Synovus Financial (US:SNV)2025-10-16 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Synovus reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.33 and adjusted earnings per share of $1.46, up 19% year over year [5] - Adjusted PPNR growth was up 5% sequentially and 12% year over year, driven by net interest margin expansion and healthy non-interest revenue growth [5][10] - Net interest margin increased to 3.41%, with net interest income growing 8% year over year [10][14] - The capital position remained strong with a preliminary common equity Tier one ratio at 11.24%, the highest in Synovus' history [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted revenue increased 9% year over year, while adjusted non-interest expense rose 6% [9] - Wealth revenue increased by 4% sequentially, and capital markets income rose by 8% [12] - Loan production jumped 43% year over year, with specialty lending and institutional commercial real estate lending as strong contributors [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Period end core deposits declined by $231 million or 1% from the second quarter, primarily due to a strategic decline in public funds [11] - Average loans increased by 1%, while period end loans rose by 0.5% [10] - The company expects core deposit growth of approximately 0.5% for the year, with a strong focus on core deposit production in the fourth quarter [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, creating a dynamic regional bank [6][19] - The company is focused on talent acquisition and has added 25 new revenue producers in the third quarter, with plans for continued hiring [6][19] - Synovus aims to maintain strong loan production and fee income generation while managing expenses [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued momentum into the fourth quarter, with expectations for loan growth and non-interest revenue stability [19] - The credit loss environment remains favorable, with net charge-offs expected to be between 15 and 20 basis points in the fourth quarter [18] - Management noted that clients are generally optimistic about the economic outlook, which supports loan demand [86] Other Important Information - The company plans to issue 2026 pro forma guidance after the merger closes early next year [21] - Non-recurring expenses related to the merger amounted to $24 million, primarily for professional fees [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on capital and stock buybacks post-merger - Management expects to start with a strong capital position post-merger and aims to build capital in the early quarters while focusing on loan growth [27][28] Question: Trends in deposits and expectations for fourth quarter growth - Management reported $2.6 billion in new deposit production, up 18% from the second quarter, and anticipates a seasonal increase in public funds [33][35] Question: Hiring pace and environment - The hiring environment is characterized by excitement, with internal team members positively influencing external hiring prospects [39][40] Question: Credit trends and non-performing loans - Non-performing loans decreased due to payoffs and paydowns, with management noting the lowest net charge-off quarter in almost three years [43][44] Question: Feedback on the merger and internal/external perceptions - Management reported strong engagement and excitement among team members, with progress on key decisions and regulatory applications [48][53] Question: Loan growth and production trends - Loan production remains strong across various sectors, with expectations for continued growth in the fourth quarter [75][98]