Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of Synovus include the accounts of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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. Prior periods' consolidated financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current periods' presentation.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include all entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. A variable interest entity (VIE) for which Synovus or a subsidiary has been determined to be the primary beneficiary is also consolidated. The determination of whether a controlling financial interest exists is based on whether a single party has both the power 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. Investments in VIEs, where Synovus is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using either the proportional amortization method or equity method of accounting. These investments are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and the Company's proportionate share of income or loss is included as either a component of income tax expense (proportional amortization method) or non-interest income (equity method). The maximum potential exposure to losses relative to investments in VIEs is generally limited to the sum of the outstanding balance, future funding commitments and any related loans to the entity. The assessment of whether or not the Company has a controlling interest (i.e., the primary beneficiary) in a VIE is performed on an on-going basis. Refer to "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies" for additional details regarding Synovus' involvement with VIEs.

Use of Estimates

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; estimates of fair value; income taxes; and contingent liabilities including legal matters and the Global One Earnout Payments, among others.

Business Combinations

Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are recorded at their acquisition date fair values, except as provided for by the applicable accounting guidance, with any excess recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired company are combined with Synovus’ results from the acquisition date forward. In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, the Company generally records provisional amounts at the time of acquisition based on the information available to the Company. The provisional estimates of fair values may be adjusted for a period of up to one year (“measurement period”) from the date of acquisition if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. Subsequently, adjustments recorded during the measurement period are recognized in the current reporting period. Acquisition costs are expensed when incurred. Additional information regarding acquisitions is provided in

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and due from banks as well as interest-bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, which are inclusive of any restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents.

In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows-Restricted Cash, Synovus changed its presentation of cash and cash equivalents, effective January 1, 2018, to include cash and due from banks as well as interest-bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank, interest earning deposits with banks, and federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, which are inclusive of any restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Prior to 2018, cash and cash equivalents only included cash and due from banks. Prior periods have been revised to maintain comparability.

Short-term Investment

At December 31, 2018, no cash balances were required to be on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet reserve requirements and at December 31, 2017, required deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank amounted to $8.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents included $25.6 million at December 31, 2018 and $49.7 million at December 31, 2017, which were pledged to collateralize certain derivative instruments and letters of credit. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, and federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements generally mature in one day.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Mortgage Banking Income

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are initially measured at fair value under the fair value option election with subsequent changes in fair value recognized as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.

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 sold servicing released, without recourse or continuing involvement, and meet ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing criteria for sale accounting.

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) Synovus 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) Synovus 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 the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future 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 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).

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 include all loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). Impaired loans do not include smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, which consist of most consumer loans and commercial loan relationships lower than $1.0 million. Impairment is measured as described below under "allowance for loan losses." Interest income on non-accrual impaired loans is recognized as described above under "non-accrual loans." At December 31, 2018 and 2017, substantially all non-accrual impaired loans were collateral-dependent and secured by real estate. Impaired accruing loans generally consist of those TDRs for which management has concluded that the collectability of the loan is not in doubt.

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 Topic 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. In the fiscal year subsequent to a loan's initial reporting as a TDR, a TDR that has been renewed for a borrower who is no longer experiencing financial difficulty (as evidenced by a period of performance), which yields a market rate of interest at the time of a renewal, and for which no principal was forgiven, is no longer considered a TDR.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the funded loan portfolio. Changes to the allowance are recorded through a provision for loan losses and reduced by loans charged-off, net of recoveries.

Impaired Loans

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: i) discounted cash flow based upon the loan's contractual effective interest rate, ii) at the loan's observable market price, or iii) at the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell if the loan is collateral-dependent.

Under the discounted cash flow method, impairment is recorded as a specific reserve with a charge-off for any portion of the impairment. The reserve is reassessed each quarter and adjusted as appropriate based on changes in estimated cash flows. Additionally, 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.

If the loan is collateral-dependent, then the fair value of the loan's collateral, less estimated selling costs, is compared to the loan's carrying amount to determine impairment. Fair value is estimated using appraisals performed by a certified or licensed appraiser. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions at the time of valuation, 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.

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.

Non-impaired Loans

For loans that are not considered impaired, the allocated allowance for loan losses is determined based upon EL factors, which are applied to groupings of specific loan types by loan risk ratings. The EL is determined based upon a PD, which is the probability that a borrower, segregated by loan type and loan risk grade, will default, and 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


•	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 graded loans


•	loan growth


•	effects of changes in credit concentrations


•	experience, ability, and depth of lending management, loan review personnel, and other relevant staff


•	changes in the quality of the loan review function


•	national and local economic trends and conditions


•	value of underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans


•	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: SRR Assessment and DRR Assessment. DRR is a statistical model approach to risk rating that includes a PD and a LGD. The SRR model is an expert judgment based model that results in a blended (i.e. single) rating. 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 SRR loans, this process begins with a loan rating recommendation from the loan officer responsible for originating the loan. Commercial SRR loans are graded on a 10-point scale and include classifications of special mention, substandard, doubtful, and loss consistent with bank regulatory classifications. The primary determinants of the risk ratings for commercial SRR 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.

The DRR methodology is used for larger relationships within the C&I loan portfolio as well as certain income-producing real estate loans. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately $7.6 billion of C&I loans was rated using the DRR methodology. 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 (for both SRR and DRR loans) 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.

Consumer Loans – Risk Ratings

Consumer loans are generally assigned a risk rating on a 9-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. No loans graded higher than a 6 at origination are approved for funding. At 90-119 days past due, a loan grade of 7-substandard non-accrual 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.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets in which Synovus has surrendered control over the transferred assets are accounted for as sales. Control over transferred assets is considered to be surrendered when 1) the assets have been legally isolated from Synovus or any consolidated affiliates, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, 2) the transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the assets with no conditions that constrain the transferee and provide more than a trivial benefit to Synovus, and 3) Synovus does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If the transfer is accounted for as a sale, the transferred assets are derecognized from the balance sheet and a gain or loss on sale is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. If the sale criteria are not met, the transfer is accounted for as a secured borrowing and the transferred assets remain on Synovus' consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds from the transaction are recognized as a liability.

Cash Surrender Value of Bank-Owned Life Insurance

Investments in bank-owned life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and employees 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 as well as proceeds from insurance benefits are recorded in income from bank-owned life insurance in the consolidated statements of income.

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. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over an average of 10 to 40 years, while furniture and equipment are depreciated over a range of 3 to 10 years. 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. Maintenance and repairs are charged to non-interest expense and improvements that extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized to the carrying value and depreciated.

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 30^thand at interim periods if indicators of impairment exist.

Synovus applies judgment when assessing goodwill for impairment. ASC 350-20-35-3A, Goodwill Subsequent Measurement - Qualitative Assessment, provides the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether the two-step goodwill impairment test is necessary. Synovus applies the qualitative assessment guidance to determine if the following factors indicate that goodwill is more likely than not impaired: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, events affecting the reporting unit, and common stock share price. Management applies judgment when weighing the factors most likely to impact a reporting unit's fair value.

Other intangible assets relate primarily to 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.

Segment Disclosure

ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, requires information be reported about a company’s operating segments using a “management approach.” Reportable segments are identified in these standards as those revenue-producing components for which discrete financial information is produced internally and which are subject to evaluation by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to segments. Based on this guidance, Synovus identified its overall banking operations as its only reportable segment. As the overall banking operations comprise substantially all of Synovus' consolidated operations, no separate segment disclosures are presented.

Other Assets

Other assets include FRB and FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable, investments in LIHTC, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other balances as shown in "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 7 - Other Assets" of this Report. FRB and FHLB stock is recorded at amortized cost, which approximates 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. 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, in the same income statement line as the offsetting unrealized loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. 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 with the impacts recorded in the same income statement line item used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. Any amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are reported in earnings immediately as a component of other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income or recorded to other comprehensive income and recognized in earnings over the life of the hedging instrument. 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.

Synovus also holds derivative instruments, which consist of interest 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.

Advertising Expenses

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 payable or receivable is an estimate of the amounts currently 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.

Synovus characterizes its AMT tax credit carryforward as an income tax receivable and is expected to be realized over time either through a reduction in taxes currently payable or cash collection. Accordingly, it is classified as a current asset.

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. Vesting for grants of share-based awards granted to Synovus employees during 2018 accelerates upon retirement for plan participants who have reached age 65 and who also have no less than ten years of service at the date of their election to retire. 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 shorter of the requisite service period for the entire award or the period until reaching retirement eligibility. 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 or the date the holder reaches the mandatory retirement age, as set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. Thus, share-based compensation expense for non-employee awards is recognized over the shorter of three years or mandatory retirement. Synovus records all tax effects associated with share-based compensation through the income statement.

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.

Share Repurchases

Common stock repurchases are recorded at cost. At the date of repurchase, stockholders' equity is reduced by the repurchase price and includes commissions and other transaction expenses that arise from the repurchases. The Company has not historically retired shares repurchased, but Synovus' policy is to record retirement of shares in accordance with ASC 505-30-30. If treasury shares are subsequently reissued, treasury stock is reduced by the cost of such stock with differences recorded in additional paid-in capital or retained earnings, as applicable.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

Synovus carries various assets and liabilities at fair value based on the fair value accounting guidance under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, and ASC 825, Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an “exit price”) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Synovus determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under ASC 820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the financial instrument's fair value measurement in its entirety. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs of the valuation hierarchy are defined below:



	Level 1	Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities for the instrument or security to be valued.
	Level 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 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

Valuation Methodology by Instrument - Recurring Basis

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Investment Securities Available for Sale and Trading Account Assets/Liabilities

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, 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. To determine the fair value of the trust preferred securities, management uses a measurement technique that utilizes credit spreads and/or credit indices available from a third-party pricing service. In addition, for each trust preferred security, management projects non-credit adjusted cash flows, and discounts those cash flows to net present value incorporating a relevant credit spread in the discount rate. Other inputs to calculating fair value include potential discounts for lack of marketability.

Management uses various validation procedures to confirm the prices received from pricing services 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. 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.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds (including those 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.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

Fair values of interest rate swaps, interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments are estimated based on an internally developed model that uses readily observable market data such as, interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, volatility factors, and customer credit-related adjustments. These fair value estimates are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

Valuation Methodology by Instrument - Non-recurring Basis

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

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 gains/losses on other loans held for sale, net, as a component of non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income (Level 3).

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 (Level 3). Any adjustments are recorded as a component of foreclosed real estate expense, net within our consolidated statements of income.

Other Assets Held for Sale

Other assets held for sale consist of certain premises and equipment held for sale. The fair value of these assets is determined primarily on the basis of appraisals or BOV, as circumstances warrant, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Both techniques engage licensed or certified professionals that use inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization rates, and market comparables (Level 3).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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 relate to highly liquid assets, these are considered a Level 1 measurement.

Loans, net of Deferred Fees and Costs

ASU 2016-01, adopted during 2018, emphasized the existing requirement to use an exit price concept to measure fair value for disclosure purposes in determining the fair value of loans. Synovus' exit price methodology, adopted during 2018, estimates the fair value of loans based on the present value of the future cash flows using the interest rate that would be charged for a similar loan to a borrower with similar risk, adjusted for a liquidity discount based on the estimated time period to complete a sale transaction with a market participant. Prior to 2018, Synovus' method to estimate the fair value of its loan portfolio did not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value. Loans are considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Deposits

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand accounts, interest bearing demand deposits, money market accounts, and savings accounts, is estimated to be equal to the amount payable on demand as of that respective date. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. 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

Short-term and long-term debt is 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.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt balances are presented net of discounts and premiums as well as debt issuance costs that arise from the issuance of long-term debt. Discounts, premiums and debt issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest rate method or straight-line method (when the financial statement impacts of this method are not materially different from the former method).

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 and Issued Accounting Standards Updates

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) issued by the FASB in May 2014, and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 implements a common revenue standard that establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The core principle of the revenue model is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes net interest income as well as many other revenues from financial assets. Management reviewed its revenue streams and contracts with customers and did not identify material changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. Synovus adopted these ASUs on the required effective date of January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method of adoption. The adoption resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $685 thousand to the opening balance of retained earnings. Beginning January 1, 2018, in connection with the adoption of this standard, Synovus began including merchant discounts and other card-related fees in card fees. For periods prior to January 1, 2018, these amounts were previously presented in other non-interest income and have been reclassified for comparability. See "Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 18 - Non-interest Income" for the required disclosures in accordance with this ASU.

ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. In February 2018, the FASB issued final guidance on reclassification of tax effects stranded in other comprehensive income due to Federal Tax Reform. The guidance provides entities the option to reclassify the tax effects that are stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income, or AOCI, as a result of Federal Tax Reform to retained earnings. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. Synovus elected to early adopt ASU 2018-02 as of January 1, 2018 and elected to reclassify the income tax effects of Federal Tax Reform from AOCI to retained earnings. For Synovus, tax effects stranded in AOCI due to Federal Tax Reform totaled $7.6 million at December 31, 2017 and primarily related to unrealized losses on the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio. The reclassification adjustment resulted in an increase to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 of $7.6 million and a corresponding decrease to AOCI for the same amount.

ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which included targeted amendments to accounting guidance for recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This ASU requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption to reclassify the cumulative change in fair value of equity securities previously recognized in AOCI. ASU 2016-01 became effective for Synovus on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the guidance resulted in a transfer of investments in mutual funds of $3.2 million, at fair value, from investment securities available for sale to other assets and a $117 thousand cumulative-effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings, with offsetting related adjustments to deferred taxes and AOCI. ASU 2016-01 also emphasizes the existing requirement to use an exit price concept to measure fair value for disclosure purposes in determining the fair value of loans. Determination of the fair value under the exit price method requires judgment because substantially all of the loans within the loan portfolio do not have observable market prices. Synovus' exit price methodology, adopted during 2018, estimates the fair value of loans based on the present value of the future cash flows using the interest rate that would be charged for a similar loan to a borrower with similar risk, adjusted for a liquidity discount based on the estimated time period to complete a sale transaction with a market participant. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on Synovus' fair value disclosures.

ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. The amendments in this ASU remove, modify, and add certain required disclosures on fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Synovus elected to early adopt ASU 2018-13 for eliminated and modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU. Synovus will delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on Synovus' fair value disclosures.

ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, which amends ASC 350-40. The ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs for a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with those incurred for hosting arrangements that contain a software license as well as those incurred to develop or implement software for internal use. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. Synovus elected to early adopt ASU 2018-15, on a prospective basis, upon issuance of this ASU. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $500 thousand of certain qualifying implementation costs related to hosting arrangements under a service contract were capitalized in accordance with this guidance.

ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 which amends the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements and enhance the transparency and understandability of hedge results. A modified retrospective transition method of adoption is required. The Company elected to early adopt the amendments effective October 1, 2018. As Synovus had no designated hedges during 2018, the adoption of the amendments did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements during this period.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates

The following ASUs will be implemented effective January 1, 2019 or later:

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (CECL). In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to credit losses. The new guidance (and all subsequent ASUs) replaces the existing incurred loss impairment guidance with an 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 with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. Synovus will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2020. Upon adoption, Synovus will record a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. In addition, the amendments provide for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since their acquisition ("PCD assets"). The initial estimate of expected credit losses on PCD assets will be recognized through the ALL with an offset to the cost basis of the related financial asset at acquisition. Synovus is in the process of implementing the new credit loss standard, with efforts being 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 impact on its financial statements and regulatory capital ratios. Additionally, the extent of the expected 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.

ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). 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 and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Under the new standard, all lessees will recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, including operating leases, with a lease term greater than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. From a lessor perspective, the accounting model is largely unchanged from existing GAAP. Additional amendments include, but are not limited to, the elimination of leveraged leases; modification to the definition of a lease; amendments on sale and leaseback transactions; and disclosure of additional qualitative and quantitative information.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (ASC 842), Targeted Improvements. The ASU 2018-11 amendments include an optional transition method to apply ASU 2016-02 on a prospective basis as of the effective date, with a cumulative- effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption, instead of applying the guidance using the modified retrospective approach as originally required under ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 also provides lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate lease and non-lease components under certain circumstances, and clarifies which guidance (ASC 842 or ASC 606) to apply to the combined lease and non-lease components.

Synovus will elect the optional transition method provided through ASU 2018-11 and will adopt ASU 2016-02 prospectively on January 1, 2019. As such, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. Synovus will elect the package of practical expedients to not reassess (a) whether existing contracts contain leases, (b) lease classification for existing leases, and (c) initial direct cost for any existing leases as well as the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. Additionally, we will not elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases.

On adoption, we currently expect to:


•	Recognize additional operating liabilities estimated at 1.1% of total assets, with corresponding ROU assets of the same amount based on the present value of the remaining rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases;


•	Recognize deferred gains, net of income taxes, of $3.9 million associated with sale-leaseback transactions that previously did not qualify for recognition as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings; and


•	Provide significant new disclosures about our leasing activities.

Synovus does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the timing of expense recognition in its consolidated statements of income.

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment: In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, any carrying amount which exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value (up to the amount of goodwill recorded) will be recognized as an impairment loss. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Synovus plans to early adopt the guidance, effective January 1, 2019 and will apply the guidance prospectively, beginning with its annual impairment test as of June 30, 2019. Based on recent goodwill impairment tests, which did not require the application of Step 2, Synovus does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have an immediate impact.

Revenue from Contract with Customer

Following is a discussion of key revenues within the scope of Topic 606:

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts: Revenue from service charges on deposit accounts is earned through cash management, wire transfer, and other deposit-related services, as well as overdraft, non-sufficient funds, account management and other deposit-related fees. Revenue is recognized for these services either over time, corresponding with deposit accounts' monthly cycle, or at a point in time for transaction-related services and fees. Payment for service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received immediately or in the following month through a direct charge to customers' accounts.

Fiduciary and Asset Management Fees: Fiduciary and asset management fees are primarily comprised of fees earned from the management and administration of trusts and other customer assets. Synovus' performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate. Payment is generally received a few days after month-end through a direct charge to customers' accounts. Synovus does not earn performance-based incentives.

Card Fees: Card fees consist primarily of interchange fees from consumer credit and debit cards processed by card association networks, as well as merchant discounts, and other card-related services. Interchange rates are generally set by the credit card associations and based on purchase volumes and other factors. Interchange fees and merchant discounts are recognized concurrently with the delivery of service on a daily basis as transactions occur. Payment is typically received immediately or in the following month. Card fees are reported net of certain associated expense items including loyalty program expenses and network expenses.

Brokerage Revenue: Brokerage revenue consists primarily of commissions. Additionally, brokerage revenue includes advisory fees earned from the management of customer assets. Advisory fees for brokerage services are recognized and collected monthly and are based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management at a rate predetermined in the contract. Transactional revenues are based on the size and number of transactions executed at the client's direction and are generally recognized on the trade date with payment received on the settlement date.

Insurance Revenue: Insurance revenue primarily consists of commissions received on annuity and life product sales. The commissions are recognized as revenue when the customer executes an insurance policy with the insurance carrier. In some cases, Synovus receives payment of trailing commissions each year when the customer pays its annual premium. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, Synovus recognized an immaterial amount of insurance trailing commissions.

Other Fees: Other fees primarily consist of revenues generated from safe deposit box rental fees and lockbox services. Fees are recognized over time, on a monthly basis, as Synovus' performance obligation for services is satisfied. Payment is received upfront for safe deposit box rentals and in the following month for lockbox services.