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Published: 2021-01-19 17:15:02 ET
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EX-99.1 2 tm213503d1_ex99-1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

 

For more information:

 

Jefferson Harralson

Chief Financial Officer

(864) 240-6208

Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

 

United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Results

EPS of $0.66, Return on Assets of 1.30% and Return on Common Equity of 12.36%

 

GREENVILLE, SC – January 19, 2021 - United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) (United) today reported fourth quarter financial results, including solid year-over-year loan and core deposit growth and strong profitability. For the quarter, United’s net income was $59.5 million and pre-tax pre-provision income was $80.3 million. Diluted earnings per share of $0.66 for the quarter represented an increase of $0.05 or 8%, from a year ago. Compared to the third quarter, diluted earnings per share were up by $0.14 or 27%. On an operating basis, which excludes merger-related and other charges, diluted earnings per share were $0.68, up $0.07 or 11% from last year and $0.13 per share or 24% compared to the third quarter. United’s GAAP return on assets (ROA) was 1.30% and its return on common equity was 12.4% for the quarter. On an operating basis, United’s ROA was 1.34% and its return on tangible common equity was 16.2%. On a pre-tax, pre-provision basis, and excluding merger-related and other charges, ROA was 1.82%.

 

Included in the quarter’s results was a discretionary $8.5 million contribution to the United Community Bank Foundation. This contribution lowered operating EPS by $0.07 and operating ROA by 15 basis points.

 

Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton stated, “While our markets continue to be impacted by the pandemic, I am proud of the ongoing commitment to service by our employees and am encouraged by the resilience of our customers. The strength of our balance sheet and the diversity of our business model enabled us to continue to post solid financial results in a challenging environment. Most importantly, our teams continued to exhibit outstanding leadership. During the year, we have been able to add new teams of bankers, expand our footprint into new, fast-growing markets, and increase our product offerings. Focused efforts by our teams have led to meaningful high-quality growth in loans, deposits, and fee income despite economic headwinds.”

 

Total loans decreased by $428 million during the quarter—primarily driven by the forgiveness of $671 million in SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Excluding the effect of PPP loans, core organic loan growth was 8% annualized. Core transaction deposits grew by $369 million during the quarter, or 13% annualized, and United’s cost of deposits decreased by 8 basis points to 0.17%. The net interest margin increased 28 basis points from the third quarter due mainly to the accelerated recognition of PPP fees, as well as purchased loan accretion. Excluding these items, the net interest margin decreased by approximately 10 basis points from the third quarter due to a combination of factors, including lower overall market rates and increased liquidity.

 

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Mr. Harton concluded, “I am pleased by our performance both this quarter and this past year despite the challenging circumstances. I am optimistic going into 2021 knowing that we are well positioned to take advantage of new business opportunities. In October, and for the fourth consecutive year, United was again named one of the Best Banks to Work for in 2020 by American Banker. This honor demonstrates our commitment to employee development and to fostering a strong culture. Our employees continue to lead in supporting our customers and communities, which is directly reflected in our performance and success.”

 

2020 Financial Highlights:

 

Full year EPS of $1.91, a decrease of 17% compared to last year on both a GAAP and operating basis

 

Return on assets of 1.04%, or 1.07% on an operating basis

 

Pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets of 1.85%, or 1.90% on an operating basis

 

Return on common equity of 9.3%

 

Return on tangible common equity of 12.2% on an operating basis

 

Completed the merger with Three Shores Bancorporation and its bank subsidiary Seaside National Bank & Trust (Seaside) on July 1

 

A provision for credit losses of $80.4 million compared to $13.2 million in 2019, partly due to the adoption of the Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) model in the first quarter

 

Processed nearly 11,000 PPP applications, totaling $1.3 billion in new loans

 

Loan growth of $2.6 billion with $1.4 billion attributable to loans acquired from Seaside and core loan growth (excluding PPP loans) of 8% for the year

 

Core transaction deposits were up $4.0 billion with $1.3 billion attributable to Seaside and remainder in organic growth, which represents a 36% core growth rate for the year

 

Net interest margin of 3.55%, which was down 52 basis points from last year due to a number of factors, including the low rate environment, the Seaside acquisition, and increasing balance sheet liquidity

 

Record mortgage rate locks of $3.3 billion compared to $1.6 billion a year ago

 

Noninterest income was up $49.6 million or 47%, excluding net securities gains; Seaside contributed nearly $4.7 million of the increase and mortgage loan gains and related fees were up $48.9 million, primarily driven by record mortgage rate locks and production

 

Efficiency ratio of 55.7%, or 54.6% on an operating basis

 

Net charge-offs of $18.3 million, or 17 basis points as a percent of average loans, up 3 basis points from 2019

 

Completed a public offering of $100 million aggregate of 6.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock and $100 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% Fixed-to-Floating Senior Notes due 2030

 

Established the United Community Bank Foundation with $10.0 million

 

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Highlights:

 

Net income of $59.5 million and pre-tax pre-provision income of $80.3 million

 

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EPS increased by 8% compared to last year on a GAAP basis and 11% on an operating basis; compared to third quarter, EPS increased by 27% on a GAAP basis and 24% on an operating basis

 

Return on assets of 1.30%, or 1.34% on an operating basis

 

Pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets of 1.77%, or 1.82% on an operating basis

 

Return on common equity of 12.4%

 

Return on tangible common equity of 16.2% on an operating basis

 

A provision for credit losses of $2.9 million, which increased the allowance for loan losses to 1.20% (1.28%, excluding PPP loans) from 1.14% in the third quarter

 

Loan production of $1.1 billion, resulting in core loan growth of 8%, annualized for the quarter, excluding the impact of $671 million in PPP loans being forgiven

 

Core transaction deposits were up $369 million, which represents a 13% annualized growth rate for the quarter

 

Net interest margin of 3.55% was up 28 basis points from the third quarter, mainly due to the impact of accelerated PPP fees during the quarter

 

Record mortgage closings of $609 million and mortgage rate locks of $792 million, compared to $333 million and $411 million, respectively, a year ago

 

Noninterest income was down $6.6 million on a linked quarter basis, excluding net securities gains, primarily driven by lower mortgage loan gains and related fees

 

Noninterest expenses increased by $10.5 million compared to the third quarter mostly due to funding for the United Community Bank Foundation of $8.5 million

 

Efficiency ratio of 56.7%, or 55.4% on an operating basis

 

Net charge-offs of $1.5 million, or 5 basis points as a percent of average loans, down 4 basis points from the third quarter

 

Nonperforming assets of 0.35% of total assets, up 6 basis points compared to September 30, 2020

 

Total loan deferrals of $71 million or 0.6% of the total loan portfolio compared to $365 million or 3% in the third quarter

 

$8.5 million of funding for the United Community Bank Foundation for charities and causes throughout the footprint, adding to a $0.5 million contribution in the third quarter

 

Plan for operational conversion of Seaside in the first quarter of 2021

 

Conference Call

 

United will hold a conference call, Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this press release and to share business highlights for the quarter. To access the call, dial (877) 380-5665 and use the conference number 5083638. The conference call also will be webcast and available for replay for 30 days by selecting “Events & Presentations” within the Investor Relations section of United’s website at www.ucbi.com.

 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Financial Information

 

                 Fourth   For the Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
    
  2020   2019   Quarter         YTD 2020- 
(in thousands, except per share data)  Fourth
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Second
Quarter
   First
Quarter
   Fourth
Quarter
   2020- 2019
Change
   2020   2019   2019
Change
 
INCOME SUMMARY                                             
Interest revenue  $156,071   $141,773   $123,605   $136,547   $136,419        $557,996   $552,706      
Interest expense   10,676    13,319    14,301    17,941    19,781         56,237    83,312      
Net interest revenue   145,395    128,454    109,304    118,606    116,638    25%   501,759    469,394    7%
Provision for credit losses   2,907    21,793    33,543    22,191    3,500         80,434    13,150      
Noninterest income   41,375    48,682    40,238    25,814    30,183    37    156,109    104,713    49 
Total revenue   183,863    155,343    115,999    122,229    143,321    28    577,434    560,957    3 
Expenses   106,490    95,981    83,980    81,538    81,424    31    367,989    322,245    14 
Income before income tax expense   77,373    59,362    32,019    40,691    61,897         209,445    238,712      
Income tax expense   17,871    11,755    6,923    8,807    12,885         45,356    52,991      
Net income   59,502    47,607    25,096    31,884    49,012         164,089    185,721      
Merger-related and other charges   2,452    3,361    397    808    (74)        7,018    7,357      
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges   (552)   (519)   (87)   (182)   17         (1,340)   (1,695)     
Net income - operating (1)  $61,402   $50,449   $25,406   $32,510   $48,955    25   $169,767   $191,383    (11)
                                              
Pre-tax pre-provision income (5)   $80,280    $81,155   $65,562   $62,882   $65,397    23   $289,879   $251,862    15 
                                              
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                                             
Per common share:                                             
Diluted net income - GAAP  $0.66   $0.52   $0.32   $0.40   $0.61    8   $1.91   $2.31    (17)
Diluted net income - operating (1)   0.68    0.55    0.32    0.41    0.61    11    1.98    2.38    (17)
Common stock cash dividends declared   0.18    0.18    0.18    0.18    0.18        0.72    0.68    6 
Book value   21.90    21.45    21.22    20.80    20.53    7    21.90    20.53    7 
Tangible book value (3)   17.56    17.09    16.95    16.52    16.28    8    17.56    16.28    8 
Key performance ratios:                                             
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)(4)   12.36%   10.06%   6.17%   7.85%   12.07%        9.25%   11.89%     
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)(4)   12.77    10.69    6.25    8.01    12.06         9.58    12.25      
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)(4)   16.23    13.52    8.09    10.57    15.49         12.24    15.81      
Return on assets - GAAP (4)   1.30    1.07    0.71    0.99    1.50         1.04    1.46      
Return on assets - operating (1)(4)   1.34    1.14    0.72    1.01    1.50         1.07    1.51      
Return on assets -pre-tax pre-provision (4)(5)   1.77    1.86    1.86    1.95    2.00         1.85    1.99      

Return on assets -pre-tax pre-provision, excluding merger related and other charges (1)(4)(5)

   1.82    1.93    1.87    1.98    2.00         1.90    2.04      
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) (4)   3.55    3.27    3.42    4.07    3.93         3.55    4.07      
Efficiency ratio - GAAP   56.73    54.14    55.86    56.15    54.87         55.71    55.77      
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)   55.42    52.24    55.59    55.59    54.92         54.64    54.50      
Equity to total assets   11.29    11.47    11.81    12.54    12.66         11.29    12.66      
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)   8.81    8.89    9.12    10.22    10.32         8.81    10.32      
ASSET QUALITY                                             
Nonperforming loans  $61,599   $49,084   $48,021   $36,208   $35,341    74   $61,599   $35,341    74 
Foreclosed properties   647    953    477    475    476    36    647    476    36 
Total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”)   62,246    50,037    48,498    36,683    35,817    74    62,246    35,817    74 
Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases   137,010    134,256    103,669    81,905    62,089    121    137,010    62,089    121 
Net charge-offs   1,515    2,538    6,149    8,114    3,925    (61)   18,316    12,216    50 
Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases to loans   1.20%   1.14%   1.02%   0.92%   0.70%        1.20%   0.70%     
Net charge-offs to average loans (4)   0.05    0.09    0.25    0.37    0.18         0.17    0.14      
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties   0.55    0.42    0.48    0.41    0.41         0.55    0.41      
NPAs to total assets   0.35    0.29    0.32    0.28    0.28         0.35    0.28      
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)                                             
Loans  $11,595   $11,644   $9,773   $8,829   $8,890    30   $10,467   $8,708    20 
Investment securities   3,326    2,750    2,408    2,520    2,486    34    2,752    2,647    4 
Earning assets   16,394    15,715    12,958    11,798    11,832    39    14,226    11,609    23 
Total assets   17,698    17,013    14,173    12,944    12,946    37    15,467    12,687    22 
Deposits   15,057    14,460    12,071    10,915    10,924    38    13,135    10,579    24 
Shareholders’ equity   1,994    1,948    1,686    1,653    1,623    23    1,821    1,556    17 
Common shares - basic (thousands)   87,258    87,129    78,920    79,340    79,659    10    83,184    79,700    4 
Common shares - diluted (thousands)   87,333    87,205    78,924    79,446    79,669    10    83,248    79,708    4 
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)                                             
Loans  $11,371   $11,799   $10,133   $8,935   $8,813    29   $11,371   $8,813    29 
Investment securities   3,645    3,089    2,432    2,540    2,559    42    3,645    2,559    42 
Total assets   17,794    17,153    15,005    13,086    12,916    38    17,794    12,916    38 
Deposits   15,232    14,603    12,702    11,035    10,897    40    15,232    10,897    40 
Shareholders’ equity   2,008    1,967    1,772    1,641    1,636    23    2,008    1,636    23 
Common shares outstanding (thousands)   86,675    86,611    78,335    78,284    79,014    10    86,675    79,014    10 

 

 

(1)  Excludes merger-related and other charges. (2) Net income divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. (4) Annualized. (5) Excludes income tax expense and provision for credit losses.

 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Selected Financial Information

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)  2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
INCOME SUMMARY                         
Interest revenue  $557,996   $552,706   $500,080   $389,720   $335,020 
Interest expense   56,237    83,312    61,330    33,735    25,236 
Net interest revenue   501,759    469,394    438,750    355,985    309,784 
Provision for credit losses   80,434    13,150    9,500    3,800    (800)
Noninterest income   156,109    104,713    92,961    88,260    93,697 
Total revenue   577,434    560,957    522,211    440,445    404,281 
Expenses   367,989    322,245    306,285    267,611    241,289 
Income before income tax expense   209,445    238,712    215,926    172,834    162,992 
Income tax expense   45,356    52,991    49,815    105,013    62,336 
Net income   164,089    185,721    166,111    67,821    100,656 
Merger-related and other charges   7,018    7,357    7,345    14,662    8,122 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges   (1,340)   (1,695)   (1,494)   (3,745)   (3,074)
Impact of remeasurement of deferred tax asset resulting from 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act               38,199     
Impairment of deferred tax asset on cancelled non-qualified stock options                   976 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI               3,400     
Net income - operating (1)  $169,767   $191,383   $171,962   $120,337   $106,680 
                          
Pre-tax pre-provision income (4)  $289,879   $251,862   $225,426   $176,634   $162,192 
                          
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                         
Per common share:                         
Diluted net income - GAAP  $1.91   $2.31   $2.07   $0.92   $1.40 
Diluted net income - operating (1)   1.98    2.38    2.14    1.63    1.48 
Common stock cash dividends declared   0.72    0.68    0.58    0.38    0.30 
Book value   21.90    20.53    18.24    16.67    15.06 
Tangible book value (3)   17.56    16.28    14.24    13.65    12.95 
Key performance ratios:                         
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)   9.25%   11.89%   11.60%   5.67%   9.41%
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)   9.58    12.25    12.01    10.07    9.98 
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)   12.24    15.81    15.69    12.02    11.86 
Return on assets - GAAP   1.04    1.46    1.35    0.62    1.00 
Return on assets - operating (1)   1.07    1.51    1.40    1.09    1.06 
Return on assets -pre-tax pre-provision (4)   1.85    1.99    1.84    1.60    1.61 
Return on assets -pre-tax pre-provision, excluding  merger related and other charges (1)(5)   1.90    2.04    1.89    1.74    1.69 
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)   3.55    4.07    3.91    3.52    3.36 
Efficiency ratio - GAAP   55.71    55.77    57.31    59.95    59.80 
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)   54.64    54.50    55.94    56.67    57.78 
Equity to total assets   11.29    12.66    11.59    10.94    10.05 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)   8.81    10.32    9.29    9.14    8.77 
ASSET QUALITY                         
Nonperforming loans  $61,599   $35,341   $23,778   $23,658   $21,539 
Foreclosed properties   647    476    1,305    3,234    7,949 
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)   62,246    35,817    25,083    26,892    29,488 
Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases   137,010    62,089    61,203    58,914    61,422 
Net charge-offs   18,316    12,216    6,113    5,998    6,766 
Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases to loans   1.20%   0.70%   0.73%   0.76%   0.89%
Net charge-offs to average loans   0.17    0.14    0.07    0.08    0.11 
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties   0.55    0.41    0.30    0.35    0.43 
NPAs to total assets   0.35    0.28    0.20    0.23    0.28 
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)                         
Loans  $10,467   $8,708   $8,170   $7,150   $6,413 
Investment securities   2,752    2,647    2,899    2,847    2,691 
Earning assets   14,226    11,609    11,282    10,162    9,257 
Total assets   15,467    12,687    12,284    11,015    10,054 
Deposits   13,135    10,579    10,000    8,950    8,177 
Shareholders’ equity   1,821    1,556    1,380    1,180    1,059 
Common shares - basic (thousands)   83,184    79,700    79,662    73,247    71,910 
Common shares - diluted (thousands)   83,248    79,708    79,671    73,259    71,915 
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)                         
Loans  $11,371   $8,813   $8,383   $7,736   $6,921 
Investment securities   3,645    2,559    2,903    2,937    2,762 
Total assets   17,794    12,916    12,573    11,915    10,709 
Deposits   15,232    10,897    10,535    9,808    8,638 
Shareholders’ equity   2,008    1,636    1,458    1,303    1,076 
Common shares outstanding (thousands)   86,675    79,014    79,234    77,580    70,899 

 

(1) Excludes merger-related and other charges which includes amortization of certain executive change of control benefits, 2019 executive retirement charges and termination of pension plan, the 2017 impact of remeasurement of United’s deferred tax assets following the passage of tax reform legislation, a 2017 release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI, and a 2016 deferred tax asset impairment charge related to cancelled non-qualified stock options. (2) Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. (4) Excludes income tax expense and provision for credit losses.

 

 5 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation

 

Selected Financial Information- Quarterly

 

  2020  2019 
(in thousands, except per share data)  Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter   Fourth Quarter 
Expense reconciliation                         
Expenses (GAAP)  $106,490   $95,981   $83,980   $81,538   $81,424 
Merger-related and other charges   (2,452)   (3,361)   (397)   (808)   74 
Expenses - operating  $104,038   $92,620   $83,583   $80,730   $81,498 
                          
Net income to operating income reconciliation                         
Net income (GAAP)  $59,502   $47,607   $25,096   $31,884   $49,012 
Merger-related and other charges   2,452    3,361    397    808    (74)
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges   (552)   (519)   (87)   (182)   17 
Net income - operating  $61,402   $50,449   $25,406   $32,510   $48,955 
                          
Net income to pre-tax pre-provision income reconciliation                         
Net income (GAAP)   59,502    47,607    25,096    31,884    49,012 
Income tax expense   17,871    11,755    6,923    8,807    12,885 
Provision for credit losses   2,907    21,793    33,543    22,191    3,500 
Pre-tax pre-provision income  $80,280   $81,155   $65,562   $62,882   $65,397 
                          
Diluted income per common share reconciliation                         
Diluted income per common share (GAAP)  $0.66   $0.52   $0.32   $0.40   $0.61 
Merger-related and other charges   0.02    0.03        0.01     
Diluted income per common share - operating  $0.68   $0.55   $0.32   $0.41   $0.61 
                          
Book value per common share reconciliation                         
Book value per common share (GAAP)  $21.90   $21.45   $21.22   $20.80   $20.53 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   (4.34)   (4.36)   (4.27)   (4.28)   (4.25)
Tangible book value per common share  $17.56   $17.09   $16.95   $16.52   $16.28 
                          
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                         
Return on common equity (GAAP)   12.36%   10.06%   6.17%   7.85%   12.07%
Merger-related and other charges   0.41    0.63    0.08    0.16    (0.01)
Return on common equity - operating   12.77    10.69    6.25    8.01    12.06 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   3.46    2.83    1.84    2.56    3.43 
Return on tangible common equity - operating   16.23%   13.52%   8.09%   10.57%   15.49%
                          
Return on assets reconciliation                         
Return on assets (GAAP)   1.30%   1.07%   0.71%   0.99%   1.50%
Merger-related and other charges   0.04    0.07    0.01    0.02     
Return on assets - operating   1.34%   1.14%   0.72%   1.01%   1.50%
                          
Return on assets to return on assets- pre-tax pre-provision reconciliation                         
Return on assets (GAAP)   1.30%   1.07%   0.71%   0.99%   1.50%
Income tax expense   0.40    0.28    0.20    0.27    0.39 
Provision for credit losses   0.07    0.51    0.95    0.69    0.11 
Return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision   1.77    1.86    1.86    1.95    2.00 
Merger-related and other charges   0.05    0.07    0.01    0.03     
Return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision, excluding merger-related and other charges   1.82%   1.93%   1.87%   1.98%   2.00%
                          
Efficiency ratio reconciliation                         
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   56.73%   54.14%   55.86%   56.15%   54.87%
Merger-related and other charges   (1.31)   (1.90)   (0.27)   (0.56)   0.05 
Efficiency ratio - operating   55.42%   52.24%   55.59%   55.59%   54.92%
                          
Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation                         
Equity to total assets (GAAP)   11.29%   11.47%   11.81%   12.54%   12.66%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   (1.94)   (2.02)   (2.05)   (2.32)   (2.34)
Effect of preferred equity   (0.54)   (0.56)   (0.64)        
Tangible common equity to tangible assets   8.81%   8.89%   9.12%   10.22%   10.32%

 

 6 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation

 

Selected Financial Information- Annual

 

  For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
(in thousands, except per share data)  2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
Expense reconciliation                         
Expenses (GAAP)  $367,989   $322,245   $306,285   $267,611   $241,289 
Merger-related and other charges   (7,018)   (7,357)   (7,345)   (14,662)   (8,122)
Expenses - operating  $360,971   $314,888   $298,940   $252,949   $233,167 
                          
Net income reconciliation                         
Net income (GAAP)  $164,089   $185,721   $166,111   $67,821   $100,656 
Merger-related and other charges   7,018    7,357    7,345    14,662    8,122 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges   (1,340)   (1,695)   (1,494)   (3,745)   (3,074)
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset               38,199     
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options                   976 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI               3,400     
Net income - operating  $169,767   $191,383   $171,962   $120,337   $106,680 
                          
Net income to pre-tax pre-provision income reconciliation                         
Net income (GAAP)  $164,089   $185,721   $166,111   $67,821   $100,656 
Income tax expense   45,356    52,991    49,815    105,013    62,336 
Provision for credit losses   80,434    13,150    9,500    3,800    (800)
Pre-tax pre-provision income  $289,879   $251,862   $225,426   $176,634   $162,192 
                          
Diluted income per common share reconciliation                         
Diluted income per common share (GAAP)  $1.91   $2.31   $2.07   $0.92   $1.40 
Merger-related and other charges   0.07    0.07    0.07    0.14    0.07 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset               0.52     
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options                   0.01 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI               0.05     
Diluted income per common share - operating  $1.98   $2.38   $2.14   $1.63   $1.48 
                          
Book value per common share reconciliation                         
Book value per common share (GAAP)  $21.90   $20.53   $18.24   $16.67   $15.06 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   (4.34)   (4.25)   (4.00)   (3.02)   (2.11)
Tangible book value per common share  $17.56   $16.28   $14.24   $13.65   $12.95 
                          
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                         
Return on common equity (GAAP)   9.25%   11.89%   11.60%   5.67%   9.41%
Merger-related and other charges   0.33    0.36    0.41    0.92    0.48 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset               3.20     
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options                   0.09 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI               0.28     
Return on common equity - operating   9.58    12.25    12.01    10.07    9.98 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   2.66    3.56    3.68    1.95    1.88 
Return on tangible common equity - operating   12.24%   15.81%   15.69%   12.02%   11.86%
                          
Return on assets reconciliation                         
Return on assets (GAAP)   1.04%   1.46%   1.35%   0.62%   1.00%
Merger-related and other charges   0.03    0.05    0.05    0.09    0.05 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset               0.35     
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options                   0.01 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI               0.03     
Return on assets - operating   1.07%   1.51%   1.40%   1.09%   1.06%
                          
Return on assets to return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision reconciliation                         
Return on assets (GAAP)   1.04%   1.46%   1.35%   0.62%   1.00%
Income tax expense   0.29    0.43    0.41    0.95    0.62 
Provision for credit losses   0.52    0.10    0.08    0.03    (0.01)
Return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision   1.85    1.99    1.84    1.60    1.61 
Merger-related and other charges   0.05    0.05    0.05    0.14    0.08 
Return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision   1.90%   2.04%   1.89%   1.74%   1.69%
                          
Efficiency ratio reconciliation                         
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   55.71%   55.77%   57.31%   59.95%   59.80%
Merger-related and other charges   (1.07)   (1.27)   (1.37)   (3.28)   (2.02)
Efficiency ratio - operating   54.64%   54.50%   55.94%   56.67%   57.78%
                          
Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation                         
Equity to assets (GAAP)   11.29%   12.66%   11.59%   10.94%   10.05%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles   (1.94)   (2.34)   (2.30)   (1.80)   (1.28)
Effect of preferred equity   (0.54)                
Tangible common equity to assets   8.81%   10.32%   9.29%   9.14%   8.77%

 

 7 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Financial Highlights

 

Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End

 

   2020   2019   Linked    Year over  
(in millions)  Fourth
Quarter
   Third
Quarter
   Second Quarter   First
Quarter
   Fourth Quarter   Quarter
Change
   Year
Change
 
LOANS BY CATEGORY                                   
Owner occupied commercial RE  $2,090   $2,009   $1,759   $1,703   $1,720   $81   $370 
Income producing commercial RE   2,541    2,493    2,178    2,065    2,008    48    533 
Commercial & industrial   1,853    1,788    1,219    1,310    1,221    65    632 
Paycheck protection program   646    1,317    1,095            (671)   646 
Commercial construction   967    987    946    959    976    (20)   (9)
Equipment financing   864    823    779    761    745    41    119 
Total commercial   8,961    9,417    7,976    6,798    6,670    (456)   2,291 
Residential mortgage   1,285    1,270    1,152    1,128    1,118    15    167 
Home equity lines of credit   697    707    654    668    661    (10)   36 
Residential construction   281    257    230    216    236    24    45 
Consumer   147    148    121    125    128    (1)   19 
Total loans  $11,371   $11,799   $10,133   $8,935   $8,813   $(428)  $2,558 
                                    
LOANS BY MARKET                                   
North Georgia  $955   $945   $951   $958   $967   $10   $(12)
Atlanta   1,889    1,853    1,852    1,820    1,762    36    127 
North Carolina   1,281    1,246    1,171    1,124    1,156    35    125 
Coastal Georgia   617    614    618    604    631    3    (14)
Gainesville   224    229    233    235    246    (5)   (22)
East Tennessee   415    420    433    425    421    (5)   (6)
South Carolina   1,947    1,870    1,778    1,774    1,708    77    239 
Florida   1,435    1,453                (18)   1,435 
Commercial Banking Solutions   2,608    3,169    3,097    1,995    1,922    (561)   686 
Total loans  $11,371   $11,799   $10,133   $8,935   $8,813   $(428)  $2,558 

 

 8 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Financial Highlights

 

Loan Portfolio Composition at Year-End

 

(in millions)  2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
LOANS BY CATEGORY                         
Owner occupied commercial RE  $2,090   $1,720   $1,648   $1,924   $1,650 
Income producing commercial RE   2,541    2,008    1,812    1,595    1,282 
Commercial & industrial   1,853    1,221    1,278    1,131    1,070 
Paycheck protection program   646                 
Commercial construction   967    976    796    712    634 
Equipment financing   864    745    565         
Total commercial   8,961    6,670    6,099    5,362    4,636 
Residential mortgage   1,285    1,118    1,049    974    857 
Home equity lines of credit   697    661    694    731    655 
Residential construction   281    236    211    183    190 
Consumer   146    128    330    486    583 
Total loans  $11,371   $8,813   $8,383   $7,736   $6,921 
                          
LOANS BY MARKET                         
North Georgia  $955   $967   $981   $1,019   $1,097 
Atlanta   1,889    1,762    1,507    1,510    1,399 
North Carolina   1,281    1,156    1,072    1,049    545 
Coastal Georgia   617    631    588    630    581 
Gainesville   224    246    247    248    248 
East Tennessee   415    421    477    475    504 
South Carolina   1,947    1,708    1,645    1,486    1,233 
Florida   1,435                 
Commercial Banking Solutions   2,608    1,922    1,658    961    855 
Indirect auto           208    358    459 
Total loans  $11,371   $8,813   $8,383   $7,736   $6,921 

 

 9 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Financial Highlights

 

Credit Quality

   2020 
(in thousands)  Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter 
NONACCRUAL LOANS               
Owner occupied RE  $8,582   $11,075   $10,710 
Income producing RE   15,149    12,230    11,274 
Commercial & industrial   16,634    3,534    3,432 
Commercial construction   1,745    1,863    2,290 
Equipment financing   3,405    3,137    3,119 
Total commercial   45,515    31,839    30,825 
Residential mortgage   12,858    13,864    13,185 
Home equity lines of credit   2,487    2,642    3,138 
Residential construction   514    479    500 
Consumer   225    260    373 
Total  $61,599   $49,084   $48,021 

 

   2020 
   Fourth Quarter   Third Quarter   Second Quarter 
(in thousands)  Net Charge-
Offs
   Net Charge-
Offs to Average
Loans (1)
   Net Charge-
Offs
   Net Charge-
Offs to Average
Loans (1)
   Net Charge-
Offs
   Net Charge-
Offs to Average
Loans (1)
 
NET CHARGE-OFFS BY CATEGORY                              
Owner occupied RE  $(277)   (0.05)%  $(725)   (0.14)%  $(466)   (0.11)%
Income producing RE   (1,718)   (0.27)   1,785    0.29    4,548    0.86 
Commercial & industrial   2,294    0.33    (105)   (0.01)   (37)   (0.01)
Commercial construction   (129)   (0.05)   (171)   (0.07)   122    0.05 
Equipment financing   1,595    0.75    1,993    0.93    1,665    0.87 
Total commercial   1,765    0.08    2,777    0.12    5,832    0.31 
Residential mortgage   (25)   (0.01)   (35)   (0.01)   (6)    
Home equity lines of credit   (151)   (0.09)   (125)   (0.07)   (98)   (0.06)
Residential construction   (47)   (0.07)           (5)   (0.01)
Consumer   (27)   (0.07)   (79)   (0.22)   426    1.39 
Total  $1,515    0.05   $2,538    0.09   $6,149    0.25 
                               
(1)  Annualized.                              

 

 10 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)  December 31, 2020   December 31, 2019 
ASSETS        
Cash and due from banks  $148,896   $125,844 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks   1,459,723    389,362 
Cash and cash equivalents   1,608,619    515,206 
Debt securities available-for-sale   3,224,721    2,274,581 
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $437,193 and $287,904, respectively)   420,361    283,533 
Loans held for sale at fair value   105,433    58,484 
Loans and leases held for investment   11,370,815    8,812,553 
Less allowance for credit losses - loans and leases   (137,010)   (62,089)
Loans and leases, net   11,233,805    8,750,464 
Premises and equipment, net   218,489    215,976 
Bank owned life insurance   201,969    202,664 
Accrued interest receivable   47,672    32,660 
Net deferred tax asset   38,411    34,059 
Derivative financial instruments   86,666    35,007 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   381,823    342,247 
Other assets   226,405    171,135 
Total assets  $17,794,374   $12,916,016 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing demand  $5,390,291   $3,477,979 
NOW and interest-bearing demand   3,346,490    2,461,895 
Money market   3,550,335    2,230,628 
Savings   950,854    706,467 
Time   1,704,290    1,859,574 
Brokered   290,098    160,701 
Total deposits   15,232,358    10,897,244 
Long-term debt   326,956    212,664 
Derivative financial instruments   29,003    15,516 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   198,527    154,900 
Total liabilities   15,786,844    11,280,324 
Shareholders' equity:          
Preferred stock, $1 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized; Series I, $25,000 per share liquidation
preference; 4,000 and no shares issued and outstanding, respectively
   96,422     
Common stock, $1 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized;
86,675,279 and 79,013,729 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
   86,675    79,014 
Common stock issuable; 600,834 and 664,640 shares, respectively   10,855    11,491 
Capital surplus   1,638,999    1,496,641 
Retained earnings   136,869    40,152 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   37,710    8,394 
Total shareholders’ equity   2,007,530    1,635,692 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $17,794,374   $12,916,016 

 

 11 

 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)  2020   2019   2020   2019 
Interest revenue:                    
Loans, including fees  $141,351   $118,464   $494,212   $476,039 
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $2,055 and $1,155, and $7,043 and $4,564   14,507    16,846    62,074    74,484 
Deposits in banks and short-term investments   213    1,109    1,710    2,183 
Total interest revenue   156,071    136,419    557,996    552,706 
Interest expense:                    
Deposits:                    
NOW and interest-bearing demand   1,495    3,382    7,735    13,665 
Money market   2,196    4,883    13,165    18,983 
Savings   48    34    169    149 
Time   2,689    8,372    20,703    34,059 
Deposits   6,428    16,671    41,772    66,856 
Short-term borrowings           3    838 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances       2    28    2,697 
Long-term debt   4,248    3,108    14,434    12,921 
Total interest expense   10,676    19,781    56,237    83,312 
Net interest revenue   145,395    116,638    501,759    469,394 
Provision for credit losses   2,907    3,500    80,434    13,150 
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses   142,488    113,138    421,325    456,244 
Noninterest income:                    
Service charges and fees   8,508    9,368    32,401    36,797 
Mortgage loan gains and related fees   18,974    9,395    76,087    27,145 
Brokerage fees and wealth management fees   3,221    1,526    9,240    6,150 
Gains from other loan sales, net   1,531    2,455    5,420    6,867 
Securities gains (losses), net   2    (903)   748    (1,021)
Other   9,139    8,342    32,213    28,775 
Total noninterest income   41,375    30,183    156,109    104,713 
Total revenue   183,863    143,321    577,434    560,957 
Noninterest expenses:                    
Salaries and employee benefits   61,824    50,279    224,060    196,440 
Occupancy   7,082    5,926    25,791    23,350 
Communications and equipment   7,687    6,380    27,149    24,613 
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges   1,594    1,330    5,982    4,901 
Professional fees   4,029    5,098    18,032    17,028 
Lending and loan servicing expense   2,468    1,907    10,993    9,416 
Outside services - electronic banking   1,997    1,919    7,513    7,020 
Postage, printing and supplies   1,793    1,637    6,779    6,370 
Advertising and public relations   9,891    1,914    15,203    6,170 
Amortization of intangibles   1,042    1,093    4,168    4,938 
Merger-related and other charges   2,452    (74)   7,018    6,907 
Other   4,631    4,015    15,301    15,092 
Total noninterest expenses   106,490    81,424    367,989    322,245 
Net income before income taxes   77,373    61,897    209,445    238,712 
Income tax expense   17,871    12,885    45,356    52,991 
Net income  $59,502   $49,012   $164,089   $185,721 
Preferred stock dividends   1,719        3,533     
Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested shares   532    395    1,287    1,375 
Net income available to common shareholders  $57,251   $48,617   $159,269   $184,346 
                     
Net income per common share:                    
Basic  $0.66   $0.61   $1.91   $2.31 
Diluted   0.66    0.61    1.91    2.31 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
Basic   87,258    79,659    83,184    79,700 
Diluted   87,333    79,669    83,248    79,708 

 

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Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis

 

For the Three Months Ended December 31,

 

   2020   2019 
(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))  Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate 
Assets:                        
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)  $11,595,484   $140,687    4.83%  $8,890,272   $118,262    5.28%
Taxable securities (3)   3,039,275    12,452    1.64    2,306,065    15,691    2.72 
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)   286,490    2,759    3.85    179,744    1,551    3.45 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets   1,472,668    1,132    0.31    456,055    1,586    1.39 
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)   16,393,917    157,030    3.81    11,832,136    137,090    4.60 
                               
Noninterest-earning assets:                              
Allowance for loan losses   (138,313)             (63,601)          
Cash and due from banks   143,694              120,936           
Premises and equipment   218,349              219,487           
Other assets (3)   1,080,180              836,586           
Total assets  $17,697,827             $12,945,544           
                               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                              
Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Interest-bearing deposits:                              
NOW and interest-bearing demand  $3,281,984    1,495    0.18   $2,398,396    3,382    0.56 
Money market   3,698,734    2,196    0.24    2,321,352    4,883    0.83 
Savings   918,623    48    0.02    704,454    34    0.02 
Time   1,748,099    2,711    0.62    1,880,174    7,975    1.68 
Brokered time deposits   83,750    (22)   (0.10)   85,781    397    1.84 
Total interest-bearing deposits   9,731,190    6,428    0.26    7,390,157    16,671    0.89 
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings   54                     
Federal Home Loan Bank advances               435    2    1.82 
Long-term debt   327,236    4,248    5.16    232,726    3,108    5.30 
Total borrowed funds   327,290    4,248    5.16    233,161    3,110    5.29 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   10,058,480    10,676    0.42    7,623,318    19,781    1.03 
                               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                              
Noninterest-bearing deposits   5,325,858              3,533,746           
Other liabilities   319,158              165,148           
Total liabilities   15,703,496              11,322,212           
Shareholders’ equity   1,994,331              1,623,332           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $17,697,827            $12,945,544           
                               
Net interest revenue (FTE)       $146,354   `         $117,309      
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             3.39%             3.57%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)             3.55%             3.93%

 

(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)Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $72.6 million in 2020 and $36.0 million in 2019 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.

 

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Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

   2020   2019 
(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))  Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Rate
   Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Rate
 
Assets:                              
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)  $10,466,653   $492,223    4.70%  $8,708,035   $475,803    5.46%
Taxable securities (3)   2,532,750    55,031    2.17    2,475,102    69,920    2.82 
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)   219,668    9,458    4.31    171,549    6,130    3.57 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets   1,007,059    4,753    0.47    254,370    3,499    1.38 
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)   14,226,130    561,465    3.95    11,609,056    555,352    4.78 
                               
Non-interest-earning assets:                              
Allowance for loan losses   (106,812)             (62,900)          
Cash and due from banks   136,702              121,649           
Premises and equipment   217,751              220,523           
Other assets (3)   993,584              798,649           
Total assets  $15,467,355             $12,686,977           
                               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                              
Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Interest-bearing deposits:                              
NOW and interest-bearing demand  $2,759,383    7,735    0.28   $2,249,713    13,665    0.61 
Money market   3,023,928    13,165    0.44    2,221,478    18,983    0.85 
Savings   821,344    169    0.02    690,028    149    0.02 
Time   1,832,319    20,146    1.10    1,791,319    28,313    1.58 
Brokered time deposits   97,788    557    0.57    240,646    5,746    2.39 
Total interest-bearing deposits   8,534,762    41,772    0.49    7,193,184    66,856    0.93 
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings   1,220    3    0.25    33,504    838    2.50 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   749    28    3.74    106,973    2,697    2.52 
Long-term debt   274,069    14,434    5.27    247,732    12,921    5.22 
Total borrowed funds   276,038    14,465    5.24    388,209    16,456    4.24 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   8,810,800    56,237    0.64    7,581,393    83,312    1.10 
                               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                              
Noninterest-bearing deposits   4,600,152              3,385,431           
Other liabilities   235,120              164,550           
Total liabilities   13,646,072              11,131,374           
Shareholders’ equity   1,821,283              1,555,603           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $15,467,355             $12,686,977           
                               
Net interest revenue (FTE)       $505,228             $472,040      
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             3.31%             3.68%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)             3.55%             4.07%

 

(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)Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $67.3 million in 2020 and $12.8 million in 2019 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.

 

 14 

 

 

About United Community Banks, Inc.

 

United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) (United) is a bank holding company headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia, with executive offices in Greenville, South Carolina. United is one of the largest full-service financial institutions in the Southeast, with $17.8 billion in assets, and 160 offices in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. United Community Bank, United’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, specializes in personalized community banking services for individuals, small businesses and companies throughout its geographic footprint, including Florida under the brand Seaside Bank and Trust. Services include a full range of consumer and commercial banking products, including mortgage, advisory, treasury management, and wealth management. Respected national research firms consistently recognize United for outstanding customer service. In 2020, J.D. Power ranked United highest in customer satisfaction with retail banking in the Southeast, marking six out of the last seven years United earned the coveted award. United was also named "Best Banks to Work For" by American Banker in 2020 for the fourth year in a row based on employee satisfaction. Forbes included United in its inaugural list of the World’s Best Banks in 2019 and again in 2020. Forbes also recognized United on its 2020 list of the 100 Best Banks in America for the seventh consecutive year. United also received five Greenwich Excellence Awards in 2019 for excellence in Small Business Banking and Middle Market Banking, including a national award for Overall Satisfaction in Small Business Banking. Additional information about United can be found at www.ucbi.com.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This press release, including the accompanying financial statement tables, contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. This financial information includes certain operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other charges that are not considered part of recurring operations, such as “operating net income,” “pre-tax pre-provision income,” “operating net income per diluted common share,” “operating earnings per share,” “tangible book value per common share,” “operating return on common equity,” “operating return on tangible common equity,” “operating return on assets,” “return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision, excluding merger-related and other charges,” “return on assets - pre-tax pre-provision,” “operating efficiency ratio,” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” These non-GAAP measures are included because United believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating United’s underlying performance trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented 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 with the accompanying financial statement tables.

 

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