Companies:
10,795
total market cap:
$143.196 T
Sign In
๐บ๐ธ
EN
English
$ USD
โฌ
EUR
๐ช๐บ
โน
INR
๐ฎ๐ณ
ยฃ
GBP
๐ฌ๐ง
$
CAD
๐จ๐ฆ
$
AUD
๐ฆ๐บ
$
NZD
๐ณ๐ฟ
$
HKD
๐ญ๐ฐ
$
SGD
๐ธ๐ฌ
Global ranking
Ranking by countries
America
๐บ๐ธ United States
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
๐ง๐ท Brazil
๐จ๐ฑ Chile
Europe
๐ช๐บ European Union
๐ฉ๐ช Germany
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom
๐ซ๐ท France
๐ช๐ธ Spain
๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands
๐ธ๐ช Sweden
๐ฎ๐น Italy
๐จ๐ญ Switzerland
๐ต๐ฑ Poland
๐ซ๐ฎ Finland
Asia
๐จ๐ณ China
๐ฏ๐ต Japan
๐ฐ๐ท South Korea
๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong
๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore
๐ฎ๐ฉ Indonesia
๐ฎ๐ณ India
๐ฒ๐พ Malaysia
๐น๐ผ Taiwan
๐น๐ญ Thailand
๐ป๐ณ Vietnam
Others
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand
๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel
๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia
๐น๐ท Turkey
๐ท๐บ Russia
๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa
>> All Countries
Ranking by categories
๐ All assets by Market Cap
๐ Automakers
โ๏ธ Airlines
๐ซ Airports
โ๏ธ Aircraft manufacturers
๐ฆ Banks
๐จ Hotels
๐ Pharmaceuticals
๐ E-Commerce
โ๏ธ Healthcare
๐ฆ Courier services
๐ฐ Media/Press
๐ท Alcoholic beverages
๐ฅค Beverages
๐ Clothing
โ๏ธ Mining
๐ Railways
๐ฆ Insurance
๐ Real estate
โ Ports
๐ผ Professional services
๐ด Food
๐ Restaurant chains
โ๐ป Software
๐ Semiconductors
๐ฌ Tobacco
๐ณ Financial services
๐ข Oil&Gas
๐ Electricity
๐งช Chemicals
๐ฐ Investment
๐ก Telecommunication
๐๏ธ Retail
๐ฅ๏ธ Internet
๐ Construction
๐ฎ Video Game
๐ป Tech
๐ฆพ AI
>> All Categories
ETFs
๐ All ETFs
๐๏ธ Bond ETFs
๏ผ Dividend ETFs
โฟ Bitcoin ETFs
โข Ethereum ETFs
๐ช Crypto Currency ETFs
๐ฅ Gold ETFs & ETCs
๐ฅ Silver ETFs & ETCs
๐ข๏ธ Oil ETFs & ETCs
๐ฝ Commodities ETFs & ETNs
๐ Emerging Markets ETFs
๐ Small-Cap ETFs
๐ Low volatility ETFs
๐ Inverse/Bear ETFs
โฌ๏ธ Leveraged ETFs
๐ Global/World ETFs
๐บ๐ธ USA ETFs
๐บ๐ธ S&P 500 ETFs
๐บ๐ธ Dow Jones ETFs
๐ช๐บ Europe ETFs
๐จ๐ณ China ETFs
๐ฏ๐ต Japan ETFs
๐ฎ๐ณ India ETFs
๐ฌ๐ง UK ETFs
๐ฉ๐ช Germany ETFs
๐ซ๐ท France ETFs
โ๏ธ Mining ETFs
โ๏ธ Gold Mining ETFs
โ๏ธ Silver Mining ETFs
๐งฌ Biotech ETFs
๐ฉโ๐ป Tech ETFs
๐ Real Estate ETFs
โ๏ธ Healthcare ETFs
โก Energy ETFs
๐ Renewable Energy ETFs
๐ก๏ธ Insurance ETFs
๐ฐ Water ETFs
๐ด Food & Beverage ETFs
๐ฑ Socially Responsible ETFs
๐ฃ๏ธ Infrastructure ETFs
๐ก Innovation ETFs
๐ Semiconductors ETFs
๐ Aerospace & Defense ETFs
๐ Cybersecurity ETFs
๐ฆพ Artificial Intelligence ETFs
Watchlist
Account
United Community Bank
UCB
#3571
Rank
$3.95 B
Marketcap
๐บ๐ธ
United States
Country
$33.08
Share price
-1.75%
Change (1 day)
22.16%
Change (1 year)
๐ฆ Banks
๐ณ Financial services
Categories
Market cap
Revenue
Earnings
Price history
P/E ratio
P/S ratio
More
Price history
P/E ratio
P/S ratio
P/B ratio
Operating margin
EPS
Stock Splits
Dividends
Dividend yield
Shares outstanding
Fails to deliver
Cost to borrow
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total debt
Cash on Hand
Net Assets
Annual Reports (10-K)
United Community Bank
Quarterly Reports (10-Q)
Submitted on 2005-08-05
United Community Bank - 10-Q quarterly report FY
Text size:
Small
Medium
Large
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2005
OR
o
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 0-21656
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia
58-180-7304
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
63 Highway 515
Blairsville, Georgia
30512
Address of Principal
Executive Offices
(Zip Code)
(706 ) 781-2265
(Telephone Number)
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
þ
NO
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
YES
þ
NO
o
Common stock, par value $1 per share: 38,283,209 shares
outstanding as of June 30, 2005
INDEX
PART I Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited) for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
2
Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2005 (unaudited), December 31, 2004 (audited) and June 30, 2004 (unaudited)
3
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders Equity (unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
4
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
8
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
25
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
25
PART II Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
25
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
25
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
25
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
25
Item 5. Other Information
26
Item 6. Exhibits
26
EX-31.1 SECTION 302, CERTIFICATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
EX-31.2 SECTION 302, CERTIFICAION OF THE VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO
EX-32 SECTION 906, CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO AND CFO
1
Table of Contents
Part I Financial Information
Item 1 Financial Statements
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Income
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2005
2004
2005
2004
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Interest revenue:
Loans, including fees
$
69,446
$
49,326
$
132,913
$
96,748
Federal funds sold and deposits in banks
150
66
409
177
Investment securities:
Taxable
10,190
6,339
19,204
12,408
Tax exempt
528
545
1,053
1,111
Total interest revenue
80,314
56,276
153,579
110,444
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Demand
4,379
1,920
7,906
3,714
Savings
174
93
342
176
Time
15,019
9,773
28,027
19,070
Federal funds purchased
1,106
499
1,977
770
Other borrowings
8,772
5,147
16,565
10,474
Total interest expense
29,450
17,432
54,817
34,204
Net interest revenue
50,864
38,844
98,762
76,240
Provision for loan losses
2,800
1,800
5,200
3,600
Net interest revenue after provision for loan losses
48,064
37,044
93,562
72,640
Fee revenue:
Service charges and fees
6,280
5,312
11,894
10,335
Mortgage loan and other related fees
1,742
1,585
3,225
2,865
Consulting fees
1,685
1,402
3,167
2,529
Brokerage fees
768
515
1,210
1,223
Securities losses, net
(2
)
(2
)
(4
)
Other
1,706
833
2,885
1,977
Total fee revenue
12,179
9,647
22,379
18,925
Total revenue
60,243
46,691
115,941
91,565
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits
25,274
18,662
47,509
36,788
Occupancy
2,718
2,273
5,386
4,555
Communications and equipment
3,115
2,677
6,097
5,224
Postage, printing and supplies
1,369
1,068
2,720
2,210
Professional fees
1,071
795
2,109
1,632
Advertising and public relations
1,699
991
3,062
1,755
Amortization of intangibles
503
395
1,006
766
Merger-related charges
464
464
Other
3,059
2,502
5,698
4,609
Total operating expenses
38,808
29,827
73,587
58,003
Income before income taxes
21,435
16,864
42,354
33,562
Income taxes
7,662
5,815
15,140
11,575
Net income
$
13,773
$
11,049
$
27,214
$
21,987
Net income available to common stockholders
$
13,767
$
11,048
$
27,201
$
21,970
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
.36
$
.31
$
.71
$
.62
Diluted
.35
.30
.69
.60
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic
38,270
35,633
38,234
35,477
Diluted
39,436
36,827
39,412
36,655
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2
Table of Contents
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
For the period ended
June 30,
December 31,
June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)
2005
2004
2004
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
117,478
$
99,742
$
147,793
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
17,451
35,098
39,186
Cash and cash equivalents
134,929
134,840
186,979
Securities available for sale
990,500
879,978
739,667
Mortgage loans held for sale
34,095
37,094
18,610
Loans, net of unearned income
4,072,811
3,734,905
3,338,309
Less allowance for loan losses
49,873
47,196
42,558
Loans, net
4,022,938
3,687,709
3,295,751
Premises and equipment, net
105,469
103,679
92,497
Accrued interest receivable
31,909
27,923
23,150
Intangible assets
119,617
121,207
87,657
Other assets
100,785
95,272
81,135
Total assets
$
5,540,242
$
5,087,702
$
4,525,446
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Demand
$
590,306
$
532,879
$
479,439
Interest-bearing demand
1,141,115
1,055,192
935,489
Savings
177,822
171,898
160,550
Time
2,049,983
1,920,547
1,764,370
Total deposits
3,959,226
3,680,516
3,339,848
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
213,148
130,921
181,439
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
800,316
737,947
535,343
Other borrowings
117,939
113,879
113,877
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
33,619
27,351
24,481
Total liabilities
5,124,248
4,690,614
4,194,988
Stockholders equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value; $10 stated value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 37,200, 44,800 and 48,300 shares issued and outstanding
372
448
483
Common stock, $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 38,407,874, 38,407,874 and 36,620,754 shares issued
38,408
38,408
36,621
Capital surplus
154,480
155,076
116,129
Retained earnings
226,546
204,709
184,572
Treasury stock; 124,665, 240,346 and 374,362 shares, at cost
(2,517
)
(4,413
)
(6,393
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,295
)
2,860
(954
)
Total stockholders equity
415,994
397,088
330,458
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
$
5,540,242
$
5,087,702
$
4,525,446
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3
Table of Contents
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
Accumulated
Other
Preferred
Common
Capital
Retained
Treasury
Comprehensive
(in thousands, except per share data)
Stock
Stock
Surplus
Earnings
Stock
Income (Loss)
Total
Balance, December 31, 2003
$
559
$
35,707
$
95,951
$
166,887
$
(7,120
)
$
7,389
$
299,373
Comprehensive income:
Net income
21,987
21,987
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of deferred tax benefit and reclassification adjustment
(6,057
)
(6,057
)
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax benefit
(2,286
)
(2,286
)
Comprehensive income
21,987
(8,343
)
13,644
Retirement of preferred stock (7,600 shares)
(76
)
(76
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($.12 per share)
(4,293
)
(4,293
)
Redemption of fractional shares related to stock split (446 shares)
Common stock issued for acquisitions (914,627 shares)
914
20,586
21,500
Exercise of stock options (43,163 shares)
(232
)
727
495
Amortization of restricted stock awards
16
16
Tax benefit from options exercised
(192
)
(192
)
Dividends declared on preferred stock ($.30 per share)
(9
)
(9
)
Balance, June 30, 2004
$
483
$
36,621
$
116,129
$
184,572
$
(6,393
)
$
(954
)
$
330,458
Balance, December 31, 2004
$
448
$
38,408
$
155,076
$
204,709
$
(4,413
)
$
2,860
$
397,088
Comprehensive income:
Net income
27,214
27,214
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of deferred tax benefit and reclassification adjustment
(2,435
)
(2,435
)
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax benefit
(1,720
)
(1,720
)
Comprehensive income
27,214
(4,155
)
23,059
Retirement of preferred stock (7,600 shares)
(76
)
(76
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($.14 per share)
(5,364
)
(5,364
)
Exercise of stock options (111,619 shares)
(711
)
1,832
1,121
Amortization of restricted stock awards
180
180
Vesting of restricted stock awards (4,062 shares)
(65
)
64
(1
)
Dividends declared on preferred stock ($.30 per share)
(13
)
(13
)
Balance, June 30, 2005
$
372
$
38,408
$
154,480
$
226,546
$
(2,517
)
$
(1,295
)
$
415,994
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
4
Table of Contents
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2005
2004
Operating activities:
Net income
$
27,214
$
21,987
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
7,965
7,651
Provision for loan losses
5,200
3,600
Loss on sale of securities available for sale
2
4
Gain on sale of other assets
(556
)
(125
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Other assets and accrued interest receivable
(13,936
)
(7,021
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
3,342
7,155
Mortgage loans held for sale
2,999
(7,854
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
32,230
25,397
Investing activities, net of purchase adjustments:
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
40,705
55,939
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
78,380
141,286
Purchases of securities available for sale
(226,551
)
(254,123
)
Net increase in loans
(342,800
)
(231,444
)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
2,756
1,216
Purchases of premises and equipment
(8,508
)
(8,816
)
Net cash received from acquisitions
5,439
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
710
1,222
Net cash used by investing activities
(455,308
)
(289,281
)
Financing activities, net of purchase adjustments:
Net change in deposits
278,710
306,452
Net change in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
82,227
137,993
Proceeds from other borrowings
5,000
Repayments of other borrowings
(940
)
(45,029
)
Proceeds from FHLB advances
438,600
675,100
Repayments of FHLB advances
(376,100
)
(780,350
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
1,121
495
Retirement of preferred stock
(76
)
(76
)
Cash dividends on common stock
(5,362
)
(3,906
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock
(13
)
(9
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
423,167
290,670
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
89
26,786
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
134,840
160,193
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
134,929
$
186,979
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
$
52,899
$
33,411
Income taxes
15,369
13,098
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
5
Table of Contents
United Community Banks, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 Accounting Policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of United Community Banks, Inc. (United) and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general banking industry practices. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have not been audited. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. A more detailed description of Uniteds accounting policies is included in the 2004 annual report filed on Form 10-K.
In managements 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 considered 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.
Note 2 Stock Split
On April 28, 2004, United had a three-for-two split of its common stock. All financial statements and per share amounts included in the financial statements and accompanying notes have been restated to reflect the change in the number of shares outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.
Note 3 Stock-Based Compensation
Uniteds stock-based compensation plans are accounted for based on the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,
and related interpretations. Compensation expense for restricted share awards is recognized over the restricted period based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for employee stock options has not been recognized, since the exercise price of the options equaled the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for restricted share awards is ratably recognized over the period of service, usually the restricted period, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Had compensation costs been determined based upon the fair value of the options at the grant dates consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, Uniteds net income and earnings per common share would have reflected the pro forma amounts below
(in thousands, except per share data)
:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
Net income available to common shareholders:
As reported
$
13,767
$
11,048
$
27,201
$
21,970
Pro forma
13,360
10,845
26,454
21,613
Basic earnings per common share:
As reported
.36
.31
.71
.62
Pro forma
.35
.30
.69
.61
Diluted earnings per common share:
As reported
.35
.30
.69
.60
Pro forma
.34
.30
.67
.59
The weighted average fair value of options granted in the second quarter of 2005 and 2004 was $5.69 and $5.94, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the first six months of 2005 and 2004 was $5.69 and $5.91, respectively. The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 1.08% to 1.26% in 2005 and 1.00% in 2004; a risk free interest rate ranging from 3.82% to 4.36% in 2005 and from 3.61% to 4.57% in 2004; expected volatility of 20% in 2005 and 15% in 2004; and, an expected life of 6.25 years in 2005, and 7 years in 2004. Uniteds stock trading history began in March of 2002 when United listed on Nasdaq. For 2005, expected volatility was determined using Uniteds historical weekly volatility over a two-year period. For 2004, the Nasdaq Bank Index was used to determine expected volatility. Compensation expense, included in the pro forma results, was determined based on the fair value of the options at the time of grant, multiplied by the number of options granted, which was then amortized, net of tax, over the vesting period. In December 2004, FAS 123(R) was released. The standards original effective date for United was for periods beginning July 1, 2005. The SEC has now delayed this standard until January 1, 2006. United plans to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2006.
6
Table of Contents
Note 4 Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30
.
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding
38,270
35,633
38,234
35,477
Net income available to common shareholders
$
13,767
$
11,048
$
27,201
$
21,970
Basic earnings per share
$
.36
$
.31
$
.71
$
.62
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding
38,270
35,633
38,234
35,477
Net effect of the assumed exercise of stock options based on the treasury stock method using average market price for the period
794
822
806
806
Effect of conversion of subordinated debt
372
372
372
372
Total weighted average shares and common stock equivalents outstanding
39,436
36,827
39,412
36,655
Net income available to common shareholders
$
13,767
$
11,048
$
27,201
$
21,970
Income effect of conversion of subordinated debt, net of tax
32
21
60
42
Net income, adjusted for effect of conversion of subordinated debt, net of tax
$
13,799
$
11,069
$
27,261
$
22,012
Diluted earnings per share
$
.35
$
.30
$
.69
$
.60
Note 5 Mergers and Acquisitions
At June 30, 2005, accrued merger costs of $1.4 million remained unpaid relating to acquisitions closed in 2004 and 2003. The severance and related costs include change in control payments for which payment had been deferred. Professional fees include remaining legal fees related to the two business combinations completed during the fourth quarter of 2004. Contract termination costs include amounts owed to service providers as a result of early termination of service contracts related to the acquisitions completed during 2004 and 2003. At June 30, 2005, $825,000 remained unpaid, which primarily related to one contract termination charge that is in dispute. All of these charges are expected to be paid in 2005. The purchase adjustments resulted in a reduction of recorded goodwill. A reconciliation of the activities in 2005 related to accrued merger costs is below (in thousands):
Activity with accrued merger cost
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
Amounts
Beginning
Purchase
Charged to
Amounts
Ending
Balance
Adjustments
Earnings
Paid
Balance
Severance and related costs
$
764
$
$
$
(387
)
$
377
Professional fees
754
(29
)
(600
)
125
Contract termination costs
3,854
(594
)
(2,435
)
825
Other merger-related expenses
247
(154
)
93
Totals
$
5,619
$
(623
)
$
$
(3,576
)
$
1,420
Note 6 Reclassification
Certain amounts for the comparative periods of 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 presentation.
7
Table of Contents
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements regarding United Community Banks, Inc. (United), including, without limitation, statements relating to Uniteds expectations with respect to revenue, credit losses, levels of nonperforming assets, expenses, earnings and other measures of financial performance. Words such as may, could, would, should, believes, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, plans, targets or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond Uniteds control). The following factors, among others, could cause Uniteds financial performance to differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements:
our recent operating results may not be indicative of future operating results;
our corporate culture has contributed to our success and, if we cannot maintain this culture as we grow, we could lose the productivity fostered by our culture, which could harm our business;
our business is subject to the success of the local economies in which we operate;
we may face risks with respect to future expansion and acquisitions or mergers;
changes in prevailing interest rates may negatively affect our net income and the value of our assets;
our concentration of construction and land development loans is subject to unique risks that could adversely affect our earnings;
if our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings would decrease;
competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers may adversely affect our profitability;
business increases, productivity gains and other investments are lower than expected or do not occur as quickly as anticipated;
competitive pressures among financial services companies increase significantly;
the strength of the United States economy in general and/or the strength of the local economies of the states in which United conducts operations changes;
trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, change;
inflation or market conditions fluctuate;
conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets deteriorate;
financial services laws and regulations change;
technology changes and United fails to adapt to those changes;
consumer spending and saving habits change;
unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings occur; and
United is unsuccessful at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.
Additional information with respect to factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements may also be included in other reports that United files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. United cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. United does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q.
Overview
United is a bank holding company registered with the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 that was incorporated under the laws of the state of Georgia in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988. At June 30, 2005, United had total consolidated assets of $5.5 billion, total loans of $4.1 billion, total deposits of $4.0 billion and stockholders equity of $416 million.
Uniteds activities are primarily conducted by its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (which are collectively referred to as the Banks in this discussion) and Brintech, Inc., a consulting firm providing professional services to the financial services industry.
This discussion reflects the three-for-two stock split effective on April 28, 2004 to shareholders of record on April 14, 2004, as of the beginning of the periods covered by this report.
8
Table of Contents
Recent Mergers and Acquisitions
On June 1, 2004, United completed the acquisition of Fairbanco Holding Company, Inc. (Fairbanco), a bank holding company headquartered in Fairburn, Georgia, and its wholly-owned Georgia subsidiary, 1
st
Community Bank. On June 1, 2004, 1
st
Community Bank had assets of $210 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 914,627 shares of its common stock valued at $20.9 million and approximately $2.7 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. 1
st
Community Bank was merged into United Community Bank-Georgia and operates as a separate community bank.
On November 1, 2004, United completed the acquisition of Eagle National Bank. (Eagle), a bank headquartered in Stockbridge, Georgia. On November 1, 2004, Eagle had assets of $78 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 414,462 shares of its common stock valued at $9.5 million and approximately $2.4 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. Eagle was merged into United Community Bank-Georgia and operates as a separate community bank.
On December 1, 2004, United completed the acquisition of Liberty National Bancshares, Inc. (Liberty), a bank holding company headquartered in Conyers, Georgia, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Liberty National Bank. On December 1, 2004, Liberty had assets of $212 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 1,372,658 shares of its common stock valued at $32.5 million and approximately $3.0 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. Liberty National Bank was merged into United Community Bank-Georgia and operates as a separate community bank.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of United Community Banks and its subsidiaries are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The more critical accounting and reporting policies include Uniteds accounting for loans and the allowance for loan losses. In particular, Uniteds accounting policies relating to the allowance for loan losses involve the use of estimates and require significant judgments to be made by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in Uniteds consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. See Asset Quality and Risk Elements herein for a complete discussion of Uniteds accounting methodologies related to the allowance.
9
Table of Contents
Table 1 Financial Highlights
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS TABLE
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Selected Financial Information
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
Second
2005
2004
Quarter
For the Six
YTD
(in thousands, except per share
Second
First
Fourth
Third
Second
2005-2004
Months Ended
2005-2004
data; taxable equivalent)
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Change
2005
2004
Change
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue
$
80,701
$
73,649
$
66,761
$
61,358
$
56,680
$
154,350
$
111,267
Interest expense
29,450
25,367
21,448
19,142
17,432
54,817
34,204
Net interest revenue
51,251
48,282
45,313
42,216
39,248
31
%
99,533
77,063
29
%
Provision for loan losses
2,800
2,400
2,000
2,000
1,800
5,200
3,600
Fee revenue
12,179
10,200
10,757
9,857
9,647
26
22,379
18,925
18
Total revenue
60,630
56,082
54,070
50,073
47,095
29
116,712
92,388
26
Operating expenses
(1)
38,808
34,779
33,733
31,296
29,363
32
73,587
57,539
28
Income before taxes
21,822
21,303
20,337
18,777
17,732
23
43,125
34,849
24
Income taxes
8,049
7,862
7,427
6,822
6,379
15,911
12,558
Net operating income
13,773
13,441
12,910
11,955
11,353
21
27,214
22,291
22
Merger-related charges, net of tax
261
304
304
Net income
$
13,773
$
13,441
$
12,649
$
11,955
$
11,049
25
$
27,214
$
21,987
24
OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(1)
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
.36
$
.35
$
.35
$
.33
$
.32
13
$
.71
$
.63
13
Diluted
.35
.34
.34
.32
.31
13
.69
.61
13
Return on tangible equity
(2)(3)(4)
19.21
%
19.86
%
19.96
%
19.41
%
19.70
%
19.52
%
19.79
%
Return on assets
(4)
1.03
1.06
1.07
1.05
1.07
1.04
1.07
Efficiency ratio
61.18
59.47
60.20
60.11
60.05
60.36
59.94
Dividend payout ratio
19.44
20.00
17.14
18.18
18.75
19.72
19.05
GAAP PERFORMANCE
Per common share:
Basic earnings
$
.36
$
.35
$
.34
$
.33
$
.31
16
$
.71
$
.62
15
Diluted earnings
.35
.34
.33
.32
.30
17
.69
.60
15
Cash dividends declared
.07
.07
.06
.06
.06
17
.14
.12
17
Book value
10.86
10.42
10.39
9.58
9.10
19
10.86
9.10
19
Tangible book value
(3)
7.85
7.40
7.34
7.28
6.77
16
7.85
6.77
16
Key performance ratios:
Return on equity
(2)(4)
13.46
%
13.68
%
14.15
%
14.20
%
14.40
%
13.57
%
14.63
%
Return on assets
(4)
1.03
1.06
1.05
1.05
1.04
1.04
1.06
Net interest margin
(4)
4.12
4.05
4.05
3.99
3.95
4.09
3.97
Dividend payout ratio
19.44
20.00
17.65
18.18
19.35
19.72
19.35
Equity to assets
7.65
7.71
7.54
7.50
7.30
7.68
7.38
Tangible equity to assets
(3)
5.62
5.58
5.75
5.76
5.74
5.60
5.81
ASSET QUALITY
Allowance for loan losses
$
49,873
$
48,453
$
47,196
$
43,548
$
42,558
$
49,873
$
42,558
Non-performing assets
13,495
13,676
8,725
10,527
8,812
13,495
8,812
Net charge-offs
1,380
1,143
1,183
1,010
789
2,523
1,424
Allowance for loan losses to loans
1.22
%
1.25
%
1.26
%
1.27
%
1.27
%
1.22
%
1.27
%
Non-performing assets to total assets
.24
.26
.17
.23
.19
.24
.19
Net charge-offs to average loans
(3)
.14
.12
.13
.12
.10
.13
.09
AVERAGE BALANCES
Loans
$
3,942,077
$
3,797,479
$
3,572,824
$
3,384,281
$
3,235,262
22
$
3,870,177
$
3,165,569
22
Investment securities
996,096
946,194
805,766
762,994
715,586
39
971,283
684,226
42
Earning assets
4,986,339
4,819,961
4,456,403
4,215,472
3,991,797
25
4,903,610
3,900,337
26
Total assets
5,338,398
5,164,464
4,781,018
4,521,842
4,274,442
25
5,251,913
4,179,664
26
Deposits
3,853,884
3,717,916
3,500,842
3,351,188
3,178,776
21
3,786,276
3,067,251
23
Stockholders equity
408,352
398,164
360,668
338,913
311,942
31
403,286
308,434
31
Common shares outstanding:
Basic
38,270
38,198
37,056
36,254
35,633
38,234
35,477
Diluted
39,436
39,388
38,329
37,432
36,827
39,412
36,655
AT PERIOD END
Loans
$
4,072,811
$
3,877,575
$
3,734,905
$
3,438,417
$
3,338,309
22
$
4,072,811
$
3,338,309
22
Investment securities
990,500
928,328
879,978
726,734
739,667
34
990,500
739,667
34
Earning assets
5,161,067
4,907,743
4,738,389
4,280,643
4,172,049
24
5,161,067
4,172,049
24
Total assets
5,540,242
5,265,771
5,087,702
4,592,655
4,525,446
22
5,540,242
4,525,446
22
Deposits
3,959,226
3,780,521
3,680,516
3,341,525
3,339,848
19
3,959,226
3,339,848
19
Stockholders equity
415,994
398,886
397,088
347,795
330,458
26
415,994
330,458
26
Common shares outstanding
38,283
38,249
38,168
36,255
36,246
38,283
36,246
(1)
Excludes pre-tax merger-related charges totaling $406,000 or $.01 per diluted common share and $464,000 or $.01 per diluted common share in the fourth and second quarters, respectively of 2004.
(2)
Net income available to common stockholders, which excludes preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.
(3)
Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization.
(4)
Annualized.
10
Table of Contents
MergerRelated Charges
The presentation of operating earnings includes financial results determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Net operating income excludes pre-tax merger-related and restructuring charges of $406,000 and $464,000 for the fourth and second quarters of 2004, respectively. These charges decreased net income by $261,000 and $304,000, respectively, for the fourth and second quarters of 2004 or about $.01 per diluted share each. These charges are discussed further in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
These charges are excluded because management believes that these non-GAAP operating results provide a helpful measure for assessing Uniteds financial performance. Net operating income should not be viewed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP, and is not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. The following is a reconciliation of net operating income to GAAP net income for the applicable periods:
Table 2 Operating Earnings to GAAP Earnings Reconciliation
(in thousands, except per share data)
Fourth
Second
Six months ended
Quarter
Quarter
June 30,
2004
2004
2004
Merger charges included in expenses
$
406
$
464
$
464
Income tax effect of charges
145
160
160
After-tax effect of merger-related charges
$
261
$
304
$
304
Net Income Reconciliation
Operating net income
$
12,910
$
11,353
$
22,291
After-tax effect of merger-related charges
(261
)
(304
)
(304
)
Net income (GAAP)
$
12,649
$
11,049
$
21,987
Basic Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
Basic operating earnings per share
$
.35
$
.32
$
.63
Per share effect of merger-related charges
(.01
)
(.01
)
(.01
)
Basic earnings per share (GAAP)
$
.34
$
.31
$
.62
Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
Diluted operating earnings per share
$
.34
$
.31
$
.61
Per share effect of merger-related charges
(.01
)
(.01
)
(.01
)
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)
$
.33
$
.30
$
.60
Results of Operations
Net operating income was $13.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005, an increase of $2.4 million, or 21%, from the same period in 2004. Diluted operating earnings per share were $.35 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared with $.31 for the same period in 2004, an increase of 13%. Operating return on tangible equity for the second quarter of 2005 was 19.21%, compared with 19.70% for 2004. Operating return on assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 was 1.03%, compared with 1.07% for 2004.
Year-to-date through June 30, net operating income was $27.2 million compared to $22.3 million for the first six months of 2004, an increase of 22%. Diluted operating earnings per share were $.69 for the first six months ended June 30, 2005, compared with $.61 for the same period in 2004, an increase of 13%. Operating return on tangible equity for the first six months of 2005 was 19.52% compared to 19.79% for the first six months of 2004. Operating return on assets for the first six months ended June 30, 2005 was 1.04% compared to 1.07% for the first six months ended June 30, 2004.
11
Table of Contents
Net Interest Revenue (Taxable Equivalent)
Net interest revenue (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. United actively manages this revenue source to provide an optimal level of revenue while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risks. Net interest revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $51.3 million, up 31%, over last year. Year-to-date, net interest revenue was $99.5 million, up 29% over the same period in 2004. The increase for the second quarter of 2005 was driven by strong loan growth and a 17 basis point widening of the net interest margin to 4.12%. Average loans increased $707 million, or 22%, from the second quarter of last year and year-to-date average loans were up $705 million. This loan growth was due to the continued high loan demand across all of Uniteds markets and the acquisitions of 1
st
Community Bank, Eagle National Bank and Liberty National Bank, which collectively added $281 million to the second quarter 2005 average balances. The quarter-end loan balances increased $735 million as compared to June 30, 2004. Of this increase, $235 million was in the north Georgia markets (which includes $92 million in Uniteds new Gainesville bank), $43 million in western North Carolina, $352 million in the metro Atlanta market (which includes $206 million related to the Eagle National Bank and Liberty National Bank acquisitions in 2004), $40 million in east Tennessee, and $65 million in the coastal Georgia markets.
Average interest-earning assets for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 increased $995 million, or 25%, and $1.0 billion or 26%, respectively, over the same periods in 2004. The increase reflects the strong organic and acquired loan growth, as well as an increase in the investment securities portfolio. The majority of the increase in interest-earning assets was funded by interest-bearing sources resulting in increases in average interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter and year-to-date of approximately $848 million and $856 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2004.
The banking industry uses two ratios to measure relative profitability of net interest revenue. The net interest rate 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 impact of non-interest-bearing deposits and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market interest rate movements. The net interest margin is defined as net interest revenue as a percent of average total interest-earning assets and takes into account the positive impact of investing non interest-bearing deposits and capital.
For the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the net interest spread was 3.76% and 3.70%, respectively, while the net interest margin was 4.12% and 3.95%, respectively. For the first six months of 2005 and 2004, the net interest spread was 3.75% and 3.71%, respectively, while the net interest margin was 4.09% and 3.97%, respectively. Since June of 2004, the Federal Reserve has increased the federal funds rate 225 basis points. This had a positive impact on net interest revenue and net interest margin due to Uniteds slightly asset sensitive balance sheet. The rise in the average rate on interest-earning assets exceeded the rise in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities by 6 basis points when comparing the three month period ended June 30, 2005 with the three months ended June 30, 2004, resulting in the higher net interest spread. The same can be said for the six month period ended June 30, 2005 when compared with the same period in 2004, which resulted in a higher net interest spread by 4 basis points. Because the competitive environment allowed United to keep deposit pricing from reflecting the full impact of rising short-term interest rates, the spread between interest rates earned on loans and interest rates paid on deposits widened.
The increase in the federal funds rate, which effects variable rate assets and liabilities, along with the loan growth mentioned above were the two primary reasons for the increases in the net interest margin and net interest revenue. Most of the loan growth added over the last year has been prime-based, adjusted daily. At June 30, 2005, United had approximately $2.3 billion in loans indexed to the daily Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal compared with $1.6 billion a year ago. At June 30, 2005 and 2004, United had receive-fixed swap contracts with a total notional value of $538 million and $512 million, respectively, that were accounted for as cash flow hedges of prime-based loans. The swap contracts reduced loan interest revenue by $128,000 during the second quarter of 2005 and added $1.3 million during the second quarter of 2004 to loan interest revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the swap contracts added $405,000 and $2.2 million, respectively, to loan interest revenue. This resulted in a decrease in the average loan yield of 1 basis point for the second quarter of 2005 compared to an increase of 16 basis points for the second quarter of 2004. On a year-to-date basis the increase in the average loan yield was 2 basis points and 14 basis points, respectively, for 2005 and 2004.
The average yield on interest-earning assets for the second quarter of 2005 was 6.49%, compared with 5.71% in the second quarter of 2004. The year-to-date yield on interest-earning assets was 6.34%, compared to 5.73% for the first six months of 2004. The main driver of this increase was loan yields, which were up 91 basis points for the quarter and 75 basis points on a year-to-date basis due to the growing level of prime daily loans and the significant number of Federal Reserve increases to the federal funds rate in the last half of 2004 and the first half of 2005.
The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the second quarter was 2.73%, an increase of 72 basis points from the same period in 2004. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the first six months of 2005 was 2.59%, an increase of 57 basis points from a year ago. The increase reflects the impact of rising rates on Uniteds floating rate sources of funding and increased deposit pricing in selected products and markets.
12
Table of Contents
The following table shows the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
Table 3 Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands, taxable equivalent)
2005
2004
Average
Avg.
Average
Avg.
Balance
Interest
Rate
Balance
Interest
Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income
(1)(2)
$
3,942,077
$
69,130
7.03
%
$
3,235,262
$
49,221
6.12
%
Taxable securities
(3)
946,543
10,190
4.31
667,027
6,339
3.80
Tax-exempt securities
(1)
49,553
869
7.01
48,559
897
7.39
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
48,166
512
4.25
40,949
223
2.18
Total interest-earning assets
4,986,339
80,701
6.49
3,991,797
56,680
5.71
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses
(49,576
)
(41,418
)
Cash and due from banks
94,488
89,759
Premises and equipment
103,439
89,126
Other assets
203,708
145,178
Total assets
$
5,338,398
$
4,274,442
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Transaction accounts
$
1,109,861
$
4,379
1.58
$
892,809
$
1,920
.86
Savings deposits
176,624
174
.40
153,061
93
.24
Certificates of deposit
1,998,383
15,019
3.01
1,677,161
9,773
2.34
Total interest-bearing deposits
3,284,868
19,572
2.39
2,723,031
11,786
1.74
Federal funds purchased
142,900
1,106
3.10
132,259
499
1.52
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
785,523
6,565
3.35
517,744
3,196
2.48
Long-term debt and other borrowings
118,406
2,207
7.48
110,421
1,951
7.11
Total borrowed funds
1,046,829
9,878
3.78
760,424
5,646
2.99
Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,331,697
29,450
2.73
3,483,455
17,432
2.01
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits
569,016
455,745
Other liabilities
29,333
23,300
Total liabilities
4,930,046
3,962,500
Stockholders equity
408,352
311,942
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
$
5,338,398
$
4,274,442
Net interest revenue
$
51,251
$
39,248
Net interest-rate spread
3.76
%
3.70
%
Net interest margin
(4)
4.12
%
3.95
%
(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 39%, reflecting the statutory federal tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.
(2)
Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued.
(3)
Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized losses of $782,000 in 2005 and pretax unrealized gains of $3.3 million in 2004 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.
13
Table of Contents
The following table shows the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
Table 3 Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis (continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands, taxable equivalent)
2005
2004
Average
Avg.
Average
Avg.
Balance
Interest
Rate
Balance
Interest
Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income
(1)(2)
$
3,870,177
$
132,266
6.89
%
$
3,165,569
$
96,602
6.14
%
Taxable securities
(3)
921,564
19,204
4.17
634,589
12,408
3.91
Tax-exempt securities
(1)
49,719
1,733
6.97
49,637
1,828
7.37
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
62,150
1,147
3.69
50,542
429
1.70
Total interest-earning assets
4,903,610
154,350
6.34
3,900,337
111,267
5.73
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses
(48,869
)
(40,434
)
Cash and due from banks
93,446
83,968
Premises and equipment
102,927
88,029
Other assets
200,799
147,764
Total assets
$
5,251,913
$
4,179,664
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Transaction accounts
$
1,092,181
$
7,906
1.46
$
876,072
$
3,714
.85
Savings deposits
175,033
342
.39
147,530
176
.24
Certificates of deposit
1,966,709
28,027
2.87
1,609,089
19,070
2.38
Total interest-bearing deposits
3,233,923
36,275
2.26
2,632,691
22,960
1.75
Federal funds purchased
140,359
1,977
2.84
138,148
770
1.12
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
778,160
12,222
3.17
531,783
6,368
2.41
Long-term debt and other borrowings
116,042
4,343
7.55
109,574
4,106
7.54
Total borrowed funds
1,034,561
18,542
3.61
779,505
11,244
2.90
Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,268,484
54,817
2.59
3,412,196
34,204
2.02
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits
552,354
434,563
Other liabilities
27,789
24,471
Total liabilities
4,848,627
3,871,230
Stockholders equity
403,286
308,434
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
$
5,251,913
$
4,179,664
Net interest revenue
$
99,533
$
77,063
Net interest-rate spread
3.75
%
3.71
%
Net interest margin
(4)
4.09
%
3.97
%
(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 39%, reflecting the statutory federal tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.
(2)
Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued.
(3)
Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $1.1 million in 2005 and $7.2 million in 2004 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
Table of Contents
The following table shows the relative impact on net interest revenue for changes in the average outstanding balances (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 June 30, 2005
Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
Compared to 2004
Compared to 2004
Increase (decrease)
Increase (decrease)
due to changes in
due to changes in
Volume
Rate
Total
Volume
Rate
Total
Interest-earning assets:
Loans
$
11,720
$
8,189
$
19,909
$
23,178
$
12,486
$
35,664
Taxable securities
2,924
927
3,851
5,933
863
6,796
Tax-exempt securities
18
(46
)
(28
)
9
(104
)
(95
)
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
45
244
289
117
601
718
Total interest-earning assets
14,707
9,314
24,021
29,237
13,846
43,083
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Transaction accounts
555
1,904
2,459
1,084
3,108
4,192
Savings deposits
16
65
81
38
128
166
Certificates of deposit
2,088
3,158
5,246
4,687
4,270
8,957
Total interest-bearing deposits
2,659
5,127
7,786
5,809
7,506
13,315
Federal funds purchased
43
564
607
13
1,194
1,207
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
2,000
1,369
3,369
3,500
2,354
5,854
Long-term debt and other borrowings
145
111
256
242
(5
)
237
Total borrowed funds
2,188
2,044
4,232
3,755
3,543
7,298
Total interest-bearing liabilities
4,847
7,171
12,018
9,564
11,049
20,613
Increase in net interest revenue
$
9,860
$
2,143
$
12,003
$
19,673
$
2,797
$
22,470
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses was $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2005, compared with $1.8 million for the same period in 2004. Provision for the first six months of 2005 was $5.2 million, compared to $3.6 million for the first six months of 2004. Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average outstanding loans for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were .14%, as compared with .10% for the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date, net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average outstanding loans were .13%, compared to .09% for the first six months of 2004. Net loan charge-offs continue at relatively low levels, and as a percentage of average outstanding loans, continues to move in line with managements expectation and within the Companys historical range of high to low loss percentages for the past five years of .25% to .11%.
The provision for loan losses is based on managements evaluation of losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the corresponding analysis of the allowance for loan losses. Additional discussion on loan quality and the allowance for loan losses is included in the Asset Quality section of this report.
15
Table of Contents
Fee Revenue
Fee revenue for the second quarter and the first six months of 2005, totaled $12.2 million and $22.4 million, respectively, compared with $9.6 million and $18.9 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2004. This is a 26% increase over the second quarter of 2004, and an 18% increase over the comparable six months a year ago. Fee revenue for the second quarter of 2005 and 2004 was approximately 20% of total revenue; and on a year-to-date basis, fee revenue was approximately 19% of total revenue in 2005 and 20% in 2004. United continues to increase fee revenue through new products and services. The following table presents the components of fee revenue for the second quarter and the first six months of 2005 and 2004.
Table 5 Fee Revenue
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, taxable equivalent)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
Service charges and fees
$
6,280
$
5,312
18
%
$
11,894
$
10,335
15
%
Mortgage loan and related fees
1,742
1,585
10
3,225
2,865
13
Consulting fees
1,685
1,402
20
3,167
2,529
25
Brokerage fees
768
515
49
1,210
1,223
(1
)
Securities losses, net
(2
)
(2
)
(4
)
Loss on prepayments of borrowings
Other
1,706
833
105
2,885
1,977
46
Total
$
12,179
$
9,647
26
$
22,379
$
18,925
18
Earnings for acquired companies are included in consolidated results beginning on their respective acquisition dates. Therefore, comparability between current and prior periods is affected by acquisitions completed over the last 18 months.
Service charges on deposit accounts of $6.3 million, were up $968,000, or 18%, over the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date service charges were up $1.6 million or 15% over the same period in 2004. The increase in service charges and fees was due, about equally, from an increase in the number of accounts and transaction activity resulting from successful internal efforts to increase core deposits and from acquisitions. Included is ATM and debit card revenue which was up $411,000 compared to the same quarter a year ago; a 61% increase. This results primarily from having a higher volume of ATM transactions and more debit cards in customer hands through new account openings and successful cross selling.
Mortgage loan and related fees of $1.7 million for the quarter were up $157,000, or 10%, from the same period in 2004. Mortgage loan originations of $98 million for the second quarter 2005 were up $27 million from the second quarter of 2004. This increase was due to the addition of mortgage lenders and new products offered by United. Substantially all of these originated residential mortgages were sold into the secondary market, including the right to service these loans.
Consulting fees for the second quarter of 2005 of $1.7 million were up $283,000 from the same period in 2004. This increase was due to the increase in fee revenue from two new practices offered and growth in general consulting revenue. On a year-to-date basis, consulting fees were up 25% or $638,000.
Brokerage fees of $768,000 were up $253,000, or 49% from the level achieved in the second quarter of 2004 and were up $326,000 from the first quarter of 2005. On a year-to-date basis, brokerage fees were relatively flat compared with the prior year.
Other fee revenue increased $873,000 from the second quarter of 2004, due primarily to gains from the sale of two former banking offices of $530,000, and the sale of SBA loans of $235,000. Other fees were also up compared to the first quarter by $527,000 driven primarily by the gains on the sale of the former banking offices.
Operating Expenses
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, total operating expenses, excluding merger-related charges, were $38.8 million and $73.6 million, respectively, compared with $29.4 million and $57.5 million, respectively, for the same period in 2004. The percentage growth for the three and six months was 32% and 28%, respectively. The following table presents the components of operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
16
Table of Contents
Table 6 Operating Expenses
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
Salaries and employee benefits
$
25,274
$
18,662
35
%
$
47,509
$
36,788
29
%
Occupancy
2,718
2,273
20
5,386
4,555
18
Communications and equipment
3,115
2,677
16
6,097
5,224
17
Postage, printing and supplies
1,369
1,068
28
2,720
2,210
23
Professional fees
1,071
795
35
2,109
1,632
29
Advertising and public relations
1,699
991
71
3,062
1,755
74
Amortization of intangibles
503
395
1,006
766
Other
3,059
2,502
22
5,698
4,609
24
38,808
29,363
32
73,587
57,539
28
Merger-related charges
464
464
Total
$
38,808
$
29,827
30
$
73,587
$
58,003
27
Salaries and benefits for the second quarter of 2005 totaled $25.3 million, an increase of $6.6 million, or 35% over the same period in 2004. Acquisitions and de novo locations accounted for nearly 60% of the increase, with the remainder due to an increase in staff to support business growth, along with related hiring and relocation costs, and normal merit increases
.
At June 30, 2005, total staff was 1,659, an increase of 216 from a year ago. Nearly 60% of the increase, or 125 staff was added through acquisitions and de novo offices, with the Gainesville de novo adding 57 employees during the second quarter of 2005. Excluding acquisitions and de novo locations, the growth in staff was approximately 6% over last year, an increase of 91 employees. In addition, the ratio of total assets to full-time equivalent (FTE) employees grew from $3.2 million, at June 30, 2004, to $3.4 million, at June 30, 2005.
Occupancy expenses for the second quarter were up $445,000 or 20%, from the second quarter of 2004, and the increase for the six months ended June 30, 2005 over the same period in 2004 was $831,000, or 18%, primarily reflecting the cost of operating banking offices added through acquisitions and de novo expansion. The increases are in all categories of occupancy expense including utilities, maintenance, rent, taxes and depreciation charges.
Communication and equipment costs of $3.1 million for the second quarter and $6.1 million for the first six months of 2005 were up $438,000, or 16%, and $873,000 or 17%, respectively, over the same periods in 2004, primarily due to acquisitions and further investment in technology equipment to support business growth and enhance operating efficiencies.
Postage, printing and supplies costs for the second quarter of 2005 were up $301,000, or 28%, from the same period in 2004. On a year-to-date basis, these cost were up $510,000, or 23%, compared with the prior year. Most of the increase was due to additional postage and courier expense resulting from geographic expansion into new markets through acquisitions and de novo offices.
Professional fees for the second quarter were up $276,000, or 35%, from the second quarter of 2004. The increase in professional fees on a year-to-date basis was $477,000, or 29%. This increase is primarily due to increasing legal costs associated with new loans, higher costs of external loan review and the cost of various consulting projects.
Advertising and public relations expenses for the second quarter of 2005 of $1.7 million were up $708,000, or 71%, over the second quarter of 2004. On a year-to-date basis, this expense was up $1.3 million, or 74%, over the prior year. This was due to costs associated with Uniteds efforts to increase core deposit accounts and brand promotion within the new markets added recently through mergers and de novo offices.
The increase of $108,000 for the quarter in intangible amortization is due to the Liberty and Eagle acquisitions, which closed during the fourth quarter of 2004 and are reflected in the 2005 results, but not in 2004.
Other expense increased by $557,000, or 22%, from the second quarter of 2004. On a year-to-date basis, other expense increased $1.1 million, or 24%. This increase is being driven primarily by acquisitions and business growth.
The efficiency ratio measures total operating expenses, excluding merger-related charges, as a percentage of total revenue, excluding the provision for loan losses and net securities gains or losses. Based on operating income, Uniteds efficiency ratio for the second quarter was 61.18% compared with 60.05% for the second quarter of 2004. Year-to-date, the efficiency ratio was 60.36% compared with 59.94% for the first six months of 2004. The increases for both periods were primarily due to the expansion costs for the new de novo bank in Gainesville during the second quarter of 2005.
17
Table of Contents
Income Taxes
Income tax expense, net of tax benefits relating to merger charges, was $7.7 million for the second quarter, as compared with $5.8 million for the second quarter of 2004, representing a 35.7% and 34.5% effective tax rate, respectively. The effective tax rates were lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to interest revenue on certain investment securities and loans that are exempt from income taxes and tax credits received on affordable housing investments. The effective tax rate has increased as tax-exempt interest revenue on securities and loans has declined as a percentage of pre-tax earnings. Additional information regarding income taxes can be found in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed with Uniteds 2004 Form 10-K.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets at June 30, 2005 were $5.5 billion, 9% higher than the $5.1 billion at December 31, 2004 and 22% higher than the $4.5 billion at June 30 , 2004. Average total assets for the second quarter of 2005 were $5.3 billion, up $1.1 billion from average assets in the second quarter of 2004.
Loans
The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio.
Table 7 Loans Outstanding
(in thousands)
June 30,
December 31,
June 30,
2005
2004
2004
Commercial (commercial and industrial)
$
222,452
$
211,850
$
183,941
Commercial (secured by real estate)
1,016,700
966,558
853,956
Total commercial
1,239,152
1,178,408
1,037,897
Construction
1,480,664
1,304,526
1,106,359
Residential mortgage
1,194,724
1,101,653
1,050,561
Installment
158,271
150,318
143,492
Total loans
$
4,072,811
$
3,734,905
$
3,338,309
As a percentage of total loans:
Commercial (commercial and industrial)
6
%
6
%
6
%
Commercial (secured by real estate)
25
26
26
Total commercial
31
32
32
Construction
36
35
33
Residential mortgage
29
29
31
Installment
4
4
4
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
At June 30, 2005, total loans were $4.1 billion, an increase of $735 million, or 22%, from June 30, 2004 and an increase of $338 million, or 9%, from December 31, 2004. Over the past year, United has experienced strong loan growth in all markets, with particular strength in loans secured by real estate. Substantially all loans are to customers located in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, the immediate market areas of the Banks. The acquisitions of Eagle National Bank, which closed on November 1, 2004 and Liberty National Bank, which closed on December 1, 2004, added approximately $206 million in balances to the loan portfolio. Approximately $374 million of the increase from a year ago occurred in construction and land development loans. Growth continues to be strong in residential real estate loans and commercial loans , which grew $144 million and $201 million, respectively, from June 30, 2004. In May 2005, United expanded into the Gainesville, Georgia market with a new de novo bank, which added $92 million in loans spread across all of the loan categories.
18
Table of Contents
Asset Quality and Risk Elements
United manages asset quality and controls credit risk through close supervision of the loan portfolio and the application of policies designed to promote sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. Uniteds credit administration function is responsible for monitoring asset quality, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures at all of the Banks. Additional information on the credit administration function is included in Item 1 under the heading
Loan Review and Non-performing Assets
in Uniteds Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The provision for loan losses charged to earnings is based upon managements judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level adequate to absorb probable losses. The amount each period is dependent upon many factors including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, delinquencies, managements assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed by the credit administration department through an analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
Reviews of non-performing loans, past due loans and larger credits, designed to identify potential charges to the allowance for loan losses, as well as determine the adequacy of the allowance, are conducted on a regular basis during the year. These reviews are performed by the responsible lending officers, as well as a separate loan review department, and consider such factors as the financial strength of borrowers, the value of the applicable collateral, past loan loss experience, anticipated loan losses, growth in the loan portfolio, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. United also uses external loan review sources as necessary to support the activities of the loan review department and to ensure the independence of the loan review process.
The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
Table 8 Summary of Loan Loss Experience
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
Balance beginning of period
$
48,453
$
39,820
$
47,196
$
38,655
Allowance from acquisitions
1,727
1,727
Loans charged-off
(1,706
)
(1,008
)
(3,109
)
(2,028
)
Recoveries
326
219
586
604
Net charge-offs
(1,380
)
(789
)
(2,523
)
(1,424
)
Provision for loan losses
2,800
1,800
5,200
3,600
Balance end of period
$
49,873
$
42,558
$
49,873
$
42,558
Total loans:
At period end
$
4,072,811
$
3,338,309
$
4,072,811
$
3,338,309
Average
3,942,077
3,235,262
3,870,177
3,165,569
As a percentage of average loans (annualized):
Net charge-offs
.14
%
.10
%
.13
%
.09
%
Provision for loan losses
.28
.22
.27
.23
Allowance as a percentage of period end loans
1.22
1.27
1.22
1.27
Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans
435
593
435
593
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2005 is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment; therefore, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses cannot be determined with precision and may be subject to change in future periods. In addition, bank regulatory authorities, as part of their periodic examination of the Banks, may require adjustments to the provision for loan losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such additions.
19
Table of Contents
Non-performing Assets
The table below summarizes non-performing assets.
Table 9 Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands)
June 30,
December 31,
June 30,
2005
2004
2004
Non-accrual loans
$
11,465
$
8,031
$
7,169
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
3
Total non-performing loans
11,465
8,031
7,172
Other real estate owned
2,030
694
1,640
Total non-performing assets
$
13,495
$
8,725
$
8,812
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
.28
%
.22
%
.21
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
.24
.17
.19
Non-performing loans, which include non-accrual loans and accruing loans past due over 90 days, totaled $11.5 million at June 30, 2005, compared with $8.0 million at December 31, 2004 and $7.2 million at June 30, 2004. At June 30, 2005, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was .28%, compared with .22% at December 31, 2004 and .21% at June 30, 2004. Non-performing assets, which include non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate, totaled $13.5 million at June 30, 2005, compared with $8.7 million at December 31, 2004 and $8.8 million at June 30, 2004.
Uniteds policy is to place loans on non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the principal and interest on a loan is not likely to be repaid in accordance with the loan terms or when the loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against current interest revenue. Depending on managements evaluation of the borrower and loan collateral, interest revenue on a non-accrual loan may be recognized on a cash basis as payments are received. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to customers whose loans were on non-accrual status at June 30, 2005.
At June 30, 2005 and 2004, there were $6.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of loans classified as impaired under the definition outlined in SFAS No. 114. Specific reserves allocated to these impaired loans totaled $1.7 million at June 30, 2005, and $281,000 at June 30, 2004. The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, was $7.0 million and $546,000, respectively. Interest revenue recognized on loans while they were impaired for the second quarter and first half of 2005 was $9,000 and $13,000, respectively, compared with $12,000 and $15,000 for the same periods in 2004.
Investment Securities
The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects Uniteds 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.
Total investment securities at quarter-end increased $251 million from second quarter of 2004, and $111 million from December 31, 2004. The investment portfolio is used to help stabilize interest rate sensitivity and increase net interest revenue. The growth in the investment securities portfolio is consistent with growth in the rest of the balance sheet. At June 30, 2005, the securities portfolio accounts for approximately 18% of total assets, and is comparable with 17% at December 31, 2004, and 16% at June 30, 2004.
The investment securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Government and agency securities, municipal securities and U.S. Government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities rely on the underlying pools of mortgage loans to provide a cash flow of principal and interest. The actual maturities of these securities will differ from the contractual maturities because the loans underlying the security may prepay. Decreases in interest rates will generally cause an acceleration of prepayment levels. In a declining interest rate environment, United generally will not be able to reinvest the proceeds from these prepayments in assets that have comparable yields. In a rising rate environment, the opposite occurs. Prepayments tend to slow and the weighted average life extends. This is referred to as extension risk which can lead to lower levels of liquidity due to the delay of timing of cash receipts and can result in the holding of a below market yielding asset for a longer time period.
20
Table of Contents
Deposits
Total deposits at June 30, 2005 were $4.0 billion, an increase of $619 million from June 30, 2004, approximately $238 million resulting from the acquisitions of Eagle National Bank on November 1, 2004, and Liberty National Bank on December 1, 2004. Total non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts increased $111 million and interest-bearing demand and savings accounts increased $223 million. Total time deposits as of June 30, 2005 were $2.05 billion, an increase of $286 million from the second quarter of 2004.
Time deposits of $100,000 and greater totaled $697 million at June 30, 2005, compared with $455 million at June 30, 2004. United utilizes brokered time deposits, issued in certificates of less than $100,000, as an alternative source of cost-effective funding. Brokered time deposits outstanding at June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004 were $311 million and $422 million, respectively.
Wholesale Funding
At June 30, 2005, each of the Banks were shareholders in the Federal Home Loan Bank. Through this affiliation, secured advances totaling $800.3 million were outstanding at rates competitive with time deposits of like maturities. United anticipates continued utilization of this short and long term source of funds. FHLB advances outstanding at June 30, 2005 had both fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 2.12% to 6.59%. Additional information regarding FHLB advances, including scheduled maturities, is provided in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in Uniteds 2004 Form 10-K.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Management
The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant impact on Uniteds profitability. The objective of interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changing interest rates, in order to achieve Uniteds 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 is influenced by changes in the level of interest rates. United manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by the Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO). ALCO meets regularly and has responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and reviewing Uniteds interest rate sensitivity.
One of the tools management utilizes to estimate the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changes in interest rates is an interest rate simulation model. Such estimates are based upon a number of assumptions for various scenarios, including the level of balance sheet growth, deposit repricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. The simulation model measures the potential change in net interest revenue over a twelve-month period under six interest rate scenarios. The first scenario assumes rates remain flat (flat rate scenario) over the next twelve months and is the scenario that all others are compared to in order to measure the change in net interest revenue. The second scenario is a most likely scenario that projects the most likely change in rates over the next twelve months based on the slope of the yield curve. United runs ramp scenarios that assume gradual increases and decreases of 200 basis points each over the next twelve months. Uniteds policy for net interest revenue simulation is limited to a change from the flat rate scenario of less than 10% for the up or down 200 basis point ramp scenarios over twelve months. At June 30, 2005, Uniteds simulation model indicated that a 200 basis point increase in rates over the next twelve months would cause an approximate 3.5% increase in net interest revenue and a 200 basis point decrease in rates over the next twelve months would cause an approximate 6.6% decrease in net interest revenue.
In order to manage its interest rate sensitivity, United uses off-balance sheet contracts that are considered derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments can be a cost and capital effective means of modifying the repricing characteristics of on-balance sheet assets and liabilities. At June 30, 2005, United was a party to interest rate swap contracts under which it pays a variable rate and receives a fixed rate.
21
Table of Contents
The following table presents the interest rate swap contracts outstanding at June 30, 2005.
Table 10 Interest Rate Swap Contracts
As of June 30, 2005
(in thousands)
Notional
Rate
Rate
Fair
Type/Maturity
Amount
Received
Paid
(1)
Value
Cash Flow Contracts
October 3, 2005
25,000
5.78
6.25
(53
)
October 24, 2005
22,000
5.57
6.25
(75
)
December 30, 2005
25,000
5.55
6.25
(130
)
December 30, 2005
25,000
5.70
6.25
(125
)
December 30, 2005
50,000
5.80
6.25
(198
)
December 30, 2005
100,000
5.57
6.25
(560
)
April 3, 2006
25,000
6.00
6.25
(146
)
September 30, 2006
10,000
7.04
6.25
19
October 12, 2006
15,000
6.94
6.25
11
December 4, 2006
15,000
5.85
6.25
(218
)
December 17, 2006
30,000
5.99
6.25
(385
)
January 18, 2007
25,000
6.51
6.25
(149
)
March 21, 2007
25,000
7.00
6.25
42
April 19, 2007
15,000
5.85
6.25
(280
)
May 13, 2007
25,000
6.47
6.25
(194
)
May 14, 2007
15,000
6.47
6.25
(120
)
May 14, 2007
10,000
6.47
6.25
(80
)
October 23, 2007
81,000
6.08
6.25
(835
)
Total Cash Flow Contracts
$
538,000
6.00
%
6.25
%
$
(3,476
)
(1)
Based on prime rate at June 30, 2005.
All of Uniteds derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges. The change in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. Cash flow hedges consist of interest rate swap contracts that are designated as hedges of daily repricing prime based loans. Under these contracts, United receives a fixed interest rate and pays a floating rate based on the Prime Rate as posted in the Wall Street Journal.
Uniteds policy requires all derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions or positions, and not for trading or speculative purposes. Management believes that the risk associated with using derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk sensitivity is minimal and should not have any material unintended impact on the financial condition or results of operations. In order to mitigate potential credit risk, from time to time United may require the counterparties to derivative contracts to pledge securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.
Liquidity Management
The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that sufficient funding is available, at reasonable cost, to meet the 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, it is the primary goal of United to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity in all expected economic environments. 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 Uniteds ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of the Banks customers, both depositors and borrowers.
The primary objectives of asset/liability management are to provide for adequate liquidity in order to meet the needs of customers and to maintain an optimal balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities, so that United can also meet the investment requirements of its shareholders as market interest rates change. Daily monitoring of the sources and uses of funds is necessary to maintain a position that meets both requirements.
The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments and the maturities and sales of securities. Mortgage loans held for sale totaled $34.1 million at June 30, 2005, and typically turn over every 45 days as the closed loans are sold to investors in the secondary market.
22
Table of Contents
The liability section of the balance sheet provides liquidity through interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are additional sources of liquidity and represent Uniteds incremental borrowing capacity. 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.
United has available two lines of credit at its holding company with other financial institutions totaling $85 million. At June 30, 2005, $5.0 million has been drawn and is outstanding, and United had sufficient qualifying collateral to increase FHLB advances by $224 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2005, United changed the internal policy limits related to brokered deposits from 20% to 25% of total non-brokered deposits. At June 30, 2005, United had the capacity to increase brokered deposits by $418 million and still remain within this limit. With the change in policy from 20% to 25%, Uniteds capacity to increase brokered deposits is now $601 million based upon total non-brokered deposits at June 30, 2005. In addition to these wholesale sources, United has the ability to attract retail deposits at any time by competing more aggressively on pricing.
As disclosed in Uniteds Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, net cash provided by operating activities was $32.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The major contributors in this category were net income of $27.2 million, depreciation, amortization and accretion of $8.0 million, provision for loan losses of $5.2 million, a decrease in mortgage loans held for sale of $3.0 million, partially offset by an increase in other assets of $13.9 million. Net cash used by investing activities of $455.0 million consisted primarily of a net increase in loans totaling $342.8 million, purchases of premises and equipment of $8.5 million, and $226.6 million used to purchase investment securities, partially offset by proceeds from sales of securities of $40.7 million, maturities and calls of investment securities of $78.4 million, and sales of premises, equipment and other real estate of $3.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of a net increase in deposits of $278.7 million, short-term borrowing from Uniteds line of credit of $5.0 million, and a net increase in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements of $82.2 million, and a net increase in FHLB advances of $62.5 million; partially offset by cash dividends paid of $5.4 million. In the opinion of management, the liquidity position at June 30, 2005 is sufficient to meet its expected cash flow requirements.
Capital Resources and Dividends
Stockholders equity at June 30, 2005 was $416.0 million, an increase of $85.5 million from June 30, 2004. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the calculation of regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Excluding the change in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), stockholders equity increased $85.9 million, or 26%, from June 30, 2004, of which $42.0 million was the result of shares exchanged for the acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2004. Dividends of $2.7 million, or $.07 per share, were declared on common stock during the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 17% from the amount declared in the same period in 2004. On an operating basis, the dividend payout ratios for the second quarters of 2005 and 2004 were the same at 19%. United has historically retained the majority of its earnings in order to provide a cost effective source of capital for continued growth and expansion. However, in recognition that cash dividends are an important component of shareholder value, United has instituted a dividend program that provides for increased cash dividends when earnings and capital levels permit.
Uniteds Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 2,250,000 shares of the Companys common stock through December 31, 2005. Through June 30, 2005, a total of 1,332,000 shares have been purchased under this program. No shares were purchased during the second quarter of 2005.
Uniteds common stock trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol UCBI. The closing price for the period ended June 30, 2005 was $26.02. Below is a quarterly schedule of high, low and closing stock prices and average daily volume for 2005 and 2004.
Table 11 Stock Price Information
2005
2004
High
Low
Close
Avg Volume
High
Low
Close
Avg Volume
First quarter
$
27.92
$
23.02
$
23.73
42,662
$
24.62
$
21.37
$
23.73
26,905
Second quarter
26.44
21.70
26.02
63,805
25.36
21.89
25.18
43,316
Third quarter
25.45
21.75
24.27
30,366
Fourth quarter
29.60
23.17
26.93
39,082
23
Table of Contents
The following table presents the quarterly cash dividends declared in 2005 and 2004 and the respective payout ratios as a percentage of basic operating earnings per share, which excludes merger-related charges.
Table 12 Dividend Payout Information (based on operating earnings)
2005
2004
Dividend
Payout %
Dividend
Payout %
First quarter
$
.07
20
$
.06
19
Second quarter
.07
19
.06
19
(1)
Third quarter
.06
18
Fourth quarter
.06
17
(1)
(1)
Dividend payout ratios for the second and fourth quarters of 2004 were 19% and 18%, respectively, when calculated using GAAP earnings per share.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has issued guidelines for the implementation of risk-based capital requirements by U.S. banks and bank holding companies. These risk-based capital guidelines take into consideration risk factors, as defined by regulators, associated with various categories of assets, both on and off balance sheet. Under the guidelines, capital strength is measured in two tiers which are used in conjunction with risk adjusted assets to determine the risk based capital ratios. The guidelines require an 8% total risk-based capital ratio, of which 4% must be Tier I capital. To be considered well capitalized under the guidelines, a 10% total risk-based capital ratio is required, of which 6% must be Tier I capital.
The following table shows Uniteds capital ratios, as calculated under regulatory guidelines, at June 30, 2005 and 2004.
Table 13 Capital Ratios
(in thousands)
2005
2004
Actual
Regulatory
Actual
Regulatory
Amount
Minimum
Amount
Minimum
Tier I Leverage:
Amount
$
343,649
$
156,713
$
287,907
$
125,698
Ratio
6.58
%
3.00
%
6.87
%
3.00
%
Tier I Risk-Based:
Amount
$
343,649
$
170,815
$
287,907
$
136,936
Ratio
8.05
%
4.00
%
8.41
%
4.00
%
Total Risk-Based:
Amount
$
463,122
$
341,629
$
399,601
$
273,873
Ratio
10.85
%
8.00
%
11.67
%
8.00
%
Uniteds Tier I capital, which excludes other comprehensive income, consists of stockholders equity and qualifying capital securities less goodwill and deposit-based intangibles, totaled $343.6 million at June 30, 2005. Tier II capital components include supplemental capital items such as a qualifying allowance for loan losses and qualifying subordinated debt. Tier I capital plus Tier II capital components is referred to as Total Risk-Based capital and was $463 million at June 30, 2005.
A minimum leverage ratio is required in addition to the risk-based capital standards and is defined as Tier I capital divided by average assets adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles. Although a minimum leverage ratio of 3% is required for the highest-rated bank holding companies which are not undertaking significant expansion programs, the Federal Reserve Board requires a bank holding company to maintain a leverage ratio greater than 3% if it is experiencing or anticipating significant growth or is operating with less than well-diversified risks in the opinion of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board uses the leverage and risk-based capital ratios to assess capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies. Uniteds leverage ratio at June 30, 2005 and 2004 was 6.58% and 6.87%, respectively.
The capital ratios of United and the Banks currently exceed the minimum ratios as defined by federal regulators. United monitors these ratios to ensure that United and the Banks remain above regulatory minimum guidelines.
24
Table of Contents
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
A banks 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 impact 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.
Uniteds management believes the impact of inflation on financial results depends on Uniteds ability to react to changes in interest rates and, by such reaction, reduce the inflationary impact on performance. United has 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.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in Uniteds quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of June 30, 2005 from that presented in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The interest rate sensitivity position at June 30, 2005 is included in managements discussion and analysis on page 21 of this report.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Uniteds management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, supervised and participated in an evaluation of the companys disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2005. Based on, and as of the date of, that evaluation, Uniteds Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in accumulating and communicating information to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures of that information under the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms and that the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed or submitted by United under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
There were no significant changes in the internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of operations, United and the Banks are defendants in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, there is no pending or threatened proceeding in which an adverse decision could result in a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of United.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders
United held its annual meeting of shareholders on April 27, 2005.
At the annual meeting, the shareholders elected Jimmy C. Tallent, Robert L. Head, Jr., W. C. Nelson, Jr., A. William Bennett, Robert H. Blalock, Guy W. Freeman, Thomas C. Gilliland, Charles E. Hill, Hoyt O. Holloway, Clarence W. Mason, Sr., and Tim Wallis as directors to serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified. The elections were approved by the votes set forth in the following table.
Election of Directors
Shares Voted in Favor
Shares Withheld
Jimmy C. Tallent
28,942,059
187,042
Robert L. Head, Jr.
27,436,000
1,693,101
W. C. Nelson, Jr.
28,886,182
242,919
A. William Bennett
28,969,818
159,283
Robert H. Blalock
29,017,396
111,705
Guy W. Freeman
28,993,054
136,047
Thomas C. Gilliland
28,993,622
135,479
Charles E. Hill
28,996,484
132,617
Hoyt O. Holloway
28,996,571
132,530
Clarence W. Mason, Sr.
28,996,484
132,617
Tim Wallis
27,507,119
1,621,982
25
Table of Contents
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1
Certification by Jimmy C. Tallent, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Community Banks, Inc., as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification by Rex S. Schuette, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Community Banks, Inc., as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
26
Table of Contents
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/
Jimmy C. Tallent
Jimmy C. Tallent
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
Rex S. Schuette
Rex S. Schuette
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/
Alan H. Kumler
Alan H. Kumler
Senior Vice President and
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: August 5, 2005
27