Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio principal totaled $421.9 million as of June 30, with a weighted average yield to maturity of 16.8%, slightly down from 16.9% in the first quarter [8] - Net interest income for Q2 was $14.4 million, an increase from $13 million in Q1, primarily due to non-recurring fees and new deployments [12] - Distributable earnings per share increased to $0.52 from $0.47 in Q1, with a book value per common share of $14.71 as of June 30 [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cannabis pipeline increased from $462 million to nearly $650 million, driven by M&A activity and operational restructurings [6] - Gross originations during the quarter were $16.5 million, with $10 million from refinancing and $6.5 million from existing borrowers [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong relationship with the New York Social Equity Fund, with 23 dispensaries operating successfully [24] - The New York market is developing well, with improvements in product quality and competition against the illegal market [26][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a differentiated, low-leveraged risk-return profile insulated from cannabis equity volatility [7] - The strategy focuses on deploying capital in limited license jurisdictions with low leverage profiles to support sound growth initiatives [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in outperforming long-term despite near-term uncertainties in the financial services industry [7] - The company is optimistic about the growth of the cannabis industry and its ability to support that growth through its robust platform [6] Other Important Information - The company has extended its credit facility with no change in economic terms, enhancing its ability to support growth [6] - The CECL reserve for expected credit losses increased to approximately $4.4 million, representing 1.1% of outstanding principal [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the sequential increase in the pipeline? - The increase was driven by M&A activity, operational reorganizations, and refinancings of existing debt [19] Question: How does the company view prepayments in the portfolio? - Prepayments are both a marker of success and capital to be redeployed into new opportunities, with early Q3 prepayments being larger than expected [21][22] Question: Can you provide an update on the New York market? - The relationship with the New York Social Equity Fund is strong, with 23 dispensaries operating successfully, and the market is developing well [24][26] Question: How is the demand and supply side of the market currently? - The wait-and-see approach makes sense given the cost of capital options, with larger public operators participating selectively [30][31] Question: How does having multiple funding sources benefit the company? - Multiple funding sources allow for greater flexibility and competitiveness, leading to a higher quality and more diversified portfolio [33]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP Q2 earnings per share of $0.34, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.53, reflecting an 18% increase over the prior quarter and a 15% increase year over year [11][12] - The CET1 ratio was better than expected at 10.74%, approximately 50 basis points higher than anticipated [7][12] - Tangible book value per share increased by 14% year over year [7][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $11.5 billion, with a 3.7% annualized growth excluding Bremer [14] - The investment portfolio grew by $3.4 billion from the prior quarter, primarily due to Bremer and reinvestment of cash flows [14] - Adjusted noninterest income was $112 million for the quarter, showing increases across all line items due to Bremer and organic growth [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits increased by $13.3 billion, with core deposits (excluding brokered) up by $11.6 billion [16] - Noninterest-bearing deposits represented 25% of core deposits, up 2% from the first quarter [16] - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 88%, down 1% from the last quarter [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and maintaining a disciplined approach to credit management, particularly in a competitive commercial real estate market [36][66] - The recent partnership with Bremer is expected to enhance the company's position and provide significant flexibility around its balance sheet [9][30] - The company is committed to investing in technology and enhancing its infrastructure to better serve clients [100][102] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding client sentiment, noting increased competition in the commercial real estate sector [36][40] - The company anticipates continued growth in net interest income and net interest margin in the second half of 2025, supported by the Bremer partnership [15][29] - There is a recognition of uncertainty surrounding global economic conditions, which could impact growth and rates [29] Other Important Information - The company appointed Tim Burke as the new president and COO, effective immediately [4][5] - The merger with Bremer was completed two months ahead of schedule, contributing positively to earnings momentum [23][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client sentiment and loan growth outlook - Management noted that while there is economic optimism among clients, increased competition in commercial real estate has led to a more cautious loan growth outlook [36][40] Question: Increase in non-performing assets (NPAs) - The increase in NPAs was attributed to the merger with Bremer, but overall NPAs as a percentage of total loans have decreased [45] Question: Spot rates on loans and bonds - The current spot rate on loans is approximately five basis points higher than reported, with new money yields in the high sixes [51] Question: Capital deployment and buyback expectations - Management indicated a focus on building capital post-merger, with potential for buybacks being considered in the future [54] Question: Deregulatory environment impact - Management expressed a positive outlook on the deregulatory environment, which could facilitate growth opportunities [60][62] Question: Active portfolio management - Active portfolio management involves reducing classified and criticized loans through payoffs and refinancing, with a focus on maintaining credit quality [72] Question: Fee income outlook - Fee income is expected to remain strong, driven by growth in mortgage, wealth management, and capital markets [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Synovus reported GAAP and adjusted earnings per share of $1.48, with adjusted earnings per share increasing 14% from the first quarter and 28% year over year [5] - Adjusted pre-provision net revenue rose 5% sequentially and grew 7% from the second quarter of 2024 [5] - Net interest margin expanded modestly, contributing to a 6% year-over-year net interest income growth in the second quarter [10][15] - Capital ratios improved, with the preliminary common equity Tier one ratio at 10.91%, the highest in the company's history [15][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong and broad-based, with total loan production increasing 34% quarter over quarter and 60% year over year [11][12] - Specialty lending rose by $353 million sequentially, driven by growth in structured lending and restaurant services lending [11] - Core deposits declined by $788 million or 2% from the first quarter, primarily due to a drop in public funds and time deposits [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Synovus had the sixth highest Net Promoter Score among the largest 50 banks, with the largest year-over-year increase in this group [7] - Client surveys indicated general optimism for future business growth despite concerns regarding government fiscal and trade policy actions [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its 2025 strategic initiatives, including the accelerated hiring of relationship managers, with 12 new commercial bankers added in the second quarter [6][19] - Synovus aims to maintain a balanced approach to expense management while investing in areas that deliver long-term shareholder value [20] - The company expects to target loan growth rather than share repurchases, indicating a preference for deploying capital towards growth opportunities [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued loan growth, with pipelines expected to be 14% higher entering the third quarter [32] - The credit loss environment is anticipated to remain stable, with net charge-offs expected to be relatively stable compared to the first half of the year [21] - The company has raised its 2025 net interest income and noninterest revenue outlook while maintaining noninterest expense guidance [22] Other Important Information - The tax rate was approximately 21% in the second quarter, with expectations for the full year to be between 21-22% [22] - The company is actively monitoring economic uncertainties and adjusting its credit loss reserves accordingly [75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the change in sentiment from borrowers? - Management noted that loan growth was driven by hard work and a strong team, with production and pipelines up about 10% entering the second quarter [27][30] Question: What are your expectations for deposit growth? - Management indicated that the decline in deposits was strategic, leading to margin expansion, and they expect core deposit growth in the second half of the year [34][38] Question: How is the competitive landscape affecting pricing? - Management acknowledged ongoing competition for loans and deposits, with modest pricing pressure observed [42][44] Question: Can you elaborate on the decision to add to reserves? - The increase in reserves was driven by economic uncertainty, particularly changes in unemployment rates, despite improvements in the loan portfolio [72][74] Question: What is the outlook for capital allocation? - Management emphasized a preference for loan growth over share repurchases, maintaining a strong capital position [76][77]