 
2,546

 
2,304

Federal Reserve Bank balances
 
4,356

 
3,144

 
2,081

Other earning assets
 
4,010

 
3,431

 
3,103

Total interest income
 
1,022,803

 
945,962

 
928,692

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
64,206

 
65,534

 
55,179

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
 
200

 
168

 
220

Long-term debt
 
59,217

 
52,942

 
54,009

Total interest expense
 
123,623

 
118,644

 
109,408

Net interest income
 
899,180

 
827,318

 
819,284

Provision for loan losses
 
28,000

 
19,010

 
33,831

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
871,180

 
808,308

 
785,453

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
81,425

 
80,142

 
78,897

Fiduciary and asset management fees
 
46,594

 
45,928

 
45,226

Brokerage revenue
 
27,028

 
27,855

 
27,088

Mortgage banking income
 
24,259

 
24,096

 
18,354

Bankcard fees
 
33,318

 
33,172

 
32,931

Investment securities gains, net
 
6,011

 
2,769

 
1,331

Other fee income
 
20,220

 
21,170

 
19,130

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
 
—

 
—

 
5,789

Other non-interest income
 
34,339

 
32,788

 
33,358

Total non-interest income
 
273,194

 
267,920

 
262,104

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
402,026

 
380,918

 
371,904

Net occupancy and equipment expense
 
109,347

 
107,466

 
105,806

Third-party processing expense
 
46,320

 
42,851

 
40,042

FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees
 
26,714

 
27,091

 
33,485

Professional fees
 
26,698

 
26,646

 
26,440

Advertising expense
 
20,264

 
15,477

 
24,037

Foreclosed real estate expense, net
 
12,838

 
22,803

 
25,321

Fair value adjustment to Visa derivative
 
5,795

 
1,464

 
3,041

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
 
4,735

 
1,533

 
—

Merger-related expense
 
1,636

 
—

 
—

Restructuring charges
 
8,267

 
36

 
20,585

Other operating expenses
 
91,283

 
91,370

 
94,337

Total non-interest expense
 
755,923

 
717,655

 
744,998

Income before income taxes
 
388,451

 
358,573

 
302,559

Income tax expense
 
141,667

 
132,491

 
107,310

Net income
 
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

Dividends on preferred stock
 
10,238

 
10,238

 
10,238

Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
236,546

 
215,844

 
185,011

Net income per common share, basic
 
$
1.90

 
1.63

 
1.34

Net income per common share, diluted
 
1.89

 
1.62

 
1.33

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
 
124,389

 
132,423

 
138,495

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
 
125,078

 
133,201

 
139,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.



82


Synovus Financial Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
388,451

 
(141,667
)
 
246,784

 
358,573

 
(132,491
)
 
226,082

 
302,559

 
(107,310
)
 
195,249

Net change related to cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income
467

 
(180
)
 
287

 
521

 
(201
)
 
320

 
448

 
(173
)
 
275

Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income
$
(6,011
)
 
2,314

 
(3,697
)
 
(2,769
)
 
1,066

 
(1,703
)
 
(1,331
)
 
513

 
(818
)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period
(36,432
)
 
14,027

 
(22,405
)
 
(25,707
)
 
9,901

 
(15,806
)
 
47,223

 
(18,182
)
 
29,041

Net unrealized (losses) gains
$
(42,443
)
 
16,341

 
(26,102
)
 
(28,476
)
 
10,967

 
(17,509
)
 
45,892

 
(17,669
)
 
28,223

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

 
(88
)
 
(272
)
 
104

 
(168
)
 
(144
)
 
56

 
(88
)
Actuarial gains arising during the period
102

 
(39
)
 
63

 
236

 
(93
)
 
143

 
395

 
(152
)
 
243

Net unrealized (losses) gains
$
(42
)
 
17

 
(25
)
 
(36
)
 
11

 
(25
)
 
251

 
(96
)
 
155

Other comprehensive (loss) income
(42,018
)
 
16,178

 
(25,840
)
 
(27,991
)
 
10,777

 
(17,214
)
 
46,591

 
(17,938
)
 
28,653

Comprehensive income

 


 
$
220,944

 

 


 
208,868

 

 


 
223,902

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.


83


Synovus Financial Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
Series C Preferred Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained Earnings
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
125,862

 
139,721

 
2,976,348

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

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
195,249

 
195,249

Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
28,653

 
—

 
28,653

Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.31 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(42,805
)
 
(42,805
)
Cash dividends paid on Series C Preferred Stock
—

 
—

 
(10,238
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,238
)
Series C Preferred Stock-adjustment to issuance costs
118

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
118

Repurchases and agreements to repurchase shares of common stock
—

 
—

 
(14,515
)
 
(73,598
)
 
—

 
—

 
(88,113
)
Restricted share unit activity
—

 
52

 
(706
)
 
—

 
—

 
(38
)
 
(692
)
Stock options exercised
—

 
177

 
2,871

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,048

Share-based compensation net tax deficiency
—

 
—

 
(3,168
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,168
)
Share-based compensation expense
—

 
—

 
10,233

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,233

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
125,980

 
139,950

 
2,960,825

 
(187,774
)
 
(12,605
)
 
14,894

 
3,041,270

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
226,082

 
226,082

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(17,214
)
 
—

 
(17,214
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.42 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(55,354
)
 
(55,354
)
Cash dividends paid on Series C Preferred Stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,238
)
 
(10,238
)
Repurchases and completion of ASR agreement to repurchase shares of common stock
—

 
—

 
14,516

 
(213,737
)
 
—

 
—

 
(199,221
)
Restricted share unit activity
—

 
304

 
(4,877
)
 
—

 
—

 
(411
)
 
(4,984
)
Stock options exercised
—

 
338

 
5,305

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,643

Share-based compensation net tax benefit
—

 
—

 
1,656

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,656

Share-based compensation expense
—

 
—

 
12,556

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
12,556

Balance at December 31, 2015
$
125,980

 
140,592

 
2,989,981

 
(401,511
)
 
(29,819
)
 
174,973

 
3,000,196

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
246,784

 
246,784

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(25,840
)
 
—

 
(25,840
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock - $0.48 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(59,425
)
 
(59,425
)
Cash dividends paid on Series C Preferred Stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,238
)
 
(10,238
)
Repurchases of common stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
(263,084
)
 
—

 
—

 
(263,084
)
Issuance of common stock for acquisition
—

 
821

 
25,771

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
26,592

Restricted share unit activity
—

 
316

 
(5,030
)
 
—

 
—

 
(327
)
 
(5,041
)
Stock options exercised
—

 
297

 
4,858

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,155

Share-based compensation net tax deficiency
—

 
—

 
(790
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(790
)
Share-based compensation expense
—

 
—

 
13,615

 
—

 


 
—

 
13,615

Balance at December 31, 2016
$
125,980

 
142,026

 
3,028,405

 
(664,595
)
 
(55,659
)
 
351,767

 
2,927,924

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.

84



Synovus Financial Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
28,000

 
19,010

 
33,831

Depreciation, amortization, and accretion, net
58,228

 
56,741

 
54,952

Deferred income tax expense
128,837

 
121,904

 
102,020

(Increase) decrease in trading account assets
(2,327
)
 
8,766

 
(7,750
)
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
(705,394
)
 
(790,625
)
 
(766,815
)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
724,712

 
807,906

 
761,979

Gain on sales of mortgage loans held for sale, net
(13,780
)
 
(14,966
)
 
(12,357
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(23,568
)
 
7,799

 
2,258

Decrease in other liabilities
(4,239
)
 
(24,906
)
 
(8,990
)
Investment securities gains, net
(6,011
)
 
(2,769
)
 
(1,331
)
Losses and write-downs on other real estate, net
10,174

 
17,619

 
22,085

   Losses and write-downs on other assets held for sale, net
8,001

 
892

 
7,643

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
4,735

 
1,533

 
—

Share-based compensation expense
13,615

 
12,556

 
10,233

Gain on sale of Memphis branches, net
—

 
—

 
(5,789
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
467,767

 
447,542

 
387,218

 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash received (used) in acquisitions/dispositions
6,146

 
—

 
(90,571
)
Net (increase) decrease in interest earning deposits with banks
(1,335
)
 
(5,577
)
 
12,515

Net decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
11,759

 
3,291

 
7,864

Net decrease (increase) in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
302,797

 
(108,525
)
 
(76,834
)
Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale
894,123

 
693,608

 
568,918

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
968,606

 
347,954

 
20,815

Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(2,051,283
)
 
(1,634,531
)
 
(378,919
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
15,046

 
28,762

 
65,205

Proceeds from sale of other real estate
30,762

 
47,137

 
63,768

Net increase in loans
(1,129,422
)
 
(1,411,050
)
 
(1,326,596
)
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank capital stock
(97,293
)
 
—

 
—

Purchase of bank-owned life insurance policies
(34,256
)
 
(45,000
)
 
—

Net increase in premises and equipment
(34,317
)
 
(28,381
)
 
(38,680
)
Proceeds from sale of other assets held for sale
13,072

 
3,039

 
5,741

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(1,105,595
)
 
(2,109,273
)
 
(1,166,774
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
1,512,451

 
2,274,949

 
562,669

Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit
(107,893
)
 
(565,315
)
 
283,543

Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
(17,326
)
 
50,109

 
(21,216
)
Repayments on long-term debt
(2,263,688
)
 
(823,899
)
 
(400,781
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
1,875,000

 
871,644

 
510,000

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(59,425
)
 
(55,354
)
 
(42,805
)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
(10,238
)
 
(10,238
)
 
(10,238
)
Stock options exercised
5,155

 
5,643

 
3,048

Repurchases and agreements to repurchase shares of common stock
(263,084
)
 
(199,221
)
 
(88,113
)
Restricted stock activity
(5,041
)
 
(4,984
)
 
(692
)

85


Net cash provided by financing activities
$
665,911

 
1,543,334

 
795,415

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
28,083

 
(118,397
)
 
15,859

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
367,092

 
485,489

 
469,630

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
395,175

 
367,092

 
485,489

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid During the Period for:
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax payments, net
9,340

 
10,514

 
5,971

Interest paid
123,560

 
115,795

 
109,549

Non-cash Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale transferred to loans at fair value
313

 
659

 
334

Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate
16,214

 
26,313

 
58,556

Premises and equipment transferred to other properties held for sale
25,231

 
2,340

 
16,613

Investment securities available for sale transferred to trading account assets at fair value
1,890

 
—

 
—

Securities purchased during the period but settled after period-end
—

 
—

 
25,938

Dispositions/Acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of non-cash assets acquired (sold)
408,054

 
—

 
(100,982
)
Fair value of liabilities assumed (sold)
387,608

 
—

 
(191,553
)
Fair value of common stock issued
26,592

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements.

86



Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business Operations
The consolidated financial statements of Synovus include the accounts of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Synovus provides integrated financial services, including commercial and retail banking, financial management, insurance, and mortgage services to its customers through locally-branded divisions of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, in offices located throughout Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
In addition to our banking operations, we also provide various other financial services to our customers through direct and indirect wholly-owned non-bank subsidiaries, including: Synovus Securities, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which specializes in professional portfolio management for fixed-income securities, investment banking, the execution of securities transactions as a broker/dealer, and the provision of individual investment advice on equity and other securities; Synovus Trust Company, N.A., headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, which provides trust, asset management, and financial planning services; and Synovus Mortgage Corp., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, which offers mortgage services.
Basis of Presentation
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and conform to the accounting and reporting guidelines prescribed by bank regulatory authorities. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. 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 fair value of investment securities; the fair value of private equity investments; contingent liabilities related to legal matters; and the deferred tax assets valuation allowance. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of certain impaired loans, 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.
The following is a description of the Company's significant accounting policies.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, $533 thousand and $100 thousand, respectively, of the due from banks balance was restricted as to withdrawal.
Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank included $130 million and $117.3 million, respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank reserve requirements. Interest earning deposits with banks include $5.6 million at December 31, 2016 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2015, which is pledged as collateral in connection with certain letters of credit. Federal funds sold include $56.1 million at December 31, 2016 and $65.9 million at December 31, 2015, 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.
Trading Account Assets
Trading account assets, which are primarily held on a short-term basis for the purpose of selling at a profit, consist of debt and equity securities and are reported at fair value. Fair value adjustments and fees from trading account activities are included as a component of other fee income on the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses realized from the sale of trading account assets are determined by specific identification and are included as a component of other fee income on the trade date. Interest income on trading assets is reported as a component of interest income on the consolidated statements of income.

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Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Mortgage Banking Income
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at fair value. Fair value is derived from a hypothetical bulk sale model used to estimate the exit price of the loan 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 similar 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, the valuation model produces an estimate of fair value that represents the highest and best use of the loans in Synovus' principal market.
Mortgage Banking Income
Mortgage banking income consists primarily of origination and ancillary fees on loans originated for sale, and gains and losses from the sale of mortgage loans. Mortgage loans are generally sold servicing released, without recourse or continuing involvement, and meet ASC 860-10-65 criteria for sale accounting.
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 estimated 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 the sale of these assets, are recorded as losses on other loans held for sale, net, as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Investment securities available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized.
Synovus performs a quarterly assessment of its investment securities available for sale to determine if the decline in fair value of a security below its amortized cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Factors included in the assessment 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. Other-than-temporary impairment losses are recognized on securities when: (1) the holder has an intention to sell the security; (2) it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold prior to recovery; or (3) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other-than-temporary impairment losses 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 (loss).
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method and prepayment assumptions. Actual prepayment experience is reviewed periodically and the timing of the accretion and amortization is adjusted accordingly. Interest income on securities available for sale is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses for securities are included in investment securities gains (losses), net, on the consolidated statements of income and are derived using the specific identification method, on a trade date basis.
Loans and Interest Income on Loans
Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding less amounts charged off, net of deferred fees and expenses. Interest income and deferred fees, net of expenses on loans, are recognized on a level yield basis.
Non-accrual Loans
Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. Accrual of interest is discontinued on loans when reasonable doubt exists as to the full collection of interest or principal, or when loans become contractually past due for 90 days or more as to either interest or principal, in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement, unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is generally reversed as an adjustment to interest income on loans. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans are generally recorded as a reduction of principal. As payments are received on non-accruing loans, interest income can be recognized on a cash basis; however, there must be an expectation of full repayment of the remaining recorded principal balance. The remaining portion of this payment is recorded as a reduction to principal. Loans are generally returned to accruing status when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest, and the borrower has sustained repayment performance under the terms of the loan agreement for a reasonable period of time (generally six months).

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Impaired Loans
Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that Synovus will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements and all loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). Other than TDRs, impaired loans do not include smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, which consist of most retail loans and commercial loan relationships less than $1.0 million. Impairment is measured on a discounted cash flow method based upon the loan's contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan's observable market price, or at the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell if the loan is collateral-dependent. Interest income on non-accrual impaired loans is recognized as described above under "non-accrual loans." Impaired accruing loans generally consist of those TDRs for which management has concluded that the collectability of the loan is not in doubt.
At December 31, 2016, substantially all non-accrual impaired loans were collateral-dependent and secured by real estate. For impairment measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less costs to sell, fair value is estimated using appraisals performed by a certified or licensed appraiser. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as selling costs and anticipated sales values, taking into account management's plans for disposition, which could result in adjustments to the fair value estimates indicated in the appraisals. The assumptions used in determining the amount of the impairment are subject to significant judgment. Use of different assumptions, for example, changes in the fair value of the collateral or management's plans for disposition could have a significant impact on the amount of impairment.
Under the discounted cash flow method, impairment is recorded as a specific reserve with a charge-off for any portion of the impairment considered a confirmed loss. The reserve is reassessed each quarter and adjusted as appropriate based on changes in estimated cash flows.
Where guarantors are determined to be a source of repayment, an assessment of the guarantee is required. This guarantee assessment would include, but not be limited to, factors such as type and feature of the guarantee, consideration for the guarantor's financial strength and capacity to service the loan in combination with the guarantor's other financial obligations as well as the guarantor's willingness to assist in servicing the loan.
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, renewals, and refinances are evaluated for TDR classification. All TDRs are considered to be impaired loans, and the amount of impairment, if any, is determined in accordance with ASC 310-10-35.
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 providing a below market interest rate given the borrower's credit risk to assist the borrower in managing cash flows, 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). 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.
Non-accruing TDRs may generally be returned to accrual status if there has been a period of performance, usually at least a six month sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the agreement. Consistent with regulatory guidance, a TDR will generally no longer be reported as a TDR after a period of performance and after the loan was 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, and no principal was forgiven.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents management's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the funded loan porfolio. Changes to the allowance are recorded through a provision for loan losses and reduced by loans charged-off, net of recoveries.
Impaired loans are generally evaluated on a loan by loan basis with specific reserves, if any, recorded as appropriate. Specific reserves are determined based on ASC 310-10-35, which provides for measurement of a loan's impairment based on one of three methods. If the loan is collateral-dependent, then the fair value of the loan's collateral, less estimated selling costs, are compared to the loan's carrying amount to determine impairment. Other methods of measuring a loan's impairment include the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loan, or if available, the observable market price of the loan. Synovus considers the pertinent facts and circumstances for each impaired loan when selecting the appropriate method to measure impairment, and quarterly evaluates each selection to ensure its continued appropriateness and evaluates the reasonableness of specific reserves, if any.
For loans that are not considered impaired, the allocated allowance for loan losses is determined based upon Expected Loss (EL) factors, which are applied to groupings of specific loan types by loan risk ratings. The EL is determined based upon a probability of default (PD), which is the probability that a borrower, segregated by loan type and loan risk grade, will default, and

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loss given default (LGD), which is the estimate of the amount of net loss in the event of default. The groupings of the loans into loan categories are determined based upon the nature of the loan types and the level of inherent risk associated with the various loan categories. The loan groupings are further segregated based upon the individual loan risk ratings, as described below. The EL factors applied in the methodology are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted to reflect changes in historical loss levels or other risks.
Allocated EL factors may also be adjusted, as necessary, for certain qualitative factors that in management's judgment are necessary to reflect losses incurred in the portfolio.
Qualitative factors that management considers in the analysis include:
•
changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses
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changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of non-accrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or grade loans
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loan growth
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effects of changes in credit concentrations
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experience, ability, and depth of lending management, loan review personnel, and other relevant staff
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changes in the quality of the loan review function
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national and local economic trends and conditions
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value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans
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other external factors such as the effects for the current competitive, legal, and regulatory environment

The adjusted EL factors by portfolio are then adjusted by a loss emergence period for each loan type. A loss emergence period represents the amount of time between when a loss event first occurs to when it is charged off. The loss emergence period was determined for each loan type based on the Company's historical experience and is validated at least annually.
Commercial Loans - Risk Ratings
Synovus utilizes two primary methods for risk assessment of the commercial loan portfolio: Single Risk Rating Assessment and Dual Risk Rating (DRR) Assessment. The single and dual risk ratings are based on the borrowers' credit risk profile, considering factors such as debt service history, current and estimated prospective cash flow information, collateral supporting the credit, source of repayment as well as other variables, as appropriate.
Each loan is assigned a risk rating during its initial approval process. For single risk rated loans, this process begins with a loan rating recommendation from the loan officer responsible for originating the loan. Commercial single risk rated loans are graded on a 9-point scale. Single risk ratings six through nine are defined consistent with the bank regulatory classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss, respectively. The primary determinants of the risk ratings for commercial single risk rated loans are the reliability of the primary source of repayment and the borrower's expected performance (i.e., the likelihood that the borrower will be able to service its obligations in accordance with the terms). Expected performance will be based upon full analysis of the borrower's historical financial results, current financial strength and future prospects, which includes any external drivers.
For dual risk rated loans, this process begins with scoring the loan for a rating during its initial approval process. Synovus began utilizing a dual risk rating methodology for certain components of its C&I loan portfolio in 2013 and extended the DRR methodology to certain income-producing real estate loans in 2014 and 2015. The DRR includes sixteen PD categories and nine categories for estimating losses given an event of default. The result is an EL rate established for each borrower.
The loan rating is subject to approvals from other members of management, regional credit and/or loan committees depending on the size of the loan and loan's credit attributes. Loan ratings are regularly re-evaluated based upon annual scheduled credit reviews or on a more frequent basis if determined prudent by management. Additionally, an independent loan review function evaluates Synovus' risk rating processes on a continuous basis.
Management continues to implement the DRR methodology for additional components of the commercial loan portfolio. The timing of future implementations will depend upon completion of applicable data analysis and model assessment. Approximately $7.6 billion, or 31.8%, of the total loan portfolio was rated using the DRR methodology at year-end 2016.
Retail Loans – Risk Ratings
Retail loans are generally assigned a risk rating on a 6-point scale at the time of origination based on credit bureau scores, with a loan grade of 1 assigned as the lowest level of risk and a loan grade of 6 as the highest level of risk. At 90-119 days past due, a loan grade of 7-substandard rating is applied and at 120 days past due, the loan is generally downgraded to grade 9-loss and is generally charged-off. The credit bureau-based ratings are updated at least semi-annually and the ratings based on the past due status are updated monthly.

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Unallocated Allowance for Loan Losses
The unallocated component of the allowance for loan losses is not a significant component of the ALLL, but would be utilized to provide for certain environmental and economic factors that affect the inherent risk of loss in the entire loan portfolio that are not fully captured in the allocated allowance for loan losses. On a quarterly basis, management updates its analysis and consideration of these factors and determines the impact, if any, on the allowance for loan losses and the provision for loan losses for each respective period.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment, including bank owned branch locations and leasehold improvements, are reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, which are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remainder of the lease term. Synovus reviews long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Synovus reviews goodwill for impairment as of June 30th and at interim periods if indicators of impairment exist.
Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions, and selecting an appropriate control premium. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weighting that are most representative of fair value.
Other intangible assets relate primarily to existing borrower relationships, trade name, and a distribution network resulting from a business acquisition. These intangible assets are amortized using straight line methods based on the remaining lives of the assets. Amortization periods range from eight to ten years. Amortization periods for intangible assets are monitored to determine if events and circumstances require such periods to be reduced.
Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the intangible assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the amount of the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets based on the discounted expected future cash flows to be generated by the assets.
Other Real Estate
Other Real Estate (ORE) consists of properties obtained through a foreclosure proceeding or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans. 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 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 by review of current appraisals, as well as the review of 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 the latest appraisal received or previous re-evaluation performed, 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. 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 ORE on the consolidated balance sheets and valuation adjustment account in foreclosed real estate expense, net, a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
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.

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Other Assets
Other assets include accrued interest receivable and other significant balances as described below.
Cash Surrender Value of Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Investments in bank-owned life insurance policies on certain current and former officers of Synovus are recorded at the net realizable value of the policies. Net realizable value is the cash surrender value of the policies less any applicable surrender charges and any policy loans. Synovus has not borrowed against the cash surrender value of these policies. Changes in the cash surrender value of the policies are recognized as a component of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
Investments in Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Reserve Home Loan Bank Stock
On November 17, 2016, Synovus Bank made an investment of $97.3 million in Federal Reserve Bank capital stock and became a member of the Federal Reserve System. Synovus held stock in the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $98.6 million at December 31, 2016 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2015. Synovus also held stock in the FHLB of Atlanta totaling $71.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $67.1 million at December 31, 2015. The Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stocks are recorded at amortized cost. The investment in FHLB stock is required for membership in the FHLB system and in relation to the level of FHLB outstanding borrowings.
SBA/Government Guaranteed Loans (GGL) Servicing Assets, net
Synovus has retained servicing responsibilities on sold SBA/GGL loans and receives annual servicing fees on the outstanding loan balances.  SBA/GGL servicing rights are accounted for using the amortization method. A servicing asset is established at fair value at the time of the sale using a discounted future cash flow model. The servicing asset is then amortized in other non-interest expense.
Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded on the consolidated statements of income (as a component of other non-interest income). 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 fund, the general partner estimates the fair value of the company. 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 financial 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 changes in management or key personnel, are used in the determination of estimated fair value.
Derivative Instruments
Synovus’ risk management policies emphasize the management of interest rate risk within acceptable guidelines. Synovus’ objective in maintaining these policies is to limit volatility in net interest income arising from changes in interest rates. Risks to be managed include both fair value and cash flow risks. Utilization of derivative financial instruments provides a valuable tool to assist in the management of these risks.
All derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at their respective fair values, as components of other assets and other liabilities. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., unrealized gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, on the reason for holding it. If certain conditions are met, entities may elect to designate a derivative instrument as a hedge of exposures to changes in fair values, cash flows, or foreign currencies. If the hedged exposure is a fair value exposure, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings in the period of change, together with the offsetting unrealized loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged as a component of other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income. If the hedged exposure is a cash flow exposure, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported initially as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of the tax impact, and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, as well as the ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, are reported in earnings immediately as a component of other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings as a component of other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income in the period of change.
In 2005, Synovus entered into certain forward starting swap contracts to hedge the cash flow risk of certain forecasted interest payments on a forecasted debt issuance. Upon the determination to issue debt, Synovus was potentially exposed to cash flow risk due to changes in market interest rates prior to the placement of the debt. The forward starting swaps allowed Synovus to hedge this exposure. Upon placement of the debt, these swaps were cash settled concurrent with the pricing of the debt. The effective

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portion of the cash flow hedge included in accumulated other comprehensive income is being amortized over the life of the debt issue as an adjustment to interest expense.
Synovus also holds derivative instruments, which consist of rate lock agreements related to expected funding of fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers (interest rate lock commitments) and forward commitments to sell mortgage-backed securities and individual fixed-rate mortgage loans. Synovus’ objective in obtaining the forward commitments is to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the interest rate lock commitments and the mortgage loans that are held for sale. Both the interest rate lock commitments and the forward commitments are reported at fair value, with adjustments recorded in current period earnings in mortgage banking income.
Synovus also enters into interest rate swap agreements to facilitate the risk management strategies of certain commercial banking customers. Synovus mitigates this risk by entering into equal and offsetting interest rate swap agreements with highly rated third-party financial institutions. The interest rate swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gain or loss recorded in current period earnings in other non-interest income. These instruments, and their offsetting positions, are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Non-interest Income
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts
Service charges on deposit accounts consist of NSF fees, account analysis fees, and other service charges on deposits which consist primarily of monthly account fees. NSF fees are recognized at the time when the account overdraft occurs in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Account analysis fees consist of fees charged to certain commercial demand deposit accounts based upon account activity (and reduced by a credit which is based upon cash levels in the account). These fees, as well as monthly account fees, are recorded under the accrual method of accounting.
Fiduciary and Asset Management Fees
Fiduciary and asset management fees are generally determined based upon fair values of assets under management as of a specified date during the period. These fees are recorded under the accrual method of accounting as the services are performed.
Brokerage and Investment Banking Revenue
Brokerage revenue consists primarily of commission income, which represents the spread between buy and sell transactions processed, and net fees charged to customers on a transaction basis for buy and sell transactions processed. Commission income is recorded on a trade-date basis. Brokerage revenue also includes portfolio management fees, which represent monthly fees charged on a contractual basis to customers for the management of their investment portfolios and are recorded under the accrual method of accounting.
Investment banking revenue represents fees for services arising from securities offerings or placements in which Synovus acts as an agent. It also includes fees earned from providing advisory services. Revenue is recognized at the time the underwriting is completed and the revenue is reasonably determinable.
Bankcard Fees
Bankcard fees consist primarily of interchange fees earned, net of fees paid, on debit card and credit card transactions. Net fees are recognized into income as they are collected.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and recorded as a component of non-interest expense.
Income Taxes
Synovus is a domestic corporation that files a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and files state income tax returns on a consolidated or separate entity basis with the various taxing jurisdictions based on its taxable presence. The current income tax accrual or receivable is an estimate of the amounts owed to or due from taxing authorities in which Synovus conducts business. It also includes increases and decreases in the amount of taxes payable for uncertain tax positions reported in tax returns for the current and/or prior years.
Synovus uses the asset and liability method to account for future income taxes expected to be paid or received (i.e., deferred income taxes). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement (GAAP) carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, including operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

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A valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the asset will not be realized. In making this assessment, all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset are considered, including taxable income in prior carryback years, future reversals of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. The predictability that future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences, will occur is the most subjective of these four sources. Changes in the valuation allowance are recorded through income tax expense.
Significant estimates used in accounting for income taxes relate to the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, estimates of the realizability of income tax credits, utilization of net operating losses, the determination of taxable income, and the determination of temporary differences between book and tax bases.
Synovus accrues tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on current assumptions regarding the expected outcome by weighing the facts and circumstances available at the reporting date. If related tax benefits of a transaction are not more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, Synovus will accrue a tax liability or reduce a deferred tax asset for the expected tax impact associated with the transaction. Events and circumstances may alter the estimates and assumptions used in the analysis of its income tax positions and, accordingly, Synovus' effective tax rate may fluctuate in the future. Synovus recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Share-based Compensation
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. Synovus' 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 that contain a graded vesting schedule is recognized net of estimated forfeitures for plan participants on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The non-employee director restricted share units become fully vested and transferable upon the earlier to occur of the completion of three years of service and the date the holder reaches age 72. Thus, share-based compensation expense for non-employee awards is recognized over the shorter of three years or the time to age 72.
Earnings per Share
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders 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.
All share and per share amounts for all periods presented in this Report reflect the one-for-seven reverse stock split, which was effective on May 16, 2014.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and other information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale, at one time, the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates are also based on judgments regarding estimated cash flows, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Synovus employs independent third-party pricing services to provide fair value estimates for its investment securities available for sale, trading account assets, and derivative financial instruments. Fair values for fixed income investment securities and certain derivative financial instruments are typically the prices supplied by either the third-party pricing service or an unrelated counterparty, which utilize 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. Level 2 securities are typically matrix priced by a third-party pricing service to calculate the fair value. Such fair value measurements consider observable data, such as 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. Level 3 instruments' 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.

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Management uses various validation procedures to validate the prices received from pricing services and quotations received from dealers are reasonable for each relevant financial instrument, including 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 its primary independent pricing firm.
Understanding the third-party pricing service's valuation methods, assumptions and inputs used by the firm is an important part of the process of determining that reasonable and reliable fair values are being obtained. Management evaluates quantitative and qualitative information provided by the third-party pricing services to assess whether they continue to exhibit the high level of expertise and internal controls that management relies upon.
Fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet, without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include deferred income taxes, premises and equipment, equity method investments, goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
Contingent Liabilities and Legal Costs
Synovus estimates its contingent liabilities with respect to outstanding legal matters based on information currently available to management, management’s estimates about the probability of outcomes of each case and the advice of legal counsel. Management accrues an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information available indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition, it must be probable that one or more future events will occur confirming the fact of the loss. Significant judgment is required in making these estimates and management must make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain. Accordingly, the actual loss may be more or less than the current estimate.
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. As there are further developments, Synovus will reassess these legal matters and the related potential liabilities and will revise, when needed, its estimate of contingent liabilities.
Legal costs, including attorney fees, incurred in connection with pending litigation and other loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates
During 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which became effective for Synovus on January 1, 2016. ASU 2015-02 modifies the analysis that companies must perform in order to determine whether a legal entity should be consolidated. ASU 2015-02 also simplifies current consolidation rules by reducing the number of consolidation models; placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest; reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a VIE; and changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or VIEs. Adoption of ASU 2015-02 did not have an impact on Synovus' consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates
The following ASUs will be implemented effective January 1, 2017 or later:

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments--Credit Losses. On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued the new guidance related to credit losses. The new guidance replaces the existing incurred loss impairment guidance with a single expected credit loss methodology. The new guidance will require management’s estimate of credit losses over the full remaining expected life of loans and other financial instruments. For Synovus, the standard will apply to loans, unfunded loan commitments, and debt securities available for sale. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted on January 1, 2019.  Upon adoption, Synovus will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption.  

Synovus has begun its implementation efforts which are led by a cross-functional steering committee.  Management expects that the allowance for loan losses will be higher under the new standard; however, management is still in the process of determining the magnitude of the increase and the impact on its financial statements and regulatory capital ratios.  Additionally, the extent of the increase on the allowance for loan losses will depend upon the composition of the loan portfolio upon adoption of the standard, as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time.


95

ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance includes a requirement to record all of the tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) through the income statement. Currently, tax benefits in excess of compensation cost (“windfalls”) and tax deficiencies (“shortfalls”) are recorded in equity. For Synovus, this ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management expects that the ASU will create some quarterly income tax expense volatility, but the annual impact is not expected to be significant with only 973,361 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016.  However, Synovus’ future stock price and changes in the stock price versus the grant date stock price will determine the amount of future tax “windfalls” or “shortfalls” reflected in income tax expense associated with exercises of stock options and vesting of outstanding restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units.

ASU 2016-02, Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, its new standard on lease accounting. ASU 2016-02 introduces a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet. Under the new standard, all lessees will recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases, including operating leases, with a lease term greater than 12 months. From a lessor perspective, the accounting model is largely unchanged, though the new standard does include certain targeted improvements to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and the revenue recognition guidance in ASC Topic 606 (those related to evaluating when profit can be recognized). For Synovus, the impact of this ASU will primarily relate to its accounting and reporting of leases as a lessee. The new ASU will be effective for Synovus beginning January 1, 2019 (prior periods will be restated so prior years are comparable). Early adoption is permitted. Management currently estimates that the financial statement impact from the implementation of the new lease accounting standard will not be significant.

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The standard is intended to increase comparability across industries and jurisdictions. The core principle of the revenue model is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
On April 29, 2015, the FASB issued a proposal to delay the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, for public and non-public companies. The proposed new effective date will be annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and the interim periods within that year, for public business entities. As such, for Synovus, the ASU will be effective on January 1, 2018, for both its interim and annual reporting periods. This proposal represents a one-year deferral from the original effective date.
The proposed new effective date guidance will allow early adoption for all entities (i.e., both public business entities and other entities) as of the original effective date for public business entities, which was annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and the interim periods within that year.
Management is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on Synovus’ consolidated financial statements. Synovus' initial scoping exercise determined that approximately 50% of non-interest income revenue streams are in the scope of these updates. The standard is expected to potentially impact ORE sales, interchange revenue, credit card loyalty programs, asset management fees, treasury management services revenue, and miscellaneous fees; however, the overall financial statement impact for Synovus is not expected to be significant. Extensive new disclosures will be required, including disaggregation of total revenue, information about performance obligations, changes in contract asset and liability account balances between periods, and information about key judgments and estimates and policy decisions regarding revenue recognition.
Additionally, the following ASUs will be implemented effective January 1, 2017 or later but are not expected to have a significant impact on Synovus' consolidated financial statements:
•
ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows-Restricted Cash
•
ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows-Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
•
ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
Reclassifications
Prior years' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current year's presentation.

96


Note 2 - Acquisition
On October 1, 2016, Synovus completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding stock of Global One. Global One is an Atlanta-based private specialty financial services company that lends primarily to commercial entities, with all loans fully collateralized by cash value life insurance policies and/or annuities issued by investment grade life insurance companies. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Synovus acquired Global One for an up-front payment of $30 million, consisting of the issuance of 821 thousand shares of Synovus common stock valued at $26.6 million and $3.4 million in cash, with additional payments to Global One's shareholders over the next three to five years based on earnings from the Global One business as further discussed below.
The acquisition of Global One constituted a business combination. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values as shown in the table below. The determination of fair value required management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected earnings and cash flows, market conditions, future loan growth, and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. These fair value estimates have been determined only provisionally, and are based on preliminary fair value estimates.
Global One
 
October 1, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Preliminary Fair Value
Assets acquired:
 
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
9,554

      Commercial and industrial loans(1)
 
356,665

Goodwill(2)
 
35,247

Other intangible assets
 
13,400

Other assets
 
2,742

Total assets acquired
 
$
417,608

Liabilities assumed:
 
 
Notes payable(3)
 
$
358,560

Contingent consideration
 
14,000

Deferred tax liability, net
 
3,145

Other liabilities
 
11,903

Total liabilities assumed
 
$
387,608

Consideration paid
 
$
30,000

 
 
 
Cash paid
 
$
3,408

Fair value of common stock issued
 
26,592

 
 
 
(1) The unpaid principal balance of the loans was $356.7 million.  
(2) The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
(3) The unpaid principal balance of the notes payable was $357.0 million.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the purchase price includes additional annual payments ("Earnout Payments") to Global One's former shareholders over the next three to five years, with amounts based on a percentage of net income attributable to "Global One Earnings," as defined in the merger agreement. The Earnout Payments will consist of shares of common stock as well as a smaller cash consideration component. The December 31, 2016 balance sheet reflects a provisional earnout liability of $14.0 million which represents management's preliminary estimate of the fair value of the Earnout Payments.
Other intangible assets consist of existing borrower relationships, trade name, and distribution network. Refer to Note 9 - "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" of this Report for more information.
Synovus' consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes the operating results produced by the acquired assets and assumed liabilities for the period of October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The income statement impact was not significant. Additionally, Global One's historical results are not material to Synovus' results; accordingly, pro forma disclosures are not presented.

97


Note 3 - Sale of Branches
On January 17, 2014, Synovus completed the sale of certain loans, premises, deposits, and other assets and liabilities of the Memphis, Tennessee branches of Trust One Bank, a division of Synovus Bank.  The sale included $89.6 million in total loans and $191.3 million in total deposits.   Results for the year ended December 31, 2014 reflect a pre-tax gain, net of associated costs, of $5.8 million relating to this transaction.  
Note 4 - Restructuring Charges
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 total restructuring charges consist of the following components:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Severance charges
 
$
—

 
—

 
7,246

Lease termination charges
 
6

 
(3
)
 
4,808

Asset impairment charges
 
8,107

 
229

 
7,530

Gain on sale of assets held for sale, net
 
—

 
(401
)
 
(766
)
Professional fees and other charges
 
154

 
211

 
1,767

Total restructuring charges
 
$
8,267

 
36

 
20,585

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016, restructuring charges totaled $8.3 million with $5.3 million related to Synovus' continued corporate real estate optimization activities. Synovus continues to evaluate its branch network while deploying additional digital and on-line capabilities to increase convenience for customers while lowering transaction costs, and identified and closed nine branches during the year ended December 31, 2016. Asset impairment charges associated with branch closures identified during 2016 totaled $2.8 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, Synovus recorded net gains of $401 thousand on the sale of certain branch locations and recorded additional expense, net of $437 thousand associated primarily with the 2014 branch closings. Restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 related primarily to expense savings initiatives that were approved during 2014. The initiatives included the consolidation or closing of certain branch locations as well as workforce reductions.   Asset impairment and lease termination charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 consisted primarily of charges related to the closure of 13 branches during the fourth quarter of 2014.   Severance charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 consisted of estimated involuntary termination benefits for targeted staff reductions identified during 2014. These termination benefits were provided under an ongoing benefit arrangement as defined in ASC 712, Compensation-Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits; accordingly, the charges were recorded pursuant to the liability recognition criteria of ASC 712.   Additionally, substantially all of the professional fees and other charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 consisted of professional fees incurred in connection with an organizational restructuring implemented during 2014.
The following table presents aggregate activity associated with accruals that resulted from the restructuring charges recorded during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Severance Charges
 
Lease Termination Charges
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
1,572

 
1,383

 
2,955

Accruals for efficiency initiatives
 
7,246

 
4,808

 
12,054

Payments
 
(5,527
)
 
(652
)
 
(6,179
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
3,291

 
5,539

 
8,830

Accruals for efficiency initiatives
 
—

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Payments
 
(1,361
)
 
(849
)
 
(2,210
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
1,930

 
4,687

 
6,617

Accruals for efficiency initiatives
 
—

 
6

 
6

Payments
 
(1,849
)
 
(725
)
 
(2,574
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
81

 
3,968

 
4,049

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

98


All professional fees and other charges were paid in the years that they were incurred. No other restructuring charges resulted in payment accruals.
Note 5 - Investment Securities Available for Sale
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair values of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized below.
 
 
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
108,221

 
225

 
(644
)
 
107,802

U.S. Government agency securities
 
12,727

 
266

 
—

 
12,993

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
174,440

 
1,116

 
(1,354
)
 
174,202

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,543,495

 
5,416

 
(42,571
)
 
2,506,340

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
905,789

 
1,214

 
(16,561
)
 
890,442

State and municipal securities
 
2,780

 
14

 
—

 
2,794

Equity securities
 
919

 
2,863

 
—

 
3,782

Other investments
 
20,247

 
—

 
(407
)
 
19,840

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
3,768,618

 
11,114

 
(61,537
)
 
3,718,195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
43,125

 
232

 
—

 
43,357

U.S. Government agency securities
 
13,087

 
536

 
—

 
13,623

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
126,520

 
389

 
—

 
126,909

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
209,785

 
1,340

 
(1,121
)
 
210,004

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,645,107

 
7,874

 
(22,562
)
 
2,630,419

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
530,426

 
2,396

 
(3,225
)
 
529,597

State and municipal securities
 
4,343

 
92

 
(1
)
 
4,434

Equity securities
 
3,228

 
6,444

 
—

 
9,672

Other investments
 
20,177

 
—

 
(374
)
 
19,803

Total investment securities available for sale
 
$
3,595,798

 
19,303

 
(27,283
)
 
3,587,818

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, investment securities with a carrying value of $2.04 billion and $2.43 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements as required by law and contractual agreements.
Synovus has reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 earnings. Synovus does not intend to sell investment securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be until maturity, and has the ability and intent to hold those securities for that period of time. Additionally, Synovus is not currently aware of any circumstances which will require it to sell any of the securities that are in an unrealized loss position prior to the respective securities recovery of all such unrealized losses.

99


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 December 31, 2016, Synovus had 88 investment securities in a loss position for less than twelve months and four investment securities in a loss position for twelve months or longer.
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below.
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
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
 
64,023

 
644

 
—

 
—

 
64,023

 
644

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
128,121

 
1,240

 
3,626

 
114

 
131,747

 
1,354

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
2,123,181

 
42,571

 
—

 
—

 
2,123,181

 
42,571

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
682,492

 
15,653

 
24,801

 
908

 
707,293

 
16,561

Other investments
 
14,952

 
48

 
4,888

 
359

 
19,840

 
407

Total
 
$
3,012,769

 
60,156

 
33,315

 
1,381

 
3,046,084

 
61,537

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
(in thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
 
122,626

 
639

 
18,435

 
482

 
141,061

 
1,121

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
1,656,194

 
12,874

 
489,971

 
9,688

 
2,146,165

 
22,562

Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies or sponsored enterprises
 
196,811

 
963

 
72,366

 
2,262

 
269,177

 
3,225

State and municipal securities
 
—

 
—

 
50

 
1

 
50

 
1

Other investments
 
14,985

 
15

 
4,818

 
359

 
19,803

 
374

Total
 
$
1,990,616

 
14,491

 
585,640

 
12,792

 
2,576,256

 
27,283

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The amortized cost and fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2016 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.

100


 
 
Distribution of Maturities at December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Within One
Year
 
1 to 5
Years
 
5 to 10
Years
 
More Than
10 Years
 
No Stated
Maturity
 
Total
Amortized Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
18,435

 
89,786

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
108,221

U.S. Government agency securities
 
999

 
5,929

 
5,799

 
—

 
—

 
12,727

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

 
—

 
14,345

 
160,095

 
—

 
174,440

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
154

 
86

 
624,561

 
1,918,694

 
—

 
2,543,495

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

 
—

 
—

 
905,789

 
—

 
905,789

State and municipal securities
 
110

 
240

 
—

 
2,430

 
—

 
2,780

Equity securities
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
919

 
919

Other investments
 
—

 
—

 
15,000

 
2,000

 
3,247

 
20,247

Total amortized cost
 
$
19,698

 
96,041

 
659,705

 
2,989,008

 
4,166

 
3,768,618

Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
18,435

 
89,367

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
107,802

U.S. Government agency securities
 
1,021

 
6,019

 
5,953

 
—

 
—

 
12,993

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

 
—

 
14,784

 
159,418

 
—

 
174,202

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
 
158

 
88

 
624,216

 
1,881,878

 
—

 
2,506,340

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

 
—

 
—

 
890,442

 
—

 
890,442

State and municipal securities
 
110

 
240

 
—

 
2,444

 
—

 
2,794

Equity securities
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,782

 
3,782

Other investments
 
—

 
—

 
14,952

 
1,796

 
3,092

 
19,840

Total fair value
 
$
19,724

 
95,714

 
659,905

 
2,935,978

 
6,874

 
3,718,195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales, gross gains, and gross losses on sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are presented below. OTTI charges of $88 thousand respectively, are included in gross realized losses for the year 2014. The specific identification method is used to reclassify gains and losses out of other comprehensive income at the time of sale.
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
 
$
968,606

 
347,954

 
20,815

Gross realized gains on sales (1)
 
$
9,586

 
$
4,356

 
$
1,419

Gross realized losses on sales
 
(3,575
)
 
(1,587
)
 
(88
)
Investment securities gains, net
 
$
6,011

 
2,769

 
1,331

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $1.4 million in gains in 2016 from the transfer of $1.9 million of investment securities available for sale to trading account assets.

101


Note 6 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans outstanding, by classification, at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized below.
 
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Investment properties
 
$
5,932,619

 
5,751,631

1-4 family properties
 
1,023,821

 
1,129,156

Land acquisition
 
409,534

 
513,981

Total commercial real estate
 
7,365,974

 
7,394,768

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
6,915,927

 
6,453,180

Owner-occupied
 
4,636,016

 
4,318,950

Total commercial and industrial
 
11,551,943

 
10,772,130

Home equity lines
 
1,617,265

 
1,689,914

Consumer mortgages
 
2,296,604

 
1,938,683

Credit cards
 
232,413

 
240,851

Other retail loans
 
818,183

 
423,318

Total retail
 
4,964,465

 
4,292,766

Total loans
 
23,882,382

 
22,459,664

Deferred fees and costs, net
 
(25,991
)
 
(30,099
)
Total loans, net of deferred fees and costs
 
$
23,856,391

 
22,429,565

 
 
 
 
 
A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate in markets located throughout Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas.



102


The following is a summary of current, accruing past due, and non-accrual loans by class as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Current, Accruing Past Due, and Non-accrual Loans
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
( in thousands)
Current
 
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
 
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
 
Total Accruing Past Due
 
Non-accrual
 
 Total
 
Investment properties
$
5,924,225

 
2,958

 
—

 
2,958

 
5,436

 
5,932,619

 
1-4 family properties
1,000,590

 
4,962

 
161

 
5,123

 
18,108

 
1,023,821

 
Land acquisition
401,346

 
1,117

 
—

 
1,117

 
7,071

 
409,534

 
Total commercial real estate
7,326,161

 
9,037

 
161

 
9,198

 
30,615

 
7,365,974

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,846,591

 
9,542

 
720

 
10,262

 
59,074

 
6,915,927

 
Owner-occupied
4,601,356

 
17,913

 
244

 
18,157

 
16,503

 
4,636,016

 
Total commercial and industrial
11,447,947

 
27,455

 
964

 
28,419

 
75,577

 
11,551,943

 
Home equity lines
1,585,228

 
10,013

 
473

 
10,486

 
21,551

 
1,617,265

 
Consumer mortgages
2,265,966

 
7,876

 
81

 
7,957

 
22,681

 
2,296,604

 
Credit cards
229,177

 
1,819

 
1,417

 
3,236

 
—

 
232,413

 
Other retail loans
809,419

 
5,771

 
39

 
5,810

 
2,954

 
818,183

 
Total retail
4,889,790

 
25,479

 
2,010

 
27,489

 
47,186

 
4,964,465

 
Total loans
$
23,663,898

 
61,971

 
3,135

 
65,106

 
153,378

 
23,882,382

(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
( in thousands)
Current
 
Accruing 30-89 Days Past Due
 
Accruing 90 Days or Greater Past Due
 
Total Accruing Past Due
 
Non-accrual
 
 Total
 
Investment properties
$
5,726,307

 
2,284

 
—

 
2,284

 
23,040

 
5,751,631

 
1-4 family properties
1,105,914

 
6,300

 
103

 
6,403

 
16,839

 
1,129,156

 
Land acquisition
495,542

 
639

 
32

 
671

 
17,768

 
513,981

 
Total commercial real estate
7,327,763

 
9,223

 
135

 
9,358

 
57,647

 
7,394,768

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
6,391,036

 
12,222

 
785

 
13,007

 
49,137

 
6,453,180

 
Owner-occupied
4,293,308

 
5,254

 
95

 
5,349

 
20,293

 
4,318,950

 
Total commercial and industrial
10,684,344

 
17,476

 
880

 
18,356

 
69,430

 
10,772,130

 
Home equity lines
1,667,552

 
5,882

 
0

 
5,882

 
16,480

 
1,689,914

 
Consumer mortgages
1,907,644

 
8,657

 
134

 
8,791

 
22,248

 
1,938,683

 
Credit cards
237,742

 
1,663

 
1,446

 
3,109

 
—

 
240,851

 
Other retail loans
418,337

 
2,390

 
26

 
2,416

 
2,565

 
423,318

 
Total retail
4,231,275

 
18,592

 
1,606

 
20,198

 
41,293

 
4,292,766

 
Total loans
$
22,243,382

 
45,291

 
2,621

 
47,912

 
168,370

 
22,459,664

(2) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $26.0 million.
(2) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.1 million.
Non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $153.4 million and $168.4 million, respectively. Interest income on non-accrual loans outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 that would have been recorded if the loans had been current and performed in accordance with their original terms was $8.9 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Interest income recorded on these loans for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $3.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively.







103


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 Classified (Pass), Special Mention, and Classified or Adverse rating (Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss) and are defined as follows:
Pass - loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor (or guarantors, if any) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell, of any underlying collateral in a timely manner.
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 its continuance on the institution's books as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off, is not warranted.





104


In the following tables, retail loans are generally assigned a risk grade similar to the classifications described above; however, upon reaching 90 days and 120 days past due, they are generally downgraded to Substandard and Loss, respectively, in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. Additionally, in accordance with the Interagency Supervisory Guidance on Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Estimation Practices for Loans and Lines of Credit Secured by Junior Liens on 1-4 Family Residential Properties, the risk grade classifications of retail loans (home equity lines and consumer mortgages) secured by junior liens on 1-4 family residential properties also consider available information on the payment status of the associated senior lien with other financial institutions.
Loan Portfolio Credit Exposure by Risk Grade
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
 
$
5,843,433

 
54,486

 
34,700

 
—

 
—

 
5,932,619

 
1-4 family properties
 
932,340

 
51,623

 
32,853

 
7,005

 
—


1,023,821

 
Land acquisition
 
360,017

 
31,360

 
17,897

 
260

 
—

 
409,534

 
  Total commercial real
   estate    
 
7,135,790

 
137,469

 
85,450

 
7,265

 
—

 
7,365,974

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
6,642,648

 
126,268

 
140,425

 
6,445

 
141

(3) 
6,915,927

 
Owner-occupied
 
4,462,420

 
60,856

 
111,330

 
1,410

 
—

 
4,636,016

 
  Total commercial and
   industrial    
 
11,105,068

 
187,124

 
251,755

 
7,855

 
141


11,551,943

 
Home equity lines
 
1,589,199

 
—

 
22,774

 
2,892

 
2,400

(3) 
1,617,265

 
Consumer mortgages
 
2,271,916

 
—

 
23,268

 
1,283

 
137

(3) 
2,296,604

 
Credit cards
 
230,997

 
—

 
637

 
—

 
779

(4) 
232,413

 
Other retail loans
 
814,844

 
—

 
3,233

 
42

 
64

(3) 
818,183

 
Total retail
 
4,906,956

 
—

 
49,912

 
4,217

 
3,380

 
4,964,465

 
Total loans
 
$
23,147,814

 
324,593

 
387,117

 
19,337

 
3,521

 
23,882,382

(5) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
(in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard(1)
 
Doubtful(2)
 
Loss
 
Total
 
Investment properties
 
$
5,560,595

 
114,705

 
76,331

 
—

 
—

 
5,751,631

 
1-4 family properties
 
995,903

 
64,325

 
61,726

 
7,202

 
—

 
1,129,156

 
Land acquisition
 
436,835

 
46,208

 
30,574

 
364

 
—

 
513,981

 
  Total commercial real
   estate    
 
6,993,333

 
225,238

 
168,631

 
7,566

 
—

 
7,394,768

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
6,184,179

 
152,189

 
100,658

 
13,330

 
2,824

(3) 
6,453,180

 
Owner-occupied
 
4,118,631

 
78,490

 
121,272

 
98

 
459

(3) 
4,318,950

 
  Total commercial and
   industrial    
 
10,302,810

 
230,679

 
221,930

 
13,428

 
3,283

 
10,772,130

 
Home equity lines
 
1,666,586

 
—

 
20,456

 
1,206

 
1,666

(3) 
1,689,914

 
Consumer mortgages
 
1,910,649

 
—

 
26,041

 
1,700

 
293

(3) 
1,938,683

 
Credit cards
 
239,405

 
—

 
480

 
—

 
966

(4) 
240,851

 
Other retail loans
 
418,929

 
—

 
4,315

 
—

 
74

(3) 
423,318

 
Total retail
 
4,235,569

 
—

 
51,292

 
2,906

 
2,999

 
4,292,766

 
Total loans
 
$
21,531,712

 
455,917

 
441,853

 
23,900

 
6,282

 
22,459,664

(6) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $256.6 million and $303.7 million of Substandard accruing loans at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(2) The loans within this risk grade are on non-accrual status. Commercial loans generally have an allowance for loan losses in accordance with ASC 310 and retail loans generally have an allowance for loan losses equal to 50% of the loan amount.
(3) The loans within this risk grade are on non-accrual status and have an allowance for loan losses equal to the full loan amount.
(4) Represent amounts that were 120 days past due. These credits are downgraded to the Loss category with an allowance for loan losses equal to the full loan amount and are generally charged off upon reaching 181 days past due in accordance with the FFIEC Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy.
(5) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $26.0 million.
(6) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.1 million.

105


The following table details the change in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Allowance for Loan Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans
 
 
As Of and For The Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
87,133

 
122,989

 
42,374

 
—

 
252,496

Charge-offs
 
(18,216
)
 
(25,039
)
 
(14,705
)
 
—

 
(57,960
)
Recoveries
 
15,226

 
9,071

 
4,925

 
—

 
29,222

Provision for loan losses
 
(2,327
)
 
18,757

 
11,570

 
—

 
28,000

Ending balance
 
$
81,816

 
125,778

 
44,164

 
—

 
251,758

  Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
7,916

 
8,384

 
1,811

 
—

 
18,111

  Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
73,900

 
117,394

 
42,353

 
—

 
233,647

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans (1)
 
$
7,365,974

 
11,551,943

 
4,964,465

 
—

 
23,882,382

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment    
 
91,410

 
120,560

 
37,526

 
—

 
249,496

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,274,564

 
11,431,383

 
4,926,939

 
—

 
23,632,886

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Of and For The Year Ended December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
101,471

 
118,110

 
41,736

 
—

 
261,317

Charge-offs
 
(13,998
)
 
(22,583
)
 
(20,758
)
 
—

 
(57,339
)
Recoveries
 
13,644

 
8,611

 
7,253

 
—

 
29,508

Provision for loan losses
 
(13,984
)
 
18,851

 
14,143

 
—

 
19,010

Ending balance
 
$
87,133

 
122,989

 
42,374

 
—

 
252,496

  Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
18,969

 
10,477

 
989

 
—

 
30,435

  Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
68,164

 
112,512

 
$
41,385

 
$
—

 
222,061

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(2)
 
$
7,394,768

 
10,772,130

 
4,292,766

 
—

 
22,459,664

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
157,958

 
105,599

 
38,243

 
—

 
301,800

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,236,810

 
10,666,531

 
4,254,523

 
—

 
22,157,864

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As Of and For The Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Commercial & Industrial
 
Retail
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$127,646
 
115,435

 
41,479

 
23,000

 
307,560

Allowance for loan losses of sold Memphis loans
 
(281
)
 
(398
)
 
(340
)
 
—

 
(1,019
)
Charge-offs
 
(49,716
)
 
(38,941
)
 
(24,881
)
 
—

 
(113,538
)
Recoveries
 
11,787

 
14,628

 
8,068

 
—

 
34,483

Provision for loan losses
 
12,035

 
27,386

 
17,410

 
(23,000
)
 
33,831

Ending balance
 
$
101,471

 
118,110

 
41,736

 
—

 
261,317

  Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
21,755

 
10,451

 
1,270

 
—

 
33,476

  Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
79,716

 
107,659

 
40,466

 
—

 
227,841

Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance: total loans(3)
 
$
6,926,602

 
10,267,719

 
3,934,168

 
—

 
21,128,489

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
 
251,536

 
146,026

 
44,586

 
—

 
442,148

Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
6,675,066

 
10,121,693

 
3,889,582

 
—

 
20,686,341

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $26.0 million.
(2) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.1 million.
(3) Total before net deferred fees and costs of $30.8 million.

106


Below is a detailed summary of impaired loans (including accruing TDRs) by class as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Impaired Loans (including accruing TDRs)
 
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
$
748

 
793

 
—

 
5,384

 
—

1-4 family properties
 
1,850

 
5,847

 
—

 
1,461

 
—

Land acquisition
 
892

 
4,335

 
—

 
2,958

 
—

Total commercial real estate
 
3,490

 
10,975

 
—

 
9,803

 
—

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
17,958

 
20,577

 
—

 
6,321

 
—

Owner-occupied
 
5,508

 
7,377

 
—

 
8,394

 
—

Total commercial and industrial
 
23,466

 
27,954

 
—

 
14,715

 
—

Home equity lines
 
1,051

 
1,051

 
—

 
1,045

 
—

Consumer mortgages
 
744

 
814

 
—

 
870

 
—

Credit cards
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total retail
 
1,795

 
1,865

 
—

 
1,915

 
—

Total
 
28,751

 
40,794

 
—

 
26,433

 
—

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
32,729

 
32,729

 
2,267

 
42,836

 
1,699

1-4 family properties
 
38,972

 
38,978

 
4,754

 
47,806

 
1,098

Land acquisition
 
16,219

 
16,219

 
895

 
17,449

 
486

Total commercial real estate
 
87,920

 
87,926

 
7,916

 
108,091

 
3,283

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
43,386

 
45,913

 
5,687

 
51,968

 
1,218

Owner-occupied
 
53,708

 
53,942

 
2,697

 
52,300

 
1,946

Total commercial and industrial
 
97,094

 
99,855

 
8,384

 
104,268

 
3,164

Home equity lines
 
9,638

 
9,638

 
971

 
9,668

 
432

Consumer mortgages
 
20,953

 
19,834

 
673

 
20,993

 
1,014

Credit cards
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
 
5,140

 
5,140

 
167

 
5,062

 
303

Total retail
 
35,731

 
34,612

 
1,811

 
35,723

 
1,749

Total
 
220,745

 
222,393

 
18,111

 
248,082

 
8,196

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
33,477

 
33,522


2,267


48,220


1,699

1-4 family properties
 
40,822

 
44,825


4,754


49,267


1,098

Land acquisition
 
17,111

 
20,554


895


20,407


486

Total commercial real estate
 
91,410

 
98,901


7,916


117,894


3,283

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
61,344

 
66,490

 
5,687

 
58,289

 
1,218

Owner-occupied
 
59,216

 
61,319

 
2,697

 
60,694

 
1,946

Total commercial and industrial
 
120,560

 
127,809


8,384


118,983


3,164

Home equity lines
 
10,689

 
10,689


971


10,713


432

Consumer mortgages
 
21,697

 
20,648


673


21,863


1,014

Credit cards
 
—

 
—


—


—


—

Other retail loans
 
5,140

 
5,140


167


5,062


303

Total retail
 
37,526

 
36,477


1,811


37,638


1,749

Total impaired loans
 
$
249,496

 
263,187


18,111


274,515


8,196

 
 
 
 









107


 
 
December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
$
10,051

 
12,946

 
—

 
11,625

 
—

1-4 family properties
 
1,507

 
5,526

 
—

 
2,546

 
—

Land acquisition
 
8,551

 
39,053

 
—

 
13,897

 
—

Total commercial real estate
 
20,109

 
57,525

 
—

 
28,068

 
—

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
4,393

 
7,606

 
—

 
5,737

 
—

Owner-occupied
 
8,762

 
11,210

 
—

 
14,657

 
—

Total commercial and industrial
 
13,155

 
18,816

 
—

 
20,394

 
—

Home equity lines
 
1,030

 
1,030

 
—

 
573

 
—

Consumer mortgages
 
814

 
941

 
—

 
995

 
—

Credit cards
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total retail
 
1,844

 
1,971

 
—

 
1,568

 
—

Total
 
35,108

 
78,312

 
—

 
50,030

 
—

With allowance recorded
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
62,305

 
62,305

 
10,070

 
73,211

 
2,131

1-4 family properties
 
51,376

 
51,376

 
6,184

 
61,690

 
1,618

Land acquisition
 
24,168

 
24,738

 
2,715

 
34,793

 
936

Total commercial real estate
 
137,849

 
138,419

 
18,969

 
169,694

 
4,685

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
42,914

 
44,374

 
8,339

 
43,740

 
1,125

Owner-occupied
 
49,530

 
49,688

 
2,138

 
55,323

 
1,814

Total commercial and industrial
 
92,444

 
94,062

 
10,477

 
99,063

 
2,939

Home equity lines
 
9,575

 
9,575

 
206

 
8,318

 
346

Consumer mortgages
 
22,173

 
23,297

 
651

 
26,044

 
1,229

Credit cards
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
 
4,651

 
4,651

 
132

 
5,105

 
323

Total retail
 
36,399

 
37,523

 
989

 
39,467

 
1,898

Total
 
266,692

 
270,004

 
30,435

 
308,224

 
9,522

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment properties
 
72,356

 
75,251

 
10,070

 
84,836

 
2,131

1-4 family properties
 
52,883

 
56,902

 
6,184

 
64,236

 
1,618

Land acquisition
 
32,719

 
63,791

 
2,715

 
48,690

 
936

Total commercial real estate
 
157,958

 
195,944

 
18,969

 
197,762

 
4,685

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
47,307

 
51,980

 
8,339

 
49,477

 
1,125

Owner-occupied
 
58,292

 
60,898

 
2,138

 
69,980

 
1,814

Total commercial and industrial
 
105,599

 
112,878

 
10,477

 
119,457

 
2,939

Home equity lines
 
10,605

 
10,605

 
206

 
8,891

 
346

Consumer mortgages
 
22,987

 
24,238

 
651

 
27,039

 
1,229

Credit cards
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Other retail loans
 
4,651

 
4,651

 
132

 
5,105

 
323

Total retail
 
38,243

 
39,494

 
989

 
41,035

 
1,898

Total impaired loans
 
$
301,800

 
348,316

 
30,435

 
358,254

 
9,522

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $622.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding accruing TDRs, there was no interest income recognized for the investment in impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015, and 2014. Interest income recognized for accruing TDRs was $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, impaired loans of $53.7 million, $77.9 million, and $93.7 million, respectively, were on non-accrual status.

108


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 three 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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 that were reported as accruing or non-accruing TDRs.
TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
4

 
$
—

 
1,825

 
3,518

 
5,343

 
1-4 family properties
39

 
—

 
5,499

 
1,488

 
6,987

 
Land acquisition
14

 
—

 
—

 
4,099

 
4,099

 
Total commercial real estate
57

 
—

 
7,324

 
9,105

 
16,429

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
63

 
—

 
17,509

 
7,160

 
24,669

 
Owner-occupied
9

 
—

 
7,884

 
550

 
8,434

 
Total commercial and industrial
72

 
—

 
25,393

 
7,710

 
33,103

 
Home equity lines
5

 
—

 
225

 
123

 
348

 
Consumer mortgages
7

 
—

 
413

 
51

 
464

 
Credit cards
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
Other retail loans
28

 
—

 
394

 
2,256

 
2,650

 
Total retail
40

 
—

 
1,032

 
2,430

 
3,462

 
Total loans
169

 
$
—

 
33,749

 
19,245

 
52,994

(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) As a result of these loans being reported as TDRs, there were no net charge-offs recorded during 2016.
TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
11

 
$
—

 
25,052

 
6,973

 
32,025

 
1-4 family properties
43

 
14,823

 
4,667

 
2,763

 
22,253

 
Land acquisition
12

 
—

 
614

 
1,532

 
2,146

 
Total commercial real estate
66

 
14,823

 
30,333

 
11,268

 
56,424

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
91

 
29

 
3,191

 
6,477

 
9,697

 
Owner-occupied
10

 
—

 
3,417

 
2,064

 
5,481

 
Total commercial and industrial
101

 
29

 
6,608

 
8,541

 
15,178

 
Home equity lines
53

 
—

 
2,826

 
2,905

 
5,731

 
Consumer mortgages
15

 
—

 
1,011

 
895

 
1,906

 
Credit cards
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
Other retail loans
27

 
—

 
444

 
703

 
1,147

 
Total retail
95

 
—

 
4,281

 
4,503

 
8,784

 
Total loans
262

 
$
14,852

 
41,222

 
24,312

 
80,386

(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) As a result of these loans being reported as TDRs, there were net charge-offs of $4.0 million recorded during 2015.

109


TDRs by Concession Type
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
(in thousands, except contract data)
Number of Contracts
 
Principal Forgiveness
 
Below Market Interest Rate
 
Term Extensions and/or Other Concessions
 
Total
 
Investment properties
15

 
$
—

 
8,423

 
5,813

 
14,236

 
1-4 family properties
68

 
—

 
6,611

 
6,492

 
13,103

 
Land acquisition
16

 
2,338

 
4,783

 
2,688

 
9,809

 
Total commercial real estate
99

 
2,338

 
19,817

 
14,993

 
37,148

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
89

 
60

 
10,066

 
21,141

 
31,267

 
Owner-occupied
18

 
—

 
23,404

 
14,862

 
38,266

 
Total commercial and industrial
107

 
60

 
33,470

 
36,003

 
69,533

 
Home equity lines
20

 
—

 
2,335

 
451

 
2,786

 
Consumer mortgages
19

 
—

 
2,735

 
867

 
3,602

 
Credit cards
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
Other retail loans
27

 
—

 
663

 
566

 
1,229

 
Total retail
66

 
—

 
5,733

 
1,884

 
7,617

 
Total loans
272

 
$
2,398

 
59,020

 
52,880

 
114,298

(1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) As a result of these loans being reported as TDRs, there were net charge-offs of approximately $163 thousand recorded during 2014.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, there were two defaults with a recorded investment of $181 thousand, seven defaults with a recorded investment of $12.5 million, and fifteen defaults with a recorded investment of $3.6 million, respectively, on accruing TDRs restructured during the previous twelve months (defaults are defined as the earlier of the TDR being place on non-accrual status or reaching 90 days past due with respect to principal and/or interest payments).
If at the time that a loan was designated as a TDR the loan was not already impaired, the measurement of impairment resulting 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 a TDR is not significant. At December 31, 2016, the allowance for loan losses allocated to accruing TDRs totaling $195.8 million was $9.8 million compared to accruing TDR's of $223.9 million with a related allowance for loan losses of $12.6 million at December 31, 2015. Non-accrual non-homogeneous loans (commercial-type impaired loan relationships 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.
In the ordinary course of business, Synovus Bank has made loans to certain Synovus and Synovus Bank executive officers and directors (including their related interests). Management believes that such loans are made on the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated customers.
The following is a summary of such loans and the activity in these loans for the year ended December 31, 2016.
(in thousands)
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$
41,441

New loans
 
193,477

Repayments
 
(179,345
)
Loans charged-off
 
—

Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
55,573

 
 
 
At December 31, 2016, there were no loans to executive officers and directors that were classified as nonaccrual, greater than 90 days past due and still accruing, or potential problem loans.

110


Note 7 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table illustrates activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, and is shown for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Net of Income Taxes)
(in thousands)
Net Unrealized
 Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Post-Retirement Unfunded Health Benefit
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
(13,099
)
 
(28,936
)
 
777

 
(41,258
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
—

 
29,041

 
243

 
29,284

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
275

 
(818
)
 
(88
)
 
(631
)
Net current period other comprehensive income
275

 
28,223

 
155

 
28,653

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
(12,824
)
 
(713
)
 
932

 
(12,605
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
—

 
(15,806
)
 
143

 
(15,663
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
320

 
(1,703
)
 
(168
)
 
(1,551
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
320

 
(17,509
)
 
(25
)
 
(17,214
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
(12,504
)
 
(18,222
)
 
907

 
(29,819
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
—

 
(22,405
)
 
63

 
(22,342
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
287

 
(3,697
)
 
(88
)
 
(3,498
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
287

 
(26,102
)
 
(25
)
 
(25,840
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
(12,217
)
 
(44,324
)
 
882

 
(55,659
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In accordance with ASC 740-20-45-11(b), a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income is charged directly to other comprehensive income (loss). During the years 2010 and 2011, Synovus recorded a deferred tax asset valuation allowance associated with unrealized gains and losses not recognized in income directly to other comprehensive income (loss) by applying the portfolio approach for allocation of the valuation allowance. Synovus has consistently applied the portfolio approach which treats derivative instruments, equity securities, and debt securities as a single portfolio. As of December 31, 2016, 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.

111


The following table illustrates activity within the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Details About
 Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount Reclassified From
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item
in the Statement Where
Net Income is Presented
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Amortization of deferred losses
 
$
(270
)
 
(448
)
 
(448
)
 
Interest expense
  Amortization of deferred losses
 
(197
)
 
(73
)
 
—

 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
 
 
180

 
201

 
173

 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
(287
)
 
(320
)
 
(275
)
 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Realized gains, net on sales of securities (1)
 
$
6,011

 
2,769

 
1,331

 
Investment securities gains, net
 
 
(2,314
)
 
(1,066
)
 
(513
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
3,697

 
1,703

 
818

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

 
272

 
144

 
Salaries and other personnel expense
 
 
(56
)
 
(104
)
 
(56
)
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
$
88

 
$
168

 
$
88

 
Reclassifications, net of income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes $1.4 million in gains in 2016 from the transfer of $1.9 million of investment securities available for sale to trading account assets.


112


Note 8 - Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consists of the following:
(in thousands)
 
Useful Life 
(in years)
 
2016
 
2015
Land
 
Indefinite
 
$
97,080

 
106,656

Buildings and improvements
 
10 - 40
 
377,754

 
403,437

Leasehold improvements
 
10 - 40
 
41,355

 
41,095

Furniture and equipment
 
3 - 10
 
370,458

 
406,121

Construction in progress
 
 
 
29,104

 
44,120

     Total premises and equipment
 
 
 
915,751

 
1,001,429

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(498,266
)
 
(556,274
)
     Premises and equipment, net
 
 
 
$
417,485

 
445,155

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net premises and equipment included $1.6 million and $1.7 million related to net capital leases at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Aggregate rent expense (principally for offices) net of sublease income, totaled $21.4 million, $23.1 million, and $22.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 totaled $37.1 million, $35.3 million, and $33.9 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, Synovus transferred premises and equipment with a net book value of $25.2 million to other properties held for sale, a component of other assets. Additionally, during 2016, Synovus retired $68.4 million of zero net book value obsolete assets from the furniture and equipment category.
Lease Commitments
Synovus and its subsidiaries have entered into long-term operating leases for various facilities and equipment. Management expects that as these leases expire they will be renewed or replaced by similar leases based on need.
At December 31, 2016, minimum rental commitments under all such non-cancelable leases for the next five years and thereafter are presented below.
(in thousands)
 
2017
$
27,527

2018
28,289

2019
25,484

2020
24,579

2021
22,247

Thereafter
154,219

Total
$
282,345

 
 
Note 9 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the net carrying value of goodwill, net of accumulated impairment losses, was $59.7 million, consisting of goodwill associated with two reporting units. $24.4 million of the goodwill was attributable to the trust services reporting unit, and the remaining goodwill of $35.2 million was attributable to the Synovus Bank reporting unit and is a result of the Global One business combination completed during 2016. In connection with the acquisition, Synovus also acquired other intangible assets with preliminary fair values of $13.4 million consisting of existing borrower relationships, trade name, and distribution network. At December 31, 2016, other intangible assets had gross carrying amounts of $14.0 million, accumulated amortization of $817 thousand, and total net carrying value of $13.2 million. Aggregate other intangible assets amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $521 thousand, $503 thousand, and $603 thousand, respectively. Aggregate estimated amortization expense over the next five years is $1.1 million for 2017 and $1.2 million for each of the years 2018 through 2021.

113


At June 30, 2016, Synovus completed its annual goodwill impairment evaluation of the trust services reporting unit, and as a result of this evaluation, concluded that goodwill was not impaired. The estimated fair value of the trust services reporting unit was $129.2 million, which exceeded the carrying value of $77.4 million by $51.8 million, or 40%.
The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
(in thousands)
 
Trust Services Reporting Unit
 
Synovus Bank Reporting Unit
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
24,431

 
—

 
24,431

Accumulated impairment losses
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
24,431

 
—

 
24,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill acquired during year
 
—

 
35,247

 
35,247

Impairment losses
 
—

 
—

 
—

Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2016
 
$
24,431

 
35,247

 
59,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Note 10 - Other Assets
Significant balances included in other assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below.
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
 
$
378,830

 
338,002

Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock
 
169,864

 
68,288

Accrued interest receivable
 
70,393

 
65,218

Prepaid expenses
 
35,542

 
33,348

Accounts receivable
 
29,821

 
19,692

Private equity investments
 
25,493

 
28,018

Derivative asset positions
 
20,623

 
27,139

Other properties held for sale
 
14,830

 
10,671

SBA/GGL servicing assets, net
 
4,451

 
4,287

Miscellaneous other assets
 
63,373

 
55,511

Total other assets
 
$
813,220

 
650,174

 
 
 
 
 
Synovus’ investment in bank-owned life insurance programs at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 included approximately $15 million and $32 million, respectively, of separate account life insurance policies covered by stable value agreements. At December 31, 2016, the fair value of the investments underlying the separate account policies was approximately $14 million, which was within the coverage provided by the stable value agreements.
Note 11 - Deposits
A summary of interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Interest bearing demand deposits
 
$
4,768,313

 
4,377,407

Money market accounts, excluding brokered deposits
 
7,251,093

 
7,042,350

Savings accounts
 
929,402

 
714,410

Time deposits, excluding brokered deposits
 
3,234,465

 
3,300,004

Brokered deposits
 
1,378,983

 
1,075,520

Total interest bearing deposits
 
$
17,562,256

 
16,509,691

 
 
 
 
 

114


The aggregate amount of time deposits of $250,000 or more was $829.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $774.3 million at December 31, 2015.
The following table presents contractual maturities of all time deposits at December 31, 2016.
(in thousands)
 
Maturing within one year
$
2,424,336

Between 1 — 2 years
922,828

2 — 3 years
278,722

3 — 4 years
204,813

4 — 5 years
99,288

Thereafter
22,481

 
$
3,952,468

 
 
Note 12 - Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings
Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented in the following table.
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Parent Company:
 
 
 
 5.125% subordinated notes, due June 15, 2017, $278.6 million and $403.3 million par value at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with semi-annual interest payments and principal to be paid at maturity
$
278,480

 
402,812

 7.875% senior notes, due February 15, 2019, $300 million par value with semi-annual interest payments and principal to be paid at maturity
297,763

 
296,711

5.75% fixed to adjustable rate subordinated notes, due December 15, 2025, $250 million par value with semi-annual interest payments at 5.75% for the first five years and quarterly payments thereafter at an adjustable rate equal to the then-current three month LIBOR rate + 418.2 basis points and principal to be paid at maturity
247,136

 
246,644

LIBOR + 1.80% debentures, due April 19, 2035, $10 million par value with quarterly interest payments and principal to be paid at maturity (rate of 2.76% at December 31, 2016 and 2.31% at December 31, 2015)
10,000

 
10,000

Hedge-related basis adjustment(1)
873

 
4,018

Total long-term debt — Parent Company
834,252

 
960,185

Synovus Bank:
 
 
 
FHLB advances with interest and principal payments due at various maturity dates through 2022 and interest rates ranging from 0.63% to 0.66% at December 31, 2016 (weighted average interest rate of 0.64% and 0.46% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
1,325,000

 
1,225,000

Capital lease with interest and principal payments due at various dates through 2031 (rate of 1.59% at both December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)
1,629

 
1,708

Total long-term debt — Synovus Bank
1,326,629

 
1,226,708

Total long-term debt
$
2,160,881

 
2,186,893

 
 
 
 
(1) Unamortized balance of terminated interest rate swaps reflected in debt for financial reporting purposes.
During January 2016, Synovus repurchased $124.7 million of its subordinated notes maturing in 2017 in conjunction with Synovus' cash tender offer that commenced on December 23, 2015 and expired on January 22, 2016. 2016 results include a $4.7 million pre-tax loss relating to this tender offer.
On December 7, 2015, Synovus issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of the 2025 subordinated debt in a public offering for aggregate proceeds of $246.6 million, net of debt issuance costs. Also during the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $46.7 million of its subordinated notes maturing in 2017 in privately negotiated transactions which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million.
The provisions of the indentures governing Synovus’ long-term debt contain certain restrictions within specified limits on mergers, sales of all or substantially all of Synovus' assets and limitations on sales and issuances of voting stock of subsidiaries

115


and Synovus’ ability to pay dividends on its capital stock if there is an event of default under the applicable indenture. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Synovus and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the covenants in these agreements.
The FHLB advances are secured by certain loans receivable with a recorded balance of $3.25 billion at December 31, 2016 and $3.26 billion at December 31, 2015.
Contractual annual principal payments on long-term debt for the next five years and thereafter are shown on the following table.
 
(in thousands)
Parent
Company
 
Synovus Bank
 
Total
2017
$
278,591


88

 
278,679

2018
—

 
89

 
89

2019
300,000

 
275,090

 
575,090

2020
—

 
350,092

 
350,092

2021
—

 
450,097

 
450,097

Thereafter
260,000

 
251,173

 
511,173

Total
$
838,591

 
1,326,629

 
2,165,220

 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding federal funds purchased and other securities sold under repurchase agreements.
(dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Total balance at December 31,
 
$
159,699

 
177,025

 
126,916

Weighted average interest rate at December 31,
 
0.08
%
 
0.08

 
0.08

Maximum month end balance during the year
 
$
286,175

 
250,453

 
247,170

Average amount outstanding during the year
 
216,593

 
205,305

 
198,085

Weighted average interest rate during the year
 
0.09
%
 
0.08

 
0.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

116


Note 13 - Shareholders' Equity
The following table shows the changes in shares of preferred and common stock issued and common stock held as treasury shares for the three years ended December 31, 2016.
 
 
(shares in thousands)
Series C Preferred Stock Issued
 
Common
Stock
Issued
 
Treasury
Stock
Held
 
Common Stock Outstanding
Balance at December 31, 2013
5,200

 
139,721

 
813

 
138,908

Restricted share unit activity
—

 
52

 
—

 
52

Stock options exercised
—

 
177

 
—

 
177

Repurchase of common stock
—

 
—

 
3,014

 
(3,014
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
5,200

 
139,950

 
3,827

 
136,123

Restricted share unit activity
—

 
304

 
—

 
304

Stock options exercised
—

 
338

 
—

 
338

Repurchase of common stock
—

 
—

 
7,218

 
(7,218
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
5,200

 
140,592

 
11,045

 
129,547

Issuance of common stock for acquisition
—

 
821

 
—

 
821

Restricted share unit activity
—

 
316

 
—

 
316

Stock options exercised
—

 
297

 
—

 
297

Repurchase of common stock
—

 
—

 
8,715

 
(8,715
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
5,200

 
142,026

 
19,760

 
122,266

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Common Stock for Acquisition
On October 1, 2016, Synovus completed its acquisition of Global One. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Synovus acquired Global One for an up-front payment of $30 million, consisting of the issuance of 821 thousand shares of Synovus common stock valued at $26.6 million and $3.4 million in cash, with additional annual payments to the former shareholders of Global One for three to five years based on a percentage of Global One's earnings as defined in the merger agreement. Please refer to Note 2 - "Acquisition" of this Report for more information on the acquisition of Global One.
Repurchases of Common Stock
Synovus completed its $300 million share repurchase program during the fourth quarter of 2016. This program was authorized during the third quarter of 2015 and was executed over a 15 month period through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. In 2016, Synovus repurchased a total of $262.9 million, or 8.7 million shares, of common stock, $212.9 million, or 7.3 million shares, of common stock of which was executed through open market transactions and $50.0 million, or 1.4 million shares, of which was executed through an ASR. During the fourth quarter of 2015, Synovus repurchased $37.1 million, or 1.2 million shares, through open market transactions. Synovus completed its $250 million share repurchase program during the third quarter of 2015. This program was announced on October 21, 2014 and expired on October 23, 2015. Under this program, Synovus repurchased 9.1 million shares of common stock through a combination of open market transactions and an ASR. From October 2014 through September 30, 2015, Synovus repurchased $175.0 million, or 6.2 million shares, of common stock through open market transactions, including $161.9 million, or 5.7 million shares, of common stock repurchased during 2015. Synovus also entered into a $75.0 million ASR in October 2014. During 2014, Synovus repurchased 2.5 million shares of common stock under this ASR, and during January 2015, Synovus repurchased 392 thousand shares upon completion of this ASR.
Reverse Stock Split
On April 24, 2014, at Synovus' 2014 annual shareholders' meeting, Synovus’ shareholders approved a proposal authorizing Synovus’ Board of Directors to effect a one-for-seven reverse stock split of Synovus’ common stock. The reverse stock split became effective on May 16, 2014, and Synovus' shares of common stock began trading on a post-split basis on the NYSE at the opening of trading on May 19, 2014. All prior periods presented in this Report have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-seven reverse stock split. Financial information updated by this capital change includes earnings per common share, dividends per common share, stock price per common share, weighted average common shares, outstanding common shares, treasury shares, common stock, additional paid-in capital, and share-based compensation.

117


Note 14 - Regulatory Capital
Synovus is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Synovus must meet specific capital levels that involve quantitative measures of both on- and off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory capital guidelines. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
The Basel III capital rules became effective January 1, 2015, for Synovus and Synovus Bank, subject to a transition period for several aspects, including the capital conservation buffer and certain regulatory capital adjustments and deductions, as described below. Under the Basel III capital rules, the minimum capital requirements for Synovus and Synovus Bank include a common equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 4.5%; Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; total capital ratio of 8%; and leverage ratio of 4%. When fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III capital rules include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% that is added on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phased-in over a three-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). As a financial holding company, Synovus and its subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, are required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution as defined by federal banking regulations. Under the Basel III capital rules, Synovus and Synovus Bank are well-capitalized if each has a CET1 ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and are not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive from a federal and/or state banking regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.
Management currently believes, based on internal capital analysis and earnings projections, that Synovus' capital position is adequate to meet current and future regulatory minimum capital requirements.
The following table summarizes regulatory capital information at December 31, 2016 and 2015 on a consolidated basis and for Synovus’ significant subsidiary, defined as any direct subsidiary with assets or net income levels exceeding 10% of the consolidated totals.
 
Actual
 
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions (1)
(dollars in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Synovus Financial Corp.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
2,685,880

 
2,660,016

 
1,599,725

 
1,538,637

 
N/A

 
N/A

Common equity tier 1 capital
2,654,287

 
2,660,016

 
1,199,794

 
1,153,977

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total risk-based capital
3,201,268

 
3,255,758

 
2,132,966

 
2,051,515

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
10.07
%
 
10.37

 
6.00

 
6.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
9.96

 
10.37

 
4.50

 
4.50

 
N/A

 
N/A

Total risk-based capital ratio
12.01

 
12.70

 
8.00

 
8.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Leverage ratio
8.99

 
9.43

 
4.00

 
4.00

 
N/A

 
N/A

Synovus Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
3,187,583

 
3,136,132

 
1,597,302

 
1,535,541

 
2,129,736

 
2,047,388

Common equity tier 1 capital
3,187,583

 
3,136,132

 
1,197,976

 
1,151,656

 
1,730,410

 
1,663,503

Total risk-based capital
3,441,563

 
3,390,764

 
2,129,736

 
2,047,388

 
2,662,169

 
2,559,235

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
11.97
%
 
12.25

 
6.00

 
6.00

 
8.00

 
8.00

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
11.97

 
12.25

 
4.50

 
4.50

 
6.50

 
6.50

Total risk-based capital ratio
12.93

 
13.25

 
8.00

 
8.00

 
10.00

 
10.00

Leverage ratio
10.68

 
11.15

 
4.00

 
4.00

 
5.00

 
5.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The prompt corrective action provisions are applicable at the bank level only.

118


Note 15 - Net Income Per Common Share
The following table displays a reconciliation of the information used in calculating basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

Dividends on preferred stock
10,238

 
10,238

 
10,238

Net income available to common shareholders
$
236,546

 
215,844

 
185,011

Weighted average common shares outstanding
124,389

 
132,423

 
138,495

Potentially dilutive shares from outstanding equity-based awards
689

 
778

 
659

Weighted average diluted common shares
125,078

 
133,201

 
139,154

Net income per common share, basic
$
1.90

 
1.63

 
1.34

Net income per common share, diluted
$
1.89

 
1.62

 
1.33

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, there were 2.2 million, 2.8 million, and 3.3 million potentially dilutive shares, respectively, related to Warrants and stock options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Note 16 - Fair Value Accounting
Synovus carries various assets and liabilities at fair value based on the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, and ASC 825, Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an “exit price”) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
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.

119


Fair Value Hierarchy
Synovus determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the financial instrument's fair value measurement in its entirety. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs of the valuation hierarchy are defined below:
Level 1
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities for the instrument or security to be valued. Level 1 assets include marketable equity securities, Treasury securities, and mutual funds.
Level 2
Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined by using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. U.S. Government sponsored agency securities, mortgage-backed securities issued by GSEs and agencies, obligations of states and municipalities, collateralized mortgage obligations issued by GSEs, 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 consists of collateral-dependent impaired loans, other real estate, certain corporate securities, private equity investments, and contingent consideration.
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 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, marketable 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 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 GSEs 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.

120


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 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.
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 loans are not committed to an investor at a set price, 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 similar 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 primarily 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 classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. The valuation of these investments requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such investments. Based on these factors, the ultimate realizable value of these investments could differ significantly from the value reflected in the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements. For ownerships in publicly traded companies held in the funds, valuation is based on the closing market price at the balance sheet date, with such investments being classified as Level 1 or 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The valuation of marketable securities that have trading restrictions is discounted until the securities can be freely traded. The private equity investments in which Synovus holds a limited partnership 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 changes in management or key personnel, are used in the determination of fair value.
Also, for the year ended December 31, 2015, Synovus held an interest in an investment fund that invested in publicly traded financial services companies. Although the fund held investments in publicly traded entities, the fair value of this investment was classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy because there was no actively traded market for the fund itself, and the value of the investment was based on the aggregate fair value of the publicly traded companies that were held in the fund for investment.
Mutual Funds Held in Rabbi Trusts
Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts primarily 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.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include a contingent consideration obligation related to the Global One acquisition. Contingent consideration associated with the acquisition will be adjusted to fair value until settled. Since the assumptions used to measure fair value are based on internal metrics that are not market observable, the Earnout Payment liability is classified as Level 3.
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, and Black-Scholes or binomial pricing models. The sale of TBA mortgage-backed securities for current month delivery or in the future and

121


the purchase of option contracts of similar duration are derivatives utilized by Synovus, 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 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 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, Synovus enters into contractual interest rate lock commitments to extend credit 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 established time frames. 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, Synovus 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 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 to the interest rate lock commitments in anticipation of those mortgage loans which will not close. The fall-out ratio assumptions are based on Synovus' 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, Synovus performs analyses 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. The expected fall-out ratios (or conversely the "pull-through" percentages) are applied to the determined fair value of the mortgage pipeline. 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 classified 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 determined based on management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract. Since this estimation process requires application of judgment in developing significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the Visa derivative, this derivative has been classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 19 - Visa Shares and Related Agreements" of this Report for additional discussion on the Visa derivative and related litigation.


 





122


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 December 31, 2016 and 2015, according to the valuation hierarchy included in ASC 820-10. For equity and debt securities, class was determined based on the nature and risks of the investments. Transfers between levels for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were inconsequential.
 
 
December 31, 2016
(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    
$
—

 
3,460

 
—

 
3,460

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

 
3,438

 
—

 
3,438

State and municipal securities
—

 
426

 
—

 
426

Other investments
1,890

 
100

 
 
 
1,990

Total trading securities
1,890

 
7,424

 
—

 
9,314

Mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
51,545

 
—

 
51,545

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
107,802

 
—

 
—

 
107,802

U.S. Government agency securities
—

 
12,993

 
—

 
12,993

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

 
174,202

 
—

 
174,202

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

 
2,506,340

 
—

 
2,506,340

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

 
890,442

 
—

 
890,442

State and municipal securities
—

 
2,794

 
—

 
2,794

Equity securities
3,782

 
—

 
—

 
3,782

  Other investments(1)    
3,092

 
14,952

 
1,796

 
19,840

Total investment securities available for sale
114,676

 
3,601,723

 
1,796

 
3,718,195

Private equity investments
—

 
—

 
25,493

 
25,493

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,479

 
—

 
—

 
11,479

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
—

 
17,157

 
—

 
17,157

Mortgage derivatives(2)
—

 
3,466

 
—

 
3,466

Total derivative assets
—

 
20,623

 
—

 
20,623

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities(3)
—

 
—

 
14,000

 
14,000

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
—

 
17,531

 
—

 
17,531

Visa derivative
—

 
—

 
5,768

 
5,768

Total derivative liabilities
$
—

 
17,531

 
5,768

 
23,299

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

123


 
December 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies
$
—

 
2,922

 
—

 
2,922

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

 
1,078

 
—

 
1,078

State and municipal securities
—

 
1,097

 
—

 
1,097

All other mortgage-backed securities
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total trading securities
—

 
5,097

 
—

 
5,097

Mortgage loans held for sale
—

 
59,275

 
—

 
59,275

Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
43,357

 
—

 
—

 
43,357

U.S. Government agency securities
—

 
13,623

 
—

 
13,623

Securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises
—

 
126,909

 
—

 
126,909

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

 
210,004

 
—

 
210,004

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

 
2,630,419

 
—

 
2,630,419

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

 
529,597

 
—

 
529,597

State and municipal securities
—

 
4,434

 
—

 
4,434

Equity securities
9,672

 
—

 
—

 
9,672

  Other investments(1)    
3,073

 
14,985

 
1,745

 
19,803

Total investment securities available for sale
56,102

 
3,529,971

 
1,745

 
3,587,818

Private equity investments
—

 
870

 
27,148

 
28,018

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
10,664

 
—

 
—

 
10,664

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
—

 
25,580

 
—

 
25,580

Mortgage derivatives (2)
—

 
1,559

 
—

 
1,559

Total derivative assets
—

 
27,139

 
—

 
27,139

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
—

 
1,032

 
—

 
1,032

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
—

 
26,030

 
—

 
26,030

Visa derivative
—

 
—

 
1,415

 
1,415

Total derivative liabilities
$
—

 
26,030

 
1,415

 
27,445

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(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.
(3 ) Other liabilities include contingent consideration obligation related to Global One acquisition.


124


Fair Value Option
The following table summarizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans held for sale measured at fair value and the changes in fair value of these loans. Mortgage loans held for sale are initially measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income. An immaterial portion of these changes in fair value was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Changes in fair value included in net income:
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
$
(667
)
 
(742
)
 
1,399

Mortgage loans held for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value
51,545

 
59,275

 
63,328

Unpaid principal balance
51,114

 
58,177

 
61,488

Fair value less aggregate unpaid principal balance
$
431

 
1,098

 
1,840

 
 
 
 
 
 




























125


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 year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (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 2016 and 2015, Synovus did not have any transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy.
 
2016
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Other Liabilities
Visa Derivative
Beginning balance, January 1,
$
1,745

 
27,148

 
—

(1,415
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings    
—

 
(1,026
)
 
—

(5,795
)
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
51

 
—

 
—

—

Additions
—

 
—


(14,000
)
—

Sales
—

 
—

 
—

—

Issuances
—

 
—

 
—

—

Settlements
—

 
(629
)
 
—

1,442

Amortization of discount/premium
—

 
—

 
—

—

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—

 
—

 
—

—

Ending balance, December 31,
$
1,796

 
25,493

 
(14,000
)
(5,768
)
Total net (losses) for the year included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at December 31,    
$
—

 
(1,026
)
 
—

(5,795
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
(in thousands)
Investment Securities Available for Sale
 
 Private Equity Investments
 
Visa Derivative
Beginning balance, January 1,
$
1,645

 
27,367

 
(1,401
)
Total gains (losses) realized/unrealized:
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings    
—

 
(219
)
 
(1,464
)
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income
100

 
—

 
—

Additions
—

 
—

 
—

Sales
—

 
—

 
—

Issuances
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements
—

 
—

 
1,450

Amortization of discount/premium
—

 
—

 
—

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
—

 
—

 
—

Ending balance, December 31,
$
1,745

 
27,148

 
(1,415
)
Total net gains (losses) for the year included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held at December 31,    
$
—

 
(219
)
 
(1,464
)
 
 
 
 
 
 


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


As of December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value Adjustments
for the Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Impaired loans*        
$
—

 
—

 
$
21,742

 
6,613

Other real estate
—

 
—

 
19,305

 
1,223

Other assets held for sale
—

 
—

 
12,083

 
5,715

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value Adjustments
for the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Impaired loans*    
$
—

 
—

 
$
15,708

 
4,144

Other loans held for sale
—

 
—

 
471

 
31

Other real estate
—

 
—

 
48,166

 
4,927

Other assets held for sale
—

 
—

 
4,747

 
1,323

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* 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 estimated 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 the sale of these assets, are recorded as 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. 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.
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

127


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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Input
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Range (Weighted Average)(1)
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Range (Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at
fair value on a
recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale -
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities
 
Discounted cash flow analysis
 
Credit spread embedded in discount rate
 
$
1,796

 
442 bps
 
1,745

 
477 bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
 
Individual analysis of each investee company
 
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, evaluation of business management and financial plans, and recently executed financing transactions related to the investee companies (2)  
 
25,493

 
N/A
 
27,148

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount for lack of liquidity (2)
 
 
 
15%
 
 
 
15%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
Internal valuation
 
Percentage of net income attributable to Global One Earnings as defined in merger agreement for three to five years
 
14,000

 
3 - 5 years
 
—

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visa derivative liability
 
Internal valuation
 
Estimated timing of resolution of covered litigation, future cumulative deposits to the litigation escrow for settlement of the Covered Litigation, and estimated future monthly fees payable to the derivative counterparty
 
5,768

 
1 - 5 years
 
1,415

 
N/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




128


 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Input
 
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
 
Range
(Weighted Average)(1)
Assets measured at
fair value on a
non-recurring basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral-dependent impaired loans
 
Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
 
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
 
0%-52% (25%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
0%-80% (29%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans held for sale
 
Third-party appraised value of collateral less estimated selling costs
 
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
 
N/A
 
0%-3% (3%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate
 
Third-party appraised value less estimated selling costs
 
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
 
0%-10% (5%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
0%-20% (7%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets held for sale
 
Third-party appraised value less estimated selling costs or BOV
 
Discount to appraised value (3)
Estimated selling costs
 
0%-81% (47%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
0%-35% (31%) 0%-10% (7%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The range represents management's best estimate of the high and low end of the value that would be assigned to a particular input. For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the weighted average is the measure of central tendencies; it is not the value that management is using for the asset or liability.
(2) Represents management's estimate of discount that market participants would require based on the instrument's lack of liquidity.
(3) Synovus also makes adjustments to the values of the assets listed above for various reasons, including age of the appraisal, information known by management about the property, such as occupancy rates, changes to the physical conditions of the property, pending sales, and other factors.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying and fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair values represent management’s best estimates based on a range of methodologies and assumptions. For financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, such as loans, interest bearing deposits (including brokered deposits), and long-term debt, the fair value amounts should not be taken as an estimate of the amount that would be realized if all such financial instruments were to be settled immediately.
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 the 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 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

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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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
 
December 31, 2016

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
395,175

 
395,175

 
395,175

 
—

 
—

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
527,090

 
527,090

 
527,090

 
—

 
—

Interest earning deposits with banks
18,720

 
18,720

 
18,720

 
—

 
—

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
58,060

 
58,060

 
58,060

 
—

 
—

Trading account assets
9,314

 
9,314

 
1,890

 
7,424

 
—

Mortgage loans held for sale
51,545

 
51,545

 
—

 
51,545

 
—

Investment securities available for sale
3,718,195

 
3,718,195

 
114,676

 
3,601,723

 
1,796

Private equity investments
25,493

 
25,493

 
—

 
—

 
25,493

Mutual funds held in rabbi trusts
11,479

 
11,479

 
11,479

 
—

 
—

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
23,856,391

 
23,709,434

 
—

 
—

 
23,709,434

Derivative assets
20,623

 
20,623

 
—

 
20,623

 
—

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
7,085,804

 
7,085,804

 
—

 
7,085,804

 
—

Interest bearing deposits
17,562,256

 
17,560,021

 
—

 
17,560,021

 
—

Federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings and other short-term liabilities
159,699

 
159,699

 
159,699

 
—

 
—

Long-term debt
2,160,881

 
2,217,544

 
—

 
2,217,544

 
—

Other liabilities
14,000

 
14,000

 
—

 
—

 
14,000

Derivative liabilities
$
23,299

 
23,299

 
—

 
17,531

 
5,768

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

130


 
December 31, 2015

(in thousands)
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
367,092

 
367,092

 
367,092

 
—

 
—

Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank
829,887

 
829,887

 
829,887

 
—

 
—

Interest earning deposits with banks
17,387

 
17,387

 
17,387

 
—

 
—

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
69,819

 
69,819

 
69,819

 
—

 
—

Trading account assets
5,097

 
5,097

 
—

 
5,097

 
—

Mortgage loans held for sale
59,275

 
59,275

 
—

 
59,275

 
—

Other loans held for sale
425

 
425

 
—

 
—

 
425

Investment securities available for sale
3,587,818

 
3,587,818

 
56,102

 
3,529,971

 
1,745

Private equity investments
28,018

 
28,018

 
—

 
870

 
27,148

Mutual funds held in Rabbi Trusts
10,664

 
10,664

 
10,664

 
—

 
—

Loans, net of deferred fees and costs
22,429,565

 
22,192,903

 
—

 
—

 
22,192,903

Derivative assets
27,139

 
27,139

 
—

 
27,139

 
—

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading account liabilities
$
1,032

 
1,032

 
—

 
1,032

 
—

Non-interest bearing deposits
6,732,970

 
6,732,970

 
—

 
6,732,970

 
—

Interest bearing deposits
16,509,691

 
16,516,222

 
—

 
16,516,222

 
—

Federal funds purchased, other short-term borrowings, and other short-term liabilities
177,025

 
177,025

 
177,025

 
—

 
—

Long-term debt
2,186,893

 
2,244,376

 
—

 
2,244,376

 
—

Derivative liabilities
27,445

 
27,445

 
—

 
26,030

 
1,415

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 17 - Derivative Instruments
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk. These derivative instruments generally consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments made to prospective mortgage loan customers, and commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans. Interest rate lock commitments represent derivative instruments since it is intended that such loans will be sold.
Synovus may also utilize interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks primarily arising from its core banking activities. These interest rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest rate payment obligations without the exchange of underlying principal amounts. Swaps may be designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges, as discussed below. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Synovus had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts utilized to manage interest rate risk related to core banking activities.
Synovus is party to master netting arrangements with its dealer counterparties; however, Synovus does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes.
Counterparty Credit Risk and Collateral
Entering into derivative contracts potentially exposes Synovus to the risk of counterparties’ failure to fulfill their legal obligations, including, but not limited to, potential amounts due or payable under each derivative contract. Notional principal amounts are often used to express the volume of these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. Synovus assesses the credit risk of its dealer counterparties by regularly monitoring publicly available credit rating information, evaluating other market indicators, and periodic detailed financial reviews. 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

131


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
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no cash flow hedges outstanding. The unamortized deferred net loss balance from previously terminated cash flow hedges at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $(130) thousand and $(597) thousand, respectively. Synovus expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) the remaining $130 thousand to interest expense during the next six months as amortization of deferred losses from prior period cash flow hedge terminations is recognized. Additionally, during 2016, Synovus recognized $196 thousand of the deferred loss balance as a component of loss on early extinguishment of debt, net.
Fair Value Hedges
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no fair value hedges outstanding. The unamortized deferred gain balance from previously terminated fair value hedges at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $873 thousand and $4.0 million, respectively. Synovus expects to reclassify from hedge-related basis adjustment, a component of long-term debt, the remaining $873 thousand of deferred gain balance on previously terminated fair value hedges as a reduction of interest expense during the next six months as amortization of deferred gains is recorded. Additionally, during 2016, Synovus recorded $1.3 million of the unamortized deferred gain balance as a component of loss on early extinguishment of debt, net.
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 counterparties. The interest rate swap agreements are free-standing derivatives and are recorded at fair value on Synovus' consolidated balance sheet. Fair value changes are recorded as a component of non-interest income. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount of customer related interest rate derivative financial instruments, including both the customer position and the offsetting position, was $1.32 billion, an increase of $49.2 million compared to December 31, 2015.
Visa Derivative
In conjunction with the sale of Class B shares of common stock issued by Visa to Synovus as a Visa USA member, Synovus entered into a derivative contract with the purchaser, which provides for settlements between the parties based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A shares. The conversion ratio changes when Visa deposits funds to a litigation escrow established by Visa to pay settlements for certain litigation, for which Visa is indemnified by Visa USA members. The litigation escrow is funded by proceeds from Visa’s conversion of Class B shares. The fair value of the derivative contract was $5.8 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of the derivative contract is determined based on management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterpary under the terms of the contract. Management believes that the estimate of Synovus' exposure to the Visa indemnification and fees associated with the Visa derivative is adequate based on current information, including Visa's recent announcements and disclosures. However, future developments in the litigation could require potentially significant changes to Synovus' estimate. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 19 - Visa Shares and Related Agreements" of this Report for further information.
Mortgage Derivatives
Synovus originates first lien residential mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. Mortgage loans are sold by Synovus for conversion to securities and the servicing of these loans is generally sold to a third-party servicing aggregator, or Synovus sells the mortgage loans as whole loans to investors either individually or in bulk on a servicing released basis.
Synovus enters interest rate lock commitments for residential mortgage loans which commits it to lend funds to a potential borrower at a specific interest rate and within a specified period of time. Interest rate lock commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that, if originated, will be held for sale, are considered derivative financial instruments under applicable accounting guidance. Outstanding interest rate lock commitments expose Synovus to the risk that the price of the mortgage loans underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates from inception of the rate lock to the funding of the loan.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Synovus had commitments to fund at a locked interest rate, primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers in the amount of $88.2 million and $88.8 million, respectively. Fair value adjustments related to these commitments resulted in a gain of $182 thousand and $175 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to $126.5 million and $95.0 million, respectively. Such commitments are entered into to reduce the exposure to market risk arising from

132


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. Fair value adjustments related to these outstanding commitments to sell mortgage loans resulted in gains of $1.7 million and $924 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
Collateral Requirements
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, certain derivative transactions have collateral requirements, both at the inception of the trade, and as the value of each derivative position changes. As of December 31, 2016, collateral totaling $56.1 million of federal funds sold was pledged to the derivative counterparties to comply with collateral requirements.
The impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.
 
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
 
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
December 31,

(in thousands)
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
2016
 
2015
 
Location on Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
2016
 
2015
Derivatives not designated
  as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
Other assets
 
$
17,157

 
25,580

 
Other liabilities
 
17,531

 
26,030

Mortgage derivatives
Other assets
 
3,466

 
1,559

 
Other liabilities
 
—

 
—

Visa derivative
 
 
—

 
—

 
Other liabilities
 
5,768

 
1,415

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
20,623

 
27,139

 
 
 
23,299

 
27,445

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The pre-tax effect of fair value hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented below.
 
Derivative
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts(1)    
Other Non-
 Interest Income
 
$
76

 
44

 
460

Mortgage derivatives(2)    
Mortgage
Banking Income
 
$
1,907

 
1,099

 
(1,062
)
Total
 
 
$
1,983

 
1,143

 
(602
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments (including credit related adjustments) for customer swaps and offsetting positions.
(2) Gain (loss) represents net fair value adjustments recorded for interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell mortgage loans to third-party investors.
During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Synovus reclassified $1.8 million, $3.1 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, from hedge-related basis adjustment, a component of long-term debt, as a reduction to interest expense. Additionally, during 2016 and 2015, Synovus reclassified $1.3 million and $495 thousand, respectively, from hedge-related basis adjustment as a reduction to loss on early extinguishment of debt, net. These deferred gains relate to hedging relationships that have been previously terminated and are reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged items.
Note 18 - Variable Interest Entities
Synovus has a contractual ownership or other interests in certain VIEs for which the fair value of the VIE's net assets may change exclusive of the variable interests. Under ASC 810, Consolidation, Synovus is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate a VIE if it has a variable interest in the VIE that provides it with a controlling financial interest. For such purposes, the determination of whether a controlling financial interest exists is based on whether a single party has both the power

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to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. ASC 810-10-65, as amended, requires continual reconsideration of conclusions reached regarding which interest holder is a VIE's primary beneficiary.
Synovus’ involvement with VIEs is discussed below. Synovus consolidates VIEs for which it is deemed the primary beneficiary.
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Rabbi Trusts – Synovus has established certain rabbi trusts related to deferred compensation plans offered to its employees. Synovus contributes employee cash compensation deferrals to the trusts and directs the underlying investments made by the trusts. The assets of these trusts are available to Synovus creditors only in the event that Synovus becomes insolvent. These trusts are considered VIEs because either there is no equity at risk in the trusts or because Synovus provided the equity interest to its employees in exchange for services rendered. While the employees have the ability to direct their funds within the trusts, Synovus is considered the primary beneficiary of the rabbi trusts as it has the ability to direct the underlying investments made by the trusts as well as make funding decisions related to the trusts, the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the rabbi trusts. Synovus includes the assets of the rabbi trusts as a component of other assets and a corresponding liability for the associated benefit obligation in other liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate amount of rabbi trust assets and benefit obligation was $11.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively.
Non-consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Partnerships – Synovus and its subsidiary bank, Synovus Bank, make equity investments as a limited partner in various partnerships which are engaged in the development and operation of affordable multi-family housing utilizing the LIHTC pursuant to Section 42 of the Code. The purpose of these investments is to earn a return on the investment and to support community reinvestment initiatives of Synovus Bank. The activities of these LIHTC partnerships are limited to development and operation of multi-family housing that is leased to qualifying residential tenants. These partnerships are generally located in southeastern communities where Synovus has a banking presence and are considered VIEs because Synovus, as the holder of an equity investment at risk, does not have voting or similar rights and does not participate in the management or direct the operations of the partnerships (activities which affect the success of the partnerships). Synovus provides construction lending for certain of the LIHTC partnerships in which it also has an equity investment. Synovus is at risk for the amount of its equity investment plus the outstanding amount of any construction loans in excess of the fair value of the collateral for the loan but has no obligation to fund the operations or working capital of the partnerships. The general partners of these partnerships are considered the primary beneficiaries because they are charged with management responsibility which give them the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the financial performance of the partnerships, and they are exposed to losses beyond Synovus’ equity investment. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate carrying value of Synovus’ investments in LIHTC partnerships was $26.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively, and the cumulative amount of equity investments was $34.1 million in 2016 and $29.3 million in 2015. Synovus uses the equity method of accounting for these investments which are included as a component of other assets on Synovus’ consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Synovus had $17.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively, commitments to fund equity investments in LIHTC partnerships.
Certain Commercial Loans – For certain troubled commercial loans, Synovus restructures the terms of the borrower’s debt in an effort to increase the probability of receipt of amounts contractually due. A TDR generally requires consideration of whether the borrowing entity is a VIE as economic events may have proven that the entity’s equity is not sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or a restructuring of the terms of its financing. As Synovus does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact such troubled commercial borrowers’ operations, it is not considered the primary beneficiary, even in situations where, based on the size of the financing provided, Synovus is exposed to potentially significant benefits and losses of the borrowing entity. Synovus has no contractual requirements to provide financial support to the borrowing entities beyond certain funding commitments established upon restructuring of the terms of the debt that allow for preparation of the underlying collateral for sale.
Note 19 - Visa Shares and Related Agreements
Synovus is a member of the Visa USA network and received shares of Visa Class B common stock in exchange for its membership interest in Visa USA in conjunction with the Visa IPO in 2008. Visa members have indemnification obligations with respect to the Covered Litigation. Visa Class B shares are subject to certain restrictions until settlement of the Covered Litigation. As of December 31, 2016, all of the Covered Litigation had not been settled. Visa has established a litigation escrow to fund settlement of the Covered Litigation. The litigation escrow is funded by proceeds from Visa's conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares.
In November 2009, Synovus sold its remaining Visa Class B shares to another Visa USA member financial institution. In conjunction with the sale, Synovus entered into a derivative contract with the purchaser which provides for settlements between

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the parties based upon a change in the ratio for conversion of Visa Class B shares to Visa Class A shares. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of the derivative contract was $5.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The fair value of the derivative contract is determined based on management's estimate of the timing and amount of the Covered Litigation settlement, and the resulting payments due to the counterparty under the terms of the contract. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Synovus recognized fair value adjustments to the Visa derivative of $5.8 million, $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
Management believes that the estimate of Synovus' exposure to the Visa indemnification and fees associated with the Visa derivative is adequate based on current information, including Visa's recent announcements and disclosures. However, future developments in the litigation could require potentially significant changes to Synovus' estimate.
Note 20 - Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, Synovus enters into commitments to extend credit such as loan commitments and letters of credit to meet the financing needs of its customers. Synovus uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.
The contractual amount of these financial instruments represents Synovus' maximum credit risk should the counterparty draw upon the commitment, and should the counterparty subsequently fail to perform according to the terms of the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Additionally, certain commitments (primarily consumer) can generally be canceled by providing notice to the borrower.
The carrying amount of loan commitments and letters of credit closely approximates the fair value of such financial instruments. Carrying amounts include unamortized fee income and, in some instances, allowances for any estimated credit losses from these financial instruments. These amounts are not material to Synovus' consolidated balance sheets.
Unfunded lending commitments and letters of credit at December 31, 2016 are presented below.
(in thousands)
 
Letters of credit*
$
150,948

Commitments to fund commercial real estate, construction, and land development loans
1,394,162

Unused credit card lines
1,103,431

Commitments under home equity lines of credit
1,096,052

Commitments to fund commercial and industrial loans
4,792,834

Other loan commitments
307,772

Total unfunded lending commitments and letters of credit
$
8,845,199

 
 
* Represent the contractual amount net of risk participations of $83 million.
Repurchase Obligations for Mortgage Loans Originated for Sale
The majority of mortgage loans originated by Synovus are sold to third-party purchasers on a servicing released basis, without recourse, or continuing involvement (Synovus does not retain the servicing rights). These loans are originated and underwritten internally by Synovus personnel and are primarily to borrowers in Synovus’ geographic market footprint. These sales are typically effected as non-recourse loan sales to GSEs and non-GSE purchasers.
Each GSE and non-GSE purchaser has specific guidelines and criteria for sellers of loans, and the risk of credit loss with regard to the principal amount of the loans sold is generally transferred to the purchasers upon sale. The purchase agreements require Synovus to make certain representations and warranties regarding the existence and sufficiency of file documentation and the absence of fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers in connection with obtaining the loan. If it is determined that loans sold were in breach of these representations or warranties, Synovus has obligations to either repurchase the loan at the unpaid principal balance and related investor fees or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of the loan.
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. The total accrued liability related to mortgage repurchase claims was $2.3 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

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Note 21 - 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. Synovus, like many other financial institutions, has been the target of numerous legal actions and other proceedings asserting claims for damages and related relief for losses. 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 putative class action matters. In addition to actual damages if Synovus does not prevail in asserted legal actions, credit-related litigation could result in additional write-downs or charge-offs of loans, which could adversely affect Synovus' results of operations during the period in which the write-down or charge-off were to occur.
Synovus carefully examines and considers each legal matter, and, in those situations where Synovus determines that a particular legal matter presents loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable, Synovus establishes an appropriate accrual. An event is considered to be probable if the future event is likely to occur. While the final outcome of any legal proceeding is inherently uncertain, based on the information currently available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, management believes that the amounts accrued with respect to legal matters as of December 31, 2016 are adequate. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued.
In addition, where Synovus determines that there is a reasonable possibility of a loss in respect of legal matters, 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 from our outstanding litigation is from zero to $12 million in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, related to those matters. This estimated aggregate range is based upon information currently available to Synovus, and the actual losses could prove to be higher. As there are further developments in these legal matters, Synovus will reassess these matters, and the estimated range of reasonably possible losses may change as a result of this assessment. Based on Synovus' current knowledge and advice of counsel, management presently does not believe that the liabilities arising from these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on Synovus' consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these legal matters could have a material adverse effect on Synovus' results of operations for any particular period.
Synovus intends to vigorously pursue all available defenses to these legal matters, but will also consider other alternatives, including settlement, in situations where there is an opportunity to resolve such legal matters on terms that Synovus considers to be favorable, including in light of the continued expense and distraction of defending such legal matters. Synovus maintains insurance coverage, which may be available to cover legal fees, or potential losses that might be incurred in connection with such legal matters. The above-noted estimated range of reasonably possible losses does not take into consideration insurance coverage which may or may not be available for the respective legal matters.
Note 22 - Employment Expenses and Benefit Plans
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Synovus provided a 100% matching contribution on the first 4% of eligible employee 401(k) contributions for a total annual contribution of $10.8 million, $9.9 million, and $9.4 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Synovus sponsored a stock purchase plan for directors and employees whereby Synovus made contributions equal to 15% of employee and director voluntary contributions, subject to certain maximum contribution limitations. The funds are used to purchase outstanding shares of Synovus common stock. Synovus recorded as expense $826 thousand, $835 thousand, and $880 thousand for contributions to these plans in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Synovus also has a non-contributory profit sharing plan that covers all eligible employees. The company may contribute a discretionary contribution to this plan on an annual basis. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, Synovus did not make contributions to the profit sharing plan.

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Note 23 - 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. The 2013 Omnibus Plan authorizes 8,571,429 common share equivalents available for grant, where grants of options count as one share equivalent and grants of full value awards (e.g., restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units) count as two share equivalents. Any restricted share units that are forfeited and options that expire unexercised will again become available for issuance under the Plan. At December 31, 2016, Synovus had a total of 6,432,798 common share equivalents 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, restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units. The grants generally include vesting periods ranging from three to five years and contractual terms of ten years. As further discussed below, market restricted share units and performance share units are granted at a defined target level and are compared annually to required market and performance metrics to determine actual units vested and compensation expense. Synovus has historically issued new shares to satisfy share option exercises and share unit conversions. Dividend equivalents are paid on outstanding restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units in the form of additional restricted share units that vest over the same vesting period or the vesting period left on the original restricted share unit grant.
During 2016, Synovus awarded 350,458 restricted share units to employees and non-employee directors and granted 93,913 market restricted share units and 83,529 performance share units to senior management. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awarded restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units was $26.43, $26.93, and $25.95, per share, respectively. During 2015, Synovus awarded 321,874 restricted share units to employees and non-employee directors and granted 82,152 market restricted share units and 82,152 performance share units to senior management. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awarded restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units was $28.09, $29.39, and $28.06, per share, respectively, for 2015. During 2014, Synovus awarded 407,374 restricted share units to employees and non-employee directors and granted 90,117 market restricted share units and 67,157 performance share units to senior management. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awarded restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units was $23.69, $24.30, and $23.47, per share, respectively, for 2014. The restricted share units and the market restricted share units granted during 2016, 2015, and 2014 contain a service-based vesting period of three years with most awards vesting pro-rata over three years.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Total share-based compensation expense was $13.6 million, $12.6 million, and $10.2 million for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income for share-based compensation arrangements was approximately $5.0 million, $4.6 million, and $3.9 million for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. No share-based compensation costs have been capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. As of December 31, 2016, unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested portion of share-based compensation arrangements involving shares of Synovus stock was approximately $15.0 million.
Stock Options
There were no stock option grants in 2016, 2015, or 2014. A summary of stock option activity and changes during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below.
Stock Options
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year
1,741,975

 
$
37.88

 
2,550,046

 
$
45.11

 
3,220,110

 
$
49.00

Option rounding due to reverse stock split on
May 16, 2014
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
841

 
49.00

Options exercised
(297,225
)
 
17.35

 
(338,808
)
 
16.72

 
(178,176
)
 
17.14

Options forfeited
(1,597
)
 
17.64

 
(12,825
)
 
17.17

 
(30,146
)
 
15.79

Options expired/canceled
(469,792
)
 
92.62

 
(456,438
)
 
94.56

 
(462,583
)
 
84.88

Options outstanding at end of year
973,361

 
$
17.76

 
1,741,975

 
$
37.88

 
2,550,046

 
$
45.11

Options exercisable at end of year
973,361

 
$
17.76

 
1,504,783

 
$
41.08

 
1,870,516

 
$
55.40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2016 was $23.2 million. As of December 31, 2016, the weighted average remaining contractual life was 5.21 years for options outstanding and exercisable.

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The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $4.7 million, $4.4 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $5.2 million, $5.6 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $7.4 million, $6.5 million, and $4.9 million, respectively. During 2016, 317,524 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $93.62 and contractual expiration dates in 2017 and 2018 were canceled without replacement awards. The cancellation resulted in a deferred tax asset write-off totaling $1.7 million, which was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. Due to the implementation of ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017, if the canceled stock options had remained outstanding through their original contractual expiration dates, the corresponding deferred tax asset write-off totaling $1.7 million would have been recorded as a component of income tax expense during the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018.
Restricted Share Units, Market Restricted Share Units, and Performance Share Units
Compensation expense is measured based on the grant date fair value of restricted share units, market restricted share units, and performance share units. The fair value of restricted share units and performance share units is equal to the market price of common stock on the grant date. The fair value of market restricted share units granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.81
%
 
1.05
%
 
0.70
%
Expected stock price volatility
 
25.7

 
26.4

 
39.2

Dividend yield
 
1.8

 
1.4

 
1.2

Simulation period
 
3.0 years

 
3.0 years

 
3.0 years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The stock price expected volatility was based on Synovus' historical and implied volatility. The Monte Carlo model estimates fair value based on 100,000 simulations of future share price using a theoretical model of stock price behavior.
A summary of restricted share units outstanding and changes during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below (excluding market restricted and performance share units).
Restricted Share Units
 
 
 
 
Share Units
 
Weighted-Average grant date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
581,677

 
$
16.38

Share unit rounding due to reverse stock split on May 16, 2014
258

 
16.38

Granted    
407,374

 
23.69

Dividend equivalents granted    
8,805

 
24.09

Vested
(64,725
)
 
15.45

Forfeited    
(50,566
)
 
17.92

Outstanding at December 31, 2014
882,823

 
19.81

Granted
321,874

 
28.09
Dividend equivalents granted
9,810

 
28.09
Vested
(428,121
)
 
17.48
Forfeited
(23,619
)
 
24.60
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
762,767

 
24.57

Granted
350,458

 
26.43

Dividend equivalents granted
11,105

 
26.43

Vested
(406,496
)
 
23.10

Forfeited
(12,067
)
 
23.96

Outstanding at December 31, 2016
705,767

 
$
26.38

 
 
 
 
The total fair value of restricted share units vested during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $11.4 million, $12.3 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to the foregoing restricted share units was approximately $9.7 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.42 years.

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Synovus granted market restricted share units to senior management during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The market restricted share units have a three-year service-based vesting component as well as a total shareholder return multiplier. The number of market restricted share units that will ultimately vest ranges from 75% to 125% of a defined target based on Synovus' total shareholder return (TSR). The total fair value of market restricted share units vested during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $2.6 million, $1.4 million, and $398 thousand, respectively. At December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to market restricted share units was approximately $2.8 million with a weighted average remaining period of 1.48 years. A summary of market restricted share units outstanding and changes during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below.
Market Restricted Share Units
 
 
 
 
Share Units
 
Weighted-Average grant date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
40,512

 
$
24.43

Share unit rounding due to reverse stock split on May 16, 2014
4

 
24.43

Granted    
90,117

 
24.30

Dividend equivalents granted    
1,231

 
24.09

Quantity change by TSR factor
1,518

 
24.43

Vested
(15,196
)
 
24.43

Outstanding at December 31, 2014
118,186

 
24.33

Granted    
82,152

 
29.39

Dividend equivalents granted    
2,221

 
29.05

Quantity change by TSR factor
4,838

 
24.33

Vested
(49,149
)
 
24.34

Outstanding at December 31, 2015
158,248

 
27.02

Granted    
93,913

 
26.93

Dividend equivalents granted    
3,095

 
26.93

Quantity change by TSR factor
9,970

 
26.93

Vested
(82,817
)
 
26.40

Outstanding at December 31, 2016
182,409

 
$
27.25

 
 
 
 
Synovus granted performance share units to senior management during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. These units vest upon meeting certain service and performance conditions. Return on average assets (ROAA) performance is evaluated each year over a three-year performance period, with share distribution determined at the end of the three years. The number of performance share units that will ultimately vest ranges from 0% to 150% of a defined target based on Synovus' three-year weighted average ROAA (as defined). At December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance share units was approximately $2.4 million with a weighted average remaining period of 1.41 years. A summary of performance share units outstanding and changes during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is presented below.
Performance Share Units
 
 
 
 
Share Units
 
Weighted-Average grant date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
—

 
$
—

Granted    
67,157

 
23.47

Dividend equivalents granted    
518

 
24.09

Outstanding at December 31, 2014
67,675

 
23.47

Granted    
82,152

 
28.06

Dividend equivalents granted    
1,740

 
28.06

Outstanding at December 31, 2015
151,567

 
26.01

Granted    
83,529

 
25.95

Dividend equivalents granted    
3,384

 
25.95

Outstanding at December 31, 2016
238,480

 
$
25.99

 
 
 
 

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Other Information
During 2014, Synovus granted 44,527 salary stock units to senior management, which vested and were expensed immediately upon grant. Compensation expense was 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 was recorded for changes in common stock market price. The total fair value of salary stock units granted during 2014 was $1.2 million. The salary stock units granted during 2014 were classified as liabilities and were settled in cash on January 15, 2015.
Cash paid for taxes due on vesting of employee restricted share units and market restricted share units where restricted share units were withheld to cover taxes was $5.0 million, $5.1 million, $692 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
During 2016, Synovus recognized a share-based compensation net tax deficiency of $790 thousand associated primarily with expired and canceled stock options. The net deficiency was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital within shareholders' equity. During 2015, Synovus recognized a net tax benefit of $1.7 million associated with vesting of restricted share units, exercises of stock options, and expired stock options. The net tax benefit was recorded as an increase of additional paid-in capital. During 2014, Synovus recognized a net tax deficiency of $3.2 million associated primarily with expired stock options. The deficiency was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.
The following table provides aggregate information regarding grants under all Synovus equity compensation plans through December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
 
Plan Category
 
(a) Number of Securities to be Issued
Upon Vesting of Restricted
Share Units, Market
Restricted Share Units, and Performance Share Units(1)
 
(b) Number of Securities to be Issued
Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options
 
(c) Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options in Column (b)
 
(d) Number of Shares Remaining Available for Issuance Excluding Shares Reflected in Columns (a) and (b)
Shareholder approved equity compensation plans for shares of Synovus stock
 
1,126,656

 
973,361

 
$
17.76

 
6,432,798

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Market restricted and performance share units included at defined target levels. Actual shares issued upon vesting may differ based on actual TSR and ROAA over the measurement period.

Note 24 - Income Taxes
The components of income tax expense included in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 as presented:
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Current
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
7,329

 
6,163

 
5,140

State
5,501

 
4,424

 
150

Total current income tax expense
12,830

 
10,587

 
5,290

Deferred
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
117,463

 
108,877

 
92,360

State
11,374

 
13,027

 
9,660

Total deferred income tax expense
128,837

 
121,904

 
102,020

Total income tax expense
$
141,667

 
132,491

 
107,310

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: The table above does not reflect amounts relating to share-based compensation transactions that were charged or credited directly to shareholders' equity. The amounts charged or credited to shareholder's equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 were a decrease of $790 thousand, an increase of $1.7 million, and a decrease of $3.2 million, respectively.
Income tax expense does not reflect the tax effects of Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale and Post-retirement unfunded health benefits. This information is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

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Income tax expense as shown in the consolidated statements of income differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35 percent to income before income taxes. A reconciliation of the differences for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 as presented:
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Income tax expense at statutory federal income tax rate
$
135,957

 
125,501

 
105,896

Increase (decrease) resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit
13,256

 
12,870

 
8,014

Bank-owned life insurance
(3,402
)
 
(2,885
)
 
(2,928
)
Change in valuation allowance
(2,055
)
 
(589
)
 
(2,273
)
General business tax credits
(1,213
)
 
(1,173
)
 
(1,123
)
Tax-exempt income
(825
)
 
(835
)
 
(1,076
)
Other, net
(51
)
 
(398
)
 
800

Total income tax expense
$
141,667

 
132,491

 
107,310

Effective tax rate
36.5
%
 
36.9
%
 
35.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented:
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
167,072

 
308,617

Allowance for loan losses
100,419

 
103,884

Tax credit carryforwards
67,031

 
59,434

Employee benefits and deferred compensation
21,024

 
21,177

Net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale
19,413

 
3,072

Non-performing loan interest
19,137

 
16,604

Deferred revenue
18,639

 
16,529

Other
19,759

 
18,573

Total gross deferred tax assets
432,494

 
547,890

Less valuation allowance
(9,658
)
 
(11,713
)
Total deferred tax assets
422,836

 
536,177

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
Fixed assets held for sale
(8,179
)
 
(5,985
)
Purchase accounting adjustments
(5,765
)
 
(811
)
Excess tax over financial statement depreciation
(5,343
)
 
(8,564
)
Ownership interest in partnerships
(5,242
)
 
(4,537
)
Other
(2,951
)
 
(4,332
)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
(27,480
)
 
(24,229
)
Net deferred tax asset
$
395,356

 
511,948

 
 
 
 
Note: The table above includes $3.1 million in net deferred tax liabilities from the acquisition of Global One on October 1, 2016. Please refer to Note 2 - "Acquisition" of this Report for more information on the acquisition of Global One.
The net decrease in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2.1 million and $589 thousand, respectively, and it was due to the expiration of unused state tax credits.
Management assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence. At December 31, 2016, the Company is not in a three-year cumulative loss position; accordingly, it does not have significant negative evidence to consider when evaluating the realization of its deferred tax assets. Positive evidence supporting the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets at December 31, 2016 includes generation of taxable income in 2016, 2015, and 2014, continued improvement in credit quality, record of long-term positive earnings prior to the most recent economic downturn, the Company’s strong capital position, as well as sufficient amounts of projected future taxable income, of the

141


appropriate character, to support the realization of $395.4 million of the Company’s net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2016. The Company expects to realize its net deferred tax asset of $395.4 million at December 31, 2016 through the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and projected future taxable income. The valuation allowance of $9.7 million at December 31, 2016 relates to specific state income tax credits that have various expiration dates through the tax year 2019, and are expected to expire before they can be realized. Based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence at December 2016 and 2015, management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.
Synovus expects to realize substantially all of the $395.4 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At December 31, 2016, $213.9 million of existing deferred tax assets are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration dates. $126.4 million of the remaining deferred tax assets relate to federal net operating losses which expire in years beginning in 2031 through 2036. Additionally, $40.7 million of the deferred tax assets relate to state net operating losses which will expire in installments annually through the tax year 2036. Tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2016 include federal alternative minimum tax credits totaling $43.0 million which have an unlimited carryforward period. Other federal and state tax credits at December 31, 2016 total $24.0 million and have expiration dates through the tax year 2036.
Federal and state NOL and tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2016 are summarized in the following table.
Tax Carryforwards
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
Expiration Dates
 
Deferred
Tax Asset Balance
 
Valuation Allowance
 
Net Deferred Tax Asset Balance
Pre-Tax Earnings Necessary to Realize
Net operating losses - federal(3)
2031-2036
 
$
126,351

 
—

 
126,351

361,004

General business credits - federal
2028-2036
 
8,383

 
—

 
8,383

NA(1)

Net operating losses - states
2025-2029
 
13,244

 
—

 
13,244

1,370,624

Net operating losses - states(3)
2030-2036
 
36,148

 
—

 
36,148

1,165,627

Other credits - states
2017-2020
 
12,422

 
(9,658
)
 
2,764

NA(1)

Other credits - states
2021-2026
 
2,239

 
—

 
2,239

NA(1)

Alternative minimum tax credits - federal
None
 
43,037

 
—

 
43,037

NA(2)

Other credits - states
None
 
950

 
—

 
950

NA(1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) N/A indicates credits are not measured on a pre-tax earnings basis.
(2) Alternative minimum tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely.
(3) $3.0 million of acquired NOLs from Global One acquisition have a utilization limitation.
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, there are no years for which Synovus filed a federal income tax return that are under examination by the IRS. Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the IRS for years before 2012, and excluding certain limited exceptions, Synovus is no longer subject to income tax examinations by state and local income tax authorities for years before 2012. However, amounts reported as net operating losses and tax credit carryovers from closed tax periods remain subject to review by most taxing authorities. Although Synovus is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of current and future examinations, Synovus believes that the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions is adequate.

142


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows (unrecognized state income tax benefits are not adjusted for the federal income tax impact).
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at January 1,
$
12,745

 
13,023

 
912

Additions based on income tax positions related to current year
—

 
—

 
—

Additions for income tax positions of prior years *
1,811

 
8

 
12,318

Additions from acquisition
608

 
—

 
—

Deductions for income tax positions of prior years
—

 
—

 
(52
)
Statute of limitation expirations
(419
)
 
(286
)
 
(155
)
Settlements
—

 
—

 
—

Balance at December 31,
$
14,745

 
12,745

 
13,023

 
 
 
 
 
 
*Includes deferred tax benefits that could reduce future tax liabilities.
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits are included as a component of income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $38 thousand, $96 thousand, and $109 thousand as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized income tax benefits as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate totaled $9.9 million, $8.3 million and $8.5 million (net of the federal benefit on state income tax issues). Synovus had approximately $25 thousand and $63 thousand accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Synovus expects that $80 thousand of uncertain income tax positions will be either settled or resolved during the next twelve months.
Note 25 - Condensed Financial Information of Synovus Financial Corp. (Parent Company only)
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Assets
 
 
 
Cash due from bank subsidiary
$
234,339

 
369,564

Funds due from other depository institutions(1)    
19,911

 
19,911

Investment in consolidated bank subsidiary, at equity
3,319,980

 
3,339,233

Investment in consolidated nonbank subsidiaries, at equity
71,335

 
71,350

Notes receivable from nonbank subsidiaries
35,200

 
67,000

Other assets
101,346

 
105,513

Total assets
$
3,782,111

 
3,972,571

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Long-term debt
$
834,252

 
960,185

Other liabilities
19,935

 
12,190

Total liabilities
854,187

 
972,375

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Series C Preferred Stock
125,980

 
125,980

Common stock
142,026

 
140,592

Additional paid-in capital
3,028,405

 
2,989,981

Treasury stock
(664,595
)
 
(401,511
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(55,659
)
 
(29,819
)
Retained earnings
351,767

 
174,973

Total shareholders’ equity
2,927,924

 
3,000,196

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
3,782,111

 
3,972,571

 
 
 
 
(1) Restricted as to withdrawal.


143


Condensed Statements of Income
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Income
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends received from Synovus Bank
$
325,000

 
199,904

 
90,626

Cash distributions received from Synovus Bank
—

 
25,096

 
91,374

Interest income
2,565

 
8,865

 
14,262

Other income
4,595

 
(337
)
 
(932
)
Total income
332,160

 
233,528

 
195,330

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
52,831

 
46,585

 
45,726

Other expenses
20,652

 
10,516

 
10,337

Total expenses
73,483

 
57,101

 
56,063

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed
income (loss) of subsidiaries    
258,677

 
176,427

 
139,267

Allocated income tax benefit
(25,628
)
 
(18,808
)
 
(16,491
)
Income before equity in undistributed income (loss)
of subsidiaries    
284,305

 
195,235

 
155,758

Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries
(37,521
)
 
30,847

 
39,491

Net income
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

Dividends on preferred stock
10,238

 
10,238

 
10,238

Net income available to common shareholders
$
236,546

 
215,844

 
185,011

 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
 
Before-tax Amount
 
Tax (Expense) Benefit
 
Net of Tax Amount
Net income
$
388,451

 
(141,667
)
 
246,784

 
358,573

 
(132,491
)
 
226,082

 
302,559

 
(107,310
)
 
195,249

Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income on cash flow hedges
467

 
(180
)
 
287

 
521

 
(201
)
 
320

 
448

 
(173
)
 
275

Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income on investment securities available for sale
(5,763
)
 
2,219

 
(3,544
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale
2,358

 
(908
)
 
1,450

 
2,908

 
(1,120
)
 
1,788

 
21

 
(8
)
 
13

Other comprehensive (loss) gain of bank subsidiary
(39,080
)
 
15,047

 
(24,033
)
 
(31,420
)
 
12,098

 
(19,322
)
 
46,122

 
(17,757
)
 
28,365

Other comprehensive (loss) income
$
(42,018
)
 
16,178

 
(25,840
)
 
(27,991
)
 
10,777

 
(17,214
)
 
46,591

 
(17,938
)
 
28,653

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
$
220,944

 
 
 
 
 
208,868

 
 
 
 
 
223,902

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


144


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
246,784

 
226,082

 
195,249

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in undistributed loss (income) of subsidiaries
37,521

 
(30,847
)
 
(39,491
)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
17,989

 
(2,506
)
 
(5,041
)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
7,746

 
(1,709
)
 
(22,323
)
Net (increase) decrease in other assets
(9,214
)
 
1,045

 
14,226

Other, net
(1,648
)
 
(178
)
 
(2,041
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
299,178

 
191,887

 
140,579

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Outlays for business combinations
(3,408
)
 
—

 
—

Net decrease in short-term notes receivable from non-bank subsidiaries    
31,800

 
10,000

 
39,000

Net cash provided by investing activities
28,392

 
10,000

 
39,000

Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders
(69,663
)
 
(65,592
)
 
(53,043
)
Repurchases and agreements to repurchase shares of common stock
(263,084
)
 
(199,221
)
 
(88,113
)
Repayments on long-term debt
(130,048
)
 
(48,553
)
 
—

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
—

 
246,644

 
—

Net cash used in financing activities
(462,795
)
 
(66,722
)
 
(141,156
)
(Decrease) increase in cash and funds due from banks
(135,225
)
 
135,165

 
38,423

Cash and funds due from banks at beginning of year
389,475

 
254,310

 
215,887

Cash and funds due from banks at end of year
$
254,250

 
389,475

 
254,310

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Parent Company paid income taxes of $9.5 million, $8.7 million, and $4.8 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Parent Company paid interest of $53.1 million, $46.9 million, and $46.9 million, respectively.


145


Note 26 - Supplemental Financial Data
Components of other non-interest income and other operating expenses in excess of 1% of total interest income and total non-interest income for any of the respective years are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Litigation settlement/contingency expenses
$
2,511

 
5,110

 
12,812

Insurance and bonds
12,023

 
12,514

 
11,801

 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Presented below is a summary of the unaudited consolidated quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
2016
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Fourth Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First
Quarter
Interest income
$
264,534

 
256,554

 
252,393

 
249,323

Net interest income
233,530

 
226,007

 
221,449

 
218,193

Provision for loan losses
6,259

 
5,671

 
6,693

 
9,377

Income before income taxes
108,068

 
102,620

 
94,031

 
83,730

Income tax expense
39,519

 
37,375

 
33,574

 
31,199

Net income
68,549

 
65,245

 
60,457

 
52,531

Net income available to common shareholders
$
65,990

 
62,686

 
57,898

 
49,972

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.54

 
0.51

 
0.46

 
0.39

Net income per common share, diluted
0.54

 
0.51

 
0.46

 
0.39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
Fourth Quarter (1)
 
Third
Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
First
Quarter
Interest income
$
242,814

 
238,093

 
233,654

 
231,401

Net interest income
212,620

 
207,790

 
203,644

 
203,263

Provision for loan losses
5,021

 
2,956

 
6,636

 
4,397

Income before income taxes
90,741

 
93,986

 
88,034

 
85,812

Income tax expense
32,342

 
36,058

 
32,242

 
31,849

Net income    
58,398

 
57,928

 
55,792

 
53,963

Net income available to common shareholders    
$
55,839

 
55,369

 
53,233

 
51,404

Net income per common share, basic
$
0.43

 
0.42

 
0.40

 
0.38

Net income per common share, diluted
0.43

 
0.42

 
0.40

 
0.38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) The results for the three months ended December 31, 2015 include an out-of-period adjustment that increased the provision for loan losses by $12.9 million, resulting from the correction of an error that arose in 2012 which management identified during the fourth quarter of 2015. The correction increased the provision for loan losses by $13.3 million for the full year 2015.

146


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NONE.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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 December 31, 2016, 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 year ended December 31, 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Synovus' internal control over financial reporting.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management of Synovus is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting for Synovus Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (“we” and “our”), as that term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Synovus conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over Synovus' financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2016.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and has issued a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which report is included in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Report.

/s/ Kessel D. Stelling                        /s/ Kevin S. Blair
Kessel D. Stelling                        Kevin S. Blair
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2016 covered by this Report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
NONE.


147


Part III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Information included under the following captions in our Proxy Statement is incorporated in this document by reference:
•
“PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON” - “PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF 12 DIRECTORS”;
•
“EXECUTIVE OFFICERS”;
•
“SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE”; and
•
“CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS” - “Consideration of Director Candidates - Shareholder Candidates” and “Committees of the Board” - “Audit Committee.”
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and chief accounting officer. You can find our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in the Corporate Governance section of our website at investor.synovus.com. We will post any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the NYSE in the Corporate Governance section of our website.
Because our common stock is listed on the NYSE, our chief executive officer is required to make, and he has made, an annual certification to the NYSE stating that he was not aware of any violation by us of the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE. Our chief executive officer made his annual certification to that effect to the NYSE as of May 3, 2016. In addition, we have filed, as exhibits to this Annual Report, the certifications of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information included under the following captions in our Proxy Statement is incorporated in this document by reference:
•
“DIRECTOR COMPENSATION”;
•
“EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” - “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”; “Compensation Committee Report”; “Summary Compensation Table” and the compensation tables and related information which follow the Summary Compensation Table; and
•
“CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS” - “Committees of the Board” - “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”
The information included under the heading “Compensation Committee Report” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference; however, this information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Commission or subject to regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information pertaining to equity compensation plans is contained in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 21 - Legal Proceedings, Note 22 - Employment Expenses and Benefit Plans, and Note 23 - Shared-Based Compensation" of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
Information included under the following captions in our Proxy Statement is incorporated in this document by reference:
•
“STOCK OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS”; and
•
“PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS.”
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information included under the following captions in our Proxy Statement is incorporated in this document by reference:
•“CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS”; and
•“CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS” - “Independence.”


148


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information included under the following captions in our Proxy Statement is incorporated in this document by reference:
•
“AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT” - “KPMG LLP Fees and Services” (excluding the information under the main caption “AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT”); and
•
“AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT” - “Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval.”



149


Part IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) 1. Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Synovus and our subsidiaries and related reports of Synovus' independent registered public accounting firm are incorporated in this Item 15. by reference from Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Report.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (on consolidated financial statements)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting)
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is incorporated by reference from Part II - Item 9A. Controls and Procedures of this Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
None are applicable because the required information has been incorporated in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Synovus and our subsidiaries which are incorporated in this Report by reference.
3. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated to other documents previously filed with the SEC. With the exception of those portions of the Proxy Statement that are expressly incorporated by reference in this Report, such documents are not to be deemed filed as part of this Report.
















150



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 of Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013, as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2013.
 
 
3.3

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
Shareholder Rights Plan, dated as of April 26, 2010, between Synovus Financial Corp. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Synovus Financial Corp. (Series B Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock) as Exhibit A, the Summary of Terms of the Rights Agreement as Exhibit B and the Form of Right Certificate as Exhibit C, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010, as filed with the SEC on April 26, 2010.
 
 
4.5

 
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 6, 2011 to Shareholder Rights Plan between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2011, as filed with the SEC on September 6, 2011.
 
 
 
4.6

 
Amendment No. 2 dated as of April 24, 2013 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 April 24, 2013, as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2013.
 
 
 
4.7

 
Amendment No. 3 dated as of April 20, 2016 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 April 20, 2016, as filed with the SEC on April 21, 2016.
 
 
 

151


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
4.8

 
Summary of Plan Adjustments, effective as of May 16, 2014, to Shareholder Rights Plan between Synovus Financial Corp. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2014, as filed with the SEC on May 19, 2014.
 
 
 
4.9

 
Indenture, dated as of June 20, 2005, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-126767) filed with the SEC on July 21, 2005.
 
 
 
4.10

 
Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2012, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2012, as filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012.
 
 
 
4.11

 
Subordinated Indenture, dated as of December 7, 2015, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2015, as filed with the SEC on December 7, 2015.
 
 
 
4.12

 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 7, 2015, between Synovus Financial Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2015, as filed with the SEC on December 7, 2015.
 
 
 
4.13

 
Specimen Physical Stock Certificate of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 19, 2014, as filed with SEC on May 19, 2014.
 
 
 
10.1

 
Letter Agreement (including Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein) dated December 19, 2008, between Synovus and the United States Department of the Treasury, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008.
 
 
 
10.2

 
Synovus Financial Corp. 2011 Director Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 2011, as filed with the SEC on May 3, 2011.*
 
 
 
10.3

 
Amendment No. 1 dated September 6, 2011 to Synovus Financial Corp. 2011 Director Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2011, as filed with the SEC on September 6, 2011.*
 
 
 
10.4

 
Amendment No. 2 dated February 28, 2013 to Synovus Financial Corp. 2011 Director Stock Purchase, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013. *
 
 
 
10.5

 
Synovus Financial Corp. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-174265), as filed with the SEC on May 17, 2011.*
 
 
 
10.6

 
Synovus Financial Corp. 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, as filed with the SEC on March 21, 2002.*
 
 
 
10.7

 
Amended and Restated Synovus Financial Corp. Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Synovus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.*
 
 
 
10.8

 
Synovus Financial Corp. Executive Salary Contribution Death Benefit Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, as filed with the SEC on August 10, 2009.*
 
 
 

152


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
10.9

 
Third Amended and Restated Synovus Financial Corp. Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013.*
 
 
10.10

 
Form of Change of Control Agreement for executive officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2008.*
 
 
10.11

 
Form of Change of Control Agreement for executive officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.*
 
 
10.12

 
Riverside Bank Amended and Restated Salary Continuation Agreement adopted as of June 1, 2005 by and between Riverside Bank and Kessel D. Stelling, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012.*
 
 
10.13

 
Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2007, as filed with the SEC on April 25, 2007.*
 
 
 
10.14

 
Amendment No. 1 to the Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan dated February 9, 2017.*
 
 
 
10.15

 
Form of Revised Stock Option Agreement for stock option awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2008, as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2008.*
 
 
 
10.16

 
Form of Retention Stock Option Agreement for retention stock option awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2008, as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2008.*
 
 
 
10.17

 
Form of Restricted Stock Option Agreement for 2010 stock option awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 29, 2010, as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2010.*
 
 
 
10.18

 
Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan.*
 
 
 
10.19

 
Amendment No. 1 to the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan dated February 9, 2017.*
 
 
 
10.20

 
Form of Market Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for market restricted stock awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 11, 2013, as filed with the SEC on December 13, 2013.*
 
 
 
10.21

 
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement for performance-based restricted stock awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 2014, as filed with the SEC on January 24, 2014.*
 
 
 
10.22

 
Form of 2014 Market Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for market restricted stock awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 2014, as filed with the SEC on January 24, 2014.*
 
 
 

153


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
10.23

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.*
 
 
10.24

 
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.*
 
 
10.25

 
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 18, 2013, as filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013.*
 
 
10.26

 
Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2007, as filed with the SEC on July 26, 2007.*
 
 
10.27

 
Summary of Annual Base Salaries of Synovus' Named Executive Officers.*
 
 
10.28

 
Summary of Board of Directors Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC on May 5, 2016.*
 
 
 
10.29

 
First Amendment to the Bank of North Georgia Amended and Restated Salary Continuation Agreement dated September 10, 2007, effective as of January 1, 2005, by and between Bank of North Georgia, as successor in interest to Riverside Bank, and Kessel D. Stelling, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012.*
 
 
 
10.30

 
Riverside Bank Split Dollar Agreement dated December 23, 1999, by and between Riverside Bank and Kessel D. Stelling, Jr., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012.*
 
 
 
10.31

 
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2007 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2012.*
 
 
 
10.32

 
Synovus Financial Corp. Clawback Policy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 of Synovus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.*
 
 
 
10.33

 
Form of Revised Performance Stock Unit Agreement for performance-based restricted stock awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2016, as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.*
 
 
 
10.34

 
Form of Revised Market Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for market restricted stock awards under the Synovus Financial Corp. 2013 Omnibus Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Synovus' Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2016, as filed with the SEC on February 18, 2016.*
 
 
 
12.1

 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
 

154


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
14

 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Synovus' Current Report of Form 8-K dated October 24, 2014, as filed with the SEC on October 24, 2014.
 
 
 
21.1

 
Subsidiaries of Synovus Financial Corp.
 
 
 
23.1

 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
24.1

 
Powers of Attorney contained on the signature pages of this 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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
 
 
 
*
Indicates management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.
(b) Exhibits
See the response to Item 15(a)(3) above.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
See the response to Item 15(a)(2) above.



155


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Synovus Financial Corp. has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
 
 
 
 
Date:
February 27, 2017
By:
 
/s/ Kessel D. Stelling
 
 
 
 
Kessel D. Stelling
 
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Kessel D. Stelling. and Kevin S. Blair and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney(s)-in-fact and agent(s), with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this report and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney(s)-in-fact and agent(s) full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney(s)-in-fact and agent(s), or their substitute(s), may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/ Kessel D. Stelling
 
Chairman of the Board, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
February 27, 2017
 Kessel D. Stelling
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Kevin S. Blair
 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 27, 2017
Kevin S. Blair
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Liliana C. McDaniel
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
February 27, 2017
Liliana C. McDaniel
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Catherine A. Allen
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Catherine A. Allen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Tim E. Bentsen
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Tim E. Bentsen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
F. Dixon Brooke, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Stephen T. Butler
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Stephen T. Butler
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

156


Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/ Elizabeth W. Camp
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Elizabeth W. Camp
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ T. Michael Goodrich
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
T. Michael Goodrich
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jerry W. Nix
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Jerry W. Nix
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Harris Pastides
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
       Harris Pastides
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph J. Prochaska, Jr.
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
       Joseph J. Prochaska, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Melvin T. Stith
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Melvin T. Stith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Barry L. Storey
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Barry L. Storey
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Philip W. Tomlinson
 
Director
 
February 27, 2017
Philip W. Tomlinson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




157