UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009
Commission File Number 1-10312
(SYNOVUS LOGO)(SYNOVUS LOGO)
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
GEORGIA
58-1134883
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization) 58-1134883
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1111 Bay Avenue, Suite # 500
P.O. Box 120
Columbus, Georgia 31902

(Address of principal executive offices)
(706) 649-2311
(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesþ Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every interactive data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yeso Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitionthe definitions of “accelerated filer, large“large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer accelerated filerþAccelerated Filer filero
Non-Accelerated Filer 
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yeso Noþ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s class of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
   
Class JulyOctober 31, 2009
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value 330,372,763480,386,221 shares
 
 

 


 

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
INDEX
     
Financial Information:
Unaudited Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008  3 
     
 3 
  
3
  4 
     
  5 
     
  6 
     
  7 
     
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  36 
     
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk77
Controls and Procedures78
Other Information:
Legal Proceedings79
Risk Factors82
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds85
Submission Of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders  86 
     
Exhibits  87 
  
88
88
91
97
98
     
  8899 
     
  89100 
EX-10.1
EX-10.2
 EX-12.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
                
 June 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
(In thousands, except share data) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
ASSETS
  
Cash and due from banks $442,702 524,327  $401,778 524,327 
Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank 770,220 1,206,168  2,822,577 1,206,168 
Interest earning deposits with banks 7,269 10,805  12,771 10,805 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 170,824 388,197  180,194 388,197 
Trading account assets 20,687 24,513  13,403 24,513 
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value 312,620 133,637  112,115 133,637 
Other loans held for sale 34,938 3,527  80,945 3,527 
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value 3,560,192 3,770,022  3,298,815 3,770,022 
  
Loans, net of unearned income 27,585,741 27,920,177  26,331,739 27,920,177 
Allowance for loan losses  (918,723)  (598,301)  (918,468)  (598,301)
          
Loans, net 26,667,018 27,321,876  25,413,271 27,321,876 
          
 
Premises and equipment, net 596,172 605,019  588,179 605,019 
Goodwill 39,280 39,521  39,280 39,521 
Other intangible assets, net 18,914 21,266  17,775 21,266 
Other assets 1,708,834 1,737,391  1,629,377 1,737,391 
          
Total assets $34,349,670 35,786,269  $34,610,480 35,786,269 
          
  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  
Liabilities:  
Deposits:  
Non-interest bearing deposits $3,861,782 3,563,619  $4,018,045 3,563,619 
Interest bearing deposits ($— and $75,875 at fair value as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008) 23,562,032 25,053,560 
Interest bearing deposits ($— and $75,875 for certain callable brokered certificate of deposits at fair value as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008) 24,036,146 25,053,560 
          
Total deposits 27,423,814 28,617,179  28,054,191 28,617,179 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 1,580,259 725,869  1,030,520 725,869 
Long-term debt 1,865,491 2,107,173  1,963,136 2,107,173 
Other liabilities 424,943 516,541  389,034 516,541 
          
Total liabilities 31,294,507 31,966,762  31,436,881 31,966,762 
          
Equity:  
Shareholders’ equity:  
Cumulative perpetual preferred stock — no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; outstanding 967,870 at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 923,855 919,635 
Common stock — $1.00 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued 336,059,457 in 2009 and 336,010,941 in 2008; outstanding 330,376,784 in 2009 and 330,334,111 in 2008 336,059 336,011 
Cumulative perpetual preferred stock — no par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; outstanding 967,870 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 926,014 919,635 
Common stock — $1.00 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued 486,073,291 in 2009 and 336,010,941 in 2008; outstanding 480,387,653 in 2009 and 330,334,111 in 2008 486,073 336,011 
Additional paid-in capital 1,170,639 1,165,875  1,591,374 1,165,875 
Treasury stock, at cost — 5,682,673 shares in 2009 and 5,676,830 shares in 2008  (114,146)  (114,117)
Treasury stock, at cost — 5,685,638 shares in 2009 and 5,676,830 shares in 2008  (114,155)  (114,117)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 105,520 129,253  108,032 129,253 
Retained earnings 596,434 1,350,501  139,322 1,350,501 
          
Total shareholders’ equity 3,018,361 3,787,158  3,136,660 3,787,158 
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries 36,802 32,349  36,939 32,349 
          
Total equity 3,055,163 3,819,507  3,173,599 3,819,507 
          
Total liabilities and equity $34,349,670 35,786,269  $34,610,480 35,786,269 
          
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(In thousands, except per share data) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
 
Interest income:  
Loans, including fees $672,181 863,959 335,952 408,653  $1,002,846 1,269,010 330,667 405,142 
Investment securities available for sale 89,853 91,042 44,341 45,886  131,904 137,724 42,051 46,682 
Trading account assets 611 1,022 277 388  889 1,542 278 521 
Mortgage loans held for sale 6,704 3,997 3,322 2,301  9,319 5,877 2,615 1,880 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 239 1,875 41 855  305 93 65  
Interest on Federal Reserve balances 989  509   1926 2,834 936 960 
Interest earning deposits with banks 308 125 49 57  316 163 8 38 
                  
Total interest income 770,885 962,020 384,491 458,140  1,147,505 1,417,243 376,620 455,223 
                  
Interest expense:  
Deposits 249,009 342,726 116,715 155,546  359,577 505,340 110,568 162,613 
 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 1,887 29,480 1,046 11,650  3,013 36,602 1,126 7,123 
Long-term debt 20,141 37,744 10,122 17,523  30,436 55,433 10,295 17,689 
                  
Total interest expense 271,037 409,950 127,883 184,719  393,026 597,375 121,989 187,425 
                  
Net interest income 499,848 552,070 256,608 273,421  754,479 819,868 254,631 267,798 
Provision for losses on loans 921,963 184,665 631,526 93,616  1,418,485 336,016 496,522 151,351 
                  
Net interest income (expense) after provision for losses on loans  (422,115) 367,405  (374,918) 179,805   (664,006) 483,852  (241,891) 116,447 
                  
  
Non-interest income:  
Service charges on deposit accounts 58,401 54,461 29,702 26,070  88,100 82,594 29,699 28,132 
Fiduciary and asset management fees 21,471 25,519 10,657 12,898  32,714 37,612 11,244 12,095 
Brokerage and investment banking income 14,393 17,693 7,521 9,206  21,440 25,591 7,047 7,898 
Mortgage banking income 23,912 13,847 14,590 5,686  30,949 18,323 7,037 4,476 
Bankcard fees 26,436 26,417 13,755 14,198  40,098 39,788 13,663 13,371 
Net gains on sales of investment securities available for sale 14,730  14,730  
Other fee income 16,412 21,266 8,722 10,081  24,145 30,039 7,733 8,773 
Increase in fair value of private equity investments, net 8,090 4,946 8,090  
Increase (decrease) in fair value of private equity investments, net 1,237 17,673  (6,853) 12,728 
Proceeds from sale of MasterCard shares 8,351 16,186 8,351 16,186  8,351 16,186   
Proceeds from redemption of Visa shares  38,542     38,542   
Other non-interest income 19,122 28,798 6,450 13,373  25,620 40,282 6,497 11,482 
                  
Total non-interest income 196,588 247,675 107,838 107,698  287,384 346,630 90,797 98,955 
                  
  
Non-interest expense:  
Salaries and other personnel expense 221,294 231,806 109,315 109,676  327,119 346,342 105,825 114,535 
Net occupancy and equipment expense 62,374 61,337 30,727 31,126  93,910 93,188 31,537 31,852 
FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees 43,060 12,250 30,061 6,172  58,401 18,210 15,341 5,960 
Foreclosed real estate expense 218,734 21,558 172,404 13,677  320,171 64,764 101,437 43,205 
Losses on other loans held for sale 1,095 9,944 1,160 9,944  1,703 9,944 608  
Goodwill impairment  27,000  27,000   36,887  9,887 
Professional fees 17,312 13,394 10,355 8,454  28,436 20,311 11,124 6,916 
Visa litigation (recovery) expense   (17,430)     (4,067)  (11,082)  (4,067) 6,347 
Restructuring charges 6,755 4,251 397 4,251  6,342 13,299  (413) 9,048 
Other operating expenses 89,050 103,228 41,897 55,664  147,112 150,559 58,061 47,334 
                  
Total non-interest expense 659,674 467,338 396,316 265,964  979,127 742,422 319,453 275,084 
                  
  
Income (loss) before income taxes  (885,201) 147,742  (663,396) 21,539   (1,355,749) 88,060  (470,547)  (59,682)
Income tax expense (benefit)  (164,220) 52,952  (79,143) 9,302   (194,967) 28,741  (30,745)  (24,211)
                  
Net income (loss)  (720,981) 94,790  (584,253) 12,237   (1,160,782) 59,319  (439,802)  (35,471)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest 2,620 1,697 2,677 138 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 2,365 6,347  (255) 4,650 
                  
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest  (723,601) 93,093  (586,930) 12,099   (1,163,147) 52,972  (439,547)  (40,121)
 
Dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock 28,417  14,225   42,675  14,258  
                  
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $(752,018) 93,093  (601,155) 12,099  $(1,205,822) 52,972  (453,805)  (40,121)
                  
  
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders:  
Basic $(2.28) 0.28  (1.82) 0.04  $(3.60) 0.16  (1.32)  (0.12)
                  
Diluted  (2.28) 0.28  (1.82) 0.04   (3.60) 0.16  (1.32)  (0.12)
                  
  
Weighted average shares outstanding:  
Basic 329,818 329,071 329,850 329,173  334,808 329,195 344,626 329,438 
                  
Diluted 329,818 331,568 329,850 331,418  334,808 331,317 344,626 329,438 
                  
 
Dividends declared per share $0.02 0.34 0.01 0.17  $0.03 0.40 0.01 0.06 
                  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)
                                                                
 Accumulated      Accumulated     
 Additional Other Non-    Additional Other Non-   
 Preferred Common Paid-In Treasury Comprehensive Retained Controlling    Preferred Common Paid-In Treasury Comprehensive Retained Controlling   
(in thousands, except per share data) Stock Stock Capital Stock Income (Loss) Earnings Interest Total  Stock Stock Capital Stock Income (Loss) Earnings Interest Total 
Balance at December 31, 2007 $ 335,529 1,101,209  (113,944) 31,439 2,087,357  3,441,590  $ 335,529 1,101,209  (113,944) 31,439 2,087,357  3,441,590 
Cumulative effect of adoption of EITF Issue No. 06-4       (2,248)   (2,248)
Cumulative effect of adoption of SFAS No. 159      58  58 
 
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 715-60-35-177       (2,248)   (2,248)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 825-10-25      58  58 
Net Income      93,093 1,697 94,790       52,972 6,347 59,319 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges     475   475      4,289   4,289 
Change in unrealized gains/losses on investment securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment      (1,816)    (1,816)     387   387 
Amortization of postretirement unfunded health benefit     92   92      138   138 
          
Other comprehensive income      (1,249)    (1,249)     4,814   4,814 
          
Comprehensive income        93,541  64,133 
      
Cash dividends declared — $0.34 per share       (112,245)   (112,245)
Cash dividends declared — $0.40 per share       (132,100)   (132,100)
Treasury shares purchased  (131)  (131)     (173)     (173)
Issuance of non-vested stock, net of forfeitures   (10) 10         (26) 26      
Share-based compensation expense   7,675     7,675    10,545     10,545 
Stock options exercised  307 1,342     1,649   469 2,556     3,025 
Share-based compensation tax benefit   399     399     (206)      (206)
Change in ownership at majority-owned subsidiary       22,395 22,395        24,259 24,259 
                                  
Balance at June 30, 2008 $ 335,826 1,110,635  (114,075) 30,190 2,066,015 24.092 3,452,683 
Balance at September 30, 2008 $ 335,972 1,114,130  (114,117) 36,253 2,006,039 30,606 3,408,883 
                                  
  
Balance at December 31, 2008
 $919,635 336,011 1,165,875  (114,117) 129,253 1,350,501 32,349 3,819,507  $919,635 336,011 1,165,875  (114,117) 129,253 1,350,501 32,349 3,819,507 
Net income (loss)
       (723,601) 2,620  (720,981)       (1,163,147) 2,365  (1,160,782)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
  
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
      (11,689)    (11,689)      (14,995)    (14,995)
Change in unrealized gains/losses on investment securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment
      (12,136)    (12,136)      (6,364)    (6,364)
Amortization of postretirement unfunded health benefit
    92  92     138  138 
          
Other comprehensive loss
      (23,733)    (23,733)      (21,221)    (21,221)
          
Comprehensive loss
         (744,714)  (1,182,003)
      
Cash dividends declared on common stock — $0.02 per share
       (6,620)   (6,620)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock — $20.28 per share
       (19,626)   (19,626)
Cash dividends declared on common stock — $0.03 per share
       (9,926)   (9,926)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock — $32.77 per share
       (31,725)   (31,725)
Accretion of discount on preferred stock
 4,220      (4,220)    6,379      (6,379)   
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
  150,000 420,930     570,930 
Treasury shares purchased
     (29)     (29)     (38)     (38)
Issuance of non-vested stock, net of forfeitures
   (26) 26         (31) 31      
Vesting of restricted share units
  38  (38)      
Restricted share unit activity
  39  (37)    (2)   
Share-based compensation expense
   5,124     5,124    6,855     6,855 
Stock options exercised
  36 217     253   54 242     296 
Share-based compensation tax deficiency
    (765)      (765)    (2,722)      (2,722)
Change in ownership at majority-owned subsidiary
   200    1,833 2,033    200    2,225 2,425 
                                  
Balance at June 30, 2009
 $923,855 336,059 1,170,639  (114,146) 105,520 596,434 36,802 3,055,163 
Balance at September 30, 2009
 $926,014 486,073 1,591,374  (114,155) 108,032 139,322 36,939 3,173,599 
                                  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
                
 Six Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 June 30,  September 30, 
(In thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Operating activities:
  
Net income (loss) $(720,981) 94,790  $(1,160,782) 59,319 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Provision for losses on loans 921,963 184,665  1,418,485 336,016 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net 30,028 27,715  34,114 42,471 
Goodwill impairment  27,000   36,887 
Equity in loss of equity method investments   (1,412)   (1,639)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense 135,039 1,125  155,655  (19,407)
Decrease in interest receivable 25,972 59,348  38,067 61,684 
Decrease in interest payable  (10,965)  (33,283)  (34,393)  (23,423)
Decrease (increase) in trading account assets 3,826  (2,401) 11,110  (84,086)
Originations and purchase of mortgage loans held for sale  (1,276,341)  (625,996)  (1,628,466)  (858,110)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale 1,101,446 597,445  1,660,744 912,204 
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale  (9,934)  (5,831)  (12,923)  (7,128)
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid and other assets (159,268) 12,005 
(Decrease) in accrued salaries and benefits  (15,587)  (20,676)
Decrease (Increase) in other liabilities  (48,531) 35,846 
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets  (148,865) 30,995 
Decrease in accrued salaries and benefits  (13,013)  (18,156)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities  (59,513) 5,621 
Net gains on sales of investment securities available for sale  (14,730)  
Loss on sale of other loans held for sale 1,095 9,944  1,703 9,444 
Loss on other real estate 205,469 7,558  298,452 52,475 
Increase in fair value of private equity investments, net  (8,090)  (4,946)  (1,237)  (17,673)
(Gain) loss on sale of MasterCard shares  (8,351)  (16,186)
(Gain) loss on redemption of Visa shares   (38,542)
Gain on sale of MasterCard shares  (8,351)  (16,186)
Gain on redemption of Visa shares   (38,542)
Decrease in liability for Visa litigation   (17,430)  (4,067)  (11,082)
Share-based compensation 5,122 7,732  6,855 10,686 
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements   (357)   (756)
Other, net  (2,240)  (2,534) 1,492  9,190
          
Net cash provided by operating activities 169,672 295,579  540,337 470,804 
          
  
Investing activities:
  
Net increase (decrease) in interest earning deposits with banks 3,536  (6,387)
Net (increase) decrease in interest earning deposits with banks  (1,966) 8,105 
Net decrease (increase) in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 217,373  (76,091) 208,003  (193,514)
Proceeds from maturities and principal collections of investment securities available for sale 470,295 669,286  780,962 864,999 
Net decrease in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank 435,948  
Net increase in interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank  (1,616,409)  
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale  3,309  255,047 5,449 
Purchases of investment securities available for sale  (277,042)  (817,795)  (555,835)  (1,022,663)
Proceeds from sale of loans 120,284   232,369  
Proceeds from sale of other loans held for sale 11,964 10,669  33,393 20,613 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 164,493 62,552  260,332 121,528 
Net increase in loans  (773,837)  (1,290,126)  (364,609)  (1,722,490)
Purchases of premises and equipment  (21,837)  (63,012)  (27,026)  (90,827)
Proceeds from disposals of premises and equipment 2,671 2,115  2,307 1,998 
Proceeds from sale of MasterCard shares 8,351 16,186  8,351 16,186 
Proceeds from redemption of Visa shares  38,542   38,542 
          
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 362,199  (1,450,752)
Net cash used by investing activities  (785,081)  (1,952,074)
          
  
Financing activities:
  
Net increase in demand and savings deposits 73,536 230,526  182,313 482,836 
Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit  (1,266,901) 838,010   (745,301) 2,406,211 
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 854,390  (31,502) 304,651  (1,644,911)
Principal repayments on long-term debt  (756,987)  (38,041)  (875,487)  (196,022)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 525,000 270,300  743,000 424,300 
Treasury shares purchased  (29)  (131)  (38)  (173)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements  357   756 
Dividends paid to common shareholders  (23,132)  (123,744)  (26,444)  (179,916)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders  (19,626)    (31,725)  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 253 1,649 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs 571,226 3,025 
          
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities  (613,496) 1,147,424 
Net cash provided by financing activities 122,195 1,296,106 
          
  
Decrease in cash and due from banks  (81,625)  (7,749)  (122,549)  (185,164)
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period 524,327 682,583  524,327 682,583 
          
Cash and due from banks at end of period $442,702 674,834  $401,778 497,419 
          
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All adjustments consisting of normally recurring accruals that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this report have been included. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Synovus Financial Corp. (Synovus) consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Synovus’ 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, 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 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 fair value of investments; the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of other real estate; the valuation of long-lived assets and other intangible assets; the valuation of deferred tax assets; and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of certain impaired loans and other real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties and for properties collateralizing impaired loans. For valuation of impaired loans and other real estate, management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions at the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values based on management’s plans for disposition.
A substantial portion of Synovus’ loans are secured by real estate in five southeastern states (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Accordingly, the ultimate collectibilitycollectability of a substantial portion of Synovus’ loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas. ManagementBased on available information, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions and the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review Synovus’ allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require Synovus to make changes to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in 2009. Synovus has evaluated all transactions, events and circumstances for consideration or disclosure through November 9, 2009, the date these financial statements were issued, and has reflected or disclosed those items within the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as deemed appropriate.

7


In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationÔ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (ASC 105-10). This statement established the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationÔ (Codification or ASC) as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification superseded all pre-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification has become non-authoritative.
Following the Codification, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Industry Task Force Abstracts. Instead, the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates (ASU), which will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification.
GAAP was not intended to be changed as a result of the Codification project, but it has changed the way that guidance is organized and presented. As a result, these changes have had significant impact on how companies reference GAAP in their financial statements and in their accounting policies for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ended after the September 15, 2009 effective date for the Codification. All accounting references have been updated, and therefore, SFAS references have been replaced with ASC references except for SFAS references which have not been integrated into the codification. Adoption of the Codification did not impact Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 2 — Supplemental Cash Flow Information
For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus received tax refunds of approximately $62.2$87.3 million (net of taxes paid) and for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, Synovus paid income taxes (net of refunds received) of approximately $56.4$56.9 million. A tax refund of $66.0 million received during the six months ended June 30, 2009 resulted from tax prepayments during the first half of 2008, which were more than offset by the tax benefit from operating losses during the second half of 2008. The tax amount for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was impacted by tax overpayment credits from 2007 that were applied towards the 2008 income tax liability.
For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, Synovus paid interest of $256.0$352.2 million and $372.9$567.8 million, respectively.
Non-cash investing activities consisted of loans of approximately $337.5$504.3 million and $171.3$286.5 million, which were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, other loans of approximately $47.3$118.2 million and $42.3$46.8 million, which were transferred to other loans held for sale during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and other loans held for sale of approximately $1.7 million, which were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate during the sixnine months ended September 30, 2009.

8


Note 3 – Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
On December 19, 2008, Synovus issued to the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury) 967,870 shares of Synovus’ Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value (the Series A Preferred Stock), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total price of $967,870,000. The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. Synovus may not redeem the Series A Preferred Stock during the first three years except with the proceeds from a qualified equity offering of not less than $241,967,500. After February 15, 2012, Synovus may, with the consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, redeem, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred Stock at the liquidation amount per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. Prior to December 19, 2011, unless Synovus has redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock or the Treasury has transferred the Series A Preferred Stock to a third party, the consent of the Treasury will be required for Synovus to (1) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on common stock, par value $1.00 per share, other than regular quarterly cash dividends of not more than $0.06 per share, or (2) redeem, repurchase or acquire Synovus common stock or other equity or capital securities, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice. A consequence of the Series A Preferred Stock purchase includes certain restrictions on executive compensation that could limit the tax deductibility of compensation that Synovus pays to executive management. The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Treasury’s February 10, 2009, Financial Stability Plan and regulations issued on June 30,15, 2009 under these laws may retroactively affect Synovus and modify the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock. In particular, the ARRA provides that the Series A Preferred Stock may now be redeemed at any time with the consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
As part of its issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus issued the Treasury a warrant to purchase up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus common stock (the Warrant) at an initial per share exercise price of $9.36. The Warrant provides for the adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Synovus common stock issuable upon exercise pursuant to customary anti-dilution provisions, such as upon stock splits or distributions of securities or other assets to holders of our common stock, and upon certain issuances of our common stock at or below a specified price relative to the initial exercise price. The Warrant expires on December 19, 2018. If, on or prior to December 31, 2009, Synovus receives aggregate gross cash proceeds of not less than $967,870,000 from “qualified equity offerings” announced after October 13, 2008, the number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Treasury’s exercise of the Warrant will be reduced by one-half of the original number of shares, taking into account all adjustments, underlying the Warrant. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.
Synovus allocated the total proceeds received from the Treasury based on the relative fair values of the preferred shares and the Warrants. This allocation resulted in the preferred shares and the Warrants being initially recorded at amounts that are less than their respective fair values at the issuance date.

9


The $48.5 million discount on the Series A Preferred Stock is being accreted using a constant effective yield over the five-year period preceding the 9% perpetual dividend. Synovus records increases in the carrying amount of the preferred shares resulting from accretion of the discount by charges against retained earnings.
Common Stock
On September 22, 2009, Synovus completed a public offering of 150,000,000 shares of Synovus’ $1.00 par value common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, generating proceeds of $570.9 million, net of issuance costs.
Exchange of Subordinated Debt for Common Stock
On November 5, 2009, Synovus completed its previously announced exchange offer (Exchange Offer) of $29,820,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.875% Subordinated Notes Due 2013 (the “Notes”). The notes exchanged in the Exchange Offer represent 12.6% of the $236,570,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding prior to the Exchange Offer. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Offer, Synovus has issued approximately 9.44 million shares of the Company’s common stock as consideration for the Notes. The Exchange Offer resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $8.0 million which will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2009.
Note 3 —4 – Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, the change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale, and the amortization of the post-retirement unfunded health benefit. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) plus other comprehensive income (loss).
Comprehensive income (loss) for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Net income (loss) $(720,981) 94,790  (584,253) 12,237  $(1,160,782) 59,319  (439,802)  (35,471)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:  
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges  (11,689) 475  (7,658)  (11,825)  (14,995) 4,289  (3,306) 3,813 
Change in net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment  (12,136)  (1,816)  (11,881)  (50,107)
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on investment securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment  (6,364) 387 5,772 2,203 
Amortization of postretirement unfunded health benefit 92 92 46 46  138 138 46 46 
                  
Other comprehensive loss  (23,733)  (1,249)  (19,493)  (61,886)
Other comprehensive income (loss)  (21,221) 4,814 2,512 6,062 
                  
Comprehensive income (loss) $(744,714) 93,541  (603,746)  (49,649) $(1,182,003) 64,133  (437,290)  (29,409)
                  

810


Note 4 —5 – Investment Securities
The following tables summarize Synovus’ available for sale investment securities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                                
 June 30, 2009  September 30, 2009 
 Gross Gross    Gross Gross   
 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 
(in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value  Cost Gains Losses Value 
U.S. Treasury securities $1,079   1,079  $20,831 ¾  (14) 20,817 
Other U.S. Government agency securities 1,463,391 51,456  (1,490) 1,513,357  1,061,293 35,697  (420) 1,096,570 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 1,743,716 72,956  (259) 1,816,413 
Government agency issued mortgage- backed securities 1,872,244 95,455  (13) 1,967,686 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations 100,867 2,739  103,606  92,059 3,413 ¾ 95,472 
State and municipal securities 104,502 2,262  (366) 106,398  96,377 3,208  (59) 99,526 
Equity securities 9,205 2,041  11,246  9,455 1,457  (268) 10,644 
Other investments 7,939 154  8,093  7,946 154 ¾ 8,100 
                  
Total $3,430,699 131,608  (2,115) 3,560,192  $3,160,205 139,384  (774) 3,298,815 
                  
                                
 December 31, 2008  December 31, 2008 
 Gross Gross    Gross Gross   
 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 
(in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Value  Cost Gains Losses Value 
U.S. Treasury securities $4,576 2  4,578  $4,576 2 ¾ 4,578 
Other U.S. Government agency securities 1,474,409 78,227  1,552,636  1,474,409 78,227 ¾ 1,552,636 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 1,888,128 68,411  (568) 1,955,971 
Government agency issued mortgage- backed securities 1,888,128 68,411  (568) 1,955,971 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations 114,727 1,877  (162) 116,442  114,727 1,877  (162) 116,442 
State and municipal securities 120,552 3,046  (317) 123,281  120,552 3,046  (317) 123,281 
Equity securities 9,455   (1,288) 8,167  9,455 ¾  (1,288) 8,167 
Other investments 9,021   (74) 8,947  9,021 ¾  (74) 8,947 
                  
Total $3,620,868 151,563  (2,409) 3,770,022  $3,620,868 151,563  (2,409) 3,770,022 
                  
At JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, investment securities with a carrying value of $2.5$2.3 billion and $3.1$3.2 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure certain deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances, as required by law and contractual agreements.
At June 30, 2009, Synovus has reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position in accordanceIn association with its accounting policy for other-than-temporary impairment and, other than noted below, does not consider them other-than-temporarily impaired. Subsequent to June 30, 2009, as parta targeted reallocation of an investment portfolio reallocation strategy, management has been reviewing specificcertain securities within the available for saleinvestment securities portfolio, for potentialSynovus sold $240.3 million in Other U.S. Government agency securities that resulted in proceeds of $255.0 million and the recognition of $14.8 million in gross realized securities gains ($14.7 million in net realized securities gains). Synovus used the specific identification method in determining these gains on sale. Based upon the securities under sale consideration, any amount of loss recognized would be inconsequential. With the exception of this small group of securities under review, Synovus does not intend to sell its debt securities and it is more likely than not that Synovus will not be required to sell the securities prior to recovery. Additionally, the decline in value is not attributable to credit losses.

911


Gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, were as follows:
                                                
 June 30, 2009  September 30, 2009 
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value  Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value 
 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized  Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized 
(in thousands) Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses  Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses 
U.S. Treasury securities $       $19,736  (14) ¾ ¾ 19,736  (14)
Other U.S. Government agency securities 88,145  (1,490)   88,145  (1,490) 35,837  (420) ¾ ¾ 35,837  (420)
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 63,271  (259) 42  63,313  (259) 2,477  (12) 83  (1) 2,560  (13)
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations   61  61  
State and municipal securities 10,726  (334) 2,123  (32) 12,849  (366) 3,190  (28) 2,341  (31) 5,531  (59)
Equity securities        2,988  (268) ¾ ¾ 2,988  (268)
Other investments       
                          
Total $162,142  (2,083) 2,226  (32) 164,368  (2,115) $64,228  (742) 2,424  (32) 66,652  (774)
                          
                                                
 December 31, 2008  December 31, 2008 
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value  Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Value 
 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized  Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized 
(in thousands) Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses  Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses 
U.S. Treasury securities $      
Other U.S. Government agency securities       
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 120,428  (437) 18,480  (131) 138,908  (568) $120,428  (437) 18,480  (131) 138,908  (568)
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations 19,410  (98) 9,104  (64) 28,514  (162) 19,410  (98) 9,104  (64) 28,514  (162)
State and municipal securities 4,724  (142) 2,246  (175) 6,970  (317) 4,724  (142) 2,246  (175) 6,970  (317)
Equity securities 4,012  (1,288)   4,012  (1,288) 4,012  (1,288) ¾ ¾ 4,012  (1,288)
Other investments   926  (74) 926  (74) ¾ ¾ 926  (74) 926  (74)
                          
Total $148,574  (1,965) 30,756  (444) 179,330  (2,409) $148,574  (1,965) 30,756  (444) 179,330  (2,409)
                          
Synovus holds two debt securities, classified as other investments within its portfolio of available for sale investment securities, for which the fair value is other-than-temporarily impaired. These securities were fully impaired and had no carrying value at JuneSeptember 30, 2009. At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these securities was approximately $819 thousand. During the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus recorded impairment charges of $819 thousand and $380 thousand,$0, respectively, for other-than-temporary impairment. These charges are fully credit related, and have been recognized as a component of other non-interest income.
During the three months ended JuneAt September 30, 2009, Synovus adopted the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 are intended to bring greater consistency to the timing of impairment recognition, and provide greater clarity to investors about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debthas reviewed investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its accounting policy for other-than-temporary impairment and, other than previously noted, does not expectedconsider them other-than-temporarily impaired. Synovus does not intend to sell its debt securities, and it is more likely than not that Synovus will not be sold. The impactrequired to Synovus was insignificant.sell the securities prior to recovery.

1012


The amortized cost and estimated fair value by contractual maturity of investment securities available for sale at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without a call or prepayment penalties.
                
 June 30, 2009  September 30, 2009 
 Amortized Estimated  Amortized Estimated 
(in thousands) Cost Fair Value  Cost Fair Value 
 
U.S. Treasury securities:  
Within 1 year $199 199  $275 275 
1 to 5 years 880 880  20,556 20,542 
5 to 10 years      
More than 10 years      
          
Total U.S. Treasury securities $1,079 1,079  $20,831 20,817 
          
  
U.S. Government agency securities:  
Within 1 year $285,386 290,964  $230,942 235,698 
1 to 5 years 485,461 505,474  381,446 398,258 
5 to 10 years 505,813 523,032  421,615 433,866 
More than 10 years 186,731 193,887  27,290 28,748 
          
Total U.S. Government agency securities $1,463,391 1,513,357  $1,061,293 1,096,570 
          
  
State and municipal securities:  
Within 1 year $11,817 11,924  $10,104 10,183 
1 to 5 years 46,591 47,747  41,967 43,225 
5 to 10 years 35,541 36,298  33,882 35,278 
More than 10 years 10,553 10,429  10,424 10,840 
          
Total state and municipal securities $104,502 106,398  $96,377 99,526 
          
  
Other investments:  
Within 1 year $   $  
1 to 5 years 997 997  997 997 
5 to 10 years 1,800 1,800  1,800 1,800 
More than 10 years 5,142 5,296  5,149 5,303 
          
Total other investments $7,939 8,093  $7,946 8,100 
          
  
Equity securities $9,205 11,246  $9,455 10,644 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 1,743,716 1,816,413  1,872,244 1,967,686 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations 100,867 103,606  92,059 95,472 
          
Total investment securities $3,430,699 3,560,192  $3,160,205 3,298,815 
          
  
Within 1 year $297,402 303,087  $241,321 246,156 
1 to 5 years 533,929 555,098  444,966 463,022 
5 to 10 years 543,154 561,130  457,297 470,944 
More than 10 years 202,426 209,612  42,863 44,891 
Equity securities 9,205 11,246  9,455 10,644 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities 1,743,716 1,816,413  1,872,244 1,967,686 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations 100,867 103,606  92,059 95,472 
          
Total $3,430,699 3,560,192  $3,160,205 3,298,815 
          

1113


Note 5 —6 – Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges represent severance and other project related costs incurred in conjunction with the implementation of Project Optimus (an initiative focused on operating efficiency gains and enhanced revenue growth) as well as severance costs associated with additional job function and position eliminations identified during the first quarter of 2009 as part of a continued effort to manage a leaner organization. Synovus expects to incur approximately $25.0$23.0 million in restructuring costs related to these efficiency efforts, of which $16.1 million was recorded through December 31, 2008. Synovus recorded $6.8$6.3 million and $397$(413) thousand in restructuring (severance) charges during the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. Synovus has recorded cumulative restructuring charges through JuneSeptember 30, 2009 of $22.9$22.5 million. At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus had an accrued liability of $3.5$1.3 million related to restructuring charges.
Note 6 — Standby Letters of Credit
Synovus provides credit enhancements in the form of standby letters of credit to assist certain commercial customers in obtaining long-term funding through taxable and tax-exempt bond issues. Under these agreements and under certain conditions, if the bondholder requires the issuer to repurchase the bonds, Synovus is obligated to provide funding under the letter of credit to the issuer to finance the repurchase of the bonds by the issuer. Bondholders (investors) may require the issuer to repurchase the bonds on a weekly basis for reasons including general liquidity needs of the investors, general industry/market considerations, as well as changes in Synovus’ credit ratings. Synovus’ maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty is represented by the contract amount of those instruments. Synovus applies the same credit policies in entering into commitments and conditional obligations as it does for loans. The maturities and yields of the funded letters of credit are comparable to those for new commercial loans. Synovus has issued approximately $1.37 billion in letters of credit related to these bond issuances. At June 30, 2009, substantially all of these standby letters of credit have been funded and are now reported as a component of total loans.
Note 7 Other Loans Held for Sale
Loans or pools of loans are transferred to the other loans held for sale portfolio when the intent to hold the loans has changed due to portfolio management or risk mitigation strategies, there is a plan to sell the loans within a reasonable period of time, and the individual loans are specifically identified. The value of the loans or pools of loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the anticipated external market prices of similar assets. At the time of transfer, if the estimated net realizable value is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. Decreases in estimated net realizable value subsequent to the transfer as well as losses (gains) from sale of these loans are recognized as a component of non-interest expense. During the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus transferred loans with a cost basis totaling $97.5$199.0 million and $56.7$101.5 million to the other loans held for sale portfolio, respectively. Synovus recognized charge-offs on these loans totaling $50.2$80.8 million and $30.7$30.6 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively. These charge-offs, which resulted in a new cost basis of $47.3$118.2 million and $26.0$70.9 million for the loans transferred during for the sixnine and ninethree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively, were based on the estimated sales price of the loans at the time of transfer. Subsequent to their transfer to the other loans held for sale portfolio, Synovus foreclosed on certain other loans held for sale and transferred foreclosed assets of $1.7 million to other real estate during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.

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Note 8 Loans, Net of Unearned Income
Loans, net of unearned income, at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are presented below:
                
 June 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Investment properties $5,897,025 5,522,751  $5,819,078 5,522,751 
1-4 family properties 4,393,608 5,177,246  3,868,418 5,177,246 
Land acquisition 1,619,395 1,620,370  1,485,568 1,620,370 
          
Total commercial real estate loans 11,910,028 12,320,367  11,173,064 12,320,367 
Commercial and industrial loans 11,374,893 11,247,267  10,915,923 11,247,267 
Retail loans 4,329,129 4,389,926  4,264,995 4,389,926 
          
Total loans 27,614,050 27,957,560  26,353,982 27,957,560 
Unearned income  (28,309)  (37,383)  (22,243)  (37,383)
          
Loans, net of unearned income $27,585,741 27,920,177  $26,331,739 27,920,177 
          

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Note 9 Allowance for Loan Losses
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Balance, beginning of period $598,301 367,613 642,422 394,848  $598,301 367,613 918,723 417,813 
Provision for losses on loans 921,963 184,665 631,526 93,616  1,418,485 336,016 496,522 151,351 
Loans charged off, net of recoveries  (601,541)  (134,465)  (355,225)  (70,651)  (1,098,318)  (239,793)  (496,777)  (105,328)
                  
Balance, end of period $918,723 417,813 918,723 417,813  $918,468 463,836 918,468 463,836 
                  
Note 10 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. In accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accountingprovisions of ASC 310-10-35 regarding subsequent measurement of loans for impairments and ASC 310-40-15 regarding accounting for troubled debt restructurings by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” and SFAS No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings,”creditor, 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.
ORE is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of fair value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustment to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Revenue and expenses from ORE operations as well as gains or losses on salesales and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as foreclosed real estate expense, a component of non-interest expense.

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The carrying value of ORE was $211.0$187.5 million and $246.1 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, approximately $337.5$504.3 million of loans and $1.7 million of other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expenses of $218.7$320.2 million and $21.6$64.8 million, respectively.
Foreclosed real estate expenses recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2009 include an $186.4 million charge for the recognition These costs primarily consist of charges related to declines in fair value or reductions in estimated realizable value subsequent to the date of foreclosure, $19.0 million in net losses resulting from sales transactions which have already closed, $9.8 million in carrying costs associated with ORE, and $3.5 million in legal and appraisal fees.
Synovus sold ORE with a carrying value of $243.0 million and $168.7 million during the six and three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, principally through liquidation sales at prices less than fair value. Synovus received proceeds of approximately $164.4 million and $107.4 million and recognized charges for losses of $78.5 million and $61.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, in connection with these ORE sales. These losses included write-downs to net realizable value which preceded sales transactions, and to a lesser degree, losses on sale for differences between liquidation carrying values and the net proceeds received upon sale.foreclosure.
Note 11 — Fair Value Accounting
Effective January 1, 2008, Synovus adopted Statementprovisions included in ASC 820-10 regarding fair value measurements and disclosures and provisions of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) and SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 157ASC 825-10 regarding the fair value option as described in ASC 825-10-10. ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP),GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statementThe provisions of ASC 820-10 did not introduce any new requirements mandating the use of fair value; rather, it unified the meaning of fair value and added additional fair value disclosures.

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SFAS No.159 permits
ASC 825-10 includes provisions that permit entities to make an irrevocable election, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other instruments at fair value. After the initial adoption, the election is made at the acquisition of an eligible financial asset, financial liability, or firm commitment or when certain specified reconsideration events occur. As of January 1, 2008, Synovus elected the fair value option (FVO) for mortgage loans held for sale and certain callable brokered certificates of deposit. Accordingly, a cumulative effect adjustment of $58 thousand ($91 thousand less $33 thousand of income taxes) was recorded as an increase to retained earnings.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed the effective date for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. As of January 1, 2009, Synovus adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities.
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus adopted FSP No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” FSP No. FAS 157-4 is intended to determine the fair value when there is no active market or where the inputs being used represent distressed sales. The impact to Synovus was insignificant.

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During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus adopted FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 expands the fair value disclosures required for all financial instruments that are currently not reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. The disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments not reflected at fair value on the balance sheet is now also required on an interim basis.
The following is a description of the assets and liabilities for which fair value has been elected, including the specific reasons for electing fair value.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale (MLHFS) have been previously accounted for on a lower of aggregate cost or fair value basis pursuant to SFAS No. 65, “AccountingASC 948-310-35 regarding accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities” (SFAS No. 65).certain mortgage banking activities. For certain mortgage loan types, fair value hedge accounting was utilized by Synovus to hedge a given mortgage loan pool, and the underlying mortgage loan balances were adjusted for the change in fair value related to the hedged risk (fluctuation in market interest rates) in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accountingprovisions of ASC 815-20-25 and ASC 815-25-35 regarding accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”,fair value hedges as amended and interpreted (SFAS No. 133).derivative instruments. For those certain mortgage loan types, Synovus is still able to achieve an effective economic hedge by being able to mark-to-market the underlying mortgage loan balances through the income statement, but has eliminated the operational time and expense needed to manage a hedge accounting program under SFAS No. 133.ASC 815-25-35. Previously under SFAS No. 65,ASC 948-310-35, Synovus was exposed, from an accounting perspective, only to the downside risk of market volatilities; however by electing FVO, Synovus may now also recognize the associated gains on the mortgage loan portfolio as favorable changes in the market occur.
Certain Callable Brokered Certificates of Deposit
Synovus has elected FVO for certain callable brokered certificates of deposit (CDs) to ease the operational burdens required to maintain hedge accounting for such instruments under the constructs of SFAS No. 133.ASC 815. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 159,the provisions included in ASC 825-10-10, Synovus was highly effective in hedging the risk related to changes in fair value, due to fluctuations in market interest rates, by engaging in various interest rate derivatives. However, SFAS No. 133ASC 815 requires an extensive documentation process for each hedging relationship and an extensive process related to assessing the effectiveness and measuring ineffectiveness related to such hedges. By electing FVO on these previously hedged callable brokered CDs, Synovus is still able to achieve an effective economic hedge by being able to mark-to-market the underlying CDs through the income statement, but has eliminated the operational time and expense needed to manage a hedge accounting program under SFAS No. 133.ASC 815. As of June 30, 2009, all of these callable brokered certificates of deposit either had been called or had matured. As no such instruments were acquired during the third quarter, the balance for callable brokered certificate of deposits remained at zero as of September 30, 2009.

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The following table summarizes the impact of adopting the fair value option for these financial instruments as of January 1, 2008. Amounts shown represent the carrying value of the affected instruments before and after the changes in accounting resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 159.ASC 825-10-10.
             
  Ending  Cumulative  Opening 
  Balance Sheet  Effect  Balance Sheet 
  December 31,  Adjustment  January 1, 
(dollars in thousands) 2007  Gain, net  2008 
Mortgage loans held for sale $153,437  $91  $153,528 
Certain callable brokered CDs  293,842      293,842 
            
Pre-tax cumulative effect of adoption of the fair value option      91     
Deferred tax liability      (33)    
            
Cumulative effect of adoption of the fair value option (increase to retained earnings)     $58     
            
Determination of Fair Value
SFAS No. 157ASC 820-10 defines fair value 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. SFAS No. 157During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus adopted provisions included in ASC 820-10 as described in ASC 820-10-65-4 regarding determination of fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly. These provisions of ASC 820-10 are intended to determine the fair value when there is no active market or where the inputs being used represent distressed sales. The impact to Synovus was insignificant. ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements based on significant inputs used to determine the fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows:
   
Level 1
 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include corporate debt and equity securities, as well as certain U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprise debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
 
Level 2
 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises and agency mortgage-backed debt securities, obligations of states and municipalities, certain callable brokered certificates of deposit, collateralized mortgage obligations, derivative contracts, and mortgage loans held-for-sale.
 
Level 3
 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little if any market activity for the asset or liability. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category primarily includes

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collateral-dependent impaired loans, other real estate, certain equity investments, and certain private equity investments.

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Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Trading Account Assets/Liabilities and Investment Securities Available for Sale
Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are valued at the last traded price by obtaining feeds from a number of live data sources including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers. These securities are classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy and include U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, and corporate debt and equity securities. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated by using bid prices and quoted prices of pools or tranches of securities with similar characteristics. These types of securities are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy and consist of collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed debt securities, debt securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises and agencies, and state and municipal bonds. In both cases, Synovus has evaluated the valuation methodologies of its third party valuation providers to determine whether such valuations are representative of an exit price in Synovus’ principal markets. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to valuation, securities are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Since quoted market prices are not available, fair value is derived from a hypothetical-securitization model used to project the “exit price” of the loan in securitization. The bid pricing convention is used for loan pricing for similar assets. The valuation model is based upon forward settlement of a pool of loans of identical 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 predominantly 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.
Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments consist primarily of investments in venture capital funds. The valuation of these instruments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. Based on these factors, the ultimate realizable value of private equity investments could differ significantly from the values reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Private equity investments are valued initially based upon transaction price. Thereafter, Synovus uses information provided by the fund managers in the determination of estimated fair value. Valuation factors such as recent or proposed purchase or sale of debt or equity of the issuer, pricing by other dealers in similar securities, size of position held, liquidity of the market and changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer are used in the determination of estimated fair value. These private equity investments are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.

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Private equity investments may also include investments in publicly traded equity securities, which have restrictions on their sale, generally obtained through an initial public offering. Investments in the restricted publicly traded equity securities are recorded at fair value based on the quoted market value less adjustments for regulatory or contractual sales restrictions. Discounts for restrictions are determined based upon the length of the restriction period and the volatility of the equity security. Investments in restricted publicly traded equity securities are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
Synovus is considering the sale of all or a portion of its ownership interest in certain private equity investments. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820-10-30-3, the transaction price would equal the exit price and therefore represent the fair value of the asset. During November 2009, Synovus received information which represents an estimate of the expected transaction price for the sale of these investments. Based on this information, Synovus updated its estimate of fair value for such investments, and recorded an unrealized loss of $6.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2009.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities
Derivative instruments are valued using internally developed models. These derivatives include interest rate swaps, floors, caps, and collars. The sale of to-be-announced (TBA) mortgage-backed securities for current month delivery or in the future and the purchase of option contracts of similar duration are derivatives utilized by Synovus’ mortgage subsidiary, and are valued by obtaining prices directly from dealers in the form of quotes for identical securities or options using a bid pricing convention with a spread between bid and offer quotations. All of these types of derivatives are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The mortgage subsidiary originates mortgage loans which are classified as derivatives prior to the loan closing when there is a lock commitment outstanding to a borrower to close a loan at a specific interest rate. These derivatives are valued based on the other mortgage derivatives mentioned above except there are fall-out ratios for interest rate lock commitments that have an additional input which is considered Level 3. Therefore, this type of derivative instrument is classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. These amounts, however, are insignificant.
Certain Callable Brokered Certificates of Deposit
The fair value of certain callable brokered certificates of deposit is derived using several inputs in a valuation model that calculates the discounted cash flows based upon a yield curve. Once the yield curve is constructed, it is applied against the standard certificate of deposit terms that may include the principal balance, payment frequency, term to maturity, and interest accrual to arrive at the discounted cash flow based fair value. When valuing the call option, as applicable, implied volatility is obtained for a similarly dated interest rate swaption, and it is also entered in the model. These types of certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. As of June 30, 2009, all of these callable brokered certificates of deposit either havehad been called or havehad matured. As no such instruments were acquired during the third quarter, the balance for callable brokered certificate of deposits remained at zero as of September 30, 2009.

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables present all financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial instruments for which Synovus has elected the fair value option as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 according to the SFAS No. 157 valuation hierarchy:hierarchy included in ASC 820-10:
                                
 June 30, 2009  September 30, 2009 
 Total  Total 
 Assets/Liabilities  Assets/Liabilities 
(in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 at Fair Value  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 at Fair Value 
 
Assets
  
Trading account assets $740 19,947  20,687  $1,152 12,251  13,403 
Mortgage loans held for sale  312,620  312,620   112,115  112,115 
Investment securities available for sale:  
U.S. Treasury securities 1,079   1,079  20,817   20,817 
Other U.S. Government agency securities  1,513,357  1,513,357   1,096,570  1,096,570 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities  1,816,413  1,816,413   1,967,686  1,967,686 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations  103,606  103,606   95,472  95,472 
State and municipal securities  106,398  106,398   99,526  99,526 
Equity securities 2,844  8,402 11,246  2,737  7,907 10,644 
Other investments   8,093 8,093    8,100 8,100 
                  
Total investment securities available for sale 3,923 3,539,774 16,495 3,560,192  23,554 3,259,254 16,007 3,298,815 
Private equity investments    135,653(1) 135,653     127,833(1) 127,833 
Derivative assets  159,179 804 159,983   140,543 2,028 142,571 
 
Liabilities
  
Trading account liabilities $ 13,327  13,327  $ 6,880  6,880 
Derivative liabilities  132,398  132,398   118,291  118,291 
                 
  December 31, 2008 
              Total 
              Assets/Liabilities 
(in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  at Fair Value 
Assets
                
Trading account assets $478   24,035      24,513 
Mortgage loans held for sale     133,637      133,637 
Investment securities available for sale:                
U.S. Treasury securities  4,578         4,578 
Other U.S. Government agency securities     1,552,636      1,552,636 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities     1,955,971      1,955,971 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations     116,442      116,442 
State and municipal securities     123,281      123,281 
Equity securities  2,756      5,411   8,167 
Other investments        8,947   8,947 
             
Total investment securities available for sale  7,334   3,748,330   14,358   3,770,022 
Private equity investments        123,475(1)  123,475 
Derivative assets     305,383   2,388   307,771 
                 
Liabilities
                
Brokered certificates of deposit(2)
 $   75,875      75,875 
Trading account liabilities     17,287      17,287 
Derivative liabilities     206,340      206,340 
 
(1) Amount represents the recorded value of private equity investments beforeincluding non-controlling interest. The value net ofexcluding non-controlling interest was $95.7$90.3 million and $85.7 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
 
(2) Amounts represent the value of certain callable brokered certificates of deposit for which Synovus has elected the fair value option under SFAS No. 159.ASC 825-10-10.

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Changes in Fair Value — FVO Items
The following table presents the changes in fair value included in the consolidated statements of income for items which the fair value election was made. The table does not reflect the change in fair value attributable to the related economic hedges Synovus used to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the financial instruments. These changes in fair value were recorded as a component of mortgage banking income and other non-interest income, as appropriate, and substantially offset the change in fair value of the financial instruments referenced below.
                                        
 Changes in Fair Value Gains (Losses) Changes in Fair Value Gains (Losses)
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009 September 30, 2009 September 30, 2009
 As of Mortgage Other Mortgage Other As of Mortgage Other Mortgage Other
 June 30, Banking Operating Banking Operating September 30, Banking Operating Banking Operating
(in thousands) 2009 Income Income Income Income 2009 Income Income Income Income
 
Mortgage loans held for sale $(512) $(5,455)   (3,779)   $2,847 $(2,096)  3,359  
Certain callable brokered certificates of deposit   520  18    520   
                                        
 Changes in Fair Value Gains (Losses) Changes in Fair Value Gains (Losses)
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2008 June 30, 2008 September 30, 2008 September 30, 2008
 As of Mortgage Other Mortgage Other As of Mortgage Other Mortgage Other
 June 30, Banking Operating Banking Operating September 30, Banking Operating Banking Operating
(in thousands) 2008 Income Income Income Income 2008 Income Income Income Income
 
Mortgage loans held for sale $104 $(2,320)   (2,370)   $1,315 $(1,109)  1,211  
Certain callable brokered certificates of deposit 90,722   (1,262)  988  90,370   (1,076)   (164)

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Changes in Level Three Fair Value Measurements
As noted above, Synovus uses significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to fair-value certain assets and liabilities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008. The tables below includesinclude a roll forward of the balance sheet amount for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments of a material nature that are classified by Synovus within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                                
 Six Months Ended June 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 2009 2008  2009 2008 
 Investment Investment    Investment Investment   
 Securities Private Securities Private  Securities Private Securities Private 
 Available Equity Available Equity  Available Equity Available Equity 
(in thousands) for Sale Investments for Sale Investments  for Sale Investments for Sale Investments 
Beginning balance, January 1 $14,358 123,475 14,619 77,417  $14,358 123,475 14,619 77,417 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized):  
Included in earnings   8,090(1)   4,946(1)   1,237(1)   17,673(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 3,240  (125)   2,973   (24)  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net  (1,103) 4,088 (1,830) 11,214   (1,324) 3,121  (3,158) 14,994 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3          
                  
Ending balance, June 30 $16,495 135,653 12,664 93,577 
Ending balance, September 30 $16,007 127,833 11,437 110,084 
                  
  
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30 $3,240 8,090  4,946 
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30 $ 1,237  17,673 
                                
 Three Months Ended June 30,  Three Months Ended September 30, 
 2009 2008  2009 2008 
 Investment Investment    Investment Investment   
 Securities Private Securities Private  Securities Private Securities Private 
 Available Equity Available Equity  Available Equity Available Equity 
(in thousands) for Sale Investments for Sale Investments  for Sale Investments for Sale Investments 
Beginning balance, April 1 $15,529 124,166 13,610 86,905 
Beginning balance, July 1 $16,495 135,653 12,664 93,577 
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized):  
Included in earnings   8,090(1)      (6,853)(1)   12,728(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income 1,852  (53)    (495)  102  
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net  (886) 3,397 (893) 6,672  7  (967)  (1,329) 3,779 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3          
                  
Ending balance, June 30 $16,495 135,653 12,664 93,577 
Ending balance, September 30, $16,007 127,833 11,437 110,084 
                  
  
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, $1,852 8,090   
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, $  (6,853)  12,728 
 
(1) Amount represents net gains or (losses) from private equity investments beforeincluding non-controlling interest. The net loss excluding the non-controlling interest was $1.3 million and $6.6 million for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. The net gain after non-controlling interest was $5.3$11.4 million and $8.0 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009and $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.2008, respectively.

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The tables below summarize gainsGains and losses due to changes in fair value, including both realized(realized and unrealized gains and losses, recordedunrealized) included in earnings or changes in net assets for material Level 3 assets and liabilities for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008.2008 in Miscellaneous Income as follows:
                 
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2009 2008
  Investment     Investment  
  Securities Private Securities Private
  Available Equity Available Equity
(in thousands) for Sale Investments for Sale Investments
Total increase in earnings $   8,090      4,946 
Change in unrealized losses to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009  3,240          
                 
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2009 2008
  Investment     Investment  
  Securities Private Securities Private
  Available Equity Available Equity
(in thousands) for Sale Investments for Sale Investments
Total increase in earnings $   8,090       
Change in unrealized losses to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2008  1,852          
                 
  2009  2008 
  Nine Months
Ended
  Three Months
Ended
  Nine Months
Ended
  Three Months
Ended
 
(in thousands) September 30,  September 30,  September 30,  September 30, 
Total gains or (losses) included in earnings for the period $1,237   (6,853)  17,673   12,728 
             
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, $1,237   (6,853)  17,673   12,728 
             
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
In February 2008, the FASB issued provisions included in ASC 820-10-15-1A which delayed the effective date for application of the provisions included in ASC 825-10 regarding fair value measurements and disclosures for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. As of January 1, 2009, Synovus adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10-15-1A for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities.
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above. These assets and liabilities primarily include impaired loans and other real estate. The amounts below represent only balances measured at fair value during the period and still held as of the reporting date, and losses recognized on those assets for all periods for which an income statement is presented.
                     
              Losses
              Six Months Three Months
              Ended Ended
 As of June 30, 2009 June 30, June 30,
(in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2009 2009
Impaired loans $       1,008.9   455.9   366.6(1)
Other real estate        211.0   127.0   103.1(2)
                     
              Losses
              Six Months Three Months
              Ended Ended
 As of June 30, 2008 June 30, June 30,
(in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2008 2008
Impaired loans $ —      485.7   65.5   40.5(1)
(1) Represents the carrying value of loans for which adjustments are based on the appraised value of the collateral. The excess of carrying value over estimated net realizable value is charged off as a component of provision expense.
 As of September 30, 2009
(2)(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3
Impaired loans $211.0 million is the amount which is included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents fair value1,045.8
Other loans held for these assets. $127.0 million and $103.1 million represent losses resulting from valuation adjustments to ORE subsequent to their initial classification as ORE for the six and three months ending June 30, 2009, respectively.sale40.0
Other real estate187.5

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As of December 31, 2008
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3
Impaired loans$729.6
Loans under the scope of SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (SFAS No. 114), are evaluated for impairment in accordance with provisions of ASC 310-10-35 using the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, a loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The measurement of impaired loans using future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate rather than the market rate of interest is not a fair value measurement and is therefore excluded from the requirements of SFAS No. 157. Impaired loans measured by applying the practical expedient in SFAS No. 114ASC 310-10-35 are included in the requirements of SFAS No. 157.ASC 820-10.
Under the practical expedient, Synovus measures the fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans based on the fair value of the collateral securing these loans. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Substantially all impaired loans are secured by real estate. The fair value of this real estate is generally determined based upon appraisals performed by a certified or licensed appraiser using inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization

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rates, and comparables, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management plans for disposition, which could result in adjustment to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.
The fair value of ORE is determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. An asset that is acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosures is valued at the fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to sell. The transfer at fair value results in a new cost basis for the asset. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically, and assets are marked to current fair value, but not to exceed the new cost basis. Determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure also considers management’s plans for disposition, including liquidation sales, which could result in adjustment to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair ValueDuring the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus adopted provisions included in ASC 825-10-65 regarding interim disclosures about fair value of Financial Instruments” (SFAS 107)financial instruments. ASC 825-10-65 expands the fair value disclosures required for all financial instruments that are currently not reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. The disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments not reflected at fair value on the balance sheet is now also required on an interim basis.
ASC 825-10-50 requires the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments including those financial instruments for which Synovus did not elect the fair value option. The following table presents the carrying and estimated fair values of on-balance sheet financial instruments at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. The fair value represents management’s best estimates based on a range of methodologies and assumptions.
Cash and due from banks, 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.
The fair value of loans is estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type, such as commercial, mortgage, home equity, credit card, and other consumer loans. Commercial loans are further segmented into certain collateral code groupings. The fair value of the loan portfolio is calculated, in accordance with SFAS 107,ASC 825-10-50, by discounting contractual cash flows using estimated market discount rates which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by SFAS No. 157.ASC 820-10.

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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. Short-term debt that matures within ten days is assumed to be at fair value. The fair value of other short-term and long-term debt with fixed interest rates is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows using estimated market discount rates.
                                
 June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 September 30, 2009 December 31, 2008
 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
(in thousands) Value Fair Value Value Fair Value Value Fair Value Value Fair Value
Financial assets:
  
Cash and due from banks $442,702 442,702 524,327 524,327  $401,778 401,778 524,327 524,327 
Interest bearing funds with Federal Reserve Bank 770,220 770,220 1,206,168 1,206,168  2,822,577 2,822,577 1,206,168 1,206,168 
Interest earning deposits with banks 7,269 7,269 10,805 10,805  12,771 12,771 10,805 10,805 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 170,824 170,824 388,197 388,197  180,194 180,194 388,197 388,197 
Trading account assets 20,687 20,687 24,513 24,513  13,403 13,403 24,513 24,513 
Mortgage loans held for sale 312,620 312,620 133,637 133,637  112,115 112,115 133,637 133,637 
Other loans held for sale 34,938 34,938 3,527 3,527  80,945 80,945 3,527 3,527 
Investment securities available for sale 3,560,192 3,560,192 3,770,022 3,770,022  3,298,815 3,298,815 3,770,022 3,770,022 
Loans, net 26,667,018 26,303,827 27,321,876 27,227,473  25,413,271 25,077,292 27,321,876 27,227,473 
Derivative asset positions 159,983 159,983 307,771 307,771  142,571 142,571 307,771 307,771 
Financial liabilities:
  
Non-interest bearing deposits $3,861,782 3,861,782 3,563,619 3,563,619  $4,018,045 4,018,045 3,563,619 3,563,619 
Interest bearing deposits 23,562,032 23,677,583 25,053,560 25,209,084  24,036,146 24,108,113 25,053,560 25,209,084 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 1,580,259 1,580,259 725,869 725,869 
Federal funds purchased and other short- term borrowings 1,030,520 1,030,520 725,869 725,869 
Trading account liabilities 13,327 13,327 17,287 17,827  6,880 6,880 17,287 17,827 
Long-term debt 1,865,491 1,574,033 2,107,173 1,912,679  1,963,136 1,762,704 2,107,173 1,912,679 
Derivative liability positions 132,398 132,398 206,340 206,340  118,291 118,291 206,340 206,340 
Note 12 — Derivative Instruments
As part of its overall interest rate risk management activities, Synovus utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to various types of interest rate risk. These derivative instruments consist of interest rate swaps, commitments to sell fixed-rate mortgage loans, and interest rate lock commitments made to prospective mortgage loan customers. Interest rate lock commitments represent derivative instruments since it is intended that such loans will be sold.
Synovus utilizes interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks, primarily arising from its core banking activities. These interest rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating rate interest rate payment obligations without the exchange of underlying principal amounts.

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The receive fixed interest rate swap contracts at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 are being utilized to hedge $650$600 million in floating rate loans and $349$240 million in fixed-rate liabilities. A summary of interest rate swap contracts and their terms at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 is shown below. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133,ASC 815, the fair value (net unrealized gains and losses) of these contracts has been recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
                                                
 Weighted-Average    Weighted-Average   
 Maturity    Maturity   
 Notional Receive Pay In Fair Value  Notional Receive Pay In Fair Value 
(dollars in thousands) Amount Rate Rate(*) Months Assets Liabilities  Amount Rate Rate(*) Months Assets Liabilities 
Receive fixed interest rate swaps:  
Fair value hedges $348,936  2.35%  0.67% 7 $1,663  (16) $240,000  1.40%  0.42% 8 $1,431  
Cash flow hedges 650,000  7.93%  3.25% 19 37,057   600,000  7.95%  3.25% 17 33,133  
              
Total $998,936  5.98%  2.35% 15 $38,720  (16) $840,000  6.08%  2.44% 15 $34,564  
              
 
(*) Variable pay rate based upon contract rates in effect at JuneSeptember 30, 2009.
Cash Flow Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of floating rate loans as cash flow hedges. These swaps hedge against the variability of cash flows from specified pools of floating rate prime based loans. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the hedging relationship quarterly using regression analysis for all cash flow hedges entered into after March 31, 2007. The cumulative dollar offset method is used for all hedges entered into prior to that date. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. Ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2009, there was no cumulative ineffectiveness for Synovus’ portfolio of cash flow hedges represented a gain of approximately $39 thousand.hedges.
Synovus expects to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) approximately $18.1$16.9 million as net-of-tax income during the next twelve months, as the related payments for interest rate swaps and amortization of deferred gains (losses) are recorded.
Fair Value Hedges
Synovus designates hedges of fixed rate liabilities as fair value hedges. These swaps hedge against the change in fair market value of various fixed rate liabilities due to changes in the benchmark interest rate LIBOR. Synovus calculates effectiveness of the fair value hedges quarterly using regression analysis. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2009, cumulative ineffectiveness for Synovus’ portfolio of fair value hedges represented a gain of approximately $336$78 thousand. Ineffectiveness from fair value hedges is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of other non-interest income.
Customer Related Derivative Positions
Synovus also enters into derivative financial instruments to meet the financing and interest rate risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, Synovus enters into offsetting positions in order to minimize the interest rate risk to Synovus. These derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2009, the notional amount of customer related interest rate derivative financial instruments, including both the customer

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position and the offsetting position, was $3.68$2.94 billion, an increasea decrease of $27.9$765.8 million compared to December 31, 2008.
Mortgage Derivatives
Synovus originates first lien residential mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market and generally does not hold the originated loans for investment purposes. Mortgage loans are sold by Synovus for conversion to securities and the servicing is sold to a third party servicing aggregator, or the mortgage loans are sold as whole loans to investors either individually or in bulk.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus had commitments to fund primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers in the amount of $181.4$176.0 million. The fair value of these commitments at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 resulted in an unrealized gain of $804 thousand,$2.0 million, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, outstanding commitments to sell primarily fixed-rate mortgage loans amounted to approximately $527.5$224.7 million. Such commitments are entered into to reduce the exposure to market risk arising from potential changes in interest rates, which could affect the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale and outstanding commitments to originate residential mortgage loans for resale.
The commitments to sell mortgage loans are at fixed prices and are scheduled to settle at specified dates that generally do not exceed 90 days. The fair value of outstanding commitments to sell mortgage loans at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 resulted in an unrealized loss of $4.8$1.5 million, which was recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the consolidated statements of income.
Counterparty Credit Risk and Collateral
Entering into interest rate derivatives potentially exposes Synovus to the risk of counterparties’ failure to fulfill their legal obligations including, but not limited to, potential amounts due or payable under each derivative contract. Notional principal amounts are often used to express the volume of these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. Synovus assesses the credit risk of its counterparties regularly, monitoring publicly available credit rating information as well as other market based or, where applicable, customer specific credit metrics. Collateral requirements are determined via policies and procedures and in accordance with existing agreements.agreements and reserves for credit losses on swaps are recorded when such losses are probable. Synovus minimizes credit risk by dealing with highly rated counterparties and by obtaining collateral as required by policy.
Collateral Contingencies
Certain of Synovus’ derivative instruments contain provisions that require Synovus to maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. Should Synovus’ credit rating fall below investment grade,A failure to meet these provisions, allowas is currently the counterparties ofcase for the derivative instrumentcompany, allows certain counterparties to request immediate termination or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position on JuneSeptember 30, 2009 is $127.6 million. During$116.7 million, for which Synovus had posted collateral value of $128.4 million in the second quarternormal course of 2009, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s downgraded Synovus and its affiliate banks ratings to below investment grade. Due to these downgrades, Synovus was required to post additional collateral against these positions. As of June 30, a total of $122.1 million of collateral has been pledgedbusiness.

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against liability derivative positions. Also as a result of these downgrades, Synovus received notification from two counterparties who exercised their provision to terminate their swap positions with Synovus. Synovus received $17.9 million as net settlements during the three months ended June 30, 2009 as a result of these terminations, including terminations of swaps in both asset and liability positions.
The impact of derivatives on the balance sheet at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                        
                         Fair Value of Derivative Assets Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities 
 Fair Value of Derivative Assets Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities    September 30,   September 30, 
 Balance Sheet June 30, Balance Sheet June 30,  Balance Sheet   Balance Sheet   
(in thousands) Location 2009 2008 Location 2009 2008  Location 2009 2008 Location 2009 2008 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
  
Interest rate contracts:  
Fair value hedges Other assets $1,663 13,277 Other liabilities $16 1,414  Other assets $1,431 15,531 Other liabilities $ 3,060 
Cash flow hedges Other assets 37,057 31,439 Other liabilities  1,241  Other assets 33,133 38,214 Other liabilities   
                  
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $38,720 44,716 $16 2,655  $34,564 53,745 $ 3,060 
                  
  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
  
Interest rate contracts Other assets $120,459 64,437 Other liabilities $127,621 65,585  Other assets $105,979 69,258 Other liabilities $116,748 70,398 
Mortgage derivatives Other assets 804 1,127 Other liabilities 4,761  (877) Other assets 2,028 140 Other liabilities 1,543  (214)
                  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $121,263 65,564 $132,382 64,708  $108,007 69,398 $118,291 70,184 
                  
  
Total derivatives $159,983 110,280 $132,398 67,363  $142,571 123,143 $118,291 73,244 
                  
The effect of derivatives on the consolidated statements of income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                                                
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)      Amount of Gain (Loss) Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)     
 Recognized in OCI on Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)  Recognized in OCI on Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI Location of Amount of Gain (Loss) 
 Derivative Reclassified into Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  Derivative Reclassified into Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income 
 Effective Portion from OCI Effective Portion Recognized Ineffective Portion  Effective Portion from OCI Effective Portion Recognized Ineffective Portion 
 Six Months Ended into Income Six Months Ended in Income Six Months Ended  Nine Months Ended into Income Nine Months Ended in Income Nine Months Ended 
 June 30, Effective June 30, Ineffective June 30,  September 30, Effective September 30, Ineffective September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008  2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 
 
 Interest Income Other Non-Interest 
Interest rate contracts $5 6,047 (Expense) $11,694 5,572 Income $(203)  (20) $2,082 13,702 Interest Income(Expense) $17,076 9,412 Other
Non-Interest
Income
 $(203) 1,802 
                          
Total $5 6,047 $11,694 5,572 $(203)  (20) $2,082 13,702 $17,076 9,412 $(203) 1,802 
                          

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The effect of derivatives on the consolidated statements of income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                                
 Derivative Hedged Item  Derivative Hedged Item 
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss)  Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss) 
 Location of Recognized in Income Location of Recognized in Income  Location of Recognized in Income Location of Recognized in Income 
 Gain (Loss) on Derivative Gain (Loss) On Hedged Item  Gain (Loss) on Derivative Gain (Loss) On Hedged Item 
 Recognized in Six Months Ended Recognized in Six Months Ended  Recognized in Nine Months Ended Recognized in Nine Months Ended 
 Income on June 30, Income on June 30,  Income on September 30, Income on September 30, 
(in thousands) Derivative 2009 2008 Hedged Item 2009 2008  Derivative 2009 2008 Hedged Item 2009 2008 
Derivatives Designated in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
  
Interest rate contracts Other Non-Interest Income $(12,712)  (6,219) Other Non-Interest Income $12,066 7,129  Other Non-Interest Income $(12,928)  (5,610) Other Non-Interest Income $12,023 7,298 
                  
Total $(12,712)  (6,219) $12,066 7,129  $(12,928)  (5,610) $12,023 7,298 
                  
  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
  
Interest rate contracts Other Non-Interest Income (Expense) $(7,898) 6,088  Other Non-Interest Income(Expense) $(12,986) 7,158 
Mortgage derivatives Mortgage Revenues  (2,868) 2,848  Mortgage Revenues 1,572 1,198 
          
Total $(10,766) 8,936  $(11,414) 8,356 
          
The effect of derivatives on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                                                
 Amount of Gain (Loss)�� Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)      Amount of Gain (Loss) Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)     
 Recognized in OCI on Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI Location of Amount of Gain (Loss)  Recognized in OCI on Gain (Loss) Reclassified from OCI Location of Amount of Gain (Loss) 
 Derivative Reclassified into Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  Derivative Reclassified into Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income 
 Effective Portion from OCI Effective Portion Recognized Ineffective Portion  Effective Portion from OCI Effective Portion Recognized Ineffective Portion 
 Three Months Ended into Income Three Months Ended in Income Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended into Income Three Months Ended in Income Three Months Ended 
 June 30, Effective June 30, Ineffective June 30,  September 30, Effective September 30, Ineffective September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008  2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 Portion 2009 2008 
 Interest Income Other Non-Interest 
Interest rate contracts $(1,981)  (8,283) (Expense) $5,677 3,542 Income $6  (1,343) $2,077 7,655 Interest Income(Expense) $5,383 3,841 Other
Non-Interest
Income
 $ 1,822 
                          
Total $(1,981)  (8,283) $5,677 3,542 $6  (1,343) $2,077 7,655 $5,383 3,841 $ 1,822 
                          

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The effect of derivatives on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:
                                                
 Derivative Hedged Item  Derivative Hedged Item 
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss)  Amount of Gain (Loss) Amount of Gain (Loss) 
 Location of Recognized in Income Location of Recognized in Income  Location of Recognized in Income Location of Recognized in Income 
 Gain (Loss) on Derivative Gain (Loss) On Hedged Item  Gain (Loss) on Derivative Gain (Loss) On Hedged Item 
 Recognized in Three Months Ended Recognized in Three Months Ended  Recognized in Three Months Ended Recognized in Three Months Ended 
 Income on June 30, Income on June 30,  Income on September 30, Income on September 30, 
(in thousands) Derivative 2009 2008 Hedged Item 2009 2008  Derivative 2009 2008 Hedged Item 2009 2008 
Derivatives Designated in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
  
Interest rate contracts Other Non-Interest Income $(6,831)  (20,508) Other Non-Interest Income $5,939 20,029  Other Non-Interest Income $(216) 609 Other Non-Interest Income $(43) 169 
                  
Total $(6,831)  (20,508) $5,939 20,029  $(216) 609 $(43) 169 
                  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
   
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
Interest rate contracts Other Non-Interest  Other Non-Interest Income (Expense) $(5,088) 1,070 
 Income (Expense) $(269) 3,009 
Mortgage derivatives Mortgage Revenues  (3,036) 1,206  Mortgage Revenues 4,441  (1,651) 
          
Total $(3,305) 4,215  $(647)  (581) 
          
Note 13 — Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
On December 19, 2008, Synovus issued to the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury) 967,870 shares of Synovus’ Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value (the Series A Preferred Stock), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total price of $967,870,000. The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. Synovus may not redeem the Series A Preferred Stock during the first three years except with the proceeds from a qualified equity offering of not less than $241,967,500. After February 15, 2012, Synovus may, with the consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, redeem, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred Stock at the liquidation amount per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. Prior to December 19, 2011, unless Synovus has redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock or the Treasury has transferred the Series A Preferred Stock to a third party, the consent of the Treasury will be required for Synovus to (1) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on common stock, par value $1.00 per share, other than regular quarterly cash dividends of not more than $0.06 per share, or (2) redeem, repurchase or acquire Synovus common stock or other equity or capital securities, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice. A consequence of the Series A Preferred Stock purchase includes certain restrictions on executive compensation that could limit the tax deductibility of compensation that Synovus pays to executive management. The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Treasury’s February 10, 2009, Financial Stability Plan and regulations issued on June 15, 2009 under these laws may retroactively affect Synovus and modify the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock. In particular, the ARRA provides that the Series A Preferred Stock may now be redeemed at any time with the consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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As part of its issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus issued the Treasury a warrant to purchase up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus common stock (the Warrant) at an initial per share exercise price of $9.36. The Warrant provides for the adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Synovus common stock issuable upon exercise pursuant to customary anti-dilution provisions, such as upon stock splits or distributions of securities or other assets to holders of our common stock, and upon certain issuances of our common stock at or below a specified price relative to the initial exercise price. The Warrant expires on December 19, 2018. If, on or prior to December 31, 2009, Synovus receives aggregate gross cash proceeds of not less than $967,870,000 from “qualified equity offerings” announced after October 13, 2008, the number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Treasury’s exercise of the Warrant will be reduced by one-half of the original number of shares, taking into account all adjustments, underlying the Warrant. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.
Synovus allocated the total proceeds received from the Treasury based on the relative fair values of the preferred shares and the Warrants. This allocation resulted in the preferred shares and the Warrants being initially recorded at amounts that are less than their respective fair values at the issuance date.
The $48.5 million discount on the Series A Preferred Stock is being accreted using a constant effective yield over the five-year period preceding the 9% perpetual dividend. Synovus records increases in the carrying amount of the preferred shares resulting from accretion of the discount by charges against retained earnings.
Note 14 — Income Taxes
Synovus’ income tax returns are subject to review and examination by federal, state and local taxing jurisdictions. Currently, there are no years for which a federal income tax return is under examination by the IRS. However, certain state income tax examinations are currently in progress. Although Synovus is unable to determine the ultimate outcome of these examinations, Synovus believes that current income tax reserves determined in accordance with SFAS Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of SFAS No, 109”, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS No. 109) are adequate for theany uncertain income tax positions relating to these jurisdictions. The tax reserves were determined in accordance with sections 25 and 40 of ASC 740-10 and ASC 835-10-60-14 regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes as described in ASC 740-10-05-6. Adjustments to reserves are made when necessary to reflect a change in the probability outcome.
In connection with the spin-off of TSYS on December 31, 2007, Synovus entered into an income tax sharing agreement with TSYS, which requires TSYS to indemnify Synovus from potential income tax liabilities that may arise in future examinations as a result of TSYS’ inclusion in Synovus’ consolidated income tax return filings for calendar years prior to 2008.

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows(1):
                
 Six Months Six Months  Nine Months Nine Months 
 Ended Ended  Ended Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Balance at January 1, $8,021 7,074  $8,021 7,074 
First quarter activity:  
Additions based on tax positions related to current year 46 171  46 171 
Additions for tax positions of prior years  1,299   1,299 
Deductions for tax positions of prior years  (94)  (337)  (94)  (337)
Settlements      
          
Net, first quarter activity  (48) 1,133   (48) 1,133 
          
Balance at March 31, 2009 7,973 8,207  7,973 8,207 
Second quarter activity:  
Additions based on tax positions related to current year 89 322  89 322 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 39   39  
Deductions for tax positions of prior years  (51)    (51)  
Settlements      
          
Net, second quarter activity 77 322  77 322 
          
Balance at June 30, $8,050 8,529  8,050 8,529 
Third quarter activity: 
Additions based on tax positions related to current year 63 118 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 75 320 
Deductions for tax positions of prior years   (664)
Settlements  (716)  (482)
          
Net, third quarter activity  (578)  (708)
     
Balance at September 30, $7,472 7,821 
     
 
(1) Unrecognized state income tax benefits are not adjusted for the Federalfederal income tax impact.
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits are included as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The amount of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $1.5 million as of January 1 and JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively.2009. The total amount of unrecognized income tax benefits as of January 1 and JuneSeptember 30, 2009 that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate is $6.2 million and $5.9 million (net of the Federalfederal benefit on state income tax issues), respectively, which includes interest and penalties of $990 thousand and $979 thousand.$992 thousand respectfully. Synovus expects that approximately $915 thousand$1.6 million of uncertain income tax positions will be either settled or resolved during the next twelve months.
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus performed its quarterly assessmentUnder provisions of net deferred tax assets. Under SFAS No. 109,ASC 740-30-25, companies are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. AsPrimarily as a result of the increased credit losses, Synovus is now inreached a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position as ofduring the three months ended June 30, 2009. A cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence which is difficult to overcome in assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset whichasset. As a result, beginning with the second quarter of 2009, Synovus is difficult to overcome. Synovus did not considerno longer considering future taxable income in determining the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Synovus’ estimate of the realization of its deferred tax assets wasis solely based on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences taxable income in prior carry back years, and currently available tax planning strategies.

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This change resulted in an increase toin the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $173 million during the second quarter of 2009, and an effective tax rate of 18.6% for the first six months of 2009. The 18.6% effective tax rate was representative of the projected annual effective tax rate, which was largely determined based on management’s estimate of the pre-tax loss for the year.
During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.2009, management’s estimate of the anticipated pre-tax loss for the year increased. Based on the revised estimate, the effective tax rate for the year is estimated to be 14.4%. The increase ingross deferred tax asset increased approximately $133 million during the quarter, and the related valuation allowance increase for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was recorded through an adjustment to the estimated annual effective tax rate. approximately $155 million.
Based on current projections, Synovus estimates that the effective tax rate for the second half ofyear ending December 31, 2009 will remain atbe approximately the same level as the actual effective tax rate for the first half of 2009 (18.7%)14.4%. While there are many factors that could impact the actual effective tax rate, a significant factor is management’s projection of a pre-tax loss for the year. If the projected pre-tax losses varyloss varies significantly from current estimates, the actual effective tax rate could vary significantly.

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets is as follows:
                
(in thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Balance at January 1 $5,068   $5,068  
Increase for three months ended March 31 3,327 1,221  3,327 1,221 
Increase for the three months ended June 30 173,424 767  173,424 767 
Increase for the three months ended September 30 154,981 789 
          
Balance at June 30 $181,819 1,988 
Balance at September 30 $336,800 2,777 
          
Note 1514 — Visa Initial Public Offering and Litigation Expense
Synovus is a member of the Visa USA network. Under Visa USA bylaws, Visa members are obligated to indemnify Visa USA and/or its parent company, Visa, Inc., for potential future settlement of, or judgments resulting from, certain litigation, which Visa refers to as the “covered litigation.” Synovus’ indemnification obligation is limited to its membership proportion of Visa USA.
On November 7, 2007, Visa announced the settlement of its American Express litigation, and disclosed in its annual report on Form 10-K10-K/A filed with the SEC for the year ended September 30, 2007 that Visa had accrued a contingent liability for the estimated settlement of its Discover litigation. During the second half of 2007, Synovus recognized a contingent liability in the amount of $36.8 million as an estimate for its membership proportion of the American Express settlement and the potential Discover settlement, as well as its membership proportion of the amount that Synovus estimates will be required for Visa to settle the remaining covered litigation.
Visa, Inc. completed an initial public offering (the Visa IPO) in March 2008. Visa used a portion of the proceeds from the Visa IPO to establish a $3.0 billion escrow for settlement of covered litigation and used substantially all of the remaining portion to redeem class B and class C shares held by Visa issuing members. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Synovus recognized a pre-tax gain of $38.5 million on redemption proceeds received from Visa, Inc. and reduced the $36.8 million litigation accrual recognized in the second half of 2007 by $17.4 million for its membership proportion of the $3.0 billion escrow funded by Visa, Inc. During

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September 2008, Visa announced the settlement of its Discover litigation for approximately $1.74 billion. Synovus increased its litigation accrual by $6.3 million for its membership proportion of the incremental amount of the final Discover settlement over the previously estimated amount for the Discover settlement. During December 2008, Visa deposited $1.10 billion to the litigation escrow, effectively representing a repurchase of Class AB common stock on an as-converted basis. Synovus reduced its litigation accrual by $6.4 million for its membership proportion of the amount deposited to the litigation escrow. During July 2009, Visa deposited $700 million to the litigation escrow, effectively representing a repurchase of Class B common stock on an as-converted basis. Accordingly, Synovus reduced its litigation accrual by $4.1 million for its membership proportion of the amount deposited to the litigation escrow, during the three months ended September 30, 2009.
At June 30,On November 6, 2009, Synovus’ accrualSynovus completed the sale of its remaining shares of Visa Class B common stock to a qualified Visa member. Synovus expects to recognize a pre-tax gain of $51.9 million on the sale of the Class B shares during the three months ending December 31, 2009. Visa’s Class B shares are subject to restrictions on sale (other than to other qualified Visa members) prior to the latter of March 25, 2011 or Visa’s settlement of all covered litigation. Upon the lifting of restrictions, the Class B shares will convert into Class A shares, which may be sold in the open market, based on a conversion ratio calculated by Visa. The conversion ratio decreases when Visa converts Class B shares for sale as loss shares to fund the aggregate amount of Visa’sescrow for covered litigation, was $19.3 million. Forand may increase if the six months ended June 30, 2008,litigation escrow includes excess funds following settlement of all covered litigation. In conjunction with sale of the redemption ofClass B shares, Synovus has entered into an agreement which provides for payments between the Synovus and the buyer for future changes in the conversion ratio. Synovus is required to post collateral in connection with expected future settlements under the accrued liability for Visa litigation resulted in a gain of $34.1 million, net of tax, or $0.10 per diluted share.agreement.

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Note 1615 — Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R clarifiesrevisions to the authoritative guidance for business combinations included in ASC 805 as described in ASC 805-10-65-1. The revisions described by ASC 805-10-65-1 clarify the definitions of both a business combination and a business. All business combinations will be accounted for under the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method). This standardASC 805 now defines the acquisition date as the only relevant date for recognition and measurement of the fair value of consideration paid. SFAS 141R requiresThe new provisions of ASC 805 require the acquirer to expense all acquisition related costs. SFAS 141R willcosts and also requirerequires acquired loans to be recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. SFAS 141RThe revised guidance defines the measurement period as the time after the acquisition date during which the acquirer may make adjustments to the “provisional” amounts recognized at the acquisition date. This period cannot exceed one year, and any subsequent adjustments made to provisional amounts are done retrospectively and restate prior period data. SFAS 141R wasThe provisions of ASC 805 as described in ASC 805-10-65 were adopted by Synovus effective January 1, 2009 and isare applicable to business combinations entered into after December 15, 2008. The estimated impact of adoption will not be determined until Synovus enters into a business combination.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interestsrevisions to the authoritative guidance in Consolidated Financial Statements — An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 requiresASC 810 regarding accounting for non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements as described in ASC 810-10-65. The revisions to ASC 810 require noncontrolling interests to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of equity. Disclosure requirements include net income and comprehensive income to be displayed for both the controlling and noncontrolling interests and a separate schedule that shows the effects of any transactions with the noncontrolling interests on the equity attributable to the controlling

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interests. Synovus adopted SFAS No. 160the new provisions of ASC 810 as described in ASC 810-10-65 effective January 1, 2009. The impact of adoption resulted in a change in balance sheet classification and presentation to non-controlling interests which is now reported as a separate component of equity.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosuresrevisions to ASC 815 regarding disclosures about Derivative Instrumentsderivative instruments and Hedging Activities — An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 changeshedging activities as described in ASC 815-10-65-1. The revisions to ASC 815 change the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Disclosure requirements include qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains/losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. Synovus adopted the new disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161ASC 815 as described in ASC 815-10-65-1 effective January 1, 2009.
In June 2008, the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments GrantedFASB issued revisions to ASC 260 regarding the determination of whether instruments granted in Share-Based-Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities” (EITF 03-6-1). EITF 03-6-1 requiresshare-based payment transactions are participating securities as described in ASC 260-10-65-2. The new provisions of ASC 260 require that unvested share-based payment awards that have nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and therefore should be included in computing earnings per share using the two-class method. EITF 03-6-1 wasThe amendments to ASC 260 as described in ASC 260-10-65-2 were adopted by Synovus effective January 1, 2009. The impact of adoption was not material to Synovus’ financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In November 2008, the EITFFASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on EITF Issue No. 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations (EITF 08-6). EITF 08-6revisions to ASC 323-10 regarding equity method investment accounting considerations to addresses questions about the potential effect of SFAS 141Rother recently issued changes to ASC 805 and SFAS 160 on equity-method accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for InvestmentsASC 810 as described in Common Stock” (APB 18).ASC 805-10-65-1 and ASC 810-10-65-1, respectively. The EITF will continue existing practices under ASC 323-10-35 APB 18 including the use of a cost-accumulation approach to initial measurement of the investment. The EITF will not require the investor to perform a separate impairment test on the underlying assets of an equity method investment, but under APB 18, an overall other-than-temporary impairment test of its investment

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is still required. Shares subsequently issued by the equity-method investee that reduce the investor’s ownership percentage should be accounted for as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment, with gains or losses recorded through earnings. EITF 08-6 was adopted by Synovus effective January 1, 2009. There was no impact of adoption to Synovus’ financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. FAS 115-2 and 124-2revisions to the authoritative guidance included in ASC 320-10 as described in ASC 320-10-65-1, which are intended to bring greater consistency to the timing of impairment recognition and provide greater clarity to investors about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. FAS 115-2 and 124-2 provideThe revised guidance provides that if a company does not have the intent to sell a debt security prior to recovery and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the security prior to recovery, the security would not be considered other-than-temporarily-impaired unless there is a credit loss. If there is an impairment due to a credit loss, the credit loss component will be recorded in earnings and the remaining portion of the impairment loss would be recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component must be determined based on the company’s best estimate of the decrease in cash flows expected to be collected. The provisions of this statement arethe revised guidance were effective for interim and annual periods ended after June 15, 2009. Synovus adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2described in ASC 320-10-65-1 effective April 1, 2009. The impact of adoption was not material to Synovus’ financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value whenrevisions to the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly.” FAS 157-4authoritative guidance included in ASC 820 as described in ASC 820-10-65-1, which relates to determining fair values when there is no active market or where the inputs being used represent distressed sales. This statement reaffirmsThese revisions reaffirm the need to use judgment to ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive and also assists in determining fair values when markets have become inactive. FAS 157-4ASC 820, as revised, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction (i.e. not a forced liquidation or distressed sale). Factors must be considered when applying this statement to determine whether there has been a significant decrease in volume and level of activity of the market for the asset. The provisions for this statement are effective for the interim and annual periods ended after June 15, 2009. Synovus adopted the provisions of FSP FAS 157-4described in ASC 820-10-65-1 effective April 1, 2009. The impact of adoption was not material to Synovus’ financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about the Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 provide guidance on fair value disclosures for any financial instruments that are not currently reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. This statement will require public companies to disclose the fair value of financial instruments within the scope of SFAS 107 in interim financial statements (verses disclosing in annual filings only). The provisions for this statement are effective for the interim and annual periods ended after June 15, 2009. Synovus adopted the disclosures requirement of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 128-1 effective April 1, 2009.
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (SFAS 165). SFAS 165 establishesrevisions to ASC 855-10 which establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. This StatementASC 855-10, as revised, sets forth (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financials, and (3)

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the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. Synovus adopted SFAS No. 165the revised provisions of ASC 855-10 for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009. The impact of adoption was not material to Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Synovus has evaluated all transactions, events and circumstances for consideration or disclosure through August 10, 2009, the date these financial statements were issued, and has reflected or disclosed those items within the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes as deemed appropriate.

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ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made or incorporated by reference in this documentReport which are not statements of historical fact, including those under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this document,report, 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 (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Synovus’ beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, targets, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond Synovus’ control and which may cause theSynovus’ actual results, performance or achievements of Synovus or the commercial banking industry or economy generally, to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through Synovus’ use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “assumes,” “should,” “predicts,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “intends,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for Synovus’ future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the commercial banking industry and economy in general. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of Synovus’ management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this document. Many of these factors are beyond Synovus’ ability to control or predict. These factors include, but are not limited to:
 (1) competitive pressures arising from aggressive competition from other financial service providers;
 
 (2) further deteriorations in credit quality, particularly in residential construction and commercial development real estate loans, may continue to result in increased non-performingnonperforming assets and credit losses, which will adversely impact our earnings and capital;
 
 (3) declining values of residential and commercial real estate may result in further write-downs of assets and realized losses on disposition of non-performingnonperforming assets, which may increase our credit losses and negatively affect our financial results;
 
 (4) continuing weakness in the residential real estate environment, which may negatively impact our ability to liquidate non-performingnonperforming assets;
 
 (5) the impact on our borrowing costs, capital cost and our liquidity due to further adverse changes in our credit ratings;
 
 (6) inadequacy ofthe risk that our allowance for loan losses or the risk that the allowance may prove to be inadequate or may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures;
 
 (7) our ability to manage fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities to maintain sufficient capital and liquidity to support our operations;
 
 (8) the concentration of ourSynovus’ nonperforming assets by loan type, in certain geographic regions and with affiliated borrowing groups;

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 (9) the risk of additional future losses if the proceeds we receive upon the liquidation of non-performingnonperforming assets are less than the fair value of such assets;
 
 (10) changes in the interest rate environment which may increase funding costs or reduce earning assets yields, thus reducing margins;
 
 (11) restrictions or limitations on access to funds from subsidiaries thereby restrictingand potential obligations to contribute capital to our subsidiaries, which may restrict Synovus’ ability to make payments on ourits obligations or dividend payments;
 
 (12) the availability and cost of capital and liquidity;
liquidity on favorable terms, if at all;
 
 (13) changes in accounting standards or applications and determinations made thereunder;
 
 (14) slower than anticipated rates of growth in non-interest income and increased non-interest expense;
 
 (15) changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which Synovus is perceived in such markets, including a further reduction in our debt ratings;
 
 (16) the impact of future losses on ourSynovus’ deferred tax assets and the related impact on ourSynovus’ financial results of changes in the valuation allowance for ourits deferred tax assets in future periods;periods, as well as the risk that the recoverability of the deferred tax asset balance may extend beyond 2010;
 
 (17) the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies and financial markets in which operations are conducted may be different than expected;
 
 (18) the effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board;
 
 (19) inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
 
 (20) the impact of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Financial Stability Plan and other recent and proposed changes in governmental policy, laws and regulations, including proposed and recently enacted changes in the regulation of banks and financial institutions, or the interpretation or application thereof, including restrictions, increased capital requirements, limitations and/or penalties arising from banking, securities and insurance laws, regulations and examinations;
 
 (21) the impact on ourSynovus’ financial results, reputation and business if we areSynovus is unable to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations;regulations and applicable memoranda of understanding, other supervisory actions and any necessary capital initiatives;
 
 (22) the costs and effects of litigation, investigations or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, including, without limitation, the pending litigation with CompuCredit Corporation relating to CB&T’s Affinity Agreement with CompuCredit and the pending securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation filed against Synovus;
 
 (23) the volatility of our stock price;
 
 (24) the actual results achieved by our implementation of Project Optimus, and the risk that we may not achieve the anticipated cost savings and revenue increases from this initiative;
 
 (25) the impact on the valuation of our investments due to market volatility or counterparty payment risk;
(26)the risks that the assumptions underlying our internal capital analysis are incorrect, and that we will require additional capital to satisfy regulatory capital thresholds in addition to the capital realized through the execution of Synovus’ capital plan announced on September 14, 2009;
(27)the risk that, if the assumptions underlying our internal capital analysis are incorrect, we may be required to seek additional liquidity from external sources;

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(28)the costs of services and products to us by third parties, whether as a result of our financial condition, credit ratings, the way we are perceived by such parties, the economy or otherwise; and
 
 (26)(29) other factors and other information contained in this document and in other reports and filings that Synovus makes with the SEC under the Exchange Act.
For a discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, you should refer to the risk factors in our annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008, this Report and our quarterly reports on form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and our current report on Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2009 on file with the SEC. All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to Synovus are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, since those statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Synovus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made to reflect the occurrence of new information or unanticipated events, except as may otherwise be required by law.

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About Synovus
Synovus is a financial services holding company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $35 billion in assets. Synovus provides integrated financial services including banking, financial management, insurance, mortgage, and leasing services through 30 wholly-owned subsidiary banks and other Synovus offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. At September 30, 2009, our banks ranged in size from $241.0 million to $7.70 billion in total assets.
Executive Summary
The following financial review provides a discussion ofnarrative summarizes the significant trends affecting Synovus’ financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations and financial condition for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. This overview supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the condensed consolidated financial statements of Synovus and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report.
Industry Overview
The first sixnine months of 2009 continue to reflect the adverse impact of severe macro economic conditions which have negatively impacted liquidity, credit quality and credit quality.capital. Concerns regarding increased credit losses from the weakening economy have negatively affected capital and earnings of most financial institutions. Financial institutions continue to experience significant declines in the value of collateral for real estate loans and heightened credit losses, which have resulted in record levels of non-performingnonperforming assets, charge-offs, foreclosures and foreclosures.
losses on disposition of the underlying assets. Liquidity in the debt markets remains low in spite of efforts by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Federal Reserve Bank (Federal Reserve) to inject capital into financial institutions. The federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve has remained at 0.25% since December 2008, following a decline from 4.25% to 0.25% during 2008 through a series of seven rate reductions.
Treasury,It is uncertain how long the FDIC and other governmental agenciesrecessionary pressures will continue to enact rules and regulations to implementbefore the EESA,U.S. economy shows signs of a sustained recovery; however, some leading economic indicators suggest that the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the Financial Stability Plan, the ARRA and related economic recovery programs, many of which contain limitations on the ability of financial institutions to take certain actions or to engage in certain activities if the financial institution is a participant in the TARP Capital Purchase Program or related programs. Future regulations, or enforcement of the terms of programs already in place,economy may require financial institutions to raise additional capital and result in the conversion of preferred equity issued under TARP or other programs to common equity. There can be no assurance as to the actual impact of the EESA, the FDIC programs or any other governmental program on the financial markets.
On May 7, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board announced the results of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (“SCAP”), commonly referred to as the “stress test,” of the capital needsremain challenging through the end of 2010this year and into much of the nineteen largest U.S. bank holding companies. As a result of the SCAP, a number of the bank holding companies reviewed as part of the SCAP were required, or voluntarily chose, to raise additional Tier 1 capital, particularly common equity. Following the release of the SCAP results, bank holding companies that were not part of the SCAP, such as Synovus, have faced significant speculation as to the results of the stress tests performed on the largest nineteen2010. Accordingly, financial institutions and the hypothetical results of the stress test methodology if it was applied to other financial institutions, including regional banks smaller in size. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity”.
The severe economic conditions are expected to continue through 2009 and beyond. Financial institutionslike ours likely will continue to experience heightened credit losses and higher levels of non-performingnonperforming assets, charge-offs and foreclosures. In light of these conditions, financial institutions also face heightened levels of scrutiny and capital and liquidity requirements from federal and state regulators. These factors have negatively influenced, and likely will continue to negatively influence, earning asset yields at a time when the market for deposits is intensely competitive. As a result, financial institutions experienced, and are expected to continue to experience, pressure on credit costs, loan yields, deposit and other borrowing costs, liquidity, and capital.

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Strategic Initiatives
In 2008 and the first three quarters of 2009, Synovus has taken a number of steps to aggressively manage credit and capital and reduce expenses.
Aggressive management of credit issues— Synovus has taken a proactive approach to recognition and disposition of problem assets. During the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2009, Synovus disposed of $849 million and $339 million, respectively, of nonperforming assets. The allowance and cumulative write-downs on nonperforming assets as a percentage of unpaid principal balance at September 30, 2009 was approximately 46%.
Expense reduction— In addition to managing credit quality, Synovus has reduced overall expenses and fundamental non-interest expenses in each of the last five quarters. Fundamental non-interest expense, which excludes other credit costs, FDIC insurance expense, restructuring charges, changes in the VISA litigation accrual and goodwill impairment expense, was down $33.9 million and $10.2 million, respectively, for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same periods in the prior year. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Capital Plan— On September 14, 2009, Synovus announced that it would undertake certain initiatives that it expected would increase Synovus’ Tier 1 capital and improve its tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (the “Capital Plan”). As of November 9, 2009, Synovus has substantially completed the execution of the Capital Plan, as described below:
oOn September 22, 2009, Synovus completed a public offering of 150,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, generating net proceeds of $570.9 million.
oOn November 4, 2009, Synovus completed the exchange of $29,820,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.875% Subordinated Notes Due 2013 for approximately 9.44 million shares of Synovus common stock.
oOn November 6, 2009, Synovus completed the sale of its remaining shares of Visa Class B common stock. Synovus expects to recognize a pre-tax gain of $51.9 million on the sale of the Visa Class B common stock during the three months ending December 31, 2009.
Through November 6, 2009, implementation of the Capital Plan has generated an aggregate of approximately $644 million of tangible common equity. Synovus presently expects to continue to work to identify, consider and pursue additional balance sheet optimization initiatives during the fourth quarter of 2009. In addition to these strategies, we may determine to pursue additional strategic initiatives in the future, whether as a result of the continuation or worsening of the current adverse market conditions and our resulting capital position, or as a result of regulatory pressures. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity”.
There can be no assurance that Synovus will realize the anticipated benefits of its strategic initiatives, including the Capital Plan, or that its regulators will be satisfied with such initiatives and plan and will not require Synovus to take further action. See Part II — Item 1A - “Risk Factors.”

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About Our BusinessSubsequent Events Impacting Results of Operations
On October 22, 2009, Synovus isreported results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. After October 22, 2009, two events occurred which are required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to be reflected in Synovus’ results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009. The events resulted in a financial services holding company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $34 billion in assets. Synovus provides integrated financial services including banking, financial management, insurance, mortgage,$6.0 million reduction to the carrying value of certain private equity investments and leasing services through 30 wholly-owned subsidiary banksthe recording of a $10.5 million contingent liability relating to certain pending litigation. The net of tax impact of these two items, net of taxes, totaled $16.1 million. Accordingly, the net loss for the nine and other Synovus offices in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. At Junethree months ended September 30, 2009 our banks rangedincreased to $1.16 billion and $439.8 million, respectively, as compared to the results originally reported on October 22, 2009. For further discussion of these items, see “Critical Accounting Policies – Private Equity Investments,” Part II – Item 1 – “Legal Proceedings,” and Note 11 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements in size from $261.1 million to $6.63 billion in total assets.this Report.
Our Key Financial Performance Indicators
In terms of how we measure success in our business, the following are our key financial performance indicators:
  Capital Strength
 
     Capital Strength Liquidity    Loan Growth
 
     Liquidity Credit Quality
Net Interest Margin
Loan Growth
Core Deposit Growth
 
     Credit Quality Fee Income Growth
 
     Net Interest Margin Expense Management
The net loss for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2009 was $586.9$439.8 million, or $1.82$1.32 per common share. The results for the secondthird quarter were impacted by a non-cash charge of $173.4approximately $155 million to record an increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Total credit costs (including provision for losses on loans, losses on ORE, reserve for unfunded commitments and charges related to impaired loans held for sale) for the quarterthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $807.8$606.3 million, including provision for losses on loans of $631.5$496.5 million and costs related to foreclosed real estate of $172.4$101.4 million. The credit costs were largely driven by a significant increase in the allowance for loan lossesvaluation charges on new nonperforming loans and existing nonperforming assets, as well as the impact ofcharges for estimated losses on liquidations of non-performing assets. Non-performing assets decreased $15.0 million from the first quarter of 2009 asfuture asset dispositions. Problem asset dispositions of non-performing assets reached $404totaled $339 million in the secondthird quarter.
Synovus’ operating results excluding credit costs showed improvement in spite of the challenging economic environment. Synovus’ pre-tax,Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income (which excludes provision for losses on loans, other credit costs, and certain other items, as shown in more detail on page 75 of this report)items), was $144.8$141.7 million, up $15.6down $3.1 million overfrom the firstsecond quarter of 2009. The net interest margin increaseddecreased one basis point to 3.23%, or eighteen basis points,3.22% compared to the firstsecond quarter of 2009. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on page 83 of this report. The net interest margin in the third quarter was impacted by a net decrease in loans outstanding, an excess liquidity position, and the negative impact of nonperforming assets.
Core deposits continued their positive trend with 3.4% year-over-year growth. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on page 83 of this report. Linked quarter core deposits were relatively flat, however, we successfully improved the mix of deposits by replacing higher priced time deposits with lower cost funding. On a sequential quarter basis, non-interest-bearing deposits grew at an annualized rate of 16.1%.
Fundamental non-interest expense (non-interest expense excluding other credit costs, FDIC insurance expense, restructuring charges, Visa litigation (recovery) expense, and goodwill impairment charges) continued to trend downward, declining $33.9 million, or 5.6%, and $10.2 million, or 5.1%, for the nine and three months ending September 30, 2009 as compared to the

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same periods in the prior year. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on page 83 of this report. Reduced salaries and other personnel expense contributed significantly to the reduced expenses. Total employees (6,376 at September 30, 2009) are down 7.3% from year end 2008, and 13.0% from the peak level of 7,331 in the first quarter of 2008.
A summary of Synovus’ financial performance for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, is set forth in the table below.
Financial Performance Summary
                                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended  
 June 30, June 30,   September 30, September 30,  
(in thousands, except per share data) 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income(1)
 $274,101 346,515  (20.9%) $144,835 176,092  (17.8%) $421,835 508,733  (17.1%) $147,734 162,218  (8.9%)
Net Income (loss)  (720,981) 94,790 nm  (584,253) 12,237 nm
Net income (loss)  (1,160,782) 59,319   nm  (439,802)  (35,471)   nm
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders  (752,018) 93,093 nm  (601,155)  (12,099) nm  (1,205,822) 52,972   nm  (453,805)  (40,121)   nm
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (EPS)  (2.28) 0.28 nm  (1.82) 0.04 nm  (3.60) 0.16   nm  (1.32)  (0.12)   nm
 
Provision for losses on loans 921,963 184,665  399.3% 631,526 93,616 574.6% 1,418,485 336,016  322.2% 496,522 151,351  228.1%
  
Non-interest income 196,588 247,675  (20.6%) 107,838 107,698  0.1% 287,384 346,630  (17.1%) 90,797 98,955  (8.2%)
  
Non-interest expense 659,674 467,338  41.2% 396,316 265,964  49.0% 979,127 742,422  31.9% 319,453 275,084  16.1%
Fundamental non-interest
expense(1)(2)
 381,749 405,446  (5.8%) 190,696 200,284  (4.8%) 571,251 605,193  (5.6%) 189,503 199,748  (5.1%)
  
Other credit costs(3)
 230,585 38,829 nm 176,308 29,686 nm 340,324 84,094  304.7% 109,739 45,266  (142.4%)
                                        
 Sequential     Sequential    
 June 30, March 31, Quarter June 30, Year Over Year September 30, June 30, Quarter September 30, Year Over Year
 2009 2009 Change (4) 2008 Change 2009 2009 Change (4) 2008 Change
Loans, net of unearned income $27,585,741 27,730,272  (2.1%) $27,445,891  0.5% $26,331,739 27,585,741  (18.0%) $27,647,983  (4.8%)
Non-performing assets 1,736,173 1,751,185  (3.4%) 830,264  109.1%
Nonperforming assets 1,747,475 1,718,148  6.8% 996,686  75.3%
Core deposits(1)
 22,429,172 22,689,145  (4.6%) 21,441,050  4.6% 22,414,855 22,429,173  (0.1%) 21,674,290  3.4%
  
Net interest margin  3.23%  3.05% 18 bp  3.57% (34) bp  3.22%  3.23%  (1)bp  3.42%  (20)bp
Nonperforming assets ratio 6.24 6.25 (1) bp 3.00 324 bp 6.58 6.17  41bp 3.58  300bp
Loans past due over 90 days and still accruing interest 0.11 0.11 0 bp 0.14 (3) bp 0.17 0.11  6bp 0.18  (1)bp
Total past due loans and still accruing interest 1.20 2.12 (92) bp 1.33 (13) bp 1.35 1.20  15bp 1.46  (11)bp
Net charge-off ratio (quarter) 5.09 3.53 156 bp 1.04 405 bp 7.33 5.09  224bp 1.53  580bp
Net charge-off ratio (ytd) 4.31 3.53 78 bp 1.18 313 bp 5.30 4.31  99bp 1.18  412bp
  
Tier 1 capital $2,862,225 3,454,987  (68.8%) $2,891,831  (1.0%) $2,974,066 2,862,225  15.5% $2,842,587  4.6%
Tier 1 common equity 1,928,370 2,523,119  (95.0%) 2,881,634  (33.2%) 2,037,951 1,928,370  22.5% 2,881,634  (29.3%)
Total risk-based capital 3,836,405 4,440,573  (54.5%) 3,987,595  (3.8%) 3,927,752 3,836,405  9.5% 3,936,665  (0.2%)
Tier 1 capital ratio  9.53%  11.06% (153) bp  8.91% 62 bp  10.48%  9.53%  95bp  8.81%  167bp
Tier 1 common equity ratio 6.42 8.08 (166) bp 8.88 (246) bp 7.18 6.42  76bp 8.78  (160)bp
Total risk-based capital ratio 12.77 14.22 (145) bp 12.29 48 bp 13.84 12.77  107bp 12.20  164bp
Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)
 6.05 7.80 (175) bp 8.71 (266) bp 6.23 5.94  29bp 8.49  (226)bp
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets(1)
 6.90 8.61 (171) bp 9.05 (215) bp 7.59 6.78  81bp 8.90  (131)bp
 
(1) See reconciliation of non-GAAP Financial Measures on page 75.83.
 
(2) Fundamental non-interest expense is comprised of total non-interest expense less other credit costs, FDIC insurance expense, restructuring charges, Visa litigation recovery, and goodwill impairment expense.
 
(3) Other credit costs are comprised primarily of foreclosed real estate costs which also include the reserve for unfunded commitments, and charges related to other loans held for sale.
 
(4) RatiosPercentages are annualized
 
nm = non meaningful

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Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Synovus conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)GAAP and to general practices within the banking and financial services industries. Synovus has identified certain of its accounting policies as “critical accounting policies.” In determining which accounting policies are critical in nature, Synovus has identified the policies that require significant judgment or involve complex estimates. The application of these policies has a significant impact on Synovus’ financial statements. Synovus’ financial results could differ significantly if different judgments or estimates are applied in the application of these policies.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Notes 1 and 8 to Synovus’ consolidated financial statements in Synovus’ 2008 annual report on Form 10-K10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 contain a discussion of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was $918.7$918.5 million.
The allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate and is regularly evaluated by Synovus for adequacy. The allowance for loan losses is determined based on an analysis which assesses the probable loss within the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses consists of two components: the allocated and unallocated allowances. Both components of the allowance are available to cover inherent losses in the portfolio. Significant judgments or estimates made in the determination of the allowance for loan losses consist of the risk ratings for loans in the commercial loan portfolio, the valuation of the collateral for loans that are classified as impaired loans, the qualitative loss factors, and management’s plan for disposition of non-performingnonperforming loans. In determining an adequate allowance for loan losses, management makes numerous assumptions, estimates and assessments. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for losses on loans.
As a part of our problem asset disposition strategy, management intends to identify certain non-performing loans for disposition through liquidation or other sales. While all of the non-performing loans have not yet been specifically identified, these types of sales are expected to result in significantly lower proceeds than traditional sales, which could result in additional losses. The excess of carrying value over estimated net proceeds from sale is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses when management has determined the loans or groups of loans for disposition through these liquidation strategies.
Commercial Loans — Risk Ratings and Loss Factors
Commercial loans are assigned a risk rating on a nine point scale. For commercial loans that are not considered impaired, the allocated allowance for loan losses is determined based upon the expected loss percentage factors that correspond to each risk rating.
The risk ratings are based on the borrowers’ credit risk profile, considering factors such as debt service history and capacity, inherent risk in the credit (e.g., based on industry type and source of repayment), and collateral position. Ratings 7 through 9 are modeled after the bank regulatory classifications of substandard, doubtful, and loss. Expected loss percentage factors are based on the probable loss including qualitative factors. The probable loss considers the probability of default, the loss given default, and certain qualitative factors as determined by loan category and risk rating. Through March 31, 2009, the probability of default loss factors were based on industry data. Beginning April 1, 2009, the probability of default loss factors are based on internal default experience because this was the first reporting period when sufficient internal default data became available. This change resulted in a net increase in the allocated allowance for loan losses for the commercial portfolio of approximately $30 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009. The loss given default factors are based on industry data, which will continue to be

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used until sufficient internal data becomes available. The qualitative factors consider credit concentrations, recent levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, and growth in the loan portfolio. The occurrence of certain events could result in changes to the

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expected loss factors. Accordingly, these expected loss factors are reviewed periodically and modified as necessary.
Each loan is assigned a risk rating during the approval process. This process begins with a rating recommendation from the loan officer responsible for originating the loan. The rating recommendation is subject to approvals from other members of management and/or loan committees depending on the size and type of credit. Ratings are re-evaluated on a quarterly basis. Additionally, an independent Parent Company credit review function evaluates each bank’s risk rating process at least every six months.
Impaired Loans
Management considers a loan to be impaired when the ultimate collectibilitycollectability of all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement are in doubt. A majority of our impaired loans are collateral-dependent. The net carrying amount of collateral-dependent impaired loans is equal to the lower of the loans’ principal balance or the fair value of the collateral (less estimated costs to sell) not only at the date at which impairment is initially recognized, but also at each subsequent reporting period. Accordingly, our policy requires that we update the fair value of the collateral securing collateral-dependent impaired loans each calendar quarter. Impaired loans, not including impaired loans held for sale, had a net carrying value of $1.23$1.29 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2009. Most of these loans are secured by real estate, with the majority classified as collateral-dependent loans. The fair value of the real estate securing these loans is generally determined based upon appraisals performed by a certified or licensed appraiser. Management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as selling costs and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in the appraisals.
Total collateral dependent impaired loans had a carrying value of $1.00 billion at September 30, 2009. Estimated losses on collateral-dependent impaired loans are typically charged-off. At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, $971.9$776.6 million or 78.8%, of impaired loans consisted of collateral-dependent impaired loans for which Synovus has recognized charge-offs of approximately $284.0 million.and there is therefore no associated reserve. These loans are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value of the underlying collateral net of selling costs. However, if a collateral-dependent loan is placed on impaired status at or near the end of a calendar quarter, management records an allowance for loan losses based on the loan’s risk rating while an updated appraisal is being obtained. The estimated losses on these loans are recorded as a charge-off during the following quarter after the receipt of a current appraisal or fair value estimate based on current market conditions, including absorption rates. Management does not expect a material difference between the current allocated allowance on these loans and the actual charge-off.
As part of our problem asset disposition strategy, management intends to identify certain Total impaired loans also include $287.3 million in loans which are not collateral dependent and for liquidation through loan sales in future quarters. Whilewhich impairment is measured based upon the specific loans have not yet been identified, these liquidations are expected to result in significantly lower proceeds than the fairpresent value of these loans, which is included as a component of our allowance for loan losses.discounted cash flows.
During the second quarter of 2009, Synovus was able to significantly accelerate the pace of asset dispositions. This experience provided management a basis to estimate the loan sales (consisting primarily of non-performingnonperforming loans) that willwould be completed over the next two quarters. Based on this, the provision expense for the second quarter of 2009 includesincluded management’s estimate of the losses associated with these asset dispositions that were both probable and could be reasonably estimated as of June 30, 2009.
Problem loan dispositions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2009 totaled $187 million, in line with the previous quarter’s estimate. During the third quarter, management

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reassessed its estimate of losses associated with future asset dispositions that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the allowance for loan losses should reflect management’s estimate of probable losses to be incurred from loan sales during the fourth quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010. This resulted in an increase to the allowance for loan losses (and corresponding provision expense) of approximately $120 million during the third quarter of 2009.
Loans or pools of loans are transferred to the other loans held for sale portfolio when the intent to hold the loans has changed due to portfolio management or risk mitigation strategies and when there is a plan to sell the loans within a reasonable period of time. The value of the loans or pools of loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the external market prices of similar assets. At the time of transfer, if the estimated net

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realizable value is less than the cost, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses.
Retail Loans — Loss Factors
The allocated allowance for loan losses for retail loans is generally determined by segregating the retail loan portfolio into pools of homogeneous loan categories. Expected loss factors applied to these pools are based on the probable loss including qualitative factors. The probable loss considers the probability of default, the loss given default, and certain qualitative factors as determined by loan category and risk rating. The probability of default loss factors are based on internal default experience. The loss given default factors are based on industry data because sufficient internal data is not yet available. The qualitative factors consider credit concentrations, recent levels and trends in delinquencies and nonaccrual loans, and growth in the loan portfolio. The occurrence of certain events could result in changes to the loss factors. Accordingly, these loss factors are reviewed periodically and modified as necessary.
Unallocated Component
The unallocated component of the allowance for loan losses is considered necessary to provide for certain environmental and economic factors that affect the probable loss inherent in the entire loan portfolio. Unallocated loss factors included in the determination of the unallocated allowance are economic factors, changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff, and changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards. Certain macro- economic factors and changes in business conditions and developments could have a material impact on the collectibilitycollectability of the overall portfolio. As an example, a rapidly rising interest rate environment could have a material impact on certain borrowers’ ability to pay. The unallocated component is meant to cover such risks.
Other Real Estate
Other real estate (ORE), consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or through an in-substance foreclosure in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors, or recent developments, such as management’s plans for disposition, which could resulthave resulted in adjustments to the value estimates indicated in thecertain appraisals. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a

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component of foreclosed real estate expense. Significant judgments and complex estimates are required in estimating the fair value of other real estate, and the period of time within which such estimates can be considered current is significantly shortened during periods of market volatility, as experienced during 2008 and 2009. In response to market conditions and other economic factors, management may utilize liquidation sales as part of its problem asset disposition strategy. As a result of the significant judgments required in estimating fair value and the variables involved in different methods of disposition, the net proceeds realized from sales transactions could differ significantly from appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates used to determine the fair value of other real estate.
Additionally, as part of our problem asset disposition strategy, management intends to identify certain other real estate (ORE) properties for liquidation through auctions or bulk sales in future

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quarters. While all of the properties have not yet been specifically identified, these liquidations are expected to result in significantly lower proceeds than traditional sales, which could result in additional losses. ORE properties are written down to the estimated liquidation value when management has determined the properties or groups of properties for disposition through these liquidation strategies.
Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet with realized and unrealized gains and losses included in non-interest income in the results of operations in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies. For private equity investments, Synovus uses information provided by the fund managers in the initial determination of estimated fair value. Valuation factors such as recent or proposed purchase or sale of debt or equity, pricing by other dealers in similar securities, size of position held, liquidity of the market, comparable market multiples, and changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer are used in the final determination of estimated fair value. The valuation of private equity investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such investments. As a result, the net proceeds realized from transactions involving these assets could differ significantly from estimated fair value.
Synovus is considering the sale of all or a portion of its ownership interest in certain private equity investments. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 820-10-30-3, the transaction price would equal the exit price and therefore represent the fair value of the asset. During November 2009, Synovus received information which represents an estimate of the expected transaction price for the sale of these investments. Based on this information, Synovus updated its estimate of fair value for such investments, and recorded an unrealized loss of $6.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2009.
Income Taxes
Synovus’ estimated income tax provision is based on the amount expected to be owed to or refunded from taxing jurisdictions in which it conducts business. Management evaluates the reasonableness of the effective tax rate based on current estimates of the amount and components of income, tax credits and statutory rates for the entire year. This analysis requires that management closely monitor income tax developments on both the state and federal level in order to evaluate the effect they may have on Synovus’ overall tax position.
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus performed its quarterly assessmentUnder provisions of net deferred tax assets. Under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”),ASC 740-30-25, companies are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. AsPrimarily as a result of the increased credit losses, Synovus is now inreached a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position as ofduring the three months ended June 30, 2009. A cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence which is difficult to overcome in assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset whichasset. As a result, beginning with the second quarter of 2009, Synovus is difficult to overcome. Synovus did not considerno longer considering future taxable income in determining the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Synovus’ estimate of

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the realization of its deferred tax assets wasis solely based on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences taxable income in prior carry back years, and currently available tax planning strategies.
This change resulted in an increase toin the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $173 million during the second quarter of 2009, and an effective tax rate of 18.6% for the first six months of 2009. The 18.6% effective tax rate was representative of the projected annual effective tax rate, which was largely determined based on management’s estimate of the pre-tax loss for the year.
During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.2009, management’s estimate of the anticipated pre-tax loss for the year increased. Based on the revised estimate, the effective tax rate for the year is estimated to be 14.4%. The increase ingross deferred tax asset increased approximately $133 million during the quarter, and the related valuation allowance increase for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was recorded through an adjustment to the estimated annual effective tax rate. approximately $155 million.
Based on current projections, Synovus estimates that the effective tax rate for the second half ofyear ending December 31, 2009 will remain atbe approximately the same level as the actual effective tax rate for the first half of 2009 (18.7%)14.4%. While there are many factors that could impact the actual effective tax rate, a significant factor is management’s projection of thea pre-tax loss for the year. If the projected pre-tax losses varyloss varies significantly from current estimates, the actual effective tax rate could vary significantly. Specifically, if the actual pre-tax loss for the year exceeds the current estimate, the effective tax rate will be lower than 14.4%. Conversely, if the actual pre-tax loss for the year is lower than the current estimate, the effective tax rate will be higher than 14.4%.

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See Notes 1 and 22 to Synovus’ consolidated financial statements in Synovus’ 2008 annual reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K10-K/A the year ended December 31, 2008 and Note 1413 of this report for a discussion of income taxes.
Asset Impairment
Long-Lived Assets and Other Intangibles
Synovus reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and other intangibles subject to amortization, including core deposit premiums and customer relationships, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the actual cash flows are not consistent with Synovus’ estimates, an impairment charge may result.
Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
On December 19, 2008, Synovus issued to the Treasury 967,870 shares of Synovus’ Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value (the Series A Preferred Stock), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total price of $967,870,000. The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. Synovus may not redeem the Series A Preferred Stock during the first three years except with the proceeds from a qualified equity offering of not less than $241,967,500. After February 15, 2012, Synovus may, with the consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, redeem, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred Stock at the liquidation amount per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is

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generally non-voting. Prior to December 19, 2011, unless Synovus has redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock or the Treasury has transferred the Series A Preferred Stock to a third party, the consent of the Treasury will be required for Synovus to (1) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on common stock, par value $1.00 per share, other than regular quarterly cash dividends of not more than $0.06 per share, or (2) redeem, repurchase or acquire Synovus common stock or other equity or capital securities, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice. A consequence of the Series A Preferred Stock purchase includes certain restrictions on executive compensation that could limit the tax deductibility of compensation that Synovus pays to executive management.
As part of its purchase of the Series A Preferred Stock, Synovus issued the Treasury a warrant to purchase up to 15,510,737 shares of Synovus common stock (the Warrant) at an initial per share exercise price of $9.36. The Warrant provides for the adjustment of the exercise price and the number of shares of Synovus common stock issuable upon exercise pursuant to customary anti-dilution provisions, such as upon stock splits or distributions of securities or other assets to holders of our common stock, and upon certain issuances of our common stock at or below a specified price relative to the initial exercise price. The Warrant expires on December 19, 2018. If, on or prior to December 31, 2009, Synovus receives aggregate gross cash proceeds of not less than $967,870,000 from “qualified equity offerings” announced after October 13, 2008, the number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Treasury’s exercise of the Warrant will be reduced by one-half of the original number of shares, taking into account all adjustments, underlying the Warrant. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.

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The offer and sale of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant were effected without registration under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. Synovus has allocated the total proceeds received from the United States Department of the Treasury based on the relative fair values of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrants. This allocation resulted in the preferred shares and the Warrants being initially recorded at amounts that are less than their respective fair values at the issuance date.
The $48.5 million discount on the Series A Preferred Stock is being accreted using a constant effective yield over the five-year period preceding the 9 %9% perpetual dividend. Synovus records increases in the carrying amount of the preferred shares resulting from accretion of the discount by charges against retained earnings.
Common Stock
On September 22, 2009, Synovus completed a public offering of 150,000,000 shares of Synovus’ $1.00 par value common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, generating proceeds of $570.9 million, net of issuance costs.
Exchange of Subordinated Debt for Common Stock
On November 5, 2009, Synovus completed its previously announced exchange offer (Exchange Offer) of $29,820,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.875% Subordinated Notes Due 2013 (the “Notes”). The notes exchanged in the Exchange Offer represent 12.6% of the $236,570,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding prior to the Exchange Offer. Pursuant to the terms of the Exchange Offer, Synovus has issued approximately 9.44 million shares of the Company’s common stock as consideration for the Notes. The Exchange Offer resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $8.0 million which will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2009.
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges represent severance and other project related costs incurred in conjunction with the implementation of Project Optimus (an initiative focused on operating efficiency gains and enhanced revenue growth) as well as severance costs associated with additional job function and position eliminations identified during the first quarter of 2009 as part of a continued effort to manage a leaner organization. Synovus expects to incur in total approximately $25.0$23.0 million in restructuring costs related to these efficiency efforts.
Project Optimus, launched in April 2008, is a team member-driven effort to create an enhanced banking experience for our customers and a more efficient organization that delivers greater value for Synovus shareholders. As a result of this process, Synovus announced in the third quarter of 2008 that it expects to achieve $75 million in annual run rate pre-tax earnings benefit by late 2010 through efficiency gains and new revenue growth initiatives. Revenue growth is

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expected primarily through new sales initiatives, improved product offerings and improved pricing strategies for consumer and commercial assets and liabilities. Cost savings are expected to be generated primarily through increased process efficiencies and streamlining of support functions. In conjunction with the project as well as the additional position eliminations identified during 2009, Synovus expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately $19.5$23 million in conjunction with the project, including approximately $8.4$11.8 million in severance charges. In addition, Synovus expects to incur approximately $5.5 million in restructuring charges related to the position eliminations identified during the first quarter of 2009. During the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus recognized $6.8$6.3 million and $397$(413) thousand in total restructuring (severance) charges. To date, $22.9$22.5 million in restructuring charges have been recognized related to these efficiency efforts including $11.7$11.3 million in severance charges.
Visa Initial Public Offering and Litigation Expense
Visa, Inc. completed an initial public offering (the Visa IPO) in March 2008. Visa used a portion of the proceeds from the Visa IPO to establish a $3.0 billion escrow for settlement of covered litigation and used substantially all of the remaining portion to redeem class B and class C shares held by Visa issuing members. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Synovus recognized a pre-tax gain of $38.5 million on redemption proceeds received from Visa, Inc. and reduced the $36.8 million litigation accrual recognized in the second half of 2007 by $17.4 million for its membership proportion of the $3.0 billion escrow funded by Visa, Inc. During September 2008, Visa announced the settlement of its Discover litigation for approximately $1.74 billion. Synovus increased its litigation accrual by $6.3 million for its membership proportion of the incremental amount of the final Discover settlement over the previously estimated amount for the Discover settlement. During December 2008, Visa deposited $1.10

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billion into the litigation escrow, effectively representing a repurchase of Class AB common stock on an as-converted basis. Synovus reduced its litigation accrual by $6.4 million for its membership proportion of the amount deposited to the litigation escrow. During July 2009, Visa deposited $700 million to the litigation escrow, effectively representing a repurchase of Class B common stock on an as-converted basis. Synovus reduced its litigation accrual by $4.1 million for its membership proportion of the amount deposited to the litigation escrow.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus’ accrual for the aggregate amount of Visa’s covered litigation was $19.3$15.2 million. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, the redemption of shares and changes to the accrued liability for Visa litigation resulted in a gain of $34.1$30.2 million, net of tax, or $0.10$0.09 per diluted share.
On June 30,November 6, 2009, Synovus completed the sale of its remaining shares of Visa announced its planClass B common stock to deposit $700a qualified Visa member. Synovus expects to recognize a pre-tax gain of $51.9 million toon the litigation escrow and announced on July 16, 2009 thatsale of the deposit had been completed. Synovus will assess its indemnification obligations with respect to Visa’s covered litigationClass B shares during the three months ended September 30, 2009, giving considerationending December 31, 2009. Visa’s Class B shares are subject to Visa’s depositrestrictions on sale (other than to other qualified Visa members) prior to the latter of March 25, 2011 or Visa’s settlement of all covered litigation. Upon the lifting of restrictions, the Class B shares will convert into Class A shares, which may be sold in the open market, based on a conversion ratio calculated by Visa. The conversion ratio decreases when Visa converts Class B shares for sale as loss shares to fund the escrow for covered litigation, escrow.and may increase if the litigation escrow includes excess funds following settlement of all covered litigation. In conjunction with sale of the Class B shares, Synovus has entered into an agreement which provides for payments between Synovus and the buyer for future changes in the conversion ratio. Synovus is required to post collateral in connection with expected future settlements under the agreement.

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Balance Sheet
During the first sixnine months of 2009, total assets decreased $1.44by $1.17 billion. $435.9 millionThe principal components of thethis decrease is due towere a decline$1.91 billion decrease in the balance of funds due from the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, investment securities available for sale decreased by $209.8 million, federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements decreased $217.4 million, and loans, net of unearned income and allowance for loan losses, decreased $654.8 million.a $471.2 million decrease in investment securities available for sale, and a $208.0 million decrease in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements, which were offset in part by a $1.62 billion increase in interest bearing funds with the Federal Reserve Bank. The decrease in net loans reflects a slower demand for loans in the current economic downturn as well as an increase of $320.2 million in the allowance for loan losses and approximately $504.3 million of loans that were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate. The decline in investment securities available for sale includes maturities and mortgage backed security payoffs which were not reinvested. The increase in funds with the Federal Reserve Bank is the result of liquidity generated by declines in loan and investment security balances, and also includes $570.9 million of net proceeds from common stock issued in September of 2009.
Fair Value Accounting
SFAS No. 157ASC 820-10 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 159ASC 825-10-15 permits entities to make an irrevocable election, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Fair value is used on a recurring basis for certain assets and liabilities in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Fair value is used on a non-recurring basis for collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate. Examples of recurring use of fair value include trading account assets, mortgage loans held for sale, investment securities available for sale, private equity investments, derivative instruments, and trading account liabilities. The extent to which fair value is used on a recurring basis was expanded upon the adoption of SFAS No. 159,the provisions of ASC 825-10, effective on January 1, 2008. At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, approximately $5.41$4.97 billion, or 15.8%,14.4% compared to $5.21$5.09 billion, or 14.6%14.2% at December 31, 2008, of total assets were recorded at fair value, which includes items measured on a recurring and non-recurring basis.
Fair value is the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value determination in accordance with SFAS No. 157ASC 820-10 requires that a number of significant judgments be made. The standard also establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Synovus has an established and well-documented process for determining fair values and fair value hierarchy classifications. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available (Level 1). Where prices for identical assets and liabilities are not available, SFAS No. 157ASC 820-10 requires that similar assets and liabilities are identified (Level 2). If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, or similar assets cannot be identified, then fair value is estimated using internally-developed valuation modeling techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses that primarily use as inputs market-based or independently sourced market parameters (Level 3). These modeling techniques incorporate assessments regarding assumptions that market

47


participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability. The assessments with respect to assumptions that market participants would make are inherently difficult to determine and use of different assumptions could result in material changes to these fair value measurements.

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The following tables summarize the assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the valuation hierarchy at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
                    
 June 30, 2009                 
 Total  Total 
 Assets  Assets 
 Held at  Held at 
 Fair Value  Fair Value 
 On the  On the 
 Balance  Balance 
(dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Sheet  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Sheet 
Trading account assets  4% 96  100 $20.7   9% 91  $13.4 
Mortgage loans held for sale 100  100 312.6  100  112.1 
Investment securities available for sale:  
U.S. Treasury securities 100   100 1.1  100   20.8 
Other U.S. Government agency securities  100  100 1,513.4   100  1,096.6 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities  100  100 1,816.4   100  1,967.7 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations  100  100 103.6   100  95.5 
State and municipal securities  100  100 106.4   100  99.3 
Equity securities 25  75 100 11.2  26  74 10.6 
Other investments   100 100 8.1    100 8.1 
                    
Total investment securities available for sale  99 1 100 3,560.2  1 99  3,298.8 
Private equity investments   100 100 135.7    100 127.8 
Derivative assets  99 1 100 159.9   99 1 142.6 
              
Total 100 100 100 100 $4,189.1  $3,694.7 
              
  
Level 3 assets as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value  3.65%  3.95%
                    
 December 31, 2008                 
 Total  Total 
 Assets  Assets 
 Held at  Held at 
 Fair Value  Fair Value 
 On the  On the 
 Balance  Balance 
(dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Sheet  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Sheet 
Trading account assets  3% 97  100 $24.5   2% 98  $24.5 
Mortgage loans held for sale  100  100 133.6   100  133.6 
Investment securities available for sale:  
U.S. Treasury securities 100   100 4.6  100   4.6 
Other U.S. Government agency securities  100  100 1,552.6   100  1,552.6 
Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities  100  100 1,956.0   100  1,956.0 
Government agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations  100  100 116.4   100  116.4 
State and municipal securities  100  100 123.3   100  123.3 
Equity securities 34  66 100 8.2  34  66 8.2 
Other investments   100 100 8.9    100 8.9 
                    
Total investment securities available for sale  99 1 100 3,770.0   99 1 3,770.0 
Private equity investments   100 100 123.5    100 123.5 
Derivative assets  99 1 100 307.8   99 1 307.8 
              
Total 100 100 100 100 $4,359.4  $4,359.4 
              
  
Level 3 assets as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value  3.22%  3.22%

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The following tables summarize the liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the valuation hierarchy at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
                    
 June 30, 2009                 
 Total  Total 
 Liabilities  Liabilities 
 Held at  Held at 
 Fair Value  Fair Value 
 On the  On the 
 Balance  Balance 
(dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Sheet  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Sheet 
Trading account liabilities  % 100  100 $13.3   % 100  $6.9 
Derivative liabilities  100  100 132.4   100  118.3 
              
Total  100  100 $145.7  $125.2 
              
  
Level 3 liabilities as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value  0%  0%
                    
 December 31, 2008                 
 Total  Total 
 Liabilities  Liabilities 
 Held at  Held at 
 Fair Value  Fair Value 
 On the  On the 
 Balance  Balance 
(dollars in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Sheet  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Sheet 
Brokered certificates of deposit  % 100  100 $75.9   % 100  $75.9 
Trading account liabilities  100  100 17.3   100  17.3 
Derivative liabilities  100  100 206.5   100  206.3 
              
Total  100  100 $299.7  $299.5 
              
  
Level 3 liabilities as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value  0%  0%
In estimating the fair values for investment securities and most derivative financial instruments, independent, third-party market prices are the best evidence of exit price and, where available, Synovus bases estimates on such prices. If such third-party market prices are not available on the exact securities that Synovus owns, fair values are based on the market prices of similar instruments, third-party broker quotes, or are estimated using industry-standard or proprietary models whose inputs may be unobservable. When market observable data is not available, the valuation of financial instruments becomes more subjective and involves substantial judgment. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from the lack of market liquidity for certain types of loans and securities, which results in diminished observability of both actual trades and assumptions that would otherwise be available to value these instruments. When fair values are estimated based on internal models, relevant market indices that correlate to the underlying collateral are considered, along with assumptions such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates, and discount rates.
The valuation for mortgage loans held for sale (MLHFS) is based upon forward settlement of a pool of loans of identical coupon, maturity, product, and credit attributes. The model is continuously updated with available market and historical data. The valuation methodology of nonpublic private equity investments requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. Private equity investments are valued initially based upon transaction price. Thereafter, Synovus uses information provided by the fund managers in the initial determination of estimated fair value. Valuation factors such as recent or proposed purchase or sale of debt or equity of the issuer, pricing by other dealers in similar securities, size of position held, liquidity

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of the market and changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer are used in the final determination of estimated fair value.
Valuation methodologies are reviewed each quarter to ensure that fair value estimates are appropriate. Any changes to the valuation methodologies are reviewed by management to confirm the changes are justified. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more or less transparent, Synovus continues to refine its valuation methodologies. For a detailed discussion of valuation methodologies, refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) as of and for the nine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.
Trading Account Assets
The trading account assets portfolio is substantially comprised of mortgage-backed securities which are bought and held principally for sale and delivery to correspondent and retail customers of Synovus. Trading account assets are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in other non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income. Synovus recognized a net gain on trading account assets of $2.6$4.7 million and $1.9$2.2 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively, compared to a net lossgain of $239 thousand$1.2 million and a net gain of $519$667 thousand for the same periods in the prior year.
Other Loans Held for Sale
Loans or pools of loans are transferred to the other loans held for sale portfolio when the intent to hold the loans has changed due to portfolio management or risk mitigation strategies and when there is a plan to sell the loans within a reasonable period of time. The value of the loans or pools of loans is primarily determined by analyzing the underlying collateral of the loan and the external market prices of similar assets. At the time of transfer, if the estimated net realizable value is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recorded as a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. Decreases in estimated net realizable value subsequent to the transfer as well as losses (gains) from sale of these loans are recognized as a component of non-interest expense.
During the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus transferred loans with a cost basis totaling $97.5$199.0 million and $56.7$101.5 million to the other loans held for sale portfolio, respectively. Synovus recognized charge-offs on these loans totaling $50.2$80.8 million and $30.7$30.6 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively. These charge-offs, which resulted in a new cost basis of $47.3$118.2 million and $26.0$70.9 million for the loans transferred during the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively, were based on the estimated sales price of the loans at the time of transfer. Subsequent to their transfer to the other loans held for sale portfolio, Synovus foreclosed on certain other loans held for sale and transferred foreclosed assets of $1.7 million and $423 thousand to other real estate during the six and threenine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.

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Other Real Estate
ORE, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources and recent sales history, adjusted for estimated selling costs. Management also considers other factors or recent developments such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management plans for disposition, which could resulthave resulted in adjustment to the collateral value estimates indicated in thecertain appraisals. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recorded as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of non-interest expense.
The carrying value of ORE was $211.0$187.5 million and $246.1 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, approximately $337.5$504.3 million of loans and $1.7 million of other loans held for sale were foreclosed and transferred to other real estate. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, Synovus recognized foreclosed real estate expenses of $218.7$320.2 million and $21.6$64.8 million, respectively.
Foreclosed real estate expenses recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2009 include an $186.4 million charge for the recognition These costs primarily consist of charges related to declines in fair value or reductions in estimated realizable value subsequent to the date of foreclosure, $19.0 million in net losses resulting from sales transactions which have already closed, $9.8 million in carrying costs associated with ORE, and $3.5 million in legal and appraisal fees.
Synovus sold ORE with a carrying value of $243.0 million and $168.7 million during the six and three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, principally through liquidation sales at prices less than fair value. Synovus received proceeds of approximately $164.4 million and $107.4 million and recognized charges for losses of $78.5 million and $61.3 million for the six and three months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, in connection with these ORE sales. These losses included write-downs to net realizable value which preceded sales transactions, and to a lesser degree, losses on sale for differences between liquidation carrying values and the net proceeds received upon sale.foreclosure.

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Loans
The following table compares the composition of the loan portfolio at JuneSeptember 30, 2009, December 31, 2008, and JuneSeptember 30, 2008.
                    
(dollars in thousands) Total Loans Total Loans   
                     September 30, September 30, 
     2009 vs. 2009 vs. 
 June 30, June 30,  Dec. 31, September 30, 
 2009 vs. 2009 vs.  September 30, Dec. 31, 2008 September 30, 2008 
 Total Loans Dec. 31, Total Loans March 31, 
(dollars in thousands) June 30, Dec. 31, 2008 June 30, 2008 
Loan Type 2009 2008 % Change(1) 2008 % Change  2009 2008 % Change(1) 2008 % Change 
Multi-family $838,795 589,708  85.2% $532,345  57.6% $864,849 589,708  62.4% $565,937  52.8%
Hotels 1,026,163 965,886 12.6 755,125 35.9  1,023,492 965,886 8.0 818,328 25.1 
Office building 1,110,896 1,036,837 14.4 1,003,278 10.7  1,075,011 1,036,837 4.9 1,000,245 7.5 
Shopping centers 1,084,080 1,090,807  (1.2) 980,545 10.6  1,078,436 1,090,807  (1.5) 1,024,988 5.2 
Commercial development 735,834 763,962  (7.4) 816,482  (9.9) 699,532 763,962  (11.3) 811,172  (13.8)
Warehouses 491,944 461,402 13.3 423,465 16.2  497,062 461,402 10.3 453,672 9.6 
Other investment property 609,313 614,149  (1.6) 564,549 7.9  580,696 614,149  (7.3) 613,333  (5.3)
                      
Total Investment Properties
 5,897,025 5,522,751 13.7 5,075,789 16.2  5,819,078 5,522,751 7.2 5,287,675 10.0 
                      
  
1-4 family construction 1,224,446 1,611,779  (48.5) 1,943,120  (37.0) 991,368 1,611,779  (51.5) 1,750,756  (43.4)
1-4 family perm/mini-perm 1,429,916 1,441,798  (1.7) 1,387,711 3.0 
1-4 family perm/ mini-perm 1,355,111 1,441,798  (8.0) 1,411,783  (4.0)
Residential development 1,739,246 2,123,669  (36.5) 2,241,985  (22.4) 1,521,939 2,123,669  (37.9) 2,231,299  (31.8)
                      
Total 1-4 Family Properties
 4,393,608 5,177,246  (30.5) 5,572,816  (21.2) 3,868,418 5,177,246  (33.8) 5,393,838  (28.3)
                      
  
Land Acquisition
 1,619,395 1,620,370  (0.1) 1,650,334  (1.9) 1,485,568 1,620,370  (11.1) 1,636,548  (9.2)
                      
Total Commercial Real Estate
 11,910,028 12,320,367  (6.7) 12,298,939  (3.2) 11,173,064 12,320,367  (12.5) 12,318,061  (9.3)
                      
  
Commercial, financial, and agricultural 6,545,088 6,747,928  (6.1) 6,689,206  (2.2) 6,328,176 6,747,928  (8.3) 6,728,621  (6.0)
Owner-occupied 4,829,805 4,499,339 14.8 4,281,469 12.8  4,587,747 4,499,339 2.6 4,313,167 6.4 
                      
Total Commercial and Industrial
 11,374,893 11,247,267 2.3 10,970,675 3.7  10,915,923 11,247,267  (3.9) 11,041,788  (1.1)
                      
  
Home equity 1,729,528 1,725,075 0.5 1,633,604 5.9  1,729,458 1,725,075 0.3 1,682,598 2.8 
Consumer mortgages 1,725,223 1,763,449  (4.4) 1,725,064 nm  1,667,593 1,763,449  (7.3) 1,761,057  (5.3)
Credit card 288,349 295,055  (4.6) 299,850  (3.8) 288,147 295,055  (3.1) 291,162  (1.0)
Other retail loans 586,029 606,347  (6.8) 558,633 4.9  579,797 606,347  (5.9) 595,220  (2.6)
                      
Total Retail
 4,329,129 4,389,926  (2.8) 4,217,151 2.7  4,264,995 4,389,926  (3.8) 4,330,037  (1.5)
                      
  
Unearned Income
  (28,309)  (37,383)  (48.9)  (40,874)  (30.7)  (22,243)  (37,383)  (54.1)  (41,903)  (46.9)
                      
Total
 $27,585,741 27,920,177  (2.4)% $27,445,891  0.5% $26,331,739 27,920,177  (7.6)% $27,647,983  (4.8)%
                      
 
(1) Percentage changes are annualized.

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At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, loans outstanding were $27.59$26.33 billion, an increasea decrease of $139.9 million,$1.32 billion, or 0.5%4.8%, compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008. On a sequential quarter basis, total loans outstanding declined by $144.5 million$1.25 billion or 2.1%18.0% annualized.
At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, Synovus had 2840 loan relationships with total commitments of $50 million or more (including amounts funded). The average funded balance of these relationships at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was approximately $80$70 million.

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Loans by Type
Loans for investment property grewincreased by $374.3$296.3 million, or 13.7%7.2% annualized, from December 31, 2008, and increased $821.2$531.4 million, or 16.2%10.0%, compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008. The primary loan categories contributing to the growth within the investment property portfolio compared to December 31, 2008 were within the multi-family hotel and office buildinghotel categories. The growth in the investment property portfolio during the first sixnine months of 2009 is primarily due to the funding of credit enhancement letters of credit of $221.5 million as well as advances on existing commitments. In addition, the continued impact of a lack of exit capabilities in the market place with commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), where borrowers have historically secured permanent financing, has increased the duration of the investment property portfolio. The unfunded commitments for investment property loans decreased from approximately $680 million at December 31, 2008 to approximately $364$260 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2009.
Residential construction and development loans at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $2.96$2.51 billion, down 41.7%43.7% annualized from December 31, 2008, and accounted for 10.7%9.5% of total loans outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009. The following table shows the composition of the residential construction and development portfolio as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009:
                        
 June 30, 2009  September 30, 2009 
 % of Total % of Total  % of Total 
 Residential Residential Residential Residential  Residential Residential 
 Construction Construction Construction Construction  Construction Construction 
 and and and and  and and 
 Development Development Development Development  Development Development 
(dollars in thousands) Total Loans Portfolio NPL NPL  Total Loans Portfolio 
Georgia
 $1,506,337  50.9% $386,595  68.0% $1,239,197  49.3%
Atlanta 698,088 23.6 233,099 41.0  535,941 21.3 
Florida
 355,870 12.0 65,096 11.5  284,376 11.3 
West Coast of Florida 261,208 8.8 53,991 9.5  207,073 8.2 
South Carolina
 708,849 23.9 85,470 15.0  636,446 25.3 
Tennessee
 92,719 3.1 16,725 2.9  76,606 3.0 
Alabama
 299,917 10.1 14,433 2.6  276,682 11.1 
              
Total
 $2,963,692  100.0% $568,319  100.0% $2,513,307  100.0%
              
Retail loans at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 totaled $4.33$4.26 billion, representing 15.7%16.2% of the total loan portfolio. Total retail loans increaseddecreased by 2.7%1.5% compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008 and declined at an annualized rate of 2.8%3.8% since December 31, 2008, led principally by a decline in consumer mortgage credit card and other consumer loans, and was partially offset by an increase in small business loans, which are a component of other retail loans. The retail loan portfolio credit scores.scores were updated as of June 30, 2009. There was no material migration within the retail loan portfolio. These loans are primarily extended to customers who have an existing banking relationship with Synovus. The home equity loan portfolio consists primarily of loans with strong credit scores (Average Beacon Score(average beacon score of 743745 at JuneSeptember 30, 2009), conservative debt-to-income ratios (Average Debt(average debt to Income Ratioincome of 28.0%28.7% at JuneSeptember 30, 2009), and appropriate loan-to-value ratios (Maximum(maximum of 89.9%). The utilization rate (total amount outstanding as a percentage of total available lines) of this portfolio was approximately 61%62% at JuneSeptember 30, 2009, compared to 59%60% a year ago. The retail loan portfolio credit scores.
Synovus provides credit enhancements in the form of standby letters of credit to assist certain commercial customers in obtaining long-term funding through taxable and tax-exempt bond issues. Under these agreements and under certain conditions, if the bondholder requires the issuer to repurchase the bonds, Synovus is obligated to provide funding under the letter of credit to the issuer to finance the repurchase of the bonds by the issuer. Bondholders (investors) may

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require the issuer to repurchase the bonds on a weekly basis for reasons including general liquidity needs of the investors, general industry/market considerations, as well as changes in Synovus’ credit ratings. Synovus’ maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty is represented by the contract amount of those instruments. Synovus applies the same credit policies in entering into commitments and conditional obligations as it does for loans. The maturities and yields of the funded letters of credit are comparable to those for new commercial loans. Synovus has issued approximately $1.37 billion in letters of credit related to these bond issuances. At June 30, 2009, substantially all of these standby letters of credit have been funded and are now reported as a component of total loans. The funding of letters of credit does not impact regulatory capital measures such as the risk-based capital ratio since letters of credit are already included in risk-weighted assets at the same risk-weighting as the funded loans. Synovus anticipates its continuing exposure to credit enhancements to remain at lower levels until such time that market conditions, investor liquidity, and Synovus’ credit ratings improve.
Credit Quality
Synovus increased itsThe allowance for loan losses by $276.3at September 30, 2009 was $918.5 million, or 3.49% of total loans, compared to $918.7 million, or 3.33% of total loans, in the prior quarter. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2009 includes estimated losses on problem loans which are planned for disposition during the three months ended June 30,fourth quarter of 2009 primarily to provide for probable losses on planned dispositionsand first quarter of non-performing loans throughout the remainder of 2009. Non-performing2010. Nonperforming assets decreasedincreased by $15.0$29.3 million and total past due loans still accruing interest as a percentage of outstanding loans decreasedincreased from 2.12%1.20% to 1.20%1.35%, or $255.3$24.7 million, as compared to March 31,June 30, 2009.
During the secondthird quarter of 2009, Synovus completed sales of non-performingproblem assets with carrying values oftotaling approximately $404$339 million as compared to sales of $106$404 million in the firstsecond quarter of 2009. Asset sales for the secondthird quarter were comprised of approximately $300$226 million of residential real estate loans and approximately $100ORE properties, $46 million of investment real estate plus someloans and ORE properties, and $67 million of loans and ORE properties which are primarily comprised of owner occupied commercial and industrial loans and land acquisition loans. Approximately half40% of these asset sales were from the Atlanta market. While it is very difficult to predict the volume or speed of the migration of performing loans to problem assets, and while market conditions, regulatory directives and a number of other factors may ultimately effect that migration and the attractiveness of selling problem assets, we presently believe that we are on track with our plan to sell a total of $600 million in problem assets during the third and fourth quarters of 2009.
Total credit costs for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $807.8$606.3 million, including provision for losses on loans of $631.5$496.5 million and costsexpenses related to dispositionforeclosed real estate of ORE of $172.4$101.4 million. The credit costs were largely driven by valuation charges on new nonperforming loans and existing nonperforming assets, as well as charges for estimated losses on future asset dispositions. For a further discussion of the significant increasepotential impact of additional credit losses on our results of operations and capital, see “Capital Resources and Liquidity” and the risk factors in Part II — Item 1A — “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Report.
Nonperforming Assets
Total nonperforming assets were $1.75 billion at September 30, 2009 compared to $1.72 billion at June 30, 2009. Additions to nonperforming loans during the third quarter were $756.4 million, down slightly from second quarter additions of $764.8 million and significantly down from first quarter additions of $938.6 million. Based upon current projections, management presently expects that the level of gross additions to nonperforming loans will remain elevated in the fourth quarter, but may be somewhat lower than third quarter levels. Total allowance and cumulative write-downs on nonperforming assets as a percentage of unpaid principal balance at September 30, 2009 were approximately 46%. At September 30, 2009, approximately 58.6% of total nonperforming assets are in the Atlanta, South Carolina and West Florida markets (31.1%, 14.5%, and 13.0%, respectively).
During the third quarter of 2009, Synovus revised its definition of nonperforming loans to exclude accruing restructured loans. Such loans are not considered to be nonperforming because they are performing in accordance with the restructured terms. Management believes that this change better aligns our definition of nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets with the definition used by our peers and therefore improves the comparability of this measure across the industry. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation. See footnote (5) under the credit quality metrics table on page 60 for further details. Accruing restructured loans were approximately $193 million at September 30, 2009, compared to $18 million at June 30, 2009. At September 30, 2009, the allowance for loan losses as well asallocated to these accruing restructured loans was approximately $29.7 million. The increase in accruing restructured loans since the impact of losses on liquidations of non-performing assets.
The non-performing assets ratio (NPA ratio — non-performing loans plus other loans held for saleprior quarter is directly related to the challenges our commercial customers continue to face in the current economic environment and other real estate divided by total loans, other loans held for sale, and other real estate) at June 30, 2009 was 6.24% comparedSynovus’ efforts to 6.25% at March 31, 2009, 4.16% at December 31, 2008, and 3.00% at June 30, 2008. At June 30, 2009, approximately 44.3% of total non-performing assetswork with creditworthy customers to find solutions that are in the Atlantabest interest of both the customer and West Florida markets. Synovus.

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The Atlanta market represents approximately 24%following table shows the composition of Synovus’ total loans in the residential construction and development nonperforming loan portfolio and 41%as of September 30, 2009. The Atlanta market represents 35% of total nonperforming loans in the residential construction and development portfolio as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009.

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The following table shows the NPA ratio by state as of June 30, 2009, December 31, 2008, and June 30, 2008.
         
  September 30, 2009 
      % of Total 
  Residential  Residential 
  Construction  Construction 
  and  and 
  Development  Development 
(dollars in thousands) NPL  NPL 
Georgia
 $412,121   69.0%
Atlanta  210,640   35.3 
Florida
  53,901   9.0 
West Florida  42,214   7.1 
South Carolina
  90,821   15.2 
Tennessee
  19,129   3.2 
Alabama
  21,496   3.6 
       
Consolidated
 $597,468   100.0%
       
             
  June 30, December 31, June 30,
  2009 2008 2008
Georgia
  7.74%  5.28   3.76 
Atlanta  11.93   8.61   7.24 
Florida
  7.54   5.52   4.36 
West Florida  8.68   6.65   5.24 
South Carolina
  6.39   1.68   1.35 
Tennessee
  4.09   2.62   2.64 
Alabama
  2.30   1.86   0.77 
             
Consolidated
  6.24%  4.16   3.00 
             
The following table shows total past due loans (and still accruing interest) at June 30, 2009, March 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008:
                 
  June 30, March 31, December 31, June 30,
(dollars in thousands) 2009 2009 2008 2008
Total past due loans (and still accruing interest) $331,731   587,014   362,538   365,046 
As a percentage of loans outstanding  1.20%  2.12   1.30   1.33 
Total past due loans (and still accruing interest) declined $255.3 million from March 31, 2009, and declined $33.3 million from June 30, 2008. The sequential quarter decrease included $198.1 million in loans that migrated to non-performing loans during the quarter, and a reduction in the remaining past due loans (and still accruing interest) of $57.1 million.Charge-Offs
Net charge-offs for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $355.2$496.8 million, an increase of $284.6$391.4 million compared to the same period a year ago and an increase of $141.6 million compared to the second quarter of 2009. The third quarter charge-offs included $141.5approximately $135 million related to fair value write-downs on existing nonperforming loans, $119 million related to impairment on new loans and $76 million related to charge-offs on loan dispositions. Given the elevated level of charge-offs withinrecorded during the Atlanta portfoliothird quarter as well as the fact that, as of September 30, 2009, the allowance and $90.8cumulative write-downs on nonperforming assets as a percentage of unpaid principal balance was approximately 46%, management presently anticipates that the level of net charge-offs should decline in future periods.
Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $1.10 billion, an increase of $858.5 million ofcompared to the same period in the prior year. The annualized net charge-off ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 5.30% compared to 1.18% for the same period in 2008 and 1.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The following tables show net charge-offs fromby geography and type for the South Carolina portfolio.three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. Residential construction and development loans continue to be the largest component of credit losses with Atlanta losses leading that category. category with $61 million in current period charge-offs:
Net charge-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $601.5 million, an increase of $467.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year, and included $241.1 million, or 40 basis points, of charge-offs within the Atlanta portfolio, and $72.8 million, or 12 basis points, in charge-offs from the West Coast of Florida portfolio. The net charge-off ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was 4.31% compared to 0.99% for the same period in 2008 and 1.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008.by geography
The following table shows net charge-offs by loan type for the three months ended June 30 and March 31, 2009:
                 
  Three Months Ended 
  June 30, 2009  March 31, 2009 
(dollars in thousands) Net  % of Average Loans  Net  % of Average Loans 
Loan Type Charge-Offs  for the Quarter  Charge-Offs  for the Quarter 
Investment properties $47,658   3.2% $16,087   1.1%
1 — 4 Family properties  184,986   16.9   113,427   9.5 
Land for future development  36,123   9.0   46,504   11.4 
             
Total commercial real estate
  268,767   9.1   176,018   5.8 
Commercial and industrial  61,619   2.2   53,239   1.9 
Retail  24,838   2.3   17,057   1.6 
             
Total(1)
 $355,224   5.1% $246,314   3.5%
             
(1)Excluding charge-offs associated with the sale of non-performing loans, net charge offs for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were $252 million, or 3.7% of loans
         
  September 30, 2009 
  Three Months  Nine Months 
(in thousands) Ended  Ended 
Atlanta
 $109,770   350,837 
West Florida
  103,504   176,323 
South Carolina
  115,761   242,243 
Other
  167,742   328,912 
       
Consolidated
 $496,777   1,098,315 
       

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Net charge-offs by type
                 
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2009 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
      % of Average      % of Average 
  Net  Loans for the  Net  Loans for the 
Loan Type Charge-Offs  Quarter  Charge-Offs  Quarter 
Investment properties $57,364   3.9% $121,110   2.8%
1 — 4 Family properties  237,360   24.3   535,773   18.5 
Land for future development  72,749   19.4   155,376   14.0 
             
Total commercial real estate
  367,473   13.1   812,259   9.7 
Commercial and industrial  94,905   3.5   209,763   2.6 
Retail  34,399   3.2   76,293   2.4 
             
Total
 $496,777   7.3% $1,098,315   5.3%
             
Provision Expense and Allowance for Loan Losses
Provision expense for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was $922.0 million,$1.42 billion, an increase of $737.3 million$1.08 billion compared to the same period in the prior year. Total provision expense for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was $631.5$496.5 million, an increase of $537.9$345.2 million compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in both periods was primarily driven by increases in nonperforming loans and charges associated with declines in the fair value of existing impaired loans, which consider estimated losses from non-performing note sales. Another significant component of the year to date increase was losses from note sales completed during the second quarter of 2009.
The allowance for loan losses was $918.5 million, or 3.49% of net loans, at September 30, 2009 compared to $918.7 million, or 3.33% of net loans at June 30, 2009, compared to $642.4 million, or 2.32% of net loans at March 31, 2009,and $598.3 million, or 2.14% of net loans, at December 31, 2008, and $417.8 million, or 1.52% of net loans, at June 30, 2008. The $277 million increase in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended June 30, 2009 was primarily driven by an increase in the loss factors associated with management’s problem asset disposition strategy.
The allowance for loan losses to non-performingnonperforming loans coverage was 61.65%60.46% at JuneSeptember 30, 2009, compared to 64.91%65.00% at December 31, 2008, and 66.68% at June 30, 2008. The decline in coverage ratio is impacted by the increase in non-performing loans, the increase in collateral-dependent impaired loans, and the ratio of collateral-dependent impaired loans to non-performing loans. At June 30, 2009, $971.9 million, or 78.8%, of impaired loans consisted of collateral-dependent impaired loans for which Synovus has recognized charge-offs of approximately $284.0 million. Synovus evaluates loans for impairment when the ultimate collectibilitycollectability of all amounts due, according to contractual terms of the loan agreement, is in doubt. Upon the determination of impairment for a collateral-dependent loan, the amount of impairment (the excess of carrying value of the loan above estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs) is charged off. As a result, the decline in coverage ratio is impacted by the increase in non-performinglevel of nonperforming loans as well as the increase inlevel of collateral-dependent impaired loans for which charge-offs have been recorded and the ratio of collateral dependent impaired loans to non-performing loans (which was 65.2% at June 30, 2009, 77.9% at December 31, 2008, and 76.5% at June 30, 2008).there is therefore no associated reserve. During times when non-performingnonperforming loans are not significant, this coverage ratio — which measures the allowance for loan losses (which is there for(for the entire loan portfolio) against a small non-performingnonperforming loans total — appears very large. As non-performingnonperforming loans increase, this ratio will decline even with significant incremental additions to the allowance.
A substantial part of Synovus’ loans are secured by real estate in five southeastern states (Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Accordingly, the ultimate collectibilitycollectability of a substantial part of Synovus’ loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas. Based on current information and market conditions, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

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The table below includes selected credit quality metrics.
                    
 June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,                     
(dollars in thousands) 2009 2009 2008 2008 2008  September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, 
Non-performing loans(1)
 $1,490,267 1,441,188 921,708 769,950 626,571 
Other loans held for sale(2)
 34,938 22,751 3,527 13,554 6,365 
 2009 2009 2009 2008 2008 
Nonperforming loans(1) (4)
 $1,519,049 1,472,242 1,415,269 920,506 768,050 
Impaired loans held for sale(2)
 40,932 34,938 22,750 3,527 13,554 
Other real estate 210,968 287,246 246,121 215,082 197,328  187,494 210,968 287,246 246,121 215,082 
                      
Non-performing assets $1,736,173 1,751,185 1,171,356 998,586 830,264 
Nonperforming assets(3) (4)
 $1,747,475 1,718,148 1,725,265 1,170,154 996,686 
                      
  
Net charge-offs — quarter $355,224 246,317 229,402 105,328 70,651  $496,777 355,224 246,314 229,402 105,328 
Net charge-offs/Avg. loans — quarter(3)(5)
  5.09%  3.53%  3.25%  1.53%  1.04%  7.33% 5.09 3.53 3.25 1.53 
  
Net charge-offs — YTD $601,541 246,317 469,195 239,793 134,465  $1,098,315 601,541 246,314 469,195 239,793 
Net charge-offs/Avg. loans — YTD(3)(5)
  4.31%  3.53%  1.71%  1.18%  0.99%  5.30% 4.31 3.53 1.71 1.18 
  
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing $31,018 31,316 38,794 49,868 39,614  $43,816 31,018 31,316 38,794 49,868 
As a % of loans  0.11%  0.11%  0.14%  0.18%  0.14%  0.17% 0.11 0.11 0.14 0.18 
  
Total past due loans and still accruing $331,731 587,014 362,538 403,180 365,046  $356,456 331,731 587,014 362,538 403,180 
As a % of loans  1.20%  2.12%  1.30%  1.46%  1.33%  1.35% 1.20 2.12 1.30 1.46 
  
Restructured loans (accruing) $192,559 18,025 25,919 1,202 1,900 
 
Allowance for loan losses $918,723 $642,422 598,301 463,836 417,813  $918,468 918,723 642,422 598,301 463,836 
Allowance for loan losses as a % of loans  3.33%  2.32%  2.14%  1.68%  1.52%  3.49% 3.33 2.32 2.14 1.68 
Non-performing loans as a % of total loans  5.40%  5.20%  3.30%  2.78%  2.28%
Non-performing assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE  6.24%  6.25%  4.16%  3.58%  3.00%
Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans  5.77% 5.34 5.10 3.30 2.78 
Nonperforming assets as a % of total loans, other loans held for sale, and ORE  6.58% 6.17 6.15 4.15 3.58 
  
Allowance to non-performing loans  61.65%  44.58%  64.91%  60.24%  66.68%
Allowance to nonperforming loans  60.46% 62.40 45.39 65.00 60.39 
  
Collateral-dependent impaired loans(4)
 $971,909 $953,126 718,068 609,181 479,322 
Collateral-dependent impaired loans(6)
 $1,004,828 971,909 953,126 718,068 609,181 
 
(1) At JuneAllowance and cumulative write-downs on nonperforming loans as a percentage of unpaid principal balance at September 30, 2009 Synovus had $347 million in loans under the terms of troubled debt restructurings. These loans continuewas approximately 42% compared to accrue interest as long as the borrower complies with the revised terms and conditions and has demonstrated repayment performance. Approximately $18 million of such loans were accruing interest as of36% at June 30, 2009.
 
(2) Represent only the impaired loans that are intended to be sold. OtherImpaired loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.
 
(3) Ratio is annualized.Allowance and cumulative write-downs on nonperforming assets as a percentage of unpaid principal balance at September 30, 2009 was approximately 46%.
 
(4) Life-to-date net charge-offs recognized as a percentageDuring the third quarter of 2009, Synovus revised its definition of nonperforming assets to exclude loans that have been restructured and remain on accruing status. These loans are not considered to be nonperforming because they are performing in accordance with the unpaid principal balancerestructured terms. Management believes that this change better aligns our definition of collateral-dependentnonperforming loans and nonperforming assets with the definition used by our peers and therefore improves the comparability of this measure across the industry. All prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the new presentation.
(5)Ratio is annualized.
(6)Collateral-dependent impaired loans were approximately 23%for which there was no associated reserve were: $776.6 million at September 30, 2009; $674.6 million at June 30, 2009.2009; $785.0 million at of March 31, 2009; $618.2 million at of December 31, 2008; and $540.7 million at September 30, 2008.

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Management continuously monitors non-performingnonperforming and past due loans in an effort to mitigate further deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. Potential problem loans are defined by management as certain performing loans with a well defined weakness and where there is information about possible credit problems of borrowers which causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms. Management’s decisionThe definition is believed to include performing loans inbe substantially consistent with the categorybank regulatory classification of potential problem loans means that management has recognized a higher degree of risk associated with these loans.substandard. In addition to accruing loans 90 days past due, Synovus had approximately $730 million$1.25 billion of potential problem commercial and commercial real estate loans at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 as compared to approximately $710$730 million at March 31,June 30, 2009. The current expectation of losses from potential problem loans has been included in management’s analysis for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. At September 30, 2009, the allowance for loan losses allocated to these potential problem loans was approximately $179 million. The increase in potential problem loans is primarily related to credits within the residential and commercial development categories. We cannot predict at this time whether these potential problem loans ultimately will become problem loans or result in losses to us.

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The table below includes selected credit quality metrics for the commercial real estate portfolio. The data by geographic location is primarily based on regulatory reporting.
                            
                                      
(dollars in thousands) As of West South              
 As of West South    
CRE Loan Type Date Total Georgia Atlanta Florida Florida Carolina Tennessee Alabama Date Total Georgia Atlanta Florida Florida Carolina Tennessee Alabama
Total investment propertiesTotal investment properties Total investment properties 
Balance outstanding 06/30/09 $5,897,025 3,446,750 979,788 851,477 686,609 694,785 299,360 674,653  09/30/09 $5,819,078 3,429,368 955,328 830,302 661,366 671,994 227,907 659,507 
% of total CRE  49.5% 50.9 42.9 52.1 52.9 38.7 60.6 50.7   52.1% 53.9 47.0 55.6 55.9 40.0 63.7 51.4 
% of loan type 100.0 58.4 16.6 14.4 11.6 11.8 3.9 11.4   100.0% 58.9 16.4 14.3 11.4 11.6 3.9 11.3 
Delinquency rates(1): 
Delinquency rates(1) :
 
30-89 days 06/30/09  0.8% 0.7 1.8 0.9 1.0 1.6 0.9 0.3  09/30/09  0.8% 0.9 2.1 1.3 1.6 0.8 0.3 0.2 
 12/31/08 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.4 0.2  12/31/08 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.3 0.5 0.2 
³ 90 days
 06/30/09 0.04   0.2 0.3     09/30/09 0.1 0.2 0.7 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08 0.1 0.2 0.4   0.1    12/31/08 0.1 0.2 0.4 ¾ ¾ 0.1 ¾ ¾ 
Accruing past due over 90 days 06/30/09 $2,153 163  1,797 1,797 193   
Accruing past due 90 days 09/30/09 $8,347 8,347 6,369 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08 6,918 6,298 4,808   620    12/31/08 6,918 6,298 4,808 ¾ ¾ 620 ¾ ¾ 
Nonperforming loans 06/30/09 351,397 260,062 34,334 39,294 35,204 26,618 6,678 16,745 
NonAccrual loans 09/30/09 354,395 279,733 40,115 36,873 31,661 17,509 3,746 16,533 
 12/31/08 60,530 13,746 12,297 27,372 27,372 15,832 110 3,469  12/31/08 60,529 13,746 12,297 27,372 27,372 15,832 110 3,469 
  
Total 1-4 family propertiesTotal 1-4 family properties Total 1-4 family properties 
Balance outstanding 06/30/09 $4,393,608 2,316,042 877,241 520,723 385,224 892,330 125,481 539,032  09/30/09 $3,868,418 2,011,638 706,811 435,038 323,925 803,177 107,156 511,409 
% of total CRE  36.9% 34.7 37.9 31.4 29.2 49.1 31.9 39.2   34.6% 31.7 34.7 29.1 27.4 47.8 30.0 39.9 
% of loan type 100.0 52.6 20.0 11.9 8.8 20.3 2.9 12.3   100.0% 52.0 18.3 11.2 8.4 20.8 2.8 13.2 
Delinquency rates(1): 
Delinquency rates(1) :
 
30-89 days 06/30/09  1.9% 2.5 4.1 1.6 0.6 1.2 0.4 0.9  09/30/09  2.4% 3.3 7.0 2.3 1.7 0.9 0.7 1.8 
 12/31/08 2.4 3.0 4.7 4.2 3.6 0.9 0.4 0.5  12/31/08 2.4 3.0 4.7 4.2 3.6 0.9 0.4 0.5 
³ 90 days
 06/30/09 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.5  0.1  09/30/09 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.1 ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08 0.2 0.3 0.4       12/31/08 0.2 0.3 0.4 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ 
Accruing past due over 90 days 06/30/09 $8,160 2,861 2,085 432 274 4,302  565 
Accruing past due 90 days 09/30/09 $3,762 2,203 1,245 840 840 698 ¾ 21 
 12/31/08 9,780 9,039 5,520 183 47 460 58 40  12/31/08 9,780 9,039 5,520 183 47 460 58 40 
Nonperforming loans 06/30/09 651,982 437,093 251,070 79,259 65,479 100,345 18,033 17,252 
NonAccrual loans 09/30/09 666,800 453,969 228,897 60,286 48,229 107,470 19,111 25,964 
 12/31/08 539,782 420,203 240,600 55,928 51,444 20,410 11,576 31,665  12/31/08 539,782 420,203 240,600 55,928 51,444 20,410 11,576 31,665 
  
Land acquisitionLand acquisition Land acquisition 
Balance outstanding 06/30/09 $1,619,395 1,005,881 426,121 262,698 225,930 209,646 23,939 117,231  09/30/09 $1,485,568 916,565 372,491 229,262 196,810 205,958 22,517 111,266 
% of total CRE  13.6% 15.1 18.4 15.8 17.2 11.5 6.1 8.5   13.3% 14.4 18.3 15.3 16.7 12.2 6.3 8.7 
% of loan type 100.0 62.1 26.3 16.2 14.0 13.0 1.5 7.2   100.0% 61.7 25.1 15.4 13.2 13.9 1.5 7.5 
Delinquency rates(1): 
Delinquency rates(1) :
 
30-89 days 06/30/09  1.6% 1.9 2.3 1.2 0.9 1.4 1.0 0.4  09/30/09  1.9% 1.8 2.7 0.1 0.2 3.3 3.9 3.6 
 12/31/08 2.0 2.7 3.0 1.5 1.6 0.3  0.5  12/31/08 2.0 2.7 3.0 1.5 1.6 0.3 ¾ 0.5 
³ 90 days
 06/30/09 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1     09/30/09 0.5 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08          12/31/08 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ 
Accruing past due over 90 days 06/30/09 $810 574 255 236 236    
Accruing past due 90 days 09/30/09 $7,294 6,270 242 168 168 856 ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08 299 281 157   18    12/31/08 300 282 157 ¾ ¾ 18 ¾ ¾ 
Nonperforming loans 06/30/09 188,919 126,423 83,703 28,042 28,042 27,910 3,979 2,565 
NonAccrual loans 09/30/09 201,769 130,776 85,058 42,437 41,767 17,850 2,619 8,087 
 12/31/08 106,865 75,014 57,708 23,876 23,078 1,726 2,425 3,824  12/31/08 106,865 75,014 57,708 23,876 23,078 1,726 2,425 3,824 
  
Total commercial real estateTotal commercial real estate Total commercial real estate 
Balance outstanding 6/30/09 $11,910,028 6,768,673 2,283,510 1,634,898 1,297,763 1,796,761 378,781 1,330,916  09/30/09 $11,173,064 6,357,571 2,034,631 1,494,602 1,182,101 1,681,129 357,580 1,282,182 
% of total CRE  100.0%   100.0% 
% of loan type 100.0 56.8 19.2 13.7 10.9 15.1 3.2 11.2   100.0% 56.9 18.2 13.4 10.6 15.0 3.2 11.5 
Delinquency rates(1): 
Delinquency rates(1) :
 
30-89 days 06/30/09  1.3% 1.5 2.8 1.1 0.9 1.4 0.7 0.5  09/30/09  1.5% 1.8 4.0 1.4 1.4 1.2 0.6 1.1 
 12/31/08 1.5 1.9 2.9 2.1 2.0 0.6 0.4 0.3  12/31/08 1.5 1.9 2.9 2.1 2.0 0.6 0.4 0.3 
³ 90 days
 06/30/09 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2    09/30/09 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 ¾ ¾ 
 12/31/08 0.1 0.2 0.4   0.1    12/31/08 0.1 0.2 0.4 ¾ ¾ 0.1 ¾ ¾ 
Accruing past due over 90 days 06/30/09 $11,123 3,598 2,340 2,465 2,307 4,495  565 
Accruing past due 90 days 09/30/09 $19,403 16,820 7,856 1,008 1,008 1,554 ¾ 21 
 12/31/08 16,997 15,618 10,485 183 47 1,098 58 40  12/31/08 16,998 15,619 10,485 183 47 1,098 58 40 
Nonperforming loans 06/30/09 1,192,298 823,578 369,107 146,595 128,725 156,873 28,691 36,562 
NonAccrual loans 09/30/09 1,222,964 864,478 354,071 139,597 121,657 142,829 25,476 50,585 
 12/31/08 707,176 508,963 310,605 107,176 101,894 37,968 14,111 38,958  12/31/08 707,176 508,963 310,605 107,176 101,894 37,968 14,112 38,958 
 
(1)   
(1)Excludes non-accruing loans.

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The table below shows credit quality measures for the investment property loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.
             
             
  Outstanding      30+ Past Due 
(dollars in thousands) Balance  NPL Ratio  Ratio 
Multi-family $864,849   1.1%  1.2 
Hotels  1,023,492   22.5   0.1 
Office buildings  1,075,011   1.2   0.9 
Shopping centers  1,078,436   2.0   1.4 
Commercial development  699,532   8.5   2.4 
Warehouses  497,062   1.8   0.0 
Other investment property  580,696   2.1   0.8 
          
Total investment property loans $5,819,078   6.1%  1.0 
          
The table below shows credit quality measures for the commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.
             
             
  Outstanding      30+ Past Due 
(dollars in thousands) Balance  NPL Ratio  Ratio 
Commercial, financial and agricultural $6,328,176   2.62%  0.98 
Owner occupied real estate  4,587,747   1.45   0.72 
          
Total commercial and industrial loans $10,915,923   2.13%  0.87 
          
The table below shows credit quality measures for the retail loan portfolio as of September 30, 2009.
             
             
  Outstanding      30+ Past Due 
(dollars in thousands) Balance  NPL Ratio  Ratio 
Home equity lines $1,729,458   0.87%  0.86 
Consumer mortgage  1,667,593   2.49   2.19 
Small business  176,784   1.32   1.41 
Credit card  288,147   0.00   3.85 
Other consumer loans  403,013   1.20   1.57 
          
Total retail loans $4,264,995   1.50%  1.67 
          

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The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio and non-performingnonperforming loans (classified by loan type) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2009:
                
(dollars in thousands) % of 
                 Total Total 
 % of  % of Non- Non- 
 Total Total  Total Loans Performing Performing 
 % of Non- Non- 
(dollars in thousands) Total Loans Performing Performing 
Loan Type Total Loans Outstanding Loans Loans  Total Loans Outstanding Loans Loans 
Multi-family $838,795  3.0% $23,050  1.5% $864,849  3.3% $9,074  0.6%
Hotels 1,026,163 3.7 236,087 15.8  1,023,492 3.9 230,307 15.2 
Office buildings 1,110,896 4.0 19,691 1.3  1,075,011 4.1 13,059 0.9 
Shopping centers 1,084,080 3.9 5,820 0.4  1,078,436 4.1 21,546 1.4 
Commercial development 735,834 2.7 44,373 3.0  699,532 2.6 59,168 3.9 
Warehouses 491,944 1.8 5,729 0.4  497,062 1.9 9,081 0.6 
Other investment property 609,313 2.2 16,647 1.1  580,696 2.2 12,160 0.8 
                  
Total Investment Properties
 5,897,025 21.3 351,397 23.5  5,819,078 22.1 354,395 23.4 
                  
  
1-4 family construction 1,224,446 4.4 237,244 15.9  991,368 3.8 226,653 14.9 
1-4 family perm/mini-perm 1,429,916 5.2 83,663 5.6  1,355,111 5.1 69,332 4.6 
Residential development 1,739,246 6.3 331,075 22.2  1,521,939 5.8 370,815 24.4 
                  
Total 1-4 Family Properties
 4,393,608 15.9 651,982 43.7  3,868,418 14.7 666,800 43.9 
                  
  
Land Acquisition
 1,619,395 5.9 188,919 12.7  1,485,568 5.6 201,769 13.2 
                  
Total Commercial Real Estate
 11,910,028 43.1 1,192,298 79.9  11,173,064 42.4 1,222,964 80.5 
                  
  
Commercial, financial, and agricultural 6,545,088 23.7 158,720 10.7  6,328,176 24.0 165,846 10.9 
Owner-occupied 4,829,805 17.5 68,913 4.6  4,587,747 17.5 66,449 4.4 
                  
Total Commercial and Industrial Loans
 11,374,893 41.2 227,633 15.3  10,915,923 41.5 232,295 15.3 
                  
  
Home equity 1,729,528 6.3 16,121 1.1  1,729,458 6.6 15,119 1.0 
Consumer mortgages 1,725,223 6.3 47,365 3.2  1,667,593 6.3 41,493 2.7 
Credit card 288,349 1.0    288,147 1.1 ¾ ¾ 
Other retail loans 586,029 2.2 6,850 0.5  579,797 2.2 7,178 0.5 
                  
Total Retail
 4,329,129 15.8 70,336 4.8  4,264,995 16.2 63,790 4.2 
                  
  
Unearned Income
  (28,309)  (0.1)     (22,243)  (0.1) ¾ ¾ 
                  
Total
 $27,585,741  100.0% $1,490,267  100.0% $26,331,739  100.0% $1,519,049  100.0%
                  
Deposits
The following table presents the composition of deposits:
                        
 June 30, December 31, June 30,  September 30, December 31, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2008  2009 2008 2008 
Non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts
 $3,861,782 3,563,619 3,553,342  $4,018,045 3,563,619 3,479,314 
Money market accounts
 7,823,494 8,094,452 7,804,168  7,738,964 8,094,452 8,292,158 
National market brokered money market accounts 1,547,323 1,985,465 1,019,501  1,313,614 1,985,464 1,839,186 
NOW accounts
 3,364,067 3,359,410 3,247,978  3,406,766 3,359,410 3,094,707 
Savings accounts
 479,329 437,656 459,888  473,673 437,656 451,507 
Time deposits
 11,895,142 13,162,042 10,962,976  12,416,742 13,162,042 12,531,177 
National market brokered time deposits 3,447,318 4,352,614 3,567,801  4,325,721 4,352,614 4,335,387 
              
Total deposits
 $27,423,814 28,617,179 26,028,352  $28,054,191 28,617,179 27,848,863 
              
  
Core deposits(1)
 $22,429,173 22,279,100 21,441,050  $22,414,855 22,279,101 21,674,290 
              
 
(1) Core deposits include total deposits less national market brokered deposits. See reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures on page 75.83.

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Total deposits at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $27.4$28.1 billion, a decrease of $1.19 billion,$563.0 million, or 8.4%2.6% annualized, compared to December 31, 2008, and an increase of $1.40 billion,$205.3 million, or 5.4%0.7%, compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Core deposits (total deposits excluding national market brokered deposits) increased $150.1$135.8 million, or 1.4%0.8% annualized, compared to December 31, 2008, and increased $988.1$740.6 million, or 4.6%3.4%, compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008. The year over year increase was primarily related todriven by growth within total core time deposits, which increased $0.9 billion, or 8.5%, and demand deposit accounts, which increased $308.4$538.7 million, or 8.7%15.5%, and NOW accounts, which increased $312.1 million, or 10.1%. During 2009, Synovus has successfully improved the mix of deposits by replacing higher priced time deposits with lower cost funding.
Because of its multiple charter structure, Synovus has the unique ability to offer certain shared deposit products (Synovus® Shared Deposit). Synovus’ Shared CD and Money Market accounts provide customers up to $7.5 million in FDIC insurance per individual account by spreading deposits across its 30 separately-chartered banks. Shared deposit products totaled $1.92$1.98 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 as compared to $1.74 billion at December 31, 2008 and $303.4$887.6 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2008. These products were the primary driver of the year over year time deposit growth.
During the first quarter of 2009, Synovus received notification from the FDIC that deposits obtained through Synovus® Shared Deposit products should be listed as brokered deposits in bank subsidiary Call Reports. Therefore, Synovus’ March 31, 2009 bank subsidiary Call Reports reflect customer deposits held in Synovus® Shared Deposit products as brokered deposits as requested by the FDIC. The FDIC defines brokered deposits as “funds which the reporting bank obtains, directly or indirectly, by or through any deposit broker for deposit into one or more deposit accounts.” The FDIC further defines the term deposit broker to include: “(1) any person engaged in the business of placing deposits, or facilitating the placement of deposits, of third parties with insured depository institutions or the business of placing deposits with insured depository institutions for the purpose of selling interests in those deposits to third parties, and (2) an agent or trustee who establishes a deposit account to facilitate a business arrangement with an insured depository institution to use the proceeds of the account to fund a prearranged loan.” The FDIC also provides the following 9 exclusions for what the term deposit broker does not include: “(1) an insured depository institution, with respect to funds placed with that depository institution; (2) an employee of an insured depository institution, with respect to funds placed with the employing depository institution; (3) a trust department of an insured depository institution, if the trust in question has not been established for the primary purpose of placing funds with insured depository institutions; (4) the trustee of a pension or other employee benefit plan, with respect to funds of the plan; (5) a person acting as a plan administrator or an investment adviser in connection with a pension plan or other employee benefit plan provided that that person is performing managerial functions with respect to the plan; (6) the trustee of a testamentary account; (7) the trustee of an irrevocable trust (other than a trustee who establishes a deposit account to facilitate a business arrangement with an insured depository institution to use the proceeds of the account to fund a prearranged loan), as long as the trust in question has not been established for the primary purpose of placing funds with insured depository institutions; (8) a trustee or custodian of a pension or profit-sharing plan qualified under Section 401(d) or 430(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or (9) an agent or nominee whose primary purpose is not the placement of funds with depository institutions. (For purposes of applying this ninth exclusion from the definition of deposit broker, “primary purpose” does not mean “primary activity,” but should be construed as “primary intent.”)” The FDIC requested this

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reporting change since Synovus facilitates the placement of customer deposits among its separately-chartered bank subsidiaries. At a consolidated level, Synovus includes and reports Synovus® Shared Deposit product balances held throughout its bank subsidiaries as core deposits (total deposits excluding national market brokered deposits).

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Due to the significant turmoil in financial markets during the second half of 2008, national market brokered deposits became more attractive to financial market participants and investors as an FDIC insured alternative to money market and other investment accounts. Synovus grew this funding source as demand for these products increased during the second half of 2008, but has reduced its dependence on funding from these products through normal run off during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. National market brokered deposits were $4.99$5.64 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 as compared to $6.34 billion at December 31, 2008 and $4.59$6.17 billion at JuneSeptember 30, 2008.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Capital
Synovus has always placed great emphasis on maintaining a solid capital base and continues to exceedsatisfy applicable regulatory capital requirements for well capitalized financial institutions.requirements. Management is committed to maintaining a capital level sufficient to assure shareholders, customers, and regulators that Synovus is financially sound, and to enable Synovus to provide a desirable level of long-term profitability. Based on internal calculations and previous regulatory exams, each of Synovus’ subsidiary banks is currently in compliance with regulatory capital guidelines and is considered well capitalized.
The following table presents certain ratios used to measure Synovus’ capitalization:
                        
 June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, December 31,
(in thousands) 2009 2009 2008 2009 2009 2008
Tier 1 capital $2,862,225 3,454,987 3,602,848  $2,974,066 2,862,225 3,602,848 
Tier 1 common equity 1,928,370 2,523,119 2,673,055  2,037,951 1,928,370 2,673,055 
Total risk-based capital 3,836,405 4,440,573 4,674,476  3,927,752 3,836,405 4,674,476 
Tier 1 capital ratio  9.53% 11.06 11.22   10.48%  9.53 11.22 
Tier 1 common equity ratio 6.42 8.08 8.33  7.18 6.42 8.33 
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets ratio 12.77 14.22 14.56  13.84 12.77 14.56 
Leverage ratio 8.25 9.88 10.28  8.76 8.25 10.28 
Equity to assets ratio 8.89 10.63 10.67 
Common equity to assets ratio 6.39 6.10 8.01 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio(1)
 6.05 7.80 7.95  6.23 5.94 7.86 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets(1)
 6.90 8.61 8.84  7.59 6.78 8.74 
 
(1) See reconciliation of non-GAAP Financial Measures on page 75.83.
As a financial holding company, Synovus and its subsidiary banks are required to maintain capital levels required for a well-capitalized institution, as defined by federal banking regulations. The capital measures used by the federal banking regulators are the total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and the leverage ratio. Under the regulations, a national or state member bank will be well-capitalized if it has a total capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive by a federal bank regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. However, even if a bank satisfies all applicable quantitative criteria to be considered well-capitalized, the regulations also establish procedures for “downgrading” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. At September 30, 2009, Synovus and its subsidiary banks were considered well-capitalized under such regulations.
Since the third quarter of 2007, the credit markets, (particularlyand the residential and commercial development real estate markets)markets, have experienced severe difficulties and worsenedchallenging economic conditions. ContinuedAs a result, Synovus’ capital has been negatively impacted by credit costs since mid-2008. Synovus continually monitors its capital position and has taken a number of steps focused on strengthening Synovus’ capital position, as described below. However, credit deterioration, further regulatory directives, and any resulting increases in non-performing assets and the allowance for loan losses exceeding current expectations could adversely impact our liquidity position and capital ratios and require us to seek additional capital.
In December 2008, Synovus issued $967.9 million967,870 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in December 2008to the United States Department of the Treasury as part of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program (CPP) which has strengthened Synovus’ capital., generating $967.9 million of Tier 1 Capital. See Note 3 — Shareholders’ Equity in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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On May 7, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board announced the results of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (“SCAP”)(SCAP), commonly referred to as the “stress test,” of the capital needs through the end of 2010 of the nineteen largest U.S. bank holding companies. As a result of the SCAP, a number ofAlthough Synovus was not among the bank holding companies that the Federal Reserve reviewed under the SCAP, Synovus conducted an internal analysis of its capital position as partof June 30, 2009, using many of the same methodologies of the SCAP, but applying underlying assumptions relating to potential losses that Synovus believed to be more appropriately tailored to reflect the composition and attributes of its loan portfolio. Certain of those assumptions were required, or

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voluntarily chose, to raise additionalmore optimistic than the assumptions used by the nineteen largest banks under the SCAP methodology. Although Synovus’ regulators have expressed concern that its 2010 stress test assumptions are notably more optimistic than those used for 2009 despite the current difficult economic environment, based upon Synovus’ internal analysis, management believes that, through internally generated sources of capital only, as of June 30, 2009, Synovus complied with the Tier 1 capital particularly common equity. Following the releasethreshold of the SCAP results, bank holding companies that were not part of the SCAP, such as Synovus, have faced significant speculation as to the results of the stress tests performed on the largest 19 financial institutions and the hypothetical results if the stress test methodology if it was applied to other financial institutions, including regional banks smaller in size. Under the SCAP methodology, financial institutions were required to maintain Tier 1 common equity at or above 4% of risk weighted assets. This additionalAs of June 30, 2009, utilizing the SCAP-defined methodology and assumptions, Synovus would have been unable to demonstrate that it would meet the Tier 1 capital threshold of common equity is intendedat or above 4% of risk weighted assets under the “More Adverse” scenario of SCAP. See Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors—“We presently are subject to, serveand in the future may become subject to, additional supervisory actions and/or enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock”.
As Synovus has continued to carefully monitor the dramatically evolving financial services landscape in general, and its position in that landscape compared to its peers in particular, Synovus considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the regulators’ urging for Synovus to bolster its capital position promptly; strategies pursued by Synovus’ peers to improve their capital position and the window of opportunity to raise available capital; and available strategic opportunities resulting from the distressed banking environment.
In light of these factors, on September 14, 2009, Synovus announced its Capital Plan, pursuant to which Synovus implemented certain initiatives that it expected would increase Synovus’ Tier 1 capital and improve its tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio. Synovus has substantially completed the execution of the Capital Plan, as described below:
On September 22, 2009, Synovus completed a public offering of 150,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.00 per share, generating net proceeds of $570.9 million.
On November 5, 2009, Synovus completed the previously announced exchange offer (Exchange Offer) of $29,820,000 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 4.875% Subordinated Notes Due 2013 (Notes) for approximately 9.44 million shares of Synovus common stock. The Notes exchanged in the Exchange Offer represent 12.6% of the $236,570,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding prior to the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer resulted in an increase to tangible common equity of approximately $28 million.
On November 6, 2009, Synovus completed the sale of its remaining shares of Visa Class B common stock. Synovus expects to recognize a pre-tax gain of $51.9 million on the sale of the Visa Class B common stock during the three months ending December 31, 2009.

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Through November 9, 2009, implementation of the Capital Plan has generated an aggregate of approximately $644 million of tangible common equity. Synovus presently expects to continue to work to identify, consider and pursue additional balance sheet optimization initiatives during the fourth quarter of 2009. In addition to these strategies, we may determine to pursue additional strategic initiatives in the future, whether as a buffer against higher losses than generally expected,result of the continuation or worsening of the current adverse market conditions and allow such bank holding companies to remain well capitalized and able to lend to creditworthy borrowers should such losses materialize. Synovus’ management conducted an analysis of Synovus’our resulting capital position, using certain aspectsor as a result of regulatory pressures.
We will continue to execute the SCAP methodology but applying Synovus’ own assumptions relatingremainder of our strategic initiatives and Capital Plan during the course of fiscal 2009. We cannot assure that we will realize the anticipated benefits of our strategic initiatives, or that our bank regulators will be satisfied with the outcomes of such initiatives and plan and will not require us to certain economic factors and credit conditions. Based on this analysis, management presently believes that Synovus wouldtake further action. See Part II — Item 1A —Risk Factors — “We may be ablerequired to raise additional Tier 1 capital to comply with this 4%new regulatory standards adopted following the release of the results of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program.”
Synovus will continue to monitor its capital threshold using internally generated sourcesposition, particularly as capital is impacted by current credit conditions, economic conditions and regulatory requirements. For the first nine months of capital. 2009, we have experienced significant declines in the value of collateral for real estate loans and heightened credit losses, which has resulted in record levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs, foreclosures and losses on disposition of the underlying assets. Although we presently expect that certain of these levels will begin to flatten out over the near term, it is difficult to predict the effects of further negative developments in the credit, economic and regulatory environments, which could cause these levels to worsen.
Our internal stress test is based upon a consolidated review of the performance of our assets, and our resulting capital position, over an extended period ending December 31, 2010. Because of our aggressive approach to identifying and recognizing losses on problem assets, there have been certain components (including, for example, the timing of losses realized in connection with dispositions) of our internal stress test that have performed and may continue to perform at velocities that are different than initially anticipated. We believe that the majority of the credit losses incurred during the third quarter of 2009 were included in our internal stress test as of June 30, 2009. While actual results inherently differ from any forecast, as of September 30, 2009, Synovus’ longer-term view of capital adequacy generally is consistent with the conclusion reached in our internal stress test as of June 30, 2009.
However, if economic conditions or other factors worsen to a greater degree than the assumptions underlying Synovus’ internal assessment of its capital position, if minimum regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or its subsidiary banks increase as the result of regulatory directives or otherwise, or if there are opportunitiesSynovus’ stress test for Synovusany reason fails to undertake one oradequately address some of the more transactions that potentially would be accretive to Synovus’ capital and/or liquidity position,complex aspects of our 30 bank charter structure, then Synovus may be required to seek additional capital from external sources, or enter into such other transactions.sources. Given the weakened economy, current market conditions and Synovus’ recent financial performance and related credit ratings, there can be no assurance that additional capital will be available on favorable terms, if at all.
Synovus’ management, operating under liquidity and funding policies approved by the Board of Directors, actively analyzes and manages the liquidity position in coordination with the subsidiary banks. Liquidity
Synovus generates liquidity through maturities and repayments of loans by customers, deposit growth and access to sources of funds other than deposits. Management must ensure that adequate liquidity, at a reasonable cost, is available to meet the cash flow needs of depositors,

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borrowers, and creditors. Management constantly monitors and maintains appropriate levels of liquidity so as to provide adequate funding sources to meet estimated customer deposit withdrawals and future loan requests. Liquidity is also enhanced by the acquisition of new deposits. TheEach of the 30 subsidiary banks monitormonitors deposit flows and evaluateevaluates alternate pricing structures in an effort to retain and grow deposits. In the current market environment, customer confidence is a critical element in growing and retaining deposits. In this regard, Synovus subsidiary banks’ asset quality could play a larger role in the stability of our deposit base. In the event asset quality declineddeclines significantly from its current level, the subsidiary banks’ ability to grow and retain deposits could be diminished, which in turn could reduce deposits as a liquidity source.
Synovus subsidiary banks also generate liquidity through the national deposit markets. These subsidiary banks issue longer-term certificates of deposit across a broad geographic base to increase their liquidity and funding positions. For individual Synovus banks, access to these deposits could become more limited if their asset quality and financial performance were to significantly deteriorate. Selected Synovus subsidiary banks have the capacity to access funding through their membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, most Synovus subsidiary banks had access to incremental funding, subject to available collateral and Federal Home Loan Bank credit policies, through utilization of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.
Synovus Financial Corp., as the holding company (Parent Company), requires cash for various operating needs, including payment of dividends to shareholders, capital infusions into subsidiaries, the servicing of debt, and the payment of general corporate expenses. The primary source of liquidity for the Parent Company isconsists of dividends from the subsidiary banks, which are governed by certain rules and regulations of various state and federal banking regulatory agencies. Dividends from subsidiaries in 2009 will behave been significantly lower than those received in previous years. Should Synovus’ subsidiaries require additional capital resources, either due to asset growth or realized losses, the Parent Company may be required to provide capital infusions

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to these subsidiaries. During 2009, Synovus has been required to provide capital to certain subsidiariessubsidiary banks and expects to continue to do so inover the second halfremainder of 2009. There is an increasing possibility that additional Synovus subsidiary banks may be directed by their regulators to increase their capital levels as a result of weakened financial conditions, which may require that Synovus contribute additional capital to these banks at a time when Synovus is not receiving a meaningful amount of dividend payments from its other banks to offset those capital infusions. In addition, current market conditions and dividendsin the public markets for bank holding companies, together with the dividend payments on theour Series A Preferred Stock and other obligations and expenses of our holding company, will likely continue to put additionalfurther pressure on our liquidity.
The Parent Company has historically enjoyed a solid reputation and credit standing in the capital markets and historically has been able to raise funds in the form of either short or long-term borrowings or equity issuances. Givenissuances, including the public offering executed in September 2009 as part of the Capital Plan. However, given the weakened economy, current market conditions and ourSynovus’ recent financial performance and related credit ratings, downgrades, there iscan be no assurance that the Parent Company will, if it chooses to do so,would be able to obtain new borrowings or issue additional equity on favorable terms, that are satisfactory.if at all. See Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors — “We may be unable to receive dividends from our subsidiary banks, and we may be required to contribute capital to those banks, which could adversely affect our liquidity and cause us to raise capital on terms that are unfavorable to us.” Due to these factors, Synovus is currently maintaining a cash position in excess of normal levels. Synovus is also evaluating additional capital and cash management strategies including the potential sale of selected assets.

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While liquidity is an ongoing challenge for all financial institutions, Synovus presently believes that the sources of liquidity discussed above, including existing liquid funds on hand, are sufficient to meet its anticipated funding needs.
The consolidated statementsneeds through the near future. However, if economic conditions or other factors worsen to a greater degree than the assumptions underlying Synovus’ internal assessment of cash flows detail cash flowsits capital position, if minimum regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or its subsidiary banks increase as the result of regulatory directives or otherwise, or if Synovus’ stress test for any reason fails to adequately address some of the more complex and unpredictable dynamics of our operating structure, then Synovus may be required to seek additional liquidity from operating, investing,external sources. Given the weakened economy, current market conditions and financing activities. ForSynovus’ recent financial performance and related credit ratings, there can be no assurance that the six months ended June 30, 2009, operating activities provided net cashadditional liquidity will be available on favorable terms, if at all. See Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors — “Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses, and we may be required to materially increase our allowance, which may adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of $169.7 million, investing activities provided $362.2 million, and financing activities used $613.5 million, resulting in a decrease in cash and due from banks of $81.6 million.operations.”

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Earning Assets, Sources of Funds, and Net Interest Income
Average total assets for the first sixnine months of 2009 were $35.01increased $1.10 billion to $34.76 billion, an increase of 4.7%3.3% compared to the first sixnine months of 2008. Average earning assets increased 5.3%$1.16 billion, or 3.8%, in the first sixnine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, and represented 91.8%92.2% of average total assets. AverageFunding sources supporting this growth in average total assets and average earning assets include a $2.15 billion increase in average deposits increased $2.74 billion,(including core deposit growth of $1.42 billion), and a $922.6 million increase in preferred stock (issued in December 2008). A portion of the funding described above was used to reduce average short-term borrowings and long-term debt increased $38.4by $1.022 billion and $46.1 million, and average shareholders’ equity increased $148.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period last year. Average investment securities (available for sale and trading securities) decreased $44.8 million for the first six months of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.respectively. The primary components of the $1.16 billion earning asset growth were a $868.2 million$1.02 billion increase in federal funds sold, balances held with the Federal Reserve and securities purchased under resale agreements, $600.3 million growth in average net loans, andBank, a $119.1$107.6 million increase in average mortgage loans held for sale. Additionally, the growth in funding sources discussed above permitted a $1.32 billion reductionsale, and an $86.5 million increase in average federal funds purchased.net loans.
Net interest income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was $499.8$754.5 million, a decrease of $52.2$65.4 million, or 9.5%8.0%, compared to $552.1$819.9 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Net interest income for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was $256.6$254.6 million, a decrease of $16.8$13.2 million, or 6.1%4.9%, compared to $273.4$267.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008.
The net interest margin for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was 3.15%3.16%, down 4941 basis points from 3.64%3.57% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008, earning asset yields decreased by 148135 basis points. Loan yields declined by 155134 basis points, primarily due to a 240218 basis point decline in the average prime rate and higher levels of nonperforming loans and interest charge-offs. The decline in earning asset yields was partially offset by a 9994 basis point decline in the effective cost of funds. The most significant decrease in funding costs was federal funds purchased and other short term liabilities, which declined by 213200 basis points, and national market money market accounts, which declined by 218191 basis points, long term debt, which declined by 156 basis points, and core money market accounts, which declined by 119 basis points.

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On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income increaseddecreased by $13.4$2.0 million, while the net interest margin increased 18decreased 1 basis pointspoint to 3.23%3.22%. The increase was primarily due to a continued focus on improving loan pricing and the downward repricing of maturing certificates of deposit. Yields on earning assets decreased by 17 basis point as loan yields decreased by 5 basis points. This decrease was due to a higher level of non-performing loans and interest charge-offs, and paydowns on higher yielding fixed rate loans. Thepoints, while the effective cost of funds decreased by 196 basis points. Effective cost of funds was positively impacted by the downward repricing of maturing certificates of depositdeposit. The third quarter margin was impacted by the net decrease in loans outstanding, an excess liquidity position, and continued declines in money market yields.the negative impact of nonperforming assets. Excluding the impact of nonperforming assets, the third quarter margin was 3.64%, up 2 basis points, from the second quarter of 2009.
The direction offactors negatively impacting the third quarter margin are expected to continue to pressure the margin duringin the remainder of 2009 could be significantly influencedfourth quarter. The excess liquidity position, partially driven by loan pricing trends, deposit pricing competition and trends in credit costs. Current expectations are for further margin improvementbalance declines, peaked later in the second halfthird quarter and is expected to moderate over a period of 2009. The primary factorstime. Synovus currently expects this to result in this improvement should be additional downward repricinghigher average balances of maturing certificates of deposit andlower yielding assets for the fourth quarter which will have a continued emphasis in improving loan pricing performance.negative impact on the margin.

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Quarterly yields earned on average interest-earning assets and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the five most recent quarters are presented below:
                                        
 2009 2008  2009 2008 
 Second First Fourth Third Second  Third Second First Fourth Third 
(dollars in thousands) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 
Interest Earning Assets:
  
Taxable investment securities $3,353,382 3,455,091 3,549,643 3,548,227 3,437,320  $3,209,718 3,353,382 3,455,091 3,549,643 3,548,227 
Yield  5.16% 5.22 4.94 5.06 5.16   5.06% 5.16 5.22 4.94 5.06 
Tax-exempt investment securities $107,626 116,163 122,332 128,241 137,606  $98,435 107,626 116,163 122,332 128,241 
Yield  7.08% 6.91 6.79 6.74 7.34   7.06% 7.08 6.91 6.79 6.74 
Trading account assets $19,984 22,580 29,727 30,584 26,531  $13,439 19,984 22,580 29,727 30,584 
Yield  5.57% 6.02 5.10 6.77 5.88   8.22% 5.57 6.02 5.10 6.77 
Commercial loans $23,572,578 23,525,450 23,870,384 23,302,028 23,183,128  $22,850,126 23,572,578 23,525,450 23,870,384 23,302,028 
Yield  4.72% 4.77 5.46 5.78 5.96   4.73% 4.72 4.77 5.46 5.78 
Consumer loans $4,335,897 4,353,580 4,347,332 4,267,477 4,115,130  $4,303,592 4,335,897 4,353,580 4,347,332 4,267,477 
Yield  5.38% 5.50 5.88 6.19 6.29   5.37% 5.38 5.50 5.88 6.19 
Allowance for loan losses $(663,355)  (627,110)  (473,875)  (422,331)  (397,392) $(905,700)  (663,355)  (627,110)  (473,875)  (422,331)
                      
Loans, net $27,245,120 27,251,920 27,743,841 27,147,174 26,900,866  $26,248,018 27,245,120 27,251,920 27,743,841 27,147,174 
Yield  4.96% 5.01 5.63 5.95 6.12   5.01% 4.96 5.01 5.63 5.95 
Mortgage loans held for sale $268,933 247,937 98,362 108,873 157,049  $194,158 268,933 247,937 98,362 108,873 
Yield  4.94% 5.46 5.96 6.91 5.86   5.39% 4.94 5.46 5.96 6.91 
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank and other short-term investments $996,754 1,214,897 642,396 211,323 201,081  $1,653,546 996,754 1,214,897 642,396 211,323 
Yield  0.24% 0.31 0.60 1.88 1.83   0.24% 0.24 0.31 0.60 1.88 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock(1)
 $132,346 117,205 121,994 122,088 119,061  $139,230 132,346 117,205 121,994 122,088 
Yield  0.54% 0.66 0.20 3.61 5.71   1.38% 0.54 0.66 0.20 3.61 
                      
Total interest earning assets
 $32,124,145 32,425,793 32,308,295 31,296,510 30,979,514  $31,556,544 32,124,145 32,425,793 32,308,295 31,296,510 
Yield
  4.83% 4.84 5.44 5.81 5.96   4.76% 4.83 4.84 5.44 5.81 
                      
  
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
  
Interest bearing demand deposits $3,582,954 3,602,371 3,201,355 3,076,447 3,154,884  $3,310,924 3,582,954 3,602,371 3,201,355 3,076,447 
Rate  0.45% 0.49 0.80 1.07 1.10   0.42% 0.45 0.49 0.80 1.07 
Money market accounts $6,241,764 6,272,015 6,129,751 6,771,080 6,826,724  $6,309,578 6,241,764 6,272,015 6,129,751 6,771,080 
Rate  1.24% 1.30 1.80 2.19 2.15   1.23% 1.24 1.30 1.80 2.19 
Savings deposits $477,752 452,206 442,623 457,526 461,970  $477,909 477,752 452,206 442,623 457,526 
Rate  0.15% 0.16 0.22 0.25 0.25   0.15% 0.15 0.16 0.22 0.25 
Time deposits under $100,000 $3,126,984 3,222,601 3,264,401 3,055,465 2,814,714  $3,030,346 3,126,984 3,222,601 3,264,401 3,055,465 
Rate  3.13% 3.41 3.64 3.69 3.97   2.86% 3.13 3.41 3.64 3.69 
Time deposits over $100,000 $5,355,736 5,555,084 5,386,772 4,731,468 4,316,454  $5,281,529 5,355,736 5,555,084 5,386,772 4,731,468 
Rate  3.04% 3.31 3.63 3.79 4.09   2.73% 3.04 3.31 3.63 3.79 
National market brokered money market accounts $1,885,214 2,073,734 1,982,179 1,271,113 1,082,008  $1,365,477 1,885,214 2,073,734 1,982,179 1,271,113 
Rate  0.75% 0.82 1.27 2.27 2.54   0.77% 0.75 0.82 1.27 2.27 
National market brokered time deposits $3,203,546 3,718,570 4,549,172 3,968,783 3,495,947  $3,941,977 3,203,546 3,718,570 4,549,172 3,968,783 
Rate  3.09% 3.38 3.70 3.61 3.64   2.66% 3.09 3.38 3.70 3.61 
                      
Total interest bearing deposits $23,873,950 24,896,581 24,956,253 23,331,882 22,152,701  $23,717,740 23,873,950 24,896,581 24,956,253 23,331,882 
Rate  1.96% 2.16 2.58 2.77 2.82   1.85% 1.96 2.16 2.58 2.77 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities $1,166,785 578,717 876,330 1,459,097 2,302,986  $1,194,759 1,166,785 578,717 876,330 1,459,097 
Rate  0.36% 0.59 0.90 1.94 2.03   0.37% 0.36 0.59 0.90 1.94 
Long-term debt $2,090,710 1,964,064 2,106,785 2,119,321 2,048,213  $1,906,320 2,090,710 1,964,064 2,106,785 2,119,321 
Rate  1.94% 2.07 3.44 3.32 3.44   2.14% 1.94 2.07 3.44 3.32 
                      
Total interest bearing liabilities $27,131,445 27,439,362 27,939,368 26,910,300 26,503,900  $26,818,819 27,131,445 27,439,362 27,939,368 26,910,300 
Rate  1.89% 2.11 2.59 2.77 2.80   1.80% 1.89 2.11 2.59 2.77 
                      
 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits $3,812,876 3,611,958 3,508,753 3,463,563 3,448,794  $4,069,108 3,812,876 3,611,958 3,508,753 3,463,563 
           
            
Net interest margin  3.23% 3.05 3.20 3.42 3.57   3.22% 3.23 3.05 3.20 3.42 
                      
 
* Yields and rates are annualized.
 
(1) Included as a component of other assets on the accompanying balance sheet.

6672


Yields earned on average interest-earning assets and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:
                
 Six Months Ended June 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Interest Earning Assets:
  
Taxable investment securities $3,403,956 3,404,324  $3,338,498 3,452,642 
Yield  5.19% 5.19   5.14% 5.15 
Tax-exempt investment securities $111,871 146,007  $107,343 140,042 
Yield  6.99% 7.16   7.02% 7.03 
Trading account assets $21,275 31,592  $18,634 31,254 
Yield  5.71% 6.40   6.29% 6.48 
Commercial loans $23,549,144 22,973,543  $23,313,577 23,082,533 
Yield  4.74% 6.37   4.74% 6.17 
Consumer loans $4,344,690 4,071,035  $4,330,840 4,136,993 
Yield  5.44% 6.70   5.42% 6.52 
Allowance for loan losses $(645,333)  (389,544) $(733,808)  (400,553)
          
Loans, net $27,248,501 26,655,034  $26,910,609 26,818,973 
Yield  4.98% 6.53   4.99% 6.33 
Mortgage loans held for sale $258,493 139,427  $236,813 129,168 
Yield  5.19% 5.75   5.25% 6.08 
Federal funds sold, due from Federal Reserve Bank and other short-term investments $1,105,223 164,731  $1,290,006 180,375 
Yield  0.28% 2.40   0.26% 2.18 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock(1)
 $124,817 116,551  $129,674 118,411 
Yield  0.59% 5.76   0.87% 5.06 
          
Total interest earning assets
 $32,274,136 30,657,666  $32,031,577 30,870,865 
Yield
  4.84% 6.32   4.80% 6.15 
          
  
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
  
Interest bearing demand deposits $3,592,609 3,177,767  $3,497,682 3,143,747 
Rate  0.47% 1.33   0.46% 1.25 
Money market accounts $6,256,806 6,922,184  $6,274,590 6,871,184 
Rate  1.27% 2.57   1.26% 2.45 
Savings deposits $465,050 455,276  $469,383 456,031 
Rate  0.15% 0.27   0.15% 0.26 
Time deposits under $100,000 $3,174,528 2,796,239  $3,125,939 2,883,278 
Rate  3.27% 4.20   3.14% 4.02 
Time deposits over $100,000 $5,454,859 4,244,085  $5,396,448 4,407,732 
Rate  3.18% 4.38   3.03% 4.17 
National market brokered money market accounts $1,978,953 968,595  $1,772,214 1,070,170 
Rate  0.79% 2.97   0.78% 2.69 
National market brokered time deposits $3,459,636 3,398,312  $3,622,183 3,589,857 
Rate  3.25% 3.98   3.03% 3.84 
          
Total interest bearing deposits $24,382,441 21,962,458  $24,158,439 22,421,999 
Rate  2.00% 3.01   1.99% 2.88 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term liabilities $874,376 2,278,313  $982,344 2,003,248 
Rate  0.43% 2.56   0.40% 2.40 
Long-term debt $2,027,737 1,989,312  $1,986,820 2,032,965 
Rate  1.98% 3.75   2.02% 3.58 
          
Total interest bearing liabilities $27,284,554 26,230,083  $27,127,602 26,458,212 
Rate  2.00% 3.14   1.94% 3.01 
          
 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits $3,712,972 3,393,450  $3,832,989 3,416,978 
     
      
Net interest margin  3.15% 3.64   3.16% 3.57 
          
 
* Yields and rates are annualized.
 
(1) Included as a component of other assets on the accompanying balance sheet.

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The following table summarizes the components of net interest income for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008, including the tax-equivalent adjustment that is required in making yields on tax-exempt loans and investment securities comparable to taxable loans and investment securities. The taxable-equivalent adjustment is based on a 35% Federal income tax rate.
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Interest income $770,885 962,020 384,491 458,140  $1,147,505 1,417,243 376,620 455,223 
Taxable-equivalent adjustment 2,399 2,311 1,219 1,134  3,619 3,487 1,219 1,177 
                  
Interest income, taxable equivalent 773,284 964,331 385,710 459,274  1,151,124 1,420,730 377,839 456,400 
Interest expense 271,037 409,950 127,883 184,719  393,026 597,375 121,989 187,425 
                  
Net interest income, taxable equivalent $502,247 554,381 257,827 274,555  $758,098 823,355 255,850 268,975 
                  
Non-Interest Income
The following table summarizes non-interest income for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008.
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Service charges on deposit accounts $58,401 54,461 29,702 26,070  $88,100 82,594 29,699 28,132 
Fiduciary and asset management fees 21,471 25,519 10,657 12,898  32,714 37,612 11,244 12,095 
Brokerage and investment banking revenue 14,393 17,693 7,521 9,206  21,440 25,591 7,047 7,898 
Mortgage banking income 23,912 13,847 14,590 5,686  30,949 18,323 7,037 4,476 
Bankcard fees 26,436 26,417 13,755 14,198  40,098 39,788 13,663 13,371 
Net gains on sales of investment securities available for sale 14,730 ¾ 14,730 ¾ 
Other fee income 16,412 21,266 8,722 10,081  24,145 30,039 7,733 8,773 
Other non-interest income 19,122 28,798 6,450 13,373  25,620 40,282 6,497 11,482 
Increase in fair value of private equity investments, net 8,090 4,946 8,090   1,237 17,673  (6,853) 12,728 
Proceeds from sale of MasterCard shares 8,351 16,186 8,351 16,186  8,351 16,186 ¾  
Proceeds from redemption of Visa shares  38,542     38,542   
                  
Total non-interest income $196,588 247,675 107,838 107,698  $287,384 346,630 90,797 98,955 
                  
Total non-interest income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 decreased $51.1$59.2 million, or 20.6%17.1%, and increased $140 thousand,decreased $8.2 million, or 0.1%8.2%, as compared to the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Excluding the 2008 gain on redemption of Visa shares, the increase (decrease) in fair value of private equity investments and the proceeds from sale of MasterCard shares in both 2009 and 2008, total non-interest income for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 decreased $7.9increased $3.6 million, or 4.2%1.3%, and decreased $0.1increased $11.4 million, or 0.1%13.2% compared to same periods a year ago.
Service charges on deposit accounts, the single largest component of fee income, were $58.4$88.1 million and $29.7 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, up 7.2%6.7% and 13.9%5.6% from the same periods in 2008. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees (which represent 60.4%61.1% and 60.1%62.3% of the total for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009), account analysis fees, and all other service charges.

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NSF fees for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were $35.3$53.8 million and $17.8$18.5 million, representing an increase of $793$1.3 million, or 2.5%, and $499 thousand, or 2.3%, and $2.1 million, or 13.6%2.8%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2008. Account analysis fees were $14.2$21.1 million and $7.0$6.8 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, respectively, and increased $2.7$3.7 million, or 23.9%21.0%, and $858$919 thousand, or 14.0%15.6% compared to the same periods in the prior

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year. The increase in account analysis fees was primarily due to lower earnings credits on commercial demand deposit accounts. All other service charges on deposit accounts, which consist primarily of monthly fees on retail demand deposit and saving accounts, were $8.9$13.2 million and $4.9$4.4 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, representing an increase of $404$553 thousand, or 4.8%4.4%, and $639$149 thousand, or 15.1%3.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2008.
Financial management services revenues (which primarily consist of fiduciary and asset management fees, brokerage and investment banking revenue, and customer interest rate swap revenue which is included in other fee income) decreased 21.3%18.1% to $40.8$61.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, and decreased 18.2%10.7% to $21.3$20.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008. The decline in financial management services revenue for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was impacted by market factors, including weakness in the economy as well as the lower market value of assets under management.
Mortgage banking income increased $10.1$12.6 million, or 72.7%68.9%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, and increased $8.9$2.6 million, or 156.6%57.2%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 as compared to the same periods in 2008. The increase primarily results from mortgage production, which increased $646.2$750.8 million, or 95.0%79.4%, and $298.0$104.6 million, or 87.3%39.5% for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increased mortgage production is principally related to a high volume of refinance business. The 2008 results for the three months ended March 31, 2008, include a $1.2 million increase in mortgage revenues due to the adoption of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value through Earnings.”
Synovus recognized $14.7 million in securities gains during the three months ended September 30, 2009, in association with a targeted reallocation of certain securities within the Available-for-Sale portfolio.
Other fee income decreased $4.9$5.9 million and $1.4$1.0 million, or 22.8%19.6% and 13.5%11.9%, respectively, for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 as compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases for the sixnine and three month periods are principally due to a decline in fees associated with customer interest rate swap transactions and letters of credit.
Other non-interest income decreased $9.7$14.7 million, or 33.6%36.4%, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and decreased $6.9$5.0 million, or 51.8%43.4%, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008. The declinelargest component of the change in other non-interest income for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 was primarily due to athe decline in life insurance cash surrender value appreciation income.
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus sold the remainder of its MasterCard shares and recognized a pre-tax gain of $8.4 million as compared to a $16.2 million gain from the sale of MasterCard shares for the three months ended June 30, 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Synovus recognized a pre-tax gain of $38.5 million on

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redemption of a portion of its membership interest in Visa, Inc. as a result of the Visa IPO. For further discussion of Visa, see the section titled “Visa, Inc. Initial Public Offering and Litigation Expense” above and the section titled “Non-Interest Expense” below.

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Non-Interest Expense
The following table summarizes non-interest expense for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and 2008.
                                
 Six Months Ended Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008  2009 2008 2009 2008 
Salaries and other personnel expense $221,294 231,806 109,315 109,676  $327,119 346,342 105,825 114,535 
Net occupancy and equipment expense 62,374 61,337 30,727 31,126  93,910 93,188 31,537 31,852 
FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees 43,060 12,250 30,061 6,172  58,401 18,210 15,341 5,960 
Foreclosed real estate expense 218,734 21,558 172,404 13,677  320,171 64,764 101,437 43,205 
Losses on other loans held for sale 1,095 9,944 1,160 9,944  1,703 9,944 608 ¾ 
Goodwill impairment  27,000  27,000  ¾ 36,887 ¾ 9,887 
Professional fees 17,312 13,394 10,355 8,454  28,436 20,311 11,124 6,916 
Restructuring charges 6,755 4,251 397 4,251  6,342 13,299  (413) 9,048 
Other operating expenses 89,050 103,228 41,897 55,664  147,112 150,559 58,061 47,334 
Visa litigation expense (recovery)   (17,430)     (4,067)  (11,082)  (4,067) 6,347 
                  
Total non-interest expense $659,674 467,338 396,316 265,964  $979,127 742,422 319,453 275,084 
                  
Non-interest expense increased by 41.2%31.9% and 49.0%16.1% for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Fundamental non-interest expense (excluding other credit costs, FDIC insurance expense, restructuring charges, changes in the Visa litigation accrual,certain contingency accruals, and goodwill impairment expense as shown in more detail on page 7583 of this report) is down $23.7$33.9 million, or 5.8%5.6%, and $9.6$10.2 million, or 4.8%5.1% for the sixnine and three months ended March 31,September 30, 2009. These declines continue a favorable downward trend in core expenses that Synovus has realized throughout 2009. The savings are primarily driven by Project Optimus ideas related to targeted expense reductions and eliminations, as well as continued overall efforts to manage the organization more tightly.
For the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009, salaries and other personnel expenses decreased by $10.5$19.2 million, or 4.5%5.6%, and $361 thousand,$8.7 million, or 0.3%7.6% compared to the same periods in the prior year. The 2009 amounts reflectPersonnel expense reductions in retirement andare the result of specific measures to reduce headcount as well as careful consideration of discretionary benefit accruals,levels in light of current and in the total numberprojected levels of employees.earnings performance. For 2009, no executive salary increases, cash bonuses, or equity grants will be made. Additionally, no standard merit increases are plannedhave been made for non-executive employees. Total employees at JuneSeptember 30, 2009 were 6,465,6,376, down 411,500, or 6.0%7.3%, compared to December 31, 2008, and down 810,625, or 11.1%8.9%, compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Net occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.0 million, or 1.7%, and decreased $399 thousand, or 1.3% for the six and three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year.
Other credit costs, which includeprimarily consist of expenses associated with foreclosed real estate and also include losses on the sale of other loans held for sale, provision for losses on unfunded commitments and customer interest rate swaps, and other collection related expenses, increased $191.8$256.2 million to $230.6$340.3 million, and increased $146.6$64.5 million to $176.3$109.7 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in other credit costs is principally the result of heightened levels of foreclosures and assets obtained through foreclosure proceedings (primarily other real estate) as well as losses associated with disposal of foreclosed assets..

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FDIC insurance expense increased $31.3$40.7 million to $40.6$54.8 million and increased $24.2$9.4 million to $28.9$14.2 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in FDIC insurance and other regulatory fees is primarily a result of the FDIC’s increase in base assessment rates at the beginning ofduring 2009 as well as aan approximate $16.6 million special assessment in June2009, which was assessed as 5 basis points of total assets minus Tier 1 capital. The current year increase in FDIC insurance expense is also a result of Synovus’

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voluntary participation in the FDIC Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. This FDIC program allows Synovus to offer 100% deposit protection for non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts regardless of dollar amount at FDIC-insured institutions.
Restructuring (severance) charges of $6.8Professional fees were $28.4 million and $400 thousand were recognized$11.1 million for the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.2009, respectively. This represents an increase of $8.1 million and $4.2 million for those time periods, respectively. The increase in professional fees is driven by legal fees associated with specific litigation as well as legal and other professional fees associated with problem asset dispositions.
Synovus recorded a litigation accrual in 2007 associated with indemnification obligations under Visa’s Retrospective Responsibility Plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Synovus reversed $17.4 million of its litigation accrual for its membership proportion of the amount which Visa funded to an escrow established to pay judgments or settlements of Visa’s covered litigation. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, Synovus increased its litigation accrual by $6.4 million following Visa’s announcement of the settlement of its litigation with Discover. During the three months ended September 30, 2009, Synovus reduced its litigation accrual by $4.1 million for its membership proportion of the amount which Visa deposited to the litigation escrow during the quarter. For further discussion of the Visa litigation expense, see the section titled “Visa Initial Public Offering and Litigation Expense.”
Income Tax Expense
The effective tax rate for the second quarter 2009 was principally impacted by the recognitionUnder provisions of a significant increase in the deferred tax assets valuation allowance. Other contributing factors were the level of exempt income earned relative to the overall level of pre-tax loss, restrictions imposed by state laws which prohibit net operating loss deductions from being applied in either past or future periods, the recognition of a valuation allowance for certain state deferred tax assets and changes in the level of income in various jurisdictions where Synovus operates, due to the income tax rates differing among such jurisdictions.
                 
  Six Months Ended Three Months Ended
  June 30, June 30,
(in thousands) 2009 2008 2009 2008
Income (loss) before income taxes $(885,201)  147,742   (663,396)  21,539 
Income tax (benefit) expense  (164,220)  52,952   (79,143)  9,302 
Effective tax rate  (18.6%)  35.8%  (11.9%)  43.2%
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, Synovus performed its quarterly assessment of net deferred tax assets. Under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”),ASC 740-30-25, companies are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. AsPrimarily as a result of the increased credit losses, Synovus is now inreached a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position as ofduring the three months ended June 30, 2009. A cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence which is difficult to overcome in assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset whichasset. As a result, beginning with the second quarter of 2009, Synovus is difficult to overcome. Synovus did not considerno longer considering future taxable income in determining the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Synovus’ estimate of the realization of its deferred tax assets wasis solely based on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences taxable income in prior carry back years, and currently available tax planning strategies.
This change resulted in an increase toin the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $173 million during the second quarter of 2009, and an effective tax rate of 18.6% for the first six moths of 2009. The 18.6% effective tax rate was representative of the projected annual effective tax rate, which was largely determined based on management’s estimate of the pre-tax loss for the year.
During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009. The increase in2009, management’s revised estimate of the valuation allowance was recorded through an adjustment topre- tax loss anticipated for the estimated annual effective tax rate.year increased. Based on current projections, Synovus estimates thatthe revised estimate, the effective tax rate for the second half of 2009 will remain at approximately the same level as the actual effective tax rate for the first half of 2009 (18.7%)fourth quarter and year is estimated to be 14.4%. While there are many factors that could impact the actual effective tax rate, a significant factor is management’s projection of the pre-tax

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loss for the year. If the

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projected pre-tax losses vary significantly from current estimates, the actual effective tax rate could vary significantly. Specifically, if the actual pre-tax loss for the year exceeds the current estimate, the effective tax rate will be lower than 14.4%. Conversely, if the actual pre-tax loss for the year is lower than the current estimate, the effective tax rate will be higher than 14.4%.
The gross deferred tax asset increased approximately $133 million during the quarter, and the related valuation allowance increase for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately $155 million. The table below shows the effective tax rate for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
                 
  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009  2008  2009  2008 
Income (loss) before income taxes $(1,355,749)  88,060   (470,547)  (59,682)
Income tax (benefit) expense, gross  (526,699)  25,964   (185,726)  (25,000)
Increase in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets  331,732   2,777   154,981   789 
             
Net income (loss) $(1,160,782)  59,319   (439,802)  (35,471)
             
Effective tax rate before valuation allowance  38.9%  29.5%  39.5%  41.9%
Effective tax rate after valuation allowance  14.4%  32.6%  6.5%  40.6%
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets is as follows:
                
(in thousands) 2009 2008  2009 2008 
Balance at January 1 $5,068   $5,068 ¾ 
Increase for three months ended March 31 3,327 1,221  3,327 1,221 
Increase for the three months ended June 30 173,424 767  173,424 767 
Increase for the three months ended September 30 154,981 789 
          
Balance at June 30 $181,819 1,988 
Balance at September 30 $336,800 2,777 
          
The tax benefit of any losses incurred during future years will be recorded as deferred tax assets with a corresponding increase to the valuation allowance, resulting in approximately zero tax expense. However, changes in market conditions and other factors could periodically impact the values assigned to tax planning strategies and the required valuation allowance.
When pre-tax profits are reported, Synovus will not record a tax expense as reductions to the deferred tax valuation allowance will be recognized. Recapture of the deferred tax asset balance (i.e., reversal of the valuation allowance) is subject to considerable judgment. However, we expect to recover the remaining deferred tax asset balance once we have demonstrated a sustainable return to profitability, perhaps at the point when we have experienced consecutive profitable quarters coupled with a forecast of continuing profitability.

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Dividends
The following table presents information regarding dividends declared on Synovus’ common stock during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.
                                        
20092009 20082009 2008 
 Per Share Per Share Per Share Per Share 
Date Declared Date Paid Amount Date Declared Date Paid Amount Date Paid Amount Date Declared Date Paid Amount 
March 10, 2009
 April 1, 2009 $0.0100 March 10, 2008 April 1, 2008 $0.1700  April 1, 2009 $0.0100 March 10, 2008 April 1, 2008 $0.1700 
June 10, 2009
 July 1, 2009 0.0100 June 9, 2008 July 1, 2008 0.1700  July 1, 2009 0.0100 June 9, 2008 July 1, 2008  0.1700 
September 14, 2009
 October 1, 2009 0.0100 September 10, 2009 October 1, 2008  0.0600 
    September 10, 2009 October 1, 2008 0.0600      December 9, 2008 January 2, 2009  0.0600 
    December 9, 2008 January 2, 2009 0.0600 
On September 10, 2008, Synovus announced that its Board of Directors had voted to reduce its dividend by 65%, from $0.17 to $0.06 per share, to further strengthen Synovus’ financial position by preserving its capital base. On March 10, 2009, Synovus announced that its Board of Directors voted to further reduce it dividend by 83%, from $0.06 to $0.01 per share, to enable Synovus to further preserve its capital base. Management closely monitors trends and developments in credit quality, liquidity (including dividends from subsidiaries, which are expected to be significantly lower than those received in previous years), financial markets and other economic trends, as well as regulatory requirements, all of which impact Synovus’ capital position, and will continue to periodically review dividend levels to determine if they are appropriate in light of these factors.factors and the restrictions on payment of dividends described below.
In addition to dividends paid on its common stock, Synovus paid dividends of $19.6$31.7 million and $12.1 million, to the Treasury on our Series A Preferred Stock during the sixnine and three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively. There were no dividends paid during 2008 on the Series A Preferred Stock, which was issued on December 19, 2008.
Synovus’ participation in the Capital Purchase Program restricts its ability to increase the quarterly cash dividends payable on Synovus common stock. Prior tostock (without consent of the Treasury) until the earlier of December 19, 2011, unlessor until Synovus has redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock in whole or the Treasury has transferred the Series A preferred stock to a third party, the consent of the Treasury will be required for Synovus to pay a quarterly dividend of more than $0.06 per share or make any distribution on its common stock.party.
Synovus’ ability to pay dividends is dependent upon dividends and distributions to the Parent Company from its banking and non-banking subsidiaries, which are restricted by various regulations administered by federal and state bank regulatory authorities. Dividends from subsidiaries in 2009 will behave been significantly lower than those received in previous years. In addition,

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the Federal Reserve Board also has supervisory authority that mayto limit Synovus’ ability to pay dividends on its capital stock under certain circumstances.on safety and soundness grounds. Based on guidance issued by the Federal Reserve Board on February 24, 2009 and revised on March 27, 2009, Synovus must inform and consult with the Federal Reserve Board prior to declaring and paying any future dividends.dividends, and as a result of the memorandum of understanding described elsewhere herein, Synovus must obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Banking Commissioner of the State of Georgia prior to increasing the cash dividend on our common stock above the current level of $0.01 per share. See Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors — “We presently are subject to, and in the future may become subject to, additional supervisory actions and/or enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock.”

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Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (SFAS 166). SFAS 166 removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets” (SFAS 140), and removes the exception from applying FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” to qualifying special-purpose entities. SFAS 166 clarifies that the objective of paragraph 9 of SFAS 140 is to determine whether a transferor and all of the entities included in the transferor’s financial statements being presented have surrendered control over transferred financial assets. This determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. SFAS 166 modifies the financial-components approach used in SFAS 140 and limits the circumstances in which a financial asset, or portion of a financial asset, should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire financial asset to an entity that is not consolidated with the transferor in the financial statements being presented and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement. The special provisions of SFAS 140 and SFAS No. 65, “Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities” (SFAS 65), for guaranteed mortgage securitizations are removed to require those securitizations to be treated the same as any other transfer of financial assets within the scope of SFAS 140, as amended by this SFAS 166. If the transfer does not meet the requirements for sale accounting, the securitized mortgage loans should continue to be classified as loans in the transferor’s statement of financial position. SFAS 166 requires that a transferor recognize and initially measure at fair value all assets obtained (including a transferor’s beneficial interest) and liabilities incurred as a result of a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale. Enhanced disclosures are required to provide financial statement users with greater transparency about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transferred financial assets. The provisions of this statement are effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Early application is prohibited. Synovus is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS 166, but does not presently expect that the provisions of SFAS 166 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (SFAS 167). The FASB expects SFAS 167 to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. The FASB undertook this project to address (1) the effects on certain provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46), as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in FASB 166, and (2) constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of Interpretation 46(R), including those in which the accounting and disclosures under FIN 46 do not always provide timely and useful information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. SFAS 167 is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15,

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2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Synovus does not expect that the provisions of SFAS 167 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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In June 2009, the FASB issued SFASAccounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-01, “Topic 105- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles — amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168 “The— The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationÔ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162” (SFAS 168)(ASU 2009-01). The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationÔ (Codification) will become the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of this Statement, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfatherednon-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. SFAS 168non-authoritative. ASU 2009-01 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The provisions of ASU 2009-01 did not have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-02, “Omnibus Update — Amendments to Various Topics for Technical Corrections” (ASU 2009-02). The FASB issued ASU 2009-02 in order to make technical corrections to the Codification. ASU 2009-02 includes technical corrections are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance. The provisions of ASU 2009-02 did not have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-03, “SEC Update — Amendments to Various Topics Containing SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins” (ASU 2009-03). The Codification includes certain SEC and SEC staff guidance in order to increase usefulness of the Codification for public companies. The SEC guidance is presented in separate sections and is limited to material on the basic financial statements. ASU 2009-03 includes technical corrections to various topics containing SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins to update cross-references to Codification text. The amendments included in ASU 2009 are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance. The provisions of ASU 2009-03 did not have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) — Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value” (ASU 2009-05). This ASU amends Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities, and provides clarification regarding required valuations techniques for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available. The provisions of ASU 2009-05, which are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance, did not have a material impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-07, “Accounting for Various Topics — Technical Corrections to SEC Paragraphs” (ASU 2009-07). This ASU represents technical corrections to various topics containing SEC guidance based on external comments received. Synovus does not expect that the provisions of SFAS 168ASU 2009-07, which are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance, will have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-08, “Earnings per Share — Amendments to Section 260-10-S99” (ASU 2009-08). This ASU represents technical corrections to Topic 260-10-S99, Earnings per Share, based on EITF Topic D-53,Computation of Earnings per Share for a materialPeriod that Includes a Redemption or an Induced Conversion of a Portion of a Class of Preferred Stockand EITF topic D-42,The Effect of the Calculation of Earnings per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock. Synovus does not expect that the provisions of ASU 2009-08, which are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance, will have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-09, “Accounting for Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures and Accounting for Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees — Amendments to Sections 323-10-S99 and 505-50-S99” (ASU 2009-09). This ASU represents a correction of Section 323-10-S99-4, Accounting by an Investor for Stock-Based Compensation Granted to Employees of an Equity Method Investee. Section 313-10-99-4 was originally entered into the Codification incorrectly. This ASU also adds an SEC observer commentAccounting Recognition for Certain Transactions Involving Equity Instruments Granted to Other Than Employeesto the Codification. Synovus does not expect that the provisions of ASU 2009-09, which are effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance, will have an impact on Synovus’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) — Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” (ASU 2009-12). This ASU provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures-Overall, for the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent). The amendments in this ASU permit, as a practical expedient, a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment that is within the scope of the amendments in this ASU on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) if the net asset value of the investment (or its equivalent) is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of Topic 946 as of the reporting entity’s measurement date, including measurement of all or substantially all of the underlying investments of the investee in accordance with Topic 820. The amendments in this ASU also require disclosures by major category of investment about the attributes of investments within the scope of amendments in this ASU. The provisions of ASU 2009-12 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. Early adoption is permitted in financial statements for earlier interim and annual periods that have not been issued. Synovus does not expect that the impact of ASU 2009-12 on its financial position, results of operations andor cash flows.flows to be material.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
PresentationThe measures entitled pre-tax, pre-credit costs income; fundamental non-interest expense; net interest margin excluding the negative impact of nonperforming assets; core deposits; the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratioratio; and the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio, core deposits, pre-tax pre-credit costs income,are not measures recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principals (GAAP), and fundamental non-interest expensetherefore are non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP)considered non-GAAP financial measures. The most comparable GAAP measures are income (loss) before income taxes, total non-interest expense, net interest margin, total deposits, and the ratio of total common shareholders’ equity to total assets, ratio, total deposits, pre-tax income (loss), and total non-interest expense. The following table illustrates the method of calculating these non-GAAP financial measures:respectively.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
             
 June 30,  December 31,  June 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009  2008  2008 
             
Total risk-weighted assets $30,037,167   32,106,501   32,455,002 
             
Total assets $34,349,670   35,786,270   34,227,301 
Goodwill  (39,280)  (39,521)  (492,138)
Other intangible assets, net  (18,914)  (21,266)  (24,860)
          
Tangible assets $34,291,476   35,725,483   33,710,303 
          
             
Total equity $3,055,163   3,819,507   3,452,683 
Goodwill  (39,280)  (39,521)  (492,138)
Other intangible assets, net  (18,914)  (21,266)  (24,860)
Cumulative perpetual preferred stock  (923,855)  (919,635)   
          
Tangible common equity $2,073,114   2,839,085   2,935,685 
          
             
Tangible common equity to tangible assets  6.05%  7.95   8.71 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  6.90%  8.84   9.05 
             
Total deposits $27,423,814   28,617,179   26,028,352 
National market brokered deposits  (4,994,641)  (6,338,079)  (4,587,302)
          
Core deposits $22,429,173   22,279,100   21,441,050 
          
                 
  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
Income (loss) before income taxes $(885,201)  147,742   (663,396)  21,539 
Add: Provision for losses on loans  921,963   184,665   631,526   93,616 
Add: Other credit costs (1)
  230,585   38,828   176,308   29,686 
Add: Goodwill impairment     27,000      27,000 
Add: Restructuring costs  6,755   4,251   397   4,251 
Add (Subtract) Visa litigation settlement expense (recovery)     (17,430)      
             
Pre-tax pre-credit costs income $274,102   385,056   144,835   176,092 
             
                 
Total non-interest expense $659,674   467,338   396,316   265,964 
Other credit costs  (230,585)  (38,829)  (176,308)  (29,686)
FDIC insurance expense  (40,585)  (9,242)  (28,915)  (4,743)
Restructuring charges  (6,755)  (4,251)  (397)  (4,251)
Visa litigation recovery     17,430       
Goodwill impairment expense     (27,000)     (27,000)
             
Fundamental non-interest expense $381,749   405,446   190,696   200,284 
             

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                 
  Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
 June 30,  June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009  2008  2009  2008 
                 
Other credit costs:                
Foreclosed real estate expenses $218,734   21,558   172,404   13,677 
Loss on sale of impaired loans  1,095   9,944   1,160   9,944 
Reserve for unfunded commitments(1)
  (3,423)  4,067   (622)  4,067 
Reserve for customer interest rate swap agreements(1)
  8,755      833    
Loan collection expenses(1)
  4,309   2,832   2,159   1,648 
Appraisal and recording expenses(1)
  1,115   428   374   350 
             
Total other credit costs $230,585   38,829   176,308   29,686 
             
(1)Components of other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income.
Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of Synovus’ core business and the strength of its capital position. Synovus believes that the abovethese non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful additional information about Synovus to assist investors in evaluating Synovus’ operating results, financial strength and capitalization. TheThese non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as (a) additional views of the way Synovus’ financiala substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures are affected by significant charges for credit costs and goodwill impairment, and (b) additional views of the strength of Synovus’ tangible capitalization using the non-GAAP financial ratios, tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets. Total risk-weighted assets is a required measure used by banks and financial institutions in reporting regulatory capital and regulatory capital ratios to Federal and state regulatory agencies. Tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets are non-GAAP financial measures utilized by many investors and investment analysts to evaluate the financial strength and capitalization of banks and financial institutions. Core deposits is a measure used by management and investment analysts to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source.at other companies. Pre-tax, pre-credit costs income is a measure used by management to evaluate core operating results exclusive of credit costs as well as certain non-core expenses such as goodwill impairment charges, restructuring charges, and Visa litigation expense (benefit)(recovery). Fundamental non-interest expense is a measure utilizedused by management to evaluate core non-interest expense exclusive of other credit costs, FDIC insurance expense, restructuring charges, Visa litigation expense (recovery), and goodwill impairment charges. Net interest margin excluding the impact of nonperforming assets is a measure used by management to measure the successnet interest margin exclusive of the impact of nonperforming assets and associated net interest charge-offs on the net interest margin. Core deposits is a measure used by management to evaluate organic growth of deposits and the quality of deposits as a funding source. Total risk-weighted assets is a required measure used by banks and financial institutions in reporting regulatory capital and regulatory capital ratios to Federal and state regulatory agencies. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio are used by management and investment analysts to assess the strength of Synovus’ capital position.

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The computations of pre-tax, pre-credit costs income; fundamental non-interest expense; net interest margin excluding the impact of nonperforming assets; core deposits; the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio; and the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets, and the reconciliation of these measures to income (loss) before income taxes, total non-interest expense, management initiatives focused on reducing recurring controllable operating costs.net interest margin, total deposits, and the ratio of total common shareholders’ equity to total assets are set forth in the tables below:
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                     
  September 30,  June 30,  March 31,  December 31,  September 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009  2009  2009  2008  2008 
Tangible Common Equity Ratios:
                    
Total risk-weighted assets $28,377,624   30,037,167   31,236,550   32,106,501   32,262,347 
                     
Total assets $34,610,480   34,349,670   34,547,432   35,786,269   34,339,141 
Goodwill  (39,280)  (39,280)  (39,521)  (39,521)  (482,251)
Other intangible assets, net  (17,775)  (18,914)  (20,064)  (21,266)  (23,579)
                
Tangible assets $34,553,425   34,291,476   34,487,847   35,725,482   33,833,311 
                
                     
Total shareholders’ equity $3,136,660   3,018,361   3,637,979   3,787,158   3,378,277 
Goodwill  (39,280)  (39,280)  (39,521)  (39,521)  (482,251)
Other intangible assets, net  (17,775)  (18,914)  (20,064)  (21,266)  (23,579)
Cumulative perpetual preferred stock  (926,014)  (923,855)  (921,728)  (919,635)   
                
Tangible common equity $2,153,591   2,036,312   2,656,666   2,806,736   2,872,447 
                
                     
Total common shareholders’ equity to total assets(1)
  6.39%  6.10   7.86   8.01   9.81 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets  6.23%  5.94   7.70   7.86   8.49 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  7.59%  6.78   8.50   8.74   8.90 
                     
Core Deposits:
                    
Total deposits $28,054,191   27,423,814   27,947,986   28,617,179   27,848,863 
National market brokered deposits  (5,639,336)  (4,994,641)  (5,258,841)  (6,338,078)  (6,174,573)
                
Core deposits $22,414,855   22,429,173   22,689,145   22,279,101   21,674,290 
                
                     
Net Interest Margin Excluding the Negative Impact of Nonperforming Assets:
                    
Average earning assets (2)
  31,556,544   32,124,145   32,425,793   32,308,295   31,296,510 
                     
Net interest income (taxable equivalent) $255,850   257,827   244,420   259,437   268,975 
Add: Negative impact of nonperforming assets on net interest income (3)
  32,951   31,911   26,429   22,745   18,716 
                
Net interest income excluding the negative impact of nonperforming assets $288,801   289,738   270,849   282,182   287,691 
                
                     
Net interest margin  3.22%  3.23   3.05   3.20   3.42 
Add: Negative impact of nonperforming assets on net interest margin  0.42   0.39   0.33   0.27   0.24 
                
Net interest margin excluding the negative impact of nonperforming assets  3.64%  3.62   3.38   3.47   3.66 
                
(1)Total shareholders’ equity less preferred stock divided by total assets.
(2)Quarterly average balance.
(3)Represents pro forma interest income on nonperforming loans at current commercial loan portfolio yield, carrying cost of ORE, and net interest charge-offs on loans recognized during the quarter.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
                     
  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  September 30, 
(dollars in thousands) 2009  2008  2009  2009  2008 
Pre-Tax Pre-Credit Costs Income:
                    
Income (loss) before income taxes $(1,355,749)  88,060   (470,547)  (663,396)  (59,682)
Add: Provision for losses on loans  1,418,485   336,016   496,522   631,526   151,351 
Add: Other credit costs (4)
  340,324   84,095   109,739   176,308   45,267 
Add: Goodwill impairment     36,887         9,887 
Add: Restructuring costs  6,342   13,299   (413)  397   9,048 
Add: (Subtract) Net litigation contingency expense (recovery)  6,433   (11,082)  6,433      6,347 
Less: Gain on redemption of Visa shares     (38,542)         
                
Pre-tax pre-credit costs income $415,835   508,733   141,734   144,835   162,218 
                
                     
Fundamental Non-Interest Expense:
                    
Total non-interest expense $979,127   742,422   319,453   396,316   275,084 
Less: Other credit costs (4)
  (340,324)  (84,095)  (109,739)  (176,308)  (45,267)
Less: FDIC insurance expense  (54,777)  (14,030)  (14,191)  (28,915)  (4,787)
Less: Restructuring charges  (6,342)  (13,299)  413   (397)  (9,048)
Less: Net litigation contingency (expense) recovery  (6,433)  11,082   (6,433)     (6,347)
Less: Goodwill impairment expense     (36,887)        (9,887)
                
Fundamental non-interest expense $571,251   605,193   189,503   190,696   199,748 
                
(4)Other credit costs consist primarily of losses on ORE, reserve for unfunded commitments, and charges related to impaired loans held for sale.

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ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND
QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
Interest rate risk is the primary market risk to which Synovus is potentially exposed. Synovus measures its sensitivity to changes in market interest rates through the use of a simulation model. Synovus uses this simulation model to determine a baseline net interest income forecast and the sensitivity of this forecast to changes in interest rates. These simulations include all of Synovus’ earning assets, liabilities, and derivative instruments. Forecasted balance sheet changes, primarily reflecting loan and deposit growth forecasts, are included in the periods modeled. Anticipated deposit mix changes in each interest rate scenario are also included in the periods modeled.
Synovus has modeled its baseline net interest income forecast assuming a flat interest rate environment with the federal funds rate at the Federal Reserve’s current targeted range of 0% to .25%0.25%. Due to short-term interest rates being at or near 0% at this time, only rising rate scenarios have been modeled. Synovus has modeled the impact of a gradual increase in short-term rates of 100 and 200 basis points to determine the sensitivity of net interest income for the next twelve months. As of the end of the secondthird quarter, the interest rate sensitivity of Synovus has not significantly changed as compared to December 31, 2008. Synovus continues to maintain a moderately asset sensitive position which would be expected to benefit net interest income in a rising interest rate environment. Several factors could serve to diminish this asset sensitivity, the primary of which would be an increase in the level of deposit pricing competition. The following table represents the estimated sensitivity of net interest income to these changes in short term interest rates at JuneSeptember 30, 2009, with comparable information for December 31, 2008.
 
 Estimated % Change in Net Interest Income
     as Compared to Unchanged Rates
 Estimated % Change in Net Interest Income (for the next twelve months)
Change in Short-Term as Compared to Unchanged Rates    
Interest Rates (for the next twelve months)    
(in basis points) June 30, 2009 December 31, 2008 September 30, 2009 December 31, 2008
+ 200 1.7% 3.9% 2.0% 3.9%
+ 100 0.8% 0.9% 1.2% 0.9%
While these estimates are reflective of the general interest rate sensitivity of Synovus, local market conditions and their impact on loan and deposit pricing would be expected to have a significant impact on the realized level of net interest income. Actual realized balance sheet growth and mix would also impact the realized level of net interest income. Synovus also considers the interest rate sensitivity of non-interest income, primarily deposit account analysis fees, mortgage banking income, and financial management services income, in determining the appropriate net interest income sensitivity positioning.

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ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report as required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on this evaluation, these officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to Synovus (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. No change in Synovus’ internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Synovus and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In the ordinary course of business, Synovus and its subsidiaries are also subject to regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, inquiries and investigations. Synovus establishes accruals for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that Synovus determines to be both probable and reasonably estimable. In the pending regulatory matter described below, loss contingencies are not reasonably estimable in the view of management, and, accordingly, a reserve has not been established for this matter. Based on current knowledge, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, management does not believe that the eventual outcome of pending litigation and/or regulatory matters, including the pending regulatory matters described below, will have a material adverse effect on Synovus’ consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if unfavorable, may be material to Synovus’ results of operations for any particular period.
CompuCredit Litigation
As previously disclosed, the FDIC conducted an investigation of the policies, practices and procedures used by Columbus Bank and Trust Company (CB&T), a wholly owned banking subsidiary of Synovus Financial Corp. (Synovus), in connection with the credit card programs offered pursuant to its Affinity Agreement with CompuCredit Corporation (CompuCredit). CB&T issues credit cards that are marketed and serviced by CompuCredit pursuant to the Affinity Agreement. A provision of the Affinity Agreement generally requires CompuCredit to indemnify CB&T for losses incurred as a result of the failure of credit card programs offered pursuant to the Affinity Agreement to comply with applicable law. Synovus is subject to a per event 10% share of any such loss, but Synovus’ 10% payment obligation is limited to a cumulative total of $2 million for all losses incurred.
On June 9, 2008, the FDIC and CB&T entered into a settlement related to this investigation. CB&T did not admit or deny any alleged violations of law or regulations or any unsafe and unsound banking practices in connection with the settlement. As a part of the settlement, CB&T and the FDIC entered into a Cease and Desist Order and Order to Pay whereby CB&T agreed to: (1) pay a civil money penalty in the amount of $2.4 million; (2) institute certain changes to CB&T’s policies, practices and procedures in connection with credit card programs; (3) continue to implement its compliance plan to maintain a sound risk-based compliance management system and to modify them, if necessary, to comply with the Order; and (4) maintain its previously established Director Compliance Committee to oversee compliance with the Order. CB&T has paid the civil money penalty, and that payment is not subject to the indemnification provisions of the Affinity Agreement described above.
CB&T and the FDIC also entered into an Order for Restitution pursuant to which CB&T agreed to establish and maintain an account in the amount of $7.5 million to ensure the availability of restitution with respect to categories of consumers, specified by the FDIC, who activated Aspire credit card accounts issued pursuant to the Affinity Agreement on or before May 31, 2005. The FDIC may require the account to be applied if, and to the extent that, CompuCredit defaults, in whole or in part, on its obligation to pay restitution to any consumers required under the settlement agreements CompuCredit entered into with the FDIC and the Federal Trade

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Commission (FTC) on December 19, 2008. Those settlement agreements require CompuCredit to credit approximately $114 million to certain customer accounts that were opened between 2001 and 2005 and subsequently charged off or were closed with no purchase activity. CompuCredit has stated that this restitution involves mostly non-cash credits — in effect, reversals of amounts for which payments were never received. In addition, CompuCredit has stated that cash refunds to consumers are estimated to be approximately $3.7 million. This $7.5 million account represents a contingent liability of CB&T. At JuneSeptember 30, 2009, CB&T has not recorded a liability for this contingency.
Any amounts paid from the restitution account are expected to be subject to the indemnification provisions of the Affinity Agreement described above. Synovus does not currently expect that the settlement will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
On May 23, 2008, CompuCredit and its wholly owned subsidiary, CompuCredit Acquisition Corporation, sued CB&T and Synovus in the State Court of Fulton County, Georgia, alleging breach of contract with respect to the Affinity Agreement. This case has subsequently been transferred to Georgia Superior Court, CompuCredit Corp,. v. Columbus Bank and Trust Co. , Case No. 08-CV-157010 (Ga. Super Ct.) (the “Superior Court Litigation”). CompuCredit seeks compensatory and general damages in an unspecified amount, a full accounting of the shares received by CB&T and Synovus in connection with the MasterCard and Visa initial public offerings and remittance of certain of those shares to CompuCredit, and the transfer of accounts under the Affinity Agreement to a third-party. The parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions to resolve the Superior Court Litigation. Although no assurances can be given as to whether the litigation will settle, Synovus has recorded a contingent liability in the amount of $10.5 million in the third quarter of 2009 relating to this potential settlement. CB&T and Synovus intend to continue to vigorously defend themselves against these allegations. Based on current knowledge and advice of counsel, management does not believe that the eventual outcome of this case will have a material adverse effect on Synovus’ consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. It is possible, however, that in the event of unexpected future developments the ultimate resolution of this matter, if unfavorable, may be material to Synovus’ results of operations for any particular period.
On October 24, 2008, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against CompuCredit and CB&T in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Greenwood v. CompuCredit, et. al., Case No. 4:08-cv-04878 (CW) (“Greenwood”), alleging that the solicitations used in connection with the credit card programs offered pursuant to the Affinity Agreement violated the Credit Repair Organization Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1679 (“CROA”), and the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. CB&T intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations. On January 22, 2009, the court in the Superior Court Litigation ruled that CompuCredit must pay the reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by CB&T in connection with the Greenwood case pursuant to the indemnification provision of the Affinity Agreement described above. Any losses that CB&T incurs in connection with Greenwood are also expected to be subject to the indemnification provisions of the Affinity Agreement described above. Based on current knowledge and advice of counsel, management does not believe that the eventual outcome of this case will have a material adverse effect on Synovus’ consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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Securities Class Action Litigationand Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit
On July 7, 2009, the City of Pompano Beach General Employees’ Retirement System filed suit against Synovus, and certain of Synovus’ current and former officers, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Civil Action File No. 1 09-CV-1811) (the “Securities Class Action”) alleging, among other things, that Synovus and the named individual

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defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts that artificially inflated Synovus’ stock price in violation of the federal securities laws. The plaintiffs in the Securities Class Action seek damages in an unspecified amount.
On November 4, 2009, a shareholder filed a putative derivative action purportedly on behalf of Synovus in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia (Civil Action File No. 1 09-CV-3069) (the “Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit”), against certain current and/or former directors and executive officers of the Company. The Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit asserts that the individual defendants violated their fiduciary duties based upon substantially the same facts as alleged in the Securities Class Action described above. The plaintiff is seeking to recover damages in an unspecified amount and equitable and/or injunctive relief.
Synovus and the individual named defendants collectively intend to vigorously defend themselves against these allegations. Because the Securities Class Action was recently filed and thereShareholder Derivative Lawsuit allegations. There are significant uncertainties involved in any potential class action litigation, basedand derivative litigation. Based upon information that presently is available to it, Synovus’ management team is unable to predict the outcome of the purported Securities Class Action and Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit and cannot currently reasonably determine the probability of a material adverse result or reasonably estimate a range of potential exposure, if any. Although the ultimate outcome of this lawsuitthese lawsuits cannot be ascertained at this time, based upon information that presently is available to it, Synovus’ management team presently does not believe that the Securities Class Action or the Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit, when resolved, will have a material adverse effect on Synovus’ consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 and in Part II under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly ReportReports on Form 10-Q for the periodperiods ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, and our current report on Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2009 (the September 15 8-K) which could materially affect our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and10-K/A, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the September 15 8-K are not the only risks facing Synovus. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows or future results.
Other than the risk factors set forth below, there were no material changes during the period covered by this Report to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Synovus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008, and Synovus’ Quarterly ReportReports on Form 10-Q for the periodperiods ended March 31, 2009.
Further adverse changes in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from the capital markets.
During the second quarter of 2009, Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings downgraded Synovus’ long term debt to below investment grade. The ratings agencies regularly evaluate Synovus and certain of its subsidiary banks, and their ratings of long-term debt are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength as well as factors not entirely within our control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry generally. In light of the continuing difficulties in the financial services industryJune 30, 2009, and the housing and financial markets, there can be no assurance that Synovus will not receive additional adverse changes in its ratings, which could adversely affect the cost and other terms upon which Synovus is able to obtain funding.September 15 8-K.
Future losses maywill result in an additional valuation allowance to our deferred tax assets.assets and impair our ability to recover our deferred tax asset during 2010.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Synovus reached a cumulative three-year pre-tax loss position. Under GAAP, a cumulative loss position is considered significant negative evidence in assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset. Synovus incurred a charge ofadditional pre-tax losses in the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Accordingly, Synovus was required to increase the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets by approximately $173 million to record an increase in its valuation allowanceand $155 million, respectively, during the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009, which adversely impacted Synovus’ results of operations for deferred tax assets.these periods. See Note 1413 — Income Taxes to the Unaudited Financial Statements in Part 1 of this report. Additional future losses will require Synovus to recognize an additionalUnder GAAP, once a company that has recorded valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset returns to profitability, it is possible to reverse the valuation allowance and recapture the deferred tax asset. However, recapture of the deferred tax assets balance is subject to considerable judgment and uncertainty. Synovus expects to recover the balance of its deferred tax assets once it has demonstrated a consistent return to profitability, and the internal stress test methodology used by Synovus management assumes that Synovus will be able to recover all of the recorded valuation allowance in 2010. There can be no assurance that Synovus will be able to fully reverse the valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets during 2010, which will adverselymay negatively impact its results of operations.Synovus’ capital ratios.
We are heavily regulated by federal and state agencies; changes in laws and regulations or failures to comply with such laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and our financial results.
Synovus and our subsidiary banks, and many of our nonbank subsidiaries, are heavily regulated at the federal and state levels. This regulation is designed primarily to protect depositors, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including interpretation and implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, including EESA, TARP, the Financial Stability Plan, and the ARRA could affect us in

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substantial and unpredictable ways, including limiting the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increasing the ability of nonbanks to offer competing financial

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services and products. While we cannot predict the regulatory changes that may be borne out of the current economic crisis, and we cannot predict whether we will become subject to increased regulatory scrutiny by any of these regulatory agencies, any regulatory changes or scrutiny could be expensive for us to address and/or could result in our changing the way that we do business.
Furthermore, various federal and state bodies regulate and supervise our nonbank subsidiaries, including our brokerage, investment advisory, insurance agency and processing operations. These include, but are not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, federal and state banking regulators and various state regulators of insurance and brokerage activities. Federal and state regulators have the ability to impose substantial sanctions, restrictions and requirements on our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries if they determine, upon examination or otherwise, violations of laws with which the Synovus or its subsidiaries must comply, or weaknesses or failures with respect to general standards of safety and soundness. Such enforcement may be formal or informal and can include directors’ resolutions, memoranda of understanding, cease and desist orders, civil money penalties and termination of deposit insurance and bank closures. Enforcement actions may be taken regardless of the capital level of the institution. In particular, institutions that are not sufficiently capitalized in accordance with regulatory standards may also face capital directives or prompt corrective action. Enforcement actions may require certain corrective steps (including staff additions or changes), impose limits on activities (such as lending, deposit taking, acquisitions or branching), prescribe lending parameters (such as loan types, volumes and terms) and require additional capital to be raised, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The imposition of regulatory sanctions, including monetary penalties, may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations, and damage to our reputation, and loss of our financial services holding company status. In addition, compliance with any such action could distract management’s attention from our operations, cause us to incur significant expenses, restrict us from engaging in potentially profitable activities, and limit our ability to raise capital.
We presently are subject to, and in the future may become subject to, additional supervisory actions and/or enhanced regulation that could have a material negative effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock.
Under federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the safety and soundness of insured depository institutions, various state regulators (for state chartered banks), the Federal Reserve (for bank holding companies), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (for national banks) and separately the FDIC as the insurer of bank deposits, have the authority to compel or restrict certain actions on our part if they determine that we have insufficient capital or are otherwise operating in a manner that may be deemed to be inconsistent with safe and sound banking practices. Under this authority, our bank regulators can require us to enter into informal or formal enforcement orders, including board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders, pursuant to which we would be required to take identified corrective actions to address cited concerns and to refrain from taking certain actions.
As a result of losses that we have incurred to date and our high level of classified assets, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Banking Commissioner of the State of Georgia, or the “Georgia Commissioner,” pursuant to which we agreed to implement plans that are intended to, among other things, minimize credit losses and reduce the amount of our nonperforming loans, limit and manage our concentrations in commercial loans, improve our credit risk management and related policies and procedures,

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address liquidity management and current and future capital requirements, strengthen enterprise risk management practices, and provide for succession planning for key corporate and regional management positions. The memorandum of understanding also requires that we obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Georgia Commissioner prior to increasing the cash dividend on our common stock above the current level of $0.01 per share.
In addition, several of our subsidiary banks presently are subject to memoranda of understanding with the FDIC and their applicable state bank regulatory authorities and/or resolutions adopted by those banks’ boards of directors at the direction of their appropriate bank regulatory authorities. These supervisory actions are similar in substance and scope to the memorandum of understanding described above. In the future, our other subsidiary banks may become subject to similar and/or heightened supervisory actions and enhanced regulation.
If we are unable to comply with the terms of our current regulatory orders, or if we are unable to comply with the terms of any future regulatory orders to which we may become subject, then we could become subject to additional, heightened supervisory actions and orders, possibly including cease and desist orders, prompt corrective actions and/or other regulatory enforcement actions. If our regulators were to take such additional supervisory actions, then we could, among other things, become subject to significant restrictions on our ability to develop any new business, as well as restrictions on our existing business, and we could be required to raise additional capital, dispose of certain assets and liabilities within a prescribed period of time, or both. The terms of any such supervisory action could have a material negative effect on our business, operating flexibility, financial condition and the value of our common stock.
See the “Business-Supervision, Regulation and Other Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the September 15 8-K, which are incorporated by reference in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
We may be required to raise additional Tier 1 capital to comply with new regulatory standards adopted following the release of the results of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program.
On May 7, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board announced the results of the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (“SCAP”),SCAP, commonly referred to as the “stress test,” of the capital needs through the end of 2010 of the nineteen largest U.S. bank holding companies. As a result of the SCAP, a number of the bank holding companies reviewed as part of the SCAP were required, or voluntarily chose, to raise additional Tier 1 capital, particularly common equity. Following the release of the SCAP results, bank holding companies that were not part of the SCAP, such as Synovus, have faced significant speculation as to the results of the stress tests performed on the largest 19 financial institutions and the hypothetical results if the stress test methodology if it was applied to other financial institutions, including regional banks smaller in size. Under the SCAP methodology, financial institutions were required to maintain Tier 1 common equity at or above 4% of risk weighted assets. This additional common equity is intended to serve as a buffer against higher losses than generally expected, and allow such bank holding companies to remain well capitalized and able to lend to creditworthy borrowers should such losses materialize. Synovus’ managementAlthough Synovus was not among the bank holding companies that the Federal Reserve reviewed under the SCAP, Synovus conducted an internal analysis of Synovus’its capital position as of June 30, 2009, using certain aspectsmany of the same methodologies of the SCAP, methodology but applying Synovus’ ownunderlying assumptions relating to certainpotential losses that Synovus believed to be more appropriately tailored to reflect the composition and attributes of its loan portfolio. Certain of those assumptions were more optimistic than the assumptions used by the nineteen largest banks under the SCAP methodology. Although Synovus’ regulators have expressed concern that its 2010 stress test assumptions are notably more optimistic than those used for 2009 despite the current difficult economic factors and credit conditions. Based on thisenvironment, based upon Synovus’ internal analysis, management presently believes that, Synovus would be able to comply with this 4% regulatory capital threshold usingthrough internally generated sources of capital. However, ifcapital only, as of June 30, 2009, Synovus complied with the Tier 1 capital threshold of common equity at or above 4% of risk weighted assets. As of June 30, 2009, utilizing the SCAP-defined methodology and assumptions, Synovus would have been unable to demonstrate that it would meet the Tier 1 capital threshold of common equity at or above 4% of risk weighted assets under the “More Adverse” scenario of SCAP. If economic conditions or other factors worsen to a

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greater degree than the assumptions underlying our own internal assessment of our capital position, then we may need to seek additional Tier 1 capital from external sources in addition to our recently completed public offering and the Exchange Offer.
As Synovus has continued to carefully monitor the dramatically evolving financial services landscape in general, and its position in that landscape compared to its peers in particular, Synovus considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the regulators’ urging for Synovus to bolster its capital position promptly; strategies pursued by Synovus’ peers to improve their capital position and the window of opportunity to raise available capital; and available strategic opportunities resulting from the distressed banking environment. In light of these factors, on September 14, 2009, Synovus announced a Capital Plan. Through November 9, 2009, implementation of the Capital Plan has generated an aggregate of approximately $644 million of tangible common equity. Synovus presently expects to continue to work to identify, consider and pursue additional balance sheet optimization initiatives during the fourth quarter of 2009. If economic conditions or other factors worsen to a greater degree than the assumptions underlying Synovus’ internal assessment of its capital position, if minimum regulatory capital requirements for Synovus or its subsidiary banks increase as the result of regulatory directives or otherwise, or if Synovus’ stress test for any reason fails to adequately address some of the more complex aspects of our 30 bank charter structure, then Synovus may be required to seek additional capital from external sources. Given the weakened economy, current market conditions and Synovus’ recent financial performance and related credit ratings, there can be no assurance that additional capital will be available on favorable terms, if at all.
Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses, and we may be required to materially increase our allowance, which may adversely affect our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expenses, which represents management’s best estimate of probable credit losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans, all as described under Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages F-19 and F-20 of the Financial Appendix and under “Critical Accounting Policies Allowance for Loan Losses” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” Section on pages F-59 through F-61 of the Financial Appendix, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is established to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks using existing qualitative and quantitative information, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans, and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses.
We also apply a comprehensive loan classification methodology across each of our 30 bank subsidiaries. Using this methodology, each of our subsidiary banks makes objective and subjective determinations in concluding what they believe to be the appropriate classification of each of their outstanding loans. We carefully monitor, on a bank-by-bank basis, the volume of loans that migrate through each of the various levels of classification. During each quarter, we review a pool of what we believe to be representative sample loans from each of our subsidiary banks in an effort to monitor the level of reserves that are opportunities for Synovusmaintained in respect of those loans, and to undertake one or more transactionswork towards a uniform application of allowance principles across our enterprise.

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Because the initial classification of the loans is inherently subjective and subject to evolving local market conditions and other changing factors, it can be difficult for us to predict the effects that potentially wouldthose factors will have on the classifications assigned to the loan portfolio of any of our banks, and thus difficult to anticipate the velocity or volume of the migration of loans through the classification process and affect on the level of the allowance for loan losses. Accordingly, we monitor our credit quality and our reserves on a consolidated basis, and use that as a basis for capital planning and other purposes. See Part I — Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — “Capital Resources and Liquidity”.
In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of additional loan charge offs, based on judgments different than those of management. An increase in the allowance for loan losses results in a decrease in net income, and possibly risk-based capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
In light of current market conditions, we regularly reassess the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the sufficiency of our allowance for loan losses. Our allowance for loan losses increased from 2.14% of total loans at December 31, 2008 to 3.49% at September 30, 2009. We made a provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 of approximately $1.42 billion, which was significantly higher than in previous periods. We also charged-off approximately $1.10 billion in loans, net of recoveries, during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, which was significantly higher than in previous periods. We will likely experience additional classified loans and non-performing assets in the foreseeable future as the deterioration in the credit and real estate markets causes borrowers to default. Further, the value of the collateral underlying a given loan, and the realizable value of such collateral in a foreclosure sale, likely will be accretivenegatively affected by the recent downturn in the real estate market, and therefore may result in an inability to Synovus’ capital and/realize a full recovery in the event that a borrower defaults on a loan. Any additional non-performing assets, loan charge-offs, increases in the provision for loan losses or liquidity position, then Synovus may seek additional capital from external sources,the continuation of aggressive charge-off policies or enter into such other transactions.any inability by us to realize the full value of underlying collateral in the event of a loan default, will negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and the price of our securities.
We may be unable to receive dividends from our subsidiary banks, and we may be required to contribute capital to those banks, which could adversely affect our liquidity and cause us to raise capital on terms that are unfavorable to us.
TheOur primary source of liquidity for Synovus Financial Corp., as the holding company, is dividends from our subsidiary banks, which are governed by certain rules and regulations of various state and federal banking regulatory agencies. Dividends from our subsidiaries in 2009 have been and will continue to be significantly lower than those received in previous years. In addition, should Synovus’ subsidiaries require additional capital, either due to asset growth or realized losses, SynovusThis may be required to provide capital infusions to these subsidiaries.the result of those banks’ financial condition and/or regulatory limitations they may face. During 2009, Synovus haswe have been required to provide capital to certain subsidiaries and expectsexpect to continue to do so over the remainder of 2009. There is an increasing possibility that additional Synovus subsidiary banks may be directed by their regulators to increase their capital levels as a result of weakened financial condition, which may require that we contribute additional capital to these banks at a time when Synovus is not receiving a meaningful amount of dividend payments from its banks to offset those capital infusions. This could require that Synovus maintain a consolidated capital position that is beyond what we presently anticipate and in excess of the levels of capital used in the second halfassumptions underlying our internal capital analysis. Further, as a holding company

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with obligations (such as TARP and trust preferred repayments) and expenses (such as salaries) separate from our bank subsidiaries, and because many of 2009. our banks will be unable to make dividend payments to us, we must maintain a level of liquidity at our holding company that is sufficient to address those obligations and expenses. The maintenance of adequate liquidity at our holding company could limit our ability to make further capital investments in our bank subsidiaries, and which could adversly impact us.
In addition, current market conditions and required dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock likely will likely continue to put additional pressure on Synovus’our liquidity position. If these trends continue, Synovuswe may be forced to raise additional capital.capital including beyond the amounts raised through our recently announced Capital Plan. Given the weakened economy, current market conditions and Synovus’our recent financial performance and related credit rating downgrades, Synovuswe may be unable to raise obtain new borrowings or issue equity on favorable terms, if at all. In addition, the terms of a potential equity offering would result in dilution to our existing shareholders. Also, Synovuswe may be unable to raise the amount of capital that it desireswe desire due to the limited number of shares of itsour common stock that currently remain authorized and available for issuances under itsour organizational documents.
WeFailure to successfully implement or realize the anticipated benefits of our strategic initiatives could adversely impact us.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement or realize the anticipated benefits of our strategic initiatives, including our aggressive plans to dispose of nonperforming assets. If we are not successful in implementing or realizing the anticipated benefits, we could be adversely impacted by negative perceptions regarding our ability to withstand a defendant in a purported federal securities class“more adverse” economic scenario by investors, our regulators and the rating agencies. In addition, we may become subject to further supervisory action lawsuit, and even if we aresucceed in our strategic initiatives, we may be unable to prevailrealize the anticipated benefits of our initiatives.
Also, while we consider our capital position on a consolidated basis, the regulators of each of our individual banks may require that those individual banks require a higher level of capital than we may anticipate, which would require that we maintain a consolidated capital position that is well beyond what we presently anticipate and in this matter, then our business, operating results and financial condition would suffer.
On July 7, 2009,excess of the Citylevels of Pompano Beach General Employees’ Retirement System filed suit against uscapital used in the United States District Court, Northern Districtassumptions underlying our internal capital analysis. Further, as a holding company with obligations (such as TARP and trust preferred repayments) and expenses (such as salaries) separate from our bank subsidiaries, and because many of Georgia against Synovusour banks will be unable to make dividend payments to us, we must maintain a level of liquidity at our holding company that is sufficient to address those obligations and certain current and former executive officers alleging, among other things, that Synovus and the named defendants misrepresented or failedexpenses. The maintenance of adequate liquidity at our holding company will limit our ability to disclose material facts that artificially inflatedmake further capital investments in our stock price in violation of the federal securities laws. The plaintiffs in the suit seek damages in an unspecified amount. Synovus cannot at this time predict the outcome of this litigation or reasonably determine the probability of a material adverse result or reasonably estimate range of potential exposure, if any, that this litigation might have on us, our business, our financial condition or our results of operations, although such effectsbank subsidiaries, which could be materially adverse. In addition, in the future, Synovus may need to record litigation reserves in respect of this litigation. Further, regardless of how this litigation proceeds, it could divert Synovus’ management’s attention and other resources away from operations and other affairs.adversly inpact us.

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ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY
SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
In prior periods, Synovus received previously owned shares of its common stock in payment of the exercise price of stock options and shares withheld to cover taxes on vesting for non-vested shares granted. No shares of Synovus common stock were delivered during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2009.

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ITEM 4 — SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The annual shareholders’ meeting was held on April 23, 2009. Following is a summary of the proposals that were submitted to the shareholders for approval and a tabulation of the votes with respect to each proposal.
Proposal I
The proposal was to elect as directors the eighteen nominees named in the proxy statement for Synovus’ 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
             
Nominee Votes For Votes Against Abstentions
Daniel P. Amos  1,814,157,560   854,431,424   41,425,754 
Richard E. Anthony  2,599,422,333   98,814,098   11,778,307 
James H. Blanchard  2,621,889,813   80,627,779   7,497,136 
Richard Y. Bradley  2,468,010,074   228,977,851   13,026,804 
Frank W. Brumley  2,040,216,382   656,617,107   13,181,239 
Elizabeth W. Camp  2,624,873,573   72,718,095   12,423,071 
Gardiner W. Garrard, Jr.  2,580,815,532   116,019,913   13,179,294 
T. Michael Goodrich  2,619,161,696   78,055,258   12,797,775 
Frederick L. Green, III  2,616,021,975   80,503,762   13,489,001 
V. Nathaniel Hansford  2,611,900,881   85,100,502   13,013,245 
Mason H. Lampton  2,615,251,533   82,343,542   12,419,654 
Elizabeth C. Ogie  2,623,781,881   74,175,320   12,057,527 
H. Lynn Page  2,627,784,443   75,967,359   6,262,937 
J. Neal Purcell  2,626,574,325   70,213,179   13,227,234 
Melvin T. Stith  2,622,542,555   74,269,480   13,202,694 
Philip W. Tomlinson  2,581,699,251   115,684,839   12,630,628 
William B. Turner, Jr.  2,588,197,799   110,275,320   11,541,610 
James D. Yancey  2,624,892,749   73,882,270   11,239,710 
Proposal II
The proposal was to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as Synovus’ independent auditor for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
             
  Votes For Votes Against Abstentions
Votes  2,644,624,251   50,337,861   15,052,637 
Proposal III
The proposal was to approve the compensation of Synovus’ named executive officers as determined by the Compensation Committee.
             
  Votes For Votes Against Abstentions
Votes  2,518,781,279   171,536,831   19,696,629 

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ITEM 63 — EXHIBITS
   
(a) Exhibits Description
   
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Synovus, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2006
   
3.2 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2008
   
3.3 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus establishing the terms of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008
   
3.4 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus establishing the terms of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008
   
3.5 Bylaws, as amended, of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K date December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2008
   
10.1Synovus Financial Corp. Executive Salary Continuation Death Benefit Plan dated August 1, 2009
10.2Summary of Board of Directors Compensation, as amended
12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
   
32 Certification of Periodic Report

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
 
 
Date: August 10,November 9, 2009 BY:  /s/ Thomas J. Prescott   
  Thomas J. Prescott  
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
   
Exhibit Number Description
   
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Synovus, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2006
   
3.2 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2008
   
3.3 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus establishing the terms of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008
   
3.4 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Synovus establishing the terms of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2008
   
3.5 Bylaws, as amended, of Synovus, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Synovus’ Current Report on Form 8-K date December 17, 2008, as filed with the SEC on December 17, 2008
   
10.1Synovus Financial Corp. Executive Salary Continuation Death Benefit Plan dated August 5, 2009
10.2Summary of Board of Directors Compensation, as amended
12.1 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
   
32 Certification of Periodic Report

89100