United Community Banks (UCB) Q4 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved record annual and quarterly financial performance, with 11% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 and strong growth in earnings and loan portfolios.

• Operating EPS for Q4 was $0.71, up 13% year-over-year; full-year operating EPS grew 18% to $2.71.

• Return on assets for Q4 was 1.22% (operating); return on tangible common equity reached 13.3%.

• Recognized for client satisfaction and workplace culture, with multiple industry awards in 2025.

• Maintained a premier Southeast regional presence, focusing on high-growth MSAs and a diversified branch network.

Financial highlights

• Total revenue for the year exceeded $1 billion, reflecting 12% year-over-year growth.

• Net interest margin for Q4 was 3.62%, up 36 basis points year-over-year and 4 basis points sequentially.

• Deposits grew 1% year-over-year; cost of deposits improved by 44 basis points to 1.76%.

• Efficiency ratio improved to 54.2% (operating) in Q4, down 99 basis points year-over-year.

• Book value per share reached $30.17; tangible book value per share at $22.24, both up year-over-year.

Outlook and guidance

• Management expects continued strong performance in 2026, with ongoing balance sheet growth and focus on efficiency and asset quality.

• Margin expected to rise 2-4 basis points in Q1 2026, with tailwinds from loan and CD repricing.

• Targeting 3%-3.5% expense growth for 2026, with Q1 expenses expected to be flat sequentially.

• Board approved a $100 million share repurchase authorization for 2026.

• Quarterly common dividend increased 4% year-over-year to $0.25 per share.