Synovus Financial (SNV) closed the last trading session at $44.10, gaining 10% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $55.56 indicates a 26% upside potential.The mean estimate comprises 16 short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $5.85. While the lowest estimate of $46 indicates a 4.3% increase from the current price level, the most optimistic analyst expects ...

Financial Performance - Net income available to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $183.7 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, a 60% increase from $114.8 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, in Q1 2024[157]. - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $570.9 million, a 6% increase from $537.7 million in Q1 2024[156]. - The adjusted net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $184.38 million, compared to $115.97 million for the same period in 2024[262]. - Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $194,872,000, compared to $124,070,000 for the same period in 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 56.7%[263]. - Adjusted net income available to common shareholders for Q1 2025 was $184,380,000, up from $115,973,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of 58.9%[263]. Revenue and Income Sources - Non-interest revenue for Q1 2025 was $116.5 million, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 2%, compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to lower commercial sponsorship income and brokerage revenue[159]. - The company’s total non-interest revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $116.47 million, down from $118.89 million for the same period in 2024[261]. Interest Income and Margin - Net interest income for Q1 2025 was $454.4 million, an 8% increase from $418.8 million in Q1 2024, driven by lower funding costs[156]. - The net interest margin increased by 31 basis points to 3.35% compared to the same period in 2024, supported by effective deposit repricing and investment securities repositioning[158]. - Net interest income for Q1 2025 was $454.38 million, compared to $418.85 million for the same period in 2024[262]. Expenses and Efficiency - Non-interest expense decreased by 5% to $308.0 million compared to $322.7 million in the same period last year[156]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 53.81% from 59.87% in the prior year, indicating better cost management[156]. - Total non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $308.0 million, a decrease of $14.7 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a reduction in FDIC special assessment accrual[204]. Asset Quality and Credit Losses - Provision for credit losses decreased significantly to $10.9 million from $54.0 million in the prior year, reflecting improved credit performance[156]. - Non-performing assets ratio improved to 0.67% from 0.73% year-over-year, indicating better asset quality[156]. - The net charge-off ratio for Q1 2025 was 20 bps annualized, with net charge-offs totaling $21.4 million[162]. - As of March 31, 2025, non-performing loans (NPLs) were $286.6 million, representing 0.67% of total loans, a decrease from 0.81% a year earlier[217][215]. Capital and Ratios - The CET1 ratio as of March 31, 2025, was 10.77%, a decline of 7 bps from December 31, 2024, due to share repurchases offsetting organic earnings[164]. - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $528.9 million at March 31, 2025, down from $539.3 million at December 31, 2024, with an ACL to loans coverage ratio of 1.24%[221][225]. - Tangible common equity ratio improved to 7.26% in Q1 2025 from 6.67% in Q1 2024, demonstrating stronger capital efficiency[264]. Loans and Deposits - Total loans as of March 31, 2025, were $42.65 billion, an increase of $39.7 million from December 31, 2024, with C&I loans representing 52.3% of total loans[161]. - Total deposits as of March 31, 2025, were $50.8 billion, a slight decrease from $51.1 billion at the end of 2024[156]. - Total period-end deposits decreased by $252.3 million compared to December 31, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in time deposits[163]. Projections and Future Outlook - The company expects end-of-period loan growth of 3% to 5% and adjusted revenue growth of 3% to 6% for 2025[171]. - Synovus projects net interest income to increase by 3.7% and 1.8% if interest rates rise by 200 bps and 100 bps, respectively, and to decrease by 1.8% and 3.5% if rates fall by 100 bps and 200 bps, respectively[246].

Core Viewpoint - In times of market volatility, value investing becomes a preferred strategy as investors seek to buy undervalued stocks when others are selling at lower prices [1][2]. Value Investing Strategy - Value investors capitalize on market uncertainty by purchasing stocks at discounted prices when other investors sell [1]. - The strategy can lead to "value traps" if not understood properly, where stocks underperform due to persistent issues rather than temporary problems [3]. Importance of PEG Ratio - The PEG ratio, defined as (Price/Earnings)/Earnings Growth Rate, is a crucial metric for value investors, as a low PEG ratio indicates better value [5]. - Unlike P/E alone, the PEG ratio helps identify a stock's intrinsic value, although it has limitations regarding changing growth rates [5]. Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Effective screening for value stocks includes criteria such as: - PEG Ratio less than industry median - P/E Ratio less than industry median - Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) - Market Capitalization greater than $1 billion - Average 20-Day Volume greater than 50,000 - Percentage Change in F1 Earnings Estimate Revisions greater than 5% - Value Score of A or B combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [6]. Selected Stocks - **Barrick Gold (GOLD)**: A leading gold mining company with 3.9 million ounces of gold and 195,000 tons of copper produced in 2024, holding 89 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves. It has a Zacks Rank 2 and a Value Score of A, with a five-year expected growth rate of 33.5% [8][9]. - **StoneCo (STNE)**: A financial technology company in Brazil providing various financial services. It has a Zacks Rank 1 and a Value Score of B, with a long-term expected growth rate of 26.3% [9][10]. - **Synovus Financial (SNV)**: A diverse financial services company with a Zacks Rank 2 and a Value Score of A, boasting a five-year expected growth rate of 10.2% [11][12]. - **BGC Group, Inc. (BGC)**: A financial brokerage and technology company with a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 24.7%, holding a Value Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 1 [12][13].

Company Overview - Synovus Financial (SNV) is headquartered in Columbus and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price decline of 18.88% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Synovus Financial currently pays a dividend of $0.39 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.75% [3] - The average dividend yield for the Banks - Southeast industry is 2.5%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.69% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.56 has increased by 2.6% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, Synovus Financial has raised its dividend 3 times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 4.37% [4] - The current payout ratio is 32%, indicating that 32% of its trailing 12-month EPS is distributed as dividends [4] Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Synovus Financial's earnings in 2025 is $5.02 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 13.32% from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - Synovus Financial is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Synovus Financial (SNV) is currently positioned as a more attractive investment option compared to First Bancorp (FBP) based on various valuation metrics and earnings outlook [1][3]. Valuation Metrics - SNV has a forward P/E ratio of 8.29, while FBP has a forward P/E of 10.16, indicating that SNV is potentially undervalued [5]. - The PEG ratio for SNV is 0.81, suggesting a favorable earnings growth outlook compared to FBP's PEG ratio of 1.61 [5]. - SNV's P/B ratio stands at 1.20, compared to FBP's P/B of 1.83, further supporting SNV's valuation advantage [6]. Earnings Outlook - SNV holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, while FBP has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a less favorable earnings outlook [3]. - The solid earnings outlook for SNV contributes to its superior valuation metrics and overall investment appeal [6]. Value Grades - SNV has been assigned a Value grade of A, while FBP has a Value grade of C, reflecting SNV's stronger position in terms of value investing criteria [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights Synovus Financial (SNV) as a strong candidate for value investors due to its favorable financial metrics and Zacks Rank [2][4][9]. Financial Metrics - Synovus Financial (SNV) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating strong potential for value investors [4]. - The Forward P/E ratio for SNV is 8.02, significantly lower than the industry average of 9.51, suggesting it may be undervalued [4]. - SNV's PEG ratio stands at 0.80, compared to the industry's average of 1.27, indicating a favorable valuation relative to expected earnings growth [5]. - The P/B ratio for SNV is 1.16, which is lower than the industry average of 1.63, further supporting its value proposition [6]. - The P/S ratio for SNV is 1.72, slightly below the industry's average of 1.83, reinforcing its attractiveness as a value stock [7]. - SNV has a P/CF ratio of 9.28, which is significantly lower than the industry average of 14.28, highlighting its strong cash flow position [8]. Investment Outlook - The combination of SNV's strong earnings outlook and favorable financial ratios suggests that the stock is likely undervalued at the moment, making it an impressive value stock [9].

Group 1 - Synovus (SNV) shares have performed strongly over the past year due to improving credit quality metrics [1] - Despite strong performance, SNV shares have underperformed during the recent market sell-off, losing approximately 15% [1]

Earnings Results First Quarter 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This slide presentation and certain of our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identif ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Synovus reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.30, a 4% increase from the previous quarter and a 65% increase year-over-year. Excluding the FDIC special assessment, adjusted earnings per share rose 53% [7][8] - Net interest income was $454 million, up 8% year-over-year and flat sequentially, with a net interest margin of 3.35%, an increase of seven basis points from the previous quarter [16][17] - Adjusted non-interest revenue was $117 million, a decline of 6% sequentially but an increase of 1% year-over-year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funded loan production was the highest since Q4 2022, leading to loan growth of $40 million in the quarter, with an annualized growth rate of 8% in high-growth lines of business [9][18] - Core deposits increased by 3% year-over-year, with positive trends in the overall deposit mix despite a decline in time deposits [20] - Adjusted non-interest expense was flat on a linked quarter basis and down 3% year-over-year, driven by controlled employment and project-related costs [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A commercial client survey indicated a rise in negative sentiment, with 17% of clients expecting business activity to decline over the next 12 months, up from 10% last quarter [9][10] - 41% of clients believe business activity will increase over the next 12 months, unchanged from the previous survey [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating risks from an economic slowdown while seizing opportunities where it has a competitive advantage [12] - Synovus plans to maintain a loan growth target of 3% to 5% for 2025, primarily from middle market, corporate and investment banking, and specialty lending [32][34] - The company is committed to investing prudently to optimize long-term growth while managing overall expense growth [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the health and resilience of the balance sheet despite economic uncertainties, emphasizing proactive balance sheet management and diversified business mix [11] - The outlook assumes moderate growth conditions with four Fed funds cuts throughout the year, impacting net interest margin [32][36] Other Important Information - The capital position remained strong with a preliminary common equity tier one ratio of 10.75% and total risk-based capital at 13.65% [28] - The company is engaged in efforts to identify risks associated with recent policy changes, including outreach to clients and monitoring tools [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the lending environment and what factors might influence loan growth? - Management noted that recent tariff policy announcements have introduced uncertainty, but 41% of clients still expect business activity to increase. Loan production is expected to continue growing based on strong pipelines [43][45][46] Question: Was the strong loan production due to borrowers stockpiling inventories before tariffs? - Management clarified that while some industries saw an uptick, overall line utilization did not indicate significant stockpiling, and production was broad-based across various sectors [63][65] Question: How do you view the margin outlook given recent changes? - Management expressed satisfaction with the margin trajectory, expecting it to remain stable in the near term, but noted potential pressure from Fed policy changes [55][56] Question: Can you provide more detail on the impact of DC policy changes on your customer base? - Management indicated that about 15% of top borrowers felt a meaningful impact from policy changes, but overall exposure is limited. The company is actively engaging with affected clients [93][94][96] Question: What is the outlook for capital markets revenue? - Management noted that capital markets revenue was impacted by a lower volume of large loans and client preferences for floating rates, but expects improvement as loan production increases [108][110]

Core Insights - Synovus Financial reported revenue of $571.67 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6.3% and a surprise of +0.26% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $570.2 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.30, significantly higher than the $0.79 reported in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +17.12% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.11 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net interest margin was reported at 3.4%, exceeding the average estimate of 3.3% from four analysts [4] - The efficiency ratio was 53.8%, better than the average estimate of 55.2% from four analysts [4] - Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the quarter were 0.2%, lower than the average estimate of 0.3% based on three analysts [4] - Total interest-earning assets averaged $55.13 billion, slightly below the estimated $55.65 billion from three analysts [4] - Non-performing loans (NPLs) were reported at $286.63 million, compared to the estimated $318.40 million from two analysts [4] - Non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at $287.19 million, also better than the average estimate of $319.15 million from two analysts [4] - Total non-interest revenue was $116.47 million, below the average estimate of $125.36 million from four analysts [4] - Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis was $455.96 million, surpassing the estimate of $449.53 million from three analysts [4] - Card fees generated $21.23 million, exceeding the average estimate of $19.19 million from two analysts [4] - Capital markets income was reported at $6.94 million, lower than the estimated $10.83 million from two analysts [4] - Brokerage revenue was $20.36 million, slightly below the average estimate of $21.28 million from two analysts [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Synovus shares have returned -12.1%, compared to a -4.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]