...Rating Outlook Revised to Positive: Fitch Ratings has placed Synovus Financial Corp.'s (SNV) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating on Rating Outlook Positive. This reflects the company's improving asset quality and earnings, which have benefited from several strategic initiatives along with the favorable credit and interest rate environments. Over time, improvements in SNV's earnings profile could warrant a higher rating level if asset quality also remains in line with peers. Solid Deposit Franchise: SNV's ratings reflect the company's solid market position in Georgia and Alabama, where it ranks fourth and fifth in deposit market share, respectively, and raises nearly 75% of its total funding. This position supports the company's limited wholesale funding reliance and solid liquidity levels, with the loan to deposit ratio at 94.8% as of year-end 2017. Fitch believes the company's strong position in rural markets could allow it to lag deposit pricing and grow its margins in a rising rate environment....
