Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

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Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
($ in millions, except per share data)2024202320242023
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans (Note 5)$5,301$4,812$10,594$9,428
Interest on cash and debt securities281209556379
Total interest income5,5825,02111,1509,807
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits9677171,9211,274
Interest on borrowings of consolidated securitization entities11078215155
Interest on senior and subordinated unsecured notes100106204207
Total interest expense1,1779012,3401,636
Net interest income4,4054,1208,8108,171
Retailer share arrangements(810)(887)(1,574)(1,804)
Provision for credit losses (Note 5)1,6911,3833,5752,673
Net interest income, after retailer share arrangements and provision for credit losses1,9041,8503,6613,694
Other income:
Interchange revenue263262504494
Protection product revenue125125266240
Loyalty programs(346)(345)(665)(643)
Other (Note 3)75191,16935
Total other income117611,274126
Other expense:
Employee costs434451930902
Professional fees236209456395
Marketing and business development129133254264
Information processing207179393345
Other171197350382
Total other expense1,1771,1692,3832,288
Earnings before provision for income taxes8447422,5521,532
Provision for income taxes (Note 14)201173616362
Net earnings$643$569$1,936$1,170
Net earnings available to common stockholders$624$559$1,906$1,149
Earnings per share (Note 12)
Basic$1.56$1.32$4.74$2.74
Diluted$1.55$1.32$4.70$2.73

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

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Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
($ in millions)2024202320242023
Net earnings$643$569$1,936$1,170
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Debt securities—4(1)28
Currency translation adjustments(4)2(4)1
Employee benefit plans————
Other comprehensive income (loss)(4)6(5)29
Comprehensive income$639$575$1,931$1,199

Amounts presented net of taxes.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

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($ in millions)At June 30, 2024At December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and equivalents$18,632$14,259
Debt securities (Note 4)2,6933,799
Loan receivables: (Notes 5 and 6)
Unsecuritized loans held for investment82,14481,554
Restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities20,14021,434
Total loan receivables102,284102,988
Less: Allowance for credit losses(10,982)(10,571)
Loan receivables, net91,30292,417
Goodwill (Note 7)1,2741,018
Intangible assets, net (Note 7)776815
Other assets5,8124,915
Assets held for sale (Note 3)—256
Total assets$120,489$117,479
Liabilities and Equity
Deposits: (Note 8)
Interest-bearing deposit accounts$82,708$80,789
Non-interest-bearing deposit accounts392364
Total deposits83,10081,153
Borrowings: (Notes 6 and 9)
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities7,5177,267
Senior and subordinated unsecured notes8,1208,715
Total borrowings15,63715,982
Accrued expenses and other liabilities6,2126,334
Liabilities held for sale (Note 3)—107
Total liabilities$104,949$103,576
Equity:
Preferred stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 1,250,000 and 750,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 1,250,000 and 750,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and aggregate liquidation preference of $1,250 at June 30, 2024 and $750 at December 31, 2023$1,222$734
Common Stock, par share value $0.001 per share; 4,000,000,000 shares authorized; 833,984,684 shares issued at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 395,115,518 and 406,875,775 shares outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively11
Additional paid-in capital9,7939,775
Retained earnings20,31018,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Debt securities(34)(33)
Currency translation adjustments(42)(38)
Employee benefit plans33
Treasury stock, at cost; 438,869,166 and 427,108,909 shares at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively(15,713)(15,201)
Total equity15,54013,903
Total liabilities and equity$120,489$117,479

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)

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Preferred StockCommon Stock
($ in millions, shares in thousands)Shares IssuedAmountShares IssuedAmountAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury StockTotal Equity
Balance at January 1, 2023750$734833,985$1$9,718$16,716$(125)$(14,171)$12,873
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle—————222——222
Adjusted balance, beginning of period750$734833,985$1$9,718$16,938$(125)$(14,171)$13,095
Net earnings—————601——601
Other comprehensive income——————23—23
Purchases of treasury stock———————(404)(404)
Stock-based compensation————(13)(59)—61(11)
Dividends - Series A preferred stock ($14.06 per share)—————(11)——(11)
Dividends - common stock ($0.23 per share)—————(100)——(100)
Balance at March 31, 2023750$734833,985$1$9,705$17,369$(102)$(14,514)$13,193
Net earnings—————569——569
Other comprehensive income——————6—6
Purchases of treasury stock———————(303)(303)
Stock-based compensation————22(1)—324
Dividends - Series A preferred stock ($14.06 per share)—————(10)——(10)
Dividends - common stock ($0.23 per share)—————(99)——(99)
Balance at June 30, 2023750$734833,985$1$9,727$17,828$(96)$(14,814)$13,380
Preferred StockCommon Stock
($ in millions, shares in thousands)Shares IssuedAmountShares IssuedAmountAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Treasury StockTotal Equity
Balance at January 1, 2024750$734833,985$1$9,775$18,662$(68)$(15,201)$13,903
Net earnings———1,293——1,293
Other comprehensive income——————(1)—(1)
Issuance of preferred stock500488——————488
Purchases of treasury stock———————(300)(300)
Stock-based compensation————(7)(52)—7112
Dividends - Series A preferred stock ($14.06 per share)—————(11)——(11)
Dividends - common stock ($0.25 per share)—————(102)——(102)
Balance at March 31, 20241,250$1,222833,985$1$9,768$19,790$(69)$(15,430)$15,282
Net earnings—————643——643
Other comprehensive income——————(4)—(4)
Purchases of treasury stock———————(305)(305)
Stock-based compensation————25(4)—2243
Dividends - Series A preferred stock ($14.06 per share)—————(10)——(10)
Dividends - Series B preferred stock ($18.79 per share)—————(9)——(9)
Dividends - common stock ($0.25 per share)—————(100)——(100)
Balance at June 30, 20241,250$1,222833,985$1$9,793$20,310$(73)$(15,713)$15,540

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

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Six months ended June 30,
($ in millions)20242023
Cash flows - operating activities
Net earnings$1,936$1,170
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities
Provision for credit losses3,5752,673
Deferred income taxes(8)(151)
Depreciation and amortization240224
(Increase) decrease in interest and fees receivable209(183)
(Increase) decrease in other assets(120)(124)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities(239)(179)
Gain on sale of business(1,069)—
All other operating activities208364
Cash provided from (used for) operating activities4,7323,794
Cash flows - investing activities
Maturity and sales of debt securities2,1962,018
Purchases of debt securities(1,047)(1,212)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(1,935)—
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash and restricted cash sold491—
Net (increase) decrease in loan receivables, including held for sale(1,092)(5,014)
All other investing activities(322)(289)
Cash provided from (used for) investing activities(1,709)(4,497)
Cash flows - financing activities
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt947250
Maturities and repayment of securitized debt(700)(957)
Senior and subordinated unsecured notes
Proceeds from issuance of senior and subordinated unsecured notes—740
Maturities and repayment of senior and subordinated unsecured notes(600)—
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock488—
Dividends paid on preferred stock(30)(21)
Net increase (decrease) in deposits1,9384,056
Purchases of treasury stock(605)(707)
Dividends paid on common stock(202)(199)
All other financing activities1(34)
Cash provided from (used for) financing activities1,2373,128
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts4,2602,425
Cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at beginning of period14,42010,430
Cash and equivalents at end of period:
Cash and equivalents18,63212,706
Restricted cash and equivalents included in other assets48149
Total cash and equivalents, including restricted amounts, at end of period$18,680$12,855

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Synchrony Financial and subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

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NOTE 1. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Synchrony Financial (the “Company”) provides a range of credit products through financing programs it has established with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers. We primarily offer private label, Dual Card, co-brand and general purpose credit cards, as well as short- and long-term installment loans, and savings products insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) through Synchrony Bank (the “Bank”).

References to the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to Synchrony Financial and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires.

NOTE 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future, economic and market conditions (for example, unemployment, housing, interest rates and market liquidity) which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current conditions and how we expect them to change in the future, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in incremental losses on loan receivables, future impairments of debt securities, goodwill and intangible assets, increases in reserves for contingencies, establishment of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and increases in our tax liabilities.

We primarily conduct our business within the United States and substantially all of our revenues are from U.S. customers. The operating activities conducted by our non-U.S. affiliates use the local currency as their functional currency. The effects of translating the financial statements of these non-U.S. affiliates to U.S. dollars are included in equity. Asset and liability accounts are translated at period-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the respective periods.

Consolidated Basis of Presentation

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis. Under this basis of presentation, our financial statements consolidate all of our subsidiaries – i.e., entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, most often because we hold a majority voting interest. To determine if we hold a controlling financial interest in an entity, we first evaluate if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model to the entity, otherwise the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model. We consolidate certain securitization entities under the VIE model. See Note 6. Variable Interest Entities.

Interim Period Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are unaudited. These statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be considered as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements and the related notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (our "2023 Form 10-K").

New Accounting Standards

Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements and requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The Company will adopt this guidance on a retrospective basis on its effective date, which for us is beginning within our December 31, 2024 Form 10-K.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU requires disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation, as well as additional qualitative information about the reconciliation, and additional disaggregated information about income taxes paid. The Company will adopt this guidance on its effective date, which for us is beginning within our December 31, 2025 Form 10-K, and is currently determining the method of adoption.

Equity Method Investments

We use the equity method of accounting for investments where we have significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Our assessment of significant influence includes factors such as our ownership interest, legal form, and representation on the board of directors. The Company generally records the initial investment at cost or fair value, as appropriate. Subsequently, we adjust each investment for our proportionate share of net income or loss in the investee. We amortize, where appropriate, differences between the Company’s cost basis and underlying equity in net assets, which are reported in Other Income. The Company evaluates equity method investments for other-than-temporary impairment when events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable.

See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements in our 2023 Form 10-K, for additional information on our other significant accounting policies.

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Ally Lending

On March 1, 2024, we acquired Ally Financial Inc.'s point of sale financing business, ("Ally Lending") for cash consideration of $2.0 billion. This acquisition deepens our presence and reach in the home improvement and health and wellness sectors, including high-growth specialty areas such as roofing, HVAC, and windows, as well as in cosmetic, audiology, and dentistry.

The Ally Lending acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (measurement period adjustments) were recognized related to the acquisition as detailed in the table below.

($ in millions)Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as previously reported as of March 31, 2024)Measurement Period AdjustmentsAmounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as adjusted)
Assets acquired
Cash$34$—$34
Loan receivables(a)1,875(198)1,677
Intangible assets, net23(5)18
Other assets2—2
Total$1,934$(203)$1,731
Liabilities assumed
Other liabilities(16)2(14)
Total net identifiable assets acquired$1,918$(201)$1,717
Less: Total cash consideration paid$1,969$—$1,969
Goodwill$51$201$252

(a) Loan discounts are recognized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the acquired loans. The change to the provisional amount of loan discount recorded in the current period resulted in an increase in the amount of discount amortized into interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, including $9 million which relates to the previous quarter.

The amounts above represent the current provisional estimated fair values of the respective assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition. The changes in the estimated fair values during the three months ended June 30, 2024 reflect market participant assumptions about facts and circumstances existing at the acquisition date. The measurement period adjustments did not result from events occurring subsequent to the acquisition date.

The valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is substantially complete and will be finalized no later than one year after the acquisition date. The goodwill recognized related to the acquisition is tax-deductible and reflects the expected synergies and operational efficiencies arising from the transaction.

The acquisition primarily included loan receivables with an unpaid principal balance of $2.2 billion. These loan receivables are reported within Consumer installment loans in Note 5. Loan Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses. To determine the provisional fair value of loans at acquisition, we estimate expected cash flows and discount those cash flows using an observable market rate of interest, when available, adjusted for factors that a market participant would consider in determining fair value. In determining fair value, expected cash flows are adjusted to include prepayment, default rate, and loss severity estimates. The difference between the fair value and the amount contractually due is recorded as a loan discount or premium at acquisition. Including the impact of measurement period adjustments, at June 30, 2024 the provisional loan discount at the acquisition date was $469 million, which is to be amortized into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans, as described within Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within our 2023 Form 10-K. The interest and fees related to the acquired business are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings subsequent to the acquisition date and totaled $113 million and $141 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. These amounts include amortization of the loan discount recognized at acquisition of $66 million and $80 million, respectively. Expense activities, including those associated with the acquired business, are managed for the Company as a whole.

Loans acquired without a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination are measured under the Allowance for Credit Losses model, as described within Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within our 2023 Form 10-K. The Company’s best estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected at the date of acquisition was $180 million, which is included within our allowance for credit losses, and recognized through provision for credit losses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Included in the acquisition was $64 million of loans that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (referred to as “purchased credit deteriorated” or “PCD” assets) that were not immediately written off at the acquisition date and are subject to specific guidance upon acquisition. An allowance for PCD assets of $39 million was recorded at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, the accounting for the PCD assets will generally follow the Allowance for Credit Losses model described within Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of our 2023 Form 10-K.

Pets Best

In March 2024, we sold our wholly-owned subsidiary, Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (“Pets Best”) to Poodle Holdings, Inc. (“Buyer”) for consideration comprising a combination of cash and an equity interest of less than 10% in Independence Pet Holdings, Inc., ("IPH") an affiliate of Buyer. In connection with the sale, IPH also appointed two Synchrony executives to its board of directors. The sale of Pets Best resulted in the recognition of a gain on sale of $1.1 billion or $802 million, net of tax in the three months ended March 31, 2024. The pre-tax gain amount has been recognized within the Other component of Other Income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The Company’s initial equity investment in IPH was recorded in Other Assets on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The investment was recorded at its estimated fair value at the date acquired of $605 million. The estimated fair value at acquisition date was determined using a weighted average methodology of three approaches: a market approach which includes using a multiple of projected revenues, precedent transactions and an intrinsic value analysis. The market-multiple approach was established based on a selected group of publicly traded companies. The use of selected precedent transaction multiples was calibrated to the valuation outcome using the market approach. Intrinsic value analysis determines implied multiples primarily based upon recent market studies and forecasted performance. The change in the carrying value of our equity investment in IPH subsequent to the date acquired was not material.

NOTE 4. DEBT SECURITIES

All of our debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are held to meet our liquidity objectives or to comply with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). Our debt securities consist of the following:

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
GrossGrossGrossGross
AmortizedunrealizedunrealizedEstimatedAmortizedunrealizedunrealizedEstimated
($ in millions)costgainslossesfair valuecostgainslossesfair value
U.S. government and federal agency$1,108$—$—$1,108$2,264$1$(1)$2,264
State and municipal17——1710——10
Residential mortgage-backed(a)362—(41)321392—(38)354
Asset-backed(b)1,2421(4)1,2391,1674(8)1,163
Other8——88——8
Total**(c)**$2,737$1$(45)$2,693$3,841$5$(47)$3,799

(a) All of our residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued by government-sponsored entities and are collateralized by U.S. mortgages.

(b) Our asset-backed securities are collateralized by credit card and auto loans.

(c) At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of debt securities pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve discount window advances was $1.2 billion and $360 million, respectively.

The following table presents the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale debt securities:

In loss position for
Less than 12 months12 months or more
GrossGross
EstimatedunrealizedEstimatedunrealized
($ in millions)fair valuelossesfair valuelosses
At June 30, 2024
U.S. government and federal agency$764$—$—$—
State and municipal3—6—
Residential mortgage-backed11—310(41)
Asset-backed360(1)316(3)
Other————
Total$1,138$(1)$632$(44)
At December 31, 2023
U.S. government and federal agency$495$—$399$(1)
State and municipal——9—
Residential mortgage-backed1—346(38)
Asset-backed171—244(8)
Other——8—
Total$667$—$1,006$(47)

We regularly review debt securities for impairment resulting from credit loss using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, as necessary based on the composition of the portfolio at period end. Based on our assessment, no material impairments for credit losses were recognized during the period.

We presently do not intend to sell our debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position and believe that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of our amortized cost.

Contractual Maturities of Investments in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities

AmortizedEstimatedWeighted
At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)costfair valueAverage yield (a)
Due
Within one year$1,648$1,6464.8%
After one year through five years$730$7295.1%
After five years through ten years$159$1461.8%
After ten years$200$1722.2%

(a)Weighted average yield is calculated based on the amortized cost of each security. In calculating yield, no adjustment has been made with respect to any tax-exempt obligations.

All securities are presented above based upon contractual maturity date, except our asset-backed securities which are allocated based upon expected final payment date. We expect actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay certain obligations.

There were no material realized gains or losses recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

Although we generally do not have the intent to sell any specific securities held at June 30, 2024, in the ordinary course of managing our debt securities portfolio, we may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield, liquidity requirements and funding obligations.

NOTE 5. LOAN RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

($ in millions)June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Credit cards$94,091$97,043
Consumer installment loans6,0723,977
Commercial credit products2,0031,839
Other118129
Total loan receivables, before allowance for credit losses**(a)(b)(c)**$102,284$102,988

(a)Total loan receivables include $20.1 billion and $21.4 billion of restricted loans of consolidated securitization entities at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. See Note 6. Variable Interest Entities for further information on these restricted loans.

(b)At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, loan receivables included deferred costs, net of purchase discounts and deferred income, of $(283) million and $213 million, respectively.

(c)At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $22.1 billion and $22.4 billion, respectively, of loan receivables were pledged by the Bank as collateral to the Federal Reserve to secure Federal Reserve discount window advances.

Allowance for Credit Losses**(a)(b)**

($ in millions)Balance at April 1, 2024Provision charged to operations**(c)**Gross charge-offsRecoveriesOtherBalance at June 30, 2024
Credit cards$10,194$1,547$(1,832)$339$7$10,255
Consumer installment loans581113(107)15—602
Commercial credit products12731(37)2—123
Other3—(1)——2
Total$10,905$1,691$(1,977)$356$7$10,982
($ in millions)Balance at April 1, 2023Provision charged to operationsGross charge-offsRecoveriesBalance at June 30, 2023
Credit cards$9,152$1,337$(1,270)$245$9,464
Consumer installment loans2555(45)6221
Commercial credit products10440(34)2112
Other61——7
Total$9,517$1,383$(1,349)$253$9,804
($ in millions)Balance at January 1, 2024Provision charged to operations**(c)**Gross charge-offsRecoveriesOther**(d)**Balance at June 30, 2024
Credit cards$10,156$3,055$(3,593)$630$7$10,255
Consumer installment loans279458(197)2339602
Commercial credit products13160(72)4—123
Other5(2)(1)——2
Total$10,571$3,571$(3,863)$657$46$10,982
($ in millions)Balance at January 1, 2023Impact of ASU 2022-02 AdoptionPost-Adoption Balance at January 1, 2023Provision charged to operationsGross charge-offsRecoveriesBalance at June 30, 2023
Credit cards$9,225$(294)$8,931$2,496$(2,432)$469$9,464
Consumer installment loans208120990(89)11221
Commercial credit products87(1)8588(65)4112
Other7—8(1)——7
Total$9,527$(294)$9,233$2,673$(2,586)$484$9,804

(a)The allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2024 and 2023 reflects our estimate of expected credit losses for the life of the loan receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at June 30, 2024 and 2023 which include the consideration of current and expected macroeconomic conditions that existed at those dates.

(b)Excluded from the table above are allowance for credit losses for loan receivables acquired and immediately written off within the period presented.

(c)Provision for credit losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 also includes amounts associated with off-balance sheet credit exposures recorded in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

(d)Primarily represents allowance for credit losses for PCD assets.

The reasonable and supportable forecast period used in our estimate of credit losses at June 30, 2024 was 12 months, consistent with the forecast period utilized since the adoption of CECL. Beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we revert to historical loss information at the loan receivables segment level over a 6-month period, gradually increasing the weight of historical losses by an equal amount each month during the reversion period, and utilize historical loss information thereafter for the remaining life of the portfolio. The reversion period and methodology remain unchanged since the adoption of CECL.

Losses on loan receivables, including those which are modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, are estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses for the life of the loan balance at June 30, 2024. Expected credit loss estimates are developed using both quantitative models and qualitative adjustments, and incorporates a macroeconomic forecast, as described within Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements within our 2023 Form 10-K. The current and forecasted economic conditions at the balance sheet date influenced our current estimate of expected credit losses, which reflects our expectations of the macroeconomic environment. We continued to experience a decrease in payment rates and total delinquent balances as a percentage of total loan receivables from the prior quarter. We also experienced an increase in net charge-offs during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and expect net charge-offs as a percentage of loan receivables to reduce in the second half of 2024. These conditions are reflected in our current estimate of expected credit losses. Our allowance for credit losses increased to $11.0 billion during the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily reflecting these conditions and the impact of the Ally Lending acquisition. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements within our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information on our significant accounting policies related to our allowance for credit losses.

Delinquent and Non-accrual Loans

The following table provides information on our delinquent and non-accrual loans:

At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)30-89 days delinquent90 or more days delinquentTotal past due90 or more days delinquent and accruingTotal non-accruing
Credit cards$2,159$2,171$4,330$2,171$—
Consumer installment loans12528153—28
Commercial credit products464591441
Total delinquent loans$2,330$2,244$4,574$2,215$29
Percentage of total loan receivables2.3%2.2%4.5%2.2%—%
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)30-89 days delinquent90 or more days delinquentTotal past due90 or more days delinquent and accruingTotal non-accruing
Credit cards$2,375$2,290$4,665$2,290$—
Consumer installment loans9623119—23
Commercial credit products614010140—
Total delinquent loans$2,532$2,353$4,885$2,330$23
Percentage of total loan receivables2.5%2.3%4.7%2.3%—%

Credit Quality Indicators

Our loan receivables portfolio includes both secured and unsecured loans. Secured loan receivables are largely comprised of consumer installment loans secured by equipment. Unsecured loan receivables are largely comprised of our open-ended consumer and commercial revolving credit card loans. As part of our credit risk management activities, on an ongoing basis, we assess overall credit quality by reviewing information related to the performance of a customer’s account with us, including delinquency information, as well as information from credit bureaus relating to the customer’s broader credit performance. We utilize VantageScore credit scores to assist in our assessment of credit quality. VantageScore credit scores are obtained at origination of the account and are refreshed, at a minimum quarterly, but could be as often as weekly, to assist in predicting customer behavior. We categorize these credit scores into the following three credit score categories: (i) 651 or higher, which are considered the strongest credits; (ii) 591 to 650, considered moderate credit risk; and (iii) 590 or less, which are considered weaker credits. There are certain customer accounts, including for our commercial credit products, for which a VantageScore credit score may not be available where we use alternative sources to assess their credit quality and predict behavior. The following table provides the most recent VantageScore credit scores, or equivalent, available for our revolving credit card and commercial credit product customers at June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively, as a percentage of each class of loan receivable. The table below excludes 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.4% of our total loan receivables balance for our credit cards and commercial credit products at each of June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively, which represents those customer accounts for which a VantageScore credit score, or equivalent, is not available.

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023June 30, 2023
651 or591 to590 or651 or591 to590 or651 or591 to590 or
higher650lesshigher650lesshigher650less
Credit cards73%19%8%72%19%9%74%19%7%
Commercial credit products84%7%9%83%10%7%87%7%6%

Consumer Installment Loans

Delinquency trends are the primary credit quality indicator for our consumer installment loans, which we use to monitor credit quality and risk within the portfolio. The tables below include information on our consumer installment loans by origination year. The amounts for the current year period include information related to loan receivables associated with the Ally Lending acquisition. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Dispositions for additional information.

Consumer Installment Loans by Origination Year

By origination year
At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)20242023202220212020PriorTotal
Amortized cost basis$1,687$2,270$1,264$553$239$59$6,072
30-89 days delinquent2048341562125
90 or more days delinquent411931—28
By origination year
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)20232022202120202019PriorTotal
Amortized cost basis$2,097$931$541$312$69$27$3,977
30-89 days delinquent44251592196
90 or more days delinquent11642——23

Gross Charge-offs for Consumer Installment Loans by Origination Year

By origination year
For the six months ended ($ in millions)20242023202220212020PriorTotal
June 30, 2024597592493197
June 30, 2023—6472111489

Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 at January 1, 2023 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. The new guidance is applicable for all loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties since January 1, 2023. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Credit Losses - Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty within our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information on our significant accounting policies related to loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

The following table provides information on our loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the periods presented, which do not include loans that are classified as loan receivables held for sale:

Three months ended June 3020242023
($ in millions)Amount% of Total Class of Loan ReceivablesAmount% of Total Class of Loan Receivables
Long-term modifications
Credit cards$4090.4%$3450.4%
Consumer installment loans——%——%
Commercial credit products20.1%20.1%
Short-term modifications
Credit cards2260.2%1380.2%
Consumer installment loans——%——%
Commercial credit products1—%——%
Total$6380.6%$4850.5%
Six months ended June 3020242023
($ in millions)Amount% of Total Class of Loan ReceivablesAmount% of Total Class of Loan Receivables
Long-term modifications
Credit cards$8800.9%$7220.8%
Consumer installment loans——%——%
Commercial credit products40.2%30.2%
Short-term modifications
Credit cards4730.5%2770.3%
Consumer installment loans——%——%
Commercial credit products1—%——%
Total$1,3581.3%$1,0021.1%

Financial Effects of Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

As part of our loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, we may provide multiple concessions to minimize our economic loss and improve long-term loan performance and collectability. For long-term modifications made in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the financial effect of these modifications reduced the weighted-average interest rates by 97% for both periods, respectively. For long-term modifications made in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, the financial effect of these modifications reduced the weighted-average interest rates by 96% and 97%, respectively. For short-term modifications made in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, unpaid balances of $15 million and $114 million, respectively, were forgiven. For short-term modifications made in the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, unpaid balances of $10 million and $67 million, respectively, were forgiven.

Performance of Loans Modified to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The following tables provide information on the performance of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty which have been modified within the previous 12 months and remain in a modification program at June 30, 2024. For the comparative period, amounts represent loans that were modified subsequent to January 1, 2023 and remained in a modification program at June 30, 2023:

Amortized cost basis
At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)Current30-89 days delinquent90 or more days delinquentTotal past due**(a)**
Long-term modifications
Credit cards$993$157$133$290
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products3112
Short-term modifications
Credit cards67364581
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products————
Total delinquent modified loans$1,063$194$179$373
Percentage of total loan receivables1.0%0.2%0.2%0.4%
Amortized cost basis
At June 30, 2023 ($ in millions)Current30-89 days delinquent90 or more days delinquentTotal past due**(a)**
Long-term modifications
Credit cards$435$109$94$203
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products1—11
Short-term modifications
Credit cards41242751
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products————
Total delinquent modified loans$477$133$122$255
Percentage of total loan receivables0.5%0.1%0.1%0.3%

(a) Once a loan has been modified, it only returns to current status (re-aged) after three consecutive monthly program payments are received post the modification date.

Payment Defaults

The following table presents the type, number and amount of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that enrolled in a long-term modification program within the previous 12 months from June 30, 2024, or between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 for the comparative period, and experienced a payment default and charged-off during the period presented:

Three months ended June 3020242023
($ in millions, accounts in thousands)Accounts defaultedLoans defaultedAccounts defaultedLoans defaulted
Credit cards34$9618$38
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products11——
Total35$9718$38
Six months ended June 3020242023
($ in millions, accounts in thousands)Accounts defaultedLoans defaultedAccounts defaultedLoans defaulted
Credit cards81$21420$45
Consumer installment loans————
Commercial credit products12——
Total82$21620$45

Of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that enrolled in a short-term modification program within the previous 12 months from June 30, 2024, or between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 for the comparative period, 56% and 43% had fully completed all required payments and successfully exited the program during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Unfunded Lending Commitments

We manage the potential risk in credit commitments by limiting the total amount of credit, both by individual customer and in total, by monitoring the size and maturity of our portfolios and by applying the same credit standards for all of our credit products. Unused credit card lines available to our customers totaled approximately $431 billion and $427 billion at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. While these amounts represented the total available unused credit card lines, we have not experienced and do not anticipate that all of our customers will access their entire available line at any given point in time.

Interest Income by Product

The following table provides additional information about our interest and fees on loans, including merchant discounts, from our loan receivables, including held for sale:

Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
($ in millions)2024202320242023
Credit cards**(a)**$5,013$4,679$10,109$9,176
Consumer installment loans24394392177
Commercial credit products43368870
Other2355
Total**(b)**$5,301$4,812$10,594$9,428

(a)Interest income on credit cards that was reversed related to accrued interest receivables written off was $595 million and $433 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $1.2 billion and $848 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(b)Deferred merchant discounts to be recognized in interest income at both June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, was $1.9 billion, respectively, which are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

NOTE 6. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We use VIEs to securitize loan receivables and arrange asset-backed financing in the ordinary course of business. Investors in these entities only have recourse to the assets owned by the entity and not to our general credit. We do not have implicit support arrangements with any VIE and we did not provide non-contractual support for previously transferred loan receivables to any of these VIEs in the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Our VIEs are able to accept new loan receivables and arrange new asset-backed financings, consistent with the requirements and limitations on such activities placed on the VIE by existing investors. Once an account has been designated to a VIE, the contractual arrangements we have require all existing and future loan receivables originated under such account to be transferred to the VIE. The amount of loan receivables held by our VIEs in excess of the minimum amount required under the asset-backed financing arrangements with investors may be removed by us under removal of accounts provisions. All loan receivables held by a VIE are subject to claims of third-party investors.

In evaluating whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, we consider the purpose for which the VIE was created, the importance of each of the activities in which it is engaged and our decision-making role, if any, in those activities that significantly determine the entity’s economic performance as compared to other economic interest holders. This evaluation requires consideration of all facts and circumstances relevant to decision-making that affects the entity’s future performance and the exercise of professional judgment in deciding which decision-making rights are most important.

In determining whether we have the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to a VIE, we evaluate all of our economic interests in the entity, regardless of form (debt, equity, management and servicing fees, and other contractual arrangements). This evaluation considers all relevant factors of the entity’s design, including: the entity’s capital structure, contractual rights to earnings or losses, subordination of our interests relative to those of other investors, as well as any other contractual arrangements that might exist that could have the potential to be economically significant. The evaluation of each of these factors in reaching a conclusion about the potential significance of our economic interests is a matter that requires the exercise of professional judgment.

We consolidate VIEs where we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect the VIEs' economic performance, typically because of our role as either servicer or administrator for the VIEs. The power to direct exists because of our role in the design and conduct of the servicing of the VIEs’ assets as well as directing certain affairs of the VIEs, including determining whether and on what terms debt of the VIEs will be issued.

The loan receivables in these entities have risks and characteristics similar to our other financing receivables and were underwritten to the same standard. Accordingly, the performance of these assets has been similar to our other comparable loan receivables, and the blended performance of the pools of receivables in these entities reflects the eligibility criteria that we apply to determine which receivables are selected for transfer. Contractually, the cash flows from these financing receivables must first be used to pay third-party debt holders, as well as other expenses of the entity. Excess cash flows, if any, are available to us. The creditors of these entities have no claim on our other assets.

The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs described above:

($ in millions)June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Assets
Loan receivables, net(a)$18,292$19,537
Other assets(b)4647
Total$18,338$19,584
Liabilities
Borrowings$7,517$7,267
Other liabilities2831
Total$7,545$7,298

(a) Includes $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion of related allowance for credit losses resulting in gross restricted loans of $20.1 billion and $21.4 billion at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

(b) Includes $43 million and $45 million of segregated funds held by the VIEs at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which are classified as restricted cash and equivalents and included as a component of Other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The balances presented above are net of intercompany balances and transactions that are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We provide servicing for all of our consolidated VIEs. Collections are required to be placed into segregated accounts owned by each VIE in amounts that meet contractually specified minimum levels. These segregated funds are invested in cash and cash equivalents and are restricted as to their use, principally to pay maturing principal and interest on debt and the related servicing fees. Collections above these minimum levels are remitted to us on a daily basis.

Income (principally, interest and fees on loans) earned by our consolidated VIEs was $1.0 billion and $1.0 billion for the three months ended June 30 2024 and 2023, respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for credit losses of $257 million and $244 million for the three months ended June 30 2024 and 2023, respectively, and interest expense of $110 million and $78 million for the three months ended June 30 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income (principally, interest and fees on loans) earned by our consolidated VIEs was $2.0 billion and $1.9 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provision for credit losses of $422 million and $364 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and interest expense of $215 million and $155 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These amounts do not include intercompany transactions, principally fees and interest, which are eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Non-consolidated VIEs

As part of our community reinvestment initiatives, we invest in affordable housing properties and receive affordable housing tax credits for these investments. These investments included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position totaled $749 million and $736 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and represents our total exposure for these entities.

For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized amortization expense of $24 million and $15 million, respectively, and tax credits and other tax benefits of $28 million and $24 million, respectively, associated with investments in affordable housing properties within income tax expense or benefit. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we recognized amortization expense of $47 million and $35 million, respectively, and tax credits and other tax benefits of $56 million and $47 million, respectively, associated with investments in affordable housing properties within income tax expense or benefit.

Our other investments in non-consolidated VIEs, totaled $269 million and $252 million at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. At June 30, 2024, the Company also had investment commitments of $215 million related to these investments.

NOTE 7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

($ in millions)2024
Balance at January 1$1,018
Change in amounts allocated to disposition of business(a)4
Goodwill recognized upon acquisition252
Balance at June 30$1,274

(a) The change in the six months ended June 30, 2024 was based upon the carrying amount of net assets of Pets Best and the final valuation of consideration received at closing.

Intangible Assets

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
($ in millions)Gross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationNetGross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationNet
Capitalized software$2,123$(1,410)$713$2,065$(1,302)$763
Other191(128)63204(152)52
Total$2,314$(1,538)$776$2,269$(1,454)$815

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $121 million, primarily related to capitalized software expenditures, as well as intangible assets of $18 million related to the Ally Lending acquisition. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Dispositions for additional information.

Amortization expense was $80 million and $72 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $160 million and $142 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included as a component of Other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

NOTE 8. DEPOSITS

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
($ in millions)AmountAverage rate**(a)**AmountAverage rate**(a)**
Interest-bearing deposits$82,7084.7%$80,7893.9%
Non-interest-bearing deposits392—364—
Total deposits$83,100$81,153

(a)Based on interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023 and average deposits balances.

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, interest-bearing deposits included $10.6 billion and $10.0 billion, respectively, of certificates of deposit that exceeded applicable FDIC insurance limits, which are generally $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. These amounts include partially insured certificates of deposit.

At June 30, 2024, our interest-bearing time deposits maturing for the remainder of 2024 and over the next four years and thereafter were as follows:

($ in millions)20242025202620272028Thereafter
Deposits$16,191$25,173$1,973$2,774$1,478$558

The above maturity table excludes $30.4 billion of demand deposits with no defined maturity, of which $28.4 billion are savings accounts. In addition, at June 30, 2024, we had $4.2 billion of broker network deposit sweeps procured through a program arranger who channels brokerage account deposits to us that are also excluded from the above maturity table. Unless extended, the contracts associated with these broker network deposit sweeps will terminate between 2025 and 2026.

NOTE 9. BORROWINGS

June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
($ in millions)Maturity dateInterest RateWeighted average interest rateOutstanding Amount**(a)(b)**Outstanding Amount**(a)(b)**
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities:
Fixed securitized borrowings2025 - 20273.37% - 5.74%4.69%$4,167$3,417
Floating securitized borrowings2024 - 20276.07% - 6.30%6.15%3,3503,850
Total borrowings of consolidated securitization entities5.34%7,5177,267
Senior unsecured notes:
Synchrony Financial senior unsecured notes:
Fixed senior unsecured notes2024 - 20312.87% - 5.15%4.20%5,8846,480
Synchrony Bank senior unsecured notes:
Fixed senior unsecured notes2025 - 20275.40% - 5.63%5.49%1,4951,494
Total senior unsecured notes4.46%7,3797,974
Subordinated unsecured notes:
Synchrony Financial subordinated unsecured notes:
Fixed subordinated unsecured notes20337.25%7.25%741741
Total senior and subordinated unsecured notes4.72%8,1208,715
Total borrowings$15,637$15,982

(a)Includes unamortized debt premiums, discounts and issuance costs.

(b)The Company may redeem certain borrowings prior to their original contractual maturity dates in accordance with the optional redemption provision specified in the respective instruments.

Debt Maturities

The following table summarizes the maturities of the principal amount of our borrowings of consolidated securitization entities and senior and subordinated unsecured notes for the remainder of 2024 and over the next four years and thereafter:

($ in millions)20242025202620272028Thereafter
Borrowings$1,975$5,650$3,250$2,650$—$2,150

Additional Sources of Liquidity

We have undrawn committed capacity under certain credit facilities, primarily related to our securitization programs and also have access to the Federal Reserve discount window.

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had an aggregate of $2.5 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our securitization financings, subject to customary borrowing conditions, from private lenders under our securitization programs, and an aggregate of $0.5 billion of undrawn committed capacity under our unsecured revolving credit facility with private lenders.

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $10.2 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively, in undrawn Federal Reserve discount window borrowing capacity based on the amount and type of assets pledged.

NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

For a description of how we estimate fair value, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements within our 2023 Form 10-K. The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total**(a)**
Assets
Debt securities
U.S. government and federal agency$—$1,108$—$1,108
State and municipal——1717
Residential mortgage-backed—321—321
Asset-backed—1,239—1,239
Other——88
Other(b)30—939
Total$30$2,668$34$2,732
Liabilities
Other(c)——1010
Total$—$—$10$10
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)
Assets
Debt securities
U.S. government and federal agency$—$2,264$—$2,264
State and municipal——1010
Residential mortgage-backed—354—354
Asset-backed—1,162—1,162
Other——88
Other(b)14—1024
Total$14$3,780$28$3,822
Liabilities
Other(c)——$4$4
Total$—$—$4$4

(a) For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no fair value measurements transferred between levels.

(b) Other is primarily comprised of equity investments measured at fair value, which are included in Other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, as well as certain financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option which are included in Loan receivables in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

(c) Other includes certain financial liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option. These liabilities are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Our Level 3 recurring fair value measurements primarily relate to state and municipal and corporate debt instruments, which are valued using non-binding broker quotes or other third-party sources, and financial assets and liabilities for which we have elected the fair value option. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 10. Fair Value Measurements in our 2023 annual consolidated financial statements within our 2023 Form 10-K for a description of our process to evaluate third-party pricing servicers. Our state and municipal debt securities are classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value included in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

The changes in our Level 3 assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were not material.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value

CarryingCorresponding fair value amount
At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value:
Cash and equivalents(a)$18,632$18,632$18,632$—$—
Other assets(a)(b)$48$48$48$—$—
Financial assets carried at other than fair value:
Loan receivables, net(c)$91,293$103,970$—$—$103,970
Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value:
Deposits$83,100$83,046$—$83,046$—
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities$7,517$7,501$—$4,147$3,354
Senior and subordinated unsecured notes$8,120$7,841$—$7,841$—
CarryingCorresponding fair value amount
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)valueTotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value:
Cash and equivalents(a)$14,259$14,259$14,259$—$—
Other assets(a)(b)$50$50$50$—$—
Assets held for sale(d)$112$112$112$—$—
Financial assets carried at other than fair value:
Loan receivables, net(c)$92,407$104,761$—$—$104,761
Financial Liabilities
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value:
Deposits$81,153$80,935$—$80,935$—
Borrowings of consolidated securitization entities$7,267$7,250$—$3,411$3,839
Senior and subordinated unsecured notes$8,715$8,423$—$8,423$—

(a) For cash and equivalents and restricted cash and equivalents, carrying value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments.

(b) This balance relates to restricted cash and equivalents, which is included in Other assets.

(c) Excludes financial assets for which we have elected the fair value option. Under certain retail partner program agreements, the expected sales proceeds in the event of a sale of their credit card portfolio may be limited to the amounts owed by our customers, which may be less than the fair value indicated above.

(d) Includes $19 million of cash and equivalents and $93 million of restricted cash and equivalents.

Equity Securities Without Readily Determinable Fair Values

Three months endedSix months ended
At or for the periods ended June 30 ($ in millions)2024202320242023
Carrying value(a)$273$255$273$255
Upward adjustments(b)————
Downward adjustments(b)(2)(1)(2)(1)

(a) Carrying value reflects cumulative purchases and sales in addition to upward and downward carrying value changes, and at December 31, 2023 was $270 million.

(b) Between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2024, cumulative upward and downward carrying value adjustments were $205 million and $(16) million, respectively.

NOTE 11. REGULATORY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY

As a savings and loan holding company and a financial holding company, we are subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board and subject to the capital requirements as prescribed by Basel III capital rules and the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Bank is a federally chartered savings association. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the U.S. Treasury (the “OCC”), which is its primary regulator, and by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). In addition, the Bank, as an insured depository institution, is supervised by the FDIC.

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and, possibly, additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could limit our business activities and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the tables below) of Total, Tier 1 and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined).

For Synchrony Financial to be a well-capitalized savings and loan holding company, the Bank must be well-capitalized and Synchrony Financial must not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive issued by the Federal Reserve Board to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

The Company elected to adopt the option provided by the interim final rule issued by joint federal bank regulatory agencies, which largely delayed the effects of CECL on its regulatory capital. Beginning in the first quarter of 2022, the effects are being phased-in over a three-year period through 2024 and will be fully phased-in beginning in the first quarter of 2025. Under the interim final rule, the amount of adjustments to regulatory capital deferred until the phase-in period included both the initial impact of our adoption of CECL at January 1, 2020 and 25% of subsequent changes in our allowance for credit losses during the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, collectively the “CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment”. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024 only 25% of the CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment is deferred in our regulatory capital amounts and ratios, as compared to 50% at December 31, 2023.

At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Synchrony Financial met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to Federal Reserve Board regulations. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank also met all applicable requirements to be deemed well-capitalized pursuant to OCC regulations and for purposes of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. There are no conditions or events subsequent to June 30, 2024 that management believes have changed the Company's or the Bank’s capital category.

The actual capital amounts, ratios and the applicable required minimums of the Company and the Bank are as follows:

Synchrony Financial

At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)ActualMinimum for capital adequacy purposes
AmountRatio**(a)**AmountRatio**(b)**
Total risk-based capital$16,43815.8%$8,2978.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital$14,29013.8%$6,2236.0%
Tier 1 leverage$14,29012.0%$4,7454.0%
Common equity Tier 1 Capital$13,06812.6%$4,6674.5%
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)ActualMinimum for capital adequacy purposes
AmountRatio**(a)**AmountRatio**(b)**
Total risk-based capital$15,46414.9%$8,2778.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital$13,33412.9%$6,2086.0%
Tier 1 leverage$13,33411.7%$4,5634.0%
Common equity Tier 1 Capital$12,60012.2%$4,6564.5%

Synchrony Bank

At June 30, 2024 ($ in millions)ActualMinimum for capital adequacy purposesMinimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions
AmountRatio**(a)**AmountRatio**(b)**AmountRatio
Total risk-based capital$15,07215.3%$7,8848.0%$9,85510.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital$12,98413.2%$5,9136.0%$7,8848.0%
Tier 1 leverage$12,98411.6%$4,4844.0%$5,6055.0%
Common equity Tier I capital$12,98413.2%$4,4354.5%$6,4066.5%
At December 31, 2023 ($ in millions)ActualMinimum for capital adequacy purposesMinimum to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions
AmountRatio**(a)**AmountRatio**(b)**AmountRatio
Total risk-based capital$14,94315.3%$7,8228.0%$9,77810.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital$12,88013.2%$5,8676.0%$7,8228.0%
Tier 1 leverage$12,88012.0%$4,3024.0%$5,3775.0%
Common equity Tier I capital$12,88013.2%$4,4004.5%$6,3566.5%

(a)Capital ratios are calculated based on the Basel III Standardized Approach rules. Capital amounts and ratios at June 30, 2024 and at December 31, 2023 in the above tables reflect the applicable CECL regulatory capital transition adjustment.

(b)At June 30, 2024 and at December 31, 2023, Synchrony Financial and the Bank also must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in excess of minimum risk-based capital ratios by at least 2.5 percentage points to avoid limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.

The Bank may pay dividends on its stock, with consent or non-objection from the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board, among other things, if its regulatory capital would not thereby be reduced below the applicable regulatory capital requirements.

NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, which are calculated using the treasury stock method.

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

Three months ended June 30,Six months ended June 30,
(in millions, except per share data)2024202320242023
Net earnings$643$569$1,936$1,170
Preferred stock dividends(19)(10)$(30)$(21)
Net earnings available to common stockholders$624$559$1,906$1,149
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic399.3422.7402.0$418.9
Effect of dilutive securities3.31.53.4$2.2
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutive402.6424.2$405.4$421.1
Earnings per basic common share$1.56$1.32$4.74$2.74
Earnings per diluted common share$1.55$1.32$4.70$2.73

We have issued certain stock-based awards under the Synchrony Financial 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. A total of zero shares and 6 million shares for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 1 million and 5 million shares for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to these awards, were considered anti-dilutive and therefore were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share.

NOTE 13. EQUITY AND OTHER STOCK RELATED INFORMATION

Preferred Stock

The following table summarizes the Company's preferred stock issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

SeriesIssuance DateRedeemable by Issuer BeginningPer Annum Dividend RateLiquidation Preference per ShareTotal Shares OutstandingJune 30, 2024December 31, 2023
($ in millions, except per share data)
Series A(a)November 14, 2019November 15, 20245.625%$1,000750,000$734$734
Series B(a)February 23, 2024May 15, 20298.25%(b)$1,000500,000$488$—
$1,222$734

(a)Issued as depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the corresponding series of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each calendar year at a fixed rate, in each case when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors.

(b)Through May 14, 2029; resets May 15, 2029 and each date falling on the fifth anniversary at 5-Year Treasury Rate plus 4.044%.

NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

($ in millions)June 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest expense and penalties(a)$242$230
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(b)$191$182

(a)Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were not material for all periods presented.

(b)Comprised of federal unrecognized tax benefits and state and local unrecognized tax benefits net of the effects of associated U.S. federal income taxes. Excludes amounts attributable to any related valuation allowances resulting from associated increases in deferred tax assets.

We establish a liability that represents the difference between a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) on an income tax return and the amount of taxes recognized in our financial statements. The liability associated with the unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically when new information becomes available. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible to be resolved in the next twelve months is expected to be $39 million, of which $31 million, if recognized, would reduce the Company's tax expense and effective tax rate.

In the current year, the Company executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IRS to participate voluntarily in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) program for the 2024 tax year, and thus the tax year is under IRS review. The IRS is also examining our 2023 tax year, and we expect the review will be completed in the current year. Additionally, we are under examination in various states going back to 2014.

We believe that there are no issues or claims that are likely to significantly impact our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We further believe that we have made adequate provision for all income tax uncertainties that could result from such examinations.

NOTE 15. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY MATTERS

In the normal course of business, from time to time, we have been named as a defendant in various legal proceedings, including arbitrations, class actions and other litigation, arising in connection with our business activities. Certain of the legal actions include claims for substantial compensatory and/or punitive damages, or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. We are also involved, from time to time, in reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding our business (collectively, “regulatory matters”), which could subject us to significant fines, penalties, obligations to change our business practices or other requirements resulting in increased expenses, diminished income and damage to our reputation. We contest liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each pending matter. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish an accrued liability for legal and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies which are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Legal proceedings and regulatory matters are subject to many uncertain factors that generally cannot be predicted with assurance, and we may be exposed to losses in excess of any amounts accrued.

For some matters, we are able to determine that an estimated loss, while not probable, is reasonably possible. For other matters, including those that have not yet progressed through discovery and/or where important factual information and legal issues are unresolved, we are unable to make such an estimate. We currently estimate that the reasonably possible losses for legal proceedings and regulatory matters, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which we are able to estimate a possible loss, are immaterial. This represents management’s estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. This estimate of possible loss does not represent our potential maximum loss exposure. The legal proceedings and regulatory matters underlying the estimate will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates.

Our estimate of reasonably possible losses involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings, the existence of numerous yet to be resolved issues, the breadth of the claims (often spanning multiple years), unspecified damages and/or the novelty of the legal issues presented. Based on our current knowledge, we do not believe that we are a party to any pending legal proceeding or regulatory matters that would have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, the ultimate outcome of a particular matter could be material to our operating results for a particular period depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our earnings for that period, and could adversely affect our business and reputation.

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