SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported) January 24, 2014 (January 22, 2014)

 

 

Synovus Financial Corp.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Georgia   1-10312   58-1134883

(State

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

1111 Bay Avenue, Suite 500, Columbus, Georgia 31901

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(706) 649-2311

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

  ¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

  ¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

  ¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers .

On January 22, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) of Synovus Financial Corp. (“Synovus”) took several actions impacting the compensation arrangements of Synovus’ executive officers. The actions establish a new compensation structure for Synovus’ executive officers based on our “pay for performance” philosophy. The previous structure was based on the TARP executive compensation restrictions, which no longer apply to Synovus.

Salary Stock . The Compensation Committee previously granted salary stock to Synovus’ executive officers, including its named executive officers, for 2012 and 2013. The Compensation Committee elected to continue to award salary stock units for 2014. The salary stock rate for 2014 for each named executive officer, which is set forth in the table below, has been reduced from 2012-3 levels. The salary stock units will take the form of restricted stock units granted under Synovus’ 2013 Omnibus Plan (“2013 Plan”) and will be granted as of each bi-weekly payroll date in 2014 following the effective date of the grant. At each salary payment date, the employee will receive a number of salary stock units equal to the proportionate amount of the annual rate for the pay period divided by the stock closing price on the payment date. The salary stock units will be fully vested when awarded and will be settled in cash on January 15, 2015 based on the previous 20-day average closing price of Synovus. The form of Salary Stock Award Agreement under the 2013 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

Annual Performance Goals . The Compensation Committee also reintroduced a cash-based annual incentive plan for executive officers. For 2014, the approved annual performance goals are based 50% on core earnings, 25% on loan growth and 25% on core deposit growth. In addition, the Committee has the discretion to adjust awards based on strategic objectives, regulatory compliance, risk management, total shareholder return and individual performance. The Committee also established individual award targets as a percentage of base salary for each named executive officer. The award targets for each named executive officer are set forth in the table below. The actual payout can range from 0% to 150% of the award target based upon Synovus’ performance results for 2014 compared to the performance goals. The awards, which are Cash-Based Awards under the 2013 Plan, will also be limited based on a 2014 core earnings goal established by the Committee to fund the awards and ensure deductibility.


Long-Term Incentive Awards . The Committee also granted Synovus’ executive officers, including its named executive officers, long-term incentive awards effective January 31, 2014. In accordance with Synovus’ long-standing policy, equity awards granted near the announcement of earnings are effective as of the later of (1) two business days following the earnings announcement, or (2) the end of the month following the award, meaning that the awards granted on January 22, 2014 will have an effective grant date of January 31, 2014. The value of the awards, which consist of performance stock units and market restricted stock units, are set forth in the table below. The actual number of performance stock units and market restricted stock units will be determined by the closing price on January 31, 2014. After the date of grant, Synovus will amend this Current Report on Form 8-K with the actual number of performance stock units and market restricted stock units awarded to each named executive officer.

The performance stock unit awards (“PSUs”) have both a service vesting component and a performance vesting requirement. Under the service vesting component, the PSUs vest 100% after three years of service. Under the performance vesting component, Synovus’ weighted average return on average assets is measured over a three-year performance period. The actual payout of the PSUs can range from 0% to 150% of the target amount based upon Synovus’ weighted average return on average assets during the performance period compared to the performance formula approved by the Compensation Committee. The form of performance stock unit agreement under the 2013 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2.

The Compensation Committee also granted market restricted stock unit awards (“MRSUs”) to Synovus executive officers, including its named executive officers, effective January 31, 2014. The MRSUs have a service-based vesting component as well as a Total Shareholder Return Multiplier. Under the service-based vesting component, the MRSUs vest 1/3 each year over a three-year period subject to each executive’s continued employment with Synovus. Under the Total Shareholder Return Multiplier, the “target” amount of MRSUs which vest each year will be adjusted upward or downward 25% based upon Synovus’ total shareholder return during each year. The form of market restricted stock unit agreement under the 2013 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3.

Both the PSUs and MRSUs are subject to a Risk-Based Modifier, which can reduce the payouts of outstanding awards if future results suggest risk was not properly considered in achieving the results on which the number of units awarded were based. The Compensation Committee will consider if reductions are warranted if any of the following occur during the vesting period: Synovus or a line of business experiences a material loss, Synovus or an individual executive fails to comply with risk policies or properly address risk concerns, or if regulatory capital falls below regulatory capital requirements.


Clawback Policy . The Compensation Committee also approved a clawback policy pursuant to which any incentive compensation paid to Synovus’ executive officers that is based upon materially inaccurate performance metrics or financial statements, or that results from any risk-related actions that result in or are reasonably expected to result in a material adverse impact to Synovus or a business unit, are subject to clawback at the Committee’s discretion.

The following table summarizes the actions of the Compensation Committee on January 22, 2014 with respect to Synovus’ named executive officers:

 

     Salary Stock      Bonus Target
(% of Base Salary)
    Performance
Stock Units
     Market Restricted
Stock Units
 

Kessel D. Stelling

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

   $ 184,400         80   $ 500,000       $ 750,000   

Thomas J. Prescott

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

     83,650         40     180,000         270,000   

Allen J. Gula, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer

     83,250         30     112,000         168,000   

Mark G. Holladay

Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

     68,000         30     112,000         168,000   

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1    Form of 2014 Salary Stock Unit Agreement under the Synovus 2013 Omnibus Plan
10.2    Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement under the Synovus 2013 Omnibus Plan
10.3    Form of 2014 Market Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Synovus 2013 Omnibus Plan


Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Synovus has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.
    (“Synovus”)
Dated: January 24, 2014     By:  

/s/ Samuel F. Hatcher

      Samuel F. Hatcher
      Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

EXHIBIT 10.1

SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP.

2013 OMNIBUS PLAN

2014 SALARY STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

This 2014 Salary Stock Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                          , 20              by and between Synovus Financial Corp., a Georgia corporation (the “Company”), and the person named on Exhibit A (the “Grantee”) pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Plan (the “Plan”). Capitalized terms not defined in this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

1. Grant of Stock Units . Pursuant and subject to the Plan and this Agreement, the Company agrees to grant as of each remaining bi-weekly payroll date in 2013 for services performed for the Company by the Grantee in 2013, a number of Restricted Stock Units (the “Stock Units”). The Stock Units will be calculated by dividing the bi-weekly salary stock cash value (the “Salary Stock Cash Value”) set forth on Exhibit A less applicable payroll taxes (e.g., FICA, Medicare and FUTA taxes) and dividing the net amount by the closing price of Synovus Financial Corp. common stock as of the applicable payroll date. The Stock Units will be immediately 100% vested upon the Grant Dates. Grantee’s of and rights with respect to the Stock Units are limited by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including restrictions on Grantee’s right to transfer the Stock Units.

2. Transfer Restriction . The Stock Units may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as specifically provided in the Plan or this Agreement.

3. Date of Payment . The Stock Units will be paid on January 15, 2015; provided Grantee has satisfied all applicable tax withholding obligations as provided in Section 5.1 below and the conditions of Sections 5.2 and 5.3 below have been satisfied. Upon the payment date, settlement shall be made in cash based upon the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding January 15, 2015.

4. Termination of Employment; Termination of Right to Stock Units . In the event of Grantee’s death prior to the lapse of transfer restrictions of Section 3 above, the cash value of the vested Stock Units shall be paid as of the date one month following the date of death. Upon Grantee’s termination of employment for any other reason, the Stock Units that have not yet been paid as of the date of such termination shall remain subject to the provisions of Section 3 above. Grantee’s rights in respect of future grants of Stock Units shall immediately terminate upon termination of employment, except that Grantee shall be entitled to receive a final grant of Stock Units determined in accordance with Section 1 for any portion of Grantee’s Salary Stock Cash Value that had accrued through the date of termination of employment but had not yet been paid. In addition, Grantee’s right to future Stock Units under this Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2014.


5. Conditions to Lapse of Transfer Restrictions .

5.1 Tax Withholding . Prior to the lapse of transfer restriction on the Stock Units, Grantee must pay, or otherwise provide to the satisfaction of the Company, any applicable federal or state withholding obligations of the Company. Unless the Committee permits otherwise, Grantee shall provide for payment of withholding taxes (e.g., income taxes) upon the applicable payment date by hereby allowing and directing the Company to retain cash based on the Fair Market Value (determined as of the applicable payment date) equal to the statutory minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld. In such case, the Company shall pay the net cash amount to Grantee after such deduction.

5.2 Compliance with Laws . The transfer restrictions set forth in Section 2 above shall not lapse unless such lapse and the issuance or release of the related Stock Units is in compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Committee, with all applicable federal and state laws, as they are in effect on the date of the lapse of restrictions.

5.3 Other Conditions . The Committee may require that Grantee comply with such other procedures relating to the lapse of transfer restrictions on the Stock Units and the release of shares of Common Stock to Grantee as the Committee may determine, including the manner in which Grantee shall satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to the Stock Units.

6. Privileges of Stock Ownership . Grantee shall not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to voting or dividends until the settlement of the Stock Units.

7. Right of Offset . The Company shall have the right to offset against the obligation to settle the Stock Units, any outstanding amounts then owed by Grantee to the Company, but only to the extent such offset does not violate Section 409A of the Code.

8. Change in Control . Subject to the terms of the Plan, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Stock Units shall be paid as soon as practicable thereafter to the extent permitted under applicable law, rules, regulation and guidance.

9. Administration, Interpretation and Construction . The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed by the Compensation Committee, whose decisions will be final, conclusive and binding on the Company, on Grantee and on anyone claiming under or through the Company or Grantee. By accepting the transfer of Stock Units, Grantee irrevocably consents and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to all actions, decisions and determinations to be taken or made by the Compensation Committee in good faith pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

10. Rights Not Assignable or Transferable . No rights under this Agreement will be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and

 

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distribution, either voluntarily, or, to the full extent permitted by law, involuntarily, by way of encumbrance, pledge, attachment, levy or charge of any nature except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Grantee’s rights under this Agreement will be exercisable during Grantee’s lifetime only by Grantee or by Grantee’s guardian or legal representative.

11. Terms and Conditions Binding . The terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, it successors and assigns, including any assignee of the Company and any successor to the Company by merger, consolidation or otherwise, and Grantee, Grantee’s heirs, devisees and legal representatives. In addition, the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company’s agent and its successors and assigns.

12. No Employment Rights . No provision of this Agreement or the Plan will be deemed to confer upon Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or a Subsidiary or will in any way affect the right of the Company or a Subsidiary to dismiss or otherwise terminate Grantee’s employment at any time for any reason with or without cause, or will be construed to impose upon the Company or a Subsidiary any liability which may result under this Agreement if Grantee’s employment is so terminated.

13. No Liability for Good Faith Business Acts or Omissions . Grantee recognizes and agrees that the Compensation Committee, the Board, or the officers, agents or employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in their oversight or conduct of the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, may in good faith cause the Company or a Subsidiary to act, or to omit to act, in a manner that may, directly or indirectly, negatively affect the Stock Units. No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted or construed to impose any liability upon the Company, a Subsidiary, the Compensation Committee, Board, or any officer, agent or employee of the Company or a Subsidiary, that may result, directly or indirectly, from any such action or omission.

14. Recapitalization . In the event that Grantee receives, with respect to Stock Units, any securities or other property (other than cash dividends) as a result of any stock dividend or split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or a similar corporate change, any such securities or the property received by Grantee will likewise be held by Company’s agent and be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

15. Legal Representative . In the event of Grantee’s death or a judicial determination of Grantee’s incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Grantee shall be deemed, where appropriate, to Grantee’s heirs or devises.

16. Titles . The titles to sections or paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any section or paragraph.

 

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17. Plan Governs . The Stock Units are being granted to Grantee pursuant to and subject to the Plan, a copy of which is available upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Company. The provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by this reference, and all capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the same meanings given to such terms in the Plan. The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed in accordance with the Plan, and any such term or condition which cannot be so administered, interpreted or construed will to that extent be disregarded.

18. Complete Agreement . This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein or incorporated by reference.

19. Amendment; Modification; Waiver . No provision set forth in this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver shall be authorized by the Compensation Committee and shall be agreed to in writing, signed by Grantee and by an officer of the Company duly authorized to do so. No waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of any condition or provisions set forth in this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of a subsequent breach of such condition or provision, or will be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same time or at any prior to subsequent time.

20. Governing Law . The validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, the state in which the Company is incorporated, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law of that state.

The Company has issued the Stock Units in accordance with the foregoing terms and conditions and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. By signing below, Grantee hereby agrees to the foregoing terms and conditions of the Stock Units.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has set Grantee’s hand and seal, effective as of the date and year set forth above.

 

                                                                                       (L.S.)                    

 

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EXHIBIT 10.2

PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

THIS PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of the grant date set forth below by and between SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP., a Georgia corporation (the “Corporation”), and                                      (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been awarded Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) under the Corporation’s 2013 Omnibus Plan (“Plan”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions:

 

1. Grant of Performance Stock Units

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the additional terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company hereby grants to the Executive the opportunity to vest in Performance Stock Units, which shall vest and become nonforfeitable as determined in accordance with Section 2 herein (the “PSUs”). A “PSU” represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock.

Executive is hereby granted PSUs as follows:

 

   Date of Grant:                                     , 20                
   Vesting Period:    Please refer to Section 2 of this Agreement   
   Target PSU Award:        

 

 

2. Vesting of PSUs

(a) Service Based Vesting Conditions . If Executive remains in the continuous employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary of the Corporation through the date(s) indicated in Column I below (the “Service Date”), the percentage of PSUs that will become non-forfeitable (i.e., “vest”) is indicated in Column II below, with the number of PSUs eligible to vest as of each Service Date to be determined using the formula set forth in Section 2(b) below:

 

(I)

If employment

continues through

(Service Date)

  

(II)

then the % of the eligible

PSUs which vest is

    
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      


                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      

Such vesting will occur (to the extent indicated in Column (II) above and in Section 2(b) below) at the close of business on Service Date indicated in Column (I) above. Any PSUs which are not vested on the date of Executive’s termination of employment will be forfeited to the Corporation, unless the Compensation Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion determines otherwise.

(b) Performance Formula and Risk-Based Modifier . In addition to the Service Based Vesting Conditions, the number of PSUs eligible to vest as of each Service Date shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula as determined and approved by the Committee:

[Performance Formula and Applicable Performance Period(s) Approved by Committee]

Notwithstanding the results of the above performance formula, the Committee, in its sole and exclusive discretion, may reduce the amount of PSUs which would otherwise vest under the above performance formula if the Committee believes that risks were not properly assessed during the applicable Performance Period. Examples of potential reduction areas including earnings (for example, if the Corporation or a Subsidiary experiences a material loss during the Performance Period), risk management (for example, if the Corporation fails to comply with risk policies or properly address risk concerns), and capital (for example, if regulatory capital falls or does not meet regulatory requirements).

(c) Effect of Voluntary or Involuntary Termination or Termination for Cause or Suicide . If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries is terminated: (i) by Executive voluntarily, (ii) by the Corporation or a Subsidiary involuntarily or for Cause or (iii) by Executive’s death due to suicide before all PSUs vest pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs 2(a) and 2(b) above, then any PSUs which are not vested at the time of such termination will be forfeited to the Corporation on the date of such termination, unless the Compensation Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion determines otherwise.

(d) Effect of Death (Other Than by Suicide) or Disability . If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries terminates by reason of Executive’s death (other than by suicide) or Disability, then any PSUs which are not vested at the time of such termination will become vested automatically as set forth in Section 2(g) below.

(e) Effect of [Retirement or] Leave of Absence . [If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries is terminated by reason of Executive’s retirement after

 

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attainment of [age              and              years of Service] [age              , then any PSUs which are not vested at the time of such retirement will become vested automatically as set forth in Section 2(g) below.] A leave of absence which is approved in writing by the Compensation Committee with specific reference to this Agreement will not be considered a termination of Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for purposes of this Section 2 or any other provision of this Agreement.

(f) Change of Control . In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan), the PSUs will vest immediately upon such Change of Control as provided in the Plan and as set forth in Section 2(g) below; provided, however, that in the event the PSUs are assumed by the surviving entity in a Change of Control or are equitably converted or substituted in connection with a Change of Control, the vesting of the PSUs shall not be accelerated unless the Executive’s employment is terminated within two years following the effective date of such Change of Control either by the surviving entity without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive perform substantially his or her duties with the Corporation or one of its affiliates after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by an officer of the Corporation which specifically identifies the manner in which Executive has not substantially performed his or her duties, after which Executive shall have a reasonable amount of time to remedy such failure to substantially perform his or her duties; or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Corporation. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean: (i) a material adverse reduction in the Executive’s position, duties or responsibilities, excluding a change in the position or level of officer to whom the Executive reports or a change that is part of a policy, program, or arrangement applicable to peer executives (including peer executives of any successor to the Corporation; (ii) the Corporation’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the location where Executive was employed on the effective date of the Change of Control Date or the date which is 120 days prior to the effective date of the Change of Control; or (iii) a material reduction in Executive’s annual base salary, target annual bonus opportunity, or participation in employee benefit plans, as such salary, bonus and plans were in effect on either the effective date of the Change of Control or the date which is 120 days prior to the effective date of the Change of Control (if such earlier date is selected by Executive) unless such reduction is part of a policy, program, or arrangement applicable to peer executives (including peer executives to any successor to Corporation).

(g) Vesting of PSUs . Any PSUs which vest pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2(d) through 2(f) shall be calculated by multiplying the percentage of the PSUs which have not previously vested by the Target PSU Award without using the performance formula set forth in Section 2(b). Any PSUs which vest pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section 2 will not thereafter be forfeited.

 

3. Conversion of PSUs and Issuance of Shares

Upon vesting of the PSUs, one Share of the Corporation’s Common Stock shall be issued for each PSU that vests on such vesting date in accordance with Section 2, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

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4. Transfer of PSUs

Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, the PSUs may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than pursuant to a will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted disposition in violation of this Agreement and the Plan shall be void.

 

 

5. Status of Executive

The Executive shall not be, or have rights as, a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to any of the shares of Common Stock subject to the PSUs unless such PSUs have vested, and shares underlying the PSUs have been issued and delivered to him or her. The Corporation shall not be required to issue or transfer any certificates for shares of Common Stock upon vesting of the PSUs until all applicable requirements of law have been complied with and such shares have been duly listed on any securities exchange on which the Common Stock may then be listed.

 

 

6. Dividend Equivalents

The PSUs will be credited with dividend equivalents equal to amount of cash dividend payments that would have otherwise been paid if the shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock represented by the actual number of PSUs which vest in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 above (including deemed reinvested additional shares attributable to the PSUs determined pursuant to this paragraph) were actually outstanding. These dividend equivalents will be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock determined by dividing the deemed cash dividend amount by the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of a Share of the Corporation’s Common Stock on the applicable dividend payment date. Such credited amounts will be added to the PSUs and will vest or be forfeited in accordance with Section 2 based on the vesting or forfeiture of the initial PSUs to which they are attributable. In addition, the PSUs will be credited with any dividends or distributions that are paid in shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock represented by the PSUs and will otherwise be adjusted by the Committee for other capital or corporate events as provided for in the Plan.

 

 

7. General Provisions

(a) Administration, Interpretation and Construction . The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed by the Compensation Committee, whose decisions will be final, conclusive and binding on the Corporation, on Executive and on anyone claiming under or through the Corporation or Executive. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any determination as to whether an event has occurred or failed to occur which causes the PSUs to be forfeited pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, will be made in the good faith but absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee. By accepting the transfer of PSUs, Executive irrevocably consents and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to all actions, decisions and determinations to be taken or made by the Compensation Committee in good faith pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

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(b) Withholding . The Corporation will have the right to withhold from any payments to be made to Executive (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) any taxes the Corporation determines it is required to withhold with respect to Executive under the laws and regulations of any governmental authority, whether Federal, state or local and whether domestic or foreign, in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, taxes in connection with the transfer of PSUs or the lapse of restrictions on PSUs. Failure to submit any such withholding taxes shall be deemed to cause otherwise lapsed restrictions on PSUs not to lapse.

 

(c) Rights Not Assignable or Transferable . No rights under this Agreement will be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, either voluntarily, or, to the full extent permitted by law, involuntarily, by way of encumbrance, pledge, attachment, levy or charge of any nature except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Executive’s rights under this Agreement will be exercisable during Executive’s lifetime only by Executive or by Executive’s guardian or legal representative.

 

(d) Terms and Conditions Binding . The terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Corporation, its successors and assigns, including any assignee of the Corporation and any successor to the Corporation by merger, consolidation or otherwise, and Executive, Executive’s heirs, devisees and legal representatives. In addition, the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Fidelity and its successors and assigns.

(e) No Employment Rights . No provision of this Agreement or the Plan will be deemed to confer upon Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or will in any way affect the right of the Corporation or a Subsidiary to dismiss or otherwise terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason with or without cause, or will be construed to impose upon the Corporation or a Subsidiary any liability for any forfeiture of PSUs which may result under this Agreement if Executive’s employment is so terminated.

(f) No Liability for Good Faith Business Acts or Omissions . Executive recognizes and agrees that the Compensation Committee, the Board, or the officers, agents or employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, in their oversight or conduct of the business and affairs of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, may in good faith cause the Corporation or a Subsidiary to act, or to omit to act, in a manner that may, directly or indirectly, prevent the PSUs from vesting. No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted or construed to impose any liability upon the Corporation, a Subsidiary, the Compensation Committee, Board or any officer, agent or employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, for any forfeiture of PSUs that may result, directly or indirectly, from any such action or omission.

(g) Recapitalization . In the event that Executive receives, with respect to PSUs, any securities or other property (other than cash dividends) as a result of any stock dividend or split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or a similar corporate change, any such securities or other property received by Executive will likewise be held by Fidelity and be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and will be included in the term “PSUs.”

 

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(h) Appointment of Agent . By accepting the transfer of PSUs, Executive irrevocably nominates, constitutes, and appoints Fidelity as Executive’s agent for purposes of surrendering or transferring the PSUs to the Corporation upon any forfeiture required or authorized by this Agreement. This power is intended as a power coupled with an interest and will survive Executive’s death. In addition, it is intended as a durable power and will survive Executive’s disability.

(i) Legal Representative . In the event of Executive’s death or a judicial determination of Executive’s incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive shall be deemed, where appropriate, to Executive’s heirs or devises.

(j) Titles . The titles to sections or paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any section or paragraph.

(k) Clawback Policy . Pursuant to Article 20 of the Plan, the PSUs are subject to any compensation recoupment policy adopted by the Corporation and are also subject to recovery under any applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement.

(l) Plan Governs . The PSUs are being transferred to Executive pursuant to and subject to the Plan, a copy of which is available upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation. The provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by this reference, and all capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the same meanings given to such terms in the Plan. The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed in accordance with the Plan, and any such term or condition which cannot be so administered, interpreted or construed will to that extent be disregarded.

(m) Complete Agreement . This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein or incorporated by reference.

(n) Amendment; Modification; Wavier . No provision set forth in this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver shall be authorized by the Compensation Committee and shall be agreed to in writing, signed by Executive and by an officer of the Corporation duly authorized to do so. No waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision set forth in this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of a subsequent breach of such condition or provision, or will be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

(o) Governing Law . The validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, the state in which the Corporation is incorporated, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law of that state.

 

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The Corporation has issued the PSUs in accordance with the foregoing terms and conditions and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. By signing below, Executive hereby agrees to the foregoing terms and conditions of the PSUs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has set Executive’s hand and seal, effective as of the date and year set forth above.

 

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EXHIBIT 10.3

2014 MARKET RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

THIS 2014 MARKET RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of the grant date set forth below by and between SYNOVUS FINANCIAL CORP., a Georgia corporation (the “Corporation”), and                          (“Executive”).

WHEREAS, Executive has been awarded Market Restricted Stock Units (“MRSUs”) under the Corporation’s 2013 Omnibus Plan (“Plan”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions:

 

1. Grant of MRSUs

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the additional terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company hereby grants to the Executive the opportunity to vest in Market Restricted Stock Unit Awards, which shall vest and become nonforfeitable as determined in accordance with Section 2 herein (the “MRSUs”). An “MRSU” represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock.

Executive is hereby granted MRSUs as follows:

 

   Date of Grant:                                     , 20                
   Vesting Period:    Please refer to Section 2 of this Agreement   
   Target MRSU Award:        

 

 

2. Vesting of MRUs

(a) Service Based Vesting Conditions . If Executive remains in the continuous employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary of the Corporation through the date(s) indicated in Column I below (the “Service Date”), the percentage of MRSUs that will become non-forfeitable (i.e., “vest”) is indicated in Column II below, with the number of MRSUs eligible to vest as of each Service Date to be determined using the formula set forth in Section 2(b) below:

 

(I)

If employment

continues through

(Service Date)

  

(II)

then the % of the eligible

MRSUs which vest is

    
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      


                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      
                                      , 20                                  %   
[or]      

Such vesting will occur (to the extent indicated in Column (II) above and in Section 2(b) below) at the close of business on Service Date indicated in Column (I) above. Any MRSUs which are not vested on the date of Executive’s termination of employment will be forfeited to the Corporation, unless the Compensation Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion determines otherwise.

(b) Total Shareholder Return Multiplier and Risk Based Modifier . The number of MRSUs eligible to vest as of each Service Date shall be calculated as follows as determined and approved by the Committee: the Target MRSU Award shall be multiplied by the percentage set forth opposite each Service Date in Section 2(a) above, and the result shall be multiplied by the Total Shareholder Return Multiplier as defined herein. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Total Shareholder Return Multiplier” shall be defined as: (a) the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding each Vesting Date, minus (b) the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding the date which is exactly one year prior to each Vesting Date (or, with respect to the initial Vesting Date, the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding the Grant Date) plus (c) the amount of dividends paid by the Corporation on a Share during the one-year period ending on each Vesting Date, with the resulting amount of (a) minus (b) plus (c) being divided by (d) the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding the date which is exactly one year prior to each Vesting Date (or, with respect to the initial Vesting Date, the average of the closing price of a Share on the New York Stock Exchange for the last 20 market trading days immediately preceding the Grant Date); provided, however, that the minimum Total Shareholder Return Multiplier shall be seventy-five percent (75%) and the maximum Total Shareholder Return Multiplier shall be one-hundred and twenty five percent (125%). Notwithstanding the Total Shareholder Return Multiplier, the Committee, in its sole and exclusive discretion, may reduce the amount of MRSUs which would otherwise vest based upon the Total Shareholder Return Multiplier if the Committee believes that risks were not properly assessed during the applicable vesting period. Examples of potential reduction areas including earnings (for example, if the Corporation or a Subsidiary experiences a material loss during the vesting period), risk management (for example, if the Corporation fails to comply with risk policies or properly address risk concerns), and capital (for example, if regulatory capital falls or does not meet regulatory requirements).

 

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(c) Effect of Voluntary or Involuntary Termination or Termination for Cause or Suicide . If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries is terminated: (i) by Executive voluntarily or (ii) by the Corporation or a Subsidiary involuntarily or for Cause or (iii) by Executive’s death due to suicide before all MRSUs vest pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs 2(a) and 2(b) above, then any MRSUs which are not vested at the time of such termination will be forfeited to the Corporation on the date of such termination, unless the Compensation Committee in its sole and exclusive discretion determines otherwise.

(d) Effect of Death (Other Than by Suicide) or Disability . If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries terminates by reason of Executive’s death (other than by suicide) or Disability, then any MRSUs which are not vested at the time of such termination will become vested automatically as set forth in Section 2(g) below.

(e) Effect of [Retirement or] Leave of Absence . [If Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries is terminated by reason of Executive’s retirement after attainment of [age              and              years of Service] [age              , then any MRSUs which are not vested at the time of such retirement will become vested automatically as set forth in Section 2(g) below.] A leave of absence which is approved in writing by the Compensation Committee with specific reference to this Agreement will not be considered a termination of Executive’s employment with the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for purposes of this Section 2 or any other provision of this Agreement.

(f) Change of Control . In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan), the MRSUs will vest immediately upon such Change of Control as provided in the Plan and as set forth in Section 2(g) below; provided, however, that in the event the MRSUs are assumed by the surviving entity in a Change of Control or are equitably converted or substituted in connection with a Change of Control, the vesting of the MRSUs shall not be accelerated unless the Executive’s employment is terminated within two years following the effective date of such Change of Control either by the surviving entity without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive perform substantially his or her duties with the Corporation or one of its affiliates after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by an officer of the Corporation which specifically identifies the manner in which Executive has not substantially performed his or her duties, after which Executive shall have a reasonable amount of time to remedy such failure to substantially perform his or her duties; or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Corporation. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean: (i) a material adverse reduction in the Executive’s position, duties or responsibilities, excluding a change in the position or level of officer to whom the Executive reports or a change that is part of a policy, program, or arrangement applicable to peer executives (including peer executives of any successor to the Corporation; (ii) the Corporation’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location more than 35 miles from the location where Executive was employed on the effective date of the Change of Control Date or the date which is 120 days prior to the effective date of the Change of Control; or (iii) a material reduction in Executive’s annual base salary, target annual bonus opportunity, or participation in employee benefit plans, as such salary, bonus and plans were in effect on either the effective date of the Change of Control or the date which is 120 days prior to the effective date of the Change of Control (if such earlier date is selected by Executive) unless such reduction is part of

 

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a policy, program, or arrangement applicable to peer executives (including peer executives to any successor to Corporation).

(g) Vesting of MRSUs . Any MRSUs which vest pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2(d) through 2(f) shall be calculated by multiplying the percentage of the MRSUs which have not previously vested by the Target MRSU Award without using the Total Shareholder Return Multiplier set forth in Section 2(b). Any MRSUs which vest pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section 2 will not thereafter be forfeited.

 

3. Conversion of MRSUs and Issuance of Shares

Upon vesting of the MRSUs, one Share of the Corporation’s Common Stock shall be issued for each MRSU that vests on such vesting date in accordance with Section 2, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.

 

4. Transfer of MRSUs

Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, the MRSUs may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than pursuant to a will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted disposition in violation of this Agreement and the Plan shall be void.

 

5. Status of Executive

The Executive shall not be, or have rights as, a stockholder of the Corporation with respect to any of the shares of Common Stock subject to the MRSUs unless such MRSUs have vested, and shares underlying the MRSUs have been issued and delivered to him or her. The Corporation shall not be required to issue or transfer any certificates for shares of Common Stock upon vesting of the MRSUs until all applicable requirements of law have been complied with and such shares have been duly listed on any securities exchange on which the Common Stock may then be listed.

 

6. Dividend Equivalents

The MRSUs will be credited with dividend equivalents equal to amount of cash dividend payments that would have otherwise been paid if the shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock represented by the actual number of MRSUs which vest in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 above (including deemed reinvested additional shares attributable to the MRSUs determined pursuant to this paragraph) were actually outstanding. These dividend equivalents will be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock determined by dividing the deemed cash dividend amount by the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of a Share of the Corporation’s Common Stock on the applicable dividend payment date. Such credited amounts will be added to the MRSUs and will vest or be forfeited in accordance with Section 2 based on the vesting or forfeiture of the initial MRSUs to which they are attributable. In addition, the MRSUs will be credited with any dividends or distributions that are paid in shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock represented by the MRSUs and will otherwise be adjusted by the Committee for other capital or corporate events as provided for in the Plan.

 

7. General Provisions

 

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(a) Administration, Interpretation and Construction . The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed by the Compensation Committee, whose decisions will be final, conclusive and binding on the Corporation, on Executive and on anyone claiming under or through the Corporation or Executive. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any determination as to whether an event has occurred or failed to occur which causes the MRSUs to be forfeited pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, will be made in the good faith but absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee. By accepting the transfer of MRSUs, Executive irrevocably consents and agrees to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to all actions, decisions and determinations to be taken or made by the Compensation Committee in good faith pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

(b) Withholding . The Corporation will have the right to withhold from any payments to be made to Executive (whether under this Agreement or otherwise) any taxes the Corporation determines it is required to withhold with respect to Executive under the laws and regulations of any governmental authority, whether Federal, state or local and whether domestic or foreign, in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, taxes in connection with the transfer of MRSUs or the lapse of restrictions on MRSUs. Failure to submit any such withholding taxes shall be deemed to cause otherwise lapsed restrictions on MRSUs not to lapse.

(c) Rights Not Assignable or Transferable . No rights under this Agreement will be assignable or transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, either voluntarily, or, to the full extent permitted by law, involuntarily, by way of encumbrance, pledge, attachment, levy or charge of any nature except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Executive’s rights under this Agreement will be exercisable during Executive’s lifetime only by Executive or by Executive’s guardian or legal representative.

(d) Terms and Conditions Binding . The terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Corporation, its successors and assigns, including any assignee of the Corporation and any successor to the Corporation by merger, consolidation or otherwise, and Executive, Executive’s heirs, devisees and legal representatives. In addition, the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Fidelity and its successors and assigns.

(e) No Employment Rights . No provision of this Agreement or the Plan will be deemed to confer upon Executive any right to continue in the employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or will in any way affect the right of the Corporation or a Subsidiary to dismiss or otherwise terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason with or without cause, or will be construed to impose upon the Corporation or a Subsidiary any liability for any forfeiture of MRSUs which may result under this Agreement if Executive’s employment is so terminated.

(f) No Liability for Good Faith Business Acts or Omissions . Executive recognizes and agrees that the Compensation Committee, the Board, or the officers, agents or employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, in their oversight or conduct of the business and affairs of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, may in good faith cause the

 

5


Corporation or a Subsidiary to act, or to omit to act, in a manner that may, directly or indirectly, prevent the MRSUs from vesting. No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted or construed to impose any liability upon the Corporation, a Subsidiary, the Compensation Committee, Board or any officer, agent or employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, for any forfeiture of MRSUs that may result, directly or indirectly, from any such action or omission.

(g) Recapitalization . In the event that Executive receives, with respect to MRSUs, any securities or other property (other than cash dividends) as a result of any stock dividend or split, spin-off, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or a similar corporate change, any such securities or other property received by Executive will likewise be held by Fidelity and be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and will be included in the term “MRSUs.”

(h) Appointment of Agent . By accepting the transfer of MRSUs, Executive irrevocably nominates, constitutes, and appoints Fidelity as Executive’s agent for purposes of surrendering or transferring the MRSUs to the Corporation upon any forfeiture required or authorized by this Agreement. This power is intended as a power coupled with an interest and will survive Executive’s death. In addition, it is intended as a durable power and will survive Executive’s disability.

(i) Legal Representative . In the event of Executive’s death or a judicial determination of Executive’s incompetence, reference in this Agreement to Executive shall be deemed, where appropriate, to Executive’s heirs or devises.

(j) Titles . The titles to sections or paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the title of any section or paragraph.

(k) Clawback Policy . Pursuant to Article 20 of the Plan, the MRSUs are subject to any compensation recoupment policy adopted by the Corporation and are also subject to recovery under any applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement.

(l) Plan Governs . The MRSUs are being transferred to Executive pursuant to and subject to the Plan, a copy of which is available upon request to the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation. The provisions of the Plan are incorporated herein by this reference, and all capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the same meanings given to such terms in the Plan. The terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed in accordance with the Plan, and any such term or condition which cannot be so administered, interpreted or construed will to that extent be disregarded.

(m) Complete Agreement . This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto have made no agreements, representations or warranties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement which are not set forth herein or incorporated by reference.

(n) Amendment; Modification; Wavier . No provision set forth in this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver shall

 

6


be authorized by the Compensation Committee and shall be agreed to in writing, signed by Executive and by an officer of the Corporation duly authorized to do so. No waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision set forth in this Agreement to be performed by such other party will be deemed a waiver of a subsequent breach of such condition or provision, or will be deemed a waiver of a similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

(o) Governing Law . The validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, the state in which the Corporation is incorporated, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law of that state.

The Corporation has issued the MRSUs in accordance with the foregoing terms and conditions and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. By signing below, Executive hereby agrees to the foregoing terms and conditions of the MRSUs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has set Executive’s hand and seal, effective as of the date and year set forth above.

 

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