United Community Banks Q4 2022 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
United Community Banks, Inc. announced strong fourth-quarter results with a net income of $81.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.74. The company saw growth in earnings driven by increased interest rates, organic loan growth, and the acquisition of Reliant Bancorp, Inc. Loan growth was strong at 12% annualized, and the net interest margin expanded by 19 basis points.
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2022 was $81.5 million.
Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.74, up $0.19 or 35% from the year-ago quarter.
Annualized loan growth was strong at 12%.
Net interest margin increased by 19 basis points to 3.76% from the third quarter.
United Community Banks
United Community Banks
Forward Guidance
2023 will be another great year for United despite some changes in the environment. Deposit competition will continue to increase as depositors seek higher returns for their excess liquidity. Well publicized recession fears may drive increasing provision costs for the industry. The company believes they are well prepared to navigate these conditions due to the strength of their balance sheet, and more importantly, the strength of their teams.
Positive Outlook
- Strength of balance sheet
- Strength of teams
- Further strengthened Board of Directors
- Added new market leaders, new commercial bankers and new line-of-business leaders.
- Expanded service capabilities with new locations across footprint.
Challenges Ahead
- Deposit competition will continue to increase
- Depositors seek higher returns for their excess liquidity
- Well publicized recession fears may drive increasing provision costs for the industry.
- Changes in the environment
- Increasing provision costs for the industry