Core Insights - Pinnacle Financial Partners will merge with Synovus Financial Corp. in January 2026, with the combined firm set to release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on January 21, 2026, after market close [1] - A live webcast to discuss the financial results and business outlook will take place on January 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET [1] Pinnacle Financial Partners - Pinnacle Financial Partners offers a comprehensive range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage, and insurance services, primarily targeting businesses and individuals seeking a robust financial relationship [3] - As of September 30, 2025, Pinnacle has approximately $56.0 billion in assets and is the second-largest bank holding company headquartered in Tennessee [4] - The firm is recognized as the No. 1 bank in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA based on 2025 FDIC deposit data and has been listed as one of America's Best Banks to Work For for 12 consecutive years [3][4] Synovus Financial Corp. - Synovus Financial Corp. is based in Columbus, Georgia, with around $60 billion in assets, providing a wide array of financial services including commercial and consumer banking, wealth services, and capital markets [5] - As of September 30, 2025, Synovus operates 244 branches across five states: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee [5]

Core Viewpoint - The Pinnacle and Synovus team is undergoing a transformational merger of equals, which has received regulatory approval and is expected to close early next year [1] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger was announced in July and is positioned as a significant event for the companies involved [1] - Kevin Blair will serve as the CEO of the combined company post-merger [1] - Terry Turner, CEO of Pinnacle, will become the Chairman of the combined entity [1] Group 2: Presentation Context - The presentation format is a fireside chat, indicating an informal discussion style [1] - The companies have shared slides prior to the presentation, which will be referenced during the discussion [1]

Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry - **Companies Involved**: Pinnacle and Synovus - **Industry**: Banking and Financial Services Key Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement and Leadership**: Pinnacle and Synovus announced a transformational merger in July, with regulatory approval received and expected closure early next year. Kevin Blair will be the CEO of the combined company, while Terry Turner will serve as chairman [1][4][5]. 2. **Investor Concerns**: Key concerns from investors include fears that the merger will lead to value destruction similar to past mergers of equals (MOEs). The leadership has worked to address these concerns by emphasizing a clear go-to-market strategy and a commitment to maintaining the Pinnacle brand [4][6][9]. 3. **Cultural Integration**: A significant challenge identified is the integration of different corporate cultures, particularly between the fast-growing Pinnacle and the slower-growing Synovus. Both companies have a strong focus on creating a positive work environment and client loyalty, which they believe will facilitate a successful merger [11][12][14]. 4. **Growth Projections**: The combined company expects loan and deposit growth of 9%-11% for 2026, with Pinnacle's historical growth rate around 12% and Synovus at approximately 3%. The leadership aims to align Synovus's growth with Pinnacle's model [16][22][23]. 5. **Revenue Synergies**: The merger is expected to generate $100-$130 million in revenue synergies over 2-3 years, driven by cross-selling opportunities and the introduction of new products. The leadership is focused on leveraging the strengths of both companies to achieve these synergies [37][38]. 6. **Hiring Strategy**: The combined company plans to hire approximately 500 new revenue producers over the next two years, utilizing a continuous recruitment model to attract experienced bankers. This approach aims to enhance growth and maintain a strong company culture [38][40][41]. 7. **Capital Management**: The company anticipates a CET1 ratio of around 10% at closing, with plans to grow it to 10.5%. The leadership emphasizes the importance of using capital for growth rather than share repurchases, although they remain open to share buybacks if excess capital is available [84][89]. 8. **Market Positioning**: The leadership believes that the combined company will be well-positioned to compete effectively in the regional banking sector, aiming to be the fastest-growing regional bank with high profitability and efficiency by 2027 [123]. Other Important Content 1. **Regulatory Approval**: The merger received regulatory approval in just 124 days, indicating strong relationships with regulators [120][122]. 2. **Client Experience**: Both companies have high net promoter scores, indicating strong client loyalty and satisfaction, which they aim to maintain post-merger [11][12]. 3. **Turnover Rates**: The leadership is focused on minimizing employee turnover during the merger, with historical turnover rates between 3%-7% for Pinnacle and a current low of 11% for Synovus [71][73]. 4. **BHG Investment**: There is ongoing discussion regarding the potential liquidity event for BHG, which could impact capital availability and revenue streams for the combined company [115][118]. 5. **Market Opportunities**: The leadership identifies significant growth opportunities in various markets, including Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Richmond, emphasizing the potential for increased market density [58][59].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Core Viewpoint - The merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners is expected to significantly enhance Synovus Financial Corp.'s scale and profitability, contingent on successful execution of the integration process [6][10]. Group 1: Investment Activity - Kintayl Capital initiated a new position in Synovus Financial Corp. by acquiring 152,144 shares valued at approximately $7.5 million, representing 4.6% of the fund's $162.2 million in reportable U.S. equity holdings [2][9]. - This new stake positions Synovus as one of 37 positions in Kintayl's portfolio [2]. Group 2: Company Performance - As of the latest report, Synovus shares were priced at $50.18, reflecting a 10% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500's 13% gain during the same period [3][10]. - The company has a market capitalization of $7 billion, with a trailing twelve months (TTM) revenue of $2.4 billion and net income of $800.1 million [4]. Group 3: Business Overview - Synovus Financial Corp. operates as a regional bank holding company, providing a diversified portfolio of financial services through a network concentrated in the Southeast [5]. - The bank offers commercial and retail banking products, generating revenue primarily through net interest income from lending activities, supplemented by fee income from financial management and capital markets services [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners is anticipated to close on January 1, which could lead to stronger regional density and improved commercial relationships, potentially reshaping profitability over the coming years [6][8]. - Kintayl's investment suggests confidence in Synovus's ability to leverage merger-driven scale into enhanced returns, despite recent share performance challenges [8].

Core Viewpoint - Synovus Financial Corp. has declared quarterly dividends for its common stock and preferred stock, reflecting its ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: Quarterly Dividends - The company declared a dividend of $0.39 per share on its common stock, payable on December 24, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 18, 2025 [2]. - A dividend of $0.48193 per share on the Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D, is payable on December 22, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2025 [2]. - The Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, will have a dividend of $0.52481 per share, payable on January 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Synovus Financial Corp. is based in Columbus, Georgia, and has approximately $60 billion in assets, providing a range of financial services including commercial and consumer banking [1]. - The company operates branches in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and is recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified Company [1].

Core Viewpoint - Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp. announced the board of directors for their proposed combined company, which will retain the name Pinnacle Financial Partners [1] Company Structure - The board will consist of eight directors from Pinnacle and seven from Synovus, including six independent directors from each company [1]

Core Insights - Synovus Financial Corp. and Pinnacle Financial Partners are progressing towards their merger after receiving Federal Reserve approval for the $8.6 billion all-stock transaction announced on July 24, 2025 [1][9] - The merger is expected to close on January 1, 2026, pending standard closing conditions, with Synovus branches continuing to operate under their brand until full integration [2][6] Merger Details - The merger structure remains consistent with initial plans, aiming to enhance the firms' presence in high-growth Southeastern markets [3] - Shareholders will receive shares of a new Pinnacle parent company based on a fixed exchange ratio of 0.5237 Synovus shares per Pinnacle share [3] - The combined entity will operate under the Pinnacle brand, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with Pinnacle Bank based in Nashville, TN [4] Strategic Rationale - The merger combines Pinnacle's relationship-driven model with Synovus' extensive branch network, creating a larger platform for organic growth [5] - The combined company is projected to hold approximately $116 billion in assets, positioning it among the largest regional banking franchises in the U.S. Southeast [8][9] - The merger is expected to drive significant financial benefits, including approximately 21% operating EPS accretion and a tangible book value earn-back period of 2.6 years [10] Integration Planning - Integration management teams are preparing for Day One operations, focusing on organizational structures, technology, and market continuity [6] - Full system and brand conversions are scheduled for the first half of 2027, with no material changes expected in daily banking activities until then [6] Market Context - Synovus aims to become part of the fastest-growing regional bank in the Southeast, with a deposit-weighted household growth forecast of 4.6% from 2025 to 2030, significantly above the national average [7] - Synovus shares have gained 1.3% over the past six months, contrasting with a 0.1% decline in the industry [11]

Core Viewpoint - The merger between Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp has received regulatory approval and is expected to close on January 1, 2026, following shareholder approval on November 6, 2025 [1][15]. Company Overview - Pinnacle Financial Partners has approximately $56 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and is recognized as the No. 1 bank in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA according to 2025 FDIC deposit data [5][6]. - Synovus Financial Corp has around $60 billion in assets and operates 244 branches across five states, providing a full suite of banking services [7]. Merger Details - The combined entity will have total assets of $116 billion, with headquarters in Atlanta, GA, and Pinnacle Bank based in Nashville, TN [4]. - Integration teams are actively working on plans for operational continuity and brand integration, with full system conversions expected in the first half of 2027 [3]. Leadership and Strategic Goals - Kevin Blair, CEO of Synovus, will serve as the president and CEO of the combined company, while Terry Turner, CEO of Pinnacle, will be the chairman of the board post-merger [2]. - The merger aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to accelerate growth and enhance service delivery to clients and communities [2][4].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve Board approved Steel Newco, Inc.'s application to become a bank holding company by merging with Synovus Financial Corporation and Pinnacle Financial Partners [1] - As a result of the merger, Steel Newco will indirectly acquire Synovus Bank and Pinnacle Bank [1] - The Board also approved the merger of Pinnacle Bank with Synovus Bank, allowing Pinnacle Bank to remain a state member bank under Federal Reserve supervision [2] Group 2 - Pinnacle Bank received approval to establish and operate branches at the locations of Synovus Bank [2]