Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) Q4 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved record full-year net income of $412.2 million ($6.00 per diluted share), a 15% year-over-year increase, driven by organic growth and higher net interest income.

• Fourth quarter net income was $108.4 million ($1.59 per share), up from $94.4 million ($1.37 per share) in the prior year quarter.

• ROA was 1.57% for 4Q25 and 1.54% for the year; ROTCE was 14.5% for the year.

• Tangible book value per share grew $5.59 for the year, reaching $44.18, a 14.5% increase.

• Significant share repurchases enhanced shareholder value, with $77 million repurchased in 2025.

Financial highlights

• Net interest income rose $87.7 million (10.3%) year-over-year to $940.7 million; net interest margin expanded to 3.85% in Q4 and 3.79% for 2025.

• Efficiency ratio improved to 46.59% in Q4 and 50% for the year, down from 53.2% in 2024.

• Earning assets grew $374 million in Q4 and $1.32 billion for the year.

• Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio improved to 11.4%.

• Noninterest income for Q4 2025 decreased 18.9% sequentially to $61.8 million, mainly due to lower mortgage banking activity.

Outlook and guidance

• Expect slight margin compression in coming quarters due to deposit cost pressures, with 5-10 basis points decline anticipated.

• Loan and deposit growth projected in the mid-single-digit range for 2026; deposit growth will govern loan growth.

• Net charge-offs expected in the 20-25 basis point range for 2026.

• First quarter expenses expected to rise due to payroll taxes and 401(k) contributions, with $150-$151 million as a starting point.

• Management expects to capitalize on Southeast growth opportunities, supported by robust capital levels.