QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from ___________ to ___________
Commission file number 001-35095
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia
58-1807304
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
125 Highway 515 East
Blairsville, Georgia
30512
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
(706) 781-2265
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $1 per share
UCBI
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Depositary shares, each representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock
UCBIO
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
There were 118,979,851 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1 per share, outstanding as of October 31, 2023.
This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither statements of historical or current fact nor are they assurances of future performance and generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “projects”, “plans”, “goal”, “targets”, “potential”, “estimates”, “pro forma”, “seeks”, “intends”, or “anticipates”, or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include discussions of strategy, financial projections, guidance and estimates (including their underlying assumptions), statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of various transactions or events, and statements about our future performance, operations, products and services, and should be viewed with caution.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control, and that are difficult to predict as to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results implied or anticipated by the statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following:
•negative economic and political conditions that adversely affect the general economy, the banking sector, housing prices, the real estate market, the job market, consumer confidence, the financial condition of our borrowers and consumer spending habits, which may affect, among other things, the levels of NPAs, charge-offs and provision expense;
•changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions or regulatory developments;
•the potential effects of pandemics or public health conditions on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including the impact of actions taken by governmental authorities to address these situations;
•strategic, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with our business;
•potential fluctuations or unanticipated changes in the interest rate environment, including interest rate changes made by the Federal Reserve, replacements of LIBOR and replacement or reform of other interest rate benchmarks, as well as cash flow reassessments may reduce net interest margin and/or the volumes and values of loans made or held as well as the value of other financial assets;
•any unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions in the national or local economies in which we operate;
•our loan concentration in industries or sectors that may experience unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions than other industries or sectors in the national or local economies in which we operate;
•the risks of expansion into new geographic or product markets;
•risks with respect to our ability to identify and complete future mergers or acquisitions as well as our ability to successfully expand and integrate those businesses and operations that we acquire;
•our ability to attract and retain key employees;
•competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers including non-bank financial technology providers and our ability to attract customers from other financial institutions;
•losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our customers, third-party service providers or employees;
•cybersecurity risks and the vulnerability of our network and online banking portals, and the systems or parties with whom we contract, to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches that could adversely affect our business and financial performance or reputation;
•our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure and services required to operate our business;
•the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with regulatory initiatives and the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
•the availability of and access to capital, particularly if there were to be increased capital requirements or enhanced regulatory supervision;
•legislative, regulatory or accounting changes that may adversely affect us;
•volatility in the ACL resulting from the CECL methodology, either alone or as that may be affected by conditions affecting our business;
•adverse results (including judgments, costs, fines, reputational harm, inability to obtain necessary approvals and/or other negative effects) from current or future litigation, regulatory proceedings, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or developments related thereto;
•any matter that would cause us to conclude that there was impairment of any asset, including intangible assets, such as goodwill;
•limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends and other distributions from the Bank to the Holding Company, which could affect Holding Company liquidity, including its ability to pay dividends to shareholders or take other capital actions;
•the potential effects of events beyond our control that may have a destabilizing effect on financial markets and the economy, such as inflation or recession, terrorist activities, wars and other foreign conflicts, climate change, disruptions in our customers’ supply chains, disruptions in transportation, essential utility outages or trade disputes and related tariffs; and
•other risks and uncertainties disclosed in documents filed or furnished by us with or to the SEC, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements.
We caution readers that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, is not necessarily in order of importance and readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements also may be found in our 2022 10-K (including the “Risk Factor” section of that report), Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. We do not intend to and, except as required by law, hereby disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this Report, which speaks only as of the date of its filing with the SEC, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The financial statements and information contained herein have not been reviewed, or confirmed for accuracy or relevance, by the FDIC or any other regulator.
4
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
192,726
$
195,771
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
566,779
316,082
Federal funds and other short-term investments
—
135,000
Cash and cash equivalents
759,505
646,853
Debt securities available-for-sale
3,182,112
3,614,333
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $1,992,364 and $2,191,073, respectively)
2,518,773
2,613,648
Loans held for sale
37,110
13,600
Loans and leases held for investment
18,202,807
15,334,627
Less allowance for credit losses - loans and leases
(201,557)
(159,357)
Loans and leases, net
18,001,250
15,175,270
Premises and equipment, net
371,435
298,456
Bank owned life insurance
344,647
299,297
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
994,142
779,248
Other assets
660,233
568,179
Total assets
$
26,869,207
$
24,008,884
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
6,782,031
$
7,643,081
Interest-bearing deposits
16,075,837
12,233,426
Total deposits
22,857,868
19,876,507
Short-term borrowings
37,348
158,933
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
—
550,000
Long-term debt
324,786
324,663
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
465,381
398,107
Total liabilities
23,685,383
21,308,210
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,745 and 4,000 shares Series I issued and
outstanding, respectively; $25,000 per share liquidation preference
90,283
96,422
Common stock, $1 par value: 200,000,000 shares authorized,
118,975,652 and 106,222,758 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
118,976
106,223
Common stock issuable: 608,646 and 607,128 shares, respectively
12,782
12,307
Capital surplus
2,697,671
2,306,366
Retained earnings
596,617
508,844
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(332,505)
(329,488)
Total shareholders' equity
3,183,824
2,700,674
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,869,207
$
24,008,884
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
5
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Interest revenue:
Loans, including fees
$
273,781
$
174,065
$
760,696
$
476,072
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,722, $2,568, $5,563 and $7,762, respectively
44,729
36,953
125,775
91,043
Deposits in banks and short-term investments
4,637
2,869
11,938
5,209
Total interest revenue
323,147
213,887
898,409
572,324
Interest expense:
Deposits
116,733
9,880
263,811
17,313
Short-term borrowings
189
27
3,186
27
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
—
—
5,761
—
Long-term debt
3,669
4,206
11,339
12,515
Total interest expense
120,591
14,113
284,097
29,855
Net interest revenue
202,556
199,774
614,312
542,469
Provision for credit losses
30,268
15,392
74,804
44,082
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses
172,288
184,382
539,508
498,387
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees
10,315
9,569
28,791
28,644
Mortgage loan gains and other related fees
6,159
6,297
17,264
29,420
Wealth management fees
6,451
5,879
17,775
17,759
Gains from sales of other loans, net
2,688
2,228
6,909
9,226
Lending and loan servicing fees
2,985
2,946
9,979
7,518
Securities losses, net
—
—
(1,644)
(3,688)
Other
3,379
5,003
19,499
15,474
Total noninterest income
31,977
31,922
98,573
104,353
Total revenue
204,265
216,304
638,081
602,740
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits
81,173
67,823
236,121
208,062
Communications and equipment
10,902
8,795
31,654
27,718
Occupancy
10,941
9,138
31,024
27,381
Advertising and public relations
2,251
2,544
6,914
6,332
Postage, printing and supplies
2,386
2,190
7,305
6,308
Professional fees
7,006
4,821
19,670
14,670
Lending and loan servicing expense
2,697
2,333
7,546
7,746
Outside services - electronic banking
2,561
3,159
8,646
8,629
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges
4,314
2,356
12,457
6,796
Amortization of intangibles
4,171
1,678
11,120
5,207
Merger-related and other charges
9,168
1,746
21,444
17,905
Other
6,904
6,172
22,785
16,066
Total noninterest expenses
144,474
112,755
416,686
352,820
Income before income taxes
59,791
103,549
221,395
249,920
Income tax expense
11,925
22,388
47,941
53,898
Net income
$
47,866
$
81,161
$
173,454
$
196,022
Net income available to common shareholders
$
46,775
$
79,035
$
168,245
$
189,858
Net income per common share:
Basic
$
0.39
$
0.74
$
1.44
$
1.78
Diluted
0.39
0.74
1.44
1.78
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic
119,506
106,687
116,925
106,616
Diluted
119,624
106,800
117,084
106,732
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
6
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Before-tax Amount
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
Before-tax Amount
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Net of Tax Amount
2023
Net income
$
59,791
$
(11,925)
$
47,866
$
221,395
$
(47,941)
$
173,454
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding losses
(38,209)
8,900
(29,309)
(14,683)
3,398
(11,285)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
—
—
—
1,644
(374)
1,270
Net unrealized losses
(38,209)
8,900
(29,309)
(13,039)
3,024
(10,015)
Amortization of unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities transferred from available-for-sale
2,478
(593)
1,885
7,964
(1,917)
6,047
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Unrealized holding gains on derivatives
1,091
(279)
812
3,192
(815)
2,377
Gains on derivative instruments realized in net income
(42)
11
(31)
(2,098)
536
(1,562)
Net cash flow hedge activity
1,049
(268)
781
1,094
(279)
815
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan net periodic pension cost components
61
(16)
45
183
(47)
136
Total other comprehensive loss
(34,621)
8,023
(26,598)
(3,798)
781
(3,017)
Comprehensive income
$
25,170
$
(3,902)
$
21,268
$
217,597
$
(47,160)
$
170,437
2022
Net income
$
103,549
$
(22,388)
$
81,161
$
249,920
$
(53,898)
$
196,022
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding losses
(104,754)
24,495
(80,259)
(429,607)
101,269
(328,338)
Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
—
—
—
87,444
(20,770)
66,674
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income
—
—
—
3,688
(979)
2,709
Net unrealized losses
(104,754)
24,495
(80,259)
(338,475)
79,520
(258,955)
Unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities transferred from available-for-sale:
Reclassification of unrealized losses
—
—
—
(87,444)
20,770
(66,674)
Amortization of unrealized losses
4,473
(1,073)
3,400
6,242
(1,495)
4,747
Net activity
4,473
(1,073)
3,400
(81,202)
19,275
(61,927)
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Unrealized holding gains on derivatives
5,034
(1,286)
3,748
12,914
(3,299)
9,615
Losses on derivative instruments realized in net income
48
(12)
36
295
(75)
220
Net cash flow hedge activity
5,082
(1,298)
3,784
13,209
(3,374)
9,835
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan net periodic pension cost components
169
(43)
126
510
(130)
380
Total other comprehensive loss
(95,030)
22,081
(72,949)
(405,958)
95,291
(310,667)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
8,519
$
(307)
$
8,212
$
(156,038)
$
41,393
$
(114,645)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
7
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity(Unaudited)
(in thousands except share data)
Shares of Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Common Stock Issuable
Capital Surplus
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Total
Balance at June 30, 2022
106,033,960
$
96,422
$
106,034
$
11,448
$
2,304,608
$
396,970
$
(264,194)
$
2,651,288
Net income
81,161
81,161
Other comprehensive loss
(72,949)
(72,949)
Preferred stock dividends
(1,719)
(1,719)
Common stock dividends ($0.22 per share)
(23,624)
(23,624)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards
126,400
126
389
(168)
347
Impact of other United sponsored equity plans
2,501
3
129
74
206
Balance at September 30, 2022
106,162,861
$
96,422
$
106,163
$
11,966
$
2,304,514
$
452,788
$
(337,143)
$
2,634,710
Balance at June 30, 2023
115,265,912
$
96,165
$
115,266
$
12,228
$
2,610,523
$
577,316
$
(305,907)
$
3,105,591
Net income
47,866
47,866
Other comprehensive loss
(26,598)
(26,598)
Impact of acquisitions
3,508,604
3,508
84,171
87,679
Preferred stock dividends
(1,624)
(1,624)
Common stock dividends ($0.23 per share)
(27,733)
(27,733)
Purchases of preferred stock
(5,882)
792
(5,090)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards
197,700
198
411
2,895
3,504
Impact of other United sponsored equity plans
3,436
4
143
82
229
Balance at September 30, 2023
118,975,652
$
90,283
$
118,976
$
12,782
$
2,697,671
$
596,617
$
(332,505)
$
3,183,824
Balance at December 31, 2021
89,349,826
$
96,422
$
89,350
$
11,288
$
1,721,007
$
330,654
$
(26,476)
$
2,222,245
Net income
196,022
196,022
Other comprehensive loss
(310,667)
(310,667)
Impact of acquisitions
16,571,545
16,571
579,805
596,376
Preferred stock dividends
(5,157)
(5,157)
Common stock dividends ($0.64 per share)
(68,731)
(68,731)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards
175,843
176
1,843
2,885
4,904
Impact of other United sponsored equity plans
65,647
66
(1,165)
817
(282)
Balance at September 30, 2022
106,162,861
$
96,422
$
106,163
$
11,966
$
2,304,514
$
452,788
$
(337,143)
$
2,634,710
Balance at December 31, 2022
106,222,758
$
96,422
$
106,223
$
12,307
$
2,306,366
$
508,844
$
(329,488)
$
2,700,674
Net income
173,454
173,454
Other comprehensive loss
(3,017)
(3,017)
Impact of acquisitions
12,279,135
12,279
381,861
394,140
Purchases of preferred stock
(6,139)
35
792
(5,312)
Preferred stock dividends
(5,062)
(5,062)
Common stock dividends ($0.69 per share)
(81,411)
(81,411)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards
430,002
430
1,034
8,784
10,248
Impact of other United sponsored equity plans
43,757
44
(559)
625
110
Balance at September 30, 2023
118,975,652
$
90,283
$
118,976
$
12,782
$
2,697,671
$
596,617
$
(332,505)
$
3,183,824
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
8
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
Operating activities:
Net income
$
173,454
$
196,022
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net
34,027
34,707
Provision for credit losses
74,804
44,082
Stock based compensation
7,093
6,649
Deferred income tax expense
14,645
6,063
Securities losses, net
1,644
3,688
Gains from sales of other loans
(6,909)
(9,226)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Other assets
(16,935)
(2,072)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
11,796
92,084
Loans held for sale
(21,423)
136,405
Net cash provided by operating activities
272,196
508,402
Investing activities:
Debt securities held-to-maturity:
Proceeds from maturities and calls
100,396
140,253
Purchases
—
(326,494)
Debt securities available-for-sale:
Proceeds from sales
595,234
281,521
Proceeds from maturities and calls
421,924
493,848
Purchases
(295,054)
(1,665,466)
Net increase in loans
(875,223)
(772,740)
Equity investments, outflows
(134,439)
(29,685)
Equity investments, inflows
124,056
17,336
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
2,529
4,846
Purchases of premises and equipment
(59,157)
(26,300)
Net cash received in acquisition
207,566
35,243
Net cash paid for whole branch disposal
(93,613)
—
Other investing inflows
3,413
3,997
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,368)
(1,843,641)
Financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
886,440
(423,750)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
(310,267)
—
Proceeds from FHLB advances
2,225,000
—
Repayment of FHLB advances
(2,870,000)
—
Cash dividends on common stock
(77,352)
(63,256)
Cash dividends on preferred stock
(5,062)
(5,157)
Other financing inflows
5,405
560
Other financing outflows
(11,340)
(7,648)
Net cash used in financing activities
(157,176)
(499,251)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
112,652
(1,834,490)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
646,853
2,318,510
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
759,505
$
484,020
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
9
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Updates to Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
United’s accounting and financial reporting policies conform to GAAP and reporting guidelines of banking regulatory authorities. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have not been audited. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. A more detailed description of United’s accounting policies is included in its 2022 10-K.
In management’s opinion, all accounting adjustments necessary to accurately reflect the financial position and results of operations on the accompanying financial statements have been made. These adjustments are normal and recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair and accurate presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any other interim periods. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in United’s 2022 10-K.
Updates to Significant Accounting Policies
Effective January 1, 2023, United adopted ASU 2022-02, which updated the guidance on modifications to financing receivables by effectively replacing the concept of troubled debt restructurings with a new concept, loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. See Note 2 for further detail. Below summarizes the policy surrounding FDMs.
FDMs: A loan for which the terms have been modified as a result of the borrower experiencing financial difficulty is generally considered to be a FDM. Modified terms that result in a FDM include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, an extension of the term or amortization period, a more than insignificant payment delay or principal forgiveness. The ACL on FDMs is calculated using the same method as other loans held for investment.
Note 2 – Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards
Recently Adopted Standards
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from contracts with Customers. The update requires that an acquiring entity apply the guidance from Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination, rather than fair value. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method. The update expands the current last-of-layer method to a portfolio layer method which allows multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio and non-prepayable financial assets. In addition, the update specifies that eligible hedging instruments may include spot-starting or forward-starting swaps and that the number of hedged layers corresponds with the number of hedges designated. Finally, the update provides additional guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of hedge basis adjustments. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The update eliminates the previous accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The update also requires that an entity disclose current-period gross charge-offs by year of origination. United adopted this update using a modified retrospective transition method as of January 1, 2023. The quantitative impact of adoption related to the CECL calculation for FDMs was not material; thus, no corresponding cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recorded.
Recently Issued Standards
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. The update broadens the application of the proportional amortization method to tax equity investments other than LIHTC, providing certain conditions are met. The election to apply the proportional amortization method must be made on a tax-credit-program by tax-credit-program basis rather than at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. The update also requires certain disclosures related to those investments for which the proportional amortization method has been applied. For public entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU No 2023-05, Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. The update addresses the accounting for contributions made to a joint venture, upon formation,
10
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
in a joint venture’s separate financial statements. Specifically, a joint venture must apply a new basis of accounting upon formation and will initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value. This guidance is effective prospectively for all joint venture formations dated on or after January 1, 2025. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The update clarifies or improves disclosure and presentation requirements for a variety of topics, including cash flows from derivative instruments, methods used in the diluted earnings per share computation and weighted-average interest rates on short term borrowings, This guidance is effective prospectively from the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 3 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The supplemental schedule of significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows (in thousands).
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Commitments to fund equity investments
$
16,410
$
—
Transfers of AFS securities to HTM securities
—
1,288,982
Acquisitions:
Assets acquired
2,922,243
3,254,173
Liabilities assumed
2,527,654
2,657,173
Net assets acquired
394,589
597,000
Common stock issued and options converted
394,140
596,376
11
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 4 – Acquisitions
Acquisition of First Miami
On July 1, 2023, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of First Miami in a stock transaction. First Miami operated three branches in the Miami metropolitan area, which facilitated United’s expansion within that market. United’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of July 1, 2023.
The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands).
First Miami
Fair Value Recorded by United (1)
July 1, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
150,467
Debt securities
216,703
Loans held for investment
577,183
Premises and equipment
11,905
Core deposit intangible
17,950
Other assets
20,909
Total assets acquired
995,117
Liabilities
Deposits
865,387
Short-term borrowings
47,664
Other liabilities
17,581
Total liabilities assumed
930,632
Total identifiable net assets
64,485
Consideration transferred
Cash
2
Common stock issued (3,508,604 shares)
87,679
Total fair value of consideration transferred
87,681
Goodwill
$
23,196
(1) Fair values are preliminary and are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.
Goodwill represents the intangible value of First Miami’s business and reputation within the markets it served and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The First Miami core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.
The following table presents additional information related to the acquired First Miami loan portfolio at the acquisition date (in thousands).
July 1, 2023
PCD Loans
Par value
$
94,902
ACL at acquisition
(3,717)
Non-credit discount
(6,607)
Purchase price
$
84,578
Non- PCD:
Fair value
$
492,605
Gross contractual amounts receivable
622,181
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected
7,012
12
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Acquisition of Progress
On January 3, 2023, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Progress in a stock transaction. Progress operated 13 offices primarily located in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, which facilitated United’s growth into those markets. United’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of January 3, 2023.
The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands).
Progress
Fair Value Recorded by United (1)
January 3, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
57,548
Debt securities
111,006
Loans held for sale
2,087
Loans held for investment
1,442,959
Premises and equipment
21,118
Bank-owned life insurance
40,723
Core deposit intangible
39,980
Other assets
42,965
Total assets acquired
1,758,386
Liabilities
Deposits
1,334,476
Short-term borrowings
141,017
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
95,000
Other liabilities
26,529
Total liabilities assumed
1,597,022
Total identifiable net assets
161,364
Consideration transferred
Cash
447
Common stock issued (8,770,531 shares)
296,444
Options converted
10,017
Total fair value of consideration transferred
306,908
Goodwill
$
145,544
(1) Fair values are preliminary and are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.
Goodwill represents the intangible value of Progress’ business and reputation within the markets it served and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Progress core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.
13
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The following table presents additional information related to the acquired Progress loan portfolio at the acquisition date (in thousands).
January 3, 2023
PCD loans:
Par value
$
64,913
ACL at acquisition
(2,704)
Non-credit discount
(150)
Purchase price
$
62,059
Non-PCD loans:
Fair value
$
1,380,900
Gross contractual amounts receivable
1,626,243
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected
9,287
Pro forma information
The following table discloses the impact of the First Miami and Progress acquisitions since their respective dates of acquisition. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if First Miami and Progress had been acquired on January 1, 2022 and Reliant had been acquired on January 1, 2021. These results combine the historical results of the acquired entities with United’s consolidated statement of income. Adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity; however pro forma financial results presented are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place in earlier years.
Merger-related costs related to the First Miami acquisition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 of $6.53 million and $6.91 million, respectively, have been excluded from the pro forma information for those periods presented below and included in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 pro forma information. Merger-related costs related to the Progress acquisition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 of $182,000 and $9.96 million, respectively, have been excluded from the pro forma information for those periods presented below and included in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 pro forma information. Merger-related costs related to the Reliant acquisition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $760,000 and $14.8 million, respectively, have been excluded from the pro forma information presented below. The actual results and pro forma information were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Revenue
Net Income
Revenue
Net Income
2023
Actual Progress results included in statement of income since acquisition date
$
16,934
$
7,569
$
41,555
$
12,667
Actual First Miami results included in statement of income since acquisition date
3,488
(3,330)
3,488
(3,330)
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Progress and First Miami had been acquired January 1, 2022
207,523
55,538
667,155
197,929
2022
Actual Reliant results included in statement of income since acquisition date
$
29,618
$
16,516
$
72,685
$
32,931
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Progress and First Miami had been acquired January 1, 2022 and Reliant had been acquired January 1, 2021
$
246,612
$
83,642
$
691,694
$
215,264
14
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 5 – Investment Securities
The amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of HTM debt securities as of the dates indicated are as follows (in thousands).
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
As of September 30, 2023
U.S. Treasuries
$
19,857
$
—
$
2,591
$
17,266
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
98,989
—
21,216
77,773
State and political subdivisions
294,187
4
71,485
222,706
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,407,762
—
277,747
1,130,015
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
682,978
—
150,248
532,730
Supranational entities
15,000
—
3,126
11,874
Total
$
2,518,773
$
4
$
526,413
$
1,992,364
As of December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasuries
$
19,834
$
—
$
2,417
$
17,417
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
99,679
—
18,169
81,510
State and political subdivisions
295,945
56
64,340
231,661
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,488,028
35
223,566
1,264,497
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
695,162
—
111,586
583,576
Supranational entities
$
15,000
$
—
$
2,588
$
12,412
Total
$
2,613,648
$
91
$
422,666
$
2,191,073
The amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS debt securities as of the dates indicated are presented below (in thousands). During the second quarter of 2023, United entered into fair value hedges on stated amounts of a closed portfolio of AFS debt securities using the portfolio layer method, which is further explained in Note 7.
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
As of September 30, 2023
U.S. Treasuries
$
297,943
$
25
$
14,138
$
283,830
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
242,642
255
18,202
224,695
State and political subdivisions
183,261
—
27,016
156,245
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,408,719
16
185,026
1,223,709
Residential MBS, Non-agency
352,872
—
30,159
322,713
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
666,283
—
90,653
575,630
Commercial MBS, Non-agency
27,633
—
1,203
26,430
Corporate bonds
218,584
84
23,863
194,805
Asset-backed securities
177,876
1
3,822
174,055
Total
3,575,813
381
394,082
3,182,112
As of December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasuries
$
163,972
$
—
$
14,620
$
149,352
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
266,347
463
16,694
250,116
State and political subdivisions
329,723
151
26,126
303,748
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,609,442
13
160,636
1,448,819
Residential MBS, Non-agency
374,535
—
27,873
346,662
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
720,282
471
79,407
641,346
Commercial MBS, Non-agency
31,624
—
1,058
30,566
Corporate bonds
236,181
34
23,763
212,452
Asset-backed securities
239,220
—
7,948
231,272
Total
$
3,971,326
$
1,132
$
358,125
$
3,614,333
15
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Securities with a carrying value of $4.17 billion and $2.53 billion were pledged, primarily to secure public deposits and provide contingent liquidity through the Bank Term Funding Program at the Federal Reserve Bank, at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The following table summarizes HTM debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
As of September 30, 2023
U.S. Treasuries
$
—
$
—
$
17,266
$
2,591
$
17,266
$
2,591
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
—
—
77,773
21,216
77,773
21,216
State and political subdivisions
18,580
660
203,422
70,825
222,002
71,485
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,763
44
1,128,250
277,703
1,130,013
277,747
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
6,019
655
526,711
149,593
532,730
150,248
Supranational entities
—
—
11,874
3,126
11,874
3,126
Total unrealized loss position
$
26,362
$
1,359
$
1,965,296
$
525,054
$
1,991,658
$
526,413
As of December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasuries
$
17,417
$
2,417
$
—
$
—
$
17,417
$
2,417
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
10,687
1,813
70,823
16,356
81,510
18,169
State and political subdivisions
104,243
20,639
117,115
43,701
221,358
64,340
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
296,673
38,289
965,785
185,277
1,262,458
223,566
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
176,848
24,497
406,728
87,089
583,576
111,586
Supranational entities
12,412
2,588
—
—
12,412
2,588
Total unrealized loss position
$
618,280
$
90,243
$
1,560,451
$
332,423
$
2,178,731
$
422,666
The following table summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or More
Total
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
Fair Value
Unrealized Loss
As of September 30, 2023
U.S. Treasuries
$
24,860
$
3
$
100,267
$
14,135
$
125,127
$
14,138
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
33,990
155
163,009
18,047
196,999
18,202
State and political subdivisions
764
5
155,480
27,011
156,244
27,016
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
51,018
669
1,166,396
184,357
1,217,414
185,026
Residential MBS, Non-agency
—
—
322,713
30,159
322,713
30,159
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
63,198
2,876
512,431
87,777
575,629
90,653
Commercial MBS, Non-agency
—
—
26,430
1,203
26,430
1,203
Corporate bonds
4,277
351
187,132
23,512
191,409
23,863
Asset-backed securities
8,766
45
161,689
3,777
170,455
3,822
Total unrealized loss position
$
186,873
$
4,104
$
2,795,547
$
389,978
$
2,982,420
$
394,082
As of December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasuries
$
49,259
$
724
$
100,093
$
13,896
$
149,352
$
14,620
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
93,015
2,124
108,093
14,570
201,108
16,694
State and political subdivisions
207,749
9,906
62,606
16,220
270,355
26,126
Residential MBS, Agency & GSEs
1,049,648
102,852
392,288
57,784
1,441,936
160,636
Residential MBS, Non-agency
338,399
27,095
8,263
778
346,662
27,873
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSEs
288,787
17,304
332,088
62,103
620,875
79,407
Commercial MBS, Non-agency
30,566
1,058
—
—
30,566
1,058
Corporate bonds
83,010
7,776
127,603
15,987
210,613
23,763
Asset-backed securities
97,705
2,664
133,567
5,284
231,272
7,948
Total unrealized loss position
$
2,238,138
$
171,503
$
1,264,601
$
186,622
$
3,502,739
$
358,125
16
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
At September 30, 2023, there were 672 AFS debt securities and 331 HTM debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position. United does not intend to sell nor does it believe it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at September 30, 2023 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, estimated credit losses and, thus, the related ACL on HTM debt securities were de minimis due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which included securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, GSEs, high credit quality municipalities and supranational entities. As a result, no ACL was recorded on the HTM portfolio at September 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. In addition, based on the assessments performed at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was no ACL required related to the AFS portfolio.
The following table presents accrued interest receivable for the periods indicated on HTM and AFS debt securities (in thousands), which was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Accrued Interest Receivable
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
HTM
$
6,040
$
7,234
AFS
10,983
15,281
The amortized cost and fair value of AFS and HTM debt securities at September 30, 2023, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
AFS
HTM
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Within 1 year:
U.S. Treasuries
$
183,791
$
183,807
$
—
$
—
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
284
280
—
—
State and political subdivisions
2,019
1,969
1,200
1,198
Corporate bonds
9,601
9,316
—
—
195,695
195,372
1,200
1,198
1 to 5 years:
U.S. Treasuries
114,152
100,023
19,857
17,266
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
39,182
35,445
—
—
State and political subdivisions
26,560
23,998
28,316
25,992
Corporate bonds
155,080
139,674
—
—
334,974
299,140
48,173
43,258
5 to 10 years:
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
66,994
57,698
72,566
58,057
State and political subdivisions
49,741
39,977
42,809
34,348
Corporate bonds
53,099
44,945
—
—
Supranational entities
—
—
15,000
11,874
169,834
142,620
130,375
104,279
More than 10 years:
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
136,182
131,272
26,423
19,716
State and political subdivisions
104,941
90,301
221,862
161,168
Corporate bonds
804
870
—
—
241,927
222,443
248,285
180,884
Debt securities not due at a single maturity date:
Asset-backed securities
177,876
174,055
—
—
Residential MBS
1,761,591
1,546,422
1,407,762
1,130,015
Commercial MBS
693,916
602,060
682,978
532,730
2,633,383
2,322,537
2,090,740
1,662,745
Total
$
3,575,813
$
3,182,112
$
2,518,773
$
1,992,364
17
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. The following table summarizes AFS securities sales activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands).
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Proceeds from sales
$
214,573
$
—
$
595,234
$
281,521
Gross realized gains
$
—
$
—
$
1,373
$
1,009
Gross realized losses
—
—
(3,017)
(4,697)
Securities gains (losses), net
$
—
$
—
$
(1,644)
$
(3,688)
Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to sales
$
—
$
—
$
(374)
$
(979)
Investment securities sold in the third quarter of 2023 were those received through the First Miami acquisition. The securities were sold within a few days of the acquisition date and therefore resulted in no gain or loss as the sales price confirmed the value on the acquisition date.
Note 6 – Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses
Major classifications of the loan and lease portfolio (collectively referred to as the “loan portfolio” or “loans”) are summarized as of the dates indicated as follows (in thousands).
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
3,278,582
$
2,734,666
Income producing commercial real estate
4,130,099
3,261,626
Commercial & industrial
2,504,330
2,252,322
Commercial construction
1,849,507
1,597,848
Equipment financing
1,534,352
1,374,251
Total commercial
13,296,870
11,220,713
Residential mortgage
3,043,120
2,355,061
Home equity
940,729
850,269
Residential construction
398,765
442,553
Manufactured housing
343,219
316,741
Consumer
180,104
149,290
Total loans
18,202,807
15,334,627
Less allowance for credit losses - loans
(201,557)
(159,357)
Loans, net
$
18,001,250
$
15,175,270
Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $63.1 million and $52.0 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and was reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest receivable was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the loan portfolio was subject to blanket pledges on certain qualifying loan types with the FHLB and FRB to secure contingent funding sources.
The following table presents the amortized cost of certain loans held for investment that were sold in the periods indicated (in thousands). The gains on these loan sales were included in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Guaranteed portion of SBA/USDA loans
$
26,381
$
20,405
$
70,223
$
87,867
Equipment financing receivables
37,671
21,557
76,945
65,534
Total
$
64,052
$
41,962
$
147,168
$
153,401
18
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, equipment financing receivables included leases of $65.7 million and $46.0 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below (in thousands).
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Minimum future lease payments receivable
$
71,773
$
49,723
Estimated residual value of leased equipment
3,971
2,804
Initial direct costs
1,349
767
Security deposits
(418)
(429)
Unearned income
(10,997)
(6,877)
Net investment in leases
$
65,678
$
45,988
Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of September 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):
Year
Remainder of 2023
$
6,138
2024
22,773
2025
18,549
2026
13,320
2027
8,589
Thereafter
2,404
Total
$
71,773
19
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
The following table presents the aging of the amortized cost basis in loans by aging category and accrual status as of the dates indicated (in thousands). Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due.
Accruing
Current Loans
Loans Past Due
30 - 59 Days
60 - 89 Days
> 90 Days
Nonaccrual Loans
Total Loans
As of September 30, 2023
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
3,271,847
$
1,303
$
298
$
—
$
5,134
$
3,278,582
Income producing commercial real estate
4,099,376
409
59
—
30,255
4,130,099
Commercial & industrial
2,485,006
5,575
367
—
13,382
2,504,330
Commercial construction
1,848,362
80
—
—
1,065
1,849,507
Equipment financing
1,517,824
4,068
3,254
—
9,206
1,534,352
Total commercial
13,222,415
11,435
3,978
—
59,042
13,296,870
Residential mortgage
3,026,653
3,995
579
—
11,893
3,043,120
Home equity
934,376
1,285
1,057
2
4,009
940,729
Residential construction
394,566
2,125
—
—
2,074
398,765
Manufactured housing
317,831
10,388
2,289
—
12,711
343,219
Consumer
179,314
498
203
—
89
180,104
Total loans
$
18,075,155
$
29,726
$
8,106
$
2
$
89,818
$
18,202,807
As of December 31, 2022
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
2,731,574
$
1,522
$
1,047
$
—
$
523
$
2,734,666
Income producing commercial real estate
3,257,232
468
41
—
3,885
3,261,626
Commercial & industrial
2,234,284
3,288
274
6
14,470
2,252,322
Commercial construction
1,597,268
447
—
—
133
1,597,848
Equipment financing
1,362,622
4,285
1,906
—
5,438
1,374,251
Total commercial
11,182,980
10,010
3,268
6
24,449
11,220,713
Residential mortgage
2,342,196
1,939
7
—
10,919
2,355,061
Home equity
844,888
2,709
784
—
1,888
850,269
Residential construction
441,673
20
455
—
405
442,553
Manufactured housing
302,386
6,913
924
—
6,518
316,741
Consumer
148,943
237
48
9
53
149,290
Total loans
$
15,263,066
$
21,828
$
5,486
$
15
$
44,232
$
15,334,627
The following table presents nonaccrual loans held for investment by loan class for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Nonaccrual Loans
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
With no allowance
With an allowance
Total
With no allowance
With an allowance
Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
4,702
$
432
$
5,134
$
276
$
247
$
523
Income producing commercial real estate
11,117
19,138
30,255
3,798
87
3,885
Commercial & industrial
11,448
1,934
13,382
13,917
553
14,470
Commercial construction
1,004
61
1,065
69
64
133
Equipment financing
19
9,187
9,206
85
5,353
5,438
Total commercial
28,290
30,752
59,042
18,145
6,304
24,449
Residential mortgage
2,222
9,671
11,893
2,159
8,760
10,919
Home equity
1,405
2,604
4,009
430
1,458
1,888
Residential construction
1,405
669
2,074
311
94
405
Manufactured housing
—
12,711
12,711
—
6,518
6,518
Consumer
1
88
89
3
50
53
Total
$
33,323
$
56,495
$
89,818
$
21,048
$
23,184
$
44,232
20
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Risk Ratings
United categorizes commercial loans, with the exception of equipment financing receivables, into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, public information, and current industry and economic trends, among other factors. United analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a continual basis. United uses the following definitions for its risk ratings:
Pass. Loans in this category are considered to have a low probability of default and do not meet the criteria of the risk categories below.
Special Mention. Loans in this category are presently protected from apparent loss; however, weaknesses exist that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. These loans require more than the ordinary amount of supervision. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage, but may not be immediately marketable.
Substandard. These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. There is the distinct possibility that United will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. If possible, immediate corrective action is taken.
Doubtful. Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment.
Loss. Loans categorized as Loss have the same characteristics as Doubtful; however, probability of loss is certain. Loans classified as Loss are charged off.
Equipment Financing Receivables and Consumer Purpose Loans. United applies a pass / fail grading system to all equipment financing receivables and consumer purpose loans. Under this system, loans that are on nonaccrual status, become past due 90 days, or are in bankruptcy and 30 or more days past due are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, loans in these categories that are classified as “fail” are reported as substandard and all other loans are reported as pass.
21
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The following tables present the risk category of term loans and, for 2023, gross charge-offs by vintage year, which is the year of origination or most recent renewal, as of the date indicated (in thousands).
Term Loans by Origination Year
Revolvers
Revolvers converted to term loans
Total
As of September 30, 2023
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Owner occupied commercial real estate
Pass
$
548,702
$
697,407
$
648,517
$
591,130
$
212,522
$
369,305
$
108,956
$
17,900
$
3,194,439
Special Mention
2,739
5,515
4,189
5,859
9,722
3,045
—
256
31,325
Substandard
6,908
7,611
4,345
13,341
4,981
11,587
1,327
2,718
52,818
Total owner occupied commercial real estate
$
558,349
$
710,533
$
657,051
$
610,330
$
227,225
$
383,937
$
110,283
$
20,874
$
3,278,582
Current period gross charge-offs
$
207
$
—
$
—
$
656
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
863
Income producing commercial real estate
Pass
$
480,148
$
943,710
$
798,023
$
761,973
$
306,892
$
466,308
$
56,787
$
12,413
$
3,826,254
Special Mention
42,427
37,350
19,078
26,535
35,108
9,627
—
—
170,125
Substandard
37,236
20,604
8,061
20,766
17,418
29,579
—
56
133,720
Total income producing commercial real estate
$
559,811
$
1,001,664
$
825,162
$
809,274
$
359,418
$
505,514
$
56,787
$
12,469
$
4,130,099
Current period gross charge-offs
$
3,033
$
2,534
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
2,291
$
—
$
—
$
7,858
Commercial & industrial
Pass
$
536,057
$
475,831
$
316,737
$
141,890
$
105,098
$
172,251
$
583,560
$
14,397
$
2,345,821
Special Mention
5,901
2,843
3,788
5,624
8,490
776
25,636
294
53,352
Substandard
18,786
5,802
25,867
6,583
4,265
2,060
39,830
1,964
105,157
Total commercial & industrial
$
560,744
$
484,476
$
346,392
$
154,097
$
117,853
$
175,087
$
649,026
$
16,655
$
2,504,330
Current period gross charge-offs
$
5,433
$
1,551
$
13,056
$
2,379
$
315
$
41
$
—
$
1,578
$
24,353
Commercial construction
Pass
$
508,200
$
668,556
$
333,915
$
177,196
$
58,028
$
29,494
$
56,061
$
899
$
1,832,349
Special Mention
57
129
8
50
—
—
—
—
244
Substandard
6,612
1,004
6,838
2,136
—
87
—
237
16,914
Total commercial construction
$
514,869
$
669,689
$
340,761
$
179,382
$
58,028
$
29,581
$
56,061
$
1,136
$
1,849,507
Current period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Equipment financing
Pass
$
557,422
$
544,029
$
266,554
$
99,360
$
51,089
$
5,637
$
—
$
—
$
1,524,091
Substandard
961
4,106
2,996
1,287
880
31
—
—
10,261
Total equipment financing
$
558,383
$
548,135
$
269,550
$
100,647
$
51,969
$
5,668
$
—
$
—
$
1,534,352
Current period gross charge-offs
$
32
$
6,840
$
5,818
$
1,244
$
748
$
312
$
—
$
—
$
14,994
Residential mortgage
Pass
$
652,060
$
959,694
$
746,217
$
326,186
$
86,697
$
254,232
$
402
$
3,468
$
3,028,956
Substandard
443
2,499
1,573
887
1,565
6,944
—
253
14,164
Total residential mortgage
$
652,503
$
962,193
$
747,790
$
327,073
$
88,262
$
261,176
$
402
$
3,721
$
3,043,120
Current period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
23
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
38
$
—
$
—
$
61
Home equity
Pass
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
909,429
$
27,059
$
936,488
Substandard
—
—
—
—
—
—
38
4,203
4,241
Total home equity
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
909,467
$
31,262
$
940,729
Current period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
167
$
167
Residential construction
Pass
$
213,572
$
138,093
$
29,365
$
5,527
$
1,203
$
6,435
$
—
$
94
$
394,289
Substandard
2,639
1,163
425
7
18
224
—
—
4,476
Total residential construction
$
216,211
$
139,256
$
29,790
$
5,534
$
1,221
$
6,659
$
—
$
94
$
398,765
Current period gross charge-offs
$
—
$
1,111
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1,111
Manufactured housing
Pass
$
45,600
$
71,672
$
50,298
$
45,392
$
32,324
$
83,385
$
—
$
—
$
328,671
Substandard
436
3,834
3,196
2,214
1,037
3,831
—
—
14,548
Total consumer
$
46,036
$
75,506
$
53,494
$
47,606
$
33,361
$
87,216
$
—
$
—
$
343,219
Current period gross charge-offs
$
3
$
1,097
$
503
$
300
$
205
$
337
$
—
$
—
$
2,445
Consumer
Pass
$
74,136
$
46,324
$
20,955
$
11,624
$
1,644
$
1,013
$
24,053
$
175
$
179,924
Substandard
20
64
56
23
—
17
—
—
180
Total consumer
$
74,156
$
46,388
$
21,011
$
11,647
$
1,644
$
1,030
$
24,053
$
175
$
180,104
Current period gross charge-offs
$
2,472
$
120
$
229
$
29
$
14
$
1
$
1
$
141
$
3,007
22
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Term Loans
Revolvers
Revolvers converted to term loans
Total
As of December 31, 2022
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Prior
Pass
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
669,451
$
671,395
$
611,900
$
204,990
$
127,738
$
253,890
$
114,975
$
5,779
$
2,660,118
Income producing commercial real estate
812,804
753,936
733,946
248,259
171,108
255,485
50,026
9,953
3,035,517
Commercial & industrial
535,594
388,851
186,292
134,789
119,547
71,503
670,161
15,880
2,122,617
Commercial construction
732,147
391,963
256,087
78,778
11,977
19,973
70,819
1,433
1,563,177
Equipment financing
714,044
374,030
162,463
93,690
22,753
1,214
—
—
1,368,194
Total commercial
3,464,040
2,580,175
1,950,688
760,506
453,123
602,065
905,981
33,045
10,749,623
Residential mortgage
894,960
742,821
329,762
91,300
55,785
223,846
8
3,133
2,341,615
Home equity
—
—
—
—
—
—
824,153
23,948
848,101
Residential construction
344,443
82,289
4,478
1,742
1,545
7,549
—
31
442,077
Manufactured housing
78,097
54,976
48,908
34,836
31,060
61,148
—
—
309,025
Consumer
71,899
29,322
15,406
3,987
1,837
588
25,963
126
149,128
4,853,439
3,489,583
2,349,242
892,371
543,350
895,196
1,756,105
60,283
14,839,569
Special Mention
Owner occupied commercial real estate
4,236
8,036
4,641
10,299
1,232
11,596
3,875
279
44,194
Income producing commercial real estate
41,423
1,137
44,802
32,821
21,647
50
805
—
142,685
Commercial & industrial
1,695
21,745
2,686
1,047
1,244
167
10,449
309
39,342
Commercial construction
850
33
1,640
13,237
4,891
28
—
—
20,679
Equipment financing
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total commercial
48,204
30,951
53,769
57,404
29,014
11,841
15,129
588
246,900
Residential mortgage
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Home equity
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Residential construction
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Manufactured housing
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Consumer
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
48,204
30,951
53,769
57,404
29,014
11,841
15,129
588
246,900
Substandard
Owner occupied commercial real estate
9,835
77
2,873
4,490
1,204
8,055
209
3,611
30,354
Income producing commercial real estate
52,384
1,357
1,867
4,180
13,209
10,365
—
62
83,424
Commercial & industrial
10,431
19,477
3,880
4,557
11,019
1,189
39,333
477
90,363
Commercial construction
133
—
45
2
3,876
9,693
—
243
13,992
Equipment financing
1,625
2,160
1,303
705
236
28
—
—
6,057
Total commercial
74,408
23,071
9,968
13,934
29,544
29,330
39,542
4,393
224,190
Residential mortgage
1,195
964
1,364
1,836
2,589
5,296
—
202
13,446
Home equity
—
—
—
—
—
—
93
2,075
2,168
Residential construction
32
268
—
20
3
153
—
—
476
Manufactured housing
1,130
1,267
1,427
990
1,188
1,714
—
—
7,716
Consumer
20
77
34
1
25
4
1
—
162
76,785
25,647
12,793
16,781
33,349
36,497
39,636
6,670
248,158
Total
$
4,978,428
$
3,546,181
$
2,415,804
$
966,556
$
605,713
$
943,534
$
1,810,870
$
67,541
$
15,334,627
23
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
The period-end amortized cost of loans modified under the terms of a FDM during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 is presented in the following table (in thousands).
New FDMs
Post-Modification Amortized Cost by Type of Modification
Extension
Payment Delay
Payment Delay & Extension
Rate Reduction & Extension
Total
% of Total Class of Receivable
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
782
$
276
$
—
$
—
$
1,058
—
%
Income producing commercial real estate
38,139
—
—
35,369
73,508
1.8
%
Commercial & industrial
4,029
13,673
1,663
—
19,365
0.8
Commercial construction
—
366
—
—
366
—
Equipment financing
15,888
—
1,763
—
17,651
1.2
Residential mortgage
57
—
—
930
987
—
Residential construction
—
—
—
47
47
—
Manufactured housing
—
—
—
256
256
0.1
Total loans
$
58,895
$
14,315
$
3,426
$
36,602
$
113,238
0.6
Equipment financing FDMs typically consist of extensions and/or payment delays in which the borrower receives one or more three-month payment delays and/or extensions beyond the original maturity. For the remainder of extension FDMs occurring during the first nine months of 2023, the weighted average extension granted was approximately 13 months.
Commercial and industrial payment delay FDMs include $2.86 million of loans in bankruptcy status. Excluding bankruptcy status loans, the remainder of FDMs in this category had a weighted average payment delay of approximately three months.
Commercial and industrial payment delay and extension FDMs received a weighted average payment delay of approximately nine months and extensions of less than one year.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, income producing commercial real estate FDMs categorized as rate reduction and extensions resulted in a decrease in weighted average interest rate of 158 basis points and extended the weighted average maturity by two years. Residential mortgage and manufactured housing FDMs resulted in a decrease in weighted average interest rate of 562 basis points and extended the weighted average maturity by 17.5 years.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were $910,000 in equipment financing extension FDMs modified during 2023 that subsequently defaulted under modified loan terms.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The ACL for loans represents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the portfolio as of the end of the period. The ACL related to unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
At both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, United used a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period. Expected credit losses were estimated using a regression model for each segment based on historical data from peer banks combined with a third party vendor’s baseline economic forecast to predict the change in credit losses. These estimates were then combined with a starting value that was based on United’s recent charge-off experience to produce an expected default rate, with the results subject to a floor. In the case of residential construction, commercial construction, income producing commercial real estate and multifamily loans (included in income producing commercial real estate), the expected default rate was adjusted by a model overlay based on expectations of future performance. For the third quarter of 2023, management applied qualitative factors to the model output for the residential mortgage and owner occupied commercial real estate portfolios to account for observable differences in national economic trends reflected in the economic forecast that are not being observed at the same level of severity within United’s geographic footprint.
For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year, United reverted to historical credit loss information on a straight line basis over two years. For most collateral types, United reverted to through-the-cycle average default rates using peer data from 2000 to 2017. For loans secured by residential mortgages and manufactured housing, the peer data was adjusted for changes in lending practices designed to mitigate the magnitude of losses observed during the 2008 mortgage crisis.
24
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
Beginning Balance
Initial ACL -PCD loans (1)
Charge-Offs
Recoveries
(Release) Provision
Ending Balance
Beginning Balance
Charge-Offs
Recoveries
(Release) Provision
Ending Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
21,788
$
92
$
(656)
$
74
$
2,686
$
23,984
$
16,774
$
—
$
90
$
2,192
$
19,056
Income producing commercial real estate
38,775
3,092
(3,044)
33
6,732
45,588
33,284
(202)
26
(1,498)
31,610
Commercial & industrial
29,856
533
(19,702)
2,160
18,370
31,217
18,267
(373)
1,117
1,907
20,918
Commercial construction
22,276
—
—
49
(1,686)
20,639
16,062
—
(10)
1,902
17,954
Equipment financing
28,604
—
(7,215)
890
8,083
30,362
18,409
(1,987)
866
3,277
20,565
Residential mortgage
25,431
—
(16)
145
1,324
26,884
17,035
—
66
2,234
19,335
Home equity
10,609
—
(22)
2,806
(3,594)
9,799
7,487
(27)
129
884
8,473
Residential construction
3,446
—
(474)
133
(231)
2,874
2,086
—
109
109
2,304
Manufactured housing
9,204
—
(1,171)
3
1,342
9,378
6,614
(225)
5
958
7,352
Consumer
716
—
(863)
232
747
832
907
(1,010)
292
746
935
ACL - loans
190,705
3,717
(33,163)
6,525
33,773
201,557
136,925
(3,824)
2,690
12,711
148,502
ACL - unfunded commitments
21,572
—
—
—
(3,505)
18,067
16,117
—
—
2,681
18,798
Total ACL
$
212,277
$
3,717
$
(33,163)
$
6,525
$
30,268
$
219,624
$
153,042
$
(3,824)
$
2,690
$
15,392
$
167,300
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
Beginning Balance
Initial ACL - PCD loans (1)
Charge-Offs
Recoveries
(Release) Provision
Ending Balance
Beginning Balance
Initial ACL - PCD loans (2)
Charge- Offs
Recoveries
(Release) Provision
Ending Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
19,834
$
273
$
(863)
$
396
$
4,344
$
23,984
$
14,282
$
266
$
—
$
1,631
$
2,877
$
19,056
Income producing commercial real estate
32,082
3,399
(7,858)
1,357
16,608
45,588
24,156
4,366
(202)
432
2,858
31,610
Commercial & industrial
23,504
1,891
(24,353)
3,840
26,335
31,217
16,592
2,337
(4,978)
3,095
3,872
20,918
Commercial construction
20,120
39
—
191
289
20,639
9,956
2,857
(41)
548
4,634
17,954
Equipment financing
23,395
—
(14,994)
2,757
19,204
30,362
16,290
—
(4,644)
2,349
6,570
20,565
Residential mortgage
20,809
157
(61)
320
5,659
26,884
12,390
385
(53)
267
6,346
19,335
Home equity
8,707
534
(167)
2,977
(2,252)
9,799
6,568
60
(36)
565
1,316
8,473
Residential construction
2,049
124
(1,111)
162
1,650
2,874
1,847
1
—
208
248
2,304
Manufactured housing
8,098
—
(2,445)
29
3,696
9,378
—
2,438
(533)
14
5,433
7,352
Consumer
759
4
(3,007)
709
2,367
832
451
27
(2,544)
879
2,122
935
ACL - loans
159,357
6,421
(54,859)
12,738
77,900
201,557
102,532
12,737
(13,031)
9,988
36,276
148,502
ACL - unfunded commitments
21,163
—
—
—
(3,096)
18,067
10,992
—
—
—
7,806
18,798
Total ACL
$
180,520
$
6,421
$
(54,859)
$
12,738
$
74,804
$
219,624
$
113,524
$
12,737
$
(13,031)
$
9,988
$
44,082
$
167,300
(1) For the three months ended September 30, 2023, represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the First Miami transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the First Miami and Progress transactions.
(2) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Reliant transaction during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
25
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 7 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The table below presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments, which are included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Notional Amount
Fair Value
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Derivative Asset
Derivative Liability
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow hedge of subordinated debt
$
100,000
$
16,632
$
—
$
100,000
$
16,191
$
—
Cash flow hedge of trust preferred securities
20,000
—
—
20,000
—
—
Fair value hedge of AFS debt securities
666,286
—
—
—
—
—
Total
786,286
16,632
—
120,000
16,191
—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Customer derivative positions
1,158,829
89
103,620
1,097,578
341
86,358
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions
1,158,691
35,370
83
1,097,578
22,393
274
Risk participations
85,442
—
4
88,586
15
1
Mortgage banking - loan commitment
61,864
1,031
—
19,685
394
—
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment
77,948
527
14
49,750
198
71
Bifurcated embedded derivatives
51,935
12,048
—
51,935
11,104
—
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives
51,935
—
13,634
51,935
—
12,839
Total
2,646,644
49,065
117,355
2,457,047
34,445
99,543
Total derivatives
$
3,432,930
$
65,697
$
117,355
$
2,577,047
$
50,636
$
99,543
Total gross derivative instruments
$
65,697
$
117,355
$
50,636
$
99,543
Less: Amounts subject to master netting agreements
(107)
(107)
(346)
(346)
Less: Cash collateral received/pledged
(54,548)
(14,179)
(38,386)
(13,089)
Net amount
$
11,042
$
103,069
$
11,904
$
86,108
United clears certain derivatives centrally through the CME. CME rules legally characterize variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives as settlements of the derivatives’ exposure rather than as collateral. As a result, the variation margin payment and the related derivative instruments are considered a single unit of account for accounting purposes. Variation margin, as determined by the CME, is settled daily. As a result, derivative contracts that clear through the CME have an estimated fair value of zero.
Hedging Derivatives
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
United enters into cash flow hedges to mitigate exposure to the variability of future cash flows or other forecasted transactions. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, United utilized interest rate caps and swaps to hedge the variability of cash flows due to changes in interest rates on certain of its variable-rate subordinated debt and trust preferred securities. United considers these derivatives to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to changes in interest rates. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in OCI. Gains and losses related to changes in fair value are reclassified into earnings in the periods the hedged forecasted transactions occur. Losses representing amortization of the premium recorded on cash flow hedges, which is a component excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis in the same caption as the hedged item over the term of the hedge. Over the next twelve months, United expects to reclassify $5.75 million of gains from AOCI into earnings related to these agreements.
Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
United is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed-rate investments and obligations due to changes in interest rates. United uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in interest rates. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. United includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives. During the second
26
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
quarter of 2023, United entered into fair value hedges on stated amounts of closed portfolios of AFS debt securities using the portfolio layer method.
The table below presents the effect of derivatives in hedging relationships, all of which are interest rate contracts, on net interest income for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Affected Income Statement Line Item
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Fair value hedges:
Brokered time deposits:
Net income recognized
Interest expense- deposits
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
28
AFS securities:
Recognized on derivative interest settlements
$
3,011
$
—
$
5,321
$
—
Recognized on derivatives
9,139
—
23,028
—
Recognized on hedged items
(8,382)
—
(23,671)
—
Net income recognized
Interest revenue- investment securities
$
3,768
$
—
$
4,678
$
—
Cash flow hedges:
Long-term debt (1)
Interest expense- long term debt
$
42
$
(48)
$
2,098
$
(295)
(1) Includes premium amortization expense excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of $119,000 for both the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $348,000 and $353,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The table below presents the amortized cost of hedged AFS debt securities and cumulative fair value hedging basis adjustments for the periods presented (in thousands). All fair value hedges of AFS debt securities at September 30, 2023 were designated under the the portfolio layer method. At September 30, 2023, the aggregate designated hedged items using the portfolio layer method had a notional amount of $666 million.
Customer derivative positions include swaps, caps, and collars between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back program. In addition, United occasionally enters into credit risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to accept or transfer a portion of the credit risk related to interest rate swaps. The agreements, which are typically executed in conjunction with a participation in a loan with the same customer, allow customers to execute an interest rate swap with one bank while allowing for the distribution of the credit risk among participating members.
United also has three interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments but are economic hedges of market-linked brokered certificates of deposit. The market-linked brokered certificates of deposit contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments and are marked to market through earnings. The fair value marks on the market-linked swaps and the bifurcated embedded derivatives tend to move in opposite directions and therefore provide an economic hedge.
In addition, United originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, United is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments. Fair value adjustments on these derivative instruments are recorded within mortgage loan gains and other related fee income in the consolidated statements of income.
27
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The table below presents the gains and losses recognized in income on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets
Other noninterest income
$
789
$
471
$
1,701
$
1,685
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets
Other noninterest income
(651)
(108)
(1,658)
90
Mortgage banking derivatives
Mortgage loan revenue
1,034
1,047
2,435
8,297
Risk participations
Other noninterest income
19
(1)
161
93
$
1,191
$
1,409
$
2,639
$
10,165
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
United manages its credit exposure on derivatives transactions by entering into a bilateral credit support agreement with each non-customer counterparty. The credit support agreements require collateralization of exposures beyond specified minimum threshold amounts. The details of these agreements, including the minimum thresholds, vary by counterparty.
United’s agreements with each of its derivative counterparties provide that if either party defaults on any of its indebtedness, then it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The agreements with derivative counterparties also include provisions that if not met, could result in United being declared in default. United has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that provide that if United fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution or is subject to a prompt corrective action directive, the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and United would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements. Derivatives that are centrally cleared do not have credit-risk-related features that would require additional collateral if United’s credit rating were downgraded.
Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets as of the dates indicated is summarized below (in thousands).
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Core deposit intangible
$
104,174
$
46,900
Less: accumulated amortization
(36,638)
(26,112)
Net core deposit intangible
67,536
20,788
Customer relationship intangible
8,400
8,400
Less: accumulated amortization
(1,708)
(1,114)
Net customer relationship intangible
6,692
7,286
Total intangibles subject to amortization, net (1)
74,228
28,074
Goodwill
919,914
751,174
Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net
$
994,142
$
779,248
(1) As intangible assets become fully amortized, they are excluded from balances presented.
During the first quarter of 2023, as a result of the Progress acquisition, United recorded a core deposit intangible of $40.0 million. During the third quarter of 2023, as a result of the First Miami acquisition, United recorded a core deposit intangible of $18.0 million. See Note 4 for further details. Also during the third quarter of 2023, United reduced its core deposit intangible related to the Reliant acquisition by $656,000 as a result of the sale of core deposits in connection with a whole branch disposal.
The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Balance, beginning of period (1)
$
896,718
$
751,174
$
751,174
$
452,007
Acquisitions
23,196
—
168,740
299,167
Balance, end of period (1)
$
919,914
$
751,174
$
919,914
$
751,174
(1) Goodwill balances are shown net of accumulated impairment losses of $306 million incurred prior to 2022.
28
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for finite-lived intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
Remainder of 2023
$
4,030
2024
14,872
2025
12,774
2026
10,896
2027
9,018
Thereafter
22,638
Total
$
74,228
Note 9 – Preferred Stock
In May 2023, United’s Board of Directors approved a preferred stock repurchase program, authorizing United to repurchase up to $25.0 million of its outstanding Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock directly or through the repurchase of depositary shares representing 1/1000th of a share of Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of the repurchase of preferred stock having an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million or December 31, 2023. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, 244,012 and 254,680 depositary shares were repurchased, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $19.7 million of outstanding preferred stock under the program.
Note 10 – Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering those assumptions, United uses a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). United has processes in place to review the significant valuation inputs and to reassess how the instruments are classified in the valuation framework.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Level 1 Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that United has the ability to access.
Level 2 Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
Level 3 Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.
In instances when the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
Investment Securities
AFS debt securities and equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include MBS issued by GSEs, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities and supranational entity securities and are valued based on observable inputs that include: quoted market prices for similar assets, quoted market prices that are not in an active market, or other inputs that are observable in the market and can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include those traded in less liquid markets and are valued based on estimates obtained from broker-dealers that are not directly observable or models which incorporate unobservable inputs.
29
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities
Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet are assets purchased to provide returns to participants in the employee deferred compensation plan. These assets are mutual funds classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the participant, which mirrors the fair value of the invested assets and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Deferred compensation plan liabilities are unsecured general obligations of United.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
United has elected the fair value option for most of its newly originated mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan, and are classified as Level 2. As of December 31, 2022, United had certain mortgage loans held for sale that were acquired from Reliant for which the fair value option was not elected; these loans were carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. These loans were subsequently sold in 2023.
Derivative Financial Instruments
United uses derivatives to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is typically determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. United also uses best effort and mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments to hedge risk in its mortgage lending business.
United incorporates CVAs as necessary to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, United has considered the effect of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds and guarantees.
Management has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, the CVAs associated with these derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. Generally, management’s assessment of the significance of the CVAs has indicated that they are not a significant input to the overall valuation of the derivatives. In cases when management’s assessment indicates that the CVA is a significant input, the related derivative is disclosed as a Level 3 value.
Other derivatives classified as Level 3 include structured derivatives for which broker quotes, used as a key valuation input, were not observable. Risk participation agreements are classified as Level 3 instruments due to the incorporation of significant Level 3 inputs used to evaluate the probability of funding and the likelihood of customer default. Interest rate lock commitments, which relate to mortgage loan commitments, are categorized as Level 3 instruments as the fair value of these instruments is based on unobservable inputs for commitments that United does not expect to fund.
Servicing Rights for Residential and SBA/USDA Loans
United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential and SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. Management has elected to carry these assets at fair value. Given the nature of these assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management classifies these assets as Level 3.
30
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents United’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands).
September 30, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasuries
$
283,830
$
—
$
—
$
283,830
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
—
224,695
—
224,695
State and political subdivisions
—
156,245
—
156,245
Residential MBS
—
1,546,422
—
1,546,422
Commercial MBS
—
602,060
—
602,060
Corporate bonds
—
192,626
2,179
194,805
Asset-backed securities
—
174,055
—
174,055
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
8,400
1,576
—
9,976
Mortgage loans held for sale
—
37,110
—
37,110
Deferred compensation plan assets
12,436
—
—
12,436
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans
—
—
5,431
5,431
Residential mortgage servicing rights
—
—
38,234
38,234
Derivative financial instruments
—
52,618
13,079
65,697
Total assets
$
304,666
$
2,987,407
$
58,923
$
3,350,996
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability
$
12,476
$
—
$
—
$
12,476
Derivative financial instruments
—
103,717
13,638
117,355
Total liabilities
$
12,476
$
103,717
$
13,638
$
129,831
December 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets:
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasuries
$
149,352
$
—
$
—
$
149,352
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
—
250,116
—
250,116
State and political subdivisions
—
303,748
—
303,748
Residential MBS
—
1,795,481
—
1,795,481
Commercial MBS
—
671,912
—
671,912
Corporate bonds
—
210,240
2,212
212,452
Asset-backed securities
—
231,272
—
231,272
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values
12,278
1,359
—
13,637
Mortgage loans held for sale
—
11,794
—
11,794
Deferred compensation plan assets
11,436
—
—
11,436
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans
—
—
5,188
5,188
Residential mortgage servicing rights
—
—
36,559
36,559
Derivative financial instruments
—
39,123
11,513
50,636
Total assets
$
173,066
$
3,515,045
$
55,472
$
3,743,583
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability
$
11,460
$
—
$
—
$
11,460
Derivative financial instruments
—
86,703
12,840
99,543
Total liabilities
$
11,460
$
86,703
$
12,840
$
111,003
31
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the periods indicated for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 values (in thousands).
2023
2022
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
SBA/USDA loan servicing rights
Residential mortgage servicing rights
Corporate Bonds
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
SBA/USDA loan servicing rights
Residential mortgage servicing rights
Corporate Bonds
Three Months Ended September 30,
Beginning balance
$
11,872
$
12,564
$
6,148
$
37,194
$
2,183
$
10,199
$
10,795
$
6,167
$
35,131
$
2,287
Additions
—
—
525
826
—
—
—
411
704
—
Sales and settlements
—
—
(418)
(534)
—
—
—
(220)
(602)
—
Fair value adjustments included in OCI
—
—
—
—
(4)
—
—
—
—
(61)
Fair value adjustments included in earnings
1,207
1,074
(824)
748
—
1,819
2,866
(280)
1,921
—
Ending balance
$
13,079
$
13,638
$
5,431
$
38,234
$
2,179
$
12,018
$
13,661
$
6,078
$
37,154
$
2,226
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Beginning balance
$
11,513
$
12,840
$
5,188
$
36,559
$
2,212
$
6,758
$
5,048
$
6,513
$
25,161
$
2,395
Business combinations
—
—
95
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Additions
—
170
1,449
2,306
—
—
99
1,799
4,594
—
Transfers from Level 3
—
—
—
—
—
(290)
—
—
—
—
Sales and settlements
(11)
—
(869)
(1,482)
—
—
(1)
(857)
(1,916)
—
Fair value adjustments included in OCI
—
—
—
—
(33)
—
—
—
—
(169)
Fair value adjustments included in earnings
1,577
628
(432)
851
—
5,550
8,515
(1,377)
9,315
—
Ending balance
$
13,079
$
13,638
$
5,431
$
38,234
$
2,179
$
12,018
$
13,661
$
6,078
$
37,154
$
2,226
The following table presents quantitative information about significant Level 3 inputs for fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated.
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Inputs
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
SBA/USDA loan servicing rights
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
9.6% - 25.0%
16.5
%
11.9% - 25.0%
17.5
%
Prepayment rate
4.2 - 36.7
17.8
0.0 - 35.4
16.4
Residential mortgage servicing rights
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
10.0 - 12.5
10.1
9.5 - 11.5
9.5
Prepayment rate
6.5 - 28.2
7.3
7.0 - 31.2
7.5
Corporate bonds
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
6.8 - 7.3
7.1
6.1 - 6.4
6.3
Derivative assets - mortgage
Internal model
Pull through rate
60.0 - 100
89.2
26.5 - 100
90.7
Derivative assets and liabilities - other
Dealer priced
Dealer priced
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Fair Value Option
United generally records mortgage loans held for sale at fair value under the fair value option. Interest income on these loans is calculated based on the note rate of the loan and is recorded in interest revenue. In connection with the Reliant acquisition, United acquired mortgage loans held for sale accounted for under the lower of cost or fair value method. These loans are separately disclosed under the heading “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis” within this footnote. The following tables present the fair value and outstanding principal balance of loans accounted for under the fair value option, as well as the gain or loss recognized from the change in fair value for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Outstanding principal balance
$
36,317
$
11,473
Fair value
37,110
11,794
32
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Gain (Loss) from Change in Fair Value on Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Location
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Mortgage loan gains and other related fees
$
209
$
(809)
$
473
$
(1,820)
Changes in fair value were mostly offset by hedging activities. An immaterial portion of these amounts was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
United may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of the lower of the amortized cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets due to impairment. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and carrying value of assets that were still held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the year-to-date periods presented (in thousands).
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
September 30, 2023
Loans held for investment
$
—
$
—
$
37,236
$
37,236
December 31, 2022
Loans held for investment
$
—
$
—
$
7,808
$
7,808
Mortgage loans held for sale
—
—
1,806
1,806
Mortgage loans held for sale that were acquired from Reliant were subject to a nonrecurring fair value adjustment resulting from the application of the lower of the amortized cost or fair value accounting. As of December 31, 2022, these loans were classified as nonrecurring Level 3 because the valuation of these loans was based on indicative bids provided by a broker, not corroborated by market transactions. These loans were subsequently sold during the first half of 2023.
Loans held for investment that are reported above as being measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are generally impaired loans that have either been partially charged off or have specific reserves assigned to them. Nonaccrual loans that are collateral dependent are generally written down to net realizable value, which reflects fair value less the estimated costs to sell. Specific reserves that are established based on appraised value of collateral are considered nonrecurring fair value adjustments as well. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.
Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
For financial instruments that have quoted market prices, those quotes are used to determine fair value. Financial instruments that have no defined maturity, have a remaining maturity of 180 days or less, or reprice frequently to a market rate, are assumed to have a fair value that approximates reported book value, after taking into consideration any applicable credit risk. If no market quotes are available, financial instruments are valued by discounting the expected cash flows using an estimated current market interest rate for the financial instrument. For off-balance sheet derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that United would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.
Cash and cash equivalents and repurchase agreements have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. Due to the short-term settlement of accrued interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount closely approximates fair value.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect the premium or discount on any particular financial instrument that could result from the sale of United’s entire holdings. All estimates are inherently subjective in nature. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the mortgage banking operation, brokerage network, deferred income
33
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
taxes, premises and equipment and goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) for which draws can be reasonably predicted are generally short-term in maturity and are priced at variable rates. Therefore, the estimated fair value associated with these instruments is immaterial.
The carrying amount and fair values as of the dates indicated for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands).
Fair Value Level
Carrying Amount
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
September 30, 2023
Assets:
HTM debt securities
$
2,518,773
$
17,266
$
1,975,098
$
—
$
1,992,364
Loans and leases, net
18,001,250
—
—
17,215,625
17,215,625
Liabilities:
Deposits
22,857,868
—
22,849,880
—
22,849,880
Long-term debt
324,786
—
—
307,234
307,234
December 31, 2022
Assets:
HTM debt securities
$
2,613,648
$
17,417
$
2,173,656
$
—
$
2,191,073
Loans and leases, net
15,175,270
—
—
14,609,239
14,609,239
Liabilities:
Deposits
19,876,507
—
19,863,380
—
19,863,380
FHLB advances
550,000
—
—
549,913
549,913
Long-term debt
324,663
—
—
313,380
313,380
34
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation
United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of various share-based compensation. The general terms of the plan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercisable period not to exceed ten years. Certain options and restricted stock unit awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plan document). As of September 30, 2023, 2.28 million additional awards could be granted under the plan.
The table below presents restricted stock unit and option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
Options
Shares
Weighted- Average Grant- Date Fair Value
Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Shares
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
778,686
$
28.28
40,338
$
11.88
Granted
529,611
29.11
643,298
20.91
Released / Exercised
(264,031)
25.99
$
7,861
(271,124)
19.08
$
2,367
Cancelled
(50,110)
30.32
(4,620)
25.97
Outstanding at September 30, 2023
994,156
29.23
25,262
407,892
21.17
5.4
1,769
Vested / Exercisable at September 30, 2023
—
—
407,892
21.17
5.4
1,769
Options granted in 2023 reflect fully vested options assumed in the Progress acquisition, with the weighted average exercise price of Progress’ fully vested converted options determined pursuant to the purchase agreement. The value of the Progress options was determined using a Black-Scholes model and was included in the purchase price for the acquisition. No compensation expense relating to options was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Compensation expense for restricted stock units and performance stock units without market conditions is based on the market value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for performance stock units with market conditions is based on the grant date per share fair value, which was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. United recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. The value of restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards is amortized into expense over the service period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, expense of $6.54 million and $6.24 million, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted to United employees, which was included in salaries and employee benefits expense. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, $555,000 and $412,000, respectively, was recognized in other expense for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of United’s Board of Directors.
A deferred income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense of $1.81 million and $1.70 million was included in the determination of income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, there was $23.7 million of unrecognized expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
35
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 12 – Reclassifications Out of AOCI
The following table presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of AOCI for the periods indicated (in thousands). Amounts shown in parentheses reduce earnings.
Details about AOCI Components
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
2023
2022
2023
2022
Realized losses on AFS securities:
$
—
$
—
$
(1,644)
$
(3,688)
Securities losses, net
—
—
374
979
Income tax benefit
$
—
$
—
$
(1,270)
$
(2,709)
Net of tax
Amortization of unrealized losses on HTM securities transferred from AFS:
$
(2,478)
$
(4,473)
$
(7,964)
$
(6,242)
Investment securities interest revenue
593
1,073
1,917
1,495
Income tax benefit
$
(1,885)
$
(3,400)
$
(6,047)
$
(4,747)
Net of tax
Reclassifications related to derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:
Interest rate contracts
$
42
$
(48)
$
2,098
$
(295)
Long-term debt interest expense
(11)
12
(536)
75
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
31
$
(36)
$
1,562
$
(220)
Net of tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension plan net periodic pension cost components:
Prior service cost
$
(61)
$
(91)
$
(183)
$
(276)
Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses
—
(78)
—
(234)
Other expense
(61)
(169)
(183)
(510)
Total before tax
16
43
47
130
Income tax benefit
$
(45)
$
(126)
$
(136)
$
(380)
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
$
(1,899)
$
(3,562)
$
(5,891)
$
(8,056)
Net of tax
36
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 13 – Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data).
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net income
$
47,866
$
81,161
$
173,454
$
196,022
Dividends on preferred stock
(1,624)
(1,719)
(5,062)
(5,157)
Discount on preferred shares repurchased
792
—
792
—
Earnings allocated to participating securities
(259)
(407)
(939)
(1,007)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
46,775
$
79,035
$
168,245
$
189,858
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
119,506
106,687
116,925
106,616
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options
95
38
141
40
Restricted stock units
23
75
18
76
Diluted
119,624
106,800
117,084
106,732
Net income per common share:
Basic
$
0.39
$
0.74
$
1.44
$
1.78
Diluted
$
0.39
$
0.74
$
1.44
$
1.78
At September 30, 2023, United excluded from the computation 1,968 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options because of their antidilutive effect. At September 30, 2022, United had no potentially dilutive instruments outstanding that were not included in the computation.
Note 14 – Regulatory Matters
As of September 30, 2023, United and the Bank were categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory requirements in effect at that time. To be categorized as well-capitalized, United and the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at the time, as set forth in the table below, and have met certain other requirements. Management believes that United and the Bank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements at September 30, 2023, and there have been no conditions or events since quarter-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.
Regulatory capital ratios at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under regulatory requirements in effect at such times, are presented below for United and the Bank (dollars in thousands):
United Community Banks, Inc. (Consolidated)
United Community Bank
Minimum (1)
Well- Capitalized
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Risk-based ratios:
CET1 capital
4.5
%
6.5
%
12.15
%
12.26
%
12.26
%
12.83
%
Tier 1 capital
6.0
8.0
12.60
12.81
12.26
12.83
Total capital
8.0
10.0
14.45
14.79
13.25
13.70
Leverage ratio
4.0
5.0
9.70
9.69
9.43
9.69
CET1 capital
$
2,445,212
$
2,164,211
$
2,457,791
$
2,255,337
Tier 1 capital
2,535,495
2,260,633
2,457,791
2,255,337
Total capital
2,907,824
2,610,216
2,654,380
2,408,895
Risk-weighted assets
20,129,470
17,648,573
20,039,784
17,583,347
Average total assets for the leverage ratio
26,141,324
23,322,018
26,059,562
23,285,253
(1) As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.50%
37
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies
United is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement United has in particular classes of financial instruments. The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. United uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it uses for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. In most cases, collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk.
The following table summarizes the contractual amount of off-balance sheet instruments as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
United, in the normal course of business, is subject to various pending and threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or the range of any possible loss, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising from these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on United’s financial position or results of operations.
Tax Credit and Certain Equity Investments
United invests in certain LIHTC partnerships throughout its market area as a means of supporting local communities, as well as in entities that promote renewable energy sources. United receives tax credits related to these investments. For certain of the investments, United provides financing during the construction and development phase of the related projects and/or permanent financing upon completion of the project. United has concluded that these partnerships are VIEs of which it is not the primary beneficiary because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' financial performance and, therefore, is not required to consolidate these VIEs. United's maximum potential exposure to losses relative to investments in these VIEs is generally limited to the sum of the outstanding investment balance, any future funding commitments and the balance of any related loans to the entity. Loans to these entities are underwritten in substantially the same manner as other loans and are generally secured.
United also has investments in and future funding commitments related to fintech fund limited partnerships, other community development entities and certain other equity method investments. United has concluded that these partnerships are VIEs of which it is not the primary beneficiary because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' financial performance and, therefore, is not required to consolidate these VIEs. The risk exposure relating to such commitments is generally limited to the amount invested by United and any future funding commitments.
The following table summarizes, as of the dates indicated, tax credit and certain equity method investments (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Location
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Investments in LIHTC:
Carrying amount
Other assets
$
50,432
$
50,054
Amount of future funding commitments included in carrying amount
Other liabilities
14,990
18,090
Renewable energy investments:
Carrying amount
Other assets
37,343
19,617
Amount of future funding commitments included in carrying amount
Other liabilities
15,795
18,781
Fintech funds and certain other equity method investments:
Carrying amount
Other assets
38,209
27,569
Amount of future funding commitments included in carrying amount
Other liabilities
5,786
470
Amount of future funding commitments not included in carrying amount
N/A
25,918
23,690
38
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 16 – Short-term Borrowings
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, short-term borrowings consisted of repurchase agreements, which are borrowings secured by investment securities. The following table presents the remaining contractual maturity of repurchase agreements by collateral pledged as of the date indicated (in thousands).
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
Overnight and Continuous
Up to 30 Days
30-90 Days
Greater than 90 days
Total
September 30, 2023
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs
37,348
—
—
—
37,348
Total
$
37,348
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
37,348
December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasuries
$
158,933
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
158,933
Total
$
158,933
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
158,933
United is obligated to promptly transfer additional securities if the market value of the pledged securities falls below the repurchase agreement price. United manages this risk by maintaining a portfolio of unpledged securities that it believes is sufficient to cover a decline in the market value of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At September 30, 2023, repurchase agreements were collateralized by securities with a carrying amount of $62.3 million. At December 31, 2022, repurchase agreements were collateralized by securities with a carrying amount of $163 million.
Note 17 - Subsequent Events
Preferred Share Repurchases
Subsequent to quarter-end through November 1, 2023, United repurchased 83,670 depositary shares (each representing 1/1000 interest in a share of preferred stock), bringing to a total 338,350 depositary shares repurchased to date through its preferred stock repurchase program. As of November 1, 2023, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $17.8 million of outstanding preferred stock under the program.
39
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our financial condition at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on information about our financial condition and results of operations which is not otherwise apparent from our consolidated financial statements and is intended to provide insight into our results of operations and financial condition. The following discussion and analysis should be read along with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part I - Item 1 of this Report, “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the risk factors discussed in our 2022 10-K and referenced in Part II, Item 1.A. of this Report, and the other reports we have filed with the SEC after we filed the 2022 10-K.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” refer to United on a consolidated basis.
Overview
We offer a wide array of commercial and consumer banking services and investment advisory services primarily through a 205 branch network throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. We have grown organically as well as through strategic acquisitions. At September 30, 2023, we had consolidated total assets of $26.9 billion and 3,151 full-time equivalent employees.
Recent Developments
Mergers and Acquisitions
On January 3, 2023, we completed the acquisition of Progress, which operated 13 offices primarily located in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. We acquired $1.90 billion of assets and assumed $1.60 billion of liabilities in the acquisition, which included $1.44 billion in loans and $1.33 billion in deposits. Progress results are included in the consolidated financial statements beginning on the acquisition date.
On July 1, 2023, we completed the acquisition of First Miami, which operated three offices in the Miami metropolitan area. We acquired $1.02 billion of assets and assumed $931 million of liabilities in the acquisition, which included $577 million in loans and $865 million in deposits. In addition to traditional banking products, First Miami offers private banking, trust and wealth management services with approximately $303 million in assets under administration as of September 30, 2023. First Miami’s results are included in the consolidated financial statements beginning on the acquisition date.
Discontinuance of LIBOR
Since the discontinuance of LIBOR that was effective immediately after June 30, 2023, our new adjustable rate loan production has been originated with an ARR, such as SOFR. All existing loans that had LIBOR as a reference rate converted to an ARR such as SOFR effective with the first rate reset after June 30, 2023.
Results of Operations
We reported net income and diluted earnings per common share of $47.9 million and $0.39, respectively, for the third quarter of 2023 compared to $81.2 million and $0.74, respectively, for the same period in 2022. Operating net income (non-GAAP), which excludes merger-related and other charges, was $55.0 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $82.5 million for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from higher noninterest expenses and an increase in provision for credit losses, which were partly offset by higher net interest revenue.
Net interest revenue increased to $203 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $200 million for the third quarter of 2022. The increase in interest revenue was provided by loan growth, including loans acquired from First Miami and Progress, and higher interest rates earned on our average loan and securities portfolios. The increase in interest revenue was offset by increases in interest expense resulting from higher rates paid on deposits, a less favorable deposit mix and utilization of wholesale borrowings, which are more costly than customer deposits. Our net interest spread decreased 116 basis points to 2.23%, reflecting a steeper increase in rates paid on deposits compared to that of loans since the third quarter of 2022. The impact of rising deposit rates also negatively impacted our net interest margin, which decreased to 3.24% for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 3.57% for the same period of last year.
We recorded a provision for credit losses of $30.3 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to a provision of $15.4 million for the third quarter of 2022. The provision expense recorded in the third quarter of 2023 resulted from loan growth, the initial ACL for First Miami non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments of $4.00 million and current period net charge offs of $26.6 million. The provision for unfunded commitments for the quarter was a negative $3.51 million due to a decrease in the amount of unfunded commitments.
40
Noninterest income of $32.0 million for the third quarter of 2023 remained relatively flat compared to that of the third quarter of 2022. Increases in several of our noninterest income components, notably services charges and other fees, BOLI income, and wealth management fees, were mostly offset by a $3.25 million decrease in other noninterest income. The decrease in other noninterest income is mostly attributable to a $1.74 million increase in cash collateral losses related to our derivative instruments and a $1.00 million loss on the disposal of two of our Tennessee branches.
For the third quarter of 2023, noninterest expenses of $144 million increased $31.7 million, or 28%, compared to the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to a $13.4 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and a $7.42 million increase in merger-related and other charges, both of which were largely driven by the acquisitions of First Miami and Progress. Other contributors to the increase included increases in amortization of intangibles, which was driven by the addition of the First Miami and Progress core deposit intangibles, and FDIC assessment expense resulting from the increase in the assessment rate that went into effect on January 1, 2023.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we reported net income of $173 million and $196 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per common share of $1.44 and $1.78, respectively. Operating net income (non-GAAP) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was $190 million and $210 million, respectively, which excludes merger-related and other charges for both periods. Net interest revenue and net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $614 million and 3.41%, respectively, compared to $542 million and 3.25%, respectively, for the same period in 2022. In addition to the factors affecting the third quarter of 2023, results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 include a reduction in mortgage loan gains and other related fees of $12.2 million driven by a decrease in demand resulting from the rising interest rate environment. In addition, provision expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 included initial provisions for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments acquired from Progress and Reliant of $10.4 million and $18.3 million, respectively.
Results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 are discussed in further detail throughout the following sections of MD&A.
Critical Accounting Estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Our accounting and reporting estimates are in accordance with GAAP and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Estimates that are susceptible to significant changes include accounting for the ACL and fair value measurements, both of which require significant judgments by management. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Also, different assumptions in the application of these accounting estimates could result in material changes in our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates are discussed in MD&A in our 2022 10-K.
Non-GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation
This Report contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial information includes the following measures: “tangible book value per common share,” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” In addition, management presents non-GAAP operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other items that are not part of our ongoing business operations. Operating performance measures include “expenses – operating,” “net income – operating,” “diluted income per common share – operating,” “return on common equity – operating,” “return on tangible common equity – operating,” “return on assets – operating” and “efficiency ratio – operating.” We have developed internal policies and procedures to accurately capture and account for merger-related and other charges and those charges are reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board each quarter. We use these non-GAAP measures because we believe they provide useful supplemental information for evaluating our operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating our business and in discussions about our operations and performance. We believe these non-GAAP measures may also provide users of our financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing our financial results and credit trends, as well as a comparison to financial results for prior periods. Nevertheless, non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because non-GAAP measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare our non-GAAP measures to similarly titled measures used by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included in Table 1 of MD&A.
41
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Table 1 - Financial Highlights
(in thousands, except per share data)
2023
2022
Third Quarter
2023 - 2022 Change
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
YTD Change
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
2023
2022
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue
$
323,147
$
295,775
$
279,487
$
240,831
$
213,887
$
898,409
$
572,324
Interest expense
120,591
95,489
68,017
30,943
14,113
284,097
29,855
Net interest revenue
202,556
200,286
211,470
209,888
199,774
1
%
614,312
542,469
13
%
Provision for credit losses
30,268
22,753
21,783
19,831
15,392
74,804
44,082
Noninterest income
31,977
36,387
30,209
33,354
31,922
—
98,573
104,353
(6)
Total revenue
204,265
213,920
219,896
223,411
216,304
(6)
638,081
602,740
6
Noninterest expenses
144,474
132,407
139,805
117,329
112,755
28
416,686
352,820
18
Income before income tax expense
59,791
81,513
80,091
106,082
103,549
(42)
221,395
249,920
(11)
Income tax expense
11,925
18,225
17,791
24,632
22,388
(47)
47,941
53,898
(11)
Net income
47,866
63,288
62,300
81,450
81,161
(41)
173,454
196,022
(12)
Merger-related and other charges
9,168
3,645
8,631
1,470
1,746
21,444
17,905
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges
(2,000)
(820)
(1,955)
(323)
(385)
(4,775)
(3,923)
Net income - operating (1)
$
55,034
$
66,113
$
68,976
$
82,597
$
82,522
(33)
$
190,123
$
210,004
(9)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Per common share:
Diluted net income - GAAP
$
0.39
$
0.53
$
0.52
$
0.74
$
0.74
(47)
$
1.44
$
1.78
(19)
Diluted net income - operating (1)
0.45
0.55
0.58
0.75
0.75
(40)
1.58
1.91
(17)
Cash dividends declared
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.22
0.22
5
0.69
0.64
8
Book value
25.87
25.98
25.76
24.38
23.78
9
25.87
23.78
9
Tangible book value (3)
17.70
17.83
17.59
17.13
16.52
7
17.70
16.52
7
Key performance ratios:
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)(4)
5.32
%
7.47
%
7.34
%
10.86
%
11.02
%
6.69
%
9.08
%
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)(4)
6.14
7.82
8.15
11.01
11.21
7.35
9.75
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)(4)
9.03
11.35
11.63
15.20
15.60
10.65
13.64
Return on assets - GAAP (4)
0.68
0.95
0.95
1.33
1.32
0.86
1.06
Return on assets - operating (1)(4)
0.79
1.00
1.06
1.35
1.34
0.95
1.13
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
3.24
3.37
3.61
3.76
3.57
3.41
3.25
Efficiency ratio - GAAP
61.32
55.71
57.20
47.95
48.41
58.06
53.94
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)
57.43
54.17
53.67
47.35
47.66
55.07
51.20
Equity to total assets
11.85
11.89
11.90
11.25
11.12
11.85
11.12
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)
8.18
8.21
8.17
7.88
7.70
8.18
7.70
ASSET QUALITY
NPAs
$
90,883
$
103,737
$
73,403
$
44,281
$
35,511
156
$
90,883
$
35,511
156
ACL - loans
201,557
190,705
176,534
159,357
148,502
36
201,557
148,502
36
Net charge-offs
26,638
8,399
7,084
6,611
1,134
42,121
3,043
ACL - loans to loans
1.11
%
1.10
%
1.03
%
1.04
%
1.00
%
1.11
%
1.00
%
Net charge-offs to average loans (4)
0.59
0.20
0.17
0.17
0.03
0.32
0.03
NPAs to total assets
0.34
0.40
0.28
0.18
0.15
0.34
0.15
AT PERIOD END($ in millions)
Loans
$
18,203
$
17,395
$
17,125
$
15,335
$
14,882
22
$
18,203
$
14,882
22
Investment securities
5,701
5,914
5,915
6,228
6,539
(13)
5,701
6,539
(13)
Total assets
26,869
26,120
25,872
24,009
23,688
13
26,869
23,688
13
Deposits
22,858
22,252
22,005
19,877
20,321
12
22,858
20,321
12
Shareholders’ equity
3,184
3,106
3,078
2,701
2,635
21
3,184
2,635
21
Common shares outstanding (thousands)
118,976
115,266
115,152
106,223
106,163
12
118,976
106,163
12
(1) Excludes merger-related and other charges. (2) Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes AOCI. (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. (4) Annualized.
42
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Table 1 (Continued) - Financial Highlights
Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
(in thousands, except per share data)
2023
2022
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
2023
2022
Noninterest expense reconciliation
Noninterest expenses (GAAP)
$
144,474
$
132,407
$
139,805
$
117,329
$
112,755
$
416,686
$
352,820
Merger-related and other charges
(9,168)
(3,645)
(8,631)
(1,470)
(1,746)
(21,444)
(17,905)
Noninterest expenses - operating
$
135,306
$
128,762
$
131,174
$
115,859
$
111,009
$
395,242
$
334,915
Net income reconciliation
Net income (GAAP)
$
47,866
$
63,288
$
62,300
$
81,450
$
81,161
$
173,454
$
196,022
Merger-related and other charges
9,168
3,645
8,631
1,470
1,746
21,444
17,905
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges
(2,000)
(820)
(1,955)
(323)
(385)
(4,775)
(3,923)
Net income - operating
$
55,034
$
66,113
$
68,976
$
82,597
$
82,522
$
190,123
$
210,004
Diluted income per common share reconciliation
Diluted income per common share (GAAP)
$
0.39
$
0.53
$
0.52
$
0.74
$
0.74
$
1.44
$
1.78
Merger-related and other charges, net of tax
0.06
0.02
0.06
0.01
0.01
0.14
0.13
Diluted income per common share - operating
$
0.45
$
0.55
$
0.58
$
0.75
$
0.75
$
1.58
$
1.91
Book value per common share reconciliation
Book value per common share (GAAP)
$
25.87
$
25.98
$
25.76
$
24.38
$
23.78
$
25.87
$
23.78
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles
(8.17)
(8.15)
(8.17)
(7.25)
(7.26)
(8.17)
(7.26)
Tangible book value per common share
$
17.70
$
17.83
$
17.59
$
17.13
$
16.52
$
17.70
$
16.52
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation
Return on common equity (GAAP)
5.32
%
7.47
%
7.34
%
10.86
%
11.02
%
6.69
%
9.08
%
Merger-related and other charges, net of tax
0.82
0.35
0.81
0.15
0.19
0.66
0.67
Return on common equity - operating
6.14
7.82
8.15
11.01
11.21
7.35
9.75
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles
2.89
3.53
3.48
4.19
4.39
3.30
3.89
Return on tangible common equity - operating
9.03
%
11.35
%
11.63
%
15.20
%
15.60
%
10.65
%
13.64
%
Return on assets reconciliation
Return on assets (GAAP)
0.68
%
0.95
%
0.95
%
1.33
%
1.32
%
0.86
%
1.06
%
Merger-related and other charges, net of tax
0.11
0.05
0.11
0.02
0.02
0.09
0.07
Return on assets - operating
0.79
%
1.00
%
1.06
%
1.35
%
1.34
%
0.95
%
1.13
%
Efficiency ratio reconciliation
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)
61.32
%
55.71
%
57.20
%
47.95
%
48.41
%
58.06
%
53.94
%
Merger-related and other charges
(3.89)
(1.54)
(3.53)
(0.60)
(0.75)
(2.99)
(2.74)
Efficiency ratio - operating
57.43
%
54.17
%
53.67
%
47.35
%
47.66
%
55.07
%
51.20
%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation
Equity to total assets (GAAP)
11.85
%
11.89
%
11.90
%
11.25
%
11.12
%
11.85
%
11.12
%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles
(3.33)
(3.31)
(3.36)
(2.97)
(3.01)
(3.33)
(3.01)
Effect of preferred equity
(0.34)
(0.37)
(0.37)
(0.40)
(0.41)
(0.34)
(0.41)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets
8.18
%
8.21
%
8.17
%
7.88
%
7.70
%
8.18
%
7.70
%
43
Net Interest Revenue
Net interest revenue, which is the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds, is the single largest component of total revenue. Management seeks to optimize this revenue while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risks. The banking industry uses two ratios to measure the relative profitability of net interest revenue. The net interest spread measures the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The interest rate spread eliminates the effect of noninterest-bearing deposits and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market interest rate movements. The net interest margin is an indication of the profitability of a company’s balance sheet and is defined as net interest revenue as a percent of average total interest-earning assets, which includes the positive effect of funding a portion of interest-earning assets with noninterest-bearing deposits and stockholders’ equity.
The following discussion provides additional details on the average balances and net interest revenue for the periods presented. The tables that follow indicate the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average amounts of assets and liabilities, which provides further insight into net interest spread and net interest margin for the periods indicated.
For the quarter:
FTE net interest revenue for the third quarter of 2023 was $204 million, representing an increase of $2.63 million from the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the $3.40 billion increase in average loans and a 131 basis point increase in the average rate earned on loans. As a result, loan interest revenue increased $99.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2022. Approximately $3.38 million of the increase was a result of higher purchased loan accretion, which was mostly driven by the addition of First Miami and Progress loans. The FOMC raised the targeted federal funds rate a total of 525 basis points beginning in March 2022 through the third quarter of 2023. Additionally, the increase in yield earned on the investment securities portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of the portfolio, contributed $7.49 million in additional FTE interest revenue compared to the same period of last year. The increase in yield on the securities portfolio was positively impacted by the fair value hedges on our AFS securities portfolio that we entered into in the second quarter of 2023, which contributed $3.77 million in additional interest revenue.
Interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 increased $106 million compared to the same quarter of 2022. The increase is mostly attributable to the 259 basis point increase in rates paid on average interest-bearing deposits as a result of the rising interest rate environment and a deposit mix more heavily comprised of more costly time deposits and brokered time deposits. In addition, the daily average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased by $3.50 billion, which includes approximately $1.54 billion of interest-bearing deposits received in the acquisitions of First Miami and Progress. We also saw attrition in our noninterest-bearing deposit balances as rising interest rates offered customers more attractive alternatives, which negatively impacts our net interest margin. As a result of the decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits, in the third quarter of 2023, 65% of our interest earning assets were funded by interest-bearing liabilities compared with 57% for the same period of 2022.
Our net interest spread decreased 116 basis points to 2.23% and our net interest margin decreased 33 basis points to 3.24%, reflecting a steeper increase in rates paid on deposits compared to that of loans during the third quarter of 2023. The fact that our net interest spread fell much more than our net interest margin demonstrates the increasing contribution and value of noninterest-bearing funding sources in a higher interest rate environment.
For the nine months ended:
FTE net interest revenue for the first nine months of 2023 was $617 million, representing a 13% increase from the first nine months of 2022, which was primarily driven by the same factors impacting the quarter. During the first nine months of 2023, our net interest spread decreased 62 basis points and our net interest margin increased by 16 basis points compared to the same period of 2022. Our net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 benefited from higher purchased loan accretion of $6.19 million and $4.68 million in additional interest revenue from the fair value hedges on our AFS securities portfolio.
44
Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, (FTE))
2023
2022
Average Balance
Interest
Average Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Average Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)
$
18,055,402
$
273,800
6.02
%
$
14,658,397
$
174,168
4.71
%
Taxable securities (3)
5,933,708
43,007
2.90
6,539,615
34,385
2.10
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
368,148
2,313
2.51
493,115
3,449
2.80
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
538,039
5,093
3.76
614,755
3,106
2.00
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)
24,895,297
324,213
5.17
22,305,882
215,108
3.83
Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses
(209,472)
(138,907)
Cash and due from banks
225,831
231,376
Premises and equipment
367,217
290,768
Other assets (3)
1,568,824
1,261,236
Total assets
$
26,847,697
$
23,950,355
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand
$
5,285,513
35,613
2.67
$
4,335,619
3,992
0.37
Money market
5,622,355
46,884
3.31
4,849,705
4,503
0.37
Savings
1,301,047
868
0.26
1,515,350
178
0.05
Time
3,473,191
31,072
3.55
1,635,580
984
0.24
Brokered time deposits
209,119
2,296
4.36
51,530
223
1.72
Total interest-bearing deposits
15,891,225
116,733
2.91
12,387,784
9,880
0.32
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings
44,164
189
1.70
3,442
27
3.11
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
—
—
—
—
—
—
Long-term debt
324,770
3,669
4.48
324,444
4,206
5.14
Total borrowed funds
368,934
3,858
4.15
327,886
4,233
5.12
Total interest-bearing liabilities
16,260,159
120,591
2.94
12,715,670
14,113
0.44
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits
6,916,272
8,176,987
Other liabilities
435,592
349,647
Total liabilities
23,612,023
21,242,304
Shareholders' equity
3,235,674
2,708,051
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,847,697
$
23,950,355
Net interest revenue (FTE)
$
203,622
$
200,995
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)
2.23
%
3.39
%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
3.24
%
3.57
%
(1)Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 26%, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2)Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
(3)Unrealized losses on securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $430 million and $318 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
(4)Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.
45
Table 3 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands, (FTE))
2023
2022
Average Balance
Interest
Average Rate
Average Balance
Interest
Average Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)
$
17,377,210
$
760,802
5.85
%
$
14,426,470
$
475,989
4.41
%
Taxable securities (3)
5,982,615
120,212
2.68
6,274,230
83,281
1.77
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
386,499
7,470
2.58
498,177
10,425
2.79
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
490,703
13,103
3.57
1,271,287
6,192
0.65
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)
24,237,027
901,587
4.97
22,470,164
575,887
3.43
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses
(186,428)
(129,278)
Cash and due from banks
249,411
200,463
Premises and equipment
347,514
284,850
Other assets (3)
1,518,503
1,308,647
Total assets
$
26,166,027
$
24,134,846
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand
$
4,891,214
80,809
2.21
$
4,520,079
7,624
0.23
Money market
5,349,265
105,430
2.64
4,992,357
7,030
0.19
Savings
1,341,033
2,108
0.21
1,483,169
337
0.03
Time
2,936,873
65,856
3.00
1,688,250
2,009
0.16
Brokered time deposits
280,293
9,608
4.58
65,133
313
0.64
Total interest-bearing deposits
14,798,678
263,811
2.38
12,748,988
17,313
0.18
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings
98,884
3,186
4.31
1,383
27
2.61
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
166,355
5,761
4.63
—
—
—
Long-term debt
324,737
11,339
4.67
322,600
12,515
5.19
Total borrowed funds
589,976
20,286
4.60
323,983
12,542
5.18
Total interest-bearing liabilities
15,388,654
284,097
2.47
13,072,971
29,855
0.31
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits
7,226,096
7,958,392
Other liabilities
393,048
375,182
Total liabilities
23,007,798
21,406,545
Shareholders' equity
3,158,229
2,728,301
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,166,027
$
24,134,846
Net interest revenue (FTE)
$
617,490
$
546,032
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)
2.50
%
3.12
%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
3.41
%
3.25
%
(1)Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 26%, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2)Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
(3)Unrealized gains and losses, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $413 million and $221 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
(4)Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.
46
The following table shows the relative effect on net interest revenue for changes in the average outstanding amounts (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates earned and paid on such assets and liabilities (rate). Variances resulting from a combination of changes in rate and volume are allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each category.
Table 4 - Change in Interest Revenue and Expense on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Compared to 2022 Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in
Volume
Rate
Total
Volume
Rate
Total
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (FTE)
$
45,449
$
54,183
$
99,632
$
109,607
$
175,206
$
284,813
Taxable securities
(3,423)
12,045
8,622
(4,036)
40,967
36,931
Tax-exempt securities (FTE)
(811)
(325)
(1,136)
(2,204)
(751)
(2,955)
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
(424)
2,411
1,987
(5,874)
12,785
6,911
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)
40,791
68,314
109,105
97,493
228,207
325,700
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW and interest-bearing demand accounts
1,060
30,561
31,621
677
72,508
73,185
Money market accounts
829
41,552
42,381
538
97,862
98,400
Savings deposits
(29)
719
690
(35)
1,806
1,771
Time deposits
2,255
27,833
30,088
2,541
61,306
63,847
Brokered deposits
1,380
693
2,073
3,254
6,041
9,295
Total interest-bearing deposits
5,495
101,358
106,853
6,975
239,523
246,498
Federal funds purchased & other borrowings
180
(18)
162
3,130
29
3,159
FHLB advances
—
—
—
5,761
—
5,761
Long-term debt
4
(541)
(537)
82
(1,258)
(1,176)
Total borrowed funds
184
(559)
(375)
8,973
(1,229)
7,744
Total interest-bearing liabilities
5,679
100,799
106,478
15,948
238,294
254,242
Increase in net interest revenue (FTE)
$
35,112
$
(32,485)
$
2,627
$
81,545
$
(10,087)
$
71,458
Provision for Credit Losses
The ACL represents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. Management’s estimate of credit losses under CECL is determined using a model that relies on reasonable and supportable forecasts and historical loss information to determine the balance of the ACL and resulting provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses recorded in each period was the amount required such that the total ACL reflected the appropriate balance as determined by management reflecting expected life of loan losses.
We recorded a provision for credit losses of $30.3 million and $74.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $15.4 million and $44.1 million for the same periods of 2022.
The increase in provision during three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to a $19.0 million loss related to one relationship with a wholesale oil distributor that was part of a $218 million nationally syndicated credit, in which United’s participation was 8.7%. The borrower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March of 2023, at which time we placed the credit on nonaccrual status and included it in NPAs. When the bankruptcy converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation in August of 2023, the loan was charged off in full with no significant recovery expected.
Additionally, during the third quarter of 2023, we recorded the initial provision for credit losses on First Miami non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments of $3.92 million and $84,000, respectively. The provision recorded for the first nine months of 2023 also included the initial provision for credit losses on Progress non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments of $8.80 million and $1.65 million, respectively. Thus, the 2023 year to date initial provision for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments resulting from acquisitions totaled $14.5 million, compared to 2022, which included $18.3 million related to the acquisition of Reliant. The remaining increase in provision expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflects organic loan growth, a weaker economic forecast and higher net charge-offs relative to the same periods of 2022.
47
Additional discussion on credit quality and the ACL is included in the “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” section of MD&A in this Report.
Noninterest income
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.
Table 5 - Noninterest Income
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
2023
2022
Amount
Percent
2023
2022
Amount
Percent
Overdraft fees
$
3,214
$
2,778
$
436
16
%
$
8,470
$
8,038
$
432
5
%
ATM and debit card fees
4,145
3,857
288
7
11,857
12,038
(181)
(2)
Other service charges and fees
2,956
2,934
22
1
8,464
8,568
(104)
(1)
Total service charges and fees
10,315
9,569
746
8
28,791
28,644
147
1
Mortgage loan gains and related fees
6,159
6,297
(138)
(2)
17,264
29,420
(12,156)
(41)
Wealth management fees
6,451
5,879
572
10
17,775
17,759
16
—
Gains on sales of other loans
2,688
2,228
460
21
6,909
9,226
(2,317)
(25)
Lending and loan servicing fees
2,985
2,946
39
1
9,979
7,518
2,461
33
Securities losses, net
—
—
—
(1,644)
(3,688)
2,044
Other noninterest income:
Customer derivatives
806
470
336
71
1,963
1,790
173
10
Other investment gains (losses)
(1,245)
(1,492)
247
909
(3,333)
4,242
BOLI
2,711
2,020
691
34
6,007
5,241
766
15
Treasury management income
1,372
1,022
350
34
3,623
2,739
884
32
Other
(265)
2,983
(3,248)
(109)
6,997
9,037
(2,040)
(23)
Total other noninterest income
3,379
5,003
(1,624)
(32)
19,499
15,474
4,025
26
Total noninterest income
$
31,977
$
31,922
$
55
—
$
98,573
$
104,353
$
(5,780)
(6)
The increase in total service charges and fees was driven by the acquisitions of Progress and First Miami since the third quarter of 2022 and increases in transaction volume from existing customers. Overdraft fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflect the elimination of a returned item fee effective July 1, 2022.
Mortgage loan gains and related fees consist primarily of fees earned in our mortgage origination business, including secondary market gains on sales, derivative hedging gains and losses and fair value adjustments to our mortgage loans held for sale. It also includes our mortgage servicing business which includes servicing fees and fair value adjustments on our mortgage servicing rights asset. The change in mortgage income is strongly tied to the interest rate environment and industry conditions. We recognize the majority of the origination income on mortgages when customers enter into mortgage rate lock commitments, making our rate lock volume a significant driver of mortgage gains in any given period.
The decrease in mortgage loan gains and related fees in the first nine months of 2023 was driven by higher interest rates which reduced demand compared to same period of 2022, as shown in the following table. In addition, during the first nine months of 2023, we recorded a $623,000 negative fair value adjustment, including decay, to the mortgage servicing rights asset, compared to a $7.40 million positive fair value adjustment, including decay, during the first nine months of 2022.
48
Table 6 - Selected Mortgage Metrics
(dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
% Change
2023
2022
% Change
Mortgage rate locks
$
304,415
$
456,186
(33)
%
$
943,886
$
1,810,839
(48)
%
# of mortgage rate locks
846
1,213
(30)
2,668
4,622
(42)
Mortgage loans sold
$
108,420
$
93,183
16
$
329,444
$
460,232
(28)
# of mortgage loans sold
377
379
(1)
1,154
1,812
(36)
Mortgage loans originated:
Purchases
$
184,608
$
269,743
(32)
$
610,036
$
977,562
(38)
Refinances
26,860
47,533
(43)
89,339
300,128
(70)
Total
$
211,468
$
317,276
(33)
$
699,375
$
1,277,690
(45)
# of mortgage loans originated
614
841
(27)
1,969
3,243
(39)
Wealth management income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes income from assets under management acquired in the First Miami transaction, which contributed approximately $600,000 to the periods presented.
Our SBA/USDA lending strategy includes selling a portion of the loan production each quarter. The amount of loans sold depends on several variables including the current lending environment and balance sheet management activities. From time to time, we also sell certain equipment financing receivables. The following table presents loans sold and the corresponding gains or losses recognized on the sale for the periods indicated.
Table 7 - Other Loan Sales
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Loans Sold
Gain
Loans Sold
Gain
Loans Sold
Gain
Loans Sold
Gain
Guaranteed portion of SBA/USDA loans
$
26,381
$
1,545
$
20,405
$
1,535
$
70,223
$
4,635
$
87,867
$
7,108
Equipment financing receivables
37,671
1,143
21,557
693
76,945
2,274
65,534
2,118
Total
$
64,052
$
2,688
$
41,962
$
2,228
$
147,168
$
6,909
$
153,401
$
9,226
Lending and loan servicing fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased compared to the same period of 2022 as a result of more favorable fair market value adjustments on our SBA loan servicing asset and an increase in fees generated by our equipment finance business. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded negative fair value adjustments on our SBA servicing asset of $1.30 million compared to $2.14 million for the same period of 2022. Conversely, during the third quarter of 2023 we recorded a larger negative SBA servicing asset fair value adjustment of $1.24 million compared to $501,000 in the third quarter of 2022, which offset the increases in equipment finance fee income during the period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we sold certain securities, which resulted in net securities losses. During 2023, proceeds from sales were used to fund loan growth and repay FHLB advances. During 2022, proceeds were reinvested in higher-yielding securities.
The change in other noninterest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same periods of 2022 was primarily driven by the following factors:
•During the third quarter and first nine months of 2023, we recorded net unrealized gains on deferred compensation plan assets and fintech and limited partnership investments, which were partially offset by unrealized losses on equity securities. For the same periods of 2022, we recorded net unrealized losses on deferred compensation plan assets, equity securities and fintech investments, which were partially offset by unrealized gains on limited partnership investments.
•The increase in BOLI income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same periods of 2022 is mostly due to the additional policies that were obtained in connection with the Progress acquisition. Additionally, BOLI income for the 2023 periods presented includes a death benefit gain of approximately $1.03 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded gains of $1.37 million.
49
•Other income for the quarter includes a $1.00 million loss on the disposal of two of our Tennessee branches, which mainly resulted from a $656,000 write down of the core deposit intangible associated with deposits sold in the transaction as well as losses on the buildings. In addition, we recorded collateral charges related to our derivative positions of $1.99 million and $3.31 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. This represents $1.74 million and $2.99 million increases compared to the same periods of 2022. The nine months ended September 30, 2023 also includes the gain on sale of a commercial insurance book of business of $1.59 million.
Noninterest Expenses
The following table presents the components of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated.
Table 8 - Noninterest Expenses
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Change
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Change
2023
2022
Amount
Percent
2023
2022
Amount
Percent
Salaries and employee benefits
$
81,173
$
67,823
$
13,350
20
%
$
236,121
$
208,062
$
28,059
13
%
Communications and equipment
10,902
8,795
2,107
24
31,654
27,718
3,936
14
Occupancy
10,941
9,138
1,803
20
31,024
27,381
3,643
13
Advertising and public relations
2,251
2,544
(293)
(12)
6,914
6,332
582
9
Postage, printing and supplies
2,386
2,190
196
9
7,305
6,308
997
16
Professional fees
7,006
4,821
2,185
45
19,670
14,670
5,000
34
Lending and loan servicing expense
2,697
2,333
364
16
7,546
7,746
(200)
(3)
Outside services - electronic banking
2,561
3,159
(598)
(19)
8,646
8,629
17
—
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges
4,314
2,356
1,958
83
12,457
6,796
5,661
83
Amortization of intangibles
4,171
1,678
2,493
149
11,120
5,207
5,913
114
Other
6,904
6,172
732
12
22,785
16,066
6,719
42
Total excluding merger-related and other charges
135,306
111,009
24,297
22
395,242
334,915
60,327
18
Merger-related and other charges
9,168
1,746
7,422
21,444
17,905
3,539
Total noninterest expenses
$
144,474
$
112,755
$
31,719
28
$
416,686
$
352,820
$
63,866
18
The increase in salaries and employee benefits for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 compared to the same periods of 2022 was primarily driven by the addition of Progress and First Miami employees and expansion of existing teams in our footprint. Full-time equivalent headcount totaled 3,151 at September 30, 2023, up from 2,826 at September 30, 2022, which represents a 12% increase. The increase also reflects our annual merit-based salary increases awarded at the beginning of the second quarter of 2023. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in commissions expense, primarily due to reduced mortgage production volume, as well as reduction in our bonus accrual and lower deferred origination costs.
Communications and equipment expense increased primarily due to incremental software contract costs and the growth in our network with the addition of recent acquisitions.
The increase in occupancy costs for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 compared to the same periods of 2022 was mostly attributable to the additional operating lease costs associated with Progress and First Miami.
Professional fees increased for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 compared to the same periods of 2022 mostly as a result of increased legal and consulting fees. The increase also reflects pre-conversion systems expense from the Progress and First Miami acquisitions.
The increase in FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges was primarily attributable to the 2 basis point assessment rate increase that went into effect for all banks on January 1, 2023, as well as an increased assessment base driven by higher average total assets partly resulting from the Progress and First Miami acquisitions.
Amortization of intangibles increased with the additional customer deposit intangibles recorded as a result of the Progress and First Miami acquisitions.
50
Increases in other noninterest expense were partly attributable to increases in fraud losses and travel expenses for the first nine months of 2023.
Merger-related and other charges for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023 were primarily related to the acquisitions of Progress and First Miami, branch closure costs and rebranding expenses.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $26.9 billion and $24.0 billion, respectively. Total liabilities at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $23.7 billion and $21.3 billion, respectively. Shareholders’ equity totaled $3.18 billion and $2.70 billion at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Loans
Our loan portfolio is our largest category of interest-earning assets. The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio by loan type as of September 30, 2023, of which approximately 75% was secured by real estate.
Table 9 - Loan Portfolio Composition
As of September 30, 2023
Asset Quality and Risk Elements
We manage asset quality and control credit risk through review and oversight of the loan portfolio as well as adherence to policies designed to promote sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. Our credit risk management function is responsible for monitoring asset quality and Board approved portfolio concentration limits, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures.
We conduct reviews of special mention and substandard performing and non-performing loans, past due loans and portfolio concentrations on a regular basis to identify risk migration and potential charges to the ACL. These items are discussed in a series of meetings attended by credit risk management leadership and leadership from various lending groups. In addition to the reviews mentioned above, an independent loan review team reviews the portfolio to ensure consistent application of risk rating policies and procedures.
The ACL reflects our assessment of the life of loan expected credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment and is subject to change in future periods. The amount of any changes could be significant if our assessment of loan quality or collateral values changes substantially with respect to one or more loan relationships or portfolios. The allocation of the ACL is based on reasonable and supportable forecasts, historical data, subjective judgment and
51
estimates and therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur. See the Critical Accounting Estimates section of MD&A in our 2022 10-K for additional information on the ACL.
Table 10 - Allocation of ACL
(in thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
ACL
% of loans in each category to total loans
ACL
% of loans in each category to total loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
23,984
18
$
19,834
18
Income producing commercial real estate
45,588
23
32,082
21
Commercial & industrial
31,217
14
23,504
15
Commercial construction
20,639
10
20,120
10
Equipment financing
30,362
8
23,395
9
Total commercial
151,790
73
118,935
73
Residential mortgage
26,884
17
20,809
15
Home equity
9,799
5
8,707
6
Residential construction
2,874
2
2,049
3
Manufactured housing
9,378
2
8,098
2
Consumer
832
1
759
1
Total ACL - loans
201,557
100
159,357
100
ACL - unfunded commitments
18,067
21,163
Total ACL
$
219,624
$
180,520
ACL - loans as a percentage of total loans
1.11
%
1.04
%
ACL - loans as a percentage of nonaccrual loans
224
360
The increase in the total ACL since December 31, 2022 was partially driven by a weaker economic forecast and the initial ACL established for loans and unfunded commitments acquired in connection with the Progress and First Miami transactions on January 3, 2023 and July 1, 2023, respectively. The initial ACL for Progress loans and unfunded commitments totaled $11.5 million and $1.65 million, respectively. The initial ACL for First Miami loans and unfunded commitment totaled $7.64 million and $84,000, respectively. The impact of the acquisitions on the ACL for unfunded commitments was more than offset by the overall decrease in unfunded commitments, which resulted in a negative provision for unfunded commitments of $3.10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. See Provision for Credit Losses discussion within this MD&A for further information.
52
The following table presents a summary of net charge-offs to average loans for the periods indicated.
Table 11 - Net Charge-offs to Average Loans
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
582
$
(90)
$
467
$
(1,631)
Income producing commercial real estate
3,011
176
6,501
(230)
Commercial & industrial
17,542
(744)
20,513
1,883
Commercial construction
(49)
10
(191)
(507)
Equipment financing
6,325
1,121
12,237
2,295
Residential mortgage
(129)
(66)
(259)
(214)
Home equity
(2,784)
(102)
(2,810)
(529)
Residential construction
341
(109)
949
(208)
Manufactured housing
1,168
220
2,416
519
Consumer
631
718
2,298
1,665
Total net charge-offs
$
26,638
$
1,134
$
42,121
$
3,043
Average loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate
$
3,240,648
$
2,680,906
$
3,136,798
$
2,650,505
Income producing commercial real estate
3,956,141
3,274,246
3,719,663
3,291,809
Commercial & industrial
2,563,692
2,237,096
2,497,002
2,285,443
Commercial construction
1,820,224
1,508,481
1,785,226
1,487,598
Equipment financing
1,544,284
1,241,322
1,494,726
1,184,201
Residential mortgage
3,017,081
2,065,662
2,832,109
1,930,781
Home equity
947,027
813,637
932,424
791,673
Residential construction
437,235
400,680
466,201
382,549
Manufactured housing
346,518
292,648
337,578
278,449
Consumer
182,552
143,719
175,483
143,462
Total average loans
$
18,055,402
$
14,658,397
$
17,377,210
$
14,426,470
Net charge-offs to average loans (1)
Owner occupied commercial real estate
0.07
%
(0.01)
%
0.02
%
(0.08)
%
Income producing commercial real estate
0.30
0.02
0.23
(0.01)
Commercial & industrial
2.71
(0.13)
1.10
0.11
Commercial construction
(0.01)
—
(0.01)
(0.05)
Equipment financing
1.62
0.36
1.09
0.26
Residential mortgage
(0.02)
(0.01)
(0.01)
(0.01)
Home equity
(1.17)
(0.05)
(0.40)
(0.09)
Residential construction
0.31
(0.11)
0.27
(0.07)
Manufactured housing
1.34
0.30
0.96
0.25
Consumer
1.37
1.98
1.75
1.55
Total
0.59
0.03
0.32
0.03
(1) Annualized.
53
Nonperforming Assets
The table below summarizes NPAs for the periods indicated. NPAs include nonaccrual loans, OREO and repossessed assets. The increase in nonaccrual loans since December 31, 2022 is primarily driven by a small population of large commercial loans that moved to nonaccrual status and an increase in nonaccrual manufactured housing loans during the first nine months of 2023, which contributed to $46.4 million and $9.50 million of the increase, respectively. Additionally in the third quarter of 2023, $7.91 million of equipment financing loans moved to nonaccrual status. These additions were partially offset by reductions in nonaccrual loans resulting from repayments, payoffs, and charge-offs as well as loans returning to accrual status. Most notably, during the third quarter of 2023, we charged off $19.0 million in nonaccrual loans related to one relationship, which contributed to the decrease in NPAs since the second quarter of 2023.
Table 12 - NPAs
(in thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Nonaccrual loans
89,818
44,232
OREO and repossessed assets
1,065
49
Total NPAs
$
90,883
$
44,281
Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans
0.49
%
0.29
%
NPAs as a percentage of total assets
0.34
0.18
A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the full principal and interest on a loan is not likely to be collected, or when the loan becomes 90 days past due. A loan may continue on accrual after 90 days with senior management approval if it is well collateralized and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current interest revenue. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the loan’s amortized cost. Loans are generally returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured.
Generally, we do not commit to lend additional funds to customers whose loans are on nonaccrual status, although in certain isolated cases, we execute forbearance agreements whereby we agree to continue to fund construction loans to completion or other lines of credit as long as the borrower meets the conditions of the forbearance agreement. We may also fund other amounts necessary to protect collateral such as amounts to pay past due property taxes and insurance coverage.
Investment Securities
The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects our investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of revenue. The investment securities portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits and borrowings.
In the first quarter of 2023, we sold $381 million in AFS securities, including approximately $111 million in securities received through the Progress acquisition, primarily for the purpose of providing liquidity to fund loan growth. For the same reason, during the third quarter of 2023, we sold approximately $215 million in securities received through the First Miami acquisition.
During the second quarter of 2023, we entered into a fair value hedge on a portion of our AFS securities portfolio in order to mitigate the impact of any potential future unrealized losses on our tangible common equity. The notional value of the securities hedged totaled $666 million as of September 30, 2023. Gains and losses related to the hedge and hedged item are reflected in investment securities interest income. During the third quarter of 2023, we recorded net gains on the hedge and hedged item of $3.77 million, including interest accruals. See Note 7 to the financial statements for further detail.
At September 30, 2023, HTM debt securities had a fair value of $1.99 billion, indicating net unrealized losses of $526 million. Additional unrealized losses on HTM debt securities of $70.4 million (pre-tax) were included in AOCI as a result of the transfer of AFS debt securities to HTM in 2022. Unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.
In accordance with CECL, our HTM debt securities portfolio is evaluated quarterly to assess whether an ACL is required. We measure expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, calculated credit losses on HTM debt securities were de minimis due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which included securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, GSEs, high credit quality municipalities and supranational entities. As a result, no ACL for HTM debt securities was recorded.
For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, if we intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. Absent circumstances when an AFS security would be sold, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The evaluation considers factors such as the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the security’s rating, and adverse conditions specific to the security. If the evaluation indicates a credit loss exists, an ACL may be recorded, with such allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. Any impairment unrelated to credit factors is recognized in OCI. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was no ACL related to the AFS debt securities portfolio. Unrealized losses at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 primarily reflected the effect of changes in interest rates.
55
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the premium paid for acquired companies above the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including separately identifiable intangible assets. Management evaluates goodwill annually, or more frequently if necessary, to determine if any impairment exists. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the net carrying amount of goodwill was $920 million and $751 million, respectively.
We also have core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets, representing the value of acquired deposit and customer relationships, respectively, which are amortizing intangible assets. Amortizing intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist.
In connection with the acquisition of Progress in the first quarter of 2023, we recorded goodwill and a core deposit intangible of $146 million and $40.0 million, respectively. In connection with the acquisition of First Miami in the third quarter of 2023, we recorded goodwill and a core deposit intangible of $23.2 million and $18.0 million, respectively. See Note 4 to the financial statements for further information about these acquisitions. Also during the third quarter of 2023, United reduced its core deposit intangible related to the Reliant acquisition by $656,000 as a result of the sale of core deposits in connection with a whole branch disposal.
Deposits
Customer deposits are the primary source of funds for the continued growth of our earning assets. We believe our high level of service, as evidenced by our strong customer satisfaction scores, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining customer deposit accounts. The increase in deposits since December 31, 2022 was mostly driven by the deposits assumed in the Progress and First Miami transactions, although we also generated organic growth by increasing the rates offered on deposits to remain competitive in the market in the midst of the rising rate environment. As of September 30, 2023, we had approximately $8.79 billion of uninsured deposits, of which $2.28 billion was collateralized by investment securities.
Table 15 - Deposits
(in thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
6,782,031
$
7,643,081
NOW and interest-bearing demand
5,349,335
4,350,878
Money market and savings
6,957,028
5,967,017
Time
3,554,619
1,781,482
Total customer deposits
22,643,013
19,742,458
Brokered deposits
214,855
134,049
Total deposits
$
22,857,868
$
19,876,507
Borrowing Activities
At both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had long-term debt outstanding of $325 million, which includes senior debentures, subordinated debentures, and trust preferred securities. Also at December 31, 2022, we had short-term borrowings outstanding of $159 million, which was mostly comprised of repurchase agreements, and we had $550 million of FHLB advances outstanding. At September 30, 2023, there were $37.3 million in short-term borrowings outstanding, which represents repurchase agreements obtained in connection with the First Miami transaction. There were no FHLB advances outstanding at September 30, 2023. The need to utilize short-term funding sources since December 31, 2022 has decreased as a result of the sale of investment securities noted above and growth in customer and brokered deposits, which allowed us to fund loan growth and repay short-term borrowings.
Contractual Obligations
There have not been any material changes to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2022.
56
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees.
A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party and have essentially the same credit risk as extending loan facilities to customers. Those commitments are primarily issued to local businesses.
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. We use the same credit underwriting procedures for making commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees, as we use for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. Management evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and the amount of the collateral, if deemed necessary, is based on the credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral.
All of these instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The total amount of these instruments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements because a significant portion of these instruments expire without being used. We are not involved in off-balance sheet contractual relationships, other than those disclosed in this Report, that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments, or that could significantly affect earnings. See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements included in our 2022 10-K and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in this Report for additional information on off-balance sheet arrangements.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Management
The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant effect on profitability. The objective of interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changing interest rates, consistent with our overall financial goals. Based on economic conditions, asset quality and various other considerations, management establishes tolerance ranges for interest rate sensitivity and manages within these ranges.
Net interest revenue and the fair value of financial instruments are influenced by changes in the level of interest rates. We limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by our ALCO and approved by the Board. The ALCO meets periodically and has responsibility for formulating and recommending asset/liability management policies to the Board, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings, and reviewing interest rate sensitivity.
One of the tools management uses to estimate and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changes in interest rates is an asset/liability simulation model. Resulting estimates are based upon multiple assumptions for each scenario, including loan and deposit re-pricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. The ALCO periodically reviews the assumptions for reasonableness based on historical data and future expectations; however, actual net interest revenue may differ from model results. The primary objective of the simulation model is to measure the potential change in net interest revenue over time using multiple interest rate scenarios. The base scenario assumes rates remain flat and is the scenario to which all others are compared, in order to measure the change in net interest revenue. Policy limits are based on immediate rate shock scenarios, as well as gradually rising and falling rate scenarios, which are all compared to the base scenario. Our assumptions include floors such that market rates and discount rates do not go below zero. Other scenarios analyzed may include delayed rate shocks, yield curve steepening or flattening, or other variations in rate movements. While the primary policy scenarios focus on a 12-month time frame, longer time horizons are also modeled.
Our policy is based on the 12-month impact on net interest revenue of interest rate shocks and ramps that increase from 100 to 400 basis points or decrease 100 to 200 basis points from the base scenario. In the shock scenarios, rates immediately change the full amount at the scenario onset. In the ramp scenarios, rates change by 25 basis points per month. Our policy limits the projected change in net interest revenue over the first 12 months to an 8% decrease for each 100 basis point change in the increasing and decreasing rate ramp and shock scenarios. The following table presents our interest sensitivity position at the dates indicated.
57
Table 16 - Interest Sensitivity
(in thousands)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Change in Rates
Shock
Ramp
Shock
Ramp
200 basis point increase
0.42
%
(1.09)
%
6.97
%
4.33
%
100 basis point increase
0.26
(0.62)
3.53
2.85
100 basis point decrease
(1.11)
(0.15)
(3.78)
(3.12)
200 basis point decrease
(3.65)
(0.32)
(8.39)
(5.07)
The current environment is marked by the most rapid rate increases in decades, which, in part, has made non-bank products, such as U.S. Treasuries and money market funds, more attractive to our deposit customers. For this and other reasons, the banking industry’s deposit base has been shrinking since the first half of 2022. This industry-wide outflow of deposits has increased price competition for bank deposits. As such, industry deposit betas, including ours, have been increasing at a faster pace relative to the last rising rate cycle. Deposit beta is a measure of the change in a bank’s average rate paid on deposits to the change in the federal funds rate. Our cumulative total deposit beta for the current rising rate cycle increased to 37% in the third quarter of 2023, excluding First Miami. Our cumulative total deposit beta in the last upward rate cycle from November 2015 to July 2019 was 22%.
Our interest sensitivity model includes significant key assumptions which may change over time. Although our model generally assumes no change in deposit portfolio size or composition, we have included an assumption for the runoff of surge deposits since 2021. In the second quarter of 2023, in response to the rapid rate increases mentioned above, we increased the beta assumption in our model. As of September 30, 2023, the modeled total deposit beta, which is measured as the change in our overall deposit rate as a percentage of the change in the targeted Federal Funds rate, was 39%. A higher total deposit beta assumption generally indicates a less asset sensitive balance sheet and lowers the expected increase in net interest revenue in the increasing rate scenarios.
Liquidity Management
Liquidity is defined as the ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining the ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of customers, both depositors and borrowers. The primary objective is to ensure that sufficient funding is available, at a reasonable cost, to meet ongoing operational cash needs and to take advantage of revenue producing opportunities as they arise. While the desired level of liquidity will vary depending upon a variety of factors, our primary goal is to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity in all expected economic environments. To assist in determining the adequacy of our liquidity, we perform a variety of liquidity stress tests. We maintain an unencumbered liquid asset reserve to help ensure our ability to meet our obligations under normal conditions for at least a 12-month period and under severely adverse liquidity conditions for a minimum of 30 days.
An important part of the Bank’s liquidity resides in the asset portion of the balance sheet, which provides liquidity primarily through loan interest and principal repayments and the maturities and sales of securities, as well as the ability to use these assets as collateral for borrowings on a secured basis.
The Bank’s main source of liquidity is customer interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts. Liquidity is also available from wholesale funding sources consisting primarily of repurchase agreements, Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, and brokered deposits. These sources of liquidity are generally short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet other short-term liquidity needs. In response to recent bank failures, we have focused on maximizing the amount of securities and loans available as collateral for contingent liquidity sources as well as reevaluated the assumptions in our liquidity stress test, particularly as it relates to deposit duration.
At September 30, 2023, we had sufficient qualifying collateral to provide borrowing capacity for FHLB advances of $1.88 billion, Federal Reserve discount window borrowing capacity of $2.73 billion and Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program capacity of $2.03 billion. We also had unpledged investment securities of $1.53 billion that could be used as collateral for additional borrowings. In addition, we believe we have the ability to attract retail deposits by competing more aggressively on pricing.
In addition, because the Holding Company is a separate entity and apart from the Bank, it must provide for its own liquidity. The Holding Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its common and preferred shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt or trust preferred securities. The Holding Company currently has internal capital resources to meet these obligations. While the Holding Company has access to the capital markets, the ultimate sources of its liquidity are subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank, which are limited by applicable law and regulations. A South Carolina state-chartered bank
58
is permitted to pay a dividend of up to 100% of its current year earnings without requesting approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions, provided certain conditions are met. Holding Company liquidity is managed to a minimum of 15-months of anticipated cash expenditures after considering all of its liquidity needs over this period.
Significant uses and sources of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 are as follows. See the consolidated statement of cash flows for further detail.
•Net cash provided by operating activities of $272 million reflects net income of $173 million adjusted for non-cash transactions, partly offset by changes in loans held for sale and other assets. Significant non-cash transactions for the period included a $74.8 million provision for credit losses and net depreciation, amortization, and accretion of $34.0 million.
•Net cash used in investing activities of $2.37 million primarily consisted of a net increase in loans of $875 million, purchases of AFS securities and outflows for equity investments totaling $429 million and net cash paid to dispose of two of our Tennessee branches of $93.6 million. These uses of cash were partially offset by proceeds from securities sales, maturities and calls of $1.12 billion, net cash received in the acquisitions of First Miami and Progress of $208 million and equity investment inflows of $124 million.
•Net cash used in financing activities of $157 million was driven by a net increase in deposits of $886 million, partially offset by net repayments of FHLB advances of $645 million, a net decrease in short-term borrowings of $310 million, and dividends on common and preferred stock of $82.4 million.
In the opinion of management, our liquidity position at September 30, 2023 was sufficient to meet our expected cash flow requirements for the foreseeable future.
Capital Resources and Dividends
Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2023 was $3.18 billion, an increase of $483 million from December 31, 2022 primarily due to equity issued in the Progress and First Miami acquisitions and year-to-date earnings, partially offset by dividends declared on common and preferred stock.
The following table shows capital ratios, as calculated under applicable regulatory guidelines, at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, capital levels remained characterized as “well-capitalized” under regulatory requirements in effect at the time. Additional information related to capital ratios is provided in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
Table 17 - Capital Ratios
United Community Banks, Inc. (Consolidated)
United Community Bank
Minimum
Well- Capitalized
Minimum Capital Plus Capital Conservation Buffer
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Risk-based ratios:
CET1 capital
4.5
%
6.5
%
7.0
%
12.15
%
12.26
%
12.26
%
12.83
%
Tier 1 capital
6.0
8.0
8.5
12.60
12.81
12.26
12.83
Total capital
8.0
10.0
10.5
14.45
14.79
13.25
13.70
Leverage ratio
4.0
5.0
N/A
9.70
9.69
9.43
9.69
Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices
A bank’s asset and liability structure is substantially different from that of an industrial firm in that primarily all assets and liabilities of a bank are monetary in nature with relatively little investment in fixed assets or inventories. Inflation has an important effect on the growth of total assets and the resulting need to increase equity capital at higher than normal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio.
Management believes the effect of inflation on financial results depends on our ability to react to changes in interest rates, and by such reaction, reduce the inflationary effect on performance. We have an asset/liability management program to manage interest rate sensitivity. In addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs.
59
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in our market risk as of September 30, 2023 from that presented in our 2022 10-K. Our interest rate sensitivity position at September 30, 2023 is set forth in Table 16 in MD&A of this Report and incorporated herein by this reference.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of September 30, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
60
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, the Holding Company and the Bank are parties to various legal proceedings. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, the Holding Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory examinations and investigations. Based on our current knowledge and advice of counsel, in the opinion of management there is no such pending or threatened legal matter which would result in a material adverse effect upon our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Items 1A. Risk Factors
Except with respect to the additional risk factors related to the First Miami acquisition, which are set forth on pages 22 through 23 of the prospectus filed with the SEC on April 24, 2023 pursuant to Securities Act Rule 424(b)(3) (and incorporated herein by this reference), there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2022 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table contains information regarding purchases of our preferred stock made during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 by or on behalf of United or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act:
Preferred Stock Depositary Share Repurchases
(Dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Total Number of Depositary Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Depositary Share
Total Number of Depositary Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)
July 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023
59,549
$
20.89
59,549
$
23,534
August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
150,139
20.62
150,139
20,438
September 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023
34,324
21.84
34,324
19,688
Total
244,012
$
20.86
244,012
(1) In May 2023, United’s Board authorized a preferred stock repurchase program to permit the repurchase of up to $25 million of its preferred stock. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of the repurchase of our preferred stock having an aggregate purchase price of $25 million or December 31, 2023. Under the program, shares may be repurchased in open market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, subject to market conditions, including transactions outside the safe harbor provided by Exchange Act Rule 10b-18 (but nevertheless adhering to Rule 10-b-18’s requirements).The preferred stock repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion without prior notice, and does not commit the Company to repurchase shares of its preferred stock or depositary shares. The actual number and value of the shares to be purchased will be determined by the Company at its discretion, and will depend on a number of factors including the performance of the price of the depositary shares, market conditions, the availability of alternative investment opportunities and other factors the Company deems appropriate.
Interactive data files for United Community Bank, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited); (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited); (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited); (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited); (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited); and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
104
The cover page from United Community Bank’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (formatted in Inline XBRL and included in Exhibit 101)
62
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
/s/ H. Lynn Harton
H. Lynn Harton
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jefferson L. Harralson
Jefferson L. Harralson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Alan H. Kumler
Alan H. Kumler
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer