UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014


2017

Commission File Number 001-35095

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Georgia58-1807304
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
125 Highway 515 East, Blairsville, Georgia30512
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (706) 781-2265


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None


Name of exchange on which registered: Nasdaq Global Select


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $1.00 par value


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒  xNo

¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐  ¨No


x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 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 ☒  xNo


¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  xNo


¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 


¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large accelerated filer  ☒x
Accelerated filer  ☐¨
Non-accelerated filer   ☐¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company  ☐¨
 Emerging growth company¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes¨ No


x

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $970,205,714$1,947,033,771 (based on shares held by non-affiliates at $16.37$27.80 per share, the closing stock price on the Nasdaq stock market on June 30, 2014)2017).


As of January 31, 2015, 60,295,768February 1, 2018, 79,110,975 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding including 50,214,981 voting shares and 10,080,787 non-voting shares.outstanding. Also outstanding were presently exercisable options to acquire 296,47053,287 shares, presently exercisable warrants to acquire 219,909 shares and 397,251599,932 shares issuable under United Community Banks, Inc.’s deferred compensation plan.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein into Part III by reference.

 

 

INDEX
 

INDEX

  
  
Item 1.Business3
Item 1A.Risk Factors18
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments25
Item 2.Properties25
Item 3.Legal Proceedings25
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures25
 
3
16
22
22
22
22
  
 
2326
2528
2730
5458
5559
111131
111131
111131
  
PART III 
  
112132
112132
112132
112132
112132
  
PART IV 
  
Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules133
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary136
  
SIGNATURES 
113
  
116
2
 


PART I
2
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.

PART I

ITEM 1.          BUSINESS.

United Community Banks, Inc. (“United”), a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), was incorporated under the laws of Georgia in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988 by acquiring 100% of the outstanding shares of Union County Bank, Blairsville, Georgia, now known as United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia (the “Bank”).


Since the early 1990’s,1990s, United has actively expanded its market coverage through organic growth complemented by selective acquisitions, primarily of banks whose managements share United’s community banking and customer service philosophies. Although those acquisitions have directly contributed to United’s growth, their contribution has primarily been to provide United access to new markets with attractive organic growth potential. Organic growth in assets includes growth through existing offices as well as growth at de novo locations and post-acquisition growth at acquired banking offices.


To emphasize its commitment to community banking, United conducts substantially all of its operations through a community-focused operating model of separate “community banks”, which as of December 31, 2014,2017, operated at 103156 locations throughout northmarkets in Georgia, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, the Gainesville, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, coastal Georgia, westernSouth Carolina, North Carolina, east and central Tennessee and the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina metropolitan statistical area.  In 2012, United expanded into Greenville, South Carolina by opening a loan production office which has subsequently been converted to a full-service branch.  Tennessee.The community banks offer a full range of retail and corporate banking services, including checking, savings and time deposit accounts, secured and unsecured loans, wire transfers, brokerage services and other financial services, and are led by local bank presidents (referred to herein as the “Community Bank Presidents”) and management with significant experience in, and ties to, their communities. Each of the Community Bank Presidents has authority, alone or with other local officers, to make most credit decisions.


In recent years, United has developed a number of specialized lending areas focusing on asset-based lending, commercial real estate, middle market businesses, United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) guaranteed loans, senior living, builder finance and renewable energy. Although the specialized lending areas have their own customers, they also work with the community banks to provide their specialized lending expertise to better serve their customers. This partnership helps United position itself as a community bank with large bank resources. Management believes that this operating model provides a competitive advantage.

The Bank, through its full-service retail mortgage lending division, United Community Mortgage Services (“UCMS”), is approved as a seller/servicer for the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and provides fixed and adjustable-rate home mortgages. During 2014,2017, the Bank originated $276$745 million of residential mortgage loans throughout its footprint in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina for the purchase of homes and to refinance existing mortgage debt. Substantially allThe majority of these mortgages were sold into the secondary market without recourse to the Bank, other than for breaches of warranties.


With the acquisition of The Palmetto Bank in late 2015, United began retaining the servicing on most of its mortgage production. United’s residential mortgage servicing portfolio included $847 million in loans at December 31, 2017.

The Bank owns an insurance agency, United Community Insurance Services, Inc. (“UCIS”), known as United Community Advisory Services, which is a subsidiary of the Bank. United also owns a captive insurance subsidiary, United Community Risk Management Services, Inc. (“UCRMSI”) that provides risk management services for United’s subsidiaries. Another Bank subsidiary, United Community Payment Systems, LLC (“UCPS”), provides payment processing services for the Bank’s commercial and small business customers.


UCPS is a joint venture with Security Card Services, LLC, a merchant services provider headquartered in Oxford, Mississippi and owned by First Data Corporation.

United produces fee revenue through its sale of non-deposit investment products. Those products are sold by employees of United thatwho are licensed financial advisors doing business as United Community Advisory Services. United has an affiliation with a third party broker/dealer, Invest Financial,Linsco Private Ledger, to facilitate this line of business.

3

Recent Developments

On January 27, 2015, United announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire MoneyTree Corporation (“MoneyTree”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank (“FNB”).  MoneyTree and FNB are headquartered in Lenoir City, Tennessee and FNB currently operates 10 branches in east Tennessee.  At December 31, 2014, FNB had $425 million in assets, $354 million in deposits and $253 million in loans.  The resulting combination will enhance both United’s position in key growth markets in east Tennessee and its ability to offer expanded banking products to FNB’s customer base.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, MoneyTree shareholders will receive merger consideration consisting of 80 percent common stock of United and 20 percent cash in the aggregate, with a fixed exchange ratio that is valued at approximately $52 million based on United’s January 27, 2015 closing price of $17.65 per share.  Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of MoneyTree’s shareholders.  The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act’), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the “Exchange Act”), about United and its subsidiaries. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “projects”, “plans”, “goal”, “targets”, “potential”, “estimates”, “pro forma”, “seeks”, “intends”, or “anticipates” or the negative thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements include discussions of strategy, financial projections, guidance and estimates (including their underlying assumptions), statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of various transactions, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of United and its subsidiaries. We caution our shareholders and other readers not to place undue reliance on such statements.


Our businesses and operations are and will be subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. Consequently, actual results and experience may materially differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following factors:


·the condition of the general business and economic environment;
·the results of our internal credit stress tests may not accurately predict the impact on our financial condition if the economy were to deteriorate;
·our ability to maintain profitability;
·our ability to fully realize the balance of our net deferred tax asset, including net operating loss carryforwards;
·the impact of lower federal income tax rates on the carrying amount of our deferred tax asset;
·the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and related regulations (the “Tax Act”);
·the risk that we may be required to increase the valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset in future periods;
·the condition of the banking system and financial markets;
·our ability to raise capital;
·our ability to maintain liquidity or access other sources of funding;
·changes in the cost and availability of funding;
·the success of the local economies in which we operate;
·our lack of geographic diversification;
·our concentrations of residential and commercial construction and development loans and commercial real estate loans are subject to unique risks that could adversely affect our earnings;
·changes in prevailing interest rates may negatively affect our net income and the value of our assets and other interest rate risks;
·our accounting and reporting policies;
·if our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses;
·losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our loan customers, third party service providers or employees;
·risks related to our communications and information systems, including risks with respect to cybersecurity breaches;
·our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure and services required to operate our business;
·competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers;
·risks with respect to our ability to successfully expand and complete acquisitions and integrate businesses and operations that are acquired;
if the·deteriorating conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets deteriorate;markets;
·the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and related regulations;regulations (the “Dodd-Frank Act”);
·changes in laws and regulations or failures to comply with such laws and regulations;
·changes in regulatory capital and other requirements;
·the costs and effects of litigation, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, including possible dilution;thereto;
·possible regulatory or judicial proceedings, board resolutions, informal memorandums of understanding or formal enforcement actions imposed by regulators that may occur;regulators;
·changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations or challenges to our income tax provision; and
·our ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.

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 (the “SEC”). 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-K.

4

The financial statements and information contained herein have not been reviewed, or confirmed for accuracy or relevance, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions


United’s profitability depends to a substantial extent on the difference between interest revenue received from loans, investments, and other earning assets, and the interest paid on deposits and other liabilities. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the control of United, including national and international economic conditions and the monetary policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The instruments of monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve include open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits.


Competition


The market for banking and bank-related services is highly competitive. United actively competes in its market areas, which include northboth rural and metropolitan parts of Georgia, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, the Gainesville, Georgia metropolitan statistical area, coastal Georgia, western North Carolina, east and central Tennessee and the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina, metropolitan statistical area, with other providers of deposit and credit services. These competitors include other commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, financial technology companies and brokerage firms.


The tabletables on the following page displayspages display the respective percentage of total bank and thrift deposits for the last five years in each county where the Bank has deposit operations. The tabletables also indicatesindicate the Bank’s ranking by deposit size in each county. All information in the tabletables was obtained from the Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationFDIC Summary of Deposits as of June 30 of each year. The following information only shows market share in deposit gathering, which may not be indicative of market presence in other areas.

5

Share of Local Deposit Markets by County - Banks and Savings Institutions
 
  Market Share  Rank in Market 
  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
Atlanta, Georgia MSA                                        
Bartow  8%  8%  9%  11%  11%  6   5   5   3   3 
Carroll  9   11   10   7   7   4   4   4   5   5 
Cherokee  4   5   4   5   4   9   9   9   9   9 
Cobb  3   2   2   3   3   8   13   13   12   11 
Coweta  3   3   2   2   2   10   10   10   10   11 
Dawson  38   36   33   34   36   1   1   1   1   1 
DeKalb  1   1   1   1   1   17   16   16   16   18 
Douglas  1   1   1   2   2   11   11   11   11   12 
Fayette  8   8   7   7   7   5   6   7   6   5 
Forsyth  6   6   7   8   7   8   8   5   4   6 
Fulton  1   1   1   1   1   18   20   21   21   20 
Gwinnett  2   3   3   3   3   9   7   7   7   7 
Henry  8   7   7   7   6   6   6   6   6   6 
Newton  3   3   3   3   3   7   7   8   8   8 
Paulding  -   4   4   4   4   -   9   9   9   9 
Pickens  7   6   7   7   6   5   5   5   4   5 
Rockdale  9   9   9   9   12   5   5   5   6   4 
Walton  2   2   2   1   2   10   10   10   10   10 
Gainesville, Georgia MSA                                        
Hall  11   11   12   12   12   4   4   4   4   4 
North Georgia                                        
Chattooga  42   42   43   44   43   1   1   1   1   1 
Fannin  56   56   57   55   50   1   1   1   1   1 
Floyd  10   16   15   15   15   3   3   3   3   4 
Gilmer  33   35   27   27   26   1   1   2   2   2 
Habersham  24   22   22   22   23   2   2   2   2   2 
Jackson  8   8   8   8   7   6   5   5   6   7 
Lumpkin  33   30   30   29   29   1   1   1   2   2 
Rabun  18   17   16   15   14   3   3   3   3   3 
Towns  56   54   50   53   50   1   1   1   1   1 
Union  84   84   87   84   84   1   1   1   1   1 
White  46   48   47   47   48   1   1   1   1   1 

6

Share of Local Deposit Markets by County - Banks and Savings Institutions, continued
 
  Market Share  Rank in Market 
  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
                               
Tennessee                                        
Blount  1   1   2   1   1   12   12   12   14   12 
Bradley  5   5   7   5   5   9   8   7   8   7 
Knox  1   1   1   1   1   14   15   11   27   30 
Loudon  46   49   51   15   15   1   1   1   3   3 
Monroe  3   2   3   3   3   7   7   7   8   8 
Roane  8   9   9   9   9   6   5   6   6   5 
Coastal Georgia                                        
Chatham  2   2   2   2   2   9   9   9   9   9 
Glynn  10   10   7   14   12   5   4   7   2   2 
Ware  4   4   3   4   3   8   8   9   9   9 
North Carolina                                        
Avery  14   14   15   15   16   4   3   3   4   4 
Cherokee  37   37   36   35   35   1   1   1   1   1 
Clay  45   45   44   44   44   1   1   1   1   1 
Duplin  9   -   -   -   -   4   -   -   -   - 
Graham  74   74   74   75   71   1   1   1   1   1 
Hartnett  2   -   -   -   -   9   -   -   -   - 
Haywood  11   10   11   10   11   5   6   6   6   6 
Henderson  5   5   4   3   3   9   9   9   10   10 
Jackson  31   30   31   30   28   1   1   1   1   1 
Johnston  20   -   -   -   -   2   -   -   -   - 
Macon  5   5   4   6   7   6   5   6   6   5 
Mitchell  58   42   41   36   34   1   1   1   1   1 
Swain  19   17   15   15   17   2   2   2   2   2 
Transylvania  18   17   17   16   14   3   3   3   3   3 
Wake  1   -   -   -   -   15   -   -   -   - 
Watauga  2   2   2   2   2   10   11   11   11   11 
Yancey  19   19   19   19   20   3   2   2   3   2 
South Carolina                                        
Abbeville  10   10   10   -   -   5   5   5   -   - 
Anderson  4   4   4   -   -   10   10   10   -   - 
Beaufort  1   2   -   -   -   17   16   -   -   - 
Charleston  1   2   -   -   -   14   13   -   -   - 
Cherokee  10   10   11   -   -   5   5   5   -   - 
Dorchester  3   4   -   -   -   12   9   -   -   - 
Greenville  4   4   4   1   -   9   9   9   27   - 
Greenwood  10   11   11   -   -   5   4   5   -   - 
Horry  7   2   -   -   -   5   15   -   -   - 
Laurens  36   34   35   -   -   1   1   1   -   - 
Oconee  1   1   2   -   -   11   11   11   -   - 
Pickens  1   1   1   -   -   11   13   12   -   - 
Spartanburg  3   3   3   -   -   8   10   11   -   - 

Share of Local Deposit Markets by County - Banks and Savings Institutions
7

  Market Share  Rank in Market 
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
Atlanta, Georgia MSA                    
Bartow  11%  11%  9%  12%  9%  3   3   4   3   4 
Carroll  7   7   6   6   5   5   5   6   6   7 
Cherokee  5   4   5   4   4   9   9   9   9   9 
Cobb  3   3   3   3   3   12   11   10   10   10 
Coweta  2   2   2   2   2   10   11   10   10   10 
Dawson  34   36   36   36   30   1   1   1   1   1 
DeKalb  1   1   1   1   1   16   18   18   21   21 
Douglas  2   2   2   2   1   11   12   12   11   13 
Fayette  7   7   7   8   9   6   5   6   5   4 
Forsyth  8   7   6   3   2   4   6   7   11   13 
Fulton  1   1   1   1   1   21   20   20   20   18 
Gwinnett  3   3   3   3   3   7   7   8   7   8 
Henry  7   6   5   4   4   6   6   7   7   9 
Newton  3   3   3   3   3   8   8   8   8   8 
Paulding  4   4   5   5   3   9   9   6   7   8 
Pickens  7   6   4   3   2   4   5   6   7   7 
Rockdale  9   12   12   12   12   6   4   4   4   4 
Walton  1   2   1   2   1   10   10   10   10   10 
Gainesville, Georgia MSA                                        
Hall  12   12   12   14   14   4   4   5   3   3 
North Georgia                                        
Chattooga  44   43   40   40   39   1   1   1   1   1 
Fannin  55   50   49   52   49   1   1   1   1   1 
Floyd  15   15   16   16   14   3   4   2   1   3 
Gilmer  27   26   25   25   15   2   2   2   2   2 
Habersham  22   23   22   20   16   2   2   2   2   3 
Jackson  8   7   6   6   5   6   7   6   7   8 
Lumpkin  29   29   29   29   28   2   2   2   2   2 
Rabun  15   14   13   12   11   3   3   3   5   5 
Towns  53   50   48   41   37   1   1   2   2   2 
Union  84   84   83   84   86  ��1   1   1   1   1 
White  47   48   44   46   43   1   1   1   1   1 
Tennessee                                        
Blount  1   1   1   2   2   14   12   11   11   11 
Bradley  5   5   5   5   5   8   7   7   7   7 
Knox  1   1   1   1   1   27   30   26   23   25 
Loudon  15   15   13   14   14   3   3   3   3   3 
McMinn  -   -   3   2   2   -   -   9   9   9 
Monroe  3   3   4   4   3   8   8   7   7   8 
Roane  9   9   8   8   8   6   5   6   6   6 
Coastal Georgia                                        
Chatham  2   2   1   1   1   9   9   10   10   10 
Glynn  14   12   12   18   15   2   2   3   2   3 
Ware  4   3   3   4   4   9   9   9   9   8 
North Carolina                                        
Avery  15   16   16   18   17   4   4   2   1   1 
Cherokee  35   35   35   29   29   1   1   1   1   1 
Clay  44   44   45   48   49   1   1   1   1   1 
Graham  75   71   71   72   72   1   1   1   1   1 
Haywood  10   11   10   10   11   6   6   5   5   5 
Henderson  3   3   3   3   3   10   10   11   11   11 
Jackson  30   28   25   25   25   1   1   1   1   1 
Macon  6   7   8   8   8   6   5   5   6   5 
Mitchell  36   34   36   37   34   1   1   1   1   1 
Swain  15   17   21   25   30   2   2   2   2   2 
Transylvania  16   14   15   14   13   3   3   3   3   4 
Watauga  2   2   2   1   1   11   11   12   12   11 
Yancey  19   20   18   20   19   3   2   2   2   2 
South Carolina                                        
Greenville  1   -   -   -   -   27   -   -   -   - 

Loans


The Bank makes both secured and unsecured loans to individuals and businesses. Secured loans include first and second real estate mortgage loans and commercial loans secured by non-real estate assets. The Bank also makes direct installment loans to consumers on both a secured and unsecured basis.


Specific risk elements associated with the Bank’s lending categories include, but are not limited to:

Percentage
Loan TypePercentage
of Portfolio
Risk Elements
Commercial Real Estatereal estate - owner occupied24.9%25%General economic conditions; consumer spending; effect of rising interest rates; market’smarket's loosening of credit underwriting standards and structures; and business confidence.
 
Commercial Real Estatereal estate - income producing12.8%21%Effect of rising interest rates, supply and demand of property type; consumer sentiment; business confidence; effect of financial markets, general economic conditions in the U.S and abroad and recovery of operating fundamentals.
 
Commercial and industrial15.2%15%Industry concentrations; inability to monitor the condition of collateral (inventory, accounts receivable and other non-real estate assets); use of specialized or obsolete equipment as collateral; insufficient cash flow from operations to service debt payments; declines in general economic conditions.
 
Commercial construction4.2%9%Effect of rising interest rates;  changes in market demand for property, recoveryproperty; deterioration of operating fundamentals, market’sfundamentals; market's loosening of credit underwriting standards and structures,structures; and fluctuations in both the debt and equity markets.
 
Residential mortgage18.5%13%
Loan portfolio concentrations; changes in general economic conditions or in the local economy; loss of borrower’s employment; insufficient collateral value due to decline in property value.value; rising interest rates; and consumer sentiment.
 
Home equity lines of credit10.0%9%Unemployment and underemployment levels; rise in interest rates; household income growth; declining home values reducing the amount of equity; lines of credit nearing their “end-of-draw” period."end-of-draw" period; effect of tax reform on interest deductibility.
 
Residential construction6.4%2%Inadequate long-term financing arrangements; inventory levels; cost overruns, changes in market demand for property; rising interest rates.
 
Consumer installmentdirect2.2%2%Consumer sentiment; elevated umemployment and underemployment in many of our local markets; household income stagnation; and increases in consumer prices.
 
Indirect Autoauto5.7%4%Consumer sentiment; unemployment and underemployment levels; rise in interest rates; increases in consumer prices; decline in houseloadhousehold income and loosening of credit structures.structures; decline in vehicle values.

Lending Policy


The Bank makes loans primarily to persons or businesses that reside, work, own property, or operate in its primary market areas, except for specific specialized lending strategies such as Small Business Administration (“SBA”)SBA and franchise lending. Unsecured loans are generally made only to persons who qualify for such credit based on their credit history, net worth, income and liquidity. Secured loans are made to persons who are well established and have the credit history, net worth, collateral, and cash flow to support the loan. Exceptions to the Bank’s policies are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Major policy exceptions require an approving officer to document the reason for the exception. Loans exceeding a lending officer’s credit limit must be approved through a credit approval process involving Regional Credit Managers. Consumer loans are approved through centralized consumer credit centers.


United’s Credit Administration department provides each lending officer with written guidelines for lending activities as approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Limited lending authority is delegated to lending officers by Credit Administration as authorized by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Loans in excess of individual officer credit authority must be approved by a senior officer with sufficient approval authority delegated by Credit Administration as authorized by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Senior Credit Committee approves loans where the total relationship exposure exceeds $8.5 million. At December 31, 2014,2017, the Bank’s secured legal lending limit was $202$293 million; however, the Board of Directors has established an internal lending limitguideline of $25 million.  All loans to borrowers for any$30 million and an individual real estate project that exceeds $15 million or whose total aggregate borrowing relationship exceed $20 million require the approvalguideline of two Bank directors and must be reported quarterly to the Bank’s Board of Directors for ratification.$18 million.

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Commercial Lending


United utilizes its Regional Credit Managers and Senior Credit Officers to provide credit administration support for commercial loans to the Bank as needed. The Regional Credit Managers have lending authority set by Credit Administration based on characteristics of the markets they serve. The Regional Credit Managers also provide credit underwriting support as needed by the community banks they serve.


For commercial loans less than $250,000, United utilizes a centralized small business lending/underwriting department.

Consumer Credit Center


United has implemented a centralized consumer credit center that provides underwriting, regulatory disclosure and document preparation for all consumer loan requests originated by the bank’s market lenders. RequestsApplications are processed through an automated loan origination software platform.  Underwriters are involved withplatform and decisioned by the credit decisions at certain levels and with certain products.


center underwriters.

Loan Review and Nonperforming Assets


United’s Loan Review Department reviews, or engages an independent third party to review, the Bank’s loan portfolio on an ongoing basis to identify any weaknesses in the portfolio and to assess the general quality of credit underwriting. The results of such reviews are presented to Executive Management, the Community Bank Presidents,Bankers, Commercial Banking Solutions, Credit Administration Management and the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. If an individual loan or credit relationshipborrower has a materialsignificant weakness identified during the review process, the risk rating of the loan, or generally all loans comprisingto that credit relationship,borrower will be downgraded to the classification that most closely matches the current risk level. The review process also provides for the upgrade of loans that show improvement since the last review. Since each loanborrower in a credit relationship may have a different credit structure, source of repayment and guarantors, loans to different loansborrowers in a relationship can be assigned different risk ratings. United adopted a dual risk rating system for commercial loans whereby risk is defined at the obligor level and the facility level. The obligor risk rating assigns a rating based on qualitative and quantitative metrics that measure the financial viability of the borrower which is an estimate of the probability that the borrower will default. The facility risk rating considers the loss protection provided by assigned collateral factoring in control and the loan-to-value ratio. This rating estimates the probability of loss once the borrower has defaulted.


Under United’s 10-tier loan grading system for commercial loans, grades 1 through 6 are considered “pass” (acceptable) credit risk, grade 7 is a “watch” rating, and grades 8 through 10 are “adversely classified” credits that require management’s attention. The entire 10-grade rating scale provides for a higher numeric rating for increased risk. For example, a risk rating of 1 is the least risky of all credits and would be typical of a loan that is 100% secured by a deposit at the Bank.an investment grade borrower. Risk ratings of 2 through 6 in the pass category each have incrementally more risk. The four watchcriticized list credit ratings and rating definitions are:


7 (Watch)Loans in this category are presently protected from apparent loss; however weaknesses exist that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. These loans require more than the ordinary amount of supervision. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage, but may not be immediately marketable.

8 (Substandard)These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. There is the distinct possibility that United will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. If possible, immediate corrective action is taken.

9 (Doubtful)Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment.

10 (Loss)Loans categorized as Loss have the same characteristics as Doubtful, however, loss is certain. Loans classified as Loss are charged-off.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans. Consumer loans are part of a pass / fail grading system designed to segment loans based upon the risk of default resulting in a loss to the Bank. Specifically, a failed credit will be a loan that has a high probabilityan increased risk of default within the next twelve months with the default expected tothat could result in a loss to the Bank.

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In addition, Credit Administration, with supervision and input from the Accounting Department, prepares a quarterly analysis to determine the adequacy of the Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”). The ACL is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments. The allowance for loan losses analysis starts with total loans and subtracts loans fully secured by deposit accounts at the Bank and the portion of loans guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”)SBA or United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”),USDA, which effectively have nominimal risk of loss.loss other than fraud-related losses. Next, all loans that are considered individually impaired are reviewed and assigned a specific reserve if one is warranted. Most collateral dependent impairednonaccrual loans with specific reserves are charged down to net realizable value of the underlying collateral. The remaining loan balance for each major loan category is then multiplied by its respective estimated loss factor that is derived from the weighted average historical loss rate for the preceding two year period, weighted toward the most recent quarters, and adjusted to reflect current economic conditions.factor. Loss factors for these loans are estimated and determined based on historical loss experience by type of loan. United multiplies the annualized loss factor by the calculated loss emergence period in order to quantify the amount ofestimated incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The loss emergence period is determined for each category of loans based on the average length of time between when a loan first becomes more than 30 days past due and when that loan is ultimately charged off. Management’s use of the loss emergence period is an estimate of the period of time from the first evidence of loss incurrence through the period of time until such losses are confirmed (or charged-off). Previously, United reported an unallocated portion of the allowance which was maintained due to imprecision in estimating loss factors and loss emergence periods, and economic and other conditions that cannot be entirely quantified in the analysis. With the incorporation of the loss emergence period into United’s allowance methodology in the first quarter of 2014, the previously unallocated balance has been allocated to other components of the allowance for loan losses.


Asset/Liability Committee


United’s Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is composed of executive and other officers and the Treasurer of United.  ALCO is charged with managing the assets and liabilities of United and the Bank. ALCO’s primary role is to balance asset growth and income generation with the prudent management of interest rate risk, market risk and liquidity risk and with the need to maintain appropriate levels of capital. ALCO directs the Bank’s overall balance sheet strategy, including the acquisition and investment of funds.  At regular meetings, the committeeALCO reviews the interest rate sensitivity and liquidity positions, including stress scenarios, the net interest margin, the investment portfolio, the funding mix and other variables, such as regulatory changes, monetary policy adjustments and the overall state of the economy. A more comprehensive discussion of United’s asset/liability management and interest rate risk is contained in theManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (Part II, Item 7) andQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Part II, Item 7A) sections of this report.


Investment Policy


United’s investment portfolio policy is to balance income generation with liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, pledging and regulatory needs. The Chief Financial Officer and the Treasurer of United administer the policy, and it is reviewed from time to time by United’s ALCO and the Board of Directors. Portfolio activity, composition, and performance are reviewed and approved periodically by United’s Board of Directors and Risk Committee thereof.


Employees


As of December 31, 2014,2017, United and its subsidiaries had 1,5062,137 full-time equivalent employees. Neither United nor any of its subsidiaries are a party to any collective bargaining agreement and management believes that employee relations are good.


Available Information


United’s Internet website address is www.ucbi.com. United makes available free of charge through its website Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.


Supervision and Regulation


The following is an explanation of the supervision and regulation of United and the Bank as financial institutions. This explanation does not purport to describe state, federal or Nasdaq Stock Market supervision and regulation of general business corporations or Nasdaq listed companies.


General. United is a registered bank holding company subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. United is required to file annual and quarterly financial information with the Federal Reserve and is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve.

The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the Federal Reserve’s prior approval before (1) it may acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank that it does not already control; (2) it or any of its non-bank subsidiaries may acquire all or substantially all of the assets of a bank; and (3) it may merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company. In addition, a bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring, direct or indirect control of the voting shares of any company engaged in non-banking activities. This prohibition does not apply to activities listed in the BHC Act or found by the Federal Reserve, by order or regulation, to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.

Some of the activities that the Federal Reserve has determined by regulation or order to be closely related to banking are:

·making or servicing loans and certain types of leases;
·performing certain data processing services;
·acting as fiduciary or investment or financial advisor;

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·providing brokerage services;
·underwriting bank eligible securities;
·underwriting debt and equity securities on a limited basis through separately capitalized subsidiaries; and
·making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare.

Although the activities of bank holding companies have traditionally been limited to the business of banking and activities closely related or incidental to banking (as discussed above), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”) relaxed the previous limitations and permitted bank holding companies to engage in a broader range of financial activities. Specifically, bank holding companies may elect to become financial holding companies which may affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature. Among the activities that are deemed “financial in nature” include:


·lending, exchanging, transferring, investing for others or safeguarding money or securities;
·insuring, guaranteeing, or indemnifying against loss, harm, damage, illness, disability, or death, or providing and issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent, or broker with respect thereto;
·providing financial, investment, or economic advisory services, including advising an investment company;
·issuing or selling instruments representing interests in pools of assets permissible for a bank to hold directly; and
·underwriting, dealing in or making a market in securities.

A bank holding company may become a financial holding company under this statute only if each of its subsidiary banks is well-capitalized, is well managed and has at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act.  A bank holding company that falls out of compliance with such requirement may be required to cease engaging in certain activities.  Any bank holding company that does not elect to become a financial holding company remains subject to the bank holding company restrictions of the BHC Act.

Under this legislation, the Federal Reserve serves as the primary “umbrella” regulator of financial holding companies with supervisory authority over each parent company and limited authority over its subsidiaries. The primary regulator of each subsidiary of a financial holding company will depend on the type of activity conducted by the subsidiary. For example, broker-dealer subsidiaries will be regulated largely by securities regulators and insurance subsidiaries will be regulated largely by insurance authorities.


United has no current plans to register as a financial holding company.


United must also register with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the “DBF”) and file periodic information with the DBF. As part of such registration, the DBF requires information with respect to the financial condition, operations, management and intercompany relationship of United and the Bank and related matters. The DBF may also require such other information as is necessary to keep itself informed concerning compliance with Georgia law and the regulations and orders issued thereunder by the DBF, and the DBF may examine United and the Bank. Although the Bank operates branches in North Carolina, east and central Tennessee and Greenville, South Carolina; neither the North Carolina Banking Commission, the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, nor the South Carolina Commissioner of Banking examines or directly regulates out-of-state holding companies.


United is an “affiliate” of the Bank under the Federal Reserve Act, which imposes certain restrictions on (1) loans by the Bank to United, (2) investments in the stock or securities of United by the Bank, (3) the Bank taking the stock or securities of an “affiliate” as collateral for loans by the Bank to a borrower, and (4) the purchase of assets from United by the Bank. Further, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services.


The Bank and each of its subsidiaries are regularly examined by the FDIC. The Bank, as a state banking association organized under Georgia law, is subject to the supervision of, and is regularly examined by, the DBF. Both the FDIC and the DBF must grant prior approval of any merger, consolidation or other corporation reorganization involving the Bank.


The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010, and resulted in sweeping changes in the regulation of financial institutions aimed at strengthening the sound operation of the financial services sector. In 2017, both the House of Representatives and the Senate introduced legislation that would repeal or modify provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and significantly impact financial services regulation. Although the bills vary in content, certain key aspects include revisions to rules related to mortgage loans, delayed implementation of rules related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, reform and simplification of certain Volcker Rule requirements, and raising the threshold for applying enhanced prudential standards to bank holding companies with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50 billion to those with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than $250 billion.

Payment of Dividends. United is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. Most of the revenue of United results from dividends paid to it by the Bank. There are statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the payment of dividends by the Bank, as well as by United to its shareholders.


Under the regulations of the DBF, a state bank with negativean accumulated deficit (negative retained earningsearnings) may declare dividends (reduction in capital) by first obtaining the written permission of the DBF.DBF and FDIC. If a state bank has positive retained earnings, it may declare a dividend without DBF approval if it meets all the following requirements:

(a)total classified assets as of the most recent examination of the bank do not exceed 80% of equity capital (as defined by regulation);
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(b)the aggregate amount of dividends declared or anticipated to be declared in the calendar year does not exceed 50% of the net profits after taxes but before dividends for the previous calendar year; and
(c)the ratio of equity capital to adjusted assets is not less than 6%.

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The payment of dividends by United and the Bank may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. In addition, if, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending upon the financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The FDIC has issued a policy statement providing that insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. In addition to the formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities consider the adequacy of the Bank’s total capital in relation to its assets, deposits and other such items. Capital adequacy considerations could further limit the availability of dividends from the Bank.


Under rules adopted by the Federal Reserve in November 2011, known as theReserve’s Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (“CCAR”) Rules, bank holding companies with $50 billion or more of total assets are required to submit annual capital plans to the Federal Reserve and generally may pay dividends and repurchase stock only under a capital plan as to which the Federal Reserve has not objected. The CCAR rules will not apply to United for so long as our total consolidated assets remain below $50 billion. However, it is anticipated that UnitedUnited’s capital ratios will be important factors considered by the Federal Reserve in evaluating whether proposed payments of dividends or stock repurchases may be an unsafe or unsound practices.


practice.

Due to ourits accumulated deficit, (negative retained earnings), the Bank must receive pre-approval from the DBF and FDIC to pay cash dividends (reduction in capital) to United in 2015.2018. In 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, the Bank paid a cash dividend of $129$103 million, $41.5 million and $50.0$77.5 million, respectively, to United as approvedafter the approval of the DBF and FDIC. NoThe dividends were paid byout of capital surplus rather than the accumulated deficit. At December 31, 2017, the remaining accumulated deficit for the Bank to United in 2012.was $162 million. United declared cash dividends on its common stock in 20142017, 2016 and 2015 of eleven38 cents, but did not declare any dividends in its common stock in 2013 or 2012.


30 cents and 22 cents per share, respectively.

Capital Adequacy. Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.


The Federal Reserve and the FDIC have implemented substantially identical risk-based rules for assessing bank and bank holding company capital adequacy. These regulations establish minimum capital standards in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposures as adjusted for credit risk.  Banks and bank holding companies are required to have (1) a minimum level of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8%; and (2) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4%.  In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have established a minimum 3% leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to quarterly average total assets for the most highly-rated banks and bank holding companies. “Total capital” is composed of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital. “Tier 1 capital” includes common equity, retained earnings, qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual stock at the holding company level, minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill, most intangible assets and certain other assets. “Tier 2 capital” includes, among other things, perpetual preferred stock and related surplus not meeting the Tier 1 capital definition, qualifying mandatorily convertible debt securities, qualifying subordinated debt and allowances for possible loan and lease losses, subject to limitations. The Federal Reserve and the FDIC use the leverage ratio in tandem with the risk-based ratio to assess the capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve will require a bank holding company to maintain a leverage ratio greater than 4%well above minimum levels if it is experiencing or anticipating significant growth or is operating with less than well-diversified risks in the opinion of the Federal Reserve. The FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and the Federal Reserve also require banks to maintain capital well above minimum levelslevels.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published the Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework applicable to all depository institutions, bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more and all and savings and loan holding companies except for those that are substantially engaged in insurance underwriting or commercial activities (collectively, “banking organizations”). The rules implement the December 2010 framework proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”), known as “Basel III”, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including United and the Bank, compared to the prior U.S. risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules:

·defined the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios;
·addressed risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replaced the prior risk-weighting approach, which was derived from the Basel I capital accords of the Basel Committee, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the standardized approach in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords;
·introduced a new capital measure called “common equity Tier 1” (“CET1”);
·specified that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements; and
·implemented the requirements of Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act to remove references to credit ratings from the federal banking agencies’ rules.

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The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for United and the Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to a phase in period.

The Basel III Capital Rules require United and the Bank to maintain:

·a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a “capital conservation buffer” (which is added to the 4.5% CET1 ratio as that buffer is phased in over four years to 2.5%, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7% upon full implementation);
·a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 6% Tier 1 capital ratio as that buffer is phased in over four years to 2.5%, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation);
·a minimum ratio of total capital (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 8% total capital ratio as that buffer is phased in over four years to 2.5%, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5% upon full implementation); and
·a minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets.

In addition, Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act implemented the prompt corrective action provisions that Congress enacted as a part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the “1991 Act”). The “prompt corrective action” provisions set forth five regulatory zones in which all banks are placed largely based on their capital positions. Regulators are permitted to take increasingly harsh action as a bank’s financial condition declines. The FDIC is required to resolve a bank when its ratio of tangible equity to total assets reaches 2%. Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital.


The FDIC has adopted regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of the 1991 Act, as revised by the Basel III Capital Rules effective January 1, 2015, which place financial institutions in the following five categories based upon capitalization ratios: (1) a “well-capitalized” institution has a Total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 6%8%, a CET1 risk-based ratio of 6.5% and a leverage ratio of at least 5%; (2) an “adequately capitalized” institution has a Total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of at least 4%6%, a CET1 risk-based ratio of 4.5% and a leverage ratio of at least 4%; (3) an “undercapitalized” institution has a Total risk-based capital ratio of under 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of under 4%6%, a CET1 risk-based ratio of under 4.5% or a leverage ratio of under 4%; (4) a “significantly undercapitalized” institution has a Total risk-based capital ratio of under 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of under 4%, a CET1 risk-based ratio of under 3% or a leverage ratio of under 3%; and (5) a “critically undercapitalized” institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets of 2% or less. Institutions in any of the three undercapitalized categories would be prohibited from declaring dividends or making capital distributions. The FDIC regulations also allow it to “downgrade” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital.

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As of December 31, 2014,2017, the FDIC categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under current regulations.


In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published the Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework applicable to all depository institutions, bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more and all and savings and loan holding companies except for those that are substantially engaged in insurance underwriting or commercial activities (collectively, “banking organizations”).  The rules implement the December 2010 framework proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”), known as “Basel III”, for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revise the foregoing risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including United and the Bank, compared to the current U.S. risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules:

define the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios;
address risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing risk-weighting approach, which was derived from the Basel I capital accords of the Basel Committee, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the standardized approach in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords;
introduce a new capital measure called “common equity Tier 1” (“CET1”);
specify that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements; and
implement the requirements of Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act to remove references to credit ratings from the federal banking agencies’ rules.

The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for United and the Bank on January 1, 2015 subject to a phase in period.

When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III Capital Rules will require United and the Bank to maintain;

a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer” (which is added to the 4.5% CET1 ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7% upon full implementation);
a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 6.0% Tier 1 capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation);
a minimum ratio of total capital (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 8.0% total capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5% upon full implementation); and
a minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as compared to a current minimum leverage ratio of 3% for banking organizations that either have the highest supervisory rating or have implemented the appropriate federal regulatory authority’s risk-adjusted measure for market risk).

The initial minimum capital ratios as of January 1, 2015 are as follows:  (i) 4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets, (ii) 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and (iii) 8.0% total capital to risk-weighted assets.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Basel III Capital Rules also revised the FDIC’s current “prompt corrective action” regulations by (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8.0% (as compared to the current 6.0%); and (iii) eliminating the current provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3% leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized.  The Basel III Capital Rules do not change the total risk-based capital requirement for any prompt corrective action category.

The Basel III Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Under currentprior capital standards, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items included in capital arewere excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, certain banking organizations, including United and the Bank, may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. United and the Bank expect to makemade this election in first quarter 2015 in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of United’s available-for-sale securities portfolio. The Basel III Capital Rules also eliminate the inclusion of certain instruments, such as trust preferred securities, from Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies. Instruments issued prior to May 19, 2010 are grandfathered for bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $15 billion or less (subject to the 25% of Tier 1 capital limit).

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The “capital conservation buffer” is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking organizations with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall.


Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a four-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter). The implementation of the capital conservation buffer will beginbegan on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phased in over a four-year period (increasingincreasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019).2019.

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The Basel III Capital Rules prescribe a standardized approach for risk weightings that expand the risk-weighting categories from the current four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories. Consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act, the Basel III Capital Rules replace the ratings-based approach to securitization exposures, which is based on external credit ratings, with the simplified supervisory formula approach in order to determine the appropriate risk weights for these exposures. Alternatively, banking organizations may use the existing gross-up approach to assign securitization exposures to a risk weight category or choose to assign such exposures a 1,250%1,250% risk weight. In addition, the Basel III Capital Rules provide more advantageous risk weights for derivatives and repurchase-style transactions cleared through a qualifying central counterparty and increase the scope of eligible guarantors and eligible collateral for purposes of credit risk mitigation.


Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014,2017, United and the Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were currently in effect.


In November 2017, the federal banking agencies adopted a final rule to extend the regulatory capital treatment applicable during 2017 under the capital rules for certain items, including regulatory capital deductions, risk weights, and certain minority interest limitations. The relief provided under the final rule applies to banking organizations that are not subject to the capital rules’ advanced approaches, such as United. Specifically, the final rule extends the current regulatory capital treatment of mortgage servicing assets, deferred tax assets arising from temporary differenes that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks, significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in the form of common stock, non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions, significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that are not in the form of common stock, and common equity tier 1 minority interest, tier 1 minority interest, and total capital minority interest exceeding the capital rules’ minority interest limitations.

In December 2017, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published the last version of the Basel III accord, generally referred to as “Basel IV.” The Basel Committee stated that a key objective of the revisions incorporated into the framework is to reduce excessive variability of risk-weighted assets (“RWA”), which will be accomplished by enhancing the robustness and risk sensitivity of the standardized approaches for credit risk and operational risk, which will facilitate the comparability of banks’ capital ratios; constraining the use of internally modeled approaches; and complementing the risk-weighted capital ratio with a finalized leverage ratio and a revised and robust capital floor. Leadership of the federal banking agencies who are tasked with implementing Basel IV, supported the revisions. Although it is uncertain at this time, we anticipate some, if not all, of the Basel IV accord may be incorporated into the capital requirements framework applicable to United.

Consumer Protection Laws. The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), and giving it the power to promulgate and enforce federal consumer protection laws. Depository institutions are subject to the CFPB’s rule writing authority, and existing federal bank regulatory agencies retain examination and enforcement authority for such institutions. The CFPB and United’s existing federal regulator, the FDIC, are focused on the following:


·risks to consumers and compliance with the federal consumer financial laws;
·the markets in which firms operate and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets;
·depository institutions that offer a wide variety of consumer financial products and services;
·depository institutions with a more specialized focus; and
·non-depository companies that offer one or more consumer financial products or services.

The CFPB experienced a leadership change in late 2017, which is subject to ongoing litigation and may impact the CFPB’s policies and supervision and enforcement efforts.

FDIC Insurance Assessments.The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC through the Deposit Insurance Fund and therefore the Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments as determined by the FDIC.The FDIC imposes a risk-based deposit premium assessment system, which was amended pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 and further amended by the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the risk-based deposit premium assessment system, the assessment rates for an insured depository institution are calculated based on a number of factors to measure the risk each institution poses to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The assessment rate is applied to total average assets less tangible equity. Under the current system, premiums are assessed quarterly and could increase if, for example, criticized loans and/or other higher risk assets increase or balance sheet liquidity decreases.

Effective July2016, the FDIC published final rules to increase the Deposit Insurance Fund to the statutorily required minimum level of 1.35% by imposing on financial institutions with at least $10 billion in assets a surcharge of 4.5 cents per $100 of their assessment base (after making certain adjustments), to be assessed over a period of eight quarters. As of December 31, 2016, United’s total assets exceeded $10 billion and, accordingly, the Bank became subject to this surcharge in the third quarter of 2017.If this surcharge is insufficient to increase the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio to 1.35 percent by December 31, 2018, a one-time shortfall assessment will be imposed on financial institutions with total consolidated assets of $10 billion or more on March 31, 2019.

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In addition to ordinary assessments described above, the FDIC has the ability to impose special assessments in certain instances. The FDIC may also terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.

Stress Testing.As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal bank regulatory agencies have implemented stress testing requirements for certain financial institutions, including bank holding companies and state chartered banks, with more than $10 billion in total consolidated assets.  Although these requirements do not apply to institutions with $10 billion or less in total consolidated assets the federal bank regulatory agencies emphasizebetween $10 billion and $50 billion. Under these requirements, an applicable financial institution must conduct and publish annual stress tests that all banking organizations, regardless of size, should have the capacity to analyze the potential impact of adverse market conditions or outcomes on the organization’s financial condition.  Based on this regulatory guidance, United and the Bank will be expected to consider thesuch institution’s interest rate risk management, commercial real estate concentrations and other credit-related information, and funding and liquidity management during this analysis of adverse outcomes.


United must comply with these stress test requirements beginning with its formal filing in July 2018, and is currently preparing for such compliance.

Volcker Rule. The Dodd-Frank Act amended the BHC Act to require the federal bank regulatory agencies to adopt rules that prohibit banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investment companies (defined as hedge funds and private equity funds). The statutory provision is commonly called the “Volcker Rule”. The Federal Reserve adopted final rules implementing the Volcker Rule on December 10, 2013. Although United continuesbecame subject to evaluate the impact of the Volcker Rule and the final rules adopted by the Federal Reserve thereunder, United does not currently anticipate that the Volcker Rule will havein 2017 without a material effect on its operations and the operations of its subsidiaries, including the Bank, as United does not engage in businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule. United may incur costs to adopt additional policies and systems to ensure compliance with the Volcker Rule.

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Durbin Amendment.The Dodd-Frank Act included provisions which restrict interchange fees to those which are “reasonable and proportionate” for certain debit card issuers and limits the ability of networks and issuers to restrict debit card transaction routing. This statutory provision is known as the “Durbin Amendment”. TheIn the Federal Reserve issuedReserve’s final rules implementing the Durbin Amendment,on June 29, 2011.  In the final rules, interchange fees for debit card transactions were capped at $0.21 plus five basis points in order to be eligible for a safe harbor such that the fee is conclusively determined to be reasonable and proportionate. Another related rule also permits an additional $0.01 per transaction “fraud prevention adjustment” to the interchange fee if certain Federal Reserve standards are implemented, including an annual review of fraud prevention policies and procedures. With respect to network exclusivity and merchant routing restrictions, it is now required that all debit cards participate in at least two unaffiliated networks so that the transactions initiated using those debit cards will have at least two independent routing channels. The interchange fee restrictions contained in the Durbin Amendment, and the rules promulgated thereunder, only apply to debit card issuers with $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets.


United became subject to the interchange fee restrictions and other requirements contained in the Durbin Amendment on July 1, 2017.

Incentive Compensation. The federal bank regulatory agencies have issued guidance on incentive compensation policies (the “Incentive Compensation Guidance”) intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of financial institutions do not undermine the safety and soundness of such institutions by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Incentive Compensation Guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an institution, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a financial institution’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the institution’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the institution’s board of directors.


The Federal Reserve will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of financial institutions, such as United, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each financial institution based on the scope and complexity of the institution’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the financial institution’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the institution’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a financial institution if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the institution’s safety and soundness and the institution is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.


The federal bank regulatory agencies have proposed rule-making implementing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act to prohibit incentive-based compensation plans that expose “covered financial institutions” to inappropriate risks. Covered financial institutions are institutions that have over $1 billion in assets and offer incentive-based compensation programs. The proposed rules would:

provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks,
be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and
be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors and appropriate policies, procedures and monitoring.

The scope and content of federal bank regulatory agencies’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the near future. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect United’s ability to hire, retain and motivate its key employees.

Cybersecurity.Recent cyber attacks against banks and other financial institutions that resulted in unauthorized access to confidential customer information have prompted the federal bank regulatory agencies to issue extensive guidance on cybersecurity. These agencies are likely to devote more resources to this part of their safety and soundness examination than they may have in the past.

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Commercial Real Estate. The federal bank regulatory agencies, including the FDIC, restrict concentrations in commercial real estate lending and have noted that recent increases in banks’ commercial real estate concentrations have created safety and soundness concerns in the current economic downturn.concerns. The regulatory guidance mandates certain minimal risk management practices and categorizes banks with defined levels of such concentrations as banks requiring elevated examiner scrutiny. The Bank has concentrations in commercial real estate loans in excess of those defined levels. Although management believes that United’s credit processes and procedures meet the risk management standards dictated by this guidance, regulatory outcomes could effectively limit increases in the real estate concentrations in the Bank’s loan portfolio and require additional credit administration and management costs associated with those portfolios.


Source of Strength Doctrine. Federal Reserve regulations and policy requires bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. Under this policy, United is expected to commit resources to support the Bank.


Loans. Inter-agency guidelines adopted by federal bank regulatory agencies mandate that financial institutions establish real estate lending policies with maximum allowable real estate loan-to-value limits, subject to an allowable amount of non-conforming loans as a percentage of capital.


Transactions with Affiliates. Under federal law, all transactions between and among a state nonmember bank and its affiliates, which include holding companies, are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W promulgated thereunder. Generally, these requirements limit these transactions to a percentage of the bank’s capital and require all of them to be on terms at least as favorable to the bank as transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, a bank may not lend to any affiliate engaged in non-banking activities not permissible for a bank holding company or acquire shares of any affiliate that is not a subsidiary. The FDIC is authorized to impose additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates if necessary to protect the safety and soundness of a bank. The regulations also set forth various reporting requirements relating to transactions with affiliates.

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Financial Privacy. In accordance with the GLB Act, federal banking regulatory agencies adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a nonaffiliated third party. The privacy provisions of the GLB Act affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors.


Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives and the USA Patriot Act. A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating terrorist financing. This has generally been accomplished by amending existing anti-money laundering laws and regulations. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) has issued a number of implementing regulations which apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 to the Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.


Future Legislation. Various legislation affecting financial institutions and the financial industry is from time to time introduced in Congress. Such legislation may change banking statutes and the operating environment of United and its subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways, and could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance depending upon whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it or any implementing regulations would have on the financial condition or results of operations of United or any of its subsidiaries. With the current economic environment, theThe nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions is very unpredictablenot known at this time.

The Tax Act. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law. The Tax Act includes a number of provisions that affect United, including the following:

·Tax Rate. The Tax Act replaces the graduated corporate tax rates applicable under prior law, which imposed a maximum tax rate of 35%, with a reduced 21% flat tax rate. Although the reduced tax rate generally should be favorable to us by resulting in increased earnings and capital, it will decrease the value of our existing deferred tax assets. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires that the impact of the provisions of the Tax Act be accounted for in the period of enactment. Accordingly, the incremental income tax expense recorded by United in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the Tax Act was $38.2 million, resulting primarily from a remeasurement of United’s deferred tax assets which now total $88.0 million.
·FDIC Insurance Premiums. The Tax Act prohibits taxpayers with consolidated assets over $50 billion from deducting any FDIC insurance premiums and prohibits taxpayers with consolidated assets between $10 and $50 billion, such as the Bank, from deducting the portion of their FDIC premiums equal to the ratio, expressed as a percentage, that (i) the taxpayer’s total consolidated assets over $10 billion, as of the close of the taxable year, bears to (ii) $40 billion. As a result, the Bank’s ability to deduct its FDIC premiums will now be limited.
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·Employee Compensation. A “publicly held corporation” is not permitted to deduct compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to certain employees. The Tax Act eliminates certain exceptions to the $1 million limit applicable under prior to law related to performance-based compensation, such as equity grants and cash bonuses that are paid only on the attainment of performance goals. As a result, our ability to deduct certain compensation paid to our most highly compensated employees will now be limited.
·Business Asset Expensing. The Tax Act allows taxpayers immediately to expense the entire cost (instead of only 50%, as under prior law) of certain depreciable tangible property and real property improvements acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023 (with an additional year for certain property). This 100% “bonus” depreciation is phased out proportionately for property placed in service on or after January 1, 2023 and before January 1, 2027 (with an additional year for certain property).
·Interest Expense. The Tax Act limits a taxpayer’s annual deduction of business interest expense to the sum of (i) business interest income and (ii) 30% of “adjusted taxable income,” defined as a business’s taxable income without taking into account business interest income or expense, net operating losses, and, for 2018 through 2021, depreciation, amortization and depletion. Because we generate significant amounts of net interest income, we do not expect to be impacted by this limitation.

The foregoing description of the impact of the Tax Act on us should be read in conjunction with Note 17 to United’s consolidated financial statements.

Executive Officers of United


Senior executives of United are elected by the Board of Directors annually and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.


The senior executive officers of United, and their ages, positions with United, past five year employment history and terms of office as of February 1, 2015,2018, are as follows:

Name (age) 
Name (age)Position with United and Employment HistoryOfficer of United Since
 
Jimmy C. Tallent  (62)(65)Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2015)(2015 - present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (1988 - 2015)1988
   
H. Lynn Harton  (53)(56)President and Chief Operating Officer and Director (2015)(2015 - present); Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2012 - 2015); prior to joining United was Executive Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-Dominion Bank (2010 - 2012); President and Chief Executive Officer (2009 - 2010), Chief Commercial Banking Officer (2008-2009), Chief Risk and Chief Credit Officer (2007 - 2009) of South Financial Group2012
   
Rex S. Schuette  (65)Jefferson L. Harralson (52)Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2001(2017 - 2015)present); prior to joining United was Managing Director at Keefe, Bruyette and Woods (2002 – 2017)20012017
   
Bill M. Gilbert  (62)(65)President, Community Banking (2015)(2015-present); Director of Banking (2013 - 2015); Regional President of North Georgia and Coastal Georgia (2011 - 2013); Senior Vice President of Retail Banking (2003 - 2011)2000
   
Bradley J. Miller (44)(47)Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel (2015)(2015 - present); Senior Vice President and General Counsel (2007 - 2015)2007
   
Robert A. Edwards (50)(53)Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (2015)(2015 - present); prior to joining United was Senior Vice President and Executive Credit Officer of Toronto-Dominion Bank (2010 - 2015); Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of South Financial Group (2008 - 2010)2015
   
Richard W. Bradshaw (53)(56)President, Specialized LendingCommercial Banking Solutions (2014 - 2015)present); prior to joining United was Senior Vice President, Head of United States SBA Programs of Toronto-Dominion Bank (2010 - 2014); Executive Vice President, Director of Corporate Financial Services of Carolina First Bank (2009 - 2010)2014

None of the above officers are related and there are no arrangements or understandings between them and any other person pursuant to which any of them was elected as an officer, other than arrangements or understandings with directors or officers of United acting solely in their capacities as such.

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ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
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ITEM 1A.           RISK FACTORS.

An investment in United’s common stock involves risk. Investors should carefully consider the risks described below and all other information contained in this Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference before deciding to purchase common stock. It is possible that risks and uncertainties not listed below may arise or become material in the future and affect United’s business.


As a financial services company, adverse conditions in the general business or economic environment could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


Adverse changes in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the markets in which we operate could adversely impact our business, including causing one or more of the following negative developments:


·a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services offered by us;
·a decrease in the value of our loans secured by residential or commercial real estate;
·a permanent impairment of our assets, such as our deferred tax assets; or
·an increase in the number of customers or other counterparties who default on their loans or other obligations to us, which could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and provision for loan losses.

For example, if we are unable to continue to generate sufficient taxable income in the future, then we may not be able to fully realize the benefits of our deferred tax assets. Such a development or one or more other negative developments resulting from adverse conditions in the general business or economic environment, some of which are described above, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


The results of our most recent internal credit stress test may not accurately predict the impact on our financial condition if the economy were to deteriorate.


We regularly perform an internal analysis ofcredit stress testing on our capital position.position no less than annually. Under the stress test, we estimate our loan losses (loan charge-offs), resources available to absorb those losses and any necessary additions to capital that would be required under the “more adverse” stress test scenario.


The results of these stress tests involve many assumptions about the economy and future loan losses and default rates, and may not accurately reflect the impact on our financial condition if the economy were to deteriorate. Any deterioration of the economy could result in credit losses significantly higher, with a corresponding impact on our financial condition and capital, than those predicted by our internal stress test.


Our industry and business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.


In recent years, we have faced a challenging and uncertain economic environment, including a major recession in the U.S. economy. 

A return of recessionary conditions and/or a deterioration of national economic conditions could adversely affect the financial condition and operating performance of financial institutions. Specifically, declines in real estate values and sales volumes and increased unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in levels of non-performing and classified assets and a decline in demand for products and services offered by financial institutions. WhileUncertainty regarding economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, the U.S. and worldwide have improved since the recession, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue.  Uncertainty regarding continuing economic improvement may also result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits, which could cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


Our ability to raise additional capital may be limited, which could affect our liquidity and be dilutive to existing shareholders.


We may be required or choose to raise additional capital, including for strategic, regulatory or other reasons. Depending on the capital markets, traditional sources of capital may not be available to us on reasonable terms if we needed to raise additional capital. In such case, there is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully raise additional capital at all or on terms that are favorable or otherwise not dilutive to existing shareholders.

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Capital resources and liquidity are essential to our businesses and could be negatively impacted by disruptions in our ability to access other sources of funding.


Capital resources and liquidity are essential to the Bank. We depend on access to a variety of sources of funding to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs, and to accommodate the transaction and cash management needs of our customers. Sources of funding available to us, and upon which we rely as regular components of our liquidity and funding management strategy, include traditional and brokered deposits, inter-bank borrowings, Federal Funds purchased, repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. We also raise funds from time to time in the form of either short-or long-term borrowings or equity issuances.

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Our capital resources and liquidity could be negatively impacted by disruptions in our ability to access these sources of funding. The cost of brokered and other out-of-market deposits and potential future regulatory limits on the interest rate we pay for brokered deposits could make them unattractive sources of funding. Further, factors that we cannot control, such as disruption of the financial markets or negative views about the financial services industry generally, could impair our ability to access sources of funds. Other financial institutions may be unwilling to extend credit to banks because of concerns about the banking industry and the economy generally and there may not be a viable market for raising short or long-term debt or equity capital. In addition, our ability to raise funding could be impaired if lenders develop a negative perception of our long-term or short-term financial prospects. Such negative perceptions could be developed if we are downgraded or put on (or remain on) negative watch by the rating agencies, we suffer a decline in the level of our business activity or regulatory authorities take significant action against us, among other reasons.


Among other things, if we fail to remain “well-capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes, because we do not qualify under the minimum capital standards or the FDIC otherwise downgrades our capital category, it could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends on common and preferred stock and trust preferred securities, and our ability to make acquisitions, and we would not be able to accept brokered deposits without prior FDIC approval. To be “well-capitalized” under the Basel III Capital Rules that became effective on January 1, 2015,, a bank must generally maintain a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%, Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 5.0%5%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%8% and total risk-based capital ratio of 10%. In addition, our regulators may require us to maintain higher capital levels. Our failure to remain “well-capitalized” or to maintain any higher capital requirements imposed on us could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.


If we are unable to raise funds using the methods described above, we would likely need to finance or liquidate unencumbered assets to meet maturing liabilities. We may be unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to sell assets at a discount from market value, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


In addition, United is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and depends on subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank to fund its payment of dividends to its common and preferred shareholders and of interest and principal on its outstanding debt and trust preferred securities. The Bank is also subject to other laws that authorize regulatory authorities to prohibit or reduce the flow of funds from the Bank to United and the Bank’s negative retained earnings position requires written consent of the Bank’s regulators before it can pay a dividend. Any inability of United to pay its obligations, or need to defer the payment of any such obligations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, financial condition, and the value of our common stock.


Changes in the cost and availability of funding due to changes in the deposit market and credit market, or the way in which we are perceived in such markets, may adversely affect financial condition or results of operations.


In general, the amount, type and cost of our funding, including from other financial institutions, the capital markets and deposits, directly impacts our operating costs and our assetsasset growth and therefore, can positively or negatively affect our financial condition or results of operations. A number of factors could make funding more difficult, more expensive or unavailable on any terms, including, but not limited to, our operating losses, our ability to remain “well capitalized,” events that adversely impact our reputation, enforcement actions, disruptions in the capital markets, events that adversely impact the financial services industry, changes affecting our assets, interest rate fluctuations, general economic conditions and the legal, regulatory, accounting and tax environments. Also, we compete for funding with other financial institutions, many of which are substantially larger, and have more capital and other resources than we do. In addition, as some of these competitors consolidate with other financial institutions, their competitive advantages may increase. Competition from these institutions may also increase the cost of funds.


Our business is subject to the success of the local economies and real estate markets in which we operate.


Our success significantly depends on the growth in population, income levels, loans and deposits and on stability in real estate values in our markets. If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally do not improve significantly, our business may be adversely affected. If market and economic conditions deteriorate, this may lead to valuation adjustments on our loan portfolio and losses on defaulted loans and on the sale of other real estate owned. Additionally, such adverse economic conditions in our market areas, specifically decreases in real estate property values due to the nature of our loan portfolio, more than 80%79% of which is secured by real estate, could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are less able than a larger institution to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of more diverse economies.

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Our concentration of residentialcommercial purpose construction and development loans is subject to unique risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


Our residentialcommercial purpose construction and development loan portfolio was $299$712 million at December 31, 2014,2017, comprising 6%9% of total loans. Of this amount, $147 million is secured by developed lots and $65 million is secured by raw land or land in the process of development.  ResidentialCommercial purpose construction and development loans are often riskier than home equityother loans or residential mortgage loans to individuals. Poor economic conditions could result in decreased demand for residential housing, which, in turn, would adversely affectbecause of the development and construction effortslack of residential real estate developer borrowers.ongoing income supporting the asset being financed. Consequently, economic downturns adversely affect the ability of residential real estate developer borrowersborrowers’ ability to repay these loans and the value of property used as collateral for such loans.loans in a more dramatic fashion. A sustained weak economy could also result in higher levels of nonperforming loans in other categories, such as commercial and industrial loans, which may result in additional losses. As a result, these loans could represent higher risk due to slower sales and reduced cash flow that affect the borrowers’ ability to repay on a timely basis which could result in a sharp increase in our total net charge-offs and require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

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Our concentration of commercial real estate loans is subject to risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


Our commercial real estate loan portfolio was $1.76$3.52 billion at December 31, 2014,2017, comprising 38%46% of total loans. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances than compared to residential mortgage loans. The repayment of loans secured by commercial real estate is dependent upon both the successful operation of the commercial project and the business operated out of that commercial real estate site, as over half of the commercial real estate loans are for owner-occupied properties. If the cash flows from the project are reduced or if the borrower’s business is not successful, a borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. This cash flow shortage may result in the failure to make loan payments. In such cases, we may be compelled to modify the terms of the loan. In addition, the nature of these loans is such that they are generally less predictable and more difficult to evaluate and monitor. As a result, repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or economy. In addition, many economists believe that the potential for deterioration in income producing commercial real estate may occur through rising vacancy rates or declining absorption rates of existing square footage and/or units. As a result, these loans could represent higher risk due to slower sales and reduced cash flow that affect the borrowers’ ability to repay on a timely basis, could result in a sharp increase in our total net charge-offs and could require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


Changes in prevailing interest rates may negatively affect net income and the value of our assets.


Changes in prevailing interest rates may negatively affect the level of our net interest revenue, the primary component of our net income. Federal Reserve policies, including interest rate policies, determine in large part our cost of funds for lending and investing and the return we earn on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest revenue. In a period of changing interest rates, interest expense may increase at different rates than the interest earned on assets. Accordingly, changes in interest rates could decrease net interest revenue. Changes in the interest rates may also negatively affect the value of our assets and our ability to realize gains or avoid losses from the sale of those assets, all of which also ultimately affect earnings. In addition, an increase in interest rates may decrease the demand for loans.


United’s reported financial results depend on the accounting and reporting policies of United, the application of which requires significant assumptions, estimates and judgments.


United’s accounting and reporting policies are fundamental to the methods by which we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. United’s management must make significant assumptions and estimates and exercise significant judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting and reporting policies so they comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”)GAAP and reflect management’s judgment of the most appropriate manner to report United’s financial condition and results. In some cases, management must select a policy from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, which may result in United reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative.


Certain accounting policies are critical to presenting United’s financial condition and results. They require management to make difficult, subjective and complex assumptions, estimates and judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions and estimates. These critical accounting policies relate to the allowance for loan losses, fair value measurement, and income taxes. Because of the uncertainty of assumptions and estimates involved in these matters, United may be required to do one or more of the following: significantly increase the allowance for loan losses and/or sustain credit losses that are significantly higher than the reserve provided; significantly decrease the carrying value of loans, foreclosed property or other assets or liabilities to reflect a reduction in their fair value; or, significantly increase or decrease accrued taxes and the value of our deferred tax assets.

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If our allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, earnings would decrease.


Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. We may experience significant loan losses which would have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Our management makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. We maintain an allowance for credit losses in an attempt to cover any probable incurred loan losses in the loan portfolio. In determining the size of the allowance, our management relies on an analysis of the loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, volume and types of loans, trends in classification, volume and real estate values, trends in delinquencies and non-accruals, national and local economic conditions and other pertinent information. As a result of these considerations, we have from time to time increased our allowance for credit losses. For the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, we recorded provision expense of $3.80 million compared to a release of provision for credit losses of $8.50 million compared to $65.5 million$800,000 and $62.5provision expense of $3.70 million for the years ended December 31, 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively. If those assumptions are incorrect, the allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in the loan portfolio.

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Reductions in interchange fees could reduce our non-interest income.

The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act has limited the amount of interchange fees that may be charged on certain debit card transactions. Beginning in July 2017, the Durbin Amendment became applicable to United because our total consolidated assets exceeded $10 billion at December 31, 2016. Complying with the Durbin Amendment will reduce United’s non-interest income from interchange fees.

We may be subject to losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our loan customers, third party service providers and employees.


When we make loans to individuals or entities, we rely upon information supplied by borrowers and other third parties, including information contained in the applicant’s loan application, property appraisal reports, title information and the borrower’s net worth, liquidity and cash flow information. While we attempt to verify information provided through available sources, we cannot be certain all such information is correct or complete. Our reliance on incorrect or incomplete information could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


Competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers may adversely affect our profitability.


The banking business is highly competitive and we experience competition in each of our markets from many other financial institutions. We compete with banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds and other mutual funds, as well as community, super-regional, national and international financial institutions that operate offices in our market areas and elsewhere. We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. Many of our competitors are well-established, larger financial institutions that are able to operate profitably with a narrower net interest margin and have a more diverse revenue base. We may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size, more limited geographic diversification and inability to spread costs across broader markets. Although we compete by concentrating marketing efforts in our primary markets with local advertisements, personal contacts and greater flexibility and responsiveness in working with local customers, customer loyalty can be easily influenced by a competitor’s new products and our strategy may or may not continue to be successful. We may also be affected by the marketplace loosening of credit underwriting standards and structures.


We may face risks with respect to future expansion and acquisitions.


We may engage in de novo branch expansion and if the appropriate business opportunity becomes available, we may seek to acquire other financial institutions or parts of those institutions, including in FDIC-assisted transactions.institutions. These involve a number of risks, including:


·the potential inaccuracy of the estimates and judgments used to evaluate asset values and credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to an acquired branch or institution, a new branch office or a new market;
·the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring or retaining experienced local management and opening new offices and the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;
·the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and possible adverse effects on results of operations;
·the loss of key employees and customers of an acquired branch or institution;
·the difficulty or failure to successfully integrate the acquired financial institution or portion of the institution; and
·the temporary disruption of our business or the business of the acquired institution.

Changes in laws and regulations or failures to comply with such laws and regulations may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.


We and our subsidiary bank are heavily regulated by federal and state authorities. This regulation is designed primarily to protect depositors, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, but not shareholders. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory authorities continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including interpretation and implementation of statutes, regulations or policies could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways, including limiting the types of financial services and products we may offer or increasing the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products. Any regulatory changes or scrutiny could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand our permissible activities, or affect the competitive balance among banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations and other institutions. We cannot predict whether new legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any regulations, would have on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

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Federal and state regulators have the ability to impose or request that we consent to substantial sanctions, restrictions and requirements on our banking and nonbanking subsidiaries if they determine, upon examination or otherwise, violations of laws, rules or regulations with which we or our subsidiaries must comply, or weaknesses or failures with respect to general standards of safety and soundness. Such enforcement may be formal or informal and can include directors’ resolutions, memoranda of understanding, cease and desist or consent orders, civil money penalties and termination of deposit insurance and bank closures. Enforcement actions may be taken regardless of the capital level of the institution. In particular, institutions that are not sufficiently capitalized in accordance with regulatory standards may also face capital directives or prompt corrective action. Enforcement actions may require certain corrective steps (including staff additions or changes), impose limits on activities (such as lending, deposit taking, acquisitions or branching), prescribe lending parameters (such as loan types, volumes and terms) and require additional capital to be raised, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Enforcement actions, including the imposition of monetary penalties, may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations, and damage to our reputation, and loss of our holding company status. In addition, compliance with any such action could distract management’s attention from our operations, cause us to incur significant expenses, restrict us from engaging in potentially profitable activities, and limit our ability to raise capital. Closure of the Bank would result in a total loss of your investment.


In 2017, both Chambers of Congress proposed comprehensive financial regulatory reform bills that would amend the Dodd-Frank Act and that could affect the banking industry as a whole, including our business and results of operations, in ways that are difficult to predict. Although the bills vary in content, certain key aspects include revisions to rules related to mortgage loans, delayed implementation of rules related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, reform and simplification of certain Volcker Rule requirements, and raising the threshold for applying enhanced prudential standards to bank holding companies with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50 billion to those with total consolidated assets equal to or greater than $250 billion. At this time, a timeline for presentment and enactment of such regulatory relief is uncertain and adoption of any such legislation may not result in a meaningful reduction of our regulatory burden and attendant costs. The failure to adopt financial reform regulation would result in our continuing to be subject to significant regulatory compliance costs, which would increase as our asset size comes closer to $50 billion.

The financial services industry is experiencing leadership changes at the federal banking agencies, which may impact regulations and government policy applicable to us.

In 2017 and early 2018, Congress confirmed a new Chairman of the Federal Reserve and a new Vice Chairman for Supervision at the Federal Reserve. In addition, the President nominated a new Chairwoman of the FDIC, and the Director of the CFPB resigned and was replaced by an interim Director. The President, senior members of Congress, and many among this new leadership group have advocated for significant reduction of financial services regulation, which may cause broader economic changes due to changes in governing ideology and governing style. As a result of the changes and impending changes in agency leadership, new regulatory initiatives may be stalled and certain previously enacted regulations may be revisited. New appointments to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve could affect monetary policy and interest rates, and changes in fiscal policy could affect broader patterns of trade and economic growth. At this time, further impact of these leadership changes and the potential impact on the regulatory requirements applicable to us and our supervision by these agencies is uncertain.

We face a risk of noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.

The federal Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act of 2001 and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, established by the Treasury to administer the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal bank regulatory agencies, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. Federal bank regulatory agencies and state bank regulators also have begun to focus on compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, which would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements is uncertain.


In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published the Basel III Capital Rules, which substantially changed the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to United and the Bank. 

The Basel III Capital Rules include new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which are being phased in beginning January 1, 2015, and modify the capital and asset definitions for purposes of calculating those ratios. Among other things, as of January 1, 2015, the Basel III Capital Rules establishestablished a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement of 4.5%, a higher minimum Tier 1capital1 capital to risk-weighted assets requirement of 6.0%6% and a higher total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%8%. In addition, the Basel III Capital Rules provide, to be considered “well-capitalized”, a new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement of 6.5% and a higher Tier 1capital1 capital to risk-weighted assets requirement of 8.0% that became fully effective as of January 1, 2015.8%. Moreover, the Basel III Capital Rules limit a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of an additional 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital in addition to the 4.5% minimum common equity Tier 1 requirement and the other amounts necessary to the minimum risk-based capital requirements that will be phased in and fully effective in 2019.

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The application of the more stringent capital requirements described above could, among other things, result in lower returns on invested capital, require the raising of additional capital, and result in additional regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules could result in our having to lengthen the term of our funding, restructure our business models, and/or increase our holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in us modifying our business strategy and could limit our ability to pay dividends.


Our ability to fully utilize deferred tax assets could be impaired.


We reported a net deferred tax asset of $216$88.0 million as of December 31, 2014,2017, which includes approximately $181$4.41 million of deferred tax benefits related to federal and state operating loss carry-forwards. Our ability to use such assets including the reversal or partial release of the valuation allowance, is dependent on our ability to generate future earnings within the operating loss carry-forward periods, which are generally 20 years. If we do not realize taxable earnings within the carry-forward periods, our deferred tax asset would be permanently impaired. Additionally, our ability to use such assets to offset future tax liabilities could be permanently impaired if cumulative common stock transactions over a rolling three-year period resulted in an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. There is no guarantee that our tax benefits preservation plan will prevent us from experiencing an ownership change under Section 382. Our inability to utilize these deferred tax assets (benefits) would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


We could be subject to changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations or challenges to our income tax provision.


We compute our income tax provision based on enacted tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any change in enacted tax laws, rules or regulatory or judicial interpretations, any adverse outcome in connection with tax audits in any jurisdiction or any change in the pronouncements relating to accounting for income taxes could adversely affect our effective tax rate, tax payments and results of operations. In addition, changes in enacted tax laws, such as adoption of a lower income tax rate in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate, could impact our ability to obtain the future tax benefits represented by our deferred tax assets.

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The Tax Act may have negative effects on our financial performance. For example, the Tax Act enacted limitations on certain deductions, such as the deduction of FDIC deposit insurance premiums, which will partially offset the anticipated increase in net earnings from a lower tax rate. In addition, as a result of the lower corporate tax rate, we were required under GAAP to record a tax expense due to remeasurement in the fourth quarter of 2017 with respect to our deferred tax asset amounting to $38.2 million. The impact of the Tax Act may differ from the foregoing, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations or in assumptions that we have made, guidance or regulations that may be promulgated, and other actions that we may take as a result of the Tax Act. Similarly, the Bank’s customers are likely to experience varying effects from both the individual and business tax provisions of the Tax Act and such effects, whether positive or negative, may have a corresponding impact on our business and the economy as a whole.

System failure or cybersecurity breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other potential losses.


We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen hardware and cybersecurity issues. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect the computer systems and network infrastructure we use, including our Internet banking activities, against damage from physical break-ins, cybersecurity breaches and other disruptive problems caused by the Internet or users. Such problems could jeopardize the security of our customerscustomers’ personal information and other information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customers, or inhibit current and potential customers from our Internet banking services, any of all of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Although we have security measures designed to mitigate the possibility of break-ins, breaches and other disruptive problems, including firewalls and penetration testing, there can be no assurance that such security measures will be effective in preventing such problems.


Our lack of geographic diversification increases our risk profile.


Our operations are located principally in Georgia, western North Carolina, east Tennessee and western South Carolina. As a result of this geographic concentration, our results depend largely upon economic and businessconditionsin this area. Deterioration in economic and business conditions in our service area could have a material adverse impact on the quality of our loan portfolio and the demand for our products and services, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

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Our interest-only home equity lines of credit expose us to increased lending risk.


At December 31, 2014,2017, we had $466$731 million of home equity line of credit loans, which represented 10%9% of our loan portfolio as of that date. Historically, United’s home equity lines of credit generally had a 35 month or 10 year draw period with interest-only payment requirements for the term of the loan, a balloon payment requirement at the end of the draw period. Since June 2012, new home equity lines of credit generally have a 10 year interest only draw period followed by a 15 year amortized repayment period for any outstanding balance at the 10 year conversion date. United continues to offer a home equity line of credit with a 35 month draw period with interest-only payment requirements for the term of the loan with a balloon payment requirement at the end of the draw period. All home equity line of credit products, historically and currently available, have a maximum 80% combined loan to value ratio. Loan to value ratios are established on a case by case basis considering the borrower’s credit profile and the collateral type – primary or secondary residence. These loans are also secured by a first or second lien on the underlying home.


In the case of interest-only loans, a borrower’s monthly payment is subject to change when the loan converts to fully-amortizing status. Since the borrower’sborrower's monthly payment may increase by a substantial amount even without an increase in prevailing market interest rates, the borrower might not be able to afford the increased monthly payment. In addition, interest-only loans have a large, balloon payment at the end of the loan term, which the borrower may be unable to pay. Also, real estate values may decline, dramatically reducing or even eliminating the borrower’s equity, and credit standards may tighten in concert with the higher payment requirement, making it difficult for borrowers to sell their homes or refinance their loans to pay off their mortgage obligations. The risks can be magnified by United’s limited ability to monitor the delinquency status of the first lien on the collateral. For these reasons, home equity lines of credit are considered to have an increased risk of delinquency, default and foreclosure than conforming loans and may result in higher levels of losses. The Bank mitigates these risks in its underwriting by calculating the fully amortizing principal and interest payment assuming 100% utilization and using that amount to determine the borrower’s ability to pay.


We rely on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure.


Third parties provide key components of our business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, Internet connections and network access. While we have selected these third party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyber-attackscyber attacks and security breaches at a vendor, failure of a vendor to provide services for any reason or poor performance of services, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. Financial or operational difficulties of a third party vendor could also hurt our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’svendor's ability to serve us. Furthermore, our vendors could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. Replacing these third party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an unavoidable inherent risk to our business operations.

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ITEM 1B.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

ITEM 1B.           UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

There are no unresolved comments from the SEC staff regarding United’s periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.

ITEM 2.          PROPERTIES.

The executive offices of United are located at 125 Highway 515 East, Blairsville, Georgia. United owns this property. The Bank conducts business from facilities primarily owned by the Bank or its subsidiaries, all of which are in a good state of repair and appropriately designed for use as banking facilities. The Bank provides services or performs operational functions at 121171 locations, of which 103139 are owned and 1832 are leased under operating leases. Note 98 to United’s consolidated financial statements includes additional information regarding amounts invested in premises and equipment.

ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

ITEM 3.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

In the ordinary course of operations, United and the Bank are defendants in various legal proceedings. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, United and the Bank are subject to regulatory examinations and investigations. Based on our knowledge and advice of counsel, in the opinion of management, there is no such pending or threatened legal matter in which an adverse decision will result in a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of United. No material proceedings terminated in the fourth quarter of 2014.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
2017.

ITEM 4.          MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

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PART II


ITEM 5.MARKET FOR UNITED’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Stock.Stock.United’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the Times New Romansymbol “UCBI”. The closing price for the period ended December 31, 20142017 was $18.94.$28.14. Below is a schedule of high, low and closing stock prices and average daily volume for all quarters in 20142017 and 2013.

             
  2014 2013 
  High Low Close Avg Daily
Volume
 High Low  Close  Avg Daily
Volume
 
First quarter $20.28 $15.74 $19.41  494,205 $11.57  $9.59 $11.34  195,803 
Second quarter  19.87  14.86  16.37  308,486  12.94  10.15  12.42  184,922 
Third quarter  18.42  15.42  16.46  331,109  16.04  12.15  14.99  341,270 
Fourth quarter  19.50  15.16  18.94  262,598  18.56  14.82  17.75  421,948 

2016.

  2017  2016 
  High  Low  Close  Avg Daily
Volume
  High  Low  Close  Avg Daily
Volume
 
                         
First quarter $30.47  $25.29  $27.69   459,018  $19.27  $15.74  $18.47   440,759 
Second quarter  28.57   25.39   27.80   402,802   20.60   17.07   18.29   771,334 
Third quarter  29.02   24.47   28.54   365,102   21.13   17.42   21.02   379,492 
Fourth quarter  29.60   25.76   28.14   365,725   30.22   20.26   29.62   532,944 

At January 31, 2015,February 1, 2018, there were 6,6368,329 record shareholders and approximately 15,45017,728 beneficial shareholders of United’s common stock.


Dividends. United declared cash dividends of $.11$.38 and $.30 per share on its common stock in 2014.  No cash or stock dividends were declared on United’s common stock during 2013.2017 and 2016, respectively. Federal and state laws and regulations impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to United without prior approvals.


Additional information regarding dividends is included in Note 1920 to the consolidated financial statements, under the heading of “Supervision and Regulation” in Part I of this report and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital Resources and Dividends.”


Share Repurchases. On March 22, 2016, United announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a program to repurchase up to $50 million of United’s outstanding common stock through December 31, 2017. In November of 2017, the Board of Directors extended this program through December 31, 2018. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased periodically in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program depends on a number of factors, including the market price of United’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. As of December 31, 2017, the remaining authorization was $36.3 million.

The following table contains information for shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2017.

(Dollars in thousands, except for per share
amounts)
 Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
  Average
Price Paid
per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased 
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans 
or Programs
  Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar 
Value) of Shares that May 
Yet Be Purchased Under 
the Plans or Programs
 
October 1, 2017 - October 31, 2017  -  $-   -  $36,342 
November 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017  -   -   -   36,342 
December 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017  -   -   -   36,342 
Total  -  $-   -  $36,342 

United’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan allows option holders to exercise stock options by delivering previously acquired shares having a fair market value equal to the exercise price provided that the shares delivered must have been held by the option holder for at least six months. In addition, United may withhold a sufficient number of restricted stock shares at the time of vesting to cover payroll tax withholdings at the election of the restricted stock recipient. In 20142017 and 2013, 74,6442016, 62,386 and 24,37457,628 shares, respectively, were withheld to cover payroll taxes owed at the time of restricted stock vesting. No shares were delivered to exercise stock options in 20142017 or 2013.2016.

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On December 31, 2013, United redeemed all of its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock in the principal amount of $217,000.  The redemption price for shares of the Series A Preferred Stock was the stated value of $10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends that had been earned thereon through the redemption date.  Following the redemption, there are no shares of United’s Series A Preferred Stock outstanding.

On December 27, 2013, United redeemed $75 million of its $180 million in outstanding Series B Preferred Stock.  The redemption price for shares of the Series B Preferred Stock called for redemption was the stated liquidation value of $1,000 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends that had been earned thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.  The remaining $105 million of Unite’s Series B Preferred Stock was redeemed on January 10, 2014 on comparable terms.

On March 3, 2014, United redeemed all of its outstanding Series D Preferred Stock in the principal amount of $16.6 million.  The redemption price for shares of the Series D Preferred Stock was the stated liquidation value of $1,000 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends that had been earned thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.  Following the redemption, there are no shares of United’s Series D Preferred Stock outstanding.
In December 2014, United repurchased an outstanding warrant from Fletcher International Ltd for $12.0 million, its estimated fair value.

Performance Graph. Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on United’s common stock against the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) Index and the Nasdaq Bank Stocks Index for the five-year period commencing December 31, 20092012 and ending on December 31, 2014.

Graphic

 Cumulative Total Return * 
 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 
United Community Banks, Inc.$100 $58 $41 $56 $105 $112 
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index 100  117  115  133  184  209 
Nasdaq Bank Index 100  112  98  113  158  162 
*
Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2009 in United’s common stock and above noted indexes.  Total return includes reinvestment of dividends at the closing stock price of the common stock on the dividend payment date and the closing values of stock and indexes as of December 31 of each year.
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2017.

  Cumulative Total Return* 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017 
United Community Banks, Inc. $100  $188  $202  $210  $324  $312 
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index  100   138   157   166   178   229 
Nasdaq Bank Index  100   139   143   152   206   213 

* Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2012 in United’s common stock and above noted indexes. Total return includes reinvestment of dividends at the closing stock price of the common stock on the dividend payment date and the closing values of stock and indexes as of December 31 of each year.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
For the Years Ended December 31
 
(in thousands, except per share data;          
taxable equivalent) 2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
INCOME SUMMARY          
Net interest revenue $224,418  $219,641  $229,758  $238,670  $244,637 
Operating provision for credit losses (1)
  8,500   65,500   62,500   251,000   234,750 
Operating fee revenue  55,554   56,598   56,112   44,907   46,963 
Total operating revenue  (1)
  271,472   210,739   223,370   32,577   56,850 
Operating expenses (2)
  162,865   174,304   186,774   261,599   242,952 
Loss on sale of nonperforming assets              45,349 
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes  108,607   36,435   36,596   (229,022)  (231,451)
Operating income taxes  40,987   (236,705)  2,740   (2,276)  73,218 
Net operating income (loss) from continuing operations  67,620   273,140   33,856   (226,746)  (304,669)
Noncash goodwill impairment charges              (210,590)
Fraud loss provision and subsequent recovery, net of tax benefit              11,750 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations              (101)
Gain from sale of subsidiary, net of income taxes and selling costs              1,266 
Net income (loss)  67,620   273,140   33,856   (226,746)  (502,344)
Preferred dividends and discount accretion  439   12,078   12,148   11,838   10,316 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $67,181  $261,062  $21,708  $(238,584) $(512,660)
                     
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                    
  Per common share:                    
Diluted operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1)(2)
 $1.11  $4.44  $.38  $(5.97) $(16.64)
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations  1.11   4.44   .38   (5.97)  (27.15)
Diluted earnings (loss)  1.11   4.44   .38   (5.97)  (27.09)
Cash dividends declared  .11             
Book value  12.20   11.30   6.67   6.62   15.40 
Tangible book value (4)
  12.15   11.26   6.57   6.47   14.80 
                     
  Key performance ratios:                    
Return on common equity (3)
  9.17%  46.72%  5.43%  (93.57)%  (85.08)%
    Return on assets  .91   3.86   .49   (3.15)  (6.61)
    Dividend payout ratio  9.91             
    Net interest margin  3.26   3.30   3.51   3.52   3.59 
    Operating efficiency ratio from continuing operations (2)
  58.26   63.14   65.43   92.27   98.98 
    Average equity to average assets  9.69   10.35   8.47   7.75   10.77 
    Average tangible equity to average assets (4)
  9.67   10.31   8.38   7.62   8.88 
    Average tangible common equity to average assets (4)
  9.60   7.55   5.54   3.74   6.52 
    Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (4)
  13.82   13.17   8.26   8.25   5.64 
                     
ASSET QUALITY *                    
  Non-performing loans $17,881  $26,819  $109,894  $127,479  $179,094 
  Foreclosed properties  1,726   4,221   18,264   32,859   142,208 
     Total non-performing assets (NPAs)  19,607   31,040   128,158   160,338   321,302 
   Allowance for loan losses  71,619   76,762   107,137   114,468   174,695 
   Operating net charge-offs (1)
  13,879   93,710   69,831   311,227   215,657 
   Allowance for loan losses to loans  1.53%  1.77%  2.57%  2.79%  3.79%
   Operating net charge-offs to average loans (1)
  .31   2.22   1.69   7.33   4.42 
   NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties  .42   .72   3.06   3.87   6.77 
   NPAs to total assets  .26   .42   1.88   2.30   4.42 
                     
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)
                    
   Loans $4,450  $4,254  $4,166  $4,307  $4,961 
   Investment securities  2,274   2,190   2,089   1,999   1,453 
   Earning assets  6,880   6,649   6,547   6,785   6,822 
   Total assets  7,436   7,074   6,865   7,189   7,605 
   Deposits  6,228   6,027   5,885   6,275   6,373 
   Shareholders’ equity  720   732   582   557   819 
   Common shares - Basic (thousands)
  60,588   58,787   57,857   39,943   18,925 
   Common shares - Diluted (thousands)
  60,590   58,845   57,857   39,943   18,925 
                     
AT YEAR END ($ in millions)
                    
   Loans * $4,672  $4,329  $4,175  $4,110  $4,604 
   Investment securities  2,198   2,312   2,079   2,120   1,490 
   Total assets  7,567   7,425   6,802   6,983   7,276 
   Deposits  6,327   6,202   5,952   6,098   6,469 
   Shareholders’ equity  740   796   581   575   469 
   Common shares outstanding (thousands)
  60,259   59,432   57,741   57,561   18,937 

(1)  Excludes the subsequent recovery of $11.8 million in previously recognized fraud related loan losses in 2010.  (2)  Excludes goodwill impairment charge of $211 million in 2010.  (3)  Net income (loss) available to common shareholders, which is net of preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  (4)  Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization.
27
*  Excludes loans and foreclosed properties covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. 
25

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Continued)   
                 
  2014 2013
(in thousands, except per share Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth  Third  Second  First 
data; taxable equivalent) Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
INCOME SUMMARY                
Interest revenue $64,353  $63,338  $61,783  $60,495  $61,695  $61,426  $62,088  $62,114 
Interest expense  6,021   6,371   6,833   6,326   5,816   7,169   7,157   7,540 
Net interest revenue  58,332   56,967   54,950   54,169   55,879   54,257   54,931   54,574 
Provision for credit losses  1,800   2,000   2,200   2,500   3,000   3,000   48,500   11,000 
Fee revenue  14,823   14,412   14,143   12,176   13,519   14,225   15,943   12,911 
Total revenue  71,355   69,379   66,893   63,845   66,398   65,482   22,374   56,485 
Operating expenses  41,919   41,364   40,532   39,050   41,614   40,097   48,823   43,770 
Income before income taxes  29,436   28,015   26,361   24,795   24,784   25,385   (26,449)  12,715 
Income tax expense (benefit)  11,189   10,399   10,004   9,395   8,873   9,885   (256,413)  950 
Net income  18,247   17,616   16,357   15,400   15,911   15,500   229,964   11,765 
Preferred dividends and discount accretion           439   2,912   3,059   3,055   3,052 
Net income available to common shareholders $18,247  $17,616  $16,357  $14,961  $12,999  $12,441  $226,909  $8,713 
                                 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                         
  Per common share:                                
Diluted income $.30  $.29  $.27  $.25  $.22  $.21  $3.90  $.15 
Cash dividends declared  .05   .03   .03                
Book value  12.20   12.15   11.94   11.66   11.30   10.99   10.90   6.85 
Tangible book value (2)
  12.15   12.10   11.91   11.63   11.26   10.95   10.82   6.76 
                                 
Key performance ratios:                             
Return on common equity (1)(3)
  9.60%  9.41%  8.99%  8.64%  7.52%  7.38%  197.22%  8.51%
Return on assets (3)
  .96   .95   .88   .85   .86   .86   13.34   .70 
Dividend payout ratio  16.67   10.34   11.11                
Net interest margin (3)
  3.31   3.32   3.21   3.21   3.26   3.26   3.33   3.37 
Efficiency ratio  57.47   57.96   58.65   59.05   60.02   58.55   68.89   64.97 
Average equity to average assets  9.76   9.85   9.61   9.52   11.62   11.80   11.57   8.60 
Average tangible equity to average assets (2)
  9.72   9.83   9.58   9.50   11.59   11.76   11.53   8.53 
Average tangible common equity to average assets (2)
  9.72   9.83   9.58   9.22   8.99   9.02   8.79   5.66 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (2)
  13.82   14.10   13.92   13.63   13.18   13.34   13.16   8.45 
                                 
ASSET QUALITY *                                
  Non-performing loans $17,881  $18,745  $20,724  $25,250  $26,819  $26,088  $27,864  $96,006 
  Foreclosed properties  1,726   3,146   2,969   5,594   4,221   4,467   3,936   16,734 
    Total non-performing assets (NPAs)  19,607   21,891   23,693   30,844   31,040   30,555   31,800   112,740 
  Allowance for loan losses  71,619   71,928   73,248   75,223   76,762   80,372   81,845   105,753 
  Net charge-offs  2,509   3,155   4,175   4,039   4,445   4,473   72,408   12,384 
  Allowance for loan losses to loans  1.53%  1.57%  1.66%  1.73%  1.77%  1.88%  1.95%  2.52%
  Net charge-offs to average loans (3)
  .22   .28   .38   .38   .41   .42   6.87   1.21 
  NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties  .42   .48   .54   .71   .72   .72   .76   2.68 
  NPAs to total assets  .26   .29   .32   .42   .42   .42   .44   1.65 
                                 
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)
                     
  Loans $4,621  $4,446  $4,376  $4,356  $4,315  $4,250  $4,253  $4,197 
  Investment securities  2,222   2,231   2,326   2,320   2,280   2,178   2,161   2,141 
  Earning assets  7,013   6,820   6,861   6,827   6,823   6,615   6,608   6,547 
  Total assets  7,565   7,374   7,418   7,384   7,370   7,170   6,915   6,834 
  Deposits  6,383   6,143   6,187   6,197   6,190   5,987   5,983   5,946 
  Shareholders’ equity  738   726   713   703   856   846   636   588 
  Common shares - basic (thousands)
  60,830   60,776   60,712   60,059   59,923   59,100   58,141   58,081 
  Common shares - diluted (thousands)
  60,833   60,779   60,714   60,061   59,925   59,202   58,141   58,081 
                                 
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
                         
  Loans * $4,672  $4,569  $4,410  $4,356  $4,329  $4,267  $4,189  $4,194 
  Investment securities  2,198   2,222   2,190   2,302   2,312   2,169   2,152   2,141 
  Total assets  7,567   7,526   7,352   7,398   7,425   7,243   7,163   6,849 
  Deposits  6,327   6,241   6,164   6,248   6,202   6,113   6,012   6,026 
  Shareholders’ equity  740   736   722   704   796   852   829   592 
  Common shares outstanding (thousands)
  60,259   60,248   60,139   60,092   59,432   59,412   57,831   57,767 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

For the Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands, except per share data) 2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
INCOME SUMMARY                    
Interest revenue $389,720  $335,020  $278,532  $248,432  $245,840 
Interest expense  33,735   25,236   21,109   25,551   27,682 
Net interest revenue  355,985   309,784   257,423   222,881   218,158 
Provision for credit losses  3,800   (800)  3,700   8,500   65,500 
Fee revenue  88,260   93,697   72,529   55,554   56,598 
Total revenue  440,445   404,281   326,252   269,935   209,256 
Expenses  267,611   241,289   211,238   162,865   174,304 
Income before income tax expense  172,834   162,992   115,014   107,070   34,952 
Income tax expense (benefit)  105,013   62,336   43,436   39,450   (238,188)
Net income  67,821   100,656   71,578   67,620   273,140 
Merger-related and other charges  14,662   8,122   17,995   -   - 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges  (3,745)  (3,074)  (6,388)  -   - 
Impact of remeasurement of deferred tax asset resulting from 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  38,199   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on cancelled non-qualified stock options  -   976   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  3,400   -   -   -   - 
Net income - operating(1) $120,337  $106,680  $83,185  $67,620  $273,140 
                     
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                    
Per common share:                    
Diluted net income - GAAP $.92  $1.40  $1.09  $1.11  $4.44 
Diluted net income - operating  (1)  1.63   1.48   1.27   1.11   4.44 
Cash dividends declared  .38   .30   .22   .11   - 
Book value  16.67   15.06   14.02   12.20   11.30 
Tangible book value(3)  13.65   12.95   12.06   12.15   11.26 
                     
Key performance ratios:                    
Return on common equity - GAAP(2)  5.67%  9.41%  8.15%  9.17%  46.72%
Return on common equity - operating(1)(2)  10.07   9.98   9.48   9.17   46.72 
Return on tangible common equity - operating(1)(2)(3)  12.02   11.86   10.24   9.32   47.35 
Return on assets - GAAP  .62   1.00   .85   .91   3.86 
Return on assets - operating(1)  1.09   1.06   .98   .91   3.86 
Dividend payout ratio - GAAP  41.30   21.43   20.18   9.91   - 
Dividend payout ratio - operating(1)  23.31   20.27   17.32   9.91   - 
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)  3.52   3.36   3.30   3.26   3.30 
Efficiency ratio - GAAP  59.95   59.80   63.96   58.26   63.14 
Efficiency ratio - operating  (1)  56.67   57.78   58.51   58.26   63.14 
Average equity to average assets  10.71   10.54   10.27   9.69   10.35 
Average tangible equity to average assets(3)  9.29   9.21   9.74   9.67   10.31 
Average tangible common equity to average assets(3)  9.29   9.19   9.66   9.60   7.55 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets(3)  12.05   11.84   12.82   13.82   13.17 
                     
ASSET QUALITY                    
Nonperforming loans $23,658  $21,539  $22,653  $17,881  $26,819 
Foreclosed properties  3,234   7,949   4,883   1,726   4,221 
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)  26,892   29,488   27,536   19,607   31,040 
Allowance for loan losses  58,914   61,422   68,448   71,619   76,762 
Net charge-offs  5,998   6,766   6,259   13,879   93,710 
Allowance for loan losses to loans  .76%  .89%  1.14%  1.53%  1.77%
Net charge-offs to average loans  .08   .11   .12   .31   2.22 
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties  .35   .43   .46   .42   .72 
NPAs to total assets  .23   .28   .29   .26   .42 
                     
AVERAGE BALANCES($ in millions)                    
Loans $7,150  $6,413  $5,298  $4,450  $4,254 
Investment securities  2,847   2,691   2,368   2,274   2,190 
Earning assets  10,162   9,257   7,834   6,880   6,649 
Total assets  11,015   10,054   8,462   7,436   7,074 
Deposits  8,950   8,177   7,055   6,228   6,027 
Shareholders’ equity  1,180   1,059   869   720   732 
Common shares - basic(thousands)  73,247   71,910   65,488   60,588   58,787 
Common shares - diluted(thousands)  73,259   71,915   65,492   60,590   58,845 
                     
AT PERIOD END($ in millions)                    
Loans $7,736  $6,921  $5,995  $4,672  $4,329 
Investment securities  2,937   2,762   2,656   2,198   2,312 
Total assets  11,915   10,709   9,616   7,558   7,424 
Deposits  9,808   8,638   7,873   6,335   6,202 
Shareholders’ equity  1,303   1,076   1,018   740   796 
Common shares outstanding(thousands)  77,580   70,899   71,484   60,259   59,432 

(1)Excludes merger-related and other charges which includes amortization of certain executive change of control benefits, the 2017 impact of remeasurement of United's deferred tax assets following the passage of tax reform legislation, a 2017 release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI, a 2016 deferred tax asset impairment charge related to cancelled non-qualified stock options and 2015 impairment losses on surplus bank property.(2)Net income available to common shareholders, which is net ofless preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).(2)(3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization.
(3)  Annualized.

* Excludes loans and foreclosed properties covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.
26

 28

 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data, continued

       
  2017  2016 
  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth  Third  Second  First 
(in thousands, except per share data) Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
INCOME SUMMARY                                
Interest revenue $106,757  $98,839  $93,166  $90,958  $87,778  $85,439  $81,082  $80,721 
Interest expense  9,249   9,064   8,018   7,404   6,853   6,450   6,164   5,769 
Net interest revenue  97,508   89,775   85,148   83,554   80,925   78,989   74,918   74,952 
Provision for credit losses  1,200   1,000   800   800   -   (300)  (300)  (200)
Fee revenue  21,928   20,573   23,685   22,074   25,233   26,361   23,497   18,606 
Total revenue  118,236   109,348   108,033   104,828   106,158   105,650   98,715   93,758 
Expenses  75,882   65,674   63,229   62,826   61,321   64,023   58,060   57,885 
Income before income tax expense  42,354   43,674   44,804   42,002   44,837   41,627   40,655   35,873 
Income tax expense  54,270   15,728   16,537   18,478   17,616   15,753   15,389   13,578 
Net income  (11,916)  27,946   28,267   23,524   27,221   25,874   25,266   22,295 
Merger-related and other charges  7,358   3,420   1,830   2,054   1,141   3,152   1,176   2,653 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges  (1,165)  (1,147)  (675)  (758)  (432)  (1,193)  (445)  (1,004)
Impact of remeasurement of deferred tax asset resulting from 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  38,199   -   -   -   -             
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   976   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   3,400   -   -   -   - 
Net income - operating(1) $32,476  $30,219  $29,422  $28,220  $28,906  $27,833  $25,997  $23,944 
                                 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                                
Per common share:                                
Diluted net income - GAAP $(.16) $.38  $.39  $.33  $.38  $.36  $.35  $.31 
Diluted net income - operating  (1)  .42   .41   .41   .39   .40   .39   .36   .33 
Cash dividends declared  .10   .10   .09   .09   .08   .08   .07   .07 
Book value  16.67   16.50   15.83   15.40   15.06   15.12   14.80   14.35 
Tangible book value(3)  13.65   14.11   13.74   13.30   12.95   13.00   12.84   12.40 
                                 
Key performance ratios:                                
Return on common equity - GAAP(2)(4)  (3.57)%  9.22%  9.98%  8.54%  9.89%  9.61%  9.54%  8.57%
Return on common equity - operating(1)(2)(4)  9.73   9.97   10.39   10.25   10.51   10.34   9.81   9.20 
Return on tangible common equity - operating(1)(2)(3)(4)  11.93   11.93   12.19   12.10   12.47   12.45   11.56   10.91 
Return on assets - GAAP(4)  (.40)  1.01   1.06   .89   1.03   1.00   1.04   .93 
Return on assets - operating(1)(4)  1.10   1.09   1.10   1.07   1.10   1.08   1.07   1.00 
Dividend payout ratio - GAAP  (62.50)  26.32   23.08   27.27   21.05   22.22   20.00   22.58 
Dividend payout ratio - operating(1)  23.81   24.39   21.95   23.08   20.00   20.51   19.44   21.21 
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)(4)  3.63   3.54   3.47   3.45   3.34   3.34   3.35   3.41 
Efficiency ratio - GAAP  63.03   59.27   57.89   59.29   57.65   60.78   59.02   61.94 
Efficiency ratio - operating  (1)  56.92   56.18   56.21   57.35   56.58   57.79   57.82   59.10 
Average equity to average assets  11.21   10.86   10.49   10.24   10.35   10.38   10.72   10.72 
Average tangible equity to average assets(3)  9.52   9.45   9.23   8.96   9.04   8.98   9.43   9.41 
Average tangible common equity to average assets(3)  9.52   9.45   9.23   8.96   9.04   8.98   9.43   9.32 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets(3)  12.05   12.80   12.44   12.07   11.84   12.22   12.87   12.77 
                                 
ASSET QUALITY                                
Nonperforming loans $23,658  $22,921  $23,095  $19,812  $21,539  $21,572  $21,348  $22,419 
Foreclosed properties  3,234   2,736   2,739   5,060   7,949   9,187   6,176   5,163 
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)  26,892   25,657   25,834   24,872   29,488   30,759   27,524   27,582 
Allowance for loan losses  58,914   58,605   59,500   60,543   61,422   62,961   64,253   66,310 
Net charge-offs  1,061   1,635   1,623   1,679   1,539   1,359   1,730   2,138 
Allowance for loan losses to loans  .76%  .81%  .85%  .87%  .89%  .94%  1.02%  1.09%
 Net charge-offs to average loans(4)  .06   .09   .09   .10   .09   .08   .11   .14 
 NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties  .35   .36   .37   .36   .43   .46   .44   .45 
NPAs to total assets  .23   .23   .24   .23   .28   .30   .28   .28 
                                 
AVERAGE BALANCES($ in millions)                                
Loans $7,560  $7,149  $6,980  $6,904  $6,814  $6,675  $6,151  $6,004 
Investment securities  2,991   2,800   2,775   2,822   2,690   2,610   2,747   2,718 
Earning assets  10,735   10,133   9,899   9,872   9,665   9,443   9,037   8,876 
Total assets  11,687   10,980   10,704   10,677   10,484   10,281   9,809   9,634 
Deposits  9,624   8,913   8,659   8,592   8,552   8,307   7,897   7,947 
Shareholders’ equity  1,310   1,193   1,123   1,093   1,085   1,067   1,051   1,033 
 Common shares - basic(thousands)  76,768   73,151   71,810   71,700   71,641   71,556   72,202   72,162 
 Common shares - diluted(thousands)  76,768   73,162   71,820   71,708   71,648   71,561   72,207   72,166 
                                 
AT PERIOD END($ in millions)                                
Loans $7,736  $7,203  $7,041  $6,965  $6,921  $6,725  $6,287  $6,106 
Investment securities  2,937   2,847   2,787   2,767   2,762   2,560   2,677   2,757 
Total assets  11,915   11,129   10,837   10,732   10,709   10,298   9,928   9,781 
Deposits  9,808   9,127   8,736   8,752   8,638   8,442   7,857   7,960 
Shareholders’ equity  1,303   1,221   1,133   1,102   1,076   1,079   1,060   1,034 
Common shares outstanding(thousands)  77,580   73,403   70,981   70,973   70,899   70,861   71,122   71,544 

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

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ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Overview


The following discussion is intended to provide insight into the financial condition and results of operations of United and its subsidiaries and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.


Operating earnings (loss) and operating earnings (loss) per diluted share

In the past three years, United has completed the following acquisitions:

EntityDate Acquired
Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc. ("FOFN")November 1, 2017
HCSB Financial Corporation ("HCSB")July 31, 2017
Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. ("Tidelands")July 1, 2016
Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. ("Palmetto")September 1, 2015
MoneyTree Corporation ("MoneyTree")May 1, 2015

The acquired entities’ results are non-GAAP performance measures.  United’s management believes that operating performance measures are useful in analyzing the Company’s financial performance trends since they exclude items that are generally non-recurring in nature and therefore most of the discussion in this section will refer to operating performance measures.  A reconciliation of these operating performance measures to GAAP performance measures is included in United’s consolidated results beginning on the table on pages 31 through 32.


respective acquisition dates.

United reported net income of $67.6$67.8 million, or $1.11$.92 per diluted share, in 2014,2017, compared with $273$101 million, or $4.44$1.40 per share in 2013.  Earnings for 2013 were significantly impacted by2016 and $71.6 million, or $1.09 per share, in 2015. The decrease in net income reflects the reversalimpact of the Tax Act that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. While the reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% is expected to lower United’s effective tax rate in 2018, it resulted in a $272 million valuation allowance onrequirement to remeasure United’s net deferred tax assetassets in the period of enactment, which caused a $38.2 million increase in income tax expense in 2017.

Net interest revenue increased to $356 million for 2017, compared to $310 million in 2016 and a large bulk sale of classified assets, both$257 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher loan volume, much of which took placeresulted from the acquisitions of FOFN, HCSB and Tidelands (the “Acquisitions”). Net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 3.52% in 2017 from 3.36% in 2016 due to the effect of rising interest rates on floating rate loans and investment securities, as well as growth in the second quarterloan portfolio that led to a more favorable earning asset mix.

The provision for credit losses was $3.80 million for 2017, compared to a release of 2013.provision of $800,000 for 2016. Net charge-offs for 2017 were $6.00 million, compared to $6.77 million for 2016. The effects of these two events on the income statement were significant increasesincrease in the provision for loan losses and foreclosed property expense from the classified asset sales and the recognition of a tax benefitreflects growth in the income tax line from the valuation allowance reversal.


United’s financial condition improved considerably over the last two years, as several of our strategic goals were achieved.  We reduced nonperforming assets to pre-crisis levels, restored our deferred tax asset, and redeemed $75 million of our Series B Preferred Stock which was followed by the redemption of the remaining $105 million in early January 2014 and $16.6 million in Series D Preferred Stock in March 2014.  The improvement continued in 2014loan portfolio along with further investment in new businesses and markets.  In 2014, United made significant investments in its SBA business, including the acquisition of Business Carolina, Inc., a specialty lending corporation headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina that specializes in SBA and USDA lending, and added management, lenders, underwriters and operations to its specialized lending areas which drove much of the $343 million in loan growth in 2014.  Creditstable credit quality continued its improving trend leading to much lower levels of nonperforming assets and a lower credit loss provision.

Taxable equivalent net interest revenue was $224 million for 2014, compared to $220 million in 2013.  The $4.78 million increase in 2014 is in contrast to a declining trend in net interest revenue in the previous four years.  The increase is a result of strategic initiatives to develop new business lines and expand into new markets as well as balance sheet management and restructuring actions taken in the second quarter of 2014 that are mentioned below.

Net interest margin decreased 4 basis points from 3.30% in 2013 to 3.26% in 2014 due primarily to lower yields on loans.  The 30 basis point decrease in the average loan yield was partially offset by the 6 basis point reduction in the average rate paid on interest bearing deposits and a higher yield on the taxable investment securities.  United’s average yield on its taxable investment securities portfolio increased 26 basis points from 2013, mostly as a result of balance sheet management activities late in the second quarter of 2014.  The balance sheet management activities, which included restructuring interest rate swaps, selling investment securities and repaying high cost wholesale borrowings, had the effect of lowering United’s funding costs and increasing the yield on the investment securities portfolio.

measures.

As of December 31, 2014, United’s2017, the allowance for loan losses was $71.6$58.9 million, or 1.53%.76% of loans, compared with $76.8$61.4 million, or 1.77%.89% of loans, at the end of 2013.2016, reflecting continued asset quality improvement. Nonperforming assets of $19.6$26.9 million were .26%.23% of total assets at December 31, 20142017 compared to .42%.28% as of December 31, 2013.  United’s allowance for loan losses has continued along a declining trend, both in terms of dollars and as a percentage of assets, as credit measures have improved.


2016.

Fee revenue of $55.6$88.3 million was down $1.04$5.44 million, or 2%6%, from 2013.  The decrease was primarily2016. Service charges and fees decreased 9% compared to 2016 due mainly to lower mortgage fees reflecting changesthe effect of the Durbin Amendment of the Dodd-Frank Act, which took effect for United in the interest rate environment resulting in lower refinancing activity.third quarter of 2017 and limited the amount of interchange fees United could earn on debit card transactions. Mortgage loan and related fees decreased $2.41 million10% from 2013.  In 2014, United closed $276 million2016 due to a combination of factors including our strategic decision to hold more loans on our balance sheet, margin compression and a decline in mortgage loans compared with $297 millionrefinance activity in 2013.  In 2014, 63%, or $174 million, of the closed loans were for home purchases versus 48%, or $144 million in 2013.  Other feea rising rate environment. Fee revenue is shown in more detail in Table 4 on page 36.  Other fee revenue for 2014 included $2.62 million in gains from sales of SBA loans and there were no gains in 2013.  The decrease in other fee revenue of $2.04 million results from an $870,000 decrease in customer derivatives revenue, a $1.45 million in gain on a bank owned life insurance policy in 2013 and $468,000 in gains from the sale of low income housing tax credits in 2013.  Deposit service charges and fees were up $1.08 million mostly due to higher interchange fee revenue and an increase in account service fees which were partially offset by lower overdraft fees.  Brokerage fees were up $342,000 from 2013.


4.

For 2014,2017, operating expenses of $163$268 million were down $11.4up $26.3 million, or 7%11%, from 2013.  United’s focus on reducing costs and improving operating efficiency resulted in reductions of communications and equipment, occupancy, and advertising and public relations expenses in 2014.  United also had significant decreases in foreclosed property costs, down $7.24 million from 2013, and FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges, down $4.43 million from 2013, both reflecting improving credit measures.  Professional fees were down $2.91 million of which $1.20 million was2016, largely due to the release of a previously disclosed litigation reserve.Acquisitions. Salaries and employee benefits expense was up $4.71increased $14.3 million reflecting United’s investment in key personnel2017 mostly due to the Acquisitions and higher incentive compensation in new linesconnection with increased lending activity and improvement in earnings performance. Operating expenses for 2017 included $10.3 million of businessmerger-related charges, $1.14 million of impairment on surplus bank properties, $1.53 million of executive retirement charges and markets as well as an increase in production and performance incentives.

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$831,000 of branch closure costs, while operating expenses for 2016 included merger-related charges of $8.12 million.

 

Loans at December 31, 20142017 were $4.67$7.74 billion, up $343$815 million from the end of 2013.  A significant portion of the loan growth resulted from United’s new specialized lending businesses, including health care, corporate, SBA, asset-based and commercial real estate lending. These new businesses added $290 million in loan growth in 2014 including $24.8 million that resulted from2016, primarily due to the acquisition of Business Carolina, Inc.  In addition, United purchased $169 million of indirect auto loans during 2014, which drove the increaseHCSB and FOFN combined with solid growth in the consumer category.our community banks and Commercial Banking Solutions areas. Deposits were up $125 million$1.17 billion to $6.33$9.81 billion at December 31, 2017, as United focused on increasing low cost core transaction deposits which grew $252$258 million in 2014,2017, excluding public funds deposits.deposits and the Acquisitions. At the end of 2014,2017, total equity capital was $740 million, down $56.1$1.30 billion, up $228 million from December 31, 2013,2016, reflecting net income of $67.6$67.8 million and shares issued for acquisitions of $179 million, partially offset by the redemption of $122 million in preferred stock and the payment of dividends on United’s common stock of $6.66$28.3 million. At December 31, 2014,2017, all of United’s regulatory capital ratios were significantly above well capitalized“well-capitalized” levels.

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Critical Accounting Policies


The accounting and reporting policies of United and its subsidiaries are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The more critical accounting and reporting policies include United’s accounting for the allowance for loan losses, fair value measurements and income taxes. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates or judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates or judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.


Estimates or judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon future events. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record the valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available. When third-party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by management primarily through the use of internal cash flow modeling techniques.


The most significant accounting policies for United are presented in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other notes to the consolidated financial statement notesstatements and in this financial review,Management’s Discussion and Analysis, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Management views critical accounting policies to be those that are highly dependent on subjective or complex judgments, estimates and assumptions, and where changes in those estimates and assumptions could have a significant effect on the financial statements.


Management considers the following accounting policies to be critical accounting policies:


Allowance for Credit Losses


The allowance for credit losses is an estimate and represents management’s estimate of probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. It consists of two components: the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments. Estimating the amount of the allowance for credit losses requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on non-impaired loans based on historical loss experience, management’s evaluation of the current loan portfolio, and consideration of current economic trends, events and conditions. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated balance sheet. Loan losses are charged against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for credit losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors.


The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and is based on analyses developed through specific credit allocations for individual loans and historical loss experience for each loan category. The specific credit allocations are based on impairment analyses of all nonaccrual loans over $500,000 accruing substandard loans in relationships over $2 million and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), which are all considered impaired loans. These analyses involve judgment in estimating the amount of loss associated with specific loans, including estimating the amount and timing of future cash flows and collateral values.  The historical loss element is determined using the weighted average of actual losses incurred over the prior eight quarters for each type of loan, multiplied by an estimated loss emergence period.  The weighted average is weighted toward the most recent quarters’ loss experience. The historical loss experience is adjusted for known changes in economic trends, events and conditions and credit quality trends such as changes in the amount of past due and nonperforming loans. The resulting loss allocation factors are applied to the balance of each type of loan after removing the balance of impaired loans and other specifically allocated loans from each category. The loss allocation factors are updated quarterly.

Prior to 2014, United reported an unallocated portion of the allowance.  In 2014, United incorporated a loss emergence period into its allowance analysis which resulted in the full allocation of the previously unallocated allowance.  Management’s use of the loss emergence period is an estimate of the period of time from the first evidence of loss incurrence through the period of time until such losses are confirmed (or charged-off).

There are many factors affecting the allowance for credit losses; some are quantitative while others require qualitative judgment. Although management believes its processes for determining the allowance adequately considers all the potential factors that could potentially result in credit losses, the process includes subjective elements and may be susceptible to significant change. To the extent actual outcomes differ from management estimates, additional provision for loan losses could be required that could adversely affect earnings or financial position in future periods.


Additional information on United’sthe loan portfolio and allowance for credit losses can be found in the sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis titled “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” and “Nonperforming Assets” and in the sections of Part I, Item 1 titled “Lending Policy” and “Loan Review and Nonperforming Assets”. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements includes additional information on United’s accounting policies related to the allowance for loan losses.


Fair Value Measurements


United’s impaired

Impaired loans and foreclosed assets may be measured and carried at fair value, the determination of which requires management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments. At December 31, 2014,2017, the percentage of total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was 23%. See Note 2324 “Fair Value” in the consolidated financial statements herein for additional disclosures regarding the fair value of our assets and liabilities.

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When a loan is considered individually impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. In addition, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost, fair value, less cost to sell, or listed selling price less cost to sell, following foreclosure. Fair value is defined by GAAP “as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” GAAP further defines an “orderly transaction” as “a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets. It is not a forced transaction (for example, a forced liquidation or distress sale).” Although management believes its processes for determining the value of impaired loans and foreclosed properties are appropriate and allow United to arrive at a fair value, the processes require management judgment and assumptions and the value of such assets at the time they are revalued or divested may be significantly different from management’s determination of fair value. In addition, because of subjectivity in fair value determinations, there may be grounds for differences in opinions, which may result in disagreements between management and the Bank’s regulators, disagreements which could cause the Bank to change its judgments about fair value.


The fair values for available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are generally based upon quoted market prices or observable market prices for similar instruments. UnitedManagement utilizes a third-party pricing service to assist with determining the fair value of its securities portfolio. The pricing service uses observable inputs when available including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids and offers. These values take into account recent market activity as well as other market observable data such as interest rate, spread and prepayment information. When market observable data is not available, which generally occurs due to the lack of liquidity for certain securities, the valuation of the security is subjective and may involve substantial judgment by management. As of December 31, 2014, United had $750,000 of available-for-sale securities valued using unobservable inputs.  This amount represents less than .01% of total assets.  United periodically reviews available-for-sale securities that are in an unrealized loss position to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment exists. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost-basis. The primary factors Unitedmanagement considers in determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary are long term expectations and recent experience regarding principal and interest payments, and United’sthe ability and intent to hold the security until the amortized cost basis is recovered.


United uses derivatives primarily to manage its interest rate risk or to help its customers manage their interest rate risk. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes and internal pricing models that are primarily sensitive to market observable data. However, United does evaluate the level of these observable inputs and there are some instances, with highly structured transactions, where United has determined that the inputs not directly observable. This is discussed covered in Note 2324 to the Financial Statements.consolidated financial statements. United mitigates the credit risk by subjecting counterparties to credit reviews and approvals similar to those used in making loans and other extensions of credit. In addition, certain counterparties are required to provide collateral to United when their unsecured loss positions exceed certain negotiated limits.


As Unitedmanagement has expanded its SBA lending and subsequent loan sales activities, a servicing asset has been recognized (per ASC 860). This asset is recorded at fair value on recognition, and United has elected to carry this asset at fair value for subsequent reporting. United also recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential mortgage loans sold with servicing retained. Effective January 1, 2017, United elected to carry servicing rights for residential mortgage loans at fair value. Given the nature of the asset,these SBA/USDA and residential mortgage servicing assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and United discloses this assetthem as level 3 item in Note 23.

24.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, management elected the fair value option for most newly originated mortgage loans held for sale. United elected the fair value option for its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan, and as such is categorized as level 2 in Note 24.

As of December 31, 2017, United had $900,000 of available-for-sale securities, $7.74 million in servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans, $8.26 million in residential mortgage servicing rights and $12.2 million in derivative financial instruments that were valued using unobservable inputs. The sum of these items represents less than .25% of total assets. United also had $16.7 million in derivative financial instruments recorded as liabilities that were valued using unobservable inputs, which represent .16% of total liabilities.

Income Tax Accounting


Income tax liabilities or assets are established for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current or prior years. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are also established for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. A deferred tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and deductions that can be carried forward (used) in future years. The valuation of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is considered critical as it requires management to make estimates based on provisions of the enacted tax laws. The assessment of tax assets and liabilities involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretations, and judgments concerning certain accounting pronouncements and federal and state tax codes. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions or positions of regulatory agencies and federal and state taxing authorities, will not differ from management’s current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the consolidated results of operations and reported earnings.

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At December 31, 2014,2017, United reported a net deferred tax asset totaling $216$88.0 million, andnet of a valuation allowance of $4.80$4.41 million. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740,Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. United’s management considers both positive and negative evidence. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.


Regulatory risk-based capital rules limit the amount of deferred tax assets that a bank or bank holding company can include in Tier 1 capital. Generally, deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income are limited to the lesser of: (i) the amountarise from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, net of suchany related valuation allowances and net of deferred tax assets that the bank expects to realize within one year of the calendar quarter-end date, based on its projected future taxable income for that year or (ii) 10% of the amount of the bank’sliabilities, are excluded from CET1 and Tier 1 capital.


Deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks, net of related valuation allowances and net of deferred tax liabilities, that exceed certain thresholds are excluded from CET1 and Tier 1 capital.

Mergers and Acquisitions


United selectively engages in the evaluation of strategic partnerships. Mergers and acquisitions present opportunities to enter new markets with an established presence and a capable management team already in place.place or enhance our market share in markets where we already have an established presence. United employs certain criteria to ensure that any merger or acquisition candidate meets strategic growth and earnings objectives that will build future franchise value for shareholders. Additionally, the criteria include ensuring that management of a potential partner shares United’s community banking philosophy of premium service quality and operates in attractive markets with excellent opportunities for further organic growth.


On June 26, 2014,November 1, 2017, United completed the acquisition of substantially allFOFN and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Four Oaks Bank & Trust Company. FOFN operated 14 banking offices in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $729 million of assets and assumed $658 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the assetsmerger agreement, FOFN shareholders received .6178 shares of Business Carolina, Inc., a specialty SBA / United States Departmentcommon stock and $1.90 for each share of Agriculture (“USDA”) lender headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.  OnFOFN common stock issued and outstanding at the closing date, United paid $31.3 million in cash for loans having aor an aggregate of $126 million. The fair value onof consideration paid exceeded the purchase date of $24.8 million, accrued interest of $83,000, servicing rights with a fair value onof the purchase dateidentifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of $2.13 million, premises and equipment with a fair value on the purchase date of $2.60 million and goodwill in the amount of $1.51$54.7 million.

On July 31, 2017, United completed the acquisition of HCSB and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Horry County State Bank. HCSB operated eight branches in coastal South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $390 million representingof assets and assumed $347 million of liabilities. Under the premiumterms of the merger agreement, HCSB shareholders received .0050 shares of United common stock for each share of HCSB common stock issued and outstanding at the closing date, or an aggregate of $65.8 million. The fair value of consideration paid overexceeded the fair value of the separately identifiable assets and liabilities acquired.


acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $23.9 million.

On July 1, 2016, United completed the acquisition of Tidelands and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Tidelands Bank. Tidelands operated seven branches in coastal South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $440 million of assets and assumed $440 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Tidelands’ shareholders received cash equal to $0.52 per common share, or an aggregate of $2.22 million. Additionally, at closing, United redeemed all of Tidelands’ fixed-rate cumulative preferred stock that was issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, plus unpaid dividends, for $8.98 million in aggregate. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $10.7 million.

On September 1, 2015, United completed the acquisition of Palmetto and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, The Palmetto Bank. Palmetto operated 25 branches in South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $1.15 billion of assets and assumed $1.02 billion of liabilities. Total consideration transferred was $244 million of common equity and cash. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $115 million.

On May 1, 2015, United completed the acquisition of MoneyTree and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank. MoneyTree operated ten branches in east Tennessee. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $459 million of assets and assumed $410 million of liabilities and $9.99 million of preferred stock. Total consideration transferred was $54.6 million of common equity and cash. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $14.7 million.

United will continue to evaluate potential transactions as theyopportunities arise.

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Recent Developments

On January 18, 2018, United issued $100 million of 4.5% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated notes due January 30, 2028 (the “Notes”). The Notes will initially bear interest at a rate of 4.500% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears, with interest commencing on the issue date, to, but excluding, January 30, 2023, and, thereafter, payable quarterly in arrears at an annual floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined for the applicable quarterly period, plus 2.120%. The notes are presented.


callable after five years and qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital.

On February 1, 2018, United completed its previously announced acquisition of NLFC Holdings Corp. (“NLFC”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Navitas Credit Corp (“Navitas”). Navitas is a specialty lending company providing equipment finance credit services to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. As of December 31, 2017, NLFC had total assets of $410 million and loans of $377 million.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, NLFC shareholders received $130 million in total consideration, $84.5 million of which was paid in cash and $45.7 million was paid in United common stock.

GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation


This Form 10-K contains non-GAAP financial measuresinformation determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial information includes the following measures: “tangible book value per common share,” “tangible equity to assets,” “tangible common equity to assets” and “tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets.” In addition, management presents non-GAAP operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other items that are not part of United’s ongoing business operations. Operating performance measures include among others,“expenses – operating,” “net income – operating,” “net income available to common shareholders – operating,” “diluted income per common share – operating,” “return on common equity – operating,” “return on tangible common equity – operating,” “return on assets – operating,” “dividend payout ratio – operating” and “efficiency ratio – operating.” Management has developed internal processes and procedures to accurately capture and account for merger-related and other charges and those charges are reviewed with the following:  taxable equivalent interest revenue, taxable equivalent net interest revenue, operating provision for loan losses, operating fee revenue, total operating revenue, operating expense, operating income (loss), operating earnings (loss) per share and operating earnings (loss) per diluted share.audit committee of United’s Board of Directors each quarter. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes they aremay provide useful supplemental information for evaluating ourUnited’s operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating ourUnited’s business and in discussions about ourUnited’s operations and performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing our financial results and credit trends, as well as comparison to financial results for prior periods.  These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled financial measures used by other companies.  A reconciliation of these operating performance measures to GAAP performance measures is included on the tables on pages 31 through 32.


In 2010, United recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $211 million in the third quarter.  Also in 2010, United received a partial recovery of $11.8 million, net of recovery costs, in the fourth quarter resulting from fraud losses incurred in 2007 relating to two failed real estate developments near Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

Net operating income (loss) excludes the effect of the goodwill impairment charge of $211 million and the $11.8 million fraud loss partial recovery in 2010, because management believes that the circumstances leading to those items were isolated, non-recurring events and do not reflect overall trends in United’s earnings and financial performance.  Management believes this non-GAAP net operating loss providesalso provide users of United’s financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing United’s financial results and credit trends, as well as a comparison to financial results for prior periods. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included in the tables on pages 35 through 36.

34
The following table contains a reconciliation of net operating income to GAAP net income.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Table 1 - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation - Annual

Selected Financial Information

  For the Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
(in thousands, except per share data) 2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
                
Expense reconciliation                    
Expenses (GAAP) $267,611  $241,289  $211,238  $162,865  $174,304 
Merger-related and other charges  (14,662)  (8,122)  (17,995)  -   - 
Expenses - operating $252,949  $233,167  $193,243  $162,865  $174,304 
                     
Net income reconciliation                    
Net income (GAAP) $67,821  $100,656  $71,578  $67,620  $273,140 
Merger-related and other charges  14,662   8,122   17,995   -   - 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges  (3,745)  (3,074)  (6,388)  -   - 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  38,199   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   976   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  3,400   -   -   -   - 
Net income - operating $120,337  $106,680  $83,185  $67,620  $273,140 
Diluted income per common share reconciliation                    
Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $.92  $1.40  $1.09  $1.11  $4.44 
Merger-related and other charges  .14   .07   .18   -   - 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  .52   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   .01   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  .05   -   -   -   - 
Diluted income per common share - operating $1.63  $1.48  $1.27  $1.11  $4.44 
                     
Book value per common share reconciliation                    
Book value per common share (GAAP) $16.67  $15.06  $14.02  $12.20  $11.30 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  (3.02)  (2.11)  (1.96)  (.05)  (.04)
Tangible book value per common share $13.65  $12.95  $12.06  $12.15  $11.26 
                     
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                    
Return on common equity (GAAP)  5.67%  9.41%  8.15%  9.17%  46.72%
Merger-related and other charges  .92   .48   1.33   -   - 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  3.20   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   .09   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  .28   -   -   -   - 
Return on common equity - operating  10.07   9.98   9.48   9.17   46.72 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  1.95   1.88   .76   .15   .63 
Return on tangible common equity - operating  12.02%  11.86%  10.24%  9.32%  47.35%
                     
Return on assets reconciliation                    
Return on assets (GAAP)  .62%  1.00%  .85%  .91%  3.86%
Merger-related and other charges  .09   .05   .13   -   - 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  .35   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   .01   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  .03   -   -   -   - 
Return on assets - operating  1.09%  1.06%  .98%  .91%  3.86%
                     
Dividend payout ratio reconciliation                    
Dividend payout ratio (GAAP)  41.30%  21.43%  20.18%  9.91%  -%
Merger-related and other charges  (5.65)  (1.02)  (2.86)  -   - 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  (11.61)  -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   (.14)  -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  (.73)  -   -   -   - 
Dividend payout ratio - operating  23.31%  20.27%  17.32%  9.91%  -%
                     
Efficiency ratio reconciliation                    
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)  59.95%  59.80%  63.96%  58.26%  63.14%
Merger-related and other charges  (3.28)  (2.02)  (5.45)  -   - 
Efficiency ratio - operating  56.67%  57.78%  58.51%  58.26%  63.14%
                     
Average equity to assets reconciliation                    
Equity to assets (GAAP)  10.71%  10.54%  10.27%  9.69%  10.35%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  (1.42)  (1.33)  (.53)  (.02)  (.04)
    Tangible equity to assets  9.29   9.21   9.74   9.67   10.31 
Effect of preferred equity  -   (.02)  (.08)  (.07)  (2.76)
Tangible common equity to assets  9.29%  9.19%  9.66%  9.60%  7.55%
                     
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets reconciliation                    
Tier 1 capital ratio (Regulatory)  12.24%  11.23%  11.45%  12.06%  12.74%
Effect of other comprehensive income  (.29)  (.34)  (.38)  (.35)  (.39)
Effect of deferred tax limitation  .51   1.26   2.05   3.11   4.26 
Effect of trust preferred  (.36)  (.25)  (.08)  (1.00)  (1.04)
Effect of preferred equity  -   -   (.15)  -   (2.39)
Basel III intangibles transition adjustment  (.05)  (.06)  (.10)  -   - 
Basel III disallowed investments  -   -   .03   -   - 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  12.05%  11.84%  12.82%  13.82%  13.18%

35

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Table 1 (Continued) - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation - Quarterly

Selected Financial Information

  2017  2016 
  Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth  Third  Second  First 
(in thousands, except per share data) Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
                         
Expense reconciliation                                
Expenses (GAAP) $75,882  $65,674  $63,229  $62,826  $61,321  $64,023  $58,060  $57,885 
Merger-related and other charges  (7,358)  (3,420)  (1,830)  (2,054)  (1,141)  (3,152)  (1,176)  (2,653)
Expenses - operating $68,524  $62,254  $61,399  $60,772  $60,180  $60,871  $56,884  $55,232 
                                 
Net income reconciliation                                
Net income (GAAP) $(11,916) $27,946  $28,267  $23,524  $27,221  $25,874  $25,266  $22,295 
Merger-related and other charges  7,358   3,420   1,830   2,054   1,141   3,152   1,176   2,653 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges  (1,165)  (1,147)  (675)  (758)  (432)  (1,193)  (445)  (1,004)
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  38,199   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   976   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   3,400   -   -   -   - 
Net income - operating $32,476  $30,219  $29,422  $28,220  $28,906  $27,833  $25,997  $23,944 
Diluted income per common share reconciliation                                
Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $(.16) $.38  $.39  $.33  $.38  $.36  $.35  $.31 
Merger-related and other charges  .08   .03   .02   .01   .01   .03   .01   .02 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  .50   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   .01   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   .05   -   -   -   - 
Diluted income per common share - operating $.42  $.41  $.41  $.39  $.40  $.39  $.36  $.33 
                                 
Book value per common share reconciliation                                
Book value per common share (GAAP) $16.67  $16.50  $15.83  $15.40  $15.06  $15.12  $14.80  $14.35 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  (3.02)  (2.39)  (2.09)  (2.10)  (2.11)  (2.12)  (1.96)  (1.95)
Tangible book value per common share $13.65  $14.11  $13.74  $13.30  $12.95  $13.00  $12.84  $12.40 
                                 
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                                
Return on common equity (GAAP)  (3.57)%  9.22%  9.98%  8.54%  9.89%  9.61%  9.54%  8.57%
Merger-related and other charges  1.86   .75   .41   .47   .26   .73   .27   .63 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  11.44   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   .36   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   1.24   -   -   -   - 
Return on common equity - operating  9.73   9.97   10.39   10.25   10.51   10.34   9.81   9.20 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  2.20   1.96   1.80   1.85   1.96   2.11   1.75   1.71 
Return on tangible common equity - operating  11.93%  11.93%  12.19%  12.10%  12.47%  12.45%  11.56%  10.91%
                                 
Return on assets reconciliation                                
Return on assets (GAAP)  (.40)%  1.01%  1.06%  .89%  1.03%  1.00%  1.04%  .93%
Merger-related and other charges  .20   .08   .04   .05   .03   .08   .03   .07 
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  1.30   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   .04   -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   .13   -   -   -   - 
    Return on assets - operating  1.10%  1.09%  1.10%  1.07%  1.10%  1.08%  1.07%  1.00%
                                 
Dividend payout ratio reconciliation                                
Dividend payout ratio (GAAP)  (62.50)%  26.32%  23.08%  27.27%  21.05%  22.22%  20.00%  22.58%
Merger-related and other charges  12.04   (1.93)  (1.13)  (.98)  (.54)  (1.71)  (.56)  (1.37)
Impact of tax reform on remeasurement of deferred tax asset  74.27   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Impairment of deferred tax asset on canceled non-qualified stock options  -   -   -   -   (.51)  -   -   - 
Release of disproportionate tax effects lodged in OCI  -   -   -   (3.21)  -   -   -   - 
Dividend payout ratio - operating  23.81%  24.39%  21.95%  23.08%  20.00%  20.51%  19.44%  21.21%
                                 
Efficiency ratio reconciliation                                
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)  63.03%  59.27%  57.89%  59.29%  57.65%  60.78%  59.02%  61.94%
Merger-related and other charges  (6.11)  (3.09)  (1.68)  (1.94)  (1.07)  (2.99)  (1.20)  (2.84)
Efficiency ratio - operating  56.92%  56.18%  56.21%  57.35%  56.58%  57.79%  57.82%  59.10%
                                 
Average equity to assets reconciliation                                
Equity to assets (GAAP)  11.21%  10.86%  10.49%  10.24%  10.35%  10.38%  10.72%  10.72%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  (1.69)  (1.41)  (1.26)  (1.28)  (1.31)  (1.40)  (1.29)  (1.31)
Tangible equity to assets  9.52   9.45   9.23   8.96   9.04   8.98   9.43   9.41 
Effect of preferred equity  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (.09)
Tangible common equity to assets  9.52%  9.45%  9.23%  8.96%  9.04%  8.98%  9.43%  9.32%
                                 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets reconciliation                                
Tier 1 capital ratio (Regulatory)  12.24%  12.27%  11.91%  11.46%  11.23%  11.04%  11.44%  11.32%
Effect of other comprehensive income  (.29)  (.13)  (.15)  (.24)  (.34)  -   (.06)  (.25)
Effect of deferred tax limitation  .51   .94   .95   1.13   1.26   1.50   1.63   1.85 
Effect of trust preferred  (.36)  (.24)  (.25)  (.25)  (.25)  (.26)  (.08)  (.08)
Effect of preferred equity  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Basel III intangibles transition adjustment  (.05)  (.04)  (.02)  (.03)  (.06)  (.06)  (.06)  (.07)
Basel III disallowed investments  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  12.05%  12.80%  12.44%  12.07%  11.84%  12.22%  12.87%  12.77%

36
Table 1 - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation - Annual 
Selected Financial Information          
           
 (in thousands, except per share 
For the Twelve Months
Ended December 31,
 
data; taxable equivalent) 2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
           
Interest revenue reconciliation          
Interest revenue - taxable equivalent $249,969  $247,323  $267,667  $304,308  $344,493 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (1,537)  (1,483)  (1,690)  (1,707)  (2,001)
Interest revenue (GAAP) $248,432  $245,840  $265,977  $302,601  $342,492 
                     
Net interest revenue reconciliation                    
Net interest revenue - taxable equivalent $224,418  $219,641  $229,758  $238,670  $244,637 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (1,537)  (1,483)  (1,690)  (1,707)  (2,001)
Net interest revenue (GAAP) $222,881  $218,158  $228,068  $236,963  $242,636 
                     
Provision for credit losses reconciliation                    
Operating provision for credit losses $8,500  $65,500  $62,500  $251,000  $234,750 
Partial recovery of special fraud-related loan loss              (11,750)
Provision for credit losses (GAAP) $8,500  $65,500  $62,500  $251,000  $223,000 
                     
Total revenue reconciliation                    
Total operating revenue $271,472  $210,739  $223,370  $32,577  $56,850 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (1,537)  (1,483)  (1,690)  (1,707)  (2,001)
Partial recovery of special fraud-related loss              11,750 
Total revenue (GAAP) $269,935  $209,256  $221,680  $30,870  $66,599 
                     
Expense reconciliation                    
Operating expense $162,865  $174,304  $186,774  $261,599  $288,301 
Noncash goodwill impairment charge              210,590 
Operating expense (GAAP) $162,865  $174,304  $186,774  $261,599  $498,891 
                     
Income before taxes reconciliation                    
Income before taxes $108,607  $36,435  $36,596  $(229,022) $(231,451)
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (1,537)  (1,483)  (1,690)  (1,707)  (2,001)
Income before taxes (GAAP) $107,070  $34,952  $34,906  $(230,729) $(432,292)
                     
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation                    
Income tax expense (benefit) $40,987  $(236,705) $2,740  $(2,276) $73,218 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (1,537)  (1,483)  (1,690)  (1,707)  (2,001)
Income tax expense (benefit) (GAAP) $39,450  $(238,188) $1,050  $(3,983) $71,217 
                     
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share reconciliation                    
Diluted operating earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share $1.11  $4.44  $.38  $(5.97) $(16.64)
Noncash goodwill impairment charge              (11.13)
Partial recovery of special fraud-related loan loss              .62 
Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per common share (GAAP) $1.11  $4.44  $.38  $(5.97) $(27.15)
                     
Book value per common share reconciliation                    
Tangible book value per common share $12.15  $11.26  $6.57  $6.47  $14.80 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  .05   .04   .10   .15   .60 
Book value per common share (GAAP) $12.20  $11.30  $6.67  $6.62  $15.40 
                     
Efficiency ratio from continuing operations reconciliation                    
Operating efficiency ratio from continuing operations  58.26%  63.14%  65.43%  92.27%  98.98%
Noncash goodwill impairment charge              72.29 
Efficiency ratio from continuing operations (GAAP)  58.26%  63.14%  65.43%  92.27%  171.27%
                     
Average equity to assets reconciliation                    
Tangible common equity to assets  9.60%  7.55%  5.54%  3.74%  6.52%
Effect of preferred equity  .07   2.76   2.84   3.88   2.36 
Tangible equity to assets  9.67   10.31   8.38   7.62   8.88 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  .02   .04   .09   .13   1.89 
Equity to assets (GAAP)  9.69%  10.35%  8.47%  7.75%  10.77%
                     
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets reconciliation                    
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  13.82%  13.18%  8.26%  8.25%  5.64%
Effect of other comprehensive income  .35   .39   .51   (.03)  (.42)
Effect of deferred tax limitation  (3.11)  (4.26)         
Effect of trust preferred  1.00   1.04   1.15   1.18   1.06 
Effect of preferred equity     2.39   4.24   4.29   3.53 
Tier I capital ratio (Regulatory)  12.06%  12.74%  14.16%  13.69%  9.81%
                     
Net charge-offs reconciliation                    
Operating net charge-offs $13,878  $93,710  $69,831  $311,227  $215,657 
Subsequent partial recovery of fraud-related charge-off              (11,750)
Net charge-offs (GAAP) $13,878  $93,710  $69,831  $311,227  $203,907 
                     
Net charge-offs to average loans reconciliation                    
Operating net charge-offs to average loans  .31%  2.22%  1.69%  7.33%  4.42%
Subsequent partial recovery of fraud-related charge-off              (.25)
Net charge-offs to average loans (GAAP)  .31%  2.22%  1.69%  7.33%  4.17%
                     

Table 1 (Continued) - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation - Quarterly     
Selected Financial Information             
                 
  2014  2013 
(in thousands, except per share Fourth  Third  Second  First  Fourth  Third  Second  First 
data; taxable equivalent) Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 
                       
Interest revenue reconciliation                
Interest revenue - taxable equivalent $64,353  $63,338  $61,783  $60,495  $61,695  $61,426  $62,088  $62,114 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (398)  (405)  (377)  (357)  (380)  (370)  (368)  (365)
Interest revenue (GAAP) $63,955  $62,933  $61,406  $60,138  $61,315  $61,056  $61,720  $61,749 
                                 
Net interest revenue reconciliation                                
Net interest revenue - taxable equivalent $58,332  $56,967  $54,950  $54,169  $55,879  $54,257  $54,931  $54,574 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (398)  (405)  (377)  (357)  (380)  (370)  (368)  (365)
Net interest revenue (GAAP) $57,934  $56,562  $54,573  $53,812  $55,499  $53,887  $54,563  $54,209 
                                 
Total revenue reconciliation                                
Total operating revenue $71,355  $69,379  $66,893  $63,845  $66,398  $65,482  $22,374  $56,485 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (398)  (405)  (377)  (357)  (380)  (370)  (368)  (365)
Total revenue (GAAP) $70,957  $68,974  $66,516  $63,488  $66,018  $65,112  $22,006  $56,120 
                                 
Income before taxes reconciliation                                
Income before taxes $29,436  $28,015  $26,361  $24,795  $24,784  $25,385  $(26,449) $12,715 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (398)  (405)  (377)  (357)  (380)  (370)  (368)  (365)
    Income before taxes (GAAP) $29,038  $27,610  $25,984  $24,438  $24,404  $25,015  $(26,817) $12,350 
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation                             
Income tax expense (benefit) $11,189  $10,399  $10,004  $9,395  $8,873  $9,885  $(256,413) $950 
Taxable equivalent adjustment  (398)  (405)  (377)  (357)  (380)  (370)  (368)  (365)
Income tax expense (benefit) (GAAP) $10,791  $9,994  $9,627  $9,038  $8,493  $9,515  $(256,781) $585 
                                 
Book value per common share reconciliation                             
Tangible book value per common share $12.15  $12.10  $11.91  $11.63  $11.26  $10.95  $10.82  $6.76 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  .05   .05   .03   .03   .04   .04   .08   .09 
Book value per common share (GAAP) $12.20  $12.15  $11.94  $11.66  $11.30  $10.99  $10.90  $6.85 
                                 
Average equity to assets reconciliation                             
Tangible common equity to assets  9.72%  9.83%  9.58%  9.22%  8.99%  9.02%  8.79%  5.66%
Effect of preferred equity           .28   2.60   2.74   2.74   2.87 
Tangible equity to assets  9.72   9.83   9.58   9.50   11.59   11.76   11.53   8.53 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles  .04   .02   .03   .02   .03   .04   .04   .07 
Equity to assets (GAAP)  9.76%  9.85%  9.61%  9.52%  11.62%  11.80%  11.57%  8.60%
                                 
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets reconciliation                     
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets  13.82%  14.10%  13.92%  13.63%  13.18%  13.34%  13.16%  8.45%
Effect of other comprehensive income  .35   .34   .53   .36   .39   .49   .29   .49 
Effect of deferred tax limitation  (3.11)  (3.39)  (3.74)  (3.92)  (4.26)  (4.72)  (4.99)  - 
Effect of trust preferred  1.00   1.02   1.04   1.03   1.04   1.09   1.11   1.15 
Effect of preferred equity              2.39   4.01   4.11   4.22 
Tier I capital ratio (Regulatory)  12.06%  12.07%  11.75%  11.10%  12.74%  14.21%  13.68%  14.31%

Results of Operations


United reported net income of $67.6$67.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017. This compared to net income of $273$101 million in 2013.2016. Diluted earnings per common share for 20142017 were $1.11.  This$.92, compared to diluted earnings per common share for 20132016 of $4.44.


United’s results for 2013 included a few large items in operating earnings that are generally nonrecurring in nature that affect comparability between periods.  Earnings for 2013 were significantly impacted by a large bulk sale of classified assets in the second quarter that resulted in a pre-tax loss of $26.8 million, which was more than offset by a $257 million credit to income tax expense resulting from the reversal of most of the valuation allowance on United’s deferred tax assets.
32
$1.40.

Net Interest Revenue (Taxable Equivalent)

Net interest revenue (the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and other liabilities) is the single largest component of United’s revenue. United actively managesManagement seeks to optimize this revenue source to provide optimal levels of revenue while balancing interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks. Net interest revenue for 2017 was $356 million, compared to $310 million for 2016 and $257 million for 2015. Taxable equivalent net interest revenue totaled $224$358 million in 2014,2017, an increase of $4.78$47.4 million, or 2%15%, from 2013.2016. Taxable equivalent net interest revenue for 2013 decreased $10.12016 increased $52.1 million, or 4%20%, from 2012.


Net interest revenue had been on a declining trend2015.

The combination of the larger earning asset base from 2009 through 2013 due to attritionthe Acquisitions, growth in the loan portfolio and intense loan pricing competition.  United’s securities portfolio yield had also declined during that period as United was unable to reinvest proceeds of maturing securities at comparable interest rates.  United had been unable to lower its funding costs to fully offset the decline in earning asset yields leading to lower net interest revenue.  In the second quarter of 2014, United restructured its balance sheet to improve itsa wider net interest margin and increase net interest revenue.  The second quarter 2014 balance sheet restructure included the sale of approximately $237 million in securities which were mostly low-yielding, variable-rate collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and fixed rate corporate bonds that had been swapped to a floating rate.  Improvement in the credit spreads on corporate bonds allowed United to sell the securities at an attractive gain that was used to repay $44 million in structured repurchase agreements that were paying a 4% interest rate.  About $120 million of the proceeds from the sales of securities was reinvested in fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and higher yielding floating rate collateralized loan obligations to offset the impact of the decrease in interest revenue on the sold securities.  These actions in the second quarter of 2014, along with strong loan growth in the latter half of the year, were primarily responsible for the increase in net interest revenuerevenue. The acquisition of FOFN on November 1, 2017, HCSB on July 31, 2017 and stabilizingTidelands on July 1, 2016 contributed to the net interest margin.


Alsoincrease as the acquired entities’ results are included in consolidated results beginning on the second quarter of 2014, as a result of improvement inrespective acquisition date.

Average loans increased $737 million, or 12%, from 2016, while the interest sensitivity position, United effectively terminated $300 million notional in pay fixed forward starting swaps that were serving as cash flow hedges of LIBOR based wholesale borrowings and indexed money market deposits.  The swaps were entered into in 2012 in anticipationyield on loans increased 22 basis points, reflecting the effect of rising interest rates and had forward start dates that took effecton the floating rate loans in the first and second quarters of 2014.  Changes in United’s balance sheet since that time made the hedges no longer necessary to achieve a neutral interest sensitivity position. The termination of the cash flow hedges in the second quarter of 2014 lowered United’s deposit and wholesale borrowings costs and also contributedportfolio.

Average interest-earning assets for 2017 increased $905 million, or 10%, from 2016, which was due primarily to the increase in net interest revenueloans, including the acquisitions of FOFN, HCSB and improvement in the net interest margin.  United effectively terminated another $100 million notional in pay fixed swaps that were serving as cash flow hedges of LIBOR based money market deposits late in the fourth quarter of 2014.


The above noted securities transactions, along with slowing prepayment activity in United’s mortgage backed securities, which were mostly purchased at a premium, increased the overall yield in the investment portfolio.  The higherTidelands loans. Average investment securities yields offset muchfor 2017 increased $156 million from a year ago, partially due to the Acquisitions. The average yield on the taxable investment portfolio increased 16 basis points from a year ago, primarily due to the impact of higher short-term interest rates on the floating rate portion of the effectsecurities portfolio as well as accelerated discount accretion on interest revenue of the decline in loan yields.  The yieldcalled asset-backed securities and a higher reinvestment rate on other interest-earning assets increased 42 basis points although the average balance declined $48.5 million from 2013. Included in other interest-earning assets are reverse repurchase agreements, including collateral swap transactions, where United enters into a repurchase agreement and reverse repurchase agreement simultaneously with the same counterparty subject to a master netting agreement. In these transactions, the offsetting balances are netted on the balance sheet.

maturing fixed rate investments.

Average interest bearinginterest-bearing liabilities in 20142017 increased $176$437 million, or 4%7%, from the prior year as United’s funding needs increased with the increase in lending activityloans and a larger securities portfolio. Average noninterest bearingnoninterest-bearing deposits increased $175$390 million from 20132016 to 20142017 providing muchsome of United’s 20142017 funding needs. The average cost of interest bearinginterest-bearing liabilities for 20142017 was .50%.49% compared to .56%.39% for 2013,2016, reflecting United’s concerted efforts to reduce deposit pricing.  Also contributing to the overall lowera higher average rate on interest bearing liabilities was a shift in the mix of deposits away from more expensive time deposits toward lower-rate transactioninterest-bearing deposits.  United was able to reduce the effective rate on brokered deposits by swapping the fixed rate on longer-term brokered time deposits to LIBOR minus a spread.  In 2013, this hedging program resulted in a negative rate on brokered certificates of deposit.


The banking industry uses two key ratios to measure relative profitability of net interest revenue - the net interest spread and the net interest margin. The net interest spread measures the difference between the average yield on interest earninginterest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearinginterest-bearing liabilities. The interest rate spread eliminates the effect of non-interest-bearing deposits and other non-interest bearingnon-interest-bearing funding sources and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market interest rate movements. The net interest margin is an indication of the profitability of a company’s overall balance sheet management activities and is defined as net interest revenue as a percentage of total average interest earninginterest-earning assets, which includes the positive effect of funding a portion of interest earninginterest-earning assets with customers’ non-interest bearingnon-interest-bearing deposits and with shareholders’ equity.


For 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012, United’s2015, the net interest spread was 3.13%3.37%, 3.16%3.24%, and 3.34%3.19%, respectively, while the net interest margin was 3.26%3.52%, 3.36%, and 3.30%, respectively. Increases in loan yield and 3.51%, respectively.securities yield were only partially offset by an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities as rates paid on core deposits lagged general increases in market rates. The declineincrease in both ratios from 20132015 to 20142016 was due to lower yields on loans, which were not completely offset by thean increase in the taxableyield on investment securities, yield andwhich more than offset the decrease in rates paid for depositsloan yields due to competitive pricing pressure on new and other interest bearing liabilities.renewed loans.

37

The following table shows the relationship between interest revenue and interest expense and the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Margin Analysis

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In thousands, fully taxable equivalent)

  2017  2016  2015 
  Average     Avg.  Average     Avg.  Average     Avg. 
  Balance  Interest  Rate  Balance  Interest  Rate  Balance  Interest  Rate 
Assets:                                    
Interest-earning assets:                                    
Loans(1)(2) $7,150,211  $315,138   4.41% $6,412,740  $268,478   4.19% $5,297,687  $223,713   4.22%
Taxable securities(3)  2,761,983   70,172   2.54   2,665,051   63,413   2.38   2,342,533   51,143   2.18 
Tax-exempt securities(1)(3)  85,415   3,627   4.25   26,244   1,005   3.83   25,439   1,154   4.54 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets  164,314   2,966   1.81   152,722   3,149   2.06   168,494   3,799   2.25 
Total interest-earning assets  10,161,923   391,903   3.86   9,256,757   336,045   3.63   7,834,153   279,809   3.57 
Non-interest-earning assets:                                    
Allowance for loan losses  (60,602)          (65,294)          (71,001)        
Cash and due from banks  107,053           95,613           81,244         
Premises and equipment  198,970           187,698           174,835         
Other assets(3)  607,174           579,051           442,878         
Total assets $11,014,518          $10,053,825          $8,462,109         
                                     
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:                                    
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
  Interest-bearing deposits:                                    
NOW $1,950,827  $3,365   .17  $1,826,729  $1,903   .10  $1,563,911  $1,505   .10 
Money market  2,136,336   7,033   .33   1,941,288   4,982   .26   1,678,765   3,466   .21 
Savings deposits  591,831   135   .02   515,179   135   .03   372,414   98   .03 
Time deposits  1,338,859   5,417   .40   1,289,876   3,138   .24   1,269,360   4,823   .38 
Brokered deposits  108,891   1,112   1.02   171,420   (2)  .00   269,162   (1,067)  (.40)
Total interest-bearing deposits  6,126,744   17,062   .28   5,744,492   10,156   .18   5,153,612   8,825   .17 
Federal funds purchased, repurchase agreeements, & other short-term borrowings  26,856   352   1.31   34,906   399   1.14   49,301   364   .74 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  576,472   6,095   1.06   499,026   3,676   .74   250,404   1,743   .70 
Long-term debt  156,327   10,226   6.54   170,479   11,005   6.46   139,979   10,177   7.27 
Total borrowed funds  759,655   16,673   2.19   704,411   15,080   2.14   439,684   12,284   2.79 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  6,886,399   33,735   .49   6,448,903   25,236   .39   5,593,296   21,109   .38 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
Non-interest-bearing deposits  2,823,005           2,432,846           1,901,521         
Other liabilities  124,832           112,774           97,890         
Total liabilities  9,834,236           8,994,523           7,592,707         
Shareholders' equity  1,180,282           1,059,302           869,402         
Total liabilities                                    
and shareholders' equity $11,014,518          $10,053,825          $8,462,109         
  Net interest revenue     $358,168          $310,809          $258,700     
  Net interest-rate spread          3.37%          3.24%          3.19%
  Net interest margin(4)          3.52%          3.36%          3.30%

Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheet(1)Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and Net Interest Margin Analysis
Forloans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 39%, reflecting the Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, taxable equivalent)statutory federal rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.
 2014  2013  2012 
 Average    Avg.  Average    Avg.  Average    Avg. 
 Balance  Interest  Rate  Balance  Interest  Rate  Balance  Interest  Rate 
Assets:                  
Interest-earning assets:                  
Loans (1)(2)
 $4,450,268  $197,039   4.43% $4,254,159  $201,278   4.73% $4,165,520  $217,705   5.23%
Taxable securities(3)
  2,255,084   47,755   2.12   2,169,024   40,331   1.86   2,065,162   43,657   2.11 
Tax-exempt securities (1)(3)
19,2791,2096.2721,2281,3546.3823,7591,5656.59
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets  155,803   3,966   2.55   204,303   4,360   2.13   292,857   4,740   1.62 
 Total interest-earning assets  6,880,434   249,969   3.63   6,648,714   247,323   3.72   6,547,298   267,667   4.09 
Non-interest-earning assets:                                    
Allowance for loan losses  (75,237)          (95,411)          (114,647)        
Cash and due from banks  67,818           63,174           53,247         
Premises and equipment  161,391           167,424           172,544         
Other assets(3)
  401,240           290,098           206,609         
 Total assets $7,435,646          $7,073,999          $6,865,051         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                                    
  Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
Interest-bearing deposits:                                    
NOW $1,396,373  $1,651   .12  $1,285,842  $1,759   .14  $1,293,510  $2,049   .16 
Money market  1,389,837   3,060   .22   1,315,385   2,210   .17   1,140,354   2,518   .22 
Savings deposits  277,351   81   .03   244,725   133   .05   216,880   150   .07 
Time deposits less than $100,000  811,846   3,636   .45   974,470   5,850   .60   1,170,202   9,788   .84 
Time deposits greater than $100,000  551,027   3,373   .61   654,102   5,115   .78   766,411   8,027   1.05 
Brokered deposits  293,657   124   .04   219,215   (501)  (.23)  155,902   1,282   .82 
Total interest-bearing deposits  4,720,091   11,925   .25   4,693,739   14,566   .31   4,743,259   23,814   .50 
                                     
Federal funds purchased, repurchase agreeements, & other short-term borrowings  74,541   2,160   2.90   66,561   2,071   3.11   80,593   2,987   3.71 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  175,481   912   .52   32,604   68   .21   124,771   907   .73 
Long-term debt  129,865   10,554   8.13   131,081   10,977   8.37   127,623   10,201   7.99 
Total borrowed funds  379,887   13,626   3.59   230,246   13,116   5.70   332,987   14,095   4.23 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  5,099,978   25,551   .50   4,923,985   27,682   .56   5,076,246   37,909   .75 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
Non-interest-bearing deposits  1,507,944           1,333,199           1,142,236         
Other liabilities  107,523           84,506           64,986         
Total liabilities  6,715,445           6,341,690           6,283,468         
Shareholders’ equity  720,201           732,309           581,583         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $7,435,646          $7,073,999          $6,865,051         
Net interest revenue     $224,418          $219,641          $229,758     
Net interest-rate spread          3.13%          3.16%          3.34%
Net interest margin (4)
          3.26%          3.30%          3.51%
(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 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.
(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 $3.36$4.33 million, $4.36$16.0 million and $23.6$11.4 million in 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively, 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.

38
(4)  Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.


The following table shows the relative effect on net interest revenue of changes in the average outstanding balances (volume) of earninginterest-earning assets and interest bearinginterest-bearing liabilities and the rates earned and paid by United on such assets and liabilities.


Table 3 - Change in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense           
(in thousands, taxable equivalent)            
             
  2014 Compared to 2013  2013 Compared to 2012 
 Increase (decrease)Increase (decrease)
  due to changes in  due to changes in 
  Volume  Rate  Total  Volume  Rate  Total 
Interest-earning assets:            
Loans $9,030  $(13,269) $(4,239) $4,552  $(20,979) $(16,427)
Taxable securities  1,650   5,774   7,424   2,118   (5,444)  (3,326)
Tax-exempt securities  (123)  (22)  (145)  (163)  (48)  (211)
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets  (1,145)  751   (394)  (1,656)  1,276   (380)
Total interest-earning assets  9,412   (6,766)  2,646   4,851   (25,195)  (20,344)
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Interest-bearing deposits:                        
NOW  143   (251)  (108)  (12)  (278)  (290)
Money Market  131   719   850   350   (658)  (308)
Savings deposits  16   (68)  (52)  18   (35)  (17)
Time deposits less than $100,000  (878)  (1,336)  (2,214)  (1,465)  (2,473)  (3,938)
Time deposits greater than $100,000  (732)  (1,010)  (1,742)  (1,067)  (1,845)  (2,912)
Brokered deposits  (125)  750   625   360   (2,143)  (1,783)
Total interest-bearing deposits  (1,445)  (1,196)  (2,641)  (1,816)  (7,432)  (9,248)
Federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements & other short-term borrowings  237   (148)  89   (477)  (439)  (916)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  630   214   844   (427)  (412)  (839)
Long-term debt  (101)  (322)  (423)  281   495   776 
Total borrowed funds  766   (256)  510   (623)  (356)  (979)
Total interest-bearing liabilities  (679)  (1,452)  (2,131)  (2,439)  (7,788)  (10,227)
                         
Increase (decrease) in net interest revenue $10,091  $(5,314) $4,777  $7,290  $(17,407) $(10,117)
                         

Table 3 - Change in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense

(in thousands, fully taxable equivalent)

  2017 Compared to 2016  2016 Compared to 2015 
  Increase (decrease)  Increase (decrease) 
  due to changes in  due to changes in 
  Volume  Rate  Total  Volume  Rate  Total 
Interest-earning assets:                        
Loans $31,991  $14,669  $46,660  $46,699  $(1,934) $44,765 
Taxable securities  2,361   4,398   6,759   7,424   4,846   12,270 
Tax-exempt securities  2,501   121   2,622   36   (185)  (149)
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets  228   (411)  (183)  (340)  (310)  (650)
Total interest-earning assets  37,081   18,777   55,858   53,819   2,417   56,236 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Interest-bearing deposits:                        
NOW  137   1,325   1,462   267   131   398 
Money Market  538   1,513   2,051   594   922   1,516 
Savings deposits  19   (19)  -   37   -   37 
Time deposits  123   2,156   2,279   77   (1,762)  (1,685)
Brokered deposits  -   1,114   1,114   284   781   1,065 
Total interest-bearing deposits  817   6,089   6,906   1,259   72   1,331 
Federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements & other short-term borrowings  (100)  53   (47)  (127)  162   35 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  636   1,783   2,419   1,826   107   1,933 
Long-term debt  (924)  145   (779)  2,053   (1,225)  828 
  Total borrowed funds  (388)  1,981   1,593   3,752   (956)  2,796 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  429   8,070   8,499   5,011   (884)  4,127 
                         
Increase in net interest revenue $36,652  $10,707  $47,359  $48,808  $3,301  $52,109 

Any variance attributable jointly to volume and rate changes is allocated to the volume and rate variance in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.


Provision for Credit Losses


The provision for credit losses is based on management’s evaluation of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments as measured by analysis of the allowance for credit losses at the end of each reporting period. The provision for credit losses was $8.50$3.8 million in 2014,2017, compared with $65.5a release of provision of $800,000 in 2016 and provision expense of $3.70 million in 2013, and $62.5 million in 2012.  As a percentage of average outstanding loans (excluding loans covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC), the provision for credit losses was .19%, 1.55% and 1.52%, respectively, in 2014, 2013 and 2012.2015. The amount of provision recorded in each year was the amount required such that the total allowance for credit losses reflected the appropriate balance, in the estimation of management, and was sufficient to cover incurred losses in the loan portfolio. In 2014, the provision forThe increase in 2017 was due to loan losses was down substantially reflecting the significantgrowth as credit quality measures remain favorable and stable. The improvement in 2016 reflects overall improvement in a number of troubled debt restructuruings (“TDRs”) as well as continued strong credit measures following the second quarter 2013 sale of classified assets.  The 2013 provision was higher than the 2012 provision due to the increasequality and a low overall level of charge-offs associated with the second quarter 2013 classified asset disposition.net charge-offs. The ratio of net loan charge-offs to average outstanding loans for 20132017 was .31%.08% compared with 2.22%.11% for 20132016 and 1.69%.12% for 2012.


In the fourth quarter of 2013, United established an2015.

The allowance for unfunded loan commitments, which is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.  The allowance for unfunded loan commitmentssheets, represents probable incurred losses on unfunded loan commitments that are expected to result in outstanding loan balances. The allowance for unfunded loan commitments was established through the provision for credit losses. At December 31, 2014,2017, the allowance for unfunded commitments was $1.93$2.31 million compared with $2.17$2.00 million at December 31, 2013.


Over the past two years, United has experienced a significant improvement in credit quality2016 and corresponding credit measures.  During the second quarter of 2013, United sold classified assets totaling approximately $172 million, including a bulk sale of $131 million.  The classified asset sales and a general improving trend reduced United’s nonperforming assets to $31.0 million as of December 31, 2013.  Credit quality continued to improve through 2014 with nonperforming assets decreasing further to $19.6$2.54 million at December 31, 2014.  2015.

Additional discussion on credit quality and the allowance for loan losses is included in the “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” and “Critical Accounting Polices” sections of this report, as well as Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

39

Fee Revenue


Fee revenue was $55.6$88.3 million in 2014,2017, compared with $56.6$93.7 million in 20132016 and $56.1$72.5 million in 2012.2015. The following table presents the components of fee revenue.


Table 4 - Fee Revenue        
For the Years Ended December 31,        
(in thousands)
 
       Change 
  2014  2013  2012  2014-2013 
Overdraft fees $11,871  $12,425  $13,302   (4)%
ATM and debit card fees  15,295   14,509   13,108   5 
Other service charges and fees  5,907   5,063   5,260   17 
Service charges and fees  33,073   31,997   31,670   3 
Mortgage loan and related fees  7,520   9,925   10,483   (24)
Brokerage fees  4,807   4,465   3,082   8 
Gains from sales of SBA loans  2,615           
Customer derivatives  729   1,599   524   (54)
Securities gains, net  4,871   186   7,078     
Losses on prepayment of borrowings  (4,446)     (6,681)    
Other  6,385   8,426   9,956   (24)
Total fee revenue $55,554  $56,598  $56,112   (2)

revenue for the periods indicated.

Table 4 - Fee Revenue            
For the Years Ended December 31,            
(in thousands)          Change 
  2017  2016  2015  2017-2016 
Overdraft fees $14,004  $13,883  $12,503   1%
ATM and debit card interchange fees  16,922   20,839   17,667   (19)
Other service charges and fees  7,369   7,391   6,655   - 
Service charges and fees  38,295   42,113   36,825   (9)
Mortgage loan and related fees  18,320   20,292   13,592   (10)
Brokerage fees  4,633   4,280   5,041   8 
Gains from sales of USDA/SBA loans  10,493   9,545   6,276   10 
Bank owned life insurance  3,261   1,634   995   100 
Customer derivatives  2,421   4,104   1,713   (41)
Securities gains, net  42   982   2,255     
Losses on prepayment of borrowings  -   -   (1,294)    
Other  10,795   10,747   7,126   - 
Total fee revenue $88,260  $93,697  $72,529   (6)

Service charges and fees of $33.1$38.3 million were up $1.08down $3.82 million, or 3%9%, from 2013.2016. The increase wasdecrease is primarily due to higherthe effect of the Durbin Amendment of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “Durbin Amendment”) which took effect for United in the third quarter of 2017 and limited the amount of interchange fees United could earn on debit card interchange fees which have growntransactions. Service charges increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to higher transaction volume.  Overdraft fees continue to decline as customer utilization of our courtesy overdraft services decreases.  The increase in other service charges from 2013 to 2014 was due to new service fees introduced on January 1, 2014.  United also introduced new service fees on low balance demandincreased deposit accounts in January 2012.  The decrease in other service charges and fees from 2012 to 2013 reflects changes in customer behavior to avoidbalances driven primarily by the new fees which included maintaining higher account balances.


Acquisitions.

Mortgage loan and related fees of $7.52$18.3 million were down $2.41$1.97 million, or 24%10%, from 2013.2016. The decrease reflects a combination of factors including our strategic decision to hold more mortgages on our balance sheet, margin compression and a decline in refinance activity in a rising rate environment. In 2014,addition, 2016 included the impact of  moving to mandatory delivery of loans to the secondary market from best efforts, which accelerated revenue recognition to the time of the rate lock. In 2017, United closed 1,6393,228 mortgage loans totaling $276$745 million compared with 1,9183,246 loans totaling $297$718 million in 2013.  Over the past two years, mortgage refinancing activity has reacted to changes2016 and 2,538 loans totaling $494 million in long-term interest rates.  United has continued to invest in its mortgage business by hiring new lenders in select markets.  This has allowed United to increase the volume of new purchase mortgages to offset the decline in refinancing activity.2015. In 2014,2017, new home purchase mortgages of $174$468 million accounted for 63% of production volume compared with $144$382 million, or 48%53%, of production volume in 20132016 and $118$272 million, or 33%55%, of production volume in 2012.


Brokerage fees of $4.812015.

In 2017, United realized $10.5 million increased $342,000, or 8%, from 2013.  In late 2012, United added new leadership to its brokerage business and added new brokers in select markets.  Brokerage fees have increased over the last two years as a result of United’s focus in growing its advisory services business.


In the second quarter of 2014, United completed its acquisition of Business Carolina, Inc., a specialty lending business headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina that specializes in SBA and USDA lending.  At the same time, United brought in new leadership, including lenders and support staff, in its specialized lending area to increase its share of government guaranteed lending programs.  United’s SBA and USDA lending strategy includes the selective sale of the guaranteed portion of certain loans at attractive premiums.  In 2014, United recognized gains of $2.62 million from the salesales of the guaranteed portion of SBA and USDA loans, compared to $9.55 million and $6.28 million, respectively, in 2016 and 2015. United’s SBA/USDA lending strategy includes selling a portion of the loan production each quarter. United retains the servicing rights on the sold loans and earns a fee for servicing the loans.

In 2017, United sold the guaranteed portion of loans in the amount of $117 million, compared to $120 million and $70.7 million, respectively, for 2016 and 2015. The growth in 2017 compared to 2016 reflects an increase in the premiums received on the sold loans. The growth in 2016 compared to 2015 reflects an increase in the numbers of loans closed due to additional lenders and cross-selling through our community banks as well as the completion of construction projects.

Fees from customer swap transactions earned under United’s back-to-back customer swap program of $729,000$2.42 million were down $870,000 in 2014$1.68 million from 20132016 due to weakeninglower demand for this product following strong growth in 2013 compared to 2012.the current rate environment. United provides interest rate swaps to commercial customers who desire fixed rate loans. United makes a floating rate loan to those customers and enters into an interest rate swap contract with the customer to swap the floating rate to a fixed rate. United then enters into an offsetting swap with a swap dealer with terms that mirror the customer swap. The fixed and variable legs of the customer and dealer swaps offset leaving United with the equivalent of a variable rate loan.


The increase in 2016 from 2015 was due to increased customer demand to lock in low fixed rates on their loans.

United recognized net securities gains of $4.87 million, $186,000$42,000, $982,000 and $7.08$2.26 million during 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. In 2015, United also recognized losses fromincurred $1.29 million in debt prepayment charges due to the redemption of $49.3 million in trust preferred securities with an average rate of approximately 9% and prepayment of $6 million in structured repurchase agreements totaling $4.45 million in 2014 and losses from the prepaymentwith an average rate of FHLB advances and structured repurchase agreements of $6.68 million in 2012.4%. The losses were part of the same balance sheet management activities and had the effect of offsetting the securities gains in each respective period.

Other fee revenue of $6.39 million for 2014 was down $2.04 million from 2013, mostly due to non-core items that were comprised of $1.45 million in gainsgains.

Earnings from bank owned life insurance of $3.26 million increased $1.63 million or 100% from 2016 due to the purchase of $30 million of bank owned life insurance in late 2016 and $468,000 in gains fromearly 2017, as well as the saleacquisition of low income housing tax credits that were includedHCSB and FOFN, both of which had bank owned life insurance policies.

40

Other fee revenue of $10.8 million for 2017 remained flat when compared to 2016. The increase in other fee revenue in 2013.from miscellaneous bank services was offset by small losses on sales of other assets when compared to 2016 gains on sales of former branch facilities. Other fee revenue of $10.7 million for 2012 also reflected non-core items that included $1.102016 was up $3.62 million from 2015. Included in interest on2016 other fee revenue is a prior year tax refund that resultedpayment for the settlement of a vendor dispute over trust fees totaling $638,000. The remaining increase is primarily due to higher fees from a net operating loss carry back claim and $728,000number of miscellaneous banking services primarily due to volume driven increases in income from merchant services combined with gains from the saleon sales of low income housing tax credits.

former branch facilities.

Operating Expense


The following table presents the components of operating expenses.

Table 5 - Operating Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
 
       Change 
  2014  2013  2012  2014-2013 
Salaries and employee benefits $100,941  $96,233  $96,026   
5
%
Communications and equipment  12,523   13,233   12,940   
(5
)
Occupancy  13,513   13,930   14,304   
(3
)
Advertising and public relations  3,461   3,718   3,855   
(7
)
Postage, printing and supplies  3,542   3,283   3,899   8
Professional fees  7,907   9,617   8,792   
(18
)
Foreclosed property - foreclosure and carrying costs  1,338   3,163   5,118   
(58
)
Foreclosed property - writedowns and losses from sales  (704)  4,706   8,875   
(115
)
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  4,792   9,219   10,097   
(48
)
Amortization of intangibles  1,348   2,031   2,917   
(34
)
Other  14,204   15,171   19,951   
(6
)
     Total operating expenses $162,865  $174,304  $186,774   
(7
)
expenses for the periods indicated.

Table 5 - Operating Expenses            
For the Years Ended December 31,            
(in thousands)          Change 
  2017  2016  2015  2017-2016 
Salaries and employee benefits $153,098  $138,789  $116,688   10%
Communications and equipment  19,660   18,355   15,273   7 
Occupancy  20,344   19,603   15,372   4 
Advertising and public relations  4,242   4,426   3,667   (4)
Postage, printing and supplies  5,952   5,382   4,273   11 
Professional fees  12,074   11,822   10,175   2 
Foreclosed property  1,254   1,051   32   19 
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  6,534   5,866   5,106   11 
Amortization of intangibles  4,845   4,182   2,444   16 
Other  25,707   23,691   20,213   9 
Total excluding merger-related and other charges  253,710   233,167   193,243   9 
Merger-related and other charges  13,901   8,122   17,995   71 
Total operating expenses $267,611  $241,289  $211,238   11 

Operating expenses were $163$268 million in 20142017 as compared to $174$241 million in 20132016 and $187$211 million in 2012.2015. The decreaseincrease mostly reflects lower foreclosed property losses and write downsthe inclusion of operating expenses associated with the declining volume of foreclosed properties following the classified asset salesAcquisitions. The increase in the second quarter of 2013 as well as lower FDIC insurance assessments resulting2016 from improvement2015 was due to similar reasons and investing in United’s credit measures.


Commercial Banking Solutions areas and other strategic hiring.

Salaries and employee benefits expense for 20142017 was $101$153 million, an increase of $4.71$14.3 million, or 5%10%, from 2013.2016. The increase reflects United’s strategic investmentwas due to a number of factors including investments in new businesses, particularly its specialized lending area,additional staff and expansion into new markets as well as higher production and performance incentives.  Headcountadditional staff resulting from the Acquisitions. Full time equivalent headcount totaled 1,5322,137 at December 31, 20142017 compared to 1,5061,916 at December 31, 2013, an increase of 26 positions.


2016 and 1,883 at December 31, 2015.

Communications and equipment expense of $12.5$19.7 million for 20142017 was down $710,000,up $1.31 million, or 5%7%, from 2013.  The decrease reflects lower2016 due to higher software maintenance costscontracts, and lowerhigher equipment rental charges.depreciation charges mostly resulting from the Acquisitions. The decreaseincrease in 2016 from 2015 reflects higher local and long distance telephone charges, higher data circuit charges, and also and higher equipment rentaldepreciation charges reflects United’s shiftmostly resulting from leasing copier and printing equipment to purchasing those items.


the Acquisitions.

Occupancy expense of $13.5$20.3 million for 20142017 was down $417,000,up $741,000, or 3%4%, compared to 2013.2016, primarily due to higher depreciation and lease rental charges for the expanded branch network resulting from the Acquisitions. The decreaseincrease from 2015 to 2016 was primarily related to a $400,000 charge in 2013 to write off leasehold improvements on a branch lease that was consolidated into another branch.


Advertising and public relations expense for 2014 was $3.46 million, a decrease of $257,000, or 7%, from 2013.  The decrease was due to continued efforts to reduce discretionary spending.

the same reasons.

Postage, printing and supplies expense for 20142017 was $3.54$5.95 million, an increase of $259,000, or 8%,11% from 2013.  The2016, partly due to the Acquisitions. Similarly, the increase from 2016 to 2015 was primarily due to higher printing and forms charges related to increased businessacquisition activity.


Professional fees were $7.91 million for 2014, down $1.71 million, or 18%, from 2013.  The decrease is mostly due to lower legal fees as legal costs associated with the classified asset sales in the second quarter of 2013 caused professional fees to be higher in 2013.

Foreclosed property expenses include foreclosure and carrying costs and realized losses and write-downs of foreclosed properties.  Foreclosure and carrying costs for 2014 were $1.34 million, a decrease of $1.83 million from 2013, primarily due to a lower number of foreclosed properties.  The foreclosure and carrying costs category includes legal fees, property taxes, marketing costs, utility services, and maintenance and repair charges.  Realized losses and write-downs on foreclosed property totaled a net gain of $704,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to a net loss of $4.71 million for 2013.  Foreclosed property costs declined in 2014 as the balance of foreclosed properties has stabilized following the accelerated sales of classified assets in the second quarter of 2013.  Foreclosed property costs in 2013 were down from 2012 due to the declining volume of foreclosed properties and improving credit conditions.

FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges expense for 20142017 was $4.79$6.53 million, a decreasean increase of $4.43 million,$668,000, or 48%11%, from 20132016 due to improving credit measures.a larger balance sheet as well as the effect of the higher deposit insurance assessment imposed beginning in the third quarter of 2017 as a result of United’s exceeding the $10 billion asset size threshold. Amortization of intangibles continuesincreased in 2017 and 2016 due to decrease asAcquisition-related core deposit intangibles and noncompete intangibles.

In 2017, merger-related and other charges of $13.9 million consisted primarily of merger costs of $10.4 million, impairment charges on surplus bank properties of $1.14 million, executive retirement costs of $1.53 million and branch closure costs of $831,000. The 2017 merger-related costs were primarily related to past acquisitions become fully amortized.HCSB and FOFN acquisitions. The 2016 charges, which included severance, conversion and legal and professional fees were primarily related to the Palmetto and Tidelands acquisitions.

41

Other expenses totaled $14.2$25.7 million for 2014, a decrease of $967,000, or 6%, from 2013, reflecting the release of $1.202017, compared to $23.7 million of the litigation reserve established in 2012.  The decrease from 2012 to 2013 is primarily2016 and $20.2 million in 2015, mostly due to a $4.00 million charge in 2012 to establish the litigation reserve for potential losses related to threatened litigation.


Acquisitions.

Income Taxes


Income tax expense was $39.5$105 million in 2014,2017, compared to income tax benefit of $238$62.3 million in 20132016 and income tax expense of $1.05$43.4 million in 2012, respectively.2015. Income tax expense for 20142017, 2016 and 2015 represents an effective tax rate of 36.8%.60.8%, 38.2% and 37.8%, respectively. The 2013abnormally high tax benefit was primarily dueexpense and effective tax rate in 2017 reflects a $38.2 million charge to remeasure United’s deferred tax assets at the second quarter reversalnew lower federal income tax rate of $272 million21% following the passage of the deferred tax valuation allowance.  The 2012 income tax provision mostly reflects alternative minimum taxes payable by United as United had a full valuation allowanceTax Act on its deferred tax asset at the time and therefore did not report a full tax provision.December 22, 2017. The effective tax rates (as a percentage of pre-tax earnings) were not meaningful for 2013 and 2012 due to the valuation allowance on United’s deferred tax asset and the subsequent reversal of the valuation allowance in the second quarter of 2013.  The tax rate for 20152018 is expected to be approximately 37.8%23.5% reflecting the mix of taxable and tax-exempt income.


lower federal income tax rate.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis including operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Net deferred tax assets (deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance) are reported in the consolidated balance sheetsheets as a component of total assets.


Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740,Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all positive and negative evidence with more weight given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Each quarter, management considers both positive and negative evidence and analyzes changes in near-term market conditions as well as other factors which may impact future operating results.


Based on all evidence considered, as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, management concluded that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset would be realized. With continuous improvements in credit quality, quarterly earnings for the past thirteen quartersseveral years have closely followed management’s forecast for these periods, excluding the impact of the discretionary sales of classified assets in the second quarter of 2013.periods. The improvement in management’s ability to produce reliable forecasts, continuous and significant improvements in credit quality, and a sustained period of profitability were given appropriate weighting in our analysis, and such evidence was considered sufficient to overcome the weight of the negative evidence related to the significant operating losses in prior years.


In addition to such positive evidence at December 31, 2014, United has also reduced the amount of credit risk inherent in its loan portfolio by reducing its concentration of construction loans and improving its overall loan portfolio diversification.  These changes place United in a strong position to manage through the ongoing weakness in the economy.  United also has a long record of positive earnings and accurate earnings forecasts prior to the economic downturn and is currently in a strong capital position.

Management expects to generate higher levels of future taxable income and believes this will allow for full utilization of United’s net operating loss carryforwards within four to six years, which is well within the statutory carryforward periods. In determining whether management’s projections of future taxable income are reliable, management considered objective evidence supporting the forecast assumptions as well as recent experience demonstrating management’sthe ability to reasonably project future results of operations.  Further, while the banking environment is expected to remain challenging due to economic and other uncertainties, management believes that it can confidently forecast future taxable income at sufficient levels over the future period of time that United has available to realize its December 31, 2014 deferred tax asset.


Additional information regarding income taxes, including a reconciliation of the differences between the recorded income tax provision and the amount of income tax computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes, can be found in Note 1617 to the consolidated financial statements.

Fourth Quarter 20142017 Discussion


Taxable equivalent net

Net interest revenue for the fourth quarter of 20142017 increased $2.45$16.6 million, or 4%20%, to $58.3$97.5 million from the same period a year ago, primarily due to loan growth, inthe acquisitions of HCSB and FOFN, and higher yields on loans and securities. The yields on the loan portfolio and a higher average yield insecurities portfolios increased partly due to the investment securities portfolio, partially offset by a one basis point increase inimpact of rising interest rates on the rate on interest-bearing liabilities.variable portion of the portfolios. The net interest margin increased 5 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2013 to 3.31% for the fourth quarter of 2014.  The2017 increased to 3.63% from 3.34% in the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting the higher yields on earning assets, partially offset by a smaller increase in the net interest margin reflects the positive impact of balance sheet restructuring activities in the second quarter of 2014.


The fourth quarter of 2014average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits.

United recorded a provision for credit losses was $1.80in the fourth quarter of 2017 of $1.2 million, compared to $3.00 millionno provision being recorded for the fourth quarter of 2013. Nonperforming assets totaled $19.6 million, down $11.4 million from a year ago.  Nonperforming assets2016. The increase was primarily due to loan growth as a percentage of total assets were .26% at December 31, 2014, compared with .42% at December 31, 2013.  Changes from a year ago reflect ongoing improvement in credit measures.quality remained stable.

42

The following table presents the components of fee revenue for the fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013.

Table 6 - Quarterly Fee Revenue
(in thousands)
  Three Months Ended   
  December 31,   
  2014  2013  Change 
Overdraft fees $2,936  $3,199   (8) %
ATM and debit card fees  3,977   3,691   8 
Other service charges and fees  1,533   1,276   20 
     Service charges and fees  8,446   8,166   3 
Mortgage loan and related fees  2,111   1,713   23 
Brokerage fees  1,176   1,361   (14)
Gains on sales of SBA loans  926       
Customer derivatives  78   417   (81)
Securities gains, net  208   70   197 
Other  1,878   1,792   5 
     Total fee revenue $14,823  $13,519   10 
periods indicated.

Table 6 - Quarterly Fee Revenue

(in thousands)

  Three Months Ended    
  December 31,    
  2017  2016  Change 
Overdraft fees $3,731  $3,545   5%
ATM and debit card fees  3,188   5,250   (39)
Other service charges and fees  1,851   1,858   - 
Service charges and fees  8,770   10,653   (18)
Mortgage loan and related fees  4,885   6,516   (25)
Brokerage fees  1,068   911   17 
Gains on sales of government guaranteed loans  3,102   3,028   2 
Customer derivatives  613   821   (25)
Securities (losses) gains, net  (148)  60     
Other  3,638   3,244   12 
Total fee revenue $21,928  $25,233   (13)

Fee revenue for the fourth quarter of 20142017 of $14.8$21.9 million increased $1.30decreased $3.31 million, or 10%13%, from $13.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2013.2016. Service charges and fees on deposit accounts of $8.45$8.77 million increased $280,000,decreased $1.88 million, or 3%18%, from $8.17$10.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2013.  The increase was due2016, since United became subject to higherthe Durbin Amendment, which reduced debit card interchange fees resulting from higher transaction volume and higher other service charges and fees resulting from new service fees initiated in January of 2014, partially offset by continued lower utilization of our courtesy overdraft services.fees. Mortgage fees of $2.11$4.89 million increased $398,000,decreased $1.63 million, or 23%25%, from $1.71$6.52 million in the fourth quarter of 20132016 due to an increasethe impact of moving to mandatory delivery of loans to the secondary market from best efforts in new home purchase mortgages.  United closed $77.4late 2016, which accelerated revenue recognition to the time of the rate lock. Sales of $33.6 million in mortgagegovernment guaranteed loans in fourth quarter 2017 resulted in net gains of $3.10 million, compared to $41.1 million sold in fourth quarter 2016, resulting in net gains of $3.03 million. Customer derivative fees decreased in the fourth quarter of 2014, of which 63% were for new home purchases, compared to $55.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, of which 48% were for new home purchases.  Brokerage fees of $1.18 million decreased $185,000, or 14%, from the fourth quarter of 2013.  United began selling some of its SBA loan production for attractive premiums beginning in the second quarter of 2014.  Gains recognized on those sales in the fourth quarter of 2014 totaled $926,000.  United did not have any gains from sales of SBA loans in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Customer derivative fees were down in the fourth quarter of 2014,2017 compared with a year ago due to aan decrease in customer demand for the product. Other fee revenue of $1.88$3.64 million increased $86,000,$394,000, or 5%12%, from the fourth quarter of 2013.


2016, mostly due to volume driven increases in earnings on bank owned life insurance policies.

The following table presents operating expenses for the fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013.

Table 7 - Quarterly Operating Expenses
(in thousands)
  Three Months Ended   
  December 31,   
  2014  2013  Change 
Salaries and employee benefits $26,592  $24,817   
7
%
Communications and equipment  3,153   3,414   
(8
)
Occupancy  3,448   3,735   
(8
)
Advertising and public relations  802   781   3
Postage, printing and supplies  1,086   882   23
Professional fees  2,034   2,102   
(3
)
Foreclosed property - foreclosure and carrying costs  317   626   
(49
)
Foreclosed property - writedowns, (gains) losses from sales, net  (186)  (435)  
(57
)
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  883   1,804   
(51
)
Amortization of intangibles  287   408   
(30
)
Other  3,503   3,480   1
     Total operating expenses $41,919  $41,614   1
periods indicated.

Table 7 - Quarterly Operating Expenses

(in thousands)

  Three Months Ended    
  December 31,    
  2017  2016  Change 
Salaries and employee benefits $41,042  $35,677   15%
Communications and equipment  5,217   4,753   10 
Occupancy  5,542   5,210   6 
Advertising and public relations  895   1,151   (22)
Postage, printing and supplies  1,825   1,353   35 
Professional fees  3,683   2,773   33 
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  1,776   1,413   26 
Amortization of intangibles  1,760   1,066   65 
Other  7,301   6,784   8 
Total excluding merger-related and other charges  69,041   60,180   15 
Merger-related and other charges  6,841   1,141     
Total operating expenses $75,882  $61,321   24 

Operating expenses of $41.9$75.9 million increased $305,00024% from $41.6$61.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, a 1% increase.2016, largely due to the increases in merger-related and other charges and salaries and employee benefits. Salaries and employee benefit costsbenefits of $26.6$41.0 million were up $1.78$5.37 million from the fourth quarter of 2013,2016, due primarily to investment in revenue producersadditional staff resulting from the HCSB and FOFN acquisitions and higher commissions and incentives due to support new businesses and expansion into new markets as well as incentives paid for achieving strategic goals and financial targets.  Salaries and employee benefits in the fourth quarterbusiness growth. Occupancy expense of 2014 also included $350,000 in severance charges.  Communications and equipment expenses of $3.15$5.54 million were down $261,000, or 8%, from $3.41 millionwas up $332,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013 due to lower equipment rental expense.  Occupancy expense of $3.45 million was down $287,000 for the fourth quarter of 20142017 compared to 2013,2016, primarily due to a $400,000 write-offadditional locations attributable to the HCSB and FOFN acquisition. Professional fees increased 33% to $3.68 million in 2013 of leasehold improvements on a branch lease for a branch that was consolidated into another branch.  Foreclosed property - foreclosure and carrying costs of $317,000 decreased $309,000 from $626,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013, due2017 compared to a lower number of foreclosed properties held.  Write-downs and net gains from sales of foreclosed property totaled a net gain of $186,000 for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with a net gain of $435,000 for the fourth quarter of 2013.  FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges decreased from $1.80 million during the fourth quarter of 20132016 due primarily to $883,000 for the same periodhigher consulting fees in 2014 due2017 relating to improvement in credit measures.various corporate projects. Other expenses of $3.50$7.30 million were up less than 1%8% from the fourth quarter of 2013.  In2016, primarily due to establishing a reserve for minor legal disputes. For the fourth quarter of 2014, United reversed $1.202017, merger-related and other charges of $6.84 million of a previously established litigation reserve.  The reversal of the litigation reserve was partially offset by a $492,000 chargeincluded merger charges primarily related to reimburse the FDIC for interest incorrectly claimed on an earlier loss sharing certificate, $127,000 in make whole claims on mortgage loans,HCSB and higher lending support costs.FOFN.

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Balance Sheet Review


Total assets at December 31, 20142017 were $7.57$11.9 billion, an increase of $142 million,$1.21 billion, or 2%11%, from December 31, 2013.2016. On a daily average basis, total assets increased $362$961 million, or 5%10%, from 20132016 to 2014.2017. Average interest earning assets for 20142017 and 20132016 were $6.88$10.2 billion and $6.65$9.26 billion, respectively.


Loans


Substantially all of United’s loans are to customers located in the immediate market areas of its community banks in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including customers who have a seasonal residence in United’s market areas.  areas,or are generated by the Commercial Banking Solutions division (formerly referred to as Specialized Lending) that focuses on specific commercial loan businesses, such as SBA and franchise lending.More than 75%79% of the loans are secured by real estate. Despite the weak economy and lagging loan demand, United has continued to pursue lending opportunities.  The rate of decrease in the loan portfolio dropped significantly following the disposition of problem loans in the first quarter of 2011 and has continued to stabilize, resulting in modest growth in 2012 and 2013.  In 2014, loan growth began to return to pre-crisis levels reflecting United’s specialized lending initiatives which resulted in increases in commercial lending.  Consumer installment loans also increased due to purchases of indirect auto loans.  Total loans averaged $4.45$7.15 billion in 2014,2017, compared with $4.25$6.41 billion in 2013,2016, an increase of 5%12%. At December 31, 2014,2017, total loans were $4.67$7.74 billion, excluding loans acquired from SCB that are covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, an increase of $343$815 million, or 8%12%, from December 31, 2013.

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2016. Loans increased year over year due to organic growth and the acquisitions ofHCSB and FOFN.

 

The following table presents the composition of United’s loan portfolio for the last five years.

Table 8 - Loans Outstanding
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
Loans by Category 2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,163,480  $1,133,543  $1,131,544  $1,111,502  $980,673 
Income producing commercial real estate  598,537   623,167   681,821   709,912   780,751 
Commercial & industrial  710,256   471,961   458,246   428,249   441,518 
Commercial construction  196,030   148,903   154,769   164,155   296,582 
   Total commercial  2,668,303   2,377,574   2,426,380   2,413,818   2,499,524 
Residential mortgage  865,789   875,077   829,566   834,759   943,404 
Home equity lines of credit  465,872   440,887   384,637   300,143   335,376 
Residential construction  298,627   328,579   381,677   448,391   695,166 
Consumer installment  104,899   111,045   114,309   112,503   130,656 
Indirect auto  268,629   196,104   38,439       
  Total loans $4,672,119  $4,329,266  $4,175,008  $4,109,614  $4,604,126 
                     
Loans by Market  2014   2013   2012   2011   2010 
North Georgia $1,163,479  $1,240,234  $1,363,723  $1,425,811  $1,688,586 
Atlanta MSA  1,281,753   1,275,139   1,249,470   1,219,652   1,310,222 
North Carolina  552,766   571,971   579,085   597,446   701,798 
Coastal Georgia  455,709   423,045   400,022   346,189   335,020 
Gainesville MSA  257,449   254,655   261,406   264,567   312,049 
East Tennessee  280,312   279,587   282,863   255,949   256,451 
South Carolina / Specialized Lending  412,022   88,531          
Indirect auto  268,629   196,104   38,439       
  Total loans $4,672,119  $4,329,266  $4,175,008  $4,109,614  $4,604,126 

Table 8 - Loans Outstanding

As of December 31,

(in thousands)

Loans by Category 2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,923,993  $1,650,360  $1,570,988  $1,256,779  $1,237,623 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,595,174   1,281,541   1,020,464   766,834   807,093 
Commercial & industrial  1,130,990   1,069,715   784,870   709,615   470,702 
Commercial construction  711,936   633,921   518,335   364,564   336,158 
   Total commercial  5,362,093   4,635,537   3,894,657   3,097,792   2,851,576 
Residential mortgage  973,544   856,725   764,175   613,592   603,719 
Home equity lines of credit  731,227   655,410   589,325   455,825   430,530 
Residential construction  183,019   190,043   176,202   131,382   136,292 
Consumer direct  127,504   123,567   115,111   104,899   111,045 
Indirect auto  358,185   459,354   455,971   268,629   196,104 
Total loans $7,735,572  $6,920,636  $5,995,441  $4,672,119  $4,329,266 
                     
Loans by Market  2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
North Georgia $1,018,945  $1,096,974  $1,125,123  $1,163,479  $1,240,234 
Atlanta MSA  1,510,067   1,398,657   1,259,377   1,243,535   1,235,378 
North Carolina  1,049,592   544,792   548,591   552,527   571,971 
Coastal Georgia  629,919   581,138   536,598   455,709   423,045 
Gainesville MSA  248,060   247,410   254,016   257,449   254,655 
East Tennessee  474,515   503,843   504,277   280,312   279,587 
South Carolina  1,485,632   1,233,185   819,560   29,786   3,787 
Commercial Banking Solutions  960,657   855,283   491,928   420,693   124,505 
Indirect auto  358,185   459,354   455,971   268,629   196,104 
Total loans $7,735,572  $6,920,636  $5,995,441  $4,672,119  $4,329,266 

As of December 31, 2014,2017, United’s 25 largest credit relationships consisted of loans and loan commitments ranging from $11$17.5 million to $50$38.1 million, with an aggregate total credit exposure of $447$572 million. Total credit exposure includes $64.2$204 million in unfunded commitments and $383$368 million in balances outstanding, excluding participations sold. United had only eightfifteen lending relationships whose total credit exposure exceeded $20 million of which only threefive relationships were in excess of $25 million.

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The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of commercial and construction loans, including the interest rate sensitivity for loans maturing after one year.


Table 9 - Loan Portfolio Maturity
As of December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
          Rate Structure for Loans 
  Maturity        Maturing Over One Year 
  One Year  One through  Over Five    Fixed  Floating 
  or Less  Five Years  Years  Total  Rate  Rate 
Commercial (commercial and industrial) $162,708  $412,795  $134,753  $710,256  $243,282  $304,266 
Construction (commercial and residential)  165,002   247,986   81,669   494,657   168,778   160,877 
     Total $327,710  $660,781  $216,422  $1,204,913  $412,060  $465,143 

Table 9 - Loan Portfolio Maturity

As of December 31, 2017

(in thousands)

              Rate Structure for Loans 
  Maturity  Maturing Over One Year 
  One Year  One through  Over Five     Fixed  Floating 
  or Less  Five Years  Years  Total  Rate  Rate 
Commercial (commercial and industrial) $240,505  $554,083  $336,402  $1,130,990  $314,410  $576,075 
Construction (commercial and residential)  356,236   354,507   184,212   894,955   171,880   366,839 
Total $596,741  $908,590  $520,614  $2,025,945  $486,290  $942,914 

Asset Quality and Risk Elements


United manages asset quality and controls credit risk through review and oversight of the loan portfolio as well as adherence to policies designed to promote sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. United’s credit administration function is responsible for monitoring asset quality and Board of Directors approved portfolio concentration limits, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures among all of the community banks.banks and commercial banking solutions areas. Additional information on United’s credit administration function is included in Item 1 under the heading “Loan Review and Nonperforming Assets.”


Home equity lines generally require the payment of interest only for a set period after origination. After this initial period, the outstanding balance begins amortizing and requires the payment of both principal and interest. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the funded portion of home equity lines totaled $731 million and $655 million, respectively. Approximately 4% of the home equity loans at December 31, 2017 were amortizing. Of the $731 million in balances outstanding at December 31, 2017, $430 million, or 59%, were first liens. At December 31, 2017, 55% of the total available home equity lines were drawn upon.

United monitors the performance of its home equity loans and lines secured by second liens similar to other consumer loans and utilizes assumptions specific to these loans in determining the necessary allowance. United generally receives notification when the first lien holder is in the process of foreclosure and upon that notification, United determines its collection options by obtaining valuations to conclude if any additional charge-offs or reserves are warranted.

United classifies performing loans as “substandard” when there is a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardizes the repayment by the borrower and there is a distinct possibility that United could sustain some loss if the deficiency is not corrected.

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United’s home equity lines generally require the payment of interest only for a set period after origination.  After this initial period, the outstanding balance begins amortizing and requires the payment of both principal and interest.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the funded portion of home equity lines totaled $466 million and $441 million, respectively.  Approximately 3% of the home equity loans at December 31, 2014 were amortizing.  Of the $466 million in balances outstanding at December 31, 2014, $289 million, or 62%, were first liens.  At December 31, 2014, 60% of the total available home equity lines were drawn upon.

United monitors the performance of its home equity loans and lines secured by second liens similar to other consumer loans and utilizes assumptions specific to these loans in determining the necessary allowance.  United also receives notification when the first lien holder is in the process of foreclosure and upon that notification, United obtains valuations to determine if any additional charge-offs or reserves are warranted.

The table below presents performing substandardclassified loans for the last five years.


Table 10 - Performing Substandard Loans          
(dollars in thousands)          
  December 31,  December 31,  December 31,  December 31,  December 31, 
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
By Category          
Owner occupied commercial real estate $46,401  $43,083  $64,936  $78,969  $85,723 
Income producing commercial real estate  20,560   34,642   52,607  $64,089  $71,042 
Commercial & industrial  7,863   9,589   18,477   15,753   16,767 
Commercial construction  3,566   16,758   19,285   18,510   90,745 
Total commercial  78,390   104,072   155,305   177,321   264,277 
Residential mortgage  31,831   44,022   55,355   65,649   74,438 
Home equity  5,296   7,967   9,824   10,793   11,705 
Residential construction  10,920   14,104   37,804   71,955   158,770 
Consumer installment  1,382   2,538   3,653   2,751   2,957 
Indirect auto  574             
Total $128,393  $172,703  $261,941  $328,469  $512,147 
                     
By Market                    
North Georgia $55,821  $69,510  $105,851  $134,945  $212,992 
Atlanta MSA  31,596   43,171   77,630   99,453   185,327 
North Carolina  16,479   18,954   28,657   40,302   42,335 
Coastal Georgia  15,642   18,561   17,421   24,985   29,223 
Gainesville MSA  1,109   14,916   19,251   17,338   33,962 
East Tennessee  5,933   7,591   13,131   11,446   8,308 
South Carolina / Specialized Lending  1,239             
Indirect auto  574             
  Total loans $128,393  $172,703  $261,941  $328,469  $512,147 

Table 10 - Performing Classified Loans

As of December 31,

(in thousands)

  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
By Category                    
Owner occupied commercial real estate $41,467  $42,169  $44,790  $52,671  $51,395 
Income producing commercial real estate  30,061   29,379   37,638   29,194   45,363 
Commercial & industrial  11,879   8,903   5,967   7,664   9,267 
Commercial construction  8,264   8,840   8,622   14,263   29,186 
Total commercial  91,671   89,291   97,017   103,792   135,211 
Residential mortgage  15,323   15,324   18,141   15,985   25,040 
Home equity  6,055   5,060   6,851   5,181   7,967 
Residential construction  1,837   2,726   3,548   1,479   1,947 
Consumer direct  515   584   757   1,382   2,538 
Indirect auto  1,760   1,362   1,213   574   - 
Total $117,161  $114,347  $127,527  $128,393  $172,703 
                     
By Market                    
North Georgia $30,952  $39,438  $46,668  $55,821  $69,510 
Atlanta MSA  9,358   17,954   25,723   31,201   42,955 
North Carolina  30,670   11,089   14,087   16,479   18,954 
Coastal Georgia  3,322   4,516   5,187   15,642   18,561 
Gainesville MSA  750   713   566   1,109   14,916 
East Tennessee  10,953   7,485   9,522   5,933   7,591 
South Carolina  27,212   31,623   23,620   -   - 
Commercial Banking Solutions  2,184   167   941   1,634   216 
Indirect auto  1,760   1,362   1,213   574   - 
Total loans $117,161  $114,347  $127,527  $128,393  $172,703 

At December 31, 2014,2017, performing substandardclassified loans totaled $128$117 million and decreased $44.3increased $2.81 million from the prior year end. Performing classified loans reflect a general downward trend, offset by acquisition activity. The increase in performing classified loans at December 31, 2013.  The decrease from 2013 reflects a general declining trend.  Performing substandard loans have been on a downward trend as credit conditions have continued2017 was attributable to improve and problem credits are resolved.  Most of the decrease from a year ago occurred in United’s Atlanta, Georgia, north Georgia and Gainesville, Georgia markets.  Income producing commercial real estate, commercial construction, residential mortgage and residential construction showed the most significant decreases.


FOFN acquisition.

Reviews of substandardclassified performing and non-performing loans, TDRs, past due loans and larger credits, are conducted on a regular basis and reported to management each quarter and are designed to identify risk migration and potential charges to the allowance for loan losses. These reviews are presented by the responsible lending officers and specific action plans are discussed along with the financial strength of borrowers, the value of the applicable collateral, past loan loss experience, anticipated loan losses, changes in risk profile, the effect of prevailing economic conditions on the borrower and other factors specific to the borrower and its industry. In addition to United’s internal loan review, Unitedmanagement also uses external loan review to ensure the independenceobjectivity of the loan review process.


The provision for credit losses charged to earnings is based upon management’s judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level appropriate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The amount each quarter is dependent upon many factors, including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, delinquencies, management’s assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and other macro-economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed quarterly by management through an analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses. The decreases in the provision and the declining level of the allowance for loan losses compared to the previous periods reflects stabilizing trends in substandard and nonperforming loans as well as charge-off levels. Further, the declining balance of the allowance for loan losses over the last several quarters reflects an overall improving trend in the credit quality of the loan portfolio. A general improvement in economic conditions in United’s market also contributed to the lower level of provision and allowance for loan losses.


The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is based on historical data, subjective judgment and estimates and, therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur. In 2014, United incorporated a loss emergence period into its allowance for loan losses analysis. The increase in precision resulting from the loss emergence period resulted in full allocation of the previously unallocated portion of the allowance.

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The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses for each of the past five years.

Table 11 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses                   
As of December 31,                    
(in thousands)                    
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
  Amount   %*  Amount   %*  Amount   %*  Amount   %*  Amount   %* 
Commercial (secured by real estate) $26,337   38  $24,338   41  $27,847   43  $31,644   44  $31,191   38 
Commercial & industrial  3,255   15   6,527   11   5,537   11   5,681   10   7,580   10 
Commercial construction  4,747   4   3,669   3   8,389   4   6,097   4   6,780   6 
   Total commercial  34,339   57   34,534   55   41,773   58   43,422   58   45,551   54 
Residential mortgage  24,885   29   20,974   30   26,642   29   29,076   28   22,305   28 
Residential construction  10,603   6   12,532   8   26,662   9   30,379   11   92,571   15 
Consumer installment  1,792   8   2,479   7   2,747   4   2,124   3   3,030   3 
Unallocated         6,243       9,313       9,467       11,238     
  Total allowance for loan losses  71,619   100   76,762   100   107,137   100   114,468   100   174,695   100 
  Allowance for unfunded commitments  1,930       2,165                          
  Total allowance for credit losses $73,549      $78,927      $107,137      $114,468      $174,695     

Table 11 - Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses

As of December 31,

(in thousands)

  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
  Amount  %*  Amount  %*  Amount  %*  Amount  %*  Amount  %* 
Commercial (secured by real estate) $24,157   46  $25,289   42  $29,564   43  $32,691   43  $29,430             47 
Commercial & industrial  3,971   15   3,810   16   4,433   13   3,252   15   6,504   11 
Commercial construction  10,523   9   13,405   9   9,553   9   10,901   8   10,702   8 
Total commercial  38,651   70   42,504   67   43,550   65   46,844   66   46,636   66 
Residential mortgage  15,274   22   13,144   22   18,675   23   18,609   23   16,185   24 
Residential construction  2,729   2   3,264   3   4,002   3   4,374   3   5,219   3 
Consumer direct  2,260   6   2,510   8   2,221   9   1,792   8   2,479   7 
Unallocated  -       -       -       -       6,243     
Total allowance for loan losses  58,914   100   61,422   100   68,448   100   71,619   100   76,762   100 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  2,312       2,002       2,542       1,930       2,165     
Total allowance for credit losses $61,226      $63,424      $70,990      $73,549      $78,927     

* Loan balance in each category, expressed as a percentage of total loans.

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 47

 


The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for credit losses for each of the past five years.

Table 12 - Allowance for Credit Losses          
Years Ended December 31,          
(in thousands)          
 
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
Balance beginning of period $76,762  $107,137  $114,468  $174,695  $155,602 
Charge-offs:                    
    Owner occupied commercial real estate  3,136   24,965   10,280   50,401   21,646 
    Income producing commercial real estate  1,611   11,505   12,782   9,067   11,947 
    Commercial & industrial  2,145   18,914   2,424   24,890   10,837 
    Commercial construction  235   6,483   5,411   55,730   9,993 
    Residential mortgage  7,502   8,840   12,885   46,439   25,364 
    Home equity lines of credit  2,314   3,437   4,377   7,268   3,442 
    Residential construction  3,176   23,049   24,260   118,916   136,666 
    Consumer installment  2,008   2,184   2,198   3,594   4,828 
    Indirect auto  540   277   16       
        Total loans charged-off  22,667   99,654   74,633   316,305   224,723 
Recoveries:                    
    Owner occupied commercial real estate  3,056   1,305   557   222   1,167 
    Income producing commercial real estate  725   640   135   226    
    Commercial & industrial  1,698   1,888   1,104   967   1,762 
    Commercial construction  6   69   111   203   431 
    Residential mortgage  1,110   611   675   660   838 
    Home equity lines of credit  287   104   124   78   29 
    Residential construction  627   173   1,272   1,678   15,370 
    Consumer installment  1,226   1,114   824   1,044   1,219 
    Indirect auto  54   40          
        Total recoveries  8,789   5,944   4,802   5,078   20,816 
        Net charge-offs  13,878   93,710   69,831   311,227   203,907 
Provision for loan losses  8,735   63,335   62,500   251,000   223,000 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period  71,619   76,762   107,137   114,468   174,695 
                     
Allowance for unfunded commitments at beginning of period  2,165             
        Provision for unfunded commitments  (235)  2,165          
Allowance for unfunded commitments at end of period  1,930   2,165          
Allowance for credit losses $73,549  $78,927  $107,137  $114,468  $174,695 
                     
Total loans (1):
                    
   At year-end $4,672,119  $4,329,266  $4,175,008  $4,109,614  $4,604,126 
   Average  4,440,868   4,228,235   4,123,530   4,244,305   4,884,330 
                     
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of year-                    
    end loans  1.53%  1.77%  2.57%  2.79%  3.79%
                     
As a percentage of average loans:                    
   Net charge-offs  .31   2.22   1.69   7.33   4.17 
   Provision for loan losses  .20   1.50   1.52   5.91   4.57 

Table 12 - Allowance for Credit Losses               
Years Ended December 31,               
(in thousands)               
  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
Balance beginning of period $61,422  $68,448  $71,619  $76,762  $107,137 
Charge-offs:                    
Owner occupied commercial real estate  406   2,029   2,901   4,567   26,352 
Income producing commercial real estate  2,985   1,433   1,280   2,671   13,912 
Commercial & industrial  1,528   1,830   1,358   2,145   18,914 
Commercial construction  1,023   837   1,947   1,574   8,042 
Residential mortgage  1,473   1,151   1,615   5,011   5,063 
Home equity lines of credit  1,435   1,690   1,094   2,314   3,395 
Residential construction  129   533   851   1,837   21,515 
Consumer direct  1,803   1,459   1,597   2,008   2,184 
Indirect auto  1,420   1,399   772   540   277 
Total loans charged-off  12,202   12,361   13,415   22,667   99,654 
Recoveries:                    
Owner occupied commercial real estate  980   706   755   3,343   1,603 
Income producing commercial real estate  178   580   866   1,009   873 
Commercial & industrial  1,768   1,689   2,174   1,665   1,619 
Commercial construction  1,018   821   736   503   393 
Residential mortgage  314   301   1,080   572   293 
Home equity lines of credit  567   386   242   287   62 
Residential construction  178   79   173   135   51 
Consumer direct  917   800   1,044   1,221   1,010 
Indirect auto  284   233   86   54   40 
Total recoveries  6,204   5,595   7,156   8,789   5,944 
Net charge-offs  5,998   6,766   6,259   13,878   93,710 
Provision for loan losses  3,490   (260)  3,088   8,735   63,335 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period  58,914   61,422   68,448   71,619   76,762 
                     
Allowance for unfunded commitments at beginning of period  2,002   2,542   1,930   2,165   - 
Provision for unfunded commitments  310   (540)  612   (235)  2,165 
Allowance for unfunded commitments at end of period  2,312   2,002   2,542   1,930   2,165 
Allowance for credit losses $61,226  $63,424  $70,990  $73,549  $78,927 
                     
Total loans(1):                    
At year-end $7,735,572  $6,920,636  $5,995,441  $4,672,119  $4,329,266 
Average  7,150,211   6,412,740   5,297,687   4,440,868   4,228,235 
                     
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of year- end loans  0.76%  0.89%  1.14%  1.53%  1.77%
                     
As a percentage of average loans:                    
Net charge-offs  .08   .11   .12   .31   2.22 
Provision for loan losses  .05   -   .06   .20   1.50 

(1) Excludes loans acquired through the 2009 FDIC assisted acquisition of Southern Community Bank that are covered by loss sharing agreements.

The allowance for credit losses, which includes a portion related to unfunded commitments, totaled $73.5$61.2 million at December 31, 20142017 compared with $78.9$63.4 million at December 31, 2013.2016. At December 31, 2014,2017, the allowance for loan losses was $71.6$58.9 million, or 1.53%.76% of total loans, compared with $76.8$61.4 million, or 1.77%.89% of loans at December 31, 2013.2016. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses is consistent with the overall improving trends in credit quality of the loan portfolio.


In accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations, there was no allowance for loan losses brought forward on loans acquired from HCSB or FOFN, as credit deterioration was included in the determination of fair value at acquisition date. At December 31, 2017, for acquired loans that had no evidence of credit deterioration at the time of acquisition, the remaining unaccreted fair value discount was $14.7 million.

Management believes that the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 20142017 reflects the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment; therefore, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses cannot be determined with precisionjudgment and may beis subject to change in future periods. The amount of any changes could be significant if management’s assessment of loan quality or collateral values changes substantially with respect to one or more loan relationships or portfolios. In addition, bank regulatory authorities, as part of their periodic examination of the Bank, may require adjustments to the provision for credit losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such additions. See the “Critical Accounting Policies” section for additional information on the allowance for credit losses.

48

Nonperforming Assets


Nonperforming loans totaled $17.9$23.7 million at December 31, 2014,2017, compared with $26.8$21.5 million at December 31, 2013.  There were no accruing loans more than 90 days past due at December 31, 2014 and 2013.2016. At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was .38% and .62%, respectively.  Nonperforming loans have steadily decreased in dollar amount and as a percentage of total loans since 2011..31%. Nonperforming assets, which include nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties, totaled $19.6$26.9 million at December 31, 2014,2017, compared with $31.0$29.5 million at December 31, 2013.  United sold $12.5 million and $31.9 million respectively, of foreclosed properties during 2014 and 2013, which lowered the balance of foreclosed properties by 59% compared to December 31, 2013.


2016.

United’s policy is to place loans on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the full principal and interest on a loan is not likely to be repaid in accordance with the original contractual loan termscollected or when the loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well secured and in the process of collection or restructure.due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current interest revenue. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce outstanding principal.


Therethe loan’s recorded investment.

Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI”) loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. However, these loans are considered as performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any non-payment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period loan loss provision or future period yield adjustments. PCI loans were no commitmentsnot classified as nonaccrual at December 31, 2017 or 2016 as the carrying value of the respective loan or pool of loans cash flows were considered estimable and probable of collection. Therefore, interest revenue, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all PCI loans.

Generally, United does not commit to lend additional funds to customers whose loans wereare on nonaccrual status, at December 31, 2014, although in certain isolated cases, United executedexecutes forbearance agreements whereby United will continue to fund construction loans to completion or other lines of credit as long as the borrower meets the conditions of the forbearance agreement. United may also fund other amounts necessary to protect the Bank’s collateral such as amounts to pay past due property taxes and insurance coverage. The table below summarizes nonperforming assets at year-end for the last five years. It excludesFor years prior to 2015, assets acquired through the acquisition of SCB in 2009 that are covered by loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC.FDIC have been excluded from the table below. These assets have beenwere excluded from the review of nonperforming assets, as the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC and purchase price adjustments to reflect credit losses effectively eliminate the likelihood of recognizing losses on the covered assets.

Table 13 - Nonperforming Assets          
As of December 31,          
(in thousands)          
 
  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010 
Nonaccrual loans (NPLs) $17,881  $26,819  $109,894  $127,479  $179,094 
Foreclosed properties  1,726   4,221   18,264   32,859   142,208 
     Total nonperforming assets (NPAs) $19,607  $31,040  $128,158  $160,338  $321,302 
                     
NPLs as a percentage of total loans  .38%  .62%  2.63%  3.10%  3.89%
NPAs as a percentage of loans and foreclosed properties  .42   .72   3.06   3.87   6.77 
NPAs as a percentage of total assets  .26   .42   1.88   2.30   4.42 
At The loss-sharing agreements were terminated and settled in early 2015.

Table 13 - Nonperforming Assets

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 United had $85.1 million and $87.0 million, respectively,

(in loans with terms that have been modified in a TDR.  Included therein were $3.78 million and $8.25 million, respectively, of TDRs that were not performing in accordance with their modified terms and were included in nonperforming loans.  The remaining TDRs with an aggregate balance of $81.3 million and $78.7 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and are therefore not considered to be nonperforming assets.


At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were $106 million and $115 million, respectively, of loans classified as impaired under the definition outlined in the Accounting Standards Codification including TDRs which are by definition considered impaired.  Included in impaired loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $25.5 million and $38.9 million, respectively, that did not require specific reserves or had previously been charged down to net realizable value.  The balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2014 of $81.0 million had specific reserves that totaled $9.88 million and the balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2013 of $75.7 million had specific reserves that totaled $6.02 million.  The average recorded investment in impaired loans for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $109 million, $115 million and $276 million, respectively.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, United recognized $5.04 million, $6.72 million and $9.53 million in interest revenue on impaired loans.  United’s policy is to discontinue the recognition of interest revenue for loans classified as impaired under ASC 310-10-35, Receivables, when a loan meets the criteria for nonaccrual status.  Impaired loans decreased 7% from 2013 to 2014.
45
thousands)

  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013 
Nonaccrual loans (NPLs) $23,658  $21,539  $22,653  $17,881  $26,819 
Foreclosed properties  3,234   7,949   4,883   1,726   4,221 
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs) $26,892  $29,488  $27,536  $19,607  $31,040 
                     
NPLs as a percentage of total loans  .31%  .31%  .38%  .38%  .62%
NPAs as a percentage of loans and foreclosed properties  .35   .43   .46   .42   .72 
NPAs as a percentage of total assets  .23   .28   .29   .26   .42 

 49

 

The following table summarizes nonperforming assets by category and market by quarter.  Assets covered by the loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC related to the acquisition of SCB are not included in this table.

market.

Table 14 - Nonperforming Assets by Quarter

Category

(in thousands)

 December 31, 2014 September 30, 2014 June 30, 2014 March 31, 2014 
  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total 
  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs 
BY CATEGORY                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate $4,133  $355  $4,488  $2,156  $1,024  $3,180  $2,975  $653  $3,628  $3,868  $1,167  $5,035 
Income producing commercial real estate  717      717   1,742   42   1,784   1,032   242   1,274   1,278   1,645   2,923 
Commercial & industrial  1,571      1,571   1,593      1,593   1,102      1,102   822      822 
Commercial construction  83   15   98   148      148   95      95   479      479 
     Total commercial  6,504   370   6,874   5,639   1,066   6,705   5,204   895   6,099   6,447   2,812   9,259 
Residential mortgage  8,196   1,183   9,379   8,350   1,769   10,119   10,201   1,426   11,627   13,307   2,146   15,453 
Home equity  695   40   735   720   90   810   510   128   638   1,106   362   1,468 
Residential construction  2,006   133   2,139   3,543   221   3,764   4,248   520   4,768   3,805   274   4,079 
Consumer installment  134      134   139      139   171      171   291      291 
Indirect auto  346      346   354      354   390      390   294      294 
     Total NPAs $17,881  $1,726  $19,607  $18,745  $3,146  $21,891  $20,724  $2,969  $23,693  $25,250  $5,594  $30,844 
     Balance as a % of                                                
          Unpaid Principal  69.9%  54.1%  68.1%  68.6%  54.5%  66.1%  66.5%  50.4%  63.9%  65.8%  53.9%  63.2%
                                                 
BY MARKET                                                
North Georgia $5,669  $711  $6,380  $7,392  $1,717  $9,109  $8,216  $1,392  $9,608  $12,166  $2,058  $14,224 
Atlanta MSA  1,837   372   2,209   1,724   364   2,088   3,883   510   4,393   2,916   904   3,820 
North Carolina  5,221   234   5,455   4,919   398   5,317   5,314   615   5,929   6,501   866   7,367 
Coastal Georgia  799   105   904   781   160   941   782   80   862   800   1,607   2,407 
Gainesville MSA  1,310   81   1,391   1,403   85   1,488   921   49   970   1,145      1,145 
East Tennessee  1,414   201   1,615   1,227   245   1,472   1,218   323   1,541   1,428   159   1,587 
South Carolina / Specialized Lending  1,285   22   1,307   945   177   1,122                   
Indirect auto  346      346   354      354   390      390   294      294 
     Total NPAs $17,881  $1,726  $19,607  $18,745  $3,146  $21,891  $20,724  $2,969  $23,693  $25,250  $5,594  $30,844 
                                                 
  December 31, 2013  September 30, 2013  June 30, 2013  March 31, 2013 
  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total 
  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs 
BY CATEGORY                                                
Owner occupied commercial real estate $5,822  $832  $6,654  $6,358  $591  $6,949  $5,283  $547  $5,830  $8,142  $4,750  $12,892 
Income producing commercial real estate  2,518      2,518   1,657   139   1,796   1,954      1,954   9,162   834   9,996 
Commercial & industrial  427      427   609      609   548      548   29,545      29,545 
Commercial construction  361      361   343   376   719   504   376   880   22,359   3,027   25,386 
     Total commercial  9,128   832   9,960   8,967   1,106   10,073   8,289   923   9,212   69,208   8,611   77,819 
Residential mortgage  11,730   2,684   14,414   11,335   1,679   13,014   12,847   1,303   14,150   10,901   3,463   14,364 
Home equity  1,448   389   1,837   1,169   475   1,644   1,491   140   1,631   916      916 
Residential construction  4,264   316   4,580   4,097   1,207   5,304   4,838   1,570   6,408   14,592   4,660   19,252 
Consumer installment  249      249   520      520   399      399   389      389 
Indirect auto                                    
     Total NPAs $26,819  $4,221  $31,040  $26,088  $4,467  $30,555  $27,864  $3,936  $31,800  $96,006  $16,734  $112,740 
     Balance as a % of                                                
          Unpaid Principal  65.3%  44.5%  61.4%  61.6%  41.5%  57.6%  62.6%  31.6%  55.8%  66.3%  45.0%  62.0%
                                                 
BY MARKET                                                
North Georgia $12,352  $2,494  $14,846  $13,652  $1,726  $15,378  $12,830  $1,617  $14,447  $63,210  $6,616  $69,826 
Atlanta MSA  2,830   684   3,514   3,096   1,026   4,122   3,803   1,197   5,000   17,380   3,524   20,904 
North Carolina  6,567   683   7,250   5,680   762   6,442   6,512   295   6,807   8,519   2,533   11,052 
Coastal Georgia  2,342   173   2,515   995   928   1,923   2,588   627   3,215   3,523   1,449   4,972 
Gainesville MSA  928      928   1,036      1,036   1,008      1,008   911   370   1,281 
East Tennessee  1,800   187   1,987   1,629   25   1,654   1,123   200   1,323   2,463   2,242   4,705 
South Carolina / Specialized Lending                                    
Indirect auto                                    
     Total NPAs $26,819  $4,221  $31,040  $26,088  $4,467  $30,555  $27,864  $3,936  $31,800  $96,006  $16,734  $112,740 

During the second quarter of 2013, United executed a plan to accelerate the disposition of classified assets including performing classified loans, nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties.  The purpose of the accelerated classified asset disposition plan was to clean up legacy credit problems remaining from the recent financial crisis and to accelerate the improvement of United’s credit measures toward pre-crisis levels.  The classified asset sales included individual note and foreclosed property sales and a large bulk sale of classified assets to a single investor.  The bulk sale included performing and nonperforming classified loans and foreclosed properties.  The assets were divided into four separate pools that were bid for separately by potential buyers.  A single purchaser was the high bidder for each of the four pools.
46

 


  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total 
  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs 
BY CATEGORY                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate $4,923  $1,955  $6,878  $7,373  $3,145  $10,518 
Income producing commercial real estate  3,208   244   3,452   1,324   36   1,360 
Commercial & industrial  2,097   -   2,097   966   -   966 
Commercial construction  758   884   1,642   1,538   2,977   4,515 
     Total commercial  10,986   3,083   14,069   11,201   6,158   17,359 
Residential mortgage  8,776   136   8,912   6,368   1,260   7,628 
Home equity lines of credit  2,024   15   2,039   1,831   531   2,362 
Residential construction  192   -   192   776   -   776 
Consumer direct  43   -   43   88   -   88 
Indirect auto  1,637   -   1,637   1,275   -   1,275 
 Total NPAs $23,658  $3,234  $26,892  $21,539  $7,949  $29,488 
                         
BY MARKET                        
North Georgia $7,310  $94  $7,404  $5,278  $856  $6,134 
Atlanta MSA  1,395   279   1,674   1,259   716   1,975 
North Carolina  4,543   1,213   5,756   4,750   632   5,382 
Coastal Georgia  2,044   20   2,064   1,778   -   1,778 
Gainesville MSA  739   -   739   279   -   279 
East Tennessee  1,462   -   1,462   2,354   675   3,029 
South Carolina  3,433   1,059   4,492   2,494   5,070   7,564 
Commercial Banking Solutions  1,095   569   1,664   2,072   -   2,072 
Indirect auto  1,637   -   1,637   1,275   -   1,275 
Total NPAs  23,658   3,234   26,892   21,539   7,949   29,488 

The following table summarizes activity in nonperforming assets by year.

Table 15 - Activity in Nonperforming Assets

(in thousands)


  
2014 (1)
  
2013 (1)
  
2012 (1)
 
  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total 
  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs 
                   
Beginning Balance $26,819  $4,221  $31,040  $109,894  $18,264  $128,158  $127,479  $32,859  $160,338 
Loans placed on non-accrual  33,637      33,637   43,867      43,867   112,547      112,547 
Payments received  (14,108)     (14,108)  (60,035)     (60,035)  (31,076)     (31,076)
Loan charge-offs  (19,374)     (19,374)  (44,444)     (44,444)  (65,064)     (65,064)
Foreclosures  (9,093)  9,093      (22,463)  22,463      (33,992)  33,992    
Capitalized costs     209   209      116   116      1,047   1,047 
Note / property sales     (12,501)  (12,501)     (31,915)  (31,915)     (40,759)  (40,759)
Write downs     (691)  (691)     (3,065)  (3,065)     (6,951)  (6,951)
Net gains (losses) on sales     1,395   1,395      (1,642)  (1,642)     (1,924)  (1,924)
     Ending Balance $17,881  $1,726  $19,607  $26,819  $4,221  $31,040  $109,894  $18,264  $128,158 
                                     
(1) Excludes nonperforming loans and foreclosed property covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC related to the acquisition of SCB.
 

  2017  2016  2015 
  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total  Nonaccrual  Foreclosed  Total 
  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs  Loans  Properties  NPAs 
                            
Beginning Balance $21,539  $7,949  $29,488  $22,653  $4,883  $27,536  $17,881  $1,726  $   19,607 
Acquisitions  20   1,464   1,484   -   6,998   6,998   -   4,225   4,225 
Loans placed on non-accrual  28,621   -   28,621   24,583   -   24,583   32,187   -   32,187 
Payments received  (16,688)  -   (16,688)  (13,783)  -   (13,783)  (14,478)  -   (14,478)
Loan charge-offs  (6,762)  -   (6,762)  (6,011)  -   (6,011)  (8,036)  -   (8,036)
Foreclosures  (3,072)  4,146   1,074   (5,903)  8,177   2,274   (4,901)  4,925   24 
Capitalized costs  -   -   -   -   127   127   -   256   256 
Note / property sales  -   (9,534)  (9,534)  -   (12,238)  (12,238)  -   (6,887)  (6,887)
Write downs  -   (1,127)  (1,127)  -   (387)  (387)  -   (243)  (243)
Net gains on sales  -   336   336   -   389   389   -   881   881 
Ending Balance $23,658  $3,234  $26,892  $21,539  $7,949  $29,488  $22,653  $4,883  $27,536 

Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. If the fair value, less estimated costs to sell at the time of foreclosure, is less than the loan balance, the deficiency is charged against the allowance for loan losses. If the lesser of fair value, less estimated costs to sell or the listed selling price, less the costs to sell, of the foreclosed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to foreclosed property expense. When the foreclosed property is sold, a gain or loss is recognized on the sale for the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the property. Financed sales of foreclosed property are accounted for in accordance with ASC 360-20,Real Estate Sales.


In 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, United transferred $9.09$4.15 million, $22.5$8.18 million and $34.0$4.93 million, respectively, of loans into foreclosed property. During 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, proceeds from sales of foreclosed properties were $12.5$9.53 million, $31.9$12.2 million and $40.8$6.89 million, respectively.

50

At December 31, 2017 and 2016 United had $58.1 million and $73.2 million, respectively, which includes $2.50 million, $3.49in loans with terms that have been modified in a TDR. Included therein were $5.50 million and $9.40$5.35 million, respectively, of salesTDRs that were financed by United.


not performing in accordance with their modified terms and were included in nonperforming loans. The gross additional interest income that would have been earned if theremaining TDRs with an aggregate balance of $52.6 million and $67.8 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and are therefore not considered to be nonperforming assets.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were $62.3 million and $85.7 million, respectively, of loans classified as nonaccrual had performedimpaired under the definition outlined in accordance with the original terms was approximately $1.71 million, $2.11Accounting Standards Codification including TDRs which are by definition considered impaired. Included in impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $9.37 million and $6.81$28.3 million, respectively, that did not require specific reserves or had previously been charged down to net realizable value. The balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2017 of $52.9 million had specific reserves that totaled $3.26 million and the balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2016 of $57.4 million had specific reserves that totaled $3.45 million. The average recorded investment in 2014, 2013impaired loans for 2017, 2016 and 2012,2015 was $78.4 million, $90.4 million and $107 million, respectively. The gross additionalDuring 2017, 2016 and 2015, United recognized $3.63 million, $4.27 million and $4.96 million, respectively, in interest income that would have been earned in 2014, 2013 and 2012 had performing TDRs performed in accordance withrevenue on impaired loans. United’s policy is to discontinue the original terms is immaterial.


recognition of interest revenue for loans classified as impaired under ASC 310-10-35,Receivables, when a loan meets the criteria for nonaccrual status. Impaired loans decreased 27% from 2016 to 2017.

Investment Securities


The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects United’s 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 and borrowings, including repurchase agreements. Total investment securities at December 31, 2014 decreased $1142017 increased $175 million from a year ago.


At December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 2013,2016, United had securities held-to-maturity with a carrying value of $415$321 million and $480$330 million, respectively, and securities available-for-sale totaling $1.78$2.62 billion and $1.83$2.43 billion, respectively. At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the securities portfolio represented approximately 29%25% and 31%26%, respectively, of total assets. At December 31, 2014,2017, the average lifeeffective duration of the investment portfolio was shorter, with an effective duration of 2.463.41 years, compared with 2.963.01 years at December 31, 2013.

2016.

The following table shows the carrying value of United’s investment securities.

Table 16 - Carrying Value of Investment Securities      
As of December 31,         
(in thousands)         
          
  December 31, 2017 
  Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity  Total Securities 
          
U.S. Treasuries $121,113  $-  $121,113 
U.S. Government agencies  26,372   -   26,372 
State and political subdivisions  197,286   71,959   269,245 
Mortgage-backed securities  1,727,211   249,135   1,976,346 
Corporate bonds  306,353   -   306,353 
Asset-backed securities  237,458   -   237,458 
Other  57   -   57 
Total securities $2,615,850  $321,094  $2,936,944 

  December 31, 2016 
  Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity  Total Securities 
          
U.S. Treasuries $169,616  $-  $169,616 
U.S. Government agencies  20,820   -   20,820 
State and political subdivisions  74,177   57,134   131,311 
Mortgage-backed securities  1,391,682   272,709   1,664,391 
Corporate bonds  305,392   -   305,392 
Asset-backed securities  469,569   -   469,569 
Other  1,182   -   1,182 
Total securities $2,432,438  $329,843  $2,762,281 

51

Table 16 - Carrying Value of Investment Securities
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
 
   
 December 31, 2014 
 Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity Total Securities 
    
U.S. Treasuries$105,709  $  $105,709 
U.S. Government agencies 36,299      36,299 
State and political subdivisions 20,233   48,157   68,390 
Mortgage-backed securities 996,820   367,110   1,363,930 
Corporate bonds 165,628      165,628 
Asset-backed securities 455,928      455,928 
Other 2,117      2,117 
     Total securities$1,782,734  $415,267  $2,198,001 
            
 December 31, 2013 
 Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity Total Securities 
            
State and political subdivisions$23,242  $51,733  $74,975 
Mortgage-backed securities 1,145,347   428,009   1,573,356 
Corporate bonds 250,296      250,296 
Asset-backed securities 410,633      410,633 
Other 2,699      2,699 
     Total securities$1,832,217  $479,742  $2,311,959 

The investment securities portfolio primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Government agency securities, U.S. Government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities, non-agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate securities, municipal securities and asset-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 can prepay. Decreases in interest rates will generally cause an acceleration of prepayment levels. In a declining or prolonged low interest rate environment, United may 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 cash receipts, and can result in the holding of a below market yielding asset for a longer period of time. United’s asset-backed securities include collateralized loan obligations and securities that are backed by student loans and collateralized loan obligations.


loans.

Management evaluates its securities portfolio each quarter to determine if any security is considered to be other than temporarily impaired. In making this evaluation, management considers its ability and intent to hold securities to recover current market losses. Losses on United’s fixed income securities at December 31, 20142017 primarily reflect the effect of changes in interest rates. United did not recognize any other than temporary impairment losses on its investment securities in 2014, 20132017, 2016 or 2012.


2015.

At December 31, 2014,2017, United had 62%67% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage backed securities, compared with 68%60% at December 31, 2013.2016. United has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield with low risk. United did not have securitiesdebt obligations of any issuer in excess of 10% of equity at year-end 20142017 or 2013,2016, excluding U.S. Government sponsored entities. Less than 1%Approximately 2% of the securities portfolio is rated below “A” by at least one rating agency or unrated and 48%10% of securities, excluding non-governmentgovernment or agency securities, are rated “Aaa”. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of investment portfolio and related fair value and maturity information.


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


United’s core

Core deposit intangibles, representing the value of United’sthe acquired deposit base, and noncompete agreements are amortizing intangible assets that are required to be tested for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. There were no events or circumstances that lead management to believe that any impairment exists in United’s other intangible assets.


United’s goodwill

Goodwill represents the premium paid for acquired companies above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including separately identifiable intangible assets. UnitedManagement evaluates its goodwill annually, or more frequently if necessary, to determine if any impairment exists.

Deposits


United

Management has initiated several deposit programs to improve core earnings byfocused on growing customer transaction deposit accounts and lowering overall pricing on deposit accountsrelative to improve its net interest margin and increase net interest revenue. The programs were successful in increasing core transaction deposit accounts and allowing for the reduction of more costly time deposit balances, as United’s funding needs decreased due to lower loan demand.balances. United’s high level of service, as evidenced by its strong customer satisfaction scores, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining deposits.


Total customer deposits, excluding brokered deposits, as of December 31, 20142017 were $5.90$9.4 billion, an increase of $125 million$1.1 billion from December 31, 2013.2016. Total core deposits (demand, NOW, money market and savings deposits, excluding public funds deposits) of $3.69$9.2 billion increased $252 million,$1.5 billion, or 7%19%, due to the FOFN and HCSB acquisitions and the success of core deposit incentive programs.


Total time deposits, excluding brokered deposits, as of December 31, 20142017 were $1.26$1.55 billion, down $225up $261 million from December 31, 2013.  Time2016, primarily due to the FOFN and HCSB acquisitions.

Brokered deposits less than $100,000 totaled $748 million, a decrease of $144 million, or 16%, from a year ago.  Time deposits of $100,000 and greater totaled $508$371 million as of December 31, 2014, a decrease2017, an increase of $80$43.5 million or 14%, from December 31, 2013.  United continued to offer low rates on certificates of deposit, allowing balances to decline as United’s funding needs declined due to weak loan demand and a shift to lower cost transaction account deposits.


Brokered deposits totaled $425 million as of December 31, 2014, equal to a year ago2016, and included NowNOW accounts, money market deposits and certificates of deposit. Brokered certificates of deposit accountaccounted for $273$133 million and $89.9 million of the balance at both December 31, 20142017 and 2013.  United has actively added long-term deposits2016, respectively. The increase in brokered certificates of deposit reflects a strategy to diversify ourwholesale funding base.  These are typically swapped to LIBOR minus a spread, which achieves low cost funding within our interest rate risk parameters.sources.

52

The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of time deposits of $100,000$250,000 and greater and brokered time deposits.

Table 17 - Maturities of Time Deposits of $100,000 and Greater and Brokered Time Deposits 
As of December 31,    
(in thousands)    
     
$100,000 and greater: 2014  2013 
   Three months or less $120,167  $116,875 
   Three to six months  98,443   100,425 
   Six to twelve months  182,936   195,064 
   Over one year  106,682   176,325 
       Total $508,228  $588,689 
         
Brokered time deposits:        
   Three months or less $  $ 
   Three to six months      
   Six to twelve months      
   Over one year  272,834   273,166 
       Total $272,834  $273,166 
Wholesale Funding

Table 17 - Maturities of Time Deposits of $250,000 and Greater and Brokered Time Deposits

As of December 31,

(in thousands)

$250,000 and greater: 2017  2016 
Three months or less $37,982  $42,549 
Three to six months  27,099   31,475 
Six to twelve months  59,736   36,634 
Over one year  79,937   33,628 
Total $204,754  $144,286 
         
Brokered time deposits:        
Three months or less $30,932  $- 
Three to six months  1,639   - 
Six to twelve months  2,155   - 
Over one year  98,022   89,864 
Total $132,748  $89,864 

Borrowing Activities

The Bank is a shareholder in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). Through this affiliation, FHLB secured advances totaling $270totaled $505 million and $120$709 million at December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. United anticipates continued use of this short and long-term source of funds. FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 20142017 had fixedmaturity dates ranging from 2018-2020 and a weighted average interest ratesrate of .24% or less.  United will prepay advances from time to time as funding needs change.1.59%. Additional information regarding FHLB advances including scheduled maturities, is provided in Note 1213 to the consolidated financial statements.


At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, United had $6.00$50.0 million and $53.2 million in repurchase agreements outstanding.  During the second quarters of 2014 and 2012, United prepaid $44 million and $50$5.0 million, respectively, in structured repurchase agreements and incurred prepayment charges of $4.45 million and $4.48 million, respectively.  United takes advantage of these additional sources of liquidity when rates are favorable compared to other forms of short-term borrowings, such as FHLB advances and brokered deposits.

federal funds purchased outstanding.

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. To assist in determining the adequacy of its liquidity, United performs a variety of liquidity stress tests including idiosyncratic, systemic and combined scenarios for both moderate and severe events. Liquidity is defined as the ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and the ability to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining United’sthe ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of the Bank’s customers, both depositors and borrowers.

In addition, because United is a separate entity and apart from the Bank, it must provide formaintains an unencumbered liquid asset reserve to help ensure its own liquidity.  United is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt or trust preferred securities. United currently has internal capital resources to meet these obligations.  Substantially all of United’s liquidity is obtained from subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank, which are limited by applicable law.  Until 2013, the Bank was unable to pay dividends to United and liquidity was obtained from external sources (debt and equity issuances)ability to meet its needs.  In 2014obligations under normal conditions for at least a 12-month period and 2013, the Bank paid dividendsunder severely adverse liquidity conditions for a minimum of $129 million and $50 million, respectively, to United.

Two key 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 to optimize interest revenue.  Daily monitoring30 days.

An important part of the sources and uses of funds is necessary to maintain a position that meets both requirements.


TheBank’s liquidity resides in the asset portion of the balance sheet, which provides liquidity primarily through loan interest and principal repayments and the maturities and sales of securities, as well as the ability to use these assets as collateral for borrowings on a secured basis. WeThe Bank also maintainmaintains excess funds in short-term interest-bearing assets that provide additional liquidity.  Mortgage loans held for sale totaled $13.7 million at December 31, 2014, and typically turn over every 45 days as closed loans are sold to investors in the secondary market.

The liability sectionBank’s main source of the balance sheet provides liquidity throughis customer interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts. Liquidity is also available from wholesale funding sources consisting primarily of Federal funds purchased, Federal Reserve short-term borrowings, FHLB advances, brokered deposits, and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are additional sources of liquidity and represent United’s incremental borrowing capacity.repurchase. 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.

In addition, because United’s holding company is a separate entity and apart from the Bank, it must provide for its own liquidity. United’s holding company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its common and preferred shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt or trust preferred securities. United’s holding company currently has internal capital resources to meet these obligations. While United’s holding company has access to the capital markets, the ultimate source of holding company liquidity is subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank, which are limited by applicable law and regulations. In 2017 and 2016, the Bank paid dividends of $103 million and $41.5 million, respectively, to the holding company. Holding company liquidity is managed to 18-months of positive cash flow after considering all of its liquidity needs over this period.

53

The table below presents a summary of United’s short-term borrowings over the last three years.

Table 18 - Short-Term Borrowings         
As of December 31,          
(in thousands)          
December 31, 2014
 Period-end
balance
  Period end
weighted-
average
interest rate
  Maximum
outstanding
at any
month-end
  Average
amounts
outstanding
during the
year
  Weighted-
average rate
for the year
 
Federal funds purchased $   % $65,000  $22,795   .32%
Repurchase agreements  6,000   4.00   55,075   28,568   3.81 
Other        40,000   23,178   4.30 
  $6,000          $74,541     
                     
December 31, 2013
                    
Federal funds purchased $   % $70,000  $13,327   .33%
Repurchase agreements  53,241   4.00   54,164   53,234   3.81 
  $53,241          $66,561     
                     
December 31, 2012
                    
Federal funds purchased $   % $  $5,000   .33%
Repurchase agreements  52,574   4.00   103,551   75,593   3.93 
  $52,574          $80,593     

Table 18 - Short-Term Borrowings

As of December 31,

(in thousands)

December 31, 2017 

Period-end

balance

  

Period end

weighted-

average

interest rate

  

Maximum

outstanding

at any month-

end

  

Average

amounts

outstanding

during the

year

  

Weighted-

average rate

for the year

 
Federal funds purchased $50,000   1.56% $84,575  $26,853   1.19%
Repurchase agreements  -   -   1,027   3   .12 
  $50,000          $26,856     
                     
December 31, 2016                    
Federal funds purchased $5,000   .81% $50,000  $27,572   .66%
Repurchase agreements  -   -   19,234   7,334   .15 
  $5,000          $34,906     
                     
December 31, 2015                    
Federal funds purchased $-   -% $10,000  $41,319   .34%
Repurchase agreements  16,640   .01   35,000   7,982   .21 
  $16,640          $49,301     

At December 31, 2014,2017, United had sufficient qualifying collateral to increase FHLB advances by $791$856 million and Federal Reserve discount window capacity of $753 million.  United$1.23 billion. Management also has the ability to raise substantial funds through brokered deposits. 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 United’sthe consolidated statementstatements of cash flows, net cash provided by operating activities was $102$208 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.2017. Net income of $67.6$67.8 million for the year included the deferred income tax expense of $38.2$99.6 million non-cash expenses for provision for credit losses of $8.50 million,and non-cash depreciation, amortization and accretion of $20.0$27.5 million. Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased $24.3 million and loans held for sale decreased $15.4 million, along withby $5.24 million. These sources of cash were partially offset by an increase in other assets and accrued interest receivable increase of $16.8$18.3 million. Net cash used in investing activities of $237$45.5 million consisted primarily of $611$937 million of purchases of securities available for sale, and a net increase in loans of $326$109 million, purchases of premises and equipment of $5.05 million and net cash paid for the BCI acquisition of $31.3 million, that were offset by proceeds from sales of securities available for sale of $421$341 million, maturities and calls of investment securities available for sale of $295$606 million, proceeds from note salesmaturities and calls of $4.56securities held to maturity of $56.9 million and net proceedscash received from salesacquisitions of other real estate of $10.2$53.7 million. The $99.4$65.5 million of net cash providedused in financing activities consisted primarily of a $294 million net reduction in FHLB advances, $75.0 million repayment of long-term debt and $26.2 million in common stock dividends. This decrease was partially offset by a net increase in deposits of $125$287 million and a $150 million net increase in FHLB advances.  Cash from financing activities was also increased by $12.2 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock.  This increase was offset by $122 million paid to retire preferred stock, a $51.7 million reduction in short-term borrowings and $12.0 million in cash used to repurchase an outstanding warrant.of $43.9 million.. In the opinion of management, United’s liquidity position at December 31, 20142017 was sufficient to meet its expected cash flow requirements.

The following table shows United’s contractual obligations and other commitments.

Table 19 - Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

As of December 31, 2017

(in thousands)

        Maturity By Years 
  Total  

Unamortized

Premium

(Discount)

  1 or Less  1 to 3  3 to 5  Over 5 
Contractual Cash Obligations                        
FHLB advances $504,651  $651  $269,000  $235,000  $-  $- 
Long-term debt  120,545   (8,381)  -   -   50,000   78,926 
Operating leases  27,101   -   4,161   7,806   7,096   8,038 
Total contractual cash obligations $652,297  $(7,730) $273,161  $242,806  $57,096  $86,964 
                         
Other Commitments                        
Commitments to extend credit $1,910,777  $-  $510,988  $384,150  $340,892  $674,747 
Commercial letters of credit  28,075   -   23,269   4,643   163   - 
Uncertain tax positions  3,163   -   369   2,003   441   350 
Total other commitments $1,942,015  $-  $534,626  $390,796  $341,496  $675,097 

54

Table 19 - Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments     
As of December 31, 2014     
(in thousands)     
   Maturity By Years 
   Total 1 or Less 1 to 3 3 to 5 Over 5 
Contractual Cash Obligations     
FHLB advances$270,125  $270,000  $125  $  $ 
Long-term debt 129,865      35,000   40,000   54,865 
Operating leases 10,877   1,741   2,707   1,906   4,523 
Total contractual cash obligations$410,867  $271,741  $37,832  $41,906  $59,388 
                    
Other Commitments                   
Lines of credit$878,160  $240,137  $123,768  $190,398  $323,857 
Commercial letters of credit 19,861   18,226   1,155   480    
Uncertain tax positions 4,195   585   839   374   2,397 
Total other commitments$902,216  $258,948  $125,762  $191,252  $326,254 

The following table presents the contractual maturity of investment securities by maturity date and average yields based on amortized cost (for all obligations on a fully taxable basis). The composition and maturity / repricing distribution of the securities portfolio is subject to change depending on rate sensitivity, capital and liquidity needs.

Table 20 - Expected Maturity of Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities   
As of December 31, 2014         
(in thousands)         
 Maturity By Years 
 1 or Less  1 to 5  5 to 10  Over 10  Total 
Available for Sale         
U.S. Treasury securities$  $105,709  $  $  $105,709 
U.S. government agency securities       36,299      36,299 
State and political subdivisions 6,405   10,771   2,165   892   20,233 
Corporate bonds 9,815   37,891   117,172   750   165,628 
Asset-backed securities 9,505   257,886   58,966   129,571   455,928 
Other securities (1)
 8,204   582,576   214,909   193,248   998,937 
   Total securities available for sale$33,929  $994,833  $429,511  $324,461  $1,782,734 
                    
Weighted average yield (2)
 2.68%  2.18%  2.21%  3.35%  2.41%
                    
Held to Maturity                   
State and political subdivisions$1,000  $18,582  $19,573  $9,002  $48,157 
Other securities (1)
    249,815   111,603   5,692   367,110 
   Total securities available for sale$1,000  $268,397  $131,176  $14,694  $415,267 
                    
Weighted average yield (2)
 4.00%  3.00%  3.17%  4.96%  3.12%
                    
Combined Portfolio                   
U.S. Treasury securities$  $105,709  $  $  $105,709 
U.S. governement agency securities       36,299      36,299 
State and political subdivisions 7,405   29,353   21,738   9,894   68,390 
Corporate bonds 9,815   37,891   117,172   750   165,628 
Asset-backed securities 9,505   257,886   58,966   129,571   455,928 
Other securities (1)
 8,204   832,391   326,512   198,940   1,366,046 
   Total securities available for sale$34,929  $1,263,230  $560,687  $339,155  $2,198,000 
                    
Weighted average yield (2)
 2.71%  2.41%  2.42%  3.42%  2.58%
                    
(1)  Includes mortgage-backed securities
                   
 
(2) Based on amortized cost, taxable equivalent basis
                 

Table 20 - Maturity of Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities

As of December 31, 2017

(in thousands)

  Maturity By Years 
  1 or Less  1 to 5  5 to 10  Over 10  Total 
Available-for-Sale                    
U.S. Treasuries $-  $73,798  $47,315  $-  $121,113 
U.S. Government agencies  5,514   18,210   920   1,728   26,372 
State and political subdivisions  3,485   54,753   139,048   -   197,286 
Corporate bonds  -   258,819   46,634   900   306,353 
Asset-backed securities  3,238   125,621   105,919   2,680   237,458 
Other securities(1)  18,757   1,112,182   544,145   52,184   1,727,268 
Total securities available-for-sale $30,994  $1,643,383  $883,981  $57,492  $2,615,850 
                     
Weighted average yield(2)  2.62%  2.60%  2.62%  3.02%  2.61%
                     
Held-to-Maturity                    
State and political subdivisions $5,691  $20,431  $7,603  $38,234  $71,959 
Other securities(1)  1,127   192,327   27,075   28,606   249,135 
Total securities held-to-maturity $6,818  $212,758  $34,678  $66,840  $321,094 
                     
Weighted average yield(2)  3.70%  2.87%  3.12%  3.16%  2.97%
                     
Combined Portfolio                    
U.S. Treasuries $-  $73,798  $47,315  $-  $121,113 
U.S. Government agencies  5,514   18,210   920   1,728   26,372 
State and political subdivisions  9,176   75,184   146,651   38,234   269,245 
Corporate bonds  -   258,819   46,634   900   306,353 
Asset-backed securities  3,238   125,621   105,919   2,680   237,458 
Other securities(1)  19,884   1,304,509   571,220   80,790   1,976,403 
Total securities $37,812  $1,856,141  $918,659  $124,332  $2,936,944 
                     
Weighted average yield(2)  2.81%  2.63%  2.64%  3.09%  2.65%

(1) Includes mortgage-backed securities

(2) Based on amortized cost, taxable equivalent basis

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


United is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees.


A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party and have essentially the same credit risk as extending loan facilities to customers. Those commitments are primarily issued to local businesses.


The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. United uses the same credit underwriting procedures for making commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees, as it uses for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. United evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and the amount of the collateral, if deemed necessary, is based on the credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral.

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All of these instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The total amount of these instruments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements because a significant portion of these instruments expire without being used. United is not involved in off-balance sheet contractual relationships, other than those disclosed in this report, that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments, or that could significantly affect earnings. See Note 2021 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on off-balance sheet arrangements.


At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, United had $375$100 million and $350$150 million, respectively, in offsetting repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements that were netted in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. United enters into these collateral swap arrangements from time to time as a source of additional revenue.


Capital Resources and Dividends


Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 20142017 was $740 million, a decrease$1.30 billion, an increase of $56.1$228 million from December 31, 2013.2016 primarily due to year-to-date earnings and stock issued for acquisitions partially offset by dividends declared. Accumulated other comprehensive income,loss, which includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, the unrealized gains and losses on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, and unamortized prior service cost and actuarial gains and losses on United’s modifieddefined benefit retirement plan,plans, is excluded in the calculation of regulatory capital ratios.  Excluding

Effective January 1, 2015, the change in the accumulated other comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity decreased $57.2 million, or 7%, from December 31, 2013.  The decrease results from the redemptionBoard of $122 million in preferred stock in the first quarter of 2014.  The preferred stock redemption was offset by 2014 earnings, net of dividend declared on common stock.


United accrued $439,000 and $12.1 million, respectively, in dividends, including discount accretion, on its Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

On December 31, 2013, United redeemed all of its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock in the principal amount of $217,000.  The redemption price for sharesGovernors of the Series A Preferred Stock wasFederal Reserve System and the stated valueFDIC implemented the Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework applicable to all depository institutions, bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends that had been earned thereon through the redemption date.  Following the redemption, there are no shares of United’s Series A Preferred Stock outstanding.

On December 27, 2013, United redeemed $75$500 million of more and all savings and loan holding companies except for those that are substantially engaged in insurance underwriting or commercial activities. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, minimum requirements increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by United. The Basel III Capital Rules include a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5% and, for prompt corrective action purposes, a “well capitalized” ratio of 6.5%, raise the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6%, require a minimum ratio of Total Capital to risk-weighted assets of 8%, and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, was also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increase each subsequent year by an additional 0.625% until reaching its $180 million in outstanding Series B Preferred Stock.  The redemption price for sharesfinal level of the Series B Preferred Stock called for redemption was the stated liquidation value of $1,000 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends that had been earned thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.  As of December 31, 2013, $105 million of United’s Series B Preferred Stock was outstanding.  The remaining $105 million of United’s Series B Preferred Stock was redeemed2.5% on January 10, 2014 on comparable terms.  On March 3, 2014, United redeemed all1, 2019. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the Basel III Capital Rules. The Basel III Capital Rules also revise the definition and calculation of its outstanding $16.6 million in Series D preferred stock at par.  United funded the redemptions by utilizing cash on hand, cash dividends from the Bank and short-term debt.

In December, 2014, United repurchased an outstanding warrant from Fletcher International Ltd. (“Fletcher”), for $12.0 million, its estimated fair value.

On August 12, 2013, holders elected to exercise warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,551,126 shares of United’s common stock at a price of 12.50 per share.  United recognized net proceeds of approximately $19.4 million as a result of the exercises.
The Federal Reserve 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-weighted assets to determine the risk-based capital ratios.  The guidelines require an 8% Total risk-based capital ratio, of which 4% must be Tier 1 capital.  However, to be considered well-capitalized under the guidelines, a 10%capital, Total risk-based capital ratio is required, of which 6% must be Tier 1 capital.

Capital, and risk-weighted assets.

Under the risk-based capital guidelines, assets and credit equivalent amounts of derivatives and off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of several broad risk categories according to the obligor, or, if relevant, the guarantor or the nature of the collateral. The aggregate dollar amount in each risk category is then multiplied by the risk weight associated with the category. The resulting weighted values from each of the risk categories are added together, and generally this sum is the Company’s total risk weighted assets. Risk-weighted assets for purposes of United’s capital ratios are calculated under these guidelines.


Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders’ equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, intangible assets (goodwill and deposit-based intangibles), and disallowed deferred tax assets, plus qualifying capital securities.  United’s Tier 1 capital totaled $643 million at December 31, 2014. Tier 2 capital components include supplemental capital such as the qualifying portion of the allowance for loan losses and qualifying subordinated debt. Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital is referred to as Total risk-based capital and was $709 million at December 31, 2014. The ratios, as calculated under the guidelines, were 12.06% and 13.31% for Tier 1 and Total risk-based capital, respectively, at December 31, 2014.


A minimum leverage ratio is required in addition to the risk-based capital standards and is defined as Tier 1 capital divided by average assets adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles.  Although a minimum leverage ratio of 3% is required, the Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to maintain a leverage ratio of 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.  The Federal Reserve uses the leverage and risk-based capital ratios to assess capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies.

capital.

United has outstanding junior subordinated debentures related to trust preferred securities totaling $54.9$32.4 million at December 31, 2014.2017. The related trust preferred securities of $53.2$31.5 million (excluding common securities) qualify as Tier 1 capital under risk-based capital guidelines provided that total trust preferred securities do not exceed certain quantitative limits. At December 31, 2014,2017, all of United’s trust preferred securities qualified as Tier 1 capital. Further information on United’s trust preferred securities is provided in Note 1314 to the consolidated financial statements.

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The following table shows United’s capital ratios, as calculated under regulatory guidelines in effect at the time, as of the dates indicated:

Table 21 - Capital Ratios

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Table 21 - Capital Ratios      
(dollars in thousands)      
 Regulatory 
United Community Banks, Inc.
(Consolidated)
 United Community Bank 
 Guidelines 
       
  Well As of December 31, As of December 31, 
 Minimum Capitalized 2014 2013 2014 2013 
       
Risk-based ratios:      
    Tier 1 capital  4.0%  6.0%  12.05%  12.74%  12.84%  13.55%
    Total capital  8.0   10.0   13.30   13.99   14.09   14.80 
Leverage ratio  3.0   5.0   8.69   9.08   9.25   9.61 
                         
    Tier 1 capital         $642,663  $649,162  $683,332  $686,687 
    Total capital          709,408   713,063   749,927   750,216 
                         
Risk-weighted assets       5,332,822   5,097,091   5,320,615   5,066,948 
Average total assets       7,396,450   7,150,360   7,385,048   7,142,050 

(dollars in thousands)

        United Community Banks, Inc.       
  Basel III Guidelines  (consolidated)  United Community Bank 
     Well             
  Minimum  Capitalized  2017  2016  2017  2016 
                   
Risk-based ratios:                        
Common equity tier 1 capital  4.5%  6.5%  11.98%  11.23%  12.93%  12.66%
Tier 1 capital  6.0   8.0   12.24   11.23   12.93   12.66 
Total capital  8.0   10.0   13.06   12.04   13.63   13.48 
Tier 1 leverage ratio  4.0   5.0   9.44   8.54   9.98   9.63 
                         
Common equity tier 1 capital         $1,053,983  $874,452  $1,135,728  $984,529 
Tier 1 capital          1,076,465   874,452   1,135,728   984,529 
Total capital          1,149,191   937,876   1,196,954   1,047,953 
                         
Risk-weighted assets          8,797,387   7,789,089   8,781,177   7,775,352 
Average total assets          11,403,248   10,236,868   11,385,716   10,221,318 

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices


A bank’s 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 effect on the growth of total assets and the resulting need to increase equity capital at higher than nominal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio.


United’s management believes the effect of inflation on financial results depends on United’s ability to react to changes in interest rates and, by such reaction, reduce the inflationary effect on performance. United has an asset/liability management program to monitor and manage United’sits interest rate sensitivity position. In addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs.

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ITEM 7A.                QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Management


The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant effect on United’s 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 United’sconsistent with 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.


United’s net

Net interest revenue and the fair value of its financial instruments are influenced by changes in the level of interest rates. United limits its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by its Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) and approved by the Board of Directors. ALCO meets periodically and has responsibility for formulating and recommending asset/liability management policies to the Board of Directors, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings, and reviewing United’s interest rate sensitivity.


One of the tools management uses to estimate and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changes in interest rates is an asset/liability simulation model. Resulting estimates are based upon a number of assumptions for each scenario, including the level of balance sheet growth, loan and deposit re-pricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. ALCO periodically reviews the assumptions for accuracyreasonableness based on historical data and future expectations, however, actual net interest revenue may differ from model results. The primary objective of the simulation model is to measure the potential change in net interest revenue over time using multiple interest rate scenarios. The base scenario assumes rates remain flat and is the scenario to which all others are compared to in order to measure the change in net interest revenue. Policy limits are based on immediate rate shock scenarios, as well as gradually rising and falling rate scenarios, which are compared to the base scenario. Another commonly analyzed scenario is a most-likely scenario that projects the expected change in rates based on the slope of the forward yield curve. Other scenarios analyzed may include delayed rate shocks, yield curve steepening or flattening, or other variations in rate movements. While the primary policy scenarios focus on a twelve month time frame, longer time horizons are also modeled. All policy scenarios assume a static balance sheet.


United’s policy is based on the 12-month impact on net interest revenue of interest rate shocks and ramps that increase or decrease from 100 to 300400 basis points or decrease 100 basis points from the base scenario. In the shock scenarios, rates immediately change the full amount at the scenario onset. In the ramp scenarios, rates change by 25 basis points per month. United’s policy limits the projected change in net interest revenue over the first 12 months to a 5% decrease for each 100 basis point change in the increasing and decreasing rate ramp and shock scenarios. Historically low rates on December 31, 2014 and 20132016 made use of the down scenarios problematic.irrelevant. The following table presents United’s interest sensitivity position at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Table 22 - Interest Sensitivity             
                 
 
 Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at
December 31,
    20142013
 Change in Rates Shock Ramp Shock Ramp
 200 basis point increase1.7%2.0%4.4%5.4%
the dates indicated.

Table 22 - Interest Sensitivity

  Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at 
  December 31, 
  2017 2016 
Change in Rates Shock  Ramp  Shock  Ramp 
 100 basis point increase  0.11%  (0.33)%  (0.39)%  (0.81)%
 100 basis point decrease  (7.37)  (6.24)  n/a   n/a 

Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity during the life of the instruments.maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their repricing characteristics during periods of changes in market interest rates. Effective interest rate sensitivity management seeks to ensure that both assets and liabilities respond to changes in interest rates on a net basis within an acceptable timeframe, thereby minimizing the potentially adverse effect of interest rate changes on net interest revenue.


United may havehas some discretion in the extent and timing of deposit repricing depending upon the competitive pressures in the markets in which it operates. Changes in the mix of earning assets or supporting liabilities can either increase or decrease the net interest margin without affecting interest rate sensitivity. The interest rate spread between an asset and its supporting liability can vary significantly even when the timing of repricing for both the asset and the liability remains the same, due to the two instruments repricing according to different indices. This is commonly referred to as basis risk.


In order to manage its interest rate sensitivity, United periodically enters into off-balance sheet contracts that are consideredmanagement uses derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments can be a cost-effective and capital-effective means of modifying the repricing characteristics of on-balance sheet assets and liabilities. These contracts generally consist of interest rate swaps under which United pays a variable rate, (or fixed rate, as the case may be) and receives a fixed rate (or variable rate, as the case may be).

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United’s derivative

Derivative financial instruments that are designated as accounting hedges are classified as either cash flow or fair value hedges. The change in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. Fair value hedges recognize in earnings both the effect of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument and the offsetting effect of the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability associated with the particular risk of that asset or liability being hedged. United has other derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges but are used for interest rate risk management purposes and as an effective economic hedge.hedges. Derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as an accounting hedgehedges are marked to market through earnings.


In addition to derivative instruments, United uses a variety of balance sheet instruments to manage interest rate risk such as Investment Portfolio holdings,investment securities, wholesale funding and bank-issued deposits.


From time to time, United will terminate hedging positions when conditions change and the position is no longer necessary to manage United’s overall sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In those situations where the terminated contract was in an effective cash flow hedging relationship at the time of termination and the hedging relationship is expected to remain effective throughout the original term of the contract, the resulting gain or loss is amortized over the remaining life of the original contract as long as the forecasted hedged cash flows are expected to remain probable.contract. For swap contracts, the gain or loss is amortized over the remaining original contract term using the straight line method of amortization. At December 31, 2014,2017, United had $4.74 million$836,000 in losses from terminated derivative positions included in other comprehensive income that will be amortized into earnings over their remaining original contract terms. In addition, United’s one active cash flow hedge of floating rate liabilities that will begin interest settlements over the next twelve months.  United expects that $3.34 million$499,000 will be reclassified as an increase to deposit and wholesale borrowings interest expense over the next twelve months related to these terminated derivative positions and active cash flow hedges.


During the fourth quarter 2013, United reclassified hedge ineffectiveness gains and losses from other fee revenue to net interest revenue.  This reclassification has been reflected in all prior period results.

United’s policy requires all non-customer derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions, positions or positions,risks, 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 minimalappropriately monitored and shouldcontrolled and will not have any material unintendedadverse effect on our 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 cash and/or securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.



ITEM 8.                FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The consolidated financial statements of the registrant and report of independent registered public accounting firm are included herein as follows:

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on the pages that follow.

 59

 

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of United Community Banks, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and affected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:


·Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

·Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

·Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.2017. In making this assessment, we used the criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2014,2017, United Community Banks, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Our independent registered public accountants have audited the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent /s/ Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson 
Jimmy C. Tallent Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

of United Community Banks, Inc.


In our opinion,

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statementstatements of income, of comprehensive income (loss), of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries atthe Company as of December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 2013,2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the twothree years in the period ended December 31, 20142017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014,2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’sCompany's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 27, 2015


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1075 Peachtree St, Suite 2600, Atlanta, GA 30309
T: (678) 419 1000, F: (678) 419 1239, www.pwc.com/us
57
2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
United Community Banks, Inc.
Blairsville, Georgia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012 of United Community Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”). These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of United Community Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2013
235 Peachtree Street NE | Suite 1800 | Atlanta, Georgia 30303 | Phone 404.588.4200 | Fax 404.588.4222
58
 

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands, except per share data)
  2014  2013  2012 
Interest revenue:      
  Loans, including fees $196,279  $200,893  $217,378 
  Investment securities:            
    Taxable  47,755   40,331   43,657 
    Tax exempt  738   827   956 
  Deposits in banks and short-term investments  3,660   3,789   3,986 
      Total interest revenue  248,432   245,840   265,977 
Interest expense:            
  Deposits:            
    NOW  1,651   1,759   2,049 
    Money market  3,060   2,210   2,518 
    Savings  81   133   150 
    Time  7,133   10,464   19,097 
      Total deposit interest expense  11,925   14,566   23,814 
  Short-term borrowings  2,160   2,071   2,987 
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances  912   68   907 
  Long-term debt  10,554   10,977   10,201 
      Total interest expense  25,551   27,682   37,909 
      Net interest revenue  222,881   218,158   228,068 
Provision for credit losses  8,500   65,500   62,500 
      Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses  214,381   152,658   165,568 
Fee revenue:            
  Service charges and fees  33,073   31,997   31,670 
  Mortgage loan and other related fees  7,520   9,925   10,483 
  Brokerage fees  4,807   4,465   3,082 
  Securities gains, net  4,871   186   7,078 
  Losses on prepayment of borrowings  (4,446)     (6,681)
  Other  9,729   10,025   10,480 
      Total fee revenue  55,554   56,598   56,112 
         Total revenue  269,935   209,256   221,680 
          
Operating expenses:            
  Salaries and employee benefits  100,941   96,233   96,026 
  Occupancy  13,513   13,930   14,304 
  Communications and equipment  12,523   13,233   12,940 
  FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  4,792   9,219   10,097 
  Professional fees  7,907   9,617   8,792 
  Postage, printing and supplies  3,542   3,283   3,899 
  Advertising and public relations  3,461   3,718   3,855 
  Amortization of intangibles  1,348   2,031   2,917 
  Foreclosed property  634   7,869   13,993 
  Other  14,204   15,171   19,951 
      Total operating expenses  162,865   174,304   186,774 
      Income before income taxes  107,070   34,952   34,906 
Income tax expense (benefit)  39,450   (238,188)  1,050 
      Net income  67,620   273,140   33,856 
Preferred stock dividends  439   12,078   12,148 
      Net income available to common shareholders $67,181  $261,062  $21,708 
             
Income per common share:            
     Basic $1.11  $4.44  $.38 
     Diluted  1.11   4.44   .38 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:            
     Basic  60,588   58,787   57,857 
     Diluted  60,590   58,845   57,857 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(in thousands, except per share data)

          
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Interest revenue:            
Loans, including fees $315,050  $268,382  $223,256 
Investment securities:            
Taxable  70,172   63,413   51,143 
Tax exempt  2,216   614   705 
Deposits in banks and short-term investments  2,282   2,611   3,428 
Total interest revenue  389,720   335,020   278,532 
Interest expense:            
Deposits:            
NOW  3,365   1,903   1,505 
Money market  7,033   4,982   3,466 
Savings  135   135   98 
Time  6,529   3,136   3,756 
Total deposit interest expense  17,062   10,156   8,825 
Short-term borrowings  352   399   364 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  6,095   3,676   1,743 
Long-term debt  10,226   11,005   10,177 
Total interest expense  33,735   25,236   21,109 
Net interest revenue  355,985   309,784   257,423 
(Release of) provision for credit losses  3,800   (800)  3,700 
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses  352,185   310,584   253,723 
Fee revenue:            
Service charges and fees  38,295   42,113   36,825 
Mortgage loan and other related fees  18,320   20,292   13,592 
Brokerage fees  4,633   4,280   5,041 
Gains from sales of SBA/USDA loans  10,493   9,545   6,276 
Securities gains, net  42   982   2,255 
Losses on prepayment of borrowings  -   -   (1,294)
Other  16,477   16,485   9,834 
Total fee revenue  88,260   93,697   72,529 
Total revenue  440,445   404,281   326,252 
Operating expenses:            
Salaries and employee benefits  153,098   138,789   116,688 
Occupancy  20,344   19,603   15,372 
Communications and equipment  19,660   18,355   15,273 
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges  6,534   5,866   5,106 
Professional fees  12,074   11,822   10,175 
Postage, printing and supplies  5,952   5,382   4,273 
Advertising and public relations  4,242   4,426   3,667 
Amortization of intangibles  4,845   4,182   2,444 
Foreclosed property  1,254   1,051   32 
Merger-related and other charges  13,901   8,122   17,995 
Other  25,707   23,691   20,213 
Total operating expenses  267,611   241,289   211,238 
Income before income taxes  172,834   162,992   115,014 
Income tax expense  105,013   62,336   43,436 
Net income $67,821  $100,656  $71,578 
             
Net income available to common shareholders $67,250  $100,635  $71,511 
             
Income per common share:            
Basic $.92  $1.40  $1.09 
Diluted  .92   1.40   1.09 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:            
Basic  73,247   71,910   65,488 
Diluted  73,259   71,915   65,492 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

59

 63

  

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
(in thousands, except per share data) 
                   
  2014  2013  2012 
  Before-tax
Amount
  Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
  Net of Tax
Amount
  Before-tax
Amount
  Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
  Net of Tax
Amount
  Before-tax
Amount
  Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
  Net of Tax
Amount
 
Net income $107,070  $(39,450) $67,620  $34,952  $238,188  $273,140  $34,906  $(1,050) $33,856 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                                    
    Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:                                    
        Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period  12,550   (4,676)  7,874   (22,421)  8,475   (13,946)  748   (273)  475 
        Reclassification of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity           8,306   (3,119)  5,187          
        Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income  (4,871)  1,902   (2,969)  (186)  72   (114)  (7,078)  2,753   (4,325)
        Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and release of valuation allowance              (2,963)  (2,963)  -   (2,480)  (2,480)
        Net unrealized gains (losses)  7,679   (2,774)  4,905   (14,301)  2,465   (11,836)  (6,330)     (6,330)
    Amortization of gains included in net income (loss) on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity  1,656   (622)  1,034   (731)  282   (449)  (1,988)  773   (1,215)
    Reclassification of securities from available- for-sale to held-to-maturity           (8,306)  3,119   (5,187)         
    Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from the amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity and release of valuation allowance              1,293   1,293      (773)  (773)
          Net unrealized gains (losses)  1,656   (622)  1,034   (9,037)  4,694   (4,343)  (1,988)  -   (1,988)
    Amounts reclassified into net income on cash flow hedges  2,010   (782)  1,228   (904)  352   (552)  (3,712)  1,444   (2,268)
    Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges  (8,437)  3,282   (5,155)  10,084   (3,923)  6,161   (8,739)  3,400   (5,339)
    Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from unrealized gains and losses and amortization of gains included in net income on cash flow hedges and release of valuation allowance              13,698   13,698      (4,844)  (4,844)
        Net unrealized gains (losses)  (6,427)  2,500   (3,927)  9,180   10,127   19,307   (12,451)     (12,451)
    Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined
benefit pension plan
  (1,933)  752   (1,181)  561   (218)  343   (177)  69   (108)
    Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan  365   (142)  223   532   (207)  325   615   (240)  375 
    Adjustment of valuation allowance for the change in deferred taxes arising from reclassification of unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses and amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses and release of valuation allowance                       171   171 
          Net defined benefit pension plan activity  (1,568)  610   (958)  1,093   (425)  668   438      438 
                                     
        Total other comprehensive income (loss)  1,340   (286)  1,054   (13,065)  16,861   3,796   (20,331)     (20,331)
                                     
            Comprehensive income (loss) $108,410  $(39,736) $68,674  $21,887  $255,049  $276,936  $14,575  $(1,050) $13,525 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(in thousands, except per share data)

  2017  2016  2015 
  Before-tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount  Before-tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount  Before-tax Amount  Tax (Expense) Benefit  Net of Tax Amount 
                            
Net income $172,834  $(105,013) $67,821  $162,992  $(62,336) $100,656  $115,014  $(43,436) $71,578 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                                    
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities:                                    
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period  8   75   83   (3,609)  1,274   (2,335)  (10,779)  4,004   (6,775)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income  (42)  14   (28)  (982)  371   (611)  (2,255)  862   (1,393)
Net unrealized gains (losses)  (34)  89   55   (4,591)  1,645   (2,946)  (13,034)  4,866   (8,168)
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity  1,069   (401)  668   1,759   (662)  1,097   1,702   (638)  1,064 
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments that were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges  891   (346)  545   1,891   (736)  1,155   1,936   (753)  1,183 
Reclassification of disproportionate tax effect related to terminated and current cash flow hedges  -   3,289   3,289   -   -   -   (471)  183   (288)
Net cash flow hedge activity  891   2,943   3,834   1,891   (736)  1,155   1,465   (570)  895 
Amendments to defined benefit pension plans  (700)  180   (520)  (454)  177   (277)  (1,353)  526   (827)
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit     pension plans  (1,819)  563   (1,256)  (952)  370   (582)  (125)  49   (76)
Amortization of prior service cost and  actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plans  798   (310)  488   855   (333)  522   736   (286)  450 
Net defined benefit pension plan activity  (1,721)  433   (1,288)  (551)  214   (337)  (742)  289   (453)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  205   3,064   3,269   (1,492)  461   (1,031)  (10,609)  3,947   (6,662)
Comprehensive income $173,039  $(101,949) $71,090  $161,500  $(61,875) $99,625  $104,405  $(39,489) $64,916 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

64
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013
(in thousands, except share data)
 
Assets
  2014  2013 
Cash and due from banks $77,180  $71,230 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  89,074   119,669 
Short-term investments  26,401   37,999 
Cash and cash equivalents  192,655   228,898 
 
Securities available-for-sale  1,782,734   1,832,217 
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $425,233 and $485,585)  415,267   479,742 
Mortgage loans held for sale  13,737   10,319 
Loans, net of unearned income  4,672,119   4,329,266 
Less allowance for loan losses  (71,619)  (76,762)
Loans, net  4,600,500   4,252,504 
Assets covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC  3,315   22,882 
Premises and equipment, net  159,390   163,589 
Bank owned life insurance  81,294   80,670 
Accrued interest receivable  20,103   19,598 
Net deferred tax asset  215,503   258,518 
Derivative financial instruments  20,599   23,833 
Other assets  61,889   52,649 
Total assets $7,566,986  $7,425,419 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities:        
Deposits:        
Demand $1,574,317  $1,388,512 
NOW  1,504,887   1,427,939 
Money market  1,273,283   1,227,575 
Savings  292,308   251,125 
Time:        
Less than $100,000  748,478   892,961 
Greater than $100,000  508,228   588,689 
Brokered  425,011   424,704 
Total deposits  6,326,512   6,201,505 
 
Repurchase agreements  6,000   53,241 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  270,125   120,125 
Long-term debt  129,865   129,865 
Derivative financial instruments  31,997   46,232 
Unsettled securities purchases  5,425   29,562 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  57,485   49,174 
 
Total liabilities  6,827,409   6,629,704 
 
Commitments and contingencies        
 
Shareholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;        
Series B, $1,000 stated value; 0 and 105,000 shares issued and outstanding     105,000 
Series D, $1,000 stated value; 0 and 16,613 shares issued and outstanding     16,613 
Common stock, $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;        
50,178,605 and 46,243,345 shares issued and outstanding  50,178   46,243 
Common stock, non-voting, $1 par value; 26,000,000 shares authorized;        
10,080,787 and 13,188,206 shares issued and outstanding  10,081   13,188 
Common stock issuable; 357,983 and 241,832 shares  5,168   3,930 
Capital surplus  1,080,508   1,078,676 
Accumulated deficit  (387,568)  (448,091)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (18,790)  (19,844)
 
Total shareholders’ equity  739,577   795,715 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $7,566,986  $7,425,419 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands except share data)
 
                Retained  Accumulated   
          Non-Voting  Common    Earnings  Other   
  Preferred Stock  Common  Common  Stock  Capital  (Accumulated  Comprehensive   
  Series A  Series B  Series D  Stock  Stock  Issuable  Surplus  Deficit)  (Loss) Income  Total 
Balance, December 31, 2011 $217  $177,092  $16,613  $41,647  $15,914  $3,233  $1,054,940  $(730,861) $(3,309) $575,486 
Net income                              33,856       33,856 
Other comprehensive loss                                  (20,331)  (20,331)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reivnestment Plan and employee benefit plans (109,905 common shares)              110           790           900 
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (597,415 shares)              597   (597)                   
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                          1,976           1,976 
Vesting of restricted stock awards (64,839 common shares issued, 36,673 common shares deferred)              65       155   (220)           
Deferred compensation plan, net                      201               201 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (4,611 common shares)              5       (470)  465            
Preferred stock dividends:                                        
Series A                              (12)      (12)
Series B, including accretion      1,465                       (10,465)      (9,000)
Series D                              (1,671)      (1,671)
Balance, December 31, 2012  217   178,557   16,613   42,424   15,317   3,119   1,057,951   (709,153)  (23,640)  581,405 
Net income                              273,140       273,140 
Other comprehensive income                                  3,796   3,796 
Redemption of Series A preferred stock (21,700 shares)  (217)                                  (217)
Redemption of Series B preferred stock (75,000 shares)      (75,000)                              (75,000)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (62,978 common shares)              63           733           796 
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (2,128,588 shares)              2,129   (2,129)                    
Warrant exercise (1,551,126 shares)              1,551           17,838           19,389 
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                          3,045           3,045 
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (55,328 common shares issued, 115,664 common shares deferred)              55       1,693   (1,929)          (181)
Deferred compensation plan, net                      177               177 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (21,455 common shares)              21       (1,059)  1,038            
Preferred stock dividends:                                        
Series A                              (12)      (12)
Series B, including accretion      1,443                       (10,401)      (8,958)
Series D                              (1,665)      (1,665)
Balance, December 31, 2013     105,000   16,613   46,243   13,188   3,930   1,078,676   (448,091)  (19,844)  795,715 
Net income                              67,620       67,620 
Other comprehensive income                                  1,054   1,054 
Redemption of Series B preferred stock (105,000 shares)      (105,000)                              (105,000)
Redemption of Series D preferred stock (16,613 shares)          (16,613)                          (16,613)
Common stock issued at market (640,000 shares)              640           11,566           12,206 
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (28,070 common shares)              28           441           469 
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (3,107,419 shares)              3,107   (3,107)                   
Warrant repurchase at fair value                          (12,000)          (12,000)
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                          4,304           4,304 
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (146,548 common shares issued, 115,609 common shares deferred)              147       1,274   (2,736)          (1,315)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents                      234               234 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (13,223 common shares)              13       (270)  257            
Common stock dividends ($.11 per share)                              (6,658)      (6,658)
Preferred stock dividends:                                        
Series B                              (159)      (159)
Series D                              (280)      (280)
Balance, December 31, 2014 $  $  $  $50,178  $10,081  $5,168  $1,080,508  $(387,568) $(18,790) $739,577 
                                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(in thousands)
 
  2014  2013  2012 
Operating activities:      
Net income $67,620  $273,140  $33,856 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation, amortization and accretion  19,952   26,388   32,562 
Provision for credit losses  8,500   65,500   62,500 
Stock based compensation  4,304   3,045   1,976 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)  38,226   (241,655)   
Securities gains, net  (4,871)  (186)  (7,078)
Losses on prepayment of borrowings  4,446      6,681 
Net (gains) losses on sales and write downs of other real estate owned  (704)  4,706   8,875 
Change in assets and liabilities:            
(Increase) decrease in other assets and accrued interest receivable  (16,774)  (293)  43,738 
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities  (15,385)  42,505   4,908 
(Increase) decrease in mortgage loans held for sale  (3,418)  18,502   (4,940)
Net cash provided by operating activities  101,896   191,652   183,078 
 
Investing activities:            
Investment securities held-to-maturity:            
Proceeds from maturities and calls  64,791   63,985   82,801 
Purchases  (173)  (8,481)   
Investment securities available-for-sale:            
Proceeds from sales  419,201   39,731   469,167 
Proceeds from maturities and calls  224,302   477,060   629,896 
Purchases  (603,384)  (818,256)  (1,166,653)
Net increase in loans  (326,452)  (358,858)  (159,814)
Proceeds from loan sales  4,561   91,913    
Net cash paid for acquisition  (31,261)      
Proceeds collected from FDIC under loss sharing agreements  2,662   5,882   14,292 
Purchases of premises and equipment  (5,054)  (8,143)  (4,117)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment  3,137   3,946   1,059 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  10,175   28,430   31,356 
Net cash used in investing activities  (237,495)  (482,791)  (102,013)
 
Financing activities:            
Net increase (decrease) in deposits  125,007   249,365   (145,843)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings  (51,687)  667   (54,483)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances  1,230,000   770,000   1,789,000 
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances  (1,080,000)  (690,000)  (1,791,701)
Repayment of long-term debt     (35,000)  (30,500)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt     40,000   35,000 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans  469   796   894 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs  12,206       
Proceeds from warrant exercise     19,389    
Repurchase of outstanding warrant at fair value  (12,000)      
Retirement of preferred stock  (121,613)  (75,217)   
Cash dividends on common stock  (1,810)      
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock     (15)  (12)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock  (802)  (9,440)  (9,000)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock  (412)  (1,657)  (1,687)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  99,358   268,888   (208,332)
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (36,241)  (22,251)  (127,267)
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  228,898   251,149   378,416 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $192,657  $228,898  $251,149 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
Cash paid during the period for:            
Interest $25,669  $26,139  $42,107 
Income taxes paid (refunds received)  3,046   2,362   (26,164)
             
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016

(in thousands, except share data)

Assets 
  2017  2016 
       
Cash and due from banks $129,108  $99,489 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks  185,167   117,859 
Cash and cash equivalents  314,275   217,348 
         
Securities available-for-sale  2,615,850   2,432,438 
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $321,276 and $333,170)  321,094   329,843 
Loans held for sale (includes $26,252 and $27,891 at fair value)  32,734   29,878 
Loans, net of unearned income  7,735,572   6,920,636 
Less allowance for loan losses  (58,914)  (61,422)
Loans, net  7,676,658   6,859,214 
Premises and equipment, net  208,852   189,938 
Bank owned life insurance  188,970   143,543 
Accrued interest receivable  32,459   28,018 
Net deferred tax asset  88,049   154,336 
Derivative financial instruments  22,721   23,688 
Goodwill and other intangible assets  244,397   156,222 
Other assets  169,401   144,189 
         
Total assets $11,915,460  $10,708,655 
         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity        
Liabilities:        
Deposits:        
Demand $3,087,797  $2,637,004 
NOW  2,131,939   1,989,763 
Money market  2,016,748   1,846,440 
Savings  651,742   549,713 
Time  1,548,460   1,287,142 
Brokered  371,011   327,496 
Total deposits  9,807,697   8,637,558 
         
Short-term borrowings  50,000   5,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  504,651   709,209 
Long-term debt  120,545   175,078 
Derivative financial instruments  25,376   27,648 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  103,857   78,427 
         
Total liabilities  10,612,126   9,632,920 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Shareholders' equity:        
Common stock, $1 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 77,579,561 and 70,899,114 shares issued and outstanding  77,580   70,899 
Common stock issuable; 607,869 and 519,874 shares  9,083   7,327 
Capital surplus  1,451,814   1,275,849 
Accumulated deficit  (209,902)  (251,857)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (25,241)  (26,483)
         
Total shareholders’ equity  1,303,334   1,075,735 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $11,915,460  $10,708,655 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

65

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(in thousands except share data)

                 Retained  Accumulated    
  Series H     Non-Voting  Common     Earnings  Other    
  Preferred  Common  Common  Stock  Capital  (Accumulated  Comprehensive    
  Stock  Stock  Stock  Issuable  Surplus  Deficit)  (Loss) Income  Total 
Balance, December 31, 2014  -   50,178   10,081   5,168   1,080,508   (387,568)  (18,790)  739,577 
Net income                      71,578       71,578 
Other comprehensive income                          (6,662)  (6,662)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (17,129 common shares)      17           286           303 
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (4,795,271 shares)      4,795   (4,795)                  - 
Common and preferred stock issued for acquisitions (11,058,515 common shares and 9,992 preferred shares)  9,992   11,059           203,092           224,143 
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                  4,403           4,403 
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (120,692 common shares issued, 110,935 common shares deferred)      121       1,509   (3,113)    ��     (1,483)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents              372   -           372 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (28,265 shares)      28       (270)  242           - 
Common stock dividends ($.22 per share)                      (14,822)      (14,822)
Tax on option exercise and restricted stock vesting                  943           943 
Preferred stock dividends, Series H                      (67)      (67)
Balance, December 31, 2015  9,992   66,198   5,286   6,779   1,286,361   (330,879)  (25,452)  1,018,285 
Net income                      100,656       100,656 
Other comprehensive income                          (1,031)  (1,031)
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (20,500 common shares)      20           346           366 
Conversion of non-voting common stock to voting common stock (5,285,516 shares)      5,286   (5,286)                  - 
Redemption of Series H preferred stock (9,992 shares)  (9,992)                          (9,992)
Purchases of common stock (764,000 shares)      (764)          (12,895)          (13,659)
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                  4,496           4,496 
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (96,722 common shares issued, 106,771 common shares deferred)      97       1,597   (2,883)          (1,189)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents              385               385 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (61,899 shares)      62       (1,434)  1,372           - 
Common stock dividends ($.30 per share)                    (21,613)      (21,613)
Tax on option exercise and restricted stock vesting                  (948)          (948)
Preferred stock dividends, Series H                      (21)      (21)
Balance, December 31, 2016  -   70,899   -   7,327   1,275,849   (251,857)  (26,483)  1,075,735 
Net income                      67,821       67,821 
Other comprehensive income                          3,269   3,269 
Common stock issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan and employee benefit plans (17,826 common shares)      18           432           450 
Common stock issued for acquisitions (6,515,505 common shares)      6,516           172,949           179,465 
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock                  5,827           5,827 
Vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (114,837 common shares issued, 111,090 common shares deferred)      115       1,763   (3,472)          (1,594)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend equivalents              361               361 
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan (32,279 shares)      32       (368)  229           (107)
Common stock dividends ($.38 per share)                      (28,330)      (28,330)
Reclassification of disproportionate tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 pursuant to ASU 2018-02                      2,027   (2,027)  - 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                      437       437 
Balance, December 31, 2017 $-  $77,580  $-  $9,083  $1,451,814  $(209,902) $(25,241) $1,303,334 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(in thousands)

  2017  2016  2015 
Operating activities:            
Net income $67,821  $100,656  $71,578 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation, amortization and accretion  27,494   29,974   22,652 
(Release of) provision for credit losses  3,800   (800)  3,700 
Stock based compensation  5,827   4,496   4,403 
Deferred income tax expense  99,562   59,727   38,296 
Securities gains, net  (42)  (982)  (2,255)
Losses on prepayment of borrowings  -   -   1,294 
Gains from sales of government guaranteed loans  (10,493)  (9,545)  (6,276)
Net losses (gains) on sales and write downs of other assets  1,983   (397)  5,306 
Net losses (gains) on sales and write downs of other real estate owned  791   (2)  (638)
Change in assets and liabilities:            
Increase in other assets and accrued interest receivable  (18,299)  (39,007)  (8,848)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities  24,280   1,299   (9,080)
Decrease (increase) in loans held for sale  5,238   (5,505)  (6,705)
Net cash provided by operating activities  207,962   139,914   113,427 
             
Investing activities:            
Investment securities held-to-maturity:            
Proceeds from maturities and calls  56,917   68,232   70,962 
Purchases  (36,638)  (24,021)  (20,000)
Investment securities available-for-sale:            
Proceeds from sales  340,540   199,864   353,860 
Proceeds from maturities and calls  605,889   392,575   284,435 
Purchases  (936,947)  (692,983)  (839,345)
Net increase in loans  (109,433)  (657,650)  (475,132)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment  -   -   190,111 
Net cash received for acquisitions  53,678   1,912   35,497 
Funds paid to FDIC under loss sharing agreements  -   -   (1,198)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance  (10,000)  (20,000)  - 
Purchases of premises and equipment  (22,183)  (17,375)  (10,532)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment  3,137   5,077   5,546 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  9,534   12,043   5,352 
Net cash used in investing activities  (45,506)  (732,326)  (400,444)
             
Financing activities:            
Net increase in deposits  287,073   365,531   195,881 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings  43,859   (21,640)  (18,437)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances  4,000,000   9,780,000   2,075,000 
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances  (4,294,000)  (9,514,125)  (1,937,070)
Repayment of long-term debt  (75,000)  -   (48,521)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  -   -   83,924 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans  450   366   303 
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes upon vesting of restricted stock  (1,701)  (1,189)  (1,483)
Repurchase of common stock  -   (13,659)  - 
Retirement of preferred stock  -   (9,992)  - 
Cash dividends on common stock  (26,210)  (15,849)  (14,822)
Cash dividends on preferred stock  -   (46)  (50)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (65,529)  569,397   334,725 
             
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  96,927   (23,015)  47,708 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  217,348   240,363   192,655 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $314,275  $217,348  $240,363 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
Cash paid during the period for:            
Interest $34,657  $32,141  $21,604 
Income taxes paid  6,514   3,948   4,203 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

67

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting principles followed by United Community Banks, Inc. (“United”) and its subsidiaries and the methods of applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the significant policies.


Organization and Basis of Presentation

At December 31, 2014,

United wasis a bank holding company subject to the regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) whose principal business wasis conducted by its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiary, United Community Bank (the “Bank”). United is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United, the Bank and other wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


The Bank is a Georgia state chartered commercial bank that serves both rural and metropolitan markets throughout northin Georgia, coastal Georgia, the Atlanta, Georgia MSA, the Gainesville, Georgia MSA, western North Carolina, the Greenville, South Carolina MSA and east and central Tennessee and provides a full range of banking services. The Bank is insured and subject to the regulation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and is also subject to the regulation of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.


Use of Estimates

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the years then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of acquired loans, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, and the valuation of deferred tax assets.


Operating Segments

Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. Public companies are required to report certain financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. United’s community banking operations are divided among geographic regions and local community banks within those regions, thoseregions. Those regions and banks have similar economic characteristics and are therefore aggregated intoconsidered to be one operating segment for purposes of segment reporting.


segment.

Additionally Unitedmanagement assessed other operating units to determine if they should be classified and reported as segments. They include Mortgage, Advisory Services and Specialized Lending.Commercial Banking Solutions. Each was assessed for separate reporting on both a qualitative and a quantitative basis in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’sBoards (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280 Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”). Qualitatively, these business units are currently operating in the same geographic footprint as the community banks and face many of the same customers as the community banks. While the chief operating decision maker does have some separate financiallimited production information for these entities, for much that information is not complete since it does not include a full allocation of 2014 they wererevenue, costs and capital from key corporate functions.The business units are currently viewed more as a product line extension of the community banks. However, management will continue to evaluate these business units for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change. On a quantitative basis, ASC 280 provides a threshold of 10% of Revenue, Net Income or Assets where a breach of any of these thresholds would trigger segment reporting. Under this requirement none of the entities reached the threshold.


Based on this analysis, United concluded that it has only one operating and reportable segment.


Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, federal funds sold, commercial paper, reverse repurchase agreements and short-term investments and are carried at cost. Federal funds are generally sold for one-day periods, interest-bearing deposits in banks are available on demand and commercial paper investments and reverse repurchase agreements mature within a period of less than 90 days. A portion of the cash on hand and on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta was required to meet regulatory reserve requirements.

68

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Investment Securities

United classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading, held-to-maturity or available-for-sale. United does not currently hold any trading securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities for which United has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  (1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Investment Securities, continued

Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are included in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. These unrealized holding gains or losses are amortized into income over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.


Management evaluates investment securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. A decline in the fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings for a decline in value deemed to be credit related. The decline in value attributed to non credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity are included in net income and derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.


In addition to our investments in debt and marketable equity securities, we hold equity investments in other entities that are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. These investments include Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock held to meet FHLB requirements related to outstanding advances, and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) equity investments, including those where the returns are primarily derived from low income housing tax credits (“LIHTC”). These investments are not publicly traded and do not have a readily determinable fair values. Our investment in FHLB stock is includedaccounted for using the cost method of accounting. Our LIHTC investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method of accounting for qualified affordable housing investments which results in the amortization being reported as a component of income tax expense. Our obligations related to unfunded commitments for our LIHTC investments are reported in other assets at its original cost basis, as cost approximates fairliabilities. Our other CRA investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As conditions warrant, we review our investments for impairment and will adjust the carrying value as thereof the investment if it is no ready market for such investments.


deemed to be impaired.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, United elected the fair value option for most of its newly originated mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. Mortgage loans held for sale which were originated prior to third quarter 2016 and certain loans originated after that time are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. TheFor those loans, the amount by which cost exceeds fair value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in the determination of net income for the period in which the change occurs. No valuation allowances were required at December 31, 20142017 or 20132016 since those loans have fair values that exceeded the recorded cost basis.


Also included in loans held for sale at December 31, 2017 were $4.61 million in loans received through the acquisition of Four Oaks FinCorp, Inc. that United intends to sell. Those loans are carried on the balance sheet at the lower of cost or fair value.

Loans

With the exception of purchased loans that are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition, loans are stated at principal amount outstanding, net of any unearned revenue and net of any deferred loan fees and costs. Interest on loans is primarily calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

Purchased Loans With Evidence of Credit Deterioration: United from time to time purchases loans, primarily through business combination transactions. Some of those purchased loans show evidence of credit deterioration since origination and are accounted for pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30,Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. These purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at date of purchase. After acquisition, further losses evidenced by decreases in expected cash flows are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

PCI loans are aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as the type of loan, payment status, or collateral type. United estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan pool and the expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid are recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the pool (accretable yield). The excess of the pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Over the life of the loan pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest revenue.

69

The

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Loans, continued

Nonaccrual Loans:The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest revenue on loans. Interest payments are applied to reduce the principal balance on nonaccrual loans. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured. Nonaccrual loans include smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.


AContractually delinquent PCI loans are not classified as nonaccrual as long as the related discount continues to be accreted.

Impaired Loans: With the exception of PCI loans, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan, will not be collected. Individually impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest revenue on impaired loans is discontinued when the loans meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not considered impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.


PCI loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that United will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition, plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimates after acquisition. Loans that are accounted for in pools are evaluated collectively for impairment on a pool by pool basis based on expected pool cash flows. Discounts continue to be accreted as long as there are expected future cash flows in excess of the current carrying amount of the specifically-reviewed loan or pool.

Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of United’s business activity is with customers located within the markets where it has banking operations. Therefore, United’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy within its markets. More thanNearly 80% of United’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and is therefore susceptible to changes in real estate valuations.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   (1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Loans, continued
Certain Purchased Loans:  United from time to time purchases loans, primarily through business combination transactions.  Some of those purchased loans show evidence of credit deterioration since origination.  Purchased loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at date of purchase.  After acquisition, further losses evidenced by decreases in expected cash flows are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

Purchased loans are accounted for individually or aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as the type of loan, payment status, or collateral type.  United estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan or pool and the expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield).  The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

Over the life of the loan or pool, expected cash flows continue to be estimated.  If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a loss is recorded.  If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest revenue.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses includes the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded commitments included in other liabilities).liabilities. Increases to the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are established through a provision for credit losses charged to income. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when available information confirms that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans as of the date of the balance sheet. The allowance for unfunded commitments represents expected losses on unfunded commitments and is reported in the consolidated balance sheetsheets in other liabilities.


The allowance for loan losses is composed of general reserves, specific reserves, and specificPCI reserves. General reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the individual loan categories that are based on actual historical loss experience.  United uses an eight-quarter weighted average annualized historical loss rate for each major loan category, weighted toward the most recent quarters’ losses and multiplied by the estimated loss emergence period for each loan type. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are considered in this evaluation. The need for specific reserves is evaluated on nonaccrual loan relationships greater than $500,000 accruing relationships rated substandard that are greater than $2 million and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management’s evaluation of United’s exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the calculation of general reserves.

70

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

For PCI loans, a valuation allowance is established when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition.

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical data, subjective judgment and estimates and, therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur.


For purposes of determining general reserves, United segments the loan portfolio into broad categories with similar risk elements. Those categories and their specific risks are described below.


Owner occupied commercial real estate –Loans in this category are susceptible to declined in occupancy rates, business failure and general economic conditions are common risks for this segment of the loan portfolio.


Income producing commercial real estate –Common risks for this loan category are declines in general economic conditions, declines in real estate value and lack of suitable alternative use for the property.


Commercial & industrial – Risks to this loan category include industry concentrations and the inability to monitor the condition of the collateral which often consists of inventory, accounts receivable and other non real estate assets. Equipment and inventory obsolescence can also pose a risk. Declines in general economic conditions and other events can cause cash flows to fall to levels insufficient to service debt.


Commercial construction – Risks common to commercial construction loans are cost overruns, changes in market demand for property, inadequate long-term financing arrangements and declines in real estate values.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   (1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Residential mortgage – Residential mortgage loans are susceptible to weakening general economic conditions and increases in unemployment rates and declining real estate values.


Home equity lines of credit –Risks common to home equity lines of credit are general economic conditions, including an increase in unemployment rates, and declining real estate values which reduce or eliminate the borrower’s home equity.


Residential construction – Residential construction loans are susceptible to the same risks as commercial construction loans. Changes in market demand for property leads to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs, declining values, and higher interest rates.


Consumer installmentdirect – Risks common to consumer installmentdirect loans include regulatory risks, unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral consisting of personal property.


Indirect auto -Risks common to indirect auto loans include unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral.


Management outsources a significant portion of its loan review to ensure objectivity in the loan review process and to challenge and corroborate the loan grading system. The loan review function provides additional analysis used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. To supplement the outsourced loan review, management also has an internal loan review department that is independent of the lending function.


Management believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at December 31, 2014.2017. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review United’s allowance for loan losses.


Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The range of estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements is 1510 to 40 years, for land improvements, 10 to 35 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years. United periodically reviews the carrying value of premises and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Foreclosed Properties (Other Real Estate Owned, or “OREO”)

Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less cost to sell. If the fair value, less cost to sell at the time of foreclosure is less than the loan balance, the deficiency is recorded as a loan charge-off against the allowance for loan losses. If the fair value, less cost to sell, of the foreclosed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to operating expenses. When the foreclosed property is sold, a gain or loss is recognized on the sale for the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the property. Financed sales of foreclosed property are accounted for in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification Topic 360, Subtopic 20,Real Estate Sales (“ASC 360-20”).


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits from other assets acquired that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred, net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances exist that indicate a goodwill impairment test should be performed.

Other intangible assets, which are initially recorded at fair value, consist of core deposit intangible assets and noncompete agreements resulting from acquisitions. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized on a sum-of-the-years-digits basis over their estimated useful lives. Noncompete agreements are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. Management evaluates other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from United, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and United does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity.


Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Servicing Rights

United records a separate servicing asset for Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) loans, and residential mortgage loans when the SBA loans where theloan is sold but servicing is retained. This asset represents the right or obligation to service the SBA loans and receive a fee in compensation.  Typically that fee is 1% of the loan balance being serviced. Servicing assets are initially recorded at their fair value as a component of the sale proceeds. The fair value of the servicing assets is based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs, (typically 40 basis points), (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins.


Servicing assets are included in other assets.

United has elected to subsequently measure the servicing assets for government guaranteed loans at fair value. There is no aggregation of the loans into pools for the valuation of the servicing asset, but rather the servicing asset value is measured at a loan level.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes

Effective January 1, 2017, management elected to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)    Summarybegin measuring residential mortgage servicing rights at fair value. The cumulative effect adjustment of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Servicing Rights, continued
this election to retained earnings, net of income tax effect, was $437,000. Prior to 2017, impairment valuations were based on projections using a discounted cash flow method that included assumptions regarding prepayments, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Impairment was measured on a disaggregated basis for each stratum of the servicing rights, which was segregated based on predominant risk characteristics including interest rate and loan type. Subsequent increases in value were recognized to the extent of previously recorded impairment for each stratum.

The rate of prepayment of loans serviced is the most significant estimate involved in the measurement process. Estimates of prepayment rates are based on market participant’s expectations of future prepayment rates, reflecting the company’s historical rate of loan repayments if consistent with market participant assumptions, industry trends, and other considerations. Actual prepayment rates will differ from those projected by management due to changes in a variety of economic factors, including prevailing interest rates and the availability of alternative financing sources to borrowers. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more quickly than projected, the carrying value of servicing assets might have to be written down through a charge to earnings in the current period. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more slowly than had been projected, the carrying value of servicing assets could increase, and servicing income would exceed previously projected amounts. Accordingly, the servicing assets actually realized, could differ from the amounts initially recorded.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Bank Owned Life Insurance

United has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and members of management. United has also received life insurance policies on members of acquired bank management teams through acquisitions of other banks. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.


Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.


Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income taxes during the period that includes the enactment date.


In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of United’s assets and liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable earnings and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Management weighs both the positive and negative evidence, giving more weight to evidence that can be objectively verified.


The income tax benefit or expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.


A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.


United recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.


Mortgage Banking Derivatives
Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives.  Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest rate on the loan is locked.  United enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans.  United’s forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans are based on United’s “best efforts” and therefore United is not penalized if a loan is not delivered to the investor if the loan did not get originated.  Changes in the fair values of these derivatives generally offset each other and are included in “mortgage loan and other related fees” in the consolidated statement of operations.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

United’s interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize fluctuations in net income that are caused by interest rate volatility. United’s goalThe objective is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest marginrevenue is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. United views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate risk, such that net income is not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates.


In carrying out this part of its interest rate risk management strategy, Unitedmanagement uses interest rate derivative contracts.  The primary type of derivative contract used by United to manage interest rate risk isderivatives, primarily interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed- and variable-rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date. In addition, United uses interest rate caps to serve as an economic macro hedge of exposure to rising interest rates.

In addition, United originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, the Company is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United also enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. Most of this activity is on a matched basis, with a loan sale commitment hedging a specific loan. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

To accommodate customers, United occasionally enters into credit risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to accept a portion of the credit risk related to interest rate swaps. This allows customers to execute an interest rate swap with one bank while allowing for the distribution of the credit risk among participating members. Credit risk participation agreements arise when United contracts with other financial institutions, as a guarantor, to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps. These agreements provide for reimbursement of losses resulting from a third party default on the underlying swap. These transactions are typically executed in conjunction with a participation in a loan with the same customer. Collateral used to support the credit risk for the underlying lending relationship is also available to offset the risk of the credit risk participation.

United classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) derivatives not designated as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized in current period earnings. United has master netting agreements with the derivatives dealers with which it does business, but reflects gross assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.


sheets.

United uses the long-haul method“long-haul method” to assess hedge effectiveness. UnitedManagement documents, both at inception and over the life of the hedge, at least quarterly, its analysis of actual and expected hedge effectiveness. This analysis includes techniques such as regression analysis and hypothetical derivatives to demonstrate that the hedge has been, and is expected to be, highly effective in offsetting corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of derivatives that have been highly effective as hedges are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For a qualifying cash flow hedge, the portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings.


For fair value hedges and cash flow hedges, ineffectiveness is recognized in the same income statement line as interest accruals on the hedged item to the extent that changes in the value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset changes in the value of the hedged items. If the hedge ceases to be highly effective, United discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes the changes in fair value in current period earnings. If a derivative that qualifies as a fair value or cash flow hedge is terminated or the designation removed, the realized or then unrealized gain or loss is recognized into income over the life of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or over the time when the hedged item was forecasted to impact earnings (cash flow hedge). Immediate recognition in earnings is required upon sale or extinguishment of the hedged item (fair value hedge) or if it is probable that the hedged cash flows will not occur (cash flow hedge).


By using derivative instruments, United is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal torepresented by the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this situation generally indicates that the counterparty is obligated to pay United, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for United. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, United is obligated to pay the counterparty and, therefore, has no repayment risk. United minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by United.management. United also requires the counterparties to pledge securitiescash as collateral to cover the net exposure.


United’s derivative As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, all newly eligible derivatives entered into are cleared through a central clearinghouse, which reduces counterparty exposure.

Derivative activities are monitored by itsthe Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) as part of that committee’sits oversight of United’s asset/liability and treasury functions. ALCO is responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through its analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are then incorporated into the overall interest-rate risk management process.


United recognizes thefair value of derivatives as assets or liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument at inception. The change in fair value of instruments used as fair value hedges is accounted for in the net income of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being hedged. The change in fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges is accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than net income. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as a hedge are accounted for in the net income of the period of the change.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   (1)   

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Acquisition Activities

United accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured and recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets. If the fair value of net assets purchased exceeds the fair value of consideration paid, a bargain purchase gain is recognized at the date of acquisition. Conversely, if the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, goodwill is recognized at the acquisition date. Fair values are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. The determination of the fair value of loans acquired takes into account credit quality deterioration and probability of loss; therefore, the related allowance for loan losses is not carried forward.

All identifiable intangible assets that are acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately if they arise from contractual or other legal rights or if they are separable (i.e., capable of being sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged separately from the entity). Deposit liabilities and the related depositor relationship intangible assets may be exchanged in observable exchange transactions. As a result, the depositor relationship intangible asset is considered identifiable, because the separability criterion has been met.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Additionally, shares issuable to participants in United’s deferred compensation plan are considered to be participating securities for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Accordingly, net income available to common shareholders is calculated pursuant to the two-class method, whereby net income is allocated between common shareholders and participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential shares of common stock issuable under stock options, warrants and securities convertible into common stock.


Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.


Dividend Restrictions

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit dividends paid by the Bank to United or by United to shareholders. Due to its accumulated deficit,Specifically, dividends paid by the Bank is currently required to obtain approvalUnited require pre-approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance before declaring any dividends to United.


and the FDIC while the Bank has an accumulated deficit (negative retained earnings).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions as more fully disclosed in Note 23.24. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.


Stock-Based Compensation

United uses the fair value method of recognizing expense for stock-based compensation based on the fair value of option and restricted stock awards at the date of grant.


United accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

Reclassifications

Certain 2013 and 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 20142017 presentation.  During the fourth quarter of 2013, United reclassified hedge ineffectiveness gains and losses from other fee revenue

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to net interest revenue.  The impact of the reclassification has been reflected in all periods and was not material to any period.

   (2)   Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards

Accounting Standards Updates

In JanuaryMay 2014, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU “) No. 2014-1, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.  This ASU is expected to enable more entities to qualify for the proportional amortization method to account for affordable housing project investments than the number of entities that currently qualify for the effective yield method. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. United has investments in affordable housing projects and is currently evaluating the impact to its disclosures.  It is not expected to have a material impact in United’s financial position or results of operations.


In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure.  This ASU clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and when a creditor should derecognize the associated loan receivable and recognize the real estate property.  The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.  United does not expect the impact of this guidance to be material to United’s financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASUASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  This ASU provides guidance on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers.  The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  This guidance is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016,2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and will be applied retrospectively either to each prior reporting period or with a cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. Because the guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities, the new revenue recognition guidance will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. United expects to use the modified retrospective approach to adopting this guidance.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. For public entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with modified retrospective application to prior periods presented. Upon adoption, United expects to report higher assets and liabilities as a result of including leases on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payments amounted to $27.1 million. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated statements of income or the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with an expected credit loss methodology and requires consideration of a broader range of information to determine credit loss estimates. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses. Purchased credit impaired loans will receive an allowance account at the acquisition date that represents a component of the purchase price allocation. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, with such allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. Application of this update will primarily be on a modified retrospective approach, although the guidance for debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized before the effective date and for loans previously covered by ASC 310-30,Receivables – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality will be applied on a prospective basis. For public entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Upon adoption, United expects that the allowance for credit losses will be higher given the change to estimated losses for the estimated life of the financial asset, however management is still in the process of determining the magnitude of the increase. Management has formed a steering committee and is in the process of evaluating this guidance.

70
performing a gap assessment that will become the basis for a full project plan. United expects to run parallel for the four quarters leading up to the effective date to ensure it is prepared for implementation by the effective date.

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2)  Accounting Standards Updates, continued

In June 2014,March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings2017-07,Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Disclosures.  Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU changesrequires that an employer disaggregate the accountingservice cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The amendments also provide explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost and allow only the service cost component to be eligible for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting.capitalization. For repurchase financing arrangements, the amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting.  The ASU also requires new disclosures for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions and repurchase-to-maturity transactions.  The Updatepublic entities, this update is effective for the first interim or annual periodfiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014.  United is currently evaluating the guidance’s impact on its financial position, results of operation and disclosures.


In June 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.  This ASU requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition and should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value2017, with retrospective presentation of the award.service cost and other components and prospective application for any capitalization of service cost. The standard is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  This guidanceadoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on United’sthe consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

statements.

In August 2014,March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-14, 2017-08,Receivables – TroubledNonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Restructurings by Creditors, Classification of Certain Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon ForeclosureSecurities. This ASU addresses diversity in practice relatedupdate shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to how creditors classify government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including Federal Housing Administration or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed loans upon foreclosure.  The amendments in this ASU require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met:  1) The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure, 2) At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate propertyamortized to the guarantor and makeearliest call date. For securities held at a claim ondiscount, the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim, and 3) At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed.  Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expecteddiscount will continue to be recovered from the guarantor.  This guidanceamortized to maturity. For public entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with modified retrospective application. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on United’sthe consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.statements.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards, continued

In January 2015,May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)No. 2017-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the ConceptScope of Extraordinary ItemsModification Accounting. This ASU eliminatesupdate clarifies which changes to the conceptterms or conditions of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result,share-based payment award require an entity will no longerto apply modification accounting. Specifically, modification accounting should be required to segregate extraordinary items fromapplied unless the resultsfair value of ordinary operations, to separately presentthe modified award is the same as the original award immediately before modification, the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the original award immediately before modification, and the classification of the modified award as an extraordinary item on its income statement, netequity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. However, the standard will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently.  The standard will beoriginal award immediately before modification. For public entities, this update is effective for the United’s fiscal yearyears beginning after December 15, 2015 and subsequent interim periods.2017, with prospective application. The adoption of ASU 2015-015this update is not expected to have a material effectimpact on the United’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, The FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12,Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This update expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This update also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. For public entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, an entity should apply a cumulative-effect adjustment related to eliminating the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required prospectively. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statements of cash flows. United adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements, although management expects more volatility in the effective tax rate as excess tax benefits and deficiencies on stock compensation transactions flow through income tax expense rather than capital surplus. United prospectively adopted the amendment requiring that excess tax benefits and deficiencies be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statements and as an operating activity in the statements of cash flows. In addition, United elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate the number of awards expected to vest. United retrospectively implemented the clarification that cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of H.R. 1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740,Income Taxes. United’s financial results reflect the income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is complete and provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined.  United continues to analyze the Tax Act, including the impact on deductibility of certain executive compensation and alternative minimum tax credits, and any refinements to the provisional accounting will be completed within one year of the tax enactment date.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02,Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update allows for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate pursuant to enactment of the Tax Act. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate is recognized. United early adopted this standard effective December 31, 2017 and reclassified $2.03 million that was recorded to income tax expense due to re-measuring from 35% to 21% the federal deferred taxes on the accumulated other comprehensive income components related to available for sale securities, held to maturity securities, and pension.

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   (3)   Mergers and Acquisitions

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions

Acquisition of Four Oaks FinCorp, Inc.

On June 26, 2014,November 1, 2017, United completed the acquisition of substantially allFour Oaks FinCorp, Inc. (“FOFN”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Four Oaks Bank & Trust Company. FOFN operated 14 banking offices in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $729 million of assets and assumed $658 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the assetsmerger agreement, FOFN shareholders received .6178 shares of Business Carolina, Inc., a specialty Small Business Administration (“SBA”) / United States Departmentcommon stock and $1.90 for each share of Agriculture (“USDA”) lender headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.  OnFOFN common stock issued and outstanding at the closing date, United paid $31.3 million in cash for loans having adate. The fair value onof consideration paid exceeded the purchase date of $24.8 million, accrued interest of $83,000, servicing rights with a fair value onof the purchase dateidentifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of $2.13 million, premises and equipment with a fair value on the purchase date of $2.60 million and goodwill in the amount of $1.51$54.7 million, representing the premiumintangible value of FOFN’s business and reputation within the market it served. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the related core deposit intangible of $7.83 million using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over 11.5 years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset. United will amortize the related noncompete agreement intangibles of $908,000 using the straight line method over the one year terms of the agreements. In connection with the acquisition, United assumed $11.5 million in subordinated debentures and $12.4 million in trust preferred securities. See Note 14 for further information on long-term debt.

United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2017 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of November 1, 2017. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below(in thousands).

  As Recorded by
FOFN
  Fair Value
Adjustments(1)
  As Recorded by
United
 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $48,652  $6  $48,658 
Securities  114,190   782   114,972 
Loans held for sale  13,976   (5,882)  8,094 
Loans  491,721   (5,477)  486,244 
Premises and equipment, net  11,251   1,147   12,398 
Bank owned life insurance  20,339   -   20,339 
Accrued interest receivable  1,858   (118)  1,740 
Net deferred tax asset  18,333   78   18,411 
Intangibles  -   8,738   8,738 
Other real estate owned  1,173   (514)  659 
Other assets  8,792   285   9,077 
Total assets acquired $730,285  $(955) $729,330 
Liabilities            
Deposits $563,840  $1,365  $565,205 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  65,000   224   65,224 
Long term debt  23,872   (4,125)  19,747 
Other liabilities  7,330   60   7,390 
Total liabilities assumed  660,042   (2,476)  657,566 
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities assumed $70,243         
Aggregate fair value adjustments     $1,521     
Total identifiable net assets         $71,764 
Consideration transferred            
Cash          12,802 
Common stock issued (4,145,343 shares)          113,665 
Total fair value of consideration transferred          126,467 
Goodwill         $54,703 

(1)Fair values are preliminary and are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc., continued

The following table presents additional information related to the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date(in thousands):

  November 1, 2017 
Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:    
Contractually required principal and interest $49,377 
Non-accretable difference  8,244 
Cash flows expected to be collected  41,133 
Accretable yield  3,313 
Fair value $37,820 
     
Excluded from ASC 310-30:    
Fair value $448,462 
Gross contractual amounts receivable  509,629 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected  6,081 

Acquisition of HCSB Financial Corporation

On July 31, 2017, United completed the acquisition of HCSB Financial Corporation (“HCSB”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Horry County State Bank. HCSB operated eight branches in coastal South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $390 million of assets and assumed $347 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the merger agreement, HCSB shareholders received .0050 shares of United common stock for each share of HCSB common stock issued and outstanding at the closing date. The fair value of consideration paid overexceeded the fair value of the separately identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. The gross contractualacquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of loans receivable was $28.0$23.9 million, asrepresenting the intangible value of HCSB’s business and reputation within the market it served. None of the acquisition date. United has not identified any material separately identifiable intangible assets resulting from the acquisition.


The loans and servicing assets that were acquired in this transaction were valued by a third party vendor that specializes in the valuations of these SBA related assets.  These assets are very illiquid and United does not have the same level of visibility into the inputs that the valuation vendor has.  Therefore, United considers those inputsgoodwill recognized is expected to be level 3 indeductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the ASC 820 hierarchy.  Forrelated core deposit intangible of $3.48 million using the loans, the valuations were derived by estimatingsum-of-the-years-digits method over six years, which represents the expected cash flows using a combinationuseful life of prepayment speed and default estimates.  The cash flows are then discountedthe asset. United will amortize the related noncompete agreement intangibles of $2.24 million using the rates implied by observed transactions instraight line method over the market place.  The valuation approachterms of the agreements, which vary between one year and two years.

United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2017 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities for the period subsequent to the servicing asset is discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements.

71
acquisition date of July 31, 2017.

 79

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of HCSB Financial Corporation, continued

The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below(in thousands).

  As Recorded by
HCSB
  Fair Value
Adjustments(1)
  As Recorded by
United
 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $17,855  $(2) $17,853 
Securities  101,462   (142)  101,320 
Loans, net  228,483   (12,536)  215,947 
Premises and equipment, net  14,030   (6,113)  7,917 
Bank owned life insurance  11,827   -   11,827 
Accrued interest receivable  1,322   (275)  1,047 
Net deferred tax asset  -   25,389   25,389 
Intangibles  -   5,716   5,716 
Other real estate owned  1,177   (372)  805 
Other assets  1,950   (32)  1,918 
Total assets acquired $378,106  $11,633  $389,739 
Liabilities            
Deposits $318,512  $430  $318,942 
Repurchase agreements  1,141   -   1,141 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  24,000   517   24,517 
Other liabilities  1,955   91   2,046 
Total liabilities assumed  345,608   1,038   346,646 
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities assumed $32,498         
Aggregate fair value adjustments     $10,595     
Total identifiable net assets         $43,093 
Consideration transferred            
Cash          31 
Common stock issued (2,370,331 shares)          65,800 
Total fair value of consideration transferred          65,831 
Equity interest in HCSB held before the business combination          1,125 
Goodwill         $23,863 

(1)Fair values are preliminary and are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

The following table presents additional information related to the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date(in thousands):

  July 31, 2017 
Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:    
Contractually required principal and interest $46,069 
Non-accretable difference  12,413 
Cash flows expected to be collected  33,656 
Accretable yield  3,410 
Fair value $30,246 
     
Excluded from ASC 310-30:    
Fair value $185,701 
Gross contractual amounts receivable  212,780 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected  3,985 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of Tidelands Bancshares, Inc.

On July 1, 2016, United completed the acquisition of Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (“Tidelands”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Tidelands Bank. Tidelands operated seven branches in coastal South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $440 million of assets and assumed $440 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Tidelands shareholders received cash equal to $0.52 per common share, or an aggregate of $2.22 million. Additionally, at closing, United redeemed all of Tidelands’ fixed-rate cumulative preferred stock that was issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, plus unpaid dividends, for $8.98 million in aggregate. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $10.7 million, representing the intangible value of Tidelands’ business and reputation within the market it served. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the related core deposit intangible of $1.57 million using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over five years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset.

The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below(in thousands).

  As Recorded  Fair Value  As Recorded by 
  by Tidelands  Adjustments  United 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $13,121  $-  $13,121 
Securities  65,676   (155)  65,521 
Loans held for sale  139   3   142 
Loans, net  317,938   (12,035)  305,903 
Premises and equipment, net  19,133   (7,944)  11,189 
Bank owned life insurance  16,917   -   16,917 
Accrued interest receivable  1,086   (167)  919 
Net deferred tax asset  73   15,639   15,712 
Core deposit intangible  -   1,570   1,570 
Other real estate owned  9,881   (2,386)  7,495 
Other assets  1,920   (164)  1,756 
Total assets acquired $445,884  $(5,639) $440,245 
Liabilities            
Deposits $398,108  $1,765  $399,873 
Repurchase agreements  10,000   155   10,155 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  13,000   354   13,354 
Long-term debt  14,434   (3,668)  10,766 
Other liabilities  11,587   (5,986)  5,601 
Total liabilities assumed  447,129   (7,380)  439,749 
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities assumed $(1,245)        
Aggregate fair value adjustments     $1,741     
Total identifiable net assets         $496 
Consideration transferred            
Cash paid to redeem common stock          2,224 
Cash paid to redeem preferred stock issued under the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program          8,985 
Total fair value of consideration transferred          11,209 
Goodwill         $10,713 

81
(4)   Cash Flows

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of Tidelands Bancshares, Inc., continued

The following table presents additional information related to the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date(in thousands):

  July 1, 2016 
Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:    
Contractually required principal and interest $50,660 
Non-accretable difference  13,483 
Cash flows expected to be collected  37,177 
Accretable yield  2,113 
Fair value $35,064 
     
Excluded from ASC 310-30:    
Fair value $270,839 
Gross contractual amounts receivable  302,331 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected  3,859 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of Palmetto Bancshares, Inc.

On September 1, 2015, United completed the acquisition of Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. (“Palmetto”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, The Palmetto Bank. Palmetto operated 25 branches in South Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $1.15 billion of assets and assumed $1.02 billion of liabilities. Total consideration transferred was $244 million of common equity and cash. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $115 million, representing the intangible value of Palmetto’s business and reputation within the market it serves. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the related core deposit intangible of $12.9 million using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over 12 years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset.

The fair value of the 8.70 million common shares issued as part of the consideration paid for Palmetto was determined on the basis of the closing market price of United’s common shares on the acquisition date. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below(in thousands).

  As Recorded  Fair Value  As Recorded by 
  by Palmetto  Adjustments  United 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $64,906  $-  $64,906 
Securities  208,407   (340)  208,067 
Loans held for sale  2,356   91   2,447 
Loans, net  802,111   (5,552)  796,559 
Premises and equipment, net  21,888   (4,931)  16,957 
Bank owned life insurance  12,133   (148)  11,985 
Accrued interest receivable  3,227   (346)  2,881 
Net deferred tax asset  14,798   1,587   16,385 
Core deposit intangible  -   12,900   12,900 
Other assets  18,439   (4,731)  13,708 
Total assets acquired $1,148,265  $(1,470) $1,146,795 
Liabilities            
Deposits $989,296  $-  $989,296 
Short-term borrowings  13,537   -   13,537 
Other liabilities  11,994   2,808   14,802 
Total liabilities assumed  1,014,827   2,808   1,017,635 
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities assumed $133,438         
Aggregate fair value adjustments     $(4,278)    
Total identifiable net assets         $129,160 
Consideration transferred            
Cash          74,003 
Common stock issued (8,700,012 shares)          170,259 
Total fair value of consideration transferred          244,262 
Goodwill         $115,102 

Since the acquisition date, within the one year measurement period, United received additional information regarding the fair values of loans, premises and equipment,OREO, which is included in other assets in the table above, and certain other assets. As a result, the provisional values assigned to the acquired loans, premises and equipment, OREO and other assets have been adjusted by an increase of $535,000, a decrease of $6.18 million, a decrease of $2.06 million and a decrease of $3.75 million, respectively. There were also small adjustments to securities, bank owned life insurance and other liabilities. The tax effect of all adjustments was reflected as an increase to the deferred tax asset of $3.91 million, with the net amount reflected as a $7.18 million increase to goodwill.

83

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of Palmetto Bancshares, Inc., continued

The following table presents additional information related to the acquired loan portfolio at acquisition date(in thousands):

  September 1, 2015 
Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:    
Contractually required principal and interest $63,623 
Non-accretable difference  13,397 
Cash flows expected to be collected  50,226 
Accretable yield  4,306 
Fair value $45,920 
     
Excluded from ASC 310-30:    
Fair value $750,639 
Gross contractual amounts receivable  859,628 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected  7,733 

Acquisition of MoneyTree Corporation

On May 1, 2015, United completed the acquisition of MoneyTree Corporation (“MoneyTree”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank (“FNB”). FNB operated ten branches in east Tennessee. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $459 million of assets and assumed $410 million of liabilities and $9.99 million of preferred stock. Total consideration transferred was $54.6 million of common equity and cash. The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the establishment of goodwill in the amount of $14.7 million, representing the intangible value of FNB’s business and reputation within the market it serves. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the related core deposit intangible of $4.22 million using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over 6.67 years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset. The deposit premium of $917,000 will be amortized using the effective yield method over 5 years, which represents the weighted average maturity of the underlying deposits.

The fair value of the 2.36 million common shares issued as part of the consideration paid for MoneyTree was determined on the basis of the closing market price of United’s common shares on the acquisition date.

Upon completion of the acquisition, each share of preferred stock issued by MoneyTree as part of the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) program of the Treasury (9,992 shares in the aggregate with a liquidation preference amount of $1,000 per share) was converted automatically into one substantially identical share of preferred stock of the Company. See Note 22 for further information on preferred stock.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Acquisition of MoneyTree Corporation, continued

The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values, and are summarized in the table below(in thousands).

  As Recorded  Fair Value  As Recorded by 
  by MoneyTree  Adjustments  United 
Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $55,293  $-  $55,293 
Securities  127,123   (52)  127,071 
Loans held for sale  1,342   -   1,342 
Loans, net  246,816   (2,464)  244,352 
Premises and equipment, net  9,497   1,362   10,859 
Bank owned life insurance  11,194   -   11,194 
Core deposit intangible  -   4,220   4,220 
Other assets  5,462   (399)  5,063 
Total assets acquired $456,727  $2,667  $459,394 
Liabilities            
Deposits $368,833  $917  $369,750 
Short-term borrowings  15,000   -   15,000 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  22,000   70   22,070 
Other liabilities  864   1,828   2,692 
Total liabilities assumed  406,697   2,815   409,512 
SBLF preferred stock assumed  9,992   -   9,992 
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities and preferred stock assumed $40,038         
Aggregate fair value adjustments     $(148)    
Total identifiable net assets         $39,890 
Consideration transferred            
Cash          10,699 
Common stock issued (2,358,503 shares)          43,892 
Total fair value of consideration transferred          54,591 
Goodwill         $14,701 

Since the acquisition date, within the one year measurement period, United received additional information regarding the fair value of premises and equipment. As a result, the provisional value assigned to the acquired premises and equipment was reduced by $2.40 million, partially offset by acquisition-related adjustments to deferred tax assets. The net of these adjustments was reflected as a $1.68 million increase to goodwill.

The following table presents additional information related to the acquired loan portfolio at acquisition date(in thousands):

  May 1, 2015 
Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:    
Contractually required principal and interest $15,152 
Non-accretable difference  3,677 
Cash flows expected to be collected  11,475 
Accretable yield  1,029 
Fair value $10,446 
     
Excluded from ASC 310-30:    
Fair value $233,906 
Gross contractual amounts receivable  258,931 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected  1,231 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(3)Mergers and Acquisitions, continued

Pro forma information - unaudited

The following table discloses the impact of the mergers with FOFN, HCSB, Tidelands, Palmetto and MoneyTree since the respective acquisition dates through December 31 of the year of acquisition. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if FOFN and HCSB had been acquired on January 1, 2016, Tidelands had been acquired on January 1, 2015 and Palmetto and MoneyTree had been acquired on January 1, 2014. These results combine the historical results of the acquired entities with United’s consolidated statements of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place in earlier years.

Merger-related costs of $8.71 million from the FOFN and HCSB acquisitions have been excluded from the 2017 pro forma information presented below and included in the 2016 pro forma information presented below. Merger-related costs of $4.07 million from the Tidelands acquisition have been excluded from the 2016 pro forma information presented below and included in the 2015 pro forma information below. Merger-related costs of $12.0 million from the Palmetto and MoneyTree acquisitions have been excluded from the 2015 pro forma information presented below and included in the 2014 pro forma information presented below. The following table presents the actual results and pro forma information for the periods indicated(in thousands).

  (Unaudited) 
  Year Ended December 31, 
  Revenue  Net Income 
       
2017        
Actual FOFN results included in statement of income since acquisition date $5,265  $1,406 
Actual HCSB results included in statement of income since acquisition date  5,775   1,385 
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if FOFN and HCSB had been acquired January 1, 2016  477,879   78,020 
         
2016        
Actual Tidelands results included in statement of income since acquisition date $7,512  $1,189 
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if FOFN and HCSB had been acquired January 1, 2016 and        
Tidelands had been acquired January 1, 2015  452,713   89,200 
         
2015        
Actual Palmetto results included in statement of income since acquisition date $17,887  $7,010 
Actual MoneyTree results included in statement of income since acquisition date  8,373   3,806 
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Tidelands had been acquired January 1, 2015 and Palmetto and MoneyTree had been acquired January 1, 2014  382,921   82,465 

(4)Cash Flows

During 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012, non-accrual2015, loans having a value of $9.09$4.15 million, $22.5$8.18 million and $34.0$4.93 million, respectively, were transferred to foreclosed property.  Also, during 2014, 2013 and 2012,

United financed the sale of foreclosed properties with loans totaling $2.50 million, $3.49 million and $9.40 million, respectively.


Unitedalso accounts for securities transactionssales and purchases of SBA/USDA loans on the trade date. At December 31, 2014,2017, 2016 and 2015, United had purchased $5.43unsettled sales of SBA/USDA loans of $27.5 million, in securities that had not settled.$29.9 million and $18.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013,2017 and 2016, United had sold $4.60no unsettled purchases of SBA/USDA loans, while at December 31, 2015, United had $18.3 million of unsettled purchases of SBA/USDA loans.

86

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(4)Cash Flows, continued

During 2017, United acquired, through business combinations, assets with a fair value totaling $1.12 billion and liabilities with a fair value totaling $1.00 billion, for net assets acquired of $115 million. Common stock issued pursuant to these business combinations in securities2017 totaled $179 million. During 2016, United acquired, through business combinations, assets with a fair value totaling $451 million and purchased $29.6liabilities with a fair value totaling $440 million, for net assets acquired of $11.2 million. During 2015, United acquired, through business combinations, assets with a fair value totaling $1.74 billion and liabilities with a fair value totaling $1.43 billion, for net assets acquired of $309 million. Common and preferred stock issued pursuant to these business combinations in securities that had not settled.


(5)   Balance Sheet Offsetting
2015 totaled $214 million and $9.99 million, respectively.

(5)Balance Sheet Offsetting and Repurchase Agreements Accounted for as Secured Borrowings

United enters into reverse repurchase agreements in order to invest short-term funds. In addition, United enters into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements and offsetting securities lending transactions with the same counterparty in transactions commonly referred to as collateral swaps that are subject to master netting agreements under which the balances are netted in the balance sheet in accordance with ASC 210-20,Offsetting.


The following table presents a summary of amounts outstanding under reverse repurchase agreements securities lending transactions and derivative financial instruments including those entered into in connection with the same counterparty under master netting agreements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the dates indicated(in thousands).

             
    Gross         
  Gross  Amounts   Gross Amounts not Offset   
 Amounts of Offset on the    in the Balance Sheet   
 Recognized  Balance Net Asset Financial Collateral   
December 31, 2014 Assets  Sheet Balance Instruments Received Net Amount 
             
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $395,000  $(375,000) $20,000  $  $(20,302) $ 
Derivatives  20,599      20,599   (869)  (3,716)  16,014 
Total $415,599  $(375,000) $40,599  $(869) $(24,018) $16,014 
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements  1.16%                    
      Gross                 
  Gross  Amounts     Gross Amounts not Offset     
 Amounts of Offset on the  Net  in the Balance Sheet     
 Recognized  Balance Liability Financial Collateral     
 Liabilities  Sheet Balance Instruments Pledged Net Amount 
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $375,000  $(375,000) $  $  $  $ 
Derivatives  31,997       31,997   (869)  (32,792)   
Total $406,997  $(375,000) $31,997  $(869) $(32,792) $ 
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements  .29%                    
      Gross                 
  Gross  Amounts     Gross Amounts not Offset     
 Amounts of Offset on the      in the Balance Sheet     
 Recognized  Balance Net Asset Financial Collateral     
December 31, 2013 Assets  Sheet Balance Instruments Received Net Amount 
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $385,000  $(350,000) $35,000  $  $(38,982) $ 
Derivatives  23,833      23,833   (4,378)  (2,912)  16,543 
Total $408,833  $(350,000) $58,833  $(4,378) $(41,894) $16,543 
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements  1.09%                    
      Gross                 
  Gross  Amounts     Gross Amounts not Offset     
 Amounts of Offset on the  Net  in the Balance Sheet     
 Recognized  Balance Liability Financial Collateral     
  Liabilities  Sheet Balance Instruments Pledged Net Amount 
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $350,000  $(350,000) $  $  $  $ 
Derivatives  46,232       46,232   (4,378)  (38,145)  3,709 
Total $396,232  $(350,000) $46,232  $(4,378) $(38,145) $3,709 
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements  .27%                    

72

  Gross
Amounts of
  Gross
Amounts
Offset on
     Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
    
December 31, 2017 Recognized
Assets
  the Balance
Sheet
  Net Asset
Balance
  Financial
Instruments
  Collateral
Received
  Net
Amount
 
                   
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $100,000  $(100,000) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Derivatives  22,721   -   22,721   (1,490)  (6,369)  14,862 
Total $122,721  $(100,000) $22,721  $(1,490) $(6,369) $14,862 
                         
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements  1.95%                    
                   
  Gross
Amounts of
  Gross
Amounts
Offset on
  Net  Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
    
  Recognized
Liabilities
  the Balance
Sheet
  Liability
Balance
  Financial
Instruments
  Collateral
Pledged
  Net
Amount
 
                   
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $100,000  $(100,000) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Derivatives  25,376   -   25,376   (1,490)  (17,190)  6,696 
Total $125,376  $(100,000) $25,376  $(1,490) $(17,190) $6,696 
                         
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements  1.20%                    
                   
  Gross
Amounts of
  Gross
Amounts
Offset on
     Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
    
December 31, 2016 Recognized
Assets
  the Balance
Sheet
  Net Asset
Balance
  Financial
Instruments
  Collateral
Received
  Net
Amount
 
                   
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $150,000  $(150,000) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Derivatives  23,688   -   23,688   (3,485)  (3,366)  16,837 
Total $173,688  $(150,000) $23,688  $(3,485) $(3,366) $16,837 
                         
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements  1.78%                    
                   
  Gross
Amounts of
  Gross
Amounts
Offset on
  Net  Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
    
  Recognized
Liabilities
  the Balance
Sheet
  Liability
Balance
  Financial
Instruments
  Collateral
Pledged
  Net
Amount
 
                   
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $150,000  $(150,000) $-  $-  $-  $- 
Derivatives  27,648   -   27,648   (3,485)  (18,505)  5,658 
Total $177,648  $(150,000) $27,648  $(3,485) $(18,505) $5,658 
                         
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements  .88%                    

 87

 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)  Investment Securities
In 2013,

(5)Balance Sheet Offsetting and Repurchase Agreements Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, continued

At December 31, 2017, United recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $17.2 million and the obligation to return cash collateral of $6.37 million. At December 31, 2016, United recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $18.5 million and the obligation to return cash collateral of $3.37 million. The right to reclaim cash collateral and the obligation to return cash collateral were included in the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities, respectively.

The following table presents additional detail regarding repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings and the securities available-for-sale with a fairunderlying these agreements as of the dates indicated(in thousands).

  Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
  Overnight and             
  Continuous  Up to 30 Days  30 to 90 Days  91 to 110 days  Total 
                
As of December 31, 2017                    
Mortgage-backed securities $-  $-  $100,000  $-  $100,000 
                     
Total $-  $-  $100,000  $-  $100,000 
                     
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements in offsetting disclosure                 $100,000 
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure                 $- 
                     
As of December 31, 2016                    
Mortgage-backed securities $-  $-  $50,000  $100,000  $150,000 
                     
Total $-  $-  $50,000  $100,000  $150,000 
                     
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements in offsetting disclosure                 $150,000 
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure                 $- 

United is obligated to promptly transfer additional securities if the market value of $301 million were transferredthe securities falls below the repurchase agreement price.  United manages this risk by maintaining an unpledged securities portfolio that it believes is sufficient to held-to-maturity.  The securities were transferred at their faircover a decline in the market value on the date of transfer.  The unrealized loss of $8.31 million on the transferred securities is being amortized into interest revenue as an adjustment to the yield on those securities over the remaining life of the transferred securities.


securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

(6)Investment Securities

At both December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, securities with a carrying value of $1.51$1.04 billion and $1.53$1.45 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, derivatives and other secured borrowings.


The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2014 and 2013as of the dates indicated are listed below as follows(in thousands):

 
    Gross  Gross   
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair 
As of December 31, 2014
 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
State and political subdivisions $48,157  $3,504  $  $51,661 
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
  367,110   7,716   1,254   373,572 
Total $415,267  $11,220  $1,254  $425,233 
As of December 31, 2013
                
State and political subdivisions $51,733  $2,718  $42  $54,409 
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
  428,009   6,690   3,523   431,176 
Total $479,742  $9,408  $3,565  $485,585 

     Gross  Gross    
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair 
As of December 31, 2017 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
             
State and political subdivisions $71,959  $1,574  $178  $73,355 
Mortgage-backed securities(1)  249,135   2,211   3,425   247,921 
                 
Total $321,094  $3,785  $3,603  $321,276 
                 
As of December 31, 2016                
                 
State and political subdivisions $57,134  $2,197  $249  $59,082 
Mortgage-backed securities(1)  272,709   4,035   2,656   274,088 
                 
Total $329,843  $6,232  $2,905  $333,170 

(1) All are residential type mortgage-backed securities

or U.S. government agency commercial mortgage backed securities.

88

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)Investment Securities, continued

The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013as of the dates indicated are listed below as follows(in thousands):

 
    Gross  Gross   
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair 
As of December 31, 2014
 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
U.S. Treasuries $105,540  $235  $66  $105,709 
U.S. Government agencies  36,474      175   36,299 
State and political subdivisions  19,748   504   19   20,233 
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
  988,012   16,273   7,465   996,820 
Corporate bonds  165,018   1,686   1,076   165,628 
Asset-backed securities  455,626   2,257   1,955   455,928 
Other  2,117         2,117 
Total $1,772,535  $20,955  $10,756  $1,782,734 
As of December 31, 2013
                
State and political subdivisions $22,558  $823  $139  $23,242 
Mortgage-backed securities (1)
  1,145,800   13,296   13,749   1,145,347 
Corporate bonds  255,316   1,304   6,324   250,296 
Asset-backed securities  409,086   2,535   988   410,633 
Other  2,699         2,699 
Total $1,835,459  $17,958  $21,200  $1,832,217 

     Gross  Gross    
  Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair 
As of December 31, 2017 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
             
U.S. Treasuries $122,025  $-  $912  $121,113 
U.S. Government agencies  26,129   269   26   26,372 
State and political subdivisions  195,663   2,019   396   197,286 
Mortgage-backed securities(1)  1,738,056   7,089   17,934   1,727,211 
Corporate bonds  305,265   1,513   425   306,353 
Asset-backed securities  236,533   1,078   153   237,458 
Other  57   -   -   57 
                 
Total $2,623,728  $11,968  $19,846  $2,615,850 
                 
As of December 31, 2016                
                 
U.S. Treasuries $170,360  $20  $764  $169,616 
U.S. Government agencies  21,053   6   239   20,820 
State and political subdivisions  74,555   176   554   74,177 
Mortgage-backed securities(1)  1,397,435   8,924   14,677   1,391,682 
Corporate bonds  306,824   591   2,023   305,392 
Asset-backed securities  468,742   2,798   1,971   469,569 
Other  1,182   -   -   1,182 
                 
Total $2,440,151  $12,515  $20,228  $2,432,438 

(1) All are residential type mortgage-backed securities

or U.S. government agency commercial mortgage backed securities.

The following summarizes available-for-sale securities sales activities for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Proceeds from sales $340,540  $199,864  $353,860 
             
Gross gains on sales $1,247  $1,647  $2,409 
Gross losses on sales  (1,205)  (665)  (154)
             
Net gains on sales of securities $42  $982  $2,255 
             
Income tax expense attributable to sales $14  $371  $862 

At year-end 2017 and 2016, there were no holdings of debt obligations of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.

89

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)   Investment Securities, continued

(6)Investment Securities, continued

The following summarizes securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the dates indicated(in thousands):

 
  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total   
    Unrealized    Unrealized    Unrealized 
As of December 31, 2014
 Fair Value  Loss  Fair Value  Loss  Fair Value  Loss 
Mortgage-backed securities  126,514   917   17,053   337   143,567   1,254 
Total unrealized loss position $126,514  $917  $17,053  $337  $143,567  $1,254 
As of December 31, 2013
                        
State and political subdivisions $1,595  $42  $  $  $1,595  $42 
Mortgage-backed securities  259,870   3,523         259,870   3,523 
Total unrealized loss position $261,465  $3,565  $  $  $261,465  $3,565 

  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
State and political subdivisions $8,969  $178  $-  $-  $8,969  $178 
Mortgage-backed securities  95,353   1,448   65,868   1,977   161,221   3,425 
Total unrealized loss position $104,322  $1,626  $65,868  $1,977  $170,190  $3,603 
                         
As of December 31, 2016                        
                         
State and political subdivisions $18,359  $249  $-  $-  $18,359  $249 
Mortgage-backed securities  118,164   2,656   -   -   118,164   2,656 
Total unrealized loss position $136,523  $2,905  $-  $-  $136,523  $2,905 

The following summarizes securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the dates indicated(in thousands):

 
  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total   
    Unrealized    Unrealized    Unrealized 
As of December 31, 2014
 Fair Value  Loss  Fair Value  Loss  Fair Value  Loss 
U.S. Treasuries $34,180  $66  $  $  $34,180  $66 
U.S. Government agencies  36,299   175         36,299   175 
State and political subdivisions  2,481   19         2,481   19 
Mortgage-backed securities  88,741   446   251,977   7,019   340,718   7,465 
Corporate bonds  37,891   371   20,275   705   58,166   1,076 
Asset-backed securities  221,359   1,592   40,952   363   262,311   1,955 
Total unrealized loss position $420,951  $2,669  $313,204  $8,087  $734,155  $10,756 
As of December 31, 2013
                        
State and political subdivisions $4,539  $139  $  $  $4,539  $139 
Mortgage-backed securities  334,996   6,480   175,865   7,269   510,861   13,749 
Corporate bonds  137,318   4,494   54,130   1,830   191,448   6,324 
Asset-backed securities  164,933   722   22,370   266   187,303   988 
Total unrealized loss position $641,786  $11,835  $252,365  $9,365  $894,151  $21,200 

  Less than 12 Months  12 Months or More  Total 
As of December 31, 2017 Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
  Fair Value  Unrealized
Loss
 
                   
U.S. Treasuries $121,113  $912  $-  $-  $121,113  $912 
U.S. Government agencies  1,976   13   1,677   13   3,653   26 
State and political subdivisions  61,494   365   5,131   31   66,625   396 
Mortgage-backed securities  964,205   8,699   328,923   9,235   1,293,128   17,934 
Corporate bonds  55,916   325   900   100   56,816   425 
Asset-backed securities  28,695   126   5,031   27   33,726   153 
Total unrealized loss position $1,233,399  $10,440  $341,662  $9,406  $1,575,061  $19,846 
                         
As of December 31, 2016                        
                         
U.S. Treasuries $145,229  $764  $-  $-  $145,229  $764 
U.S. Government agencies  19,685   239   -   -   19,685   239 
State and political subdivisions  61,782   554   -   -   61,782   554 
Mortgage-backed securities  810,686   13,952   26,279   725   836,965   14,677 
Corporate bonds  228,504   1,597   15,574   426   244,078   2,023 
Asset-backed securities  54,477   540   115,338   1,431   169,815   1,971 
Total unrealized loss position $1,320,363  $17,646  $157,191  $2,582  $1,477,554  $20,228 

At December 31, 2014,2017, there were 113211 available-for-sale securities and 2161 held-to-maturity securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Management does not intend to sell nor believes it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.


Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, among other factors. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analyst’s reports. No impairment charges were recognized during 2014, 20132017, 2016 or 2012.


2015.

Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold.

90

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)  Investment Securities, continued

(6)Investment Securities, continued

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2014,2017, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table(in thousands):

         
  Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity 
  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
         
US Treasuries:        
1 to 5 years $105,540  $105,709  $  $ 
   105,540   105,709       
US Government agencies:                
5 to 10 years  36,474   36,299       
   36,474   36,299       
State and political subdivisions:                
Within 1 year  6,369   6,405   1,000   1,013 
1 to 5 years  10,430   10,771   18,582   19,812 
5 to 10 years  2,101   2,165   19,573   21,033 
More than 10 years  848   892   9,002   9,803 
   19,748   20,233   48,157   51,661 
Corporate bonds:                
Within 1 year  9,980   9,815       
1 to 5 years  38,262   37,891       
5 to 10 years  115,776   117,172       
More than 10 years  1,000   750       
   165,018   165,628       
Asset-backed securities:                
Within 1 year  9,590   9,505       
1 to 5 years  256,986   257,886       
5 to 10 years  58,581   58,966       
More than 10 years  130,469   129,571       
   455,626   455,928       
Other:                
Within 1 year  62   62       
More than 10 years  2,055   2,055       
   2,117   2,117       
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:                
Within 1 year  26,001   25,787   1,000   1,013 
1 to 5 years  411,218   412,257   18,582   19,812 
5 to 10 years  212,932   214,602   19,573   21,033 
More than 10 years  134,372   133,268   9,002   9,803 
Mortgage-backed securities  988,012   996,820   367,110   373,572 
  $1,772,535  $1,782,734  $415,267  $425,233 

  Available-for-Sale  Held-to-Maturity 
  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
             
US Treasuries:                
1 to 5 years $74,465  $73,798  $-  $- 
5 to 10 years  47,560   47,315   -   - 
   122,025   121,113   -   - 
                 
US Government agencies:                
1 to 5 years  18,204   18,210   -   - 
5 to 10 years  2,668   2,648   -   - 
More than 10 years  5,257   5,514   -   - 
   26,129   26,372   -   - 
                 
State and political subdivisions:                
Within 1 year  1,500   1,509   3,585   3,609 
1 to 5 years  45,327   45,326   18,605   19,208 
5 to 10 years  27,595   27,743   11,096   11,940 
More than 10 years  121,241   122,708   38,673   38,598 
   195,663   197,286   71,959   73,355 
                 
Corporate bonds:                
1 to 5 years  240,626   241,501   -   - 
5 to 10 years  63,639   63,952   -   - 
More than 10 years  1,000   900   -   - 
   305,265   306,353   -   - 
                 
Asset-backed securities:                
1 to 5 years  5,838   5,999   -   - 
5 to 10 years  70,774   71,049   -   - 
More than 10 years  159,921   160,410   -   - 
   236,533   237,458   -   - 
                 
Other:                
More than 10 years  57   57   -   - 
   57   57   -   - 
                 
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:                
Within 1 year  1,500   1,509   3,585   3,609 
1 to 5 years  384,460   384,834   18,605   19,208 
5 to 10 years  212,236   212,707   11,096   11,940 
More than 10 years  287,476   289,589   38,673   38,598 
                 
Mortgage-backed securities  1,738,056   1,727,211   249,135   247,921 
                 
  $2,623,728  $2,615,850  $321,094  $321,276 

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

obligations.

91

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)   Investment Securities, continued
The following summarizes securities sales activities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
  2014  2013  2012 
Proceeds from sales $419,201  $39,731  $469,167 
Gross gains on sales $6,003  $264  $7,364 
Gross losses on sales  (1,132)  (78)  (286)
Net gains on sales of securities $4,871  $186  $7,078 
Income tax expense attributable to sales $1,902  $72  $2,753 

At year-end 2014 and 2013, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.

(7)  Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

Major classifications of loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as of the dates indicated as follows(in thousands):


  2014  2013 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,163,480  $1,133,543 
Income producing commercial real estate  598,537   623,167 
Commercial & industrial  710,256   471,961 
Commercial construction  196,030   148,903 
Total commercial  2,668,303   2,377,574 
Residential mortgage  865,789   875,077 
Home equity lines of credit  465,872   440,887 
Residential construction  298,627   328,579 
Consumer installment  104,899   111,045 
Indirect auto  268,629   196,104 
Total loans  4,672,119   4,329,266 
Less allowance for loan losses  (71,619)  (76,762)
Loans, net $4,600,500  $4,252,504 

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,923,993  $1,650,360 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,595,174   1,281,541 
Commercial & industrial  1,130,990   1,069,715 
Commercial construction  711,936   633,921 
Total commercial  5,362,093   4,635,537 
Residential mortgage  973,544   856,725 
Home equity lines of credit  731,227   655,410 
Residential construction  183,019   190,043 
Consumer direct  127,504   123,567 
Indirect auto  358,185   459,354 
         
Total loans  7,735,572   6,920,636 
         
Less allowance for loan losses  (58,914)  (61,422)
         
Loans, net $7,676,658  $6,859,214 

At December 31, 20142017 and 2013, $1.05 million and $977,000, respectively, in overdrawn deposit accounts were reclassified as commercial and industrial loans.  No specific allowance for loan losses was deemed necessary for these accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013.


At December 31, 2014 and 2013,2016, loans with a carrying value of $2.35$3.73 billion and $1.77$3.33 billion were pledged as collateral to secure FHLB advances and other contingent funding sources.

At December 31, 2017, the carrying value and outstanding balance of PCI loans was $98.5 million and $142 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value and outstanding balance of PCI loans was $62.8 million and $87.9 million, respectively. The following table presents changes in the value of the accretable yield for PCI loans for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

  2017  2016 
Balance at beginning of period $7,981  $4,279 
Additions due to acquisitions  6,723   2,113 
Accretion  (7,451)  (4,223)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference  7,283   3,321 
Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference  3,150   2,491 
Balance at end of period $17,686  $7,981 

In addition to the accretable yield on PCI loans, the fair value adjustments on purchased loans outside the scope of ASC Topic 310-30 are also accreted to interest income over the life of the loans. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the remaining accretable fair value mark on loans acquired through a business combination and not accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 was $14.7 million and $7.14 million, respectively. In addition, indirect auto loans purchased at a premium outside of a business combination had a remaining premium of $7.84 million and $11.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 2016. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, United purchased indirect auto loans of $81.7 million and $191 million, respectively.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank may grant loans to executive officers and directors of the holding company and the Bank, including their immediate families and companies with which they are associated. Such loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers. The following is a summary of such loans outstanding and the activity in these loans for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

  2017  2016 
Balance at beginning of period $2,432  $2,732 
New loans and advances  86   1 
Repayments  (256)  (301)
         
Balance at end of period $2,262  $2,432 

92

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of year-end.  In 2013, United established an allowance for unfunded commitments separate from the allowance for loan losses due to significant growth in unfunded loan commitments.end of the period. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. Combined, the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are referred to as the allowance for credit losses.

76

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(7)  Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
The following table presents the balance and activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 periods indicated(in thousands)::
             
        Allocation     
  Beginning  Charge-    of    Ending 
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Balance  Offs  Recoveries  Unallocated  Provision  Balance 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $17,164  $(3,136) $3,056  $1,278  $(2,321) $16,041 
Income producing commercial real estate  7,174   (1,611)  725   688   3,320   10,296 
Commercial & industrial  6,527   (2,145)  1,698   318   (3,143)  3,255 
Commercial construction  3,669   (235)  6   388   919   4,747 
Residential mortgage  15,446   (7,502)  1,110   1,452   9,805   20,311 
Home equity lines of credit  5,528   (2,314)  287   391   682   4,574 
Residential construction  12,532   (3,176)  627   1,728   (1,108)  10,603 
Consumer installment  1,353   (2,008)  1,226      160   731 
Indirect auto  1,126   (540)  54      421   1,061 
Unallocated  6,243         (6,243)      
Total allowance for loan losses  76,762   (22,667)  8,789      8,735   71,619 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  2,165            (235)  1,930 
Total allowance for credit losses $78,927  $(22,667) $8,789  $  $8,500  $73,549 
                         
 Allocation
  Beginning  Charge-      of      Ending 
Year Ended December 31, 2013 Balance  Offs  Recoveries  Unallocated  Provision  Balance 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $17,265  $(24,965) $1,305  $  $23,559  $17,164 
Income producing commercial real estate  10,582   (11,505)  640      7,457   7,174 
Commercial & industrial  5,537   (18,914)  1,888      18,016   6,527 
Commercial construction  8,389   (6,483)  69      1,694   3,669 
Residential mortgage  19,117   (8,840)  611      4,558   15,446 
Home equity lines of credit  7,525   (3,437)  104      1,336   5,528 
Residential construction  26,662   (23,049)  173      8,746   12,532 
Consumer installment  2,527   (2,184)  1,114      (104)  1,353 
Indirect auto  220   (277)  40      1,143   1,126 
Unallocated  9,313            (3,070)  6,243 
Total allowance for loan losses  107,137   (99,654)  5,944      63,335   76,762 
Allowance for unfunded commitments              2,165   2,165 
Total allowance for credit losses $107,137  $(99,654) $5,944  $  $65,500  $78,927 
                         
              Allocation         
  Beginning  Charge-      of      Ending 
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Balance  Offs  Recoveries  Unallocated  Provision  Balance 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $19,310  $(10,280) $557  $  $7,678  $17,265 
Income producing commercial real estate  12,334   (12,782)  135      10,895   10,582 
Commercial & industrial  5,681   (2,424)  1,104      1,176   5,537 
Commercial construction  6,097   (5,411)  111      7,592   8,389 
Residential mortgage  21,386   (12,885)  675      9,941   19,117 
Home equity lines of credit  7,690   (4,377)  124      4,088   7,525 
Residential construction  30,379   (24,260)  1,272      19,271   26,662 
Consumer installment  2,124   (2,198)  824      1,777   2,527 
Indirect auto     (16)        236   220 
Unallocated  9,467            (154)  9,313 
Total allowance for loan losses  114,468   (74,633)  4,802      62,500   107,137 
Allowance for unfunded commitments                  
Total allowance for credit losses $114,468  $(74,633) $4,802  $  $62,500  $107,137 
77

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Beginning
Balance
  Charge-
Offs
  Recoveries  Provision  Ending
Balance
 
                
Owner occupied commercial real estate $16,446  $(406) $980  $(2,244) $14,776 
Income producing commercial real estate  8,843   (2,985)  178   3,345   9,381 
Commercial & industrial  3,810   (1,528)  1,768   (79)  3,971 
Commercial construction  13,405   (1,023)  1,018   (2,877)  10,523 
Residential mortgage  8,545   (1,473)  314   2,711   10,097 
Home equity lines of credit  4,599   (1,435)  567   1,446   5,177 
Residential construction  3,264   (129)  178   (584)  2,729 
Consumer direct  708   (1,803)  917   888   710 
Indirect auto  1,802   (1,420)  284   884   1,550 
Total allowance for loan losses  61,422   (12,202)  6,204   3,490   58,914 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  2,002   -   -   310   2,312 
Total allowance for credit losses $63,424  $(12,202) $6,204  $3,800  $61,226 
                
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Beginning
Balance
  Charge-
Offs
  Recoveries  Provision  Ending
Balance
 
                
Owner occupied commercial real estate $18,016  $(2,029) $706  $(247) $16,446 
Income producing commercial real estate  11,548   (1,433)  580   (1,852)  8,843 
Commercial & industrial  4,433   (1,830)  1,689   (482)  3,810 
Commercial construction  9,553   (837)  821   3,868   13,405 
Residential mortgage  12,719   (1,151)  301   (3,324)  8,545 
Home equity lines of credit  5,956   (1,690)  386   (53)  4,599 
Residential construction  4,002   (533)  79   (284)  3,264 
Consumer direct  828   (1,459)  800   539   708 
Indirect auto  1,393   (1,399)  233   1,575   1,802 
Total allowance for loan losses  68,448   (12,361)  5,595   (260)  61,422 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  2,542   -   -   (540)  2,002 
Total allowance for credit losses $70,990  $(12,361) $5,595  $(800) $63,424 
                
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Beginning
Balance
  Charge-
Offs
  Recoveries  Provision  Ending
Balance
 
                
Owner occupied commercial real estate $18,174  $(2,901) $755  $1,988  $18,016 
Income producing commercial real estate  14,517   (1,280)  866   (2,555)  11,548 
Commercial & industrial  3,252   (1,358)  2,174   365   4,433 
Commercial construction  10,901   (1,947)  736   (137)  9,553 
Residential mortgage  14,133   (1,615)  1,080   (879)  12,719 
Home equity lines of credit  4,476   (1,094)  242   2,332   5,956 
Residential construction  4,374   (851)  173   306   4,002 
Consumer direct  731   (1,597)  1,044   650   828 
Indirect auto  1,061   (772)  86   1,018   1,393 
Total allowance for loan losses  71,619   (13,415)  7,156   3,088   68,448 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  1,930   -   -   612   2,542 
Total allowance for credit losses $73,549  $(13,415) $7,156  $3,700  $70,990 

 93

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

The following table presents the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and the balance of the allowance for loan losses assigned to each segment based on the method of evaluating the loans for impairment as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for the periods indicated(in thousands):

        
 Allowance for Loan Losses 
 December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   
 Individually Collectively   Individually Collectively   
 evaluated for evaluated for  Ending evaluated for evaluated for  Ending 
 impairment impairment  Balance impairment impairment  Balance 
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,737 $13,304  $16,041 $1,023 $16,141  $17,164 
Income producing commercial real estate 1,917  8,379   10,296  990  6,184   7,174 
Commercial & industrial 15  3,240   3,255  66  6,461   6,527 
Commercial construction 729  4,018   4,747  112  3,557   3,669 
Residential mortgage 3,227  17,084   20,311  2,914  12,532   15,446 
Home equity lines of credit 47  4,527   4,574  5  5,523   5,528 
Residential construction 1,192  9,411   10,603  688  11,844   12,532 
Consumer installment 18  713   731  224  1,129   1,353 
Indirect auto   1,061   1,061    1,126   1,126 
Unallocated          6,243   6,243 
Total allowance for loan losses 9,882  61,737   71,619  6,022  70,740   76,762 
Allowance for unfunded commitments   1,930   1,930    2,165   2,165 
Total allowance for credit losses$9,882 $63,667  $73,549 $6,022 $72,905  $78,927 
                     
 Loans Outstanding 
 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 
 Individually Collectively     Individually Collectively     
 evaluated for evaluated for  Ending evaluated for evaluated for  Ending 
 impairment impairment  Balance impairment impairment  Balance 
Owner occupied commercial real estate$34,654 $1,128,826  $1,163,480 $32,969 $1,100,574  $1,133,543 
Income producing commercial real estate 24,484  574,053   598,537  27,239  595,928   623,167 
Commercial & industrial 3,977  706,279   710,256  4,217  467,744   471,961 
Commercial construction 12,321  183,709   196,030  13,715  135,188   148,903 
Residential mortgage 18,775  847,014   865,789  20,167  854,910   875,077 
Home equity lines of credit 478  465,394   465,872  505  440,382   440,887 
Residential construction 11,604  287,023   298,627  14,808  313,771   328,579 
Consumer installment 179  104,720   104,899  999  110,046   111,045 
Indirect auto   268,629   268,629    196,104   196,104 
Total loans$106,472 $4,565,647  $4,672,119 $114,619 $4,214,647  $4,329,266 

  Allowance for Loan Losses 
  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
  Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
  Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
  PCI  Ending
Balance
  Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
  Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
  PCI  Ending
Balance
 
                         
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,255  $13,521  $-  $14,776  $1,746  $14,700  $-  $16,446 
Income producing commercial real estate  562   8,813   6   9,381   885   7,919   39   8,843 
Commercial & industrial  27   3,944   -   3,971   58   3,752   -   3,810 
Commercial construction  156   10,367   -   10,523   168   13,218   19   13,405 
Residential mortgage  1,174   8,919   4   10,097   517   7,997   31   8,545 
Home equity lines of credit  -   5,177   -   5,177   2   4,597   -   4,599 
Residential construction  75   2,654   -   2,729   64   3,198   2   3,264 
Consumer direct  7   700   3   710   12   696   -   708 
Indirect auto  -   1,550   -   1,550   -   1,802   -   1,802 
Total allowance for loan losses  3,256   55,645   13   58,914   3,452   57,879   91   61,422 
Allowance for unfunded commitments  -   2,312   -   2,312   -   2,002   -   2,002 
Total allowance for credit losses $3,256  $57,957  $13  $61,226  $3,452  $59,881  $91  $63,424 
                         
  Loans Outstanding 
  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
  Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
  Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
  PCI  Ending
Balance
  Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
  Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
  PCI  Ending
Balance
 
                         
Owner occupied commercial real estate $21,823  $1,876,411  $25,759  $1,923,993  $31,421  $1,600,355  $18,584  $1,650,360 
Income producing commercial real estate  16,483   1,533,851   44,840   1,595,174   30,459   1,225,763   25,319   1,281,541 
Commercial & industrial  2,654   1,126,894   1,442   1,130,990   1,915   1,066,764   1,036   1,069,715 
Commercial construction  3,813   699,266   8,857   711,936   5,050   620,543   8,328   633,921 
Residential mortgage  14,193   946,210   13,141   973,544   13,706   836,624   6,395   856,725 
Home equity lines of credit  101   728,235   2,891   731,227   63   653,337   2,010   655,410 
Residential construction  1,577   180,978   464   183,019   1,594   187,516   933   190,043 
Consumer direct  270   126,114   1,120   127,504   290   123,118   159   123,567 
Indirect auto  1,396   356,789   -   358,185   1,165   458,189   -   459,354 
Total loans $62,310  $7,574,748  $98,514  $7,735,572  $85,663  $6,772,209  $62,764  $6,920,636 

Management considers all loansnon-PCI relationships that are on nonaccrual with a balance of $500,000 or greater and all TDRs to be impaired. In addition, management reviews all accruing substandard loans greater than $2 million to determine if the loan is impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current events and circumstances, it is probable that all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. All TDRs are considered impaired regardless of accrual status. Impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. For TDRs less than $500,000, impairment is estimated based on the average impairment of TDRs greater than $500,000 by loan category.  For loan types that do not have TDRs greater than $500,000, the average impairment for all TDR loans is used to quantify the amount of required specific reserve.  A specific reserve is established for impaired loans for the amount of calculated impairment. Interest payments received on impaired nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the outstanding principal balance. For impaired loans not on nonaccrual status, interest is accrued according to the terms of the loan agreement. Loans are evaluated for impairment quarterly and specific reserves are established in the allowance for loan losses for any measured impairment.

78

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Each quarter, United’s management prepares an analysis of the allowance for credit losses to determine the appropriate balance that measures and quantifies the amount of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is comprised of specific reserves on individually impaired loans, which are determined as described above, and general reserves which are determined based on historical loss experience as adjusted for current trends and economic conditions multiplied by a loss emergence period factor.  Management uses eight quarters of historical loss experience weighted toward the most recent four quarters to determine the loss factors to be used in the reserve calculation for loans evaluated in the aggregate.  Eight quarters has been determined to be an appropriate time period as it is recent enough to be relevant to current conditions and covers a length of time sufficient to minimize distortions caused by nonrecurring and unusual activity that might otherwise influence a shorter time period.  In previous years, the weighted average was calculated by multiplying each quarter’s annualized historical net charge-off rate by 1 through 8, with 8 representing the most recent quarter and 1 representing the oldest quarter.  Management adopted this method of weighting quarterly loss rates to capture the rapidly deteriorating credit conditions in its loss factors during the financial crisis.  Now that credit conditions have begun to stabilize, management concluded in the first quarter of 2014 that it was appropriate to apply a more level weighting moving forward to capture the full range and impacts of credit losses experienced during the most recent economic and credit cycle.  For the four most recent quarters, management applied a weighting factor of 1.75.  For the four oldest quarters, management applied a weighting of 1.00 for each quarterly loss factor.  Management believes the current weightings are more appropriate to measure the probable losses incurred within the loan portfolio.


Also, beginning in the first quarter of 2014, management updated its measurement of the loss emergence period in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses.  The rapidly deteriorating credit conditions during the peak of the credit cycle shortened the length of time between management’s estimation of the incurrence of a loss and its recognition as a charge-off.  In most cases, the loss emergence period was within a twelve month period which made the use of annualized loss factors appropriate for measuring the amount of incurred yet unconfirmed credit losses within the loan portfolio.  As United has moved out beyond the peak of the financial crisis, management has observed that the loss emergence period has extended.

Management calculates the loss emergence period for each pool of loans based on the weighted average length of time between the date a loan first exceeds 30 days past due and the date the loan is charged off.


The updates to the weightings to the eight quarters of loss history and the update to our estimation of the loss emergence period did not have a material effect on the total allowance for loan losses or the provision for loan losses for 2014.  These updates resulted in the full allocation of the previously unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses.

On junior lien home equity loans, management has limited ability to monitor the delinquency status of the first lien unless the first lien is also held by United. As a result, management applies the weighted average historical loss factor for this category and appropriately adjusts it to reflect the increased risk of loss from these credits.

94

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Management carefully reviews the resulting loss factors for each category of the loan portfolio and evaluates whether qualitative adjustments are necessary to take into consideration recent credit trends such as increases or decreases in past due, nonaccrual, criticized and classified loans, and other macro environmental factors such as changes in unemployment rates, lease vacancy rates and trends in property values and absorption rates.


Management believes that its method of determining the balance of the allowance for credit losses provides a reasonable and reliable basis for measuring and reporting losses that are incurred in the loan portfolio as of the reporting date.


When a loan officer determines that a loan is uncollectible, he or she is responsible for recommending that the loan be charged off.placed on nonaccrual status, evaluating the loan for impairment, and, if necessary, fully or partially charging off the loan. Full or partial charge-offs may also be recommended by the Collections Department, the Special Assets Department, the Loss Mitigation Department and the Foreclosure/OREO Department. Nonaccrual real estate loans that are collateral dependent are generally charged down to 80% of the appraisedfair value of the underlying collateralless costs to sell at the time they are placed on nonaccrual status.


A committee

Commercial and consumer asset quality committees consisting of the Chief Credit Officer, Senior Risk OfficerOfficers and the Senior Credit Officers meetsmeet monthly to review charge-offs that have occurred during the previous month.


Generally, closed-end retail loans (installment and residential mortgage loans) past due 90 cumulative days are written down to their collateral value less estimated selling costs unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection (within the next 90 days).costs. Open-end unsecured (revolving) retail loans which are past due 90 cumulative days from their contractual due date are generally charged off.

79

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
In 2013, management executed a plan to accelerate the disposition of classified assets including performing classified loans, nonperforming loans and foreclosed properties.  The purpose of the accelerated classified asset disposition plan was to resolve legacy credit problems remaining from the recent financial crisis and to accelerate the improvement of United’s credit measures toward pre-crisis levels.  The classified asset sales included individual note and foreclosed property sales and a large bulk sale of classified assets to a single investor.  The bulk sale included performing and nonperforming classified loans and foreclosed properties.  The assets were divided into four separate pools that were bid for separately by potential buyers.  A single purchaser was the high bidder for each of the four pools.

The table below shows the allocation among impaired loans, loans that were not considered impaired and foreclosed properties, including United’s recorded investment in those assets, the sales proceeds and the resulting net charge-offs of assets sold in the bulk sale transaction (in thousands).

  Recorded  Net Sales  Net 
  Investment  Proceeds  Charge-Off 
Loans considered impaired $96,829  $56,298  $(40,531)
Loans not considered impaired  25,687   15,227   (10,460)
Foreclosed properties  8,398   5,933   (2,465)
Total assets sold $130,914  $77,458  $(53,456)

The loans considered impaired in the table above were assigned specific reserves of $6.86 million in the most recent analysis of the allowance for loan losses prior to the sale.  Because the assets were sold at liquidation prices in a bulk transaction with no recourse, the sales price was generally lower than the appraised value of the foreclosed properties and loan collateral.  Although the classified asset sales increased charge-offs during the second quarter of 2013, they accomplished management’s goal of moving classified asset levels toward the pre-crisis range.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank grants loans to executive officers, and directors of the holding company and the Bank, including their immediate families and companies with which they are associated.  Management believes that such loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers.  The following is a summary of such loans outstanding and the activity in these loans for the year ended

At December 31, 2014 (2017 and 2016, $1.28 million and $870,000, respectively, in thousands):


Balances at December 31, 2013 $2,898 
New loans and advances  400 
Repayments  (94)
Balances at December 31, 2014 $3,204 

overdrawn deposit accounts were reclassified as commercial and industrial loans.

The average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans while they were considered impaired is presented below for the last three years(in thousands):

  2017  2016  2015 
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Revenue
Recognized
During
Impairment
  Cash Basis
Interest
Revenue
Received
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Revenue
Recognized
During
Impairment
  Cash Basis
Interest
Revenue
Received
  Average
Balance
  Interest
Revenue
Recognized
During
Impairment
  Cash Basis
Interest
Revenue
Received
 
                            
Owner occupied commercial real estate $27,870  $1,271  $1,291  $33,297  $1,667  $1,704  $40,182  $1,970  $2,059 
Income producing commercial real estate  24,765   1,265   1,178   31,661   1,418   1,457   25,441   1,260   1,259 
Commercial & industrial  2,994   125   127   2,470   123   118   4,299   163   260 
Commercial construction  5,102   225   229   5,879   267   264   18,667   755   759 
Total commercial  60,731   2,886   2,825   73,307   3,475   3,543   88,589   4,148   4,337 
Residential mortgage  14,257   555   574   14,118   637   633   15,504   612   572 
Home equity lines of credit  248   10   12   93   4   4   420   17   16 
Residential construction  1,582   95   95   1,677   89   88   2,279   158   169 
Consumer direct  292   22   22   302   22   23   223   16   16 
Indirect auto  1,244   64   64   928   47   47   221   11   11 
Total $78,354  $3,632  $3,592  $90,425  $4,274  $4,338  $107,236  $4,962  $5,121 

95
                   
  2014  2013  2012 
    Interest      Interest      Interest   
    Revenue  Cash Basis    Revenue  Cash Basis    Revenue  Cash Basis 
    Recognized  Interest    Recognized  Interest    Recognized  Interest 
  Average  During  Revenue  Average  During  Revenue  Average  During  Revenue 
  Balance  Impairment  Received  Balance  Impairment  Received  Balance  Impairment  Received 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $32,748  $1,647  $1,712  $31,935  $1,923  $2,044  $56,374  $2,602  $2,773 
Income producing commercial real estate  25,920   1,270   1,311   27,789   1,630   1,763   58,182   2,392   2,497 
Commercial & industrial  4,290   175   231   4,609   401   865   45,233   1,051   2,523 
Commercial construction  12,156   455   458   13,946   633   720   45,489   875   1,268 
Total commercial  75,114   3,547   3,712   78,279   4,587   5,392   205,278   6,920   9,061 
Residential mortgage  20,132   873   869   20,906   1,091   1,066   22,923   1,032   1,158 
Home equity lines of credit  518   21   22   507   23   22   1,003   26   32 
Residential construction  13,058   576   575   14,558   993   1,023   46,410   1,527   2,054 
Consumer installment  305   19   22   383   21   21   564   26   27 
Indirect auto                           
Total $109,127  $5,036  $5,200  $114,633  $6,715  $7,524  $276,178  $9,531  $12,332 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the dates indicated(in thousands):


  December 31, 2014  December 31, 2013 
      Allowance      Allowance 
  Unpaid    for Loan  Unpaid    for Loan 
  Principal  Recorded  Losses  Principal  Recorded  Losses 
  Balance  Investment  Allocated  Balance  Investment  Allocated 
             
With no related allowance recorded:            
Owner occupied commercial real estate $12,025  $11,325  $  $17,717  $14,458  $ 
Income producing commercial real estate  8,311   8,311      12,644   9,747    
Commercial & industrial  1,679   1,042      2,252   2,252    
Commercial construction           974   974    
Total commercial  22,015   20,678      33,587   27,431    
Residential mortgage  2,569   1,472      4,496   3,634    
Home equity lines of credit                  
Residential construction  4,338   3,338      9,462   7,807    
Consumer installment                  
Indirect auto                  
Total with no related allowance recorded  28,922   25,488      47,545   38,872    
With an allowance recorded:                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate  24,728   23,329   2,737   18,595   18,513   1,023 
Income producing commercial real estate  16,352   16,173   1,917   17,490   17,490   990 
Commercial & industrial  2,936   2,935   15   2,248   1,965   66 
Commercial construction  12,401   12,321   729   12,821   12,741   112 
Total commercial  56,417   54,758   5,398   51,154   50,709   2,191 
Residential mortgage  17,732   17,303   3,227   17,119   16,533   2,914 
Home equity lines of credit  478   478   47   505   505   5 
Residential construction  8,962   8,266   1,192   8,469   7,001   688 
Consumer installment  179   179   18   999   999   224 
Indirect auto                  
Total with an allowance recorded  83,768   80,984   9,882   78,246   75,747   6,022 
Total $112,690  $106,472  $9,882  $125,791  $114,619  $6,022 

There were no loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $17.9 million and $26.8 million, respectively. 

  December 31, 2017  December 31, 2016 
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Recorded
Investment
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
  Unpaid
Principal
Balance
  Recorded
Investment
  Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
 
                   
With no related allowance recorded:                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,238  $1,176  $-  $9,171  $8,477  $- 
Income producing commercial real estate  2,177   2,165   -   16,864   16,864   - 
Commercial & industrial  1,758   1,471   -   421   334   - 
Commercial construction  134   134   -   845   841   - 
Total commercial  5,307   4,946   -   27,301   26,516   - 
Residential mortgage  2,661   2,566   -   630   628   - 
Home equity lines of credit  393   101   -   -   -   - 
Residential construction  405   330   -   -   -   - 
Consumer direct  29   29   -   -   -   - 
Indirect auto  1,396   1,396   -   1,165   1,165   - 
Total with no related allowance recorded  10,191   9,368   -   29,096   28,309   - 
                         
With an allowance recorded:                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate  21,262   20,647   1,255   23,574   22,944   1,746 
Income producing commercial real estate  14,419   14,318   562   13,681   13,595   885 
Commercial & industrial  1,287   1,183   27   1,679   1,581   58 
Commercial construction  3,917   3,679   156   4,739   4,209   168 
Total commercial  40,885   39,827   2,000   43,673   42,329   2,857 
Residential mortgage  12,086   11,627   1,174   13,565   13,078   517 
Home equity lines of credit  -   -   -   63   63   2 
Residential construction  1,325   1,247   75   1,947   1,594   64 
Consumer direct  244   241   7   293   290   12 
Indirect auto  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total with an allowance recorded  54,540   52,942   3,256   59,541   57,354   3,452 
Total $64,731  $62,310  $3,256  $88,637  $85,663  $3,452 

Nonaccrual loans include both homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually evaluated impaired loans. United’s policy is to place loans on nonaccrual 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 termsfull or when the loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is classified on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current interest revenue. Principal and interest payments received on a nonaccrual loan are applied to reduce outstanding principal.

81
the loan’s recorded investment.

PCI loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. However, these loans are considered as performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any non-payment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period loan loss provision or future period yield adjustments. No PCI loans were classified as nonaccrual at December 31, 2017 or 2016 as the carrying value of the respective loan or pool of loans cash flows were considered estimable and probable of collection. Therefore, interest revenue, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all PCI loans.

The gross additional interest revenue that would have been earned if the loans classified as nonaccrual had performed in accordance with the original terms was approximately $1.11 million, $975,000, and $1.11 million for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

 96

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

The following table presents the recorded investment (unpaid principal less amounts charged-off) in nonaccrual loans held for investment by loan class as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the dates indicated(in thousands):


  2014  2013 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $4,133  $5,822 
Income producing commercial real estate  717   2,518 
Commercial & industrial  1,571   427 
Commercial construction  83   361 
Total commercial  6,504   9,128 
Residential mortgage  8,196   11,730 
Home equity lines of credit  695   1,448 
Residential construction  2,006   4,264 
Consumer installment  134   249 
Indirect auto  346    
Total $17,881  $26,819 

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Owner occupied commercial real estate $4,923  $7,373 
Income producing commercial real estate  3,208   1,324 
Commercial & industrial  2,097   966 
Commercial construction  758   1,538 
Total commercial  10,986   11,201 
Residential mortgage  8,776   6,368 
Home equity lines of credit  2,024   1,831 
Residential construction  192   776 
Consumer direct  43   88 
Indirect auto  1,637   1,275 
Total $23,658  $21,539 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by class of loans as of the dates indicated(in thousands):


  Loans Past Due  Loans Not   
As of December 31, 2014
 30 - 59 Days  60 - 89 Days  > 90 Days  Total  Past Due  Total 
 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,444  $1,929  $1,141  $4,514  $1,158,966  $1,163,480 
Income producing commercial real estate  2,322   1,172      3,494   595,043   598,537 
Commercial & industrial  302   40   1,425   1,767   708,489   710,256 
Commercial construction        66   66   195,964   196,030 
Total commercial  4,068   3,141   2,632   9,841   2,658,462   2,668,303 
Residential mortgage  5,234   2,931   3,278   11,443   854,346   865,789 
Home equity lines of credit  961   303   167   1,431   464,441   465,872 
Residential construction  1,172   268   1,395   2,835   295,792   298,627 
Consumer installment  607   136   33   776   104,123   104,899 
Indirect auto  200   146   141   487   268,142   268,629 
Total loans $12,242  $6,925  $7,646  $26,813  $4,645,306  $4,672,119 
                         
As of December 31, 2013
                        
                         
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,845  $705  $2,017  $4,567  $1,128,976  $1,133,543 
Income producing commercial real estate  3,879   2,092   530   6,501   616,666   623,167 
Commercial & industrial  2,349   223   88   2,660   469,301   471,961 
Commercial construction  94   190   235   519   148,384   148,903 
Total commercial  8,167   3,210   2,870   14,247   2,363,327   2,377,574 
Residential mortgage  9,011   2,832   4,140   15,983   859,094   875,077 
Home equity lines of credit  2,056   430   941   3,427   437,460   440,887 
Residential construction  1,335   588   1,375   3,298   325,281   328,579 
Consumer installment  1,058   358   24   1,440   109,605   111,045 
Indirect auto  185   65   42   292   195,812   196,104 
Total loans $21,812  $7,483  $9,392  $38,687  $4,290,579  $4,329,266 

  Loans Past Due  Loans Not       
As of December 31, 2017 30 - 59 Days  60 - 89 Days  > 90 Days  Total  Past Due  PCI Loans  Total 
                      
Owner occupied commercial real estate $3,810  $1,776  $1,530  $7,116  $1,891,118  $25,759  $1,923,993 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,754   353   1,939   4,046   1,546,288   44,840   1,595,174 
Commercial & industrial  2,139   869   1,133   4,141   1,125,407   1,442   1,130,990 
Commercial construction  568   132   158   858   702,221   8,857   711,936 
Total commercial  8,271   3,130   4,760   16,161   5,265,034   80,898   5,362,093 
Residential mortgage  6,717   1,735   3,438   11,890   948,513   13,141   973,544 
Home equity lines of credit  3,246   225   578   4,049   724,287   2,891   731,227 
Residential construction  885   105   93   1,083   181,472   464   183,019 
Consumer direct  739   133   -   872   125,512   1,120   127,504 
Indirect auto  1,152   459   1,263   2,874   355,311   -   358,185 
Total loans $21,010  $5,787  $10,132  $36,929  $7,600,129  $98,514  $7,735,572 
                             
As of December 31, 2016                            
                             
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,195  $1,664  $3,386  $7,245  $1,624,531  $18,584  $1,650,360 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,373   355   330   2,058   1,254,164   25,319   1,281,541 
Commercial & industrial  943   241   178   1,362   1,067,317   1,036   1,069,715 
Commercial construction  452   14   292   758   624,835   8,328   633,921 
Total commercial  4,963   2,274   4,186   11,423   4,570,847   53,267   4,635,537 
Residential mortgage  7,221   1,799   1,700   10,720   839,610   6,395   856,725 
Home equity lines of credit  1,996   101   957   3,054   650,346   2,010   655,410 
Residential construction  950   759   51   1,760   187,350   933   190,043 
Consumer direct  633   117   35   785   122,623   159   123,567 
Indirect auto  1,109   301   909   2,319   457,035   -   459,354 
Total loans $16,872  $5,351  $7,838  $30,061  $6,827,811  $62,764  $6,920,636 

The modification of the terms of TDRs included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan or an extension of the amortization period that would not otherwise be considered in the current market for new debt with similar risk characteristics; a permanent reduction of the principal amount; a restructuring of the borrower’s debt into an A/B note structure where the A note would fall within the borrower’s ability to pay and the remainder would be included in the B note, or a mandated bankruptcy restructuring.

82
restructuring; or interest-only payment terms greater than 90 days where the borrower is unable to amortize the loan.Modified PCI loans are not accounted for as TDRs because they are not separated from the pools, and as such are not classified as impaired loans.

 97

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the twelve monthsyears ended December 31 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented in the table below. In addition, the following table presents loans modified under the terms of a TDR that becamedefaulted (became 90 days or more delinquentdelinquent) during the twelve monthsyears ended December 31 2014, 2013 and 2012, that were initially restructured within one year prior to becoming delinquent default(dollars in thousands):

  New TDRs 
     Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
  Post-
Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment by
Type of Modification
  TDRs Modified Within
the Year That Have
Subsequently Defaulted
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Number of
Contracts
  Recorded
Investment
  Rate
Reduction
  Structure  Other  Total  Number of
Contracts
  Recorded
Investment
 
                         
Owner occupied commercial real estate  6  $2,603  $-  $2,161  $108  $2,269   -  $- 
Income producing commercial real estate  2   257   -   -   252   252   -   - 
Commercial & industrial  6   901   -   174   533   707   -   - 
Commercial construction  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total commercial  14   3,761   -   2,335   893   3,228   -   - 
Residential mortgage  23   2,174   -   2,165   -   2,165   4   852 
Home equity lines of credit  1   296   -   -   176   176   -   - 
Residential construction  4   135   40   95   -   135   -   - 
Consumer direct  2   16   -   16   -   16   -   - 
Indirect auto  34   786   -   -   786   786   -   - 
Total loans  78  $7,168  $40  $4,611  $1,855  $6,506   4  $852 
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2016                                
                                 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  8  $2,699  $-  $2,699  $-  $2,699   1  $252 
Income producing commercial real estate  1   257   -   257   -   257   -   - 
Commercial & industrial  5   1,012   -   1,012   -   1,012   2   34 
Commercial construction  3   458   -   393   65   458   -   - 
Total commercial  17   4,426   -   4,361   65   4,426   3   286 
Residential mortgage  28   3,262   1,992   1,135   40   3,167   1   85 
Home equity lines of credit  1   38   38   -   -   38   -   - 
Residential construction  7   584   46   376   82   504   -   - 
Consumer direct  6   71   13   58   -   71   -   - 
Indirect auto  35   966   -   -   966   966   -   - 
Total loans  94  $9,347  $2,089  $5,930  $1,153  $9,172   4  $371 
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2015                                
                                 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  14  $13,592  $-  $13,266  $199  $13,465   1  $178 
Income producing commercial real estate  7   2,135   45   2,090   -   2,135   -   - 
Commercial & industrial  9   1,325   -   899   347   1,246   -   - 
Commercial construction  2   580   -   580   -   580   -   - 
Total commercial  32   17,632   45   16,835   546   17,426   1   178 
Residential mortgage  32   2,847   144   2,369   334   2,847   1   2 
Home equity lines of credit  2   187   -   177   -   177   -   - 
Residential construction  4   222   -   198   -   198   -   - 
Consumer direct  10   222   -   204   18   222   2   32 
Indirect auto  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total loans  80  $21,110  $189  $19,783  $898  $20,870   4  $212 

98

        Troubled Debt 
        Restructurings That Have 
    Pre-  Post-  Subsequently Defaulted 
    Modification  Modification  Within the Previous Twelve 
    Outstanding  Outstanding  Months   
Troubled Debt Restructurings for the Year Number of  Recorded  Recorded  Number of  Recorded 
ended December 31, 2014 Contracts  Investment  Investment  Contracts  Investment 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  12  $4,793  $4,793   1  $104 
Income producing commercial real estate  3   1,459   1,459       
Commercial & industrial  9   1,185   1,185   2   54 
Commercial construction  6   829   829       
Total commercial  30   8,266   8,266   3   158 
Residential mortgage  39   3,622   3,445   9   892 
Home equity lines of credit  1   36   36       
Residential construction  4   1,262   1,262       
Consumer installment  5   226   226       
Indirect auto               
Total loans  79  $13,412  $13,235   12  $1,050 
 
Year ended December 31, 2013                    
 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  12  $6,326  $5,227   3  $670 
Income producing commercial real estate  8   6,157   6,157       
Commercial & industrial  14   1,464   1,208   1   35 
Commercial construction  1   416   416   2   1,454 
Total commercial  35   14,363   13,008   6   2,159 
Residential mortgage  49   7,098   6,573   3   641 
Home equity lines of credit               
Residential construction  15   2,160   2,015   3   531 
Consumer installment  11   80   80   5   29 
Indirect auto               
Total loans  110  $23,701  $21,676   17  $3,360 
 
Year ended December 31, 2012                    
 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  31  $17,387  $15,865   6  $2,341 
Income producing commercial real estate  23   17,063   17,063   1   946 
Commercial & industrial  22   3,619   3,616   3   71 
Commercial construction  20   34,014   33,934   3   4,224 
Total commercial  96   72,083   70,478   13   7,582 
Residential mortgage  64   14,404   13,575   10   650 
Home equity lines of credit  3   728   728       
Residential construction  49   19,909   17,400   16   5,728 
Consumer installment  25   334   328   4   39 
Indirect auto               
Total loans  237  $107,458  $102,509   43  $13,999 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
The following table presents additional information on TDRs including the number of loan contracts restructured and the pre- and post-modification recorded investment (dollars in thousands):

  December 31, 2014    December 31, 2013 
    Pre-  Post-    Pre-  Post- 
    Modification  Modification    Modification  Modification 
    Outstanding  Outstanding    Outstanding  Outstanding 
  Number of  Recorded  Recorded  Number of  Recorded  Recorded 
  Contracts  Investment  Investment  Contracts  Investment  Investment 
Owner occupied commercial real estate  54  $27,695  $26,296   45  $24,064  $22,399 
Income producing commercial real estate  31   18,094   17,915   32   20,900   18,268 
Commercial & industrial  32   2,848   2,847   36   3,527   3,245 
Commercial construction  14   11,360   11,280   13   13,122   13,042 
Total commercial  131   59,997   58,338   126   61,613   56,954 
Residential mortgage  154   18,630   17,836   133   20,117   18,852 
Home equity lines of credit  2   478   478   3   505   505 
Residential construction  48   8,962   8,265   57   12,459   10,452 
Consumer installment  17   179   179   26   203   203 
Indirect auto                  
Total loans  352  $88,246  $85,096   345  $94,897  $86,966 

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Collateral dependent TDRs that subsequently default or are placed on nonaccrual are charged down to the fair value of the collateral consistent with United’s policy for nonaccrual loans.  Impairment on TDRs that are not collateral dependent continues to be measured based on discounted cash flows regardless of whether the loan has subsequently defaulted.


As of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, United has allocated $9.72$3.26 million and $5.64$2.90 million, respectively, of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. United committed to lend additional amounts totaling up to $51,000$75,000 and $6,000$95,000 as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs.


Risk Ratings

United categorizes loansborrowers into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, current industry and economic trends, among other factors. United analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a continuous basis. United uses the following definitions for its risk ratings:


Watch. Loans in this category are presently protected from apparent loss; however weaknesses exist that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. These loans require more than the ordinary amount of supervision. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage, but may not be immediately marketable.


Substandard. These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. There is the distinct possibility that United will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. If possible, immediate corrective action is taken.


Doubtful. Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment.


Loss. Loans categorized as Loss have the same characteristics as Doubtful however probability of loss is certain. Loans classified as Loss are charged-off.


charged off.

Consumer Purpose Loans. Beginning in the first quarter of 2014, United began to applyapplies a pass / fail grading system to all consumer purpose loans. Under the pass / fail grading system, consumer purpose loans meeting the criteria of substandardthat become past due 90 days or are in bankrupcty are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, consumer purpose loans classified as “fail” are reported in the performing substandard or nonaccrual columnscolumn and all other consumer purpose loans are reported in the “pass” column. The first quarter grading change resulted in decreases in loans categorized as “watch” for the consumer installment, residential mortgage and home equity lines of credit loan classifications. Loan balances reported in the “watch” column for residential mortgage are generally commercial purpose loans secured by the borrower’s residence.

84

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(7)   Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.

99

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(7)Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows(in thousands):


      Substandard  Doubtful /   
As of December 31, 2014
 Pass  Watch  Performing  Nonaccrual  Loss  Total 
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,094,057  $18,889  $46,401  $4,133  $  $1,163,480 
Income producing commercial real estate  560,559   16,701   20,560   717      598,537 
Commercial & industrial  696,805   4,017   7,863   1,571      710,256 
Commercial construction  190,070   2,311   3,566   83      196,030 
Total commercial  2,541,491   41,918   78,390   6,504      2,668,303 
Residential mortgage  814,168   11,594   31,831   8,196      865,789 
Home equity lines of credit  459,881      5,296   695      465,872 
Residential construction  280,166   5,535   10,920   2,006      298,627 
Consumer installment  103,383      1,382   134      104,899 
Indirect auto  267,709      574   346      268,629 
Total loans $4,466,798  $59,047  $128,393  $17,881  $  $4,672,119 
                         
As of December 31, 2013
                        
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,054,924  $29,714  $43,083  $5,822  $  $1,133,543 
Income producing commercial real estate  575,597   10,410   34,642   2,518      623,167 
Commercial & industrial  456,563   5,382   9,589   427      471,961 
Commercial construction  120,852   10,932   16,758   361      148,903 
Total commercial  2,207,936   56,438   104,072   9,128      2,377,574 
Residential mortgage  793,381   25,944   44,022   11,730      875,077 
Home equity lines of credit  426,052   5,420   7,967   1,448      440,887 
Residential construction  298,685   11,526   14,104   4,264      328,579 
Consumer installment  107,029   1,229   2,538   249      111,045 
Indirect auto  196,104               196,104 
Total loans $4,029,187  $100,557  $172,703  $26,819  $  $4,329,266 
(8)  Foreclosed Property
Major classifications of foreclosed properties at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

  2014  2013 
Commercial real estate $639  $1,287 
Commercial construction  15    
Total commercial  654   1,287 
Residential mortgage  1,259   3,380 
Residential construction  473   736 
Total foreclosed property  2,386   5,403 
Less valuation allowance  (660)  (1,182)
Foreclosed property, net $1,726  $4,221 
Balance as a percentage of original loan unpaid principal  54.1%  44.5%
85

As of December 31, 2017 Pass  Watch  Substandard  Doubtful /
Loss
  Total 
                
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,833,469  $33,571  $31,194  $-  $1,898,234 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,495,805   30,780   23,749   -   1,550,334 
Commercial & industrial  1,097,907   18,052   13,589   -   1,129,548 
Commercial construction  693,873   2,947   6,259   -   703,079 
Total commercial  5,121,054   85,350   74,791   -   5,281,195 
Residential mortgage  939,706   -   20,697   -   960,403 
Home equity lines of credit  721,142   -   7,194   -   728,336 
Residential construction  180,567   -   1,988   -   182,555 
Consumer direct  125,860   -   524   -   126,384 
Indirect auto  354,788   -   3,397   -   358,185 
Total loans, excluding PCI loans $7,443,117  $85,350  $108,591  $-  $7,637,058 
                     
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,400  $8,163  $15,196  $-  $25,759 
Income producing commercial real estate  13,392   21,928   9,520   -   44,840 
Commercial & industrial  383   672   387   -   1,442 
Commercial construction  3,866   2,228   2,763   -   8,857 
Total commercial  20,041   32,991   27,866   -   80,898 
Residential mortgage  9,566   173   3,402   -   13,141 
Home equity lines of credit  1,579   427   885   -   2,891 
Residential construction  423   -   41   -   464 
Consumer direct  1,076   10   34   -   1,120 
Indirect auto  -   -   -   -   - 
Total PCI loans $32,685  $33,601  $32,228  $-  $98,514 
                     
As of December 31, 2016                    
                                   
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,577,301  $18,029  $36,446  $-  $1,631,776 
Income producing commercial real estate  1,220,626   8,502   27,094   -   1,256,222 
Commercial & industrial  1,055,282   4,188   9,209   -   1,068,679 
Commercial construction  612,900   6,166   6,527   -   625,593 
Total commercial  4,466,109   36,885   79,276   -   4,582,270 
Residential mortgage  829,844   -   20,486   -   850,330 
Home equity lines of credit  647,425   -   5,975   -   653,400 
Residential construction  185,643   -   3,467   -   189,110 
Consumer direct  122,736   -   672   -   123,408 
Indirect auto  456,717   -   2,637   -   459,354 
Total loans, excluding PCI loans $6,708,474  $36,885  $112,513  $-  $6,857,872 
                     
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,044  $3,444  $13,096  $-  $18,584 
Income producing commercial real estate  13,236   8,474   3,609   -   25,319 
Commercial & industrial  216   160   660   -   1,036 
Commercial construction  3,212   1,265   3,851   -   8,328 
Total commercial  18,708   13,343   21,216   -   53,267 
Residential mortgage  5,189   -   1,206   -   6,395 
Home equity lines of credit  1,094   -   916   -   2,010 
Residential construction  898   -   35   -   933 
Consumer direct  159   -   -   -   159 
Indirect auto  -   -   -   -   - 
Total PCI loans $26,048  $13,343  $23,373  $-  $62,764 

 100

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(8)      Foreclosed Property, continued
Activity in the valuation allowance for foreclosed property is presented in the following table (in thousands):

  2014  2013  2012 
Balance at beginning of year $1,182  $6,954  $18,982 
Additions charged to expense  691   3,065   6,951 
Charge-offs upon disposition  (1,213)  (8,837)  (18,979)
Balance at end of year $660  $1,182  $6,954 

Expenses related to foreclosed assets include (in thousands):
  2014  2013  2012 
Net (gain) loss on sales $(1,395) $1,641  $1,924 
Provision for unrealized losses  691   3,065   6,951 
Operating expenses, net of rental income  1,338   3,163   5,118 
Total foreclosed property expense $634  $7,869  $13,993 

(9)      Premises and Equipment

(8)Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

  2014  2013 
Land and land improvements $79,525  $80,845 
Buildings and improvements  113,105   114,048 
Furniture and equipment  59,827   63,015 
Construction in progress  1,861   510 
   254,318   258,418 
Less accumulated depreciation  (94,928)  (94,829)
Premises and equipment, net $159,390  $163,589 

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Land and land improvements $80,335  $79,946 
Buildings and improvements  148,048   135,004 
Furniture and equipment  82,775   79,597 
Construction in progress  11,714   5,747 
         
   322,872   300,294 
         
Less accumulated depreciation  (114,020)  (110,356)
         
Premises and equipment, net $208,852  $189,938 

Depreciation expense was $8.66$12.0 million, $9.40$11.5 million and $9.26$9.36 million for 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.


In 2015, United recognized $5.97 million of impairment on properties acquired in prior years for future expansion.Due to recent acquisitions and changing trends in customer behavior toward greater usage of Internet and mobile banking to access banking services, management reconsidered its branch expansion strategy and concluded that some of its future branch expansion properties had decreased in value since the time the properties were acquired.The resulting impairment charge, which was included in merger-related and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Income, was based on an assessment of the properties that showed evidence that the carrying value may not be recoverable and exceeded the fair value.

United leases certain branch properties and equipment under operating leases. Rent expense was $2.14$4.32 million, $2.34$4.13 million and $2.30$2.72 million for 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. United does not have any capital leases. RentAs of December 31, 2017, rent commitments under operating leases, before considering renewal options that generally are present, were as follows(in thousands):

2018 $4,161 
2019  3,995 
2020  3,811 
2021  3,645 
2022  3,451 
Thereafter  8,038 
Total $27,101 

(9)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets is summarized below as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Core deposit intangible $62,652  $51,342 
Less: accumulated amortization  (41,229)  (37,145)
Net core deposit intangible  21,423   14,197 
Noncompete agreement  3,144   - 
Less: accumulated amortization  (761)  - 
Net noncompete agreement  2,383   - 
Total intangibles subject to amortization, net  23,806   14,197 
Goodwill  220,591   142,025 
Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net $244,397  $156,222 

101

2015 $1,741 
2016  1,376 
2017  1,331 
2018  1,009 
2019  897 
Thereafter  4,523 
Total $10,877 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(9)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,continued

The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years indicated(in thousands):

        Goodwill, net of 
     Accumulated  Accumulated 
     Impairment  Impairment 
  Goodwill  Losses  Losses 
December 31, 2015 $436,202  $(305,590) $130,612 
Acquisition of Tidelands  10,713   -   10,713 
Measurement period adjustments  700   -   700 
December 31, 2016  447,615   (305,590)  142,025 
Acquisition of FOFN  54,703   -   54,703 
Acquistion of HCSB  23,863   -   23,863 
December 31, 2017 $526,181  $(305,590) $220,591 

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for core deposit intangibles and noncompete agreements is as follows(in thousands):

Year   
2018 $6,846 
2019  4,551 
2020  3,315 
2021  2,557 
2022  1,982 
Thereafter  4,555 
Total $23,806 

(10)Foreclosed Property

Major classifications of foreclosed properties as of the dates indicated are summarized as follows(in thousands):

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Commercial real estate $2,199  $3,181 
Commercial construction  884   2,977 
Total commercial  3,083   6,158 
Residential mortgage  151   1,791 
Total foreclosed property $3,234  $7,949 

102
(10)    SBA

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(11)Servicing Rights

Servicing Rights

for SBA/USDA Loans

United accounts for SBA servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans at fair value and is included in other assets.value. Changes in the balances of servicing assets and servicing liabilities subsequently measured using the fair value measurement methodare as follows for the yearyears indicated(in thousands):

  2017  2016  2015 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans, beginning of period $5,752  $3,712  $2,551 
Additions:            
Acquired servicing rights  419   -   137 
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans  2,737   2,723   1,699 
Subtractions:            
Disposals  (621)  (393)  (353)
Changes in fair value:            
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model  (547)  (290)  (322)
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans, end of period $7,740  $5,752  $3,712 

The portfolio of SBA/USDA loans serviced for others, which is not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $314 million and $256 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2014, are recorded as follows(2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2.60 million, $1.64 million and $1.07 million, respectively. Servicing fees and changes in thousands):

ASC 860 Servicing Asset Rollforward  
Fair value as of January 1, 2014 $ 
 
Additions:    
 
Acquired servicing rights  2,133 
 
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans  832 
 
Subtractions:    
 
Disposals  (152)
 
Changes in fair value:    
 
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model  (262)
 
Fair value as of December 31, 2014 $2,551 

fair value were included in interest revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

A summary of the key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s SBA Servicing Asset as of December 31, 2014,servicing asset for SBA/USDA loans and the sensitivity of the fair values to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions are shown in the table below as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

Sensitivity of the SBA Servicing Asset 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Fair value of retained Servicing Assets $2,551 
Prepayment rate assumption  6.70%
10% adverse change $(62)
20% adverse change $(122)
Discount rate  12.0%
100 bps adverse change $(85)
200bps adverse change $(164)
Weighted-average life (months)  6.5 
Weighted-average gross margin  2.00%

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Fair value of retained servicing assets $7,740  $5,752 
Prepayment rate assumption  8.31%  7.12%
10% adverse change $(236) $(132)
20% adverse change $(460) $(257)
Discount rate  12.5%  11.0%
100 bps adverse change $(262) $(167)
200 bps adverse change $(507) $(324)
Weighted-average life (years)  6.3   6.8 
Weighted-average gross margin  1.85%  1.86%

The above sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

103

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(11)    Deposits

(11)Servicing Rights, continued

Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights

Effective January 1, 2017, United elected to carry residential mortgage servicing rights at fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, United accounted for residential mortgage servicing rights using the amortization method. The following table summarizes the changes in residential mortgage servicing rights for the years indicated (in thousands).

  Fair value  Amortized cost 
  2017  2016  2015 
Residential mortgage servicing rights, beginning of period $4,372  $3,370  $- 
Additions:            
Acquired servicing rights  -   -   3,454 
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans  3,602   2,124   199 
Subtractions:            
Disposals  (328)  -   - 
Amortization      (1,117)  (273)
Impairment  -   (5)  (10)
Changes in fair value:            
Initial election to carry at fair value on January 1, 2017  698   -   - 
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation  (82)  -   - 
Residential mortgage servicing rights, end of period $8,262  $4,372  $3,370 

At December 31, 2014,2016 and 2015, the estimated fair value of residential mortgage servicing rights was $5.17 million and $3.52 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the activity in the valuation allowance for impairment of the residential mortgage servicing rights portfolio for the years indicated (in thousands).

  2016  2015 
Valuation allowance, beginning of period $10  $- 
Additions charged to operations, net  5   10 
Valuation allowance, end of period $15  $10 

The portfolio of residential mortgage loans serviced for others, which is not included in the consolidated balance sheets, was $847 million and $543 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1.72 million, $1.03 million and $299,000, respectively, which was included in interest revenue in the consolidated statements of income. Impairment and amortization of servicing rights were included in mortgage loan and other related fee revenue in the consolidated statements of income.

A summary of the key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the servicing asset for residential mortgage loans and the sensitivity of the fair values to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions are shown in the table below as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

  December 31, 
  2017 
Fair value of retained servicing assets $8,262 
Prepayment rate assumption  9.50%
10% adverse change $(303)
20% adverse change $(587)
Discount rate  10.0%
100 bps adverse change $(317)
200 bps adverse change $(610)

The above sensitivities are hypothetical and changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

104

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(12)Deposits

At December 31, 2017, the contractual maturities of time deposits, including brokered time deposits, are summarized as follows(in thousands):

Maturing In:  
   
2015 $1,001,274 
2016  179,246 
2017  38,505 
2018  25,331 
2019  13,596 
thereafter  271,587 
  $1,529,539 

2018 $1,064,657 
2019  386,773 
2020  75,601 
2021  52,886 
2022  31,654 
thereafter  69,637 
  $1,681,208 

At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, time deposits (excluding brokered time deposits) that met or exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 totaled $205 million and $144 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, United held $273$133 million and $89.9 million, respectively, in certificates of deposit obtained through the efforts of third party brokers. The daily average balance of these brokered deposits totaled $294$109 million and $219$171 million in 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 20142017 had maturities ranging from 20 to 21 years2018 through 2033 and are callable by United. Most of the brokered certificates of deposit have been swapped in fair value hedging relationships to 90 day LIBOR minus a spread that currently exceeds LIBOR, thereby resulting in a negative yield.  United also has certain market-linked brokered deposits that are considered hybrid instruments that contain embedded derivatives that have been bifurcated from the host contract leaving host instruments paying a rate of 90 day LIBOR minus a spread that, also resultat times, has resulted in a negative yield.

(12)    Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

(13)Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

At December 31, 2014,2017 and 2016, United had FHLB advances totaling $270$505 million from the FHLB all of which were fixed rate advances.and $709 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, United had advances totaling $120 million from the FHLB all of which were fixed rate advances.  With the exception of $125,000 that matures in 2016, the advances outstanding at December 31, 2014 had maturities of no more than 61 days with interest rates up to 0.24%.  At December 31, 2014,2017, the weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances was .22%1.59%, compared to .19%.67% as of December 31, 2013.2016. The FHLB advances are collateralized by owner occupied and income producing commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans, investment securities and FHLB stock.


At December 31, 2014,2017, the maturities and current rates of outstanding advances were as follows (in thousands):

  Amount    
Maturing In: Maturing  Current Rate Range 
2018 $269,000  1.05% - 3.60% 
2019  25,000  2.54% - 3.86% 
2020  210,000  1.47% - 2.74% 
Total principal outstanding  504,000     
Premium  651     
Total $504,651     

105

  Amount   
Maturing In: Maturing  Current Rate Range 
2015 $270,000   0.18% - 0.24% 
2016  125     
  $270,125     

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(13)      Long-term Debt

(14)Long-term Debt

Long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following(in thousands):

        Stated  Earliest   
      Issue  Maturity  Call   
  2014  2013  Date  Date  Date  Interest Rate 
             
2013 senior debentures $40,000  $40,000   2013   2018   2015   6.000%
2012 senior debentures  35,000   35,000   2012   2017   2017   9.000 
Total senior debentures  75,000   75,000                 
 
United Community Capital Trust  21,650   21,650   1998   2028   2008   8.125 
United Community Statutory Trust I  5,155   5,155   2000   2030   2010   10.600 
United Community Capital Trust II  10,309   10,309   2000   2030   2010   11.295 
Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I  4,382   4,382   2004   2034   2009  Prime + 1.00 
United Community Statutory Trust II  12,131   12,131   2008   2038   2013   9.000 
United Community Statutory Trust III  1,238   1,238   2008   2038   2013  Prime + 3.00 
Total trust preferred securities  54,865   54,865                 
 
Total long-term debt $129,865  $129,865                 

           Stated  Earliest   
  December 31,  Issue  Maturity  Call   
  2017  2016  Date  Date  Date  Interest Rate
                  
2022 senior debentures $50,000  $50,000   2015   2022   2020  5.000% through August 13, 2020,
                      3-month LIBOR plus 3.814% thereafter
2027 senior debentures  35,000   35,000   2015   2027   2025  5.500% through August 13, 2025
                      3-month LIBOR plus 3.71% thereafter
2018 senior debentures  -   40,000   2013   2018   2015  6.000%
2017 senior debentures  -   35,000   2012   2017   2017  9.000%
Total senior debentures  85,000   160,000               
                       
Subordinated debentures  11,500   -   2015   2025   2020  6.250%
Total subordinated debentures  11,500   -               
                       
Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I  4,382   4,382   2004   2034   2009  Prime + 1.00%
United Community Statutory Trust III  1,238   1,238   2008   2038   2013  Prime + 3.00%
Tidelands Statutory Trust I  8,248   8,248   2006   2036   2011  3-month LIBOR plus 1.38%
Tidelands Statutory Trust II  6,186   6,186   2008   2038   2013  3-month LIBOR plus 5.075%
Four Oaks Statutory Trust I  12,372   -   2006   2036   2011  3-month LIBOR plus 1.35%
Total trust preferred securities  32,426   20,054               
Less discount  (8,381)  (4,976)              
                       
Total long-term debt $120,545  $175,078               

Interest is currently paid semiannually or quarterly for all senior debentures,and subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities.


Senior Debentures

The 20132022 senior debentures are redeemable, in whole or in part, on or after August 13, 2015,14, 2020 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, and will mature on August 13, 2018February 14, 2022 if not redeemed prior to that date. The 20122027 senior debentures are not redeemable, priorin whole or in part, on or after August 14, 2025 at a redemption price equal to maturity100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest, and will mature on October 15, 2017.


February 14, 2027 if not redeemed prior to that date.

Subordinated Debentures

United acquired, as part of the FOFN acquisition, $11.5 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debentures. The notes are due on November 30, 2025. United may prepay the notes at any time after November 30, 2020, subject to compliance with applicable laws.

Trust Preferred Securities

Trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital under risk based capital guidelines subject to certain limitations. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity, or upon earlier redemption at a premium as provided in the indentures.


The trust preferred securities issued under United Community Statutory Trust II and United Community Statutory Trust III were issued with attached warrants that allowed the holder to redeem the trust preferred securities in exchange for common stock at the exercise price of $100 per share.  The warrants expired unexercised on October 31, 2013.

In the first quarter of 2015, United sent redemption notices with respect to the trust preferred securities issued under United Community Statutory Trust I and United Community Capital Trust II.  Such trust preferred securities will be redeemed in March 2015.  The redemption prices for United Community Statutory Trust I and United Community Capital Trust II expressed as a percentage of their respective par values, are 103.18% and 103.389%, respectively.
89

 106

  

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(14)    Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

(15)Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands).

  Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated  
  Other Comprehensive Income  
Details about Accumulated Other For the Years Ended December 31, Affected Line Item in the Statement
Comprehensive Income Components 2014  2013  2012 Where Net Income is Presented
               
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities:             
  $4,871  $186  $7,078 Securities gains, net
   (1,902)  (72)  (2,753)Tax expense
  $2,969  $114  $4,325 Net of tax
Amortization of gains included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity:
  
  $1,656  $731  $1,988 Investment securities interest revenue
   (622)  (282)  (773)Tax expense
  $1,034  $449  $1,215 Net of tax
Amounts included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:  
Effective portion of interest rate contracts $  $852  $3,475 Loan interest revenue
Ineffective portion of interest rate contracts     52   237 Loan interest revenue
Effective portion of interest rate contracts  (764)      Time deposit interest expense
Effective portion of interest rate contracts  (223)      Money market deposit interest expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (79)      Deposits in banks and short-term investments interest revenue
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (198)      Money market deposit interest expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (234)        Federal Home Loan Bank advances interest expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (512)      Time deposit interest expense
   (2,010)  904   3,712 Total before tax
   782   (352)  (1,444)Tax (expense) or benefit
  $(1,228) $552  $2,268 Net of tax
 
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan
Prior service cost $(365) $(365) $(365)Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses     (167)  (250)Salaries and employee benefits expense
   (365)  (532)  (615)Total before tax
   142   207   240 Tax benefit
  $(223) $(325) $(375)Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period $2,552  $790  $7,433 Net of tax
Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings                   

(15)    Earnings Per Share
United is required to report on the face of the consolidated statement of income, earnings per common share with and without the dilutive effects of potential common stock issuances from instruments such as options, convertible securities and warrants. Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period while the effects of potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per common share.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, United accrued dividends on preferred stock, including accretion of discounts, as shown in the following table (in thousands):
  2014  2013  2012 
Series A - 6% fixed $  $12  $12 
Series B - 5% fixed until December 6, 2013, 9% thereafter  159   10,401   10,465 
Series D - LIBOR plus 9.6875%, resets quarterly  280   1,665   1,671 
Total preferred stock dividends $439  $12,078  $12,148 
Series B preferred stock was issued at a discount.  Dividend amounts shown include discount accretion for each period.
The preferred stock dividends were subtracted from net income in order to arrive at net income available to common shareholders.  There were no dilutive securities outstanding at December 31, 2012.

  Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income
   
Details about Accumulated Other For the Years Ended December 31,  Affected Line Item in the Statement
Comprehensive Income Components 2017  2016  2015  Where Net Income is Presented
            
Realized gains on available-for-sale securities:           
  $42  $982  $2,255  Securities gains, net
   (14)  (371)  (862) Tax expense
  $28  $611  $1,393  Net of tax
               
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held to maturity:       
  $(1,069) $(1,759) $(1,702) Investment securities interest revenue
   401   662   638  Tax benefit
  $(668) $(1,097) $(1,064) Net of tax
               
Amounts included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:       
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  -   (7)  (129) Deposits in banks and short-term investments interest revenue
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (599)  (647)  (695) Money market deposit interest expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions  (292)  (1,237)  (1,112) Federal Home Loan Bank advances interest expense
   (891)  (1,891)  (1,936) Total before tax
   346   736   753  Tax benefit
  $(545) $(1,155) $(1,183) Net of tax
               
Reclassification of disproportionate tax effect related to terminated and current cash flow hedges       
  $(3,289) $-  $-  Income tax expense
               
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan       
Prior service cost $(560) $(501) $(465) Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses  (238)  (354)  (271) Salaries and employee benefits expense
   (798)  (855)  (736) Total before tax
   310   333   286  Tax benefit
  $(488) $(522) $(450) Net of tax
               
               
Total reclassifications for the period $(4,962) $(2,163) $(1,304) Net of tax
               
Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings       

90(16)Earnings Per Share

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(15)    Earnings Per Share, continued
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (inindicated(in thousands, except per share data):

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Net income $67,821  $100,656  $71,578 
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested shares  (571)  -   - 
Preferred dividends  -   (21)  (67)
Net income available to common stockholders $67,250  $100,635  $71,511 
             
Income per common share:            
Basic $.92  $1.40  $1.09 
Diluted  .92   1.40   1.09 
             
Weighted average common shares:            
Basic  73,247   71,910   65,488 
             
Effect of dilutive securities:            
Stock options  12   5   4 
             
Diluted  73,259   71,915   65,492 

107
  2014  2013  2012 
Net income available to common stockholders $67,181  $261,062  $21,708 
Income per common share:            
Basic  1.11   4.44   .38 
Diluted  1.11   4.44   .38 
Weighted average common shares:            
Basic  60,588   58,787   57,857 
Effect of dilutive securities:            
Stock options  2   1    
Warrants     57    
Diluted  60,590   58,845   57,857 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(16)Earnings Per Share, continued

At December 31, 2014,2017, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding:  a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 313,55560,287 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $93.40;$24.12; and 829,201663,817 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards.


At December 31, 2013,2016, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding:  a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 371,44972,665 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $98.54; 1,073,259$34.34; and 690,970 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards; and warrants to purchase shares of common stock equivalent junior preferred stock at a price equivalent to $21.25 per share that would be convertible into 1,411,765 shares of common stock, which were granted to Fletcher International Ltd. (“Fletcher”) in connection with a 2010 asset purchase and sale agreement.


awards.

At December 31, 2012,2015, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding:  a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; warrants that are attached to trust preferred securities to purchase 129,670 shares of common stock at $100 per share;  482,528241,493 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $97.73; 485,584$89.92; and 712,667 shares of common stock issuable upon completion of vesting of restricted stock awards; warrants to purchase shares of common stock equivalent junior preferred stock at a price equivalent to $21.25 per share that would be convertible into 1,411,765 shares of common stock, which were  granted to Fletcher in connection with a 2010 asset purchase and sale agreement; and warrants to purchase 1,551,126 shares of common stock at $12.50 per share.


(16)    Income Taxes
awards.

(17)Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows indicated(in thousands):

  2014  2013  2012 
Current $1,224  $3,467  $1,050 
Deferred  37,524   23,785   9,446 
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance  702   (265,440)  (9,446)
             
Total income tax expense (benefit) $39,450  $(238,188) $1,050 
91

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(16)    Income Taxes, continued
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Current $5,451  $2,609  $5,140 
Deferred  60,951   59,160   37,685 
Increase in valuation allowance  413   567   611 
Expense due to enactment of federal tax reform  38,198   -   - 
             
Total income tax expense $105,013  $62,336  $43,436 

The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes are as follows for the years indicated(in thousands):

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Pretax income at statutory rates $60,492  $57,047  $40,255 
Add (deduct):            
State taxes, net of federal benefit  4,139   5,013   3,537 
Bank owned life insurance earnings  (1,141)  (572)  (348)
Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions  59   (58)  (136)
Tax-exempt interest revenue  (1,199)  (573)  (662)
Equity compensation  (799)  976   - 
Transaction costs  408   92   509 
Tax credit investments  (89)  (149)  (190)
Change in state statutory tax rate  81   250   340 
Increase in valuation allowance  413   567   611 
Release of disproportionate tax effects related to de-designated cash flow hedges  3,400   -   - 
Expense due to enactment of federal tax reform  38,198   -   - 
Other  1,051   (257)  (480)
             
Total income tax expense $105,013  $62,336  $43,436 

108

  2014  2013  2012 
Pretax income at statutory rates $37,475  $12,234  $12,217 
Add (deduct):            
State taxes, net of federal benefit  3,365   895   577 
Bank owned life insurance earnings  (209)  (704)  (444)
Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions  (200)  (426)  (577)
Tax-exempt interest revenue  (757)  (714)  (816)
Nondeductible interest expense  12   10   18 
Equity compensation     676   255 
Tax credits  (250)  (438)  (460)
Change in state statutory tax rate     1,003    
Change in valuation allowance affecting other comprehensive income     12,174    
(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance  702   (265,440)  (9,446)
Other  (688)  2,542   (274)
 
Total income tax expense (benefit) $39,450  $(238,188) $1,050 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(17)Income Taxes, continued

The Tax Act reduced the corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  As a result, United was required to re-measure, through income tax expense, the deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which they are expected to be recovered or settled. The re-measurement of the net deferred tax asset resulted in additional income tax expense of $38.2 million. As explained in Note 1, pursuant to SAB 118, United continues to analyze the Tax Act, including the impact on deductibility of certain executive compensation and alternative minimum tax credits disclosed further below, and any refinements to the provisional accounting will be completed within one year of the tax enactment date.

The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions (revenue) which comprise the net deferred tax asset atas of the dates indicated(in thousands):

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Deferred tax assets:        
Allowance for loan losses $14,092  $23,025 
Net operating loss carryforwards  56,428   112,805 
Deferred compensation  7,760   9,778 
Loan purchase accounting adjustments  14,478   10,529 
Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties  402   822 
Nonqualified share based compensation  1,182   1,567 
Accrued expenses  4,290   4,420 
Investment in partnerships  956   1,417 
Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost  2,008   2,365 
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale  2,430   3,982 
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges  108   561 
Derivatives  -   609 
Premises and equipment  1,040   764 
Other  3,065   2,965 
         
Total deferred tax assets  108,239   175,609 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Acquired intangible assets  3,734   3,485 
Loan origination costs  3,881   5,885 
Prepaid expenses  468   689 
Servicing asset  3,757   3,437 
Derivatives  773   - 
Uncertain tax positions  3,163   3,892 
         
Total deferred tax liabilities  15,776   17,388 
         
Less valuation allowance  4,414   3,885 
         
Net deferred tax asset $88,049  $154,336 

The change in the net deferred tax asset includes an increase of $43.8 million due to current year merger and acquisition activity.

At December 31, 20142017, United has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3.73 million that begin to expire in 2018, $10.5 million that begin to expire in 2022 and 2013,$398 million that begin to expire in 2030, if not previously utilized. United has $36.7 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2031, if not previously utilized. United has $109 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382 that begin to expire in 2027, if not previously utilized. United has $3.23 million of federal general business tax credits that begin to expire in 2028, if not previously utilized. United has $13.1 million of federal alternative minimum tax credits which is includeddo not expire, and are now carried as tax receivables since, under the Tax Act, the company expects to recover the entire amount by 2022 via reduction of regular tax liability or refund. United has $1.23 million of federal alternative minimum tax credits, which do not expire, subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382 that are not expected to be recovered until after 2022 and remain classified as deferred tax assets. United has $5.91 million of state tax credits that begin to expire in other assets (in thousands):

  2014  2013 
Deferred tax assets:    
Allowances for loan losses $27,563  $29,672 
Net operating loss carry forwards  184,015   219,863 
Deferred compensation  7,188   6,299 
Reserve for losses on foreclosed properties  254   678 
Nonqualified share based compensation  3,993   3,710 
Accrued expenses  2,107   2,663 
Investment in low income housing tax credit partnerships  1,856   1,335 
Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost  1,862   1,252 
Acquired intangible assets  593   326 
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale     2,056 
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges  1,977    
Other  1,477   3,985 
Total deferred tax assets  232,885   271,839 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale  1,340    
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges     523 
Premises and equipment  2,452   2,812 
Loan origination costs  4,342   4,234 
Gain from acquisition of Southern Community Bank  306   816 
Prepaid expenses  626   836 
Uncertain tax positions  4,195    
Total deferred tax liabilities  13,261   9,221 
Less valuation allowance  4,121   4,100 
Net deferred tax asset $215,503  $258,518 
92
2018, if not previously utilized.

 109

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(16)    Income Taxes, continued
The valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $4.12 million and $4.10 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

(17)Income Taxes, continued

Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740,Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.


In the second quarter of 2013, United reversed $272 million of its valuation on its net deferred tax asset.  United established a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset in 2010 due to the realization of significant losses and uncertainty about United’s future earnings forecasts.

At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence, management concluded that it is more likely than not that nearly all of the net deferred tax asset will be realized based upon future taxable income. The remaining valuation allowance of $4.12$4.41 million is related to specific state income tax credits that have short carryforward periods and an acquired state net operating loss, both of which are expected to expire unused.


United expects to realize $216 million in net deferred tax assets well in advance of the statutory carryforward period.  At December 31, 2014, $36 million of existing deferred tax assets were not related to net operating losses or credits, and therefore, have no expiration date.  At December 31, 2014, United had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $26.5 million that begin to expire in 2024, and approximately $64.8 million that begin to expire in 2029, and $526 million that begin to expire in 2028, if not previously utilized.  United has $427 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2030, if not previously utilized.  United has $2.80 million of federal general business tax credits that begin to expire in 2028, if not previously utilized as well as $5.1 million in federal alternative minimum tax credits which have no expiration date.

The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management’s conclusion at December 31, 20142017 that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax assetsasset of $216$88.0 million will be realized is based on management’s estimate of future taxable income. Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal forecasts which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to significant judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, the valuation allowance may need to be increased for some or all the deferred tax asset. Such an increase to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance could have a materialan adverse effect on United’s financial condition and results of operations.


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions is as follows for the years indicated(in thousands):

  2014  2013  2012 
Balance at beginning of year $4,503  $5,069  $5,985 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years        130 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  374   352   500 
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations  (682)  (918)  (957)
Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities        (589)
Balance at end of year $4,195  $4,503  $5,069 

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Balance at beginning of year $3,892  $3,981  $4,195 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  441   400   371 
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations  (351)  (489)  (585)
Remeasurement due to enactment of federal tax reform  (819)  -   - 
             
Balance at end of year $3,163  $3,892  $3,981 

Approximately $3.4$2.76 million of this amount would increase income from continuing operations, and thus affect United’s effective tax rate, if ultimately recognized into income.


It is United’s policy to recognize interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in their respective federal or state income taxes accounts. In 2013 and 2012, United reversed $59,000 and $120,000, respectively, in previously recordedThere were no penalties and interest as a result of statute expiration on affected returns, settlement with a state taxing authority and a changerelated to income taxes recorded in estimate relating to prior year tax positions.  No previously recorded penalties and interest were reversedthe income statement in 2014.2017, 2016 or 2015. No amounts were accrued for interest and penalties on the balance sheet at December 31, 20142017 or 2013.

93
2016.

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(16)    Income Taxes, continued

United and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as file various state returns in the states where its banking offices are located.it operates. United’s federal and state income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2011.

(17)    Pension and Employee Benefit Plans
2014.

(18)Pension and Employee Benefit Plans

United offers a defined contribution 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all employees meeting certain minimum service requirements. The Plan allows employees to make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan and, prior to April 1, 2016, United matchesmatched 50% of these employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation, subject to Plan and regulatory limits. Effective April 1, 2016, the matching contribution was increased to 70% of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Employees begin to receive matching contributions after completing one year of service and benefits vest after three years of service. United’s Plan is administered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Through March 31, 2012, United matched employee 401(k) Plan contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of eligible compensation.  Effective April 1, 2012, the matching contribution was reduced in half to 50% of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation.  Compensation expense from continuing operations related to the 401(k) Plan totaled $1.20$2.66 million, $1.24$2.28 million and $1.66$1.45 million in 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. The 401(k) Plan allows employees to choose to invest among a number of investment options includingthat previously included United’s common stock. Effective January 1, 2015, United’s common stock was no longer offered as an investment option for new contributions.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the 401(k) Plan purchased 17,373, 48,996 and 86,350 common shares, respectively, directly from United at the average of the high and low stock price on the date of purchase.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(18)Pension and Employee Benefit Plans, continued

United sponsors a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its executive officers, certain other key employees and members of United’s Board of Directors and its community banks’ advisory boards of directors. The deferred compensation plan provides for the pre-tax deferral of compensation, fees and other specified benefits. The deferred compensation plan also permits each employee participant to elect to defer a portion of his or her base salary, bonus or vested restricted stock units and permits each director participant to elect to defer all or a portion of his or her director’s fees. Further, the deferred compensation plan allows for additional contributions by an employee, with matching contributions by United, for amounts that exceed the allowable amounts under the 401(k) Plan. During 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, United recognized $24,000, $24,000$35,000, $26,000 and $24,000,$21,000, respectively, in matching contributions for this provision of the deferred compensation plan. The Board of Directors may also elect to make a discretionary contribution to any or all participants. The Board of Directors elected to make a discretionary contribution of 25,000 shares of United’s common stock in 2013 to the deferred compensation plan. No discretionary contributions were made in 20142017, 2016 or 2012.


2015.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

United also has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Modified Retirement Plan”) that covers certain executive officers and other key employees. The Modified Retirement Plan provides a fixed annual retirement benefit to plan participants.  Expenses incurred

United acquired Palmetto on September 1, 2015, including its funded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Funded Plan”), which covered all full-time Palmetto employees who had fulfilled at least 12 months of continuous service and attained age 21 by December 31, 2007. Benefits under the Funded Plan are no longer accrued for these post-retirement benefits were approximately $1.46 million, $1.60 million, and $1.87 million, for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. United made contributionsservice subsequent to the plan in the form of benefit payments to participant retirees of $304,000, $272,000 in 2014, and 2013, respectively.


2007.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations at year end and net periodic pension cost are shown in the table below:

  2014  2013 
Discount rate for disclosures  4.00%  4.50%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost  4.50%  4.00%
Rate of compensation increase  N/A  NA 
Measurement date 12/31/2014  12/31/2013 
94

  2017  2016 
  Modified     Modified    
  Retirement  Funded  Retirement  Funded 
  Plan  Plan  Plan  Plan 
Discount rate for disclosures  3.75%  3.75%  4.00%  4.25%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost  4.00%  4.00%  4.00%  4.53%
Expected long-term rate of return   N/A   4.00%  N/A   4.00%
Rate of compensation increase   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Measurement date  12/31/2017   12/31/2017   12/31/2016   12/31/2016 

The discount rate is determined in consultation with the third-party actuary and is set by matching the projected benefit cash flow to a notional yield curve consisting of bonds monitored by the third-party actuary. The yield curve provides transparency with respect to the underlying bonds and provides matching of future benefit obligations to the payment of benefits.

The expected long-term rate of return is designed to approximate the actual long-term rate of return over time. Therefore, the pattern of income / expense recognition should match the stable pattern of services provided by employees over the life of the pension obligation. Expected returns on plan assets are developed in conjunction with input from external advisors and take into account the investment policy, actual investment allocation, long-term expected rates of return on the relevant asset classes and considers any material forward-looking return expectations for these major asset classes.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(17)

(18)Pension and Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Defined Benefit Pension and Employee Benefit Plans, continued

United recognizes the underfunded status of the plans as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. Information about changes in obligations and plan assets of the Modified Retirement Plan follows(in thousands):

  2014  2013 
Accumulated benefit obligation:    
Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year $13,320  $13,155 
Service cost  341   465 
Interest cost  579   533 
Actuarial (gains) losses  1,933   (561)
Benefits paid  (304)  (272)
Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year  15,869   13,320 

  2017  2016 
  Modified     Modified    
  Retirement  Funded  Retirement  Funded 
  Plan  Plan  Plan  Plan 
Accumulated benefit obligation:                
Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year $19,408  $18,501  $17,595  $19,246 
Service cost  551   -   382   - 
Interest cost  778   738   740   842 
Plan amendments  699   -   454   - 
Actuarial (gains) losses  773   1,291   605   347 
Benefits paid  (504)  (2,830)  (368)  (1,934)
                 
Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year  21,705   17,700   19,408   18,501 
                 
Change in plan assets, at fair value:                
Beginning plan assets  -   16,264   -   17,315 
Actual return  -   874   -   883 
Employer contribution  504   -   368   - 
Benefits paid  (504)  (2,830)  (368)  (1,934)
                 
Plan assets - end of year  -   14,308   -   16,264 
                 
Funded status - end of year (plan assets less benefit obligations) $(21,705) $(3,392) $(19,408) $(2,237)

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income(in thousands):


  2014  2013  2012 
Service cost $341  $465  $597 
Interest cost  579   533   537 
Amortization of prior service cost  365   365   365 
Amortization of net losses     167   250 
Net periodic benefit cost  1,285   1,530   1,749 
             

  2017  2016  2015 
  Modified     Modified     Modified    
  Retirement  Funded  Retirement  Funded  Retirement  Funded 
  Plan  Plan  Plan  Plan  Plan  Plan 
Service cost $551  $-  $382  $-  $376  $- 
Interest cost  778   738   740   842   628   292 
Expected return on plan assets  -   (630)  -   (696)  -   (375)
Amortization of prior service cost  560   -   501   -   465   - 
Amortization of net losses  238   -   167   -   271   - 
                         
Net periodic benefit cost $2,127  $108  $1,790  $146  $1,740  $(83)

The estimated net loss and prior service costs for the Modified Retirement Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $271,000$241,000 and $365,000,$666,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 2017. For the Funded Plan, United does not expect to amortize any estimated net loss or prior service costs from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year. In 2018, United expects to make contributions to the Modified Retirement Plan of $707,000, but does not expect to make any contributions to the Funded Plan.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(18)Pension and Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Defined Benefit Pension Plans, continued

The following table summarizes the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plans for the periods indicated(in thousands).

  Modified    
  Retirement  Funded 
  Plan  Plan 
2018 $707  $1,070 
2019  1,123   1,081 
2020  1,207   1,067 
2021  1,200   1,056 
2022  1,192   1,043 
2023-2026  6,062   5,075 
  $11,491  $10,392 

The following table summarizes the Funded Plan assets by major category as of the dates indicated, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which reflect expectedthose measurements fall(in thousands).

December 31, 2017 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Money market fund $-  $516  $-  $516 
Mutual funds  526   -   -   526 
Corporate stocks  1,346   -   -   1,346 
Exchange traded funds  11,920   -   -   11,920 
Total plan assets $13,792  $516  $-  $14,308 

December 31, 2016 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Cash and cash equivalents $645  $-  $-  $645 
Mutual funds  874   -   -   874 
Corporate stocks  1,184   193   -   1,377 
Exchange traded funds  13,368   -   -   13,368 
Total plan assets $16,071  $193  $-  $16,264 

The investment objectives of the plan assets are designed to fund the projected benefit obligation and to maximize returns in order to minimize contributions within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The precise amount for which these obligations will be settled depends on future service,events, including the life expectancy of the plan participants. The plan’s investment strategy balances the requirement to generate return, using higher returning assets, with the need to control risk using less volatile assets. Risks include, but are not limited to, inflation, volatility in equity values and changes in interest rates that could cause the plan to become underfunded, thereby increasing the plan’s dependence on contributions from United.

Plan assets are managed by a third-party firm as approved by United’s Employee Benefits Committee. The Board of Directors delegated certain responsibilities to the Employee Benefits Committee including maintaining the investment policy of the plan, approving the appointment of the investment manager and reviewing the performance of the plan assets at least annually.


Investments within the plan are diversified with the intent to minimize the risk of large losses to the plan. The total portfolio is constructed and maintained to provide prudent diversification within each investment category, and United assumes that the volatility of the portfolio will be similar to the market as a whole. The asset allocation ranges represent a long-term perspective. Therefore, rapid unanticipated market shifts may cause the asset mix to fall outside the policy range. Such divergences are expected (in thousands)to be short-term in nature.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(18)Pension and Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Defined Benefit Pension Plans, continued

For fair value measurement, money market funds are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Mutual funds, corporate stocks, and exchange traded funds are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which the instrument is traded. See Note 24 for years 2015 – 2019more details regarding fair value measurements and the following five yearsfair value hierarchy.

The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although management believes the valuation methods are $321,000, $769,000, $795,000, $997,000, $988,000appropriate and $5.08 million respectively


(18)    Derivatives and Hedging Activities
consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

(19)Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

United is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. United principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. United manages interest rate risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its investment securities portfolio and wholesale funding and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, United enters into derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. United’s derivativeDerivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of United’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to United’s loans, investment securities, wholesale borrowings and deposits.


In conjunction with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, managementUnited made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(18)    Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

The table below presents the fair value of United’s derivative financial instruments as of the dates indicated as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheetsheets(in thousands):

Derivatives designated as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instrumentshedging instruments under ASC 815
   Fair Value   
Balance Sheet December 31,  December 31, 
Interest Rate ProductsLocation 2014  2013 
Cash flow hedge of money market depositsOther assets $  $4,782 
Fair value hedge of corporate bondsOther assets     3,939 
    $  $8,721 
Cash flow hedge of short-term debtOther liabilities $  $3,368 
Cash flow hedge of money market depositsOther liabilities  350  $ 
Fair value hedge of brokered CD’sOther liabilities  5,817   19,970 
Fair value hedge of corporate bondsOther liabilities     2,308 
    $6,167  $25,646 

    Fair Value 
  Balance Sheet December 31, 
Interest Rate Products Location 2017  2016 
         
Fair value hedge of corporate bonds Derivative assets $336  $265 
    $336  $265 
           
Fair value hedge of brokered CD's Derivative liabilities $2,053  $1,980 
    $2,053  $1,980 

Derivatives not Designateddesignated as Hedging Instrumentshedging instruments under ASC 815

    Fair Value 
  Balance Sheet December 31, 
Interest Rate Products Location 2017  2016 
         
Customer derivative positions Derivative assets $2,659  $5,266 
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative assets  6,867   3,869 
Mortgage banking - loan commitment Derivative assets  1,150   1,552 
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative assets  13   534 
Bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative assets  11,057   10,225 
Interest rate caps Derivative assets  639   - 
Offsetting positions for de-designated hedges Derivative assets  -   1,977 
    $22,385  $23,423 
           
Customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities $7,032  $3,897 
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities  1,551   5,328 
Risk participations Derivative liabilities  20   26 
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative liabilities  49   96 
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative liabilities  14,279   14,341 
De-designated hedges Derivative liabilities  392   1,980 
    $23,323  $25,668 

114

   Fair Value   
 Balance SheetDecember 31,December 31,
Interest Rate ProductsLocation 2014  2013 
Customer swap positionsOther assets $3,433  $898 
Dealer offsets to customer swap positionsOther assets  128   1,347 
Bifurcated embedded derivativesOther assets  12,262   12,867 
Offsetting positions for de-designated cash flow hedgesOther assets  4,776    
    $20,599  $15,112 
Customer swap positionsOther liabilities $129  $1,347 
Dealer offsets to customer swap positionsOther liabilities  3,456   915 
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivativesOther liabilities  17,467   18,324 
De-designated cash flow hedgeOther liabilities  4,778    
    $25,830  $20,586 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(19)Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives, continued

Derivative contracts that are not accounted for as hedging instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and are described as “customer derivatives”

Customer derivative positions are between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swapswap/cap program. United also has three interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments but are economic hedges of market linked brokered certificates of deposit. The market linked brokered certificates of deposit contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments and marked to market through earnings. The offsetting dealermarks on the market linked swaps are economic hedges ofand the bifurcated embedded derivatives.

96
derivatives tend to move in opposite directions with changes in 90-day LIBOR and therefore provide an economic hedge.

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes

To accommodate customers, United occasionally enters into credit risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to Consolidated Financial Statements

(18)    Derivativesaccept a portion of the credit risk related to interest rate swaps. This allows customers to execute an interest rate swap with one bank while allowing for the distribution of the credit risk among participating members. Credit risk participation agreements arise when United contracts with other financial institutions, as a guarantor, to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps. These agreements provide for reimbursement of losses resulting from a third party default on the underlying swap. These transactions are typically executed in conjunction with a participation in a loan with the same customer. Collateral used to support the credit risk for the underlying lending relationship is also available to offset the risk of the credit risk participation.

In addition, United originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and Hedging Activities

the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, it is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United also enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. Most of this activity is on a matched basis, with a loan sale commitment hedging a specific loan. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments. The underlying loans are accounted for under the lower of cost or fair value method and are not reflected in the table above. Beginning late in the third quarter of 2016 for newly originated mortgage loans, United began to account for the underlying loans at fair value pursuant to the fair value option, and these loans are not reflected in the table above. Fair value adjustments on these derivative instruments are recorded within mortgage loan and other related fee income in the consolidated statements of income.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

United’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to net interest revenue and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, United primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. At December 31, 2014, United’s interest rate2017 and 2016, United did not have any active cash flow hedges but had dedesignated swaps previously designated as cash flow hedges. Changes in balance sheet composition and interest rate risk position made the hedges involveno longer necessary as protection against rising interest rates. The swaps have subsequently been cancelled but the payment of fixed-rate amounts to a counterpartyloss remaining in exchange for United receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  United’s one current cash flow hedge is for the purpose of converting variable rate deposits to a fixed rate to protect the company in a rising rate environment.  The swap has a notional amount of $175 million and is forward starting and does not begin interest settlements until 2015.  At December 31, 2013, United had three swap contracts outstanding with a notional amount of $200 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of future issuances of three-month brokered deposits or other LIBOR based floating rate wholesale borrowings and three swap contracts outstanding with a total notional amount of $375 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of indexed money market accounts.


The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income andon de-designated swaps is subsequently reclassifiedbeing amortized into earnings inover the periodoriginal term of the swaps as the forecasted transactions that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.  Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income relatedswaps were originally designated to derivatives will be reclassifiedhedge are still expected to interest expense when the swaps become effective in 2014, as interest payments are made on United’s LIBOR based, variable-rate wholesale borrowings and indexed deposit accounts.  United’s forward starting active cash flow hedges of floating rate liabilities will begin to become effective over the next twelve months.  United recognized $107,000 in hedge ineffectiveness gains on active cash flow hedges in 2014 in money market interest expense.  United recognized $70,000 in hedge ineffectiveness losses on active cash flow hedges in 2013 in deposit interest expense.  No such hedge ineffectiveness gains or losses were recognized on active cash flow hedges in 2012 or 2011.occur. United expects that $3.34 million$499,000 will be reclassified as an increase to deposit interest expense over the next twelve months related to these cash flow hedges.

During

The table below presents the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, United acceleratedeffect of cash flow hedges on the reclassificationconsolidated statements of $52,000 and $237,000, respectively, income(in gains from terminated positions as a result of the forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur.  These amounts were recognized in loan interest revenue as hedge ineffectiveness.


thousands).

  Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Other Comprehensive Income
on Derivative (Effective Portion)  
  Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective
Portion)
  Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion)  
 
  2017  2016  2015  Location 2017  2016  2015  Location 2017  2016  2015 
                                
              Interest revenue $-  $(7) $-               
              Interest expense  (891)  (1,884)  (1,936)              
Interest rate swaps $-  $-  $(471)   $(891) $(1,891) $(1,936) Interest expense $-  $-  $(7)

Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

United is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate obligations due to changes in interest rates. United uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in interest rates. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of brokered deposits involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for United making variable rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of fixed rate investments involve the receipt of variable-rate payments from a counterparty in exchange for United making fixed rate payments over the life of the instrument without the exchange of the underlying notional amount.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(19)Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk, continued

At December 31, 2014,2017, United had 16four interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $197$40.7 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk and were pay-variable / receive-fixed, swaps hedging the changes in the fair value of fixed rate brokered time deposits resulting from changes in interest rates. Also at December 31, 2017, United had one interest rate swap with a notional of $30 million that was designated as a pay-fixed / receive variable fair value hedge of changes in the fair value of a fixed rate corporate bond. At December 31, 2013,2016, United had 24one interest rate swapsswap with an aggregate notional amount of $285$12.8 million that werewas designated as a fair value hedgeshedge of interest rate risk.  Eight of the interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2013 with an aggregate notional amount of $86 million were receive-variable / pay-fixed swaps that were used for the purpose of hedging changes in the fair value of corporate bonds resulting from changes in interest rates.  The other 16 wererisk and was pay-variable / receive-fixed, swaps hedging the changes in the fair value of fixed rate brokered time deposits resulting from changes in interest rates.


Also at December 31, 2016, United had one interest rate swap with a notional of $30 million that was designated as a pay-fixed / receive variable fair value hedge of changes in the fair value of a fixed rate corporate bond.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. United includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives. During the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, 2016 and 2015, United recognized a net loss of $1.28$479,000, a net gain of $2.29 million and a net gain of $210,000, respectively, related to ineffectiveness in the fair value hedging relationships.  During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012,  United recognized net gains of $1.07 million and $870,000 respectively, related to ineffectiveness of the fair value hedging relationships.  Offsetting the 2012 gain was the write off of $449,000 in prepaid broker fees on brokered deposits.  The prepaid broker fees were related to the brokered deposits (hedged item) that were called and resulted in a portion of the ineffectiveness gain. United also recognized a net reduction of interest expense of $4.61 million, $4.67$160,000, $1.61 million and $2.42$4.46 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively, related to United’s fair value hedges of brokered time deposits, which includes net settlements on the derivatives. United recognized a $1.33 million reduction of interest revenue on securities of $302,000, $606,000 and $498,000 during 20132017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, related to United’s fair value hedges of corporate bonds.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(18)    Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued
Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement

The tablestable below presentpresents the effect of United’s derivative financial instrumentsderivatives in fair value hedging relationships on the consolidated statementstatements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.


Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships(in thousands)
                         
 Location of Gain
  
(Loss) Recognized
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in  Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in 
  in Income Income on Derivative  Income on Hedged Item 
  on Derivative 2014  2013  2012  2014  2013  2012 
Fair value hedges of brokered CD’s Interest expense $13,400 $(16,433) $540  $(14,357) $16,981  $330
Fair value hedges of corporate bonds Interest revenue  (2,487)  6,285      2,163  (5,765)   
    $10,913 $(10,148) $540  $(12,194) $11,216  $330
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships(in thousands):

                 
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized inGain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
  Other Comprehensive Income on Comprehensive Income into Income Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative 
  Derivative (Effective Portion)  (Effective Portion) (Ineffective Portion) 
  2014  2013  2012 Location 2014  2013  2012 Location 2014  2013  2012 
       Interest revenue $(79) $904  $3,712        
       Interest expense  (1,931)            
Interest rate swaps $(8,437) $10,084  $(8,739)  $(2,010) $904  $3,712 Interest expense $(107) $70  $ 
                                       

.

  Location of Gain                  
  (Loss) Recognized Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in  Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in 
  in Income Income on Derivative  Income on Hedged Item 
  on Derivative 2017  2016  2015  2017  2016  2015 
                     
Fair value hedges of brokered CD's Interest expense $(657) $1,972  $1,814  $371  $458  $(1,507)
Fair value hedges of corporate bonds Interest revenue  72   234   31   (265)  (376)  (128)
    $(585) $2,206  $1,845  $106  $82  $(1,635)

In certain cases, the estate of deceased brokered certificate of deposit holders may put the certificate of deposit back to the issuing bank at par upon the death of the holder. When these death puts occur, a gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the par amount of the deposits put back. The change in the fair value of brokered time deposits that are being hedged in fair value hedging relationships reported in the table above include gains and losses from death puts and such gains and losses are included in the amount of reported ineffectiveness gains or losses.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815

The table below presents the gains and losses recognized in income on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815 for the periods indicated(in thousands).

  Income Statement Year Ended December 31, 
  Location 2017  2016  2015 
            
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets Other fee revenue $2,416  $3,744  $1,713 
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets Other fee revenue  429   297   43 
Interest rate caps Other fee revenue  252   -   - 
De-designated hedges Other fee revenue  (62)  -   - 
Mortgage banking derivatives Mortgage loan revenue  (676)  3,002   - 
Risk participations Other fee revenue  5   360   - 
Total gains and losses   $2,364  $7,403  $1,756 

116

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(19)Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

United manages its credit exposure on derivatives transactions by entering into a bilateral credit support agreement with each counterparty. The credit support agreements require collateralization of exposures beyond specified minimum threshold amounts. The details of these agreements, including the minimum thresholds, vary by counterparty. As of December 31, 2014,2017, collateral totaling $32.8$17.2 million was pledged toward derivatives in a liability position.


United’s agreements with each of its derivative counterparties contain a provision where if either party defaults on any of its indebtedness, then it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The agreements with derivatives counterparties also include provisions that if not met, could result in United being declared in default. United has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if United fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution or is subject to a prompt corrective action directive, the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and United would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.


Change in Valuation Methodology
As a result of January 1, 2013, United changed its valuation methodology for over-the-counterthe Dodd-Frank Act, all newly eligible derivatives entered into are cleared through a central clearinghouse. Derivatives that are centrally cleared to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates.  Fully collateralized trades are discounted using OIS with nonot have credit-risk-related features that require additional economic adjustments to arrive at fair value.  Uncollateralized or partially collateralized trades are also discounted at OIS, but include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e. LIBOR-OIS basis adjustment to approximate uncollateralized cost of funds) andcollateral if our credit risk.  United changed its methodology to better align its inputs, assumptions and pricing methodologies with those used in its principal market by most dealers and major market participants.  The changes in valuation methodology are applied prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and are not material to United’s financial position or results of operations.
rating were downgraded.

98(20)Regulatory Matters

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(19)    Regulatory Matters
Capital Requirements

United and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary action by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements.United. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, as revised by the Basel III Capital Rules effective as of January 1, 2015, United and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.


Quantitative measures (as defined) established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require United and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total capital, and Tier 1 capital, and common equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets.

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank was categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect at such time.  To be categorized as well-capitalized at December 31, 2014, the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at such time, as set forth in the table below and have met certain other requirements.  Management believes that the Bank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements at December 31, 2014, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.  The regulatory designation of “well-capitalized” under prompt corrective action regulations is not applicable to United (a bank holding company).  However, Regulation Y defines “well-capitalized” for a bank holding company for the purpose of determining eligibility for a streamlined review process for acquisition proposals.  For such purposes, “well-capitalized” at December 31, 2014, required that United maintain a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 10%.

Regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2014 and 2013, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions in effect at such times are presented below for United and the Bank (dollars in thousands):
Regulatory Matters
  Regulatory  United Community Banks, Inc.     
  Guidelines  (consolidated)  United Community Bank 
    Well         
  Minimum  Capitalized  2014  2013  2014  2013 
Risk-based ratios:            
Tier 1 capital  4.0%  6.0%  12.05%  12.74%  12.84%  13.55%
Total capital  8.0   10.0   13.30   13.99   14.09   14.80 
Leverage ratio  3.0       8.69   9.08   9.25   9.61 
Tier 1 capital         $642,663  $649,162  $683,332  $686,687 
Total capital          709,408   713,063   749,927   750,216 
Risk-weighted assets       5,332,822   5,097,091   5,320,615   5,066,948 
Average total assets       7,396,450   7,150,360   7,385,048   7,142,050 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Basel III Capital Rules revised the framework for prompt corrective action by (i) introducing a CET1 ratio requirement at each level (other than critically undercapitalized), with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each category (other than critically undercapitalized), with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8.0%8% (as compared to the current 6.0%prior 6%); and (iii) eliminating the current provision that provides that a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 may have a 3% leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized.


Management believes that, as

As of December 31, 2014,2017, United and the Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirementswere categorized as well-capitalized under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basisregulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect at such time. To be categorized as ifwell-capitalized at December 31, 2017, United and the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at such time, as set forth in the table below and have met certain other requirements. Management believes that United and the Bank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements were currently in effect.

99
at December 31, 2017, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.

 117

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(19)    

(20)Regulatory Matters, continued

Regulatory Matters

capital ratios at December 31, 2017 and 2016, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions in effect at such times are presented below for United and the Bank(dollars in thousands):

     United Community Banks, Inc.       
  Basel III Guidelines  (consolidated)  United Community Bank 
     Well             
  Minimum  Capitalized  2017  2016  2017  2016 
                   
Risk-based ratios:                        
Common equity tier 1 capital  4.5%  6.5%  11.98%  11.23%  12.93%  12.66%
Tier 1 capital  6.0   8.0   12.24   11.23   12.93   12.66 
Total capital  8.0   10.0   13.06   12.04   13.63   13.48 
Tier 1 leverage ratio  4.0   5.0   9.44   8.54   9.98   9.63 
Common equity tier 1 capital         $1,053,983  $874,452  $1,135,728  $984,529 
Tier 1 capital          1,076,465   874,452   1,135,728   984,529 
Total capital          1,149,191   937,876   1,196,954   1,047,953 
                         
Risk-weighted assets          8,797,387   7,789,089   8,781,177   7,775,352 
Average total assets          11,403,248   10,236,868   11,385,716   10,221,318 

Cash, Dividend, Loan and Other Restrictions

At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the Bank did not have a required reserve balance at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid by the Bank to United. In addition, dividends paid to United require pre-approval of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the FDIC while the Bank has an accumulated deficit (negative retained earnings). During 2014,2017 and 2016, the Bank received regulatory approval to pay cash dividends to United of $129 million.


$103 million and $41.5 million, respectively.

The Federal Reserve Act requires that extensions of credit by the Bank to certain affiliates, including United, be secured by specific collateral, that the extension of credit to any one affiliate be limited to 10% of capital and surplus (as defined), and that extensions of credit to all such affiliates be limited to 20% of capital and surplus.


United and the Bank are parties to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.


The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. United uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it uses for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. In most cases, collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk.


(20)    Commitments and Contingencies

(21)Commitments and Contingencies

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013,the dates indicated, the contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments(in thousands):

  2017  2016 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:        
Commitments to extend credit $1,910,777  $1,542,186 
Letters of credit  28,075   26,862 
Minimum Lease Payments  27,101   29,090 

118

  2014  2013 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:    
Commitments to extend credit $878,160  $747,170 
Letters of credit  19,861   19,846 
Minimum Lease Payments  10,877   6,310 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(21)Commitments and Contingencies, continued

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn on, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. United evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral.


Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by United and could result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party or upon the non-performance of the customer. Those guarantees are primarily issued to local businesses and government agencies. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. In most cases, the Bank holds real estate, certificates of deposit, and other acceptable collateral as security supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those commitments varies.


United maintains an allowance for unfunded loan commitments which is included in the balance of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. The allowance for unfunded loan commitments is determined as part of the quarterly analysis of the allowance for credit losses and is based on probable incurred losses in United’s unfunded loan commitments that are expected to result in funded loans.


United’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, United Community Bank (the “Bank”) holds minor investments in certain limited partnerships for CRA purposes. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had a recorded investment of $4.27 million in these limited partnerships and had committed to fund an additional $5.30 million related to future capital calls that has not been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.

United, in the normal course of business, is subject to various pending and threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or the range of any possible loss, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising from these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on United’s financial position or results of operations.

100(22)Common and Preferred Stock

In the second quarter of 2016, United amended its articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100 million to 150 million shares.

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes

On March 22, 2016, United announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a program to Consolidated Financial Statements

(21)    Preferred Stock
repurchase up to $50 million of United’s outstanding common stock through December 31, 2017. In November of 2017, the Board of Directors extended this program to December 31, 2018. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased periodically in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program depends on a number of factors, including the market price of United’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. During 2017, United did not repurchase any shares under the program. During 2016, United repurchased 764,000 shares under the program. As of December 31, 2017, $36.3 million of outstanding common stock may be repurchased under the program.

United may issue preferred stock in one or more series, up to a maximum of 10,000,000 shares. Each series shall include the number of shares issued, preferences, special rights and limitations as determined by the Board of Directors.


On December 31, 2013,

As discussed in Note 3, on May 1, 2015, United redeemed 21,700 sharescompleted its acquisition of its Series A Non-Cumulative Preferred.  On December 27, 2013, United redeemed 75,000 sharesMoneytree. Upon completion of the Fixed Rate Cumulativeacquisition, each share of preferred stock issued by MoneyTree as part of the SBLF program of the Treasury (9,992 shares in the aggregate with a liquidation preference amount of $1,000 per share) was converted automatically into one substantially identical share of preferred tock of United with a liquidation preference amount of $1,000 per share, designated as United’s Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series BH. The SBLF Preferred Shares had terms and redeemedconditions identical to those shares of preferred stock issued by MoneyTree to the remaining 105,000 shares on January 10, 2014. OnTreasury.  The Series H preferred stock paid noncumulative dividends quarterly at a dividend rate of 1.00% per annum through March 3, 2014,15, 2016 and 9% per annum thereafter.  In the first quarter of 2016, United redeemed 16,613 sharesall of the Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock,its outstanding Series D. There areH preferred stock. The preferred stock was redeemed at par and did not result in any gain or loss.

United had no preferred sharesstock outstanding atas of December 31, 2014.2017 or 2016.

119

(22)    Shareholders’ Equity
In 2007, the shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”). Under the original terms

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(23)Equity Compensation and Related Plans

United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of the 2000 Plan, awards of 500,000incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards (also referred to as “nonvested stock” awards), stock awards, performance share awards or stock appreciation rights could be granted for shares of United’s common stock.  In 2012, shareholders approved an amendment to increase the number of shares available for grant.rights. Options granted under the 2000 Planplan can have an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The general terms of the 2000 Planplan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercisable period not to exceed ten years. Certain optionoptions, restricted stock and restricted stock grantsunit awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of United or certain other conditions are met (as defined in the plan document). As of December 31, 2014, 460,0002017, 1.93 million additional awards could be granted under the 2000 Plan.plan. Through December 31, 2014,2017, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, base salary stock grants and performance share awards had been granted under the 2000 Plan.


plan.

Restricted stock and options outstanding and activity for the years ended December 31 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

  Restricted Stock  Options 
    Weighted    Weighted  Weighted   
    Average    Average  Average  Aggregate 
    Grant Date    Exercise  Remaining  Intrinsic 
  Shares  Fair Value  Shares  Price  Term (Yrs.)  Value (000’s) 
December 31, 2011  414,644  $12.19   583,647  $94.48     
Granted  200,612   8.73           
Exercised  (114,673)  14.77           
Cancelled  (14,999)  10.25   (101,119)  78.98     
December 31, 2012  485,584   10.72   482,528   97.73     
Granted  876,583   14.74   5,000   15.09     
Exercised  (195,366)  13.16           
Cancelled  (93,125)  8.78   (136,756)  94.37     
December 31, 2013  1,073,676   13.73   350,772   97.87     
Granted  97,016   17.33   10,000   16.71     
Exercised  (336,691)  12.23           
Cancelled  (4,800)  13.78   (47,217)  110.33     
December 31, 2014  829,201   14.76   313,555   93.40   2.78  $120 
Vested / Exercisable                        
at December 31, 2014  7,580   9.90   297,305   97.66   2.44   63 
                         
During 2013 and 2012, 9,344 shares and 20,489 shares of common stock, respectively, having a grant date fair value of $108,000, and $172,000, respectively, were granted to certain executive officers over the course of the year as part of their base compensation with no restrictions or vesting requirement.  Those shares are included in the table above as granted and exercised within the same year.  The grant date fair value was included in compensation expense during 2013 and 2012.  No such grants were made in 2014.
101

 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(22)    Shareholders’ Equity, continued
  Restricted Stock  Options 
     Weighted        Weighted  Weighted    
     Average  Aggregate     Average  Average  Aggregate 
     Grant Date  Intrinsic     Exercise  Remaining  Intrinsic 
  Shares  Fair Value  Value (000's)  Shares  Price  Term (Yrs.)  Value (000's) 
December 31, 2014  829,201  $14.76       313,555  $93.40         
Granted  265,306   18.66       -   -         
Vested  (305,902)  14.00       -   -         
Expired  -   -       (45,866)  108.93         
Cancelled  (75,938)  15.63       (26,196)  98.36         
December 31, 2015  712,667   16.44       241,493   89.92         
Granted  302,012   21.42       -   -         
Vested  (261,729)  16.14       -   -         
Expired  -   -       (52,853)  135.32         
Cancelled  (61,980)  17.99       (115,975)  104.05         
December 31, 2016  690,970   18.60       72,665   34.34         
Granted  270,339   26.50       -   -         
Vested  (284,662)  17.48  $7,782   -   -         
Expired  -   -       (1,538)  147.60         
Cancelled  (12,830)  19.91       (10,840)  75.08         
December 31, 2017  663,817   22.40   18,680   60,287   24.12   3.06  $355 
Vested / Exercisable                            
at December 31, 2017  -   -       57,787   24.44   2.90   326 

The following is a summary of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:

Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable 
    Weighted  Average    Weighted 
Shares  Range  Average Price  Remaining Life  Shares  Average Price 
 26,823  $10.00 - 30.00  $14.96   8.02   10,573  $14.15 
 44,777   30.01 - 50.00   31.67   4.15   44,777   31.67 
 72,318   50.01 - 70.00   66.31   3.13   72,318   66.31 
 2,075   70.01 - 90.00   77.53   3.25   2,075   77.53 
 28,950   90.01 - 110.00   107.28   0.32   28,950   107.28 
 17,228   110.01 - 130.00   111.38   0.49   17,228   111.38 
 115,981   130.01 - 150.00   143.69   1.80   115,981   143.69 
 5,403   150.01 - 170.00   152.10   2.21   5,403   152.10 
 313,555   10.00 - 170.00   93.40   2.78   297,305   97.66 
                       
The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2014 and 2013 was $9.49 and $5.10 respectively.  No options were granted in 2012.  The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model.  The decrease in United’s stock price through 2010 has rendered most of its outstanding options severely out of the money and potentially worthless to the grantee.  Therefore historical exercise patterns do not provide a reasonable basis for determining the expected life of new option grants.  United therefore uses the formula provided by the SEC in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to determine the expected life of the options.

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of options are presented in the table below:
   2014   2013 2012
Expected volatility  66%  30% NA
Expected dividend yield  1.0%  0.0% NA
Expected life (in years)  6.25   6.25  NA
Risk free rate  2.1%  2.0% NA
2017:

Options Outstanding  Options Exercisable 
      Weighted  Average     Weighted 
Shares  Range  Average Price  Remaining Life  Shares  Average Price 
                 
 10,000  $10.00 - 15.00  $11.20   3.58   10,000  $11.20 
 15,300   15.01 - 20.00   16.19   6.31   12,800   16.08 
 500   20.01 - 25.00   22.95   2.22   500   22.95 
 1,023   25.01 - 30.00   29.45   1.07   1,023   29.45 
 33,464   30.01 - 31.50   31.47   1.50   33,464   31.47 
 60,287   10.00 - 31.50   24.12   3.06   57,787   24.44 

Compensation expense relating to options of $15,000$28,000, $30,000 and $256,000,$35,000, respectively, was included in earnings for 20142017, 2016 and 2012.  For 2013, United recognized a credit to compensation expense of $51,000 due to forfeitures of unvested options which exceeded option expense for that year.  A deferred income tax benefit related to stock option expense of $6,000 and $99,000 was included in the determination of income tax expense in 2014 and 2012, respectively.  For 2013, United reversed previously recognized deferred taxes of $20,000 related to the forfeited options.2015. The amount of compensation expense for all periods was determined based on the fair value of options at the time of grant, multiplied by the number of options granted that were expected to vest, which was then amortized over the vesting period. The forfeiture rate for options is estimated to be approximately 3% per year.  There were no options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012.2017, 2016 or 2015.

120

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(23)Equity Compensation and Related Plans, continued

Compensation expense for restricted stock is based on the fair value of restricted stock awards at the time of grant, which is equal to the value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of restricted stock grants that are expected to vest is amortized into expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statementstatements of operationsincome for employee restricted stock awards in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $5.51 million, $4.29 million and $4.21 million, respectively. Of the expense recognized related to restricted stock unit awards during 2017, $696,000 related to the modification of existing awards resulting from an acceleration of vesting of unvested awards due to retirement, which was recognized in merger-related and other charges. The remaining expense of $4.82 million was recognized in compensation expense. In addition, in 2017, 2016, and 2015, $287,000, $177,000 and $153,000, respectively, was recognized in other operating expenses for restricted stock in 2014, 2013unit awards granted to members of United’s board of directors.

A deferred income tax benefit related to compensation expense for options and 2012 was $4.29restricted stock of $2.27 million, $2.85$1.75 million and $1.66$1.71 million was included in the determination of income tax expense in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock at December 31, 2014 was approximately $15.7 million.


As of December 31, 2014,2017, there was $9.56$11.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and restricted stock granted under the 2000 Plan.plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.892.98 years.  The aggregate grant date fair value of options and restricted stock that vested during 2014 was $3.98 million.

United sponsors a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (“DRIP”) that allows participants who already own United’s common stock to purchase additional shares directly from the Company. The DRIP also allows participants to automatically reinvest their quarterly dividends in additional shares of common stock without a commission. The DRIP had previously been suspended but was re-activated in 2014 when United restored its quarterly dividend. In 2014, 1912017, 2016 and 2015, 4,404, 4,044 and 2,916 shares, respectively, were issued under the DRIP.  No shares were issued under the DRIP in 2013 or 2012.

102

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(22)    Shareholders’ Equity, continued
United’s 401(k) Plan regularly purchases shares of United’s common stock directly from United.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, United’s 401(k) Plan purchased 17,373 shares, 48,996 shares and 86,350 shares, respectively, directly from United at the average of the high and low stock prices on the transaction dates.  Effective January 1, 2015, the 401(k) Plan discontinued offering shares of United’s common stock as an investment option.  In addition,

United has an Employee Stock Purchase Program (“ESPP”) that allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 5% discount (10%), with no commission charges. During 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 United issued 10,506 shares, 13,98213,422, 16,456 shares and 23,55514,213 shares, respectively, through the ESPP.  Effective January 1, 2015, the discount was increased to 10% on purchases made through the ESPP.

United offers its common stock as an investment option in its deferred compensation plan. The common stock component is accounted for as an equity instrument and is reflected in the consolidated balance sheetsheets as common stock issuable. The deferred compensation plan does not allow for diversification once an election is made to invest in United stock and settlement must be accomplished in shares at the time the deferral period is completed. United also allows restricted stock grantees to defer all or a portion of their restricted stock in the deferred compensation plan upon vesting. At December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, United had 357,984607,869 shares and 241,832519,874 shares, respectively, of its common stock that was issuable under the deferred compensation plan.


(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 (“ASC 820”)Fair Value Measurements and Disclosuresestablishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). United has processes in place to review the significant valuation inputs and to reassess how the instruments are classified in the valuation framework.


Fair Value Hierarchy

Level 1        Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that United has the ability to access.

Level 2        Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3        Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.

121
Level 1          Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that United has the ability to access.
Level 2          Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
Level 3          Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. United’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. United’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.


Securities Available-for-Sale

Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and asset-backed securities and are valued based on observable inputs that include: quoted market prices for similar assets, quoted market prices that are not in an active market, or other inputs that are observable in the market and can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets. Securities classified as Level 3 are valued based on estimates obtained from broker-dealers and are not directly observable.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities

Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheetsheets are assets related to employee deferred compensation plans. The assets associated with these plans are invested in mutual funds and classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the employee, which mirrors the fair value of the invested assets and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.


sheets.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage

Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, United elected the fair value option for newly originated mortgage loans held for sale. United elected the fair value option for its portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale are carried atin order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the lowerloans with changes in the value of cost or fair value.derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offeringdetermined using quoted prices for mortgage loans witha similar characteristics.


asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan (Level 2).

Loans

United does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’sloan's effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, a creditor may measure impairment based on a loan’sloan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if repayment of the loan is dependent upon the sale of the underlying collateral.

Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. In accordance with ASC 820, impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

122

Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets are adjusted

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to fair value, less cost to sell, upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3.


Consolidated Financial Statements

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Derivative Financial Instruments

United uses interest rate swaps and interest rate floors to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is typically determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.


The fair values of interest rate options are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below the strike rate of the floors.  The variable interest rates used United also uses best effort and mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments to hedge risk in the calculation of projected receipts on the floor are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities.  its mortgage lending business.

To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, Unitedmanagement incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, Unitedmanagement has considered the effect of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued
Derivative Financial Instruments, continued

Although management has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2014,2017, management had assessed the significance of the effect of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Additionally, in the review of the Derivatives classified as Level 3 included structured derivative inputs, it was determined that thederivatives for which broker quotes, used as a key valuation input, were not observable consistent with a levelLevel 2 disclosure. This resulted in the Bank transferring them to a levelLevel 3 disclosure in 2014. The fair value of risk participations incorporates Level 3 inputs to evaluate the ASC 820 leveling disclosureslikelihood of customer default. The fair value of interest rate lock commitments, which is related to mortgage loan commitments, is categorized as of December 31, 2014.

Level 3 based on unobservable inputs for commitments that United does not expect to fund.

SBA Servicing Rights for SBA/USDA Loans

As

United expanded its SBA lendingrecognizes servicing rights upon the sale of Small Business Administration and subsequent loan sales activities, aUnited States Department of Agriculture (“SBA/USDA”)loans sold with servicing asset has been recognized (per ASC 860).retained. This asset is recorded at fair value on recognition, and management has elected to carry this asset at fair value for subsequent reporting. Given the nature of the asset, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management disclosesconsiders this asset as levelLevel 3.

Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights

United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential mortgage loans sold with servicing retained. Effective January 1, 2017, management has elected to carry this asset at fair value. Given the nature of the asset, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management classifies this asset as Level 3. The cumulative effect adjustment of this election to retained earnings, net of income tax effect, was $437,000.

Pension Plan Assets

For disclosure regarding the fair value of pension plan assets, see Note 18.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents United’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall(in thousands):

December 31, 2017 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets:                
Securities available for sale:                
U.S. Treasuries $121,113  $-  $-  $121,113 
U.S. Government agencies  -   26,372   -   26,372 
State and political subdivisions  -   197,286   -   197,286 
Mortgage-backed securities  -   1,727,211   -   1,727,211 
Corporate bonds  -   305,453   900   306,353 
Asset-backed securities  -   237,458   -   237,458 
Other  -   57   -   57 
Mortgage loans held for sale  -   26,252   -   26,252 
Deferred compensation plan assets  5,716   -   -   5,716 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans  -   -   7,740   7,740 
Residential mortgage servicing rights  -   -   8,262   8,262 
Derivative financial instruments  -   10,514   12,207   22,721 
                 
Total assets $126,829  $2,530,603  $29,109  $2,686,541 
                 
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $5,716  $-  $-  $5,716 
Derivative financial instruments  -   8,632   16,744   25,376 
                 
Total liabilities $5,716  $8,632  $16,744  $31,092 

December 31, 2016 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets:                
Securities available for sale                
U.S. Treasuries $169,616  $-  $-  $169,616 
U.S. Agencies  -   20,820   -   20,820 
State and political subdivisions  -   74,177   -   74,177 
Mortgage-backed securities  -   1,391,682   -   1,391,682 
Corporate bonds  -   304,717   675   305,392 
Asset-backed securities  -   469,569   -   469,569 
Other  -   1,182   -   1,182 
Mortgage loans held for sale  -   27,891   -   27,891 
Deferred compensation plan assets  4,161   -   -   4,161 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans  -   -   5,752   5,752 
Derivative financial instruments  -   11,911   11,777   23,688 
                 
Total assets $173,777  $2,301,949  $18,204  $2,493,930 
                 
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $4,161  $-  $-  $4,161 
Derivative financial instruments  -   11,301   16,347   27,648 
                 
Total liabilities $4,161  $11,301  $16,347  $31,809 

124

December 31, 2014Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
Assets:    
Securities available for sale:    
U.S. Treasury securities $105,709  $  $  $105,709 
U.S. Agencies     36,299      36,299 
State and political subdivisions     20,233      20,233 
Mortgage-backed securities     996,820      996,820 
Corporate bonds     164,878   750   165,628 
Asset-backed securities     455,928      455,928 
Other     2,117      2,117 
Deferred compensation plan assets  3,864         3,864 
SBA servicing rights        2,551   2,551 
Derivative financial instruments     8,337   12,262   20,599 
Total assets $109,573  $1,684,612  $15,563   1,809,748 
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $3,864  $  $  $3,864 
Derivative financial instruments     13,018   18,979   31,997 
Total liabilities $3,864  $13,018  $18,979  $35,861 
 
December 31, 2013Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
Assets:                
Securities available for sale                
State and political subdivisions $  $23,242  $  $23,242 
Mortgage-backed securities     1,145,347      1,145,347 
Corporate bonds     249,946   350   250,296 
Asset-backed securities     410,633      410,633 
Other     2,699      2,699 
Deferred compensation plan assets  3,496         3,496 
Derivative financial instruments     23,833      23,833 
Total assets $3,496  $1,855,700  $350  $1,859,546 
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $3,496  $  $  $3,496 
Derivative financial instruments     46,232      46,232 
Total liabilities $3,496  $46,232  $  $49,728 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis, continued

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as levelLevel 3 values(in thousands):

  2014  2013  2012 
  Derivative Asset  Derivative Liability  SBA
servicing
rights
  Securities Available-for-
Sale
  Securities
Available-for-
Sale
  Securities
Available-for-
Sale
 
Balance at beginning of period $  $  $  $350  $350  $350 
Purchases        2,133          
Additions        832          
Sales and settlements        (152)         
Other comprehensive income           400       
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments        (262)         
Transfers between valuation levels, net  12,262   18,979             
Balance at end of period $12,262  $18,979  $2,551  $750  $350  $350 

  Derivative
Asset
  Derivative
Liability
  Servicing
rights for
SBA/USDA
loans
  Residential
mortgage
servicing
rights
  Securities
Available-
for-Sale
 
December 31, 2014 $12,262  $18,979  $2,551  $-  $750 
Business combinations  286   -   137   -   - 
Additions  311   -   1,699   -   - 
Sales and settlements  (409)  -   (353)  -   - 
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments  (3,032)  (3,185)  (322)  -   - 
December 31, 2015  9,418   15,794   3,712   -   750 
Additions  -   17   2,723   -   - 
Sales and settlements  (509)  (1,001)  (393)  -   - 
Other comprehensive income  -   -   -   -   (75)
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments  2,868   1,537   (290)  -   - 
December 31, 2016  11,777   16,347   5,752   -   675 
Tranfer from amortization method to fair value  -   -   -   5,070   - 
Business combinations  -   -   419   -   - 
Additions  -   -   2,737   3,602   - 
Sales and settlements  (1,744)  (2,423)  (621)  (328)  - 
Other comprehensive income  -   -   -   -   225 
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments  2,174   2,820   (547)  (82)  - 
December 31, 2017 $12,207  $16,744  $7,740  $8,262  $900 

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for fair value on a recurring basis at(in thousands):

  Fair Value      Weighted Average 
  December 31,  Valuation   December 31, 
Level 3 Assets 2017  2016  Technique Unobservable  Inputs 2017  2016 
                 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans $7,740  $5,752  Discounted cash flow Discount rate
Prepayment rate
  12.5
8.31
%
%
  11.0
7.12
%
%
                     
Residential mortgage servicing rights  8,262   -  Discounted cash flow Discount rate
Prepayment rate
  10
9.5
%
%
  

N/A

 

 
                     
Corporate bonds  900   675  Indicative bid provided by a broker Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and recently executed financing transactions related to the company  N/A   N/A 
                     
Derivative assets - mortgage  1,150   1,552  Internal model Pull through rate  80%  80%
                     
Derivative assets - other  11,057   10,225  Dealer priced Dealer priced  N/A   N/A 
                     
Derivative liabilities - risk participations  20   26  Internal model Probable exposure rate
Probability of default rate
  .37
1.80
%
%
  .35
1.80
%
%
                     
Derivative liabilities - other  16,724   16,321  Dealer priced Dealer priced  N/A   N/A 

125

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Fair Value Option

At December 31, 20142017, mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected had an aggregate fair value and 2013 (outstanding principal balance of $26.3 million and $25.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected had an aggregate fair value and outstanding principal balance of $27.9 million and $27.6 million, respectively. Interest income on these loans is calculated based on the note rate of the loan and is recorded in thousands):


Level 3 Assets 
2014
Fair Value
  
2013
Fair Value
 
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable  Inputs Weighted
Average
 
         
SBA Servicing Rights $2,551  $ Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
Prepayment Rate
  12.0
6.70
%
%
               
Corporate Bonds  750   350 
Indicative bid
provided by a broker
Multiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and recently executed financing transactions related to the company  N/A
               
Derivatives assets  12,262    Dealer PricedDealer Priced  N/A
               
Derivative liabilities  18,979    Dealer PricedDealer Priced  N/A
interest revenue. During 2017 and 2016, net gains resulting from changes in fair value of these loans of $505,000 and $322,000, respectively, were recorded in mortgage loan and other related fees. These changes in fair value were mostly offset by hedging activities. An immaterial portion of these amounts was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

United may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or fair value that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period.  The table below presents United’s assets and liabilitiesnot measured at fair value on a nonrecurringrecurring basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of amortized cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets due to impairment. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and carrying value of all assets that were still held as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013, aggregated by the level in the2016, for which a nonrecurring fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall adjustment was recorded during the periods presented(in thousands):

December 31, 2014 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets        
Loans $  $  $83,541  $83,541 
Foreclosed properties          1,555   1,555 
Total $  $  $85,096  $85,096 
 
December 31, 2013                
Assets                
Loans $  $  $82,798  $82,798 
Foreclosed properties          3,747   3,747 
Total $  $  $86,545  $86,545 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued
.

December 31, 2017 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Loans $-  $-  $6,905  $6,905 
                 
December 31, 2016                
Loans $-  $-  $7,179  $7,179 

Loans that are reported above as being measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are generally impaired loans that have either been partially charged off or have specific reserves assigned to them. Nonaccrual impaired loans that are collateral dependent are generally written down to 80% of appraised value which considers the estimated costs to sell. Specific reserves are established for impaired loans based on appraised value of collateral or discounted cash flows.  Foreclosed properties that are included above as measured atflows, although only those specific reserves based on the fair value on aof collateral are considered nonrecurring basis are those properties that resulted from a loan that had been charged down or have been written down subsequent to foreclosure.  Foreclosed properties are generally recorded at the lower of 80% of appraisedfair value or 90% of the asking price which considers the estimated cost to sell.


adjustments.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

For financial instruments that have quoted market prices, those quotes are used to determine fair value. Financial instruments that have no defined maturity, have a remaining maturity of 180 days or less, or reprice frequently to a market rate, are assumed to have a fair value that approximates reported book value, after taking into consideration any applicable credit risk. If no market quotes are available, financial instruments are valued by discounting the expected cash flows using an estimated current market interest rate for the financial instrument. For off-balance sheet derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that United would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.


United’s cash

Cash and cash equivalents and repurchase agreements have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. The fair value of securities available-for-sale equals the balance sheet value. Due to the short-term settlement of accrued interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount closely approximates fair value.


Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect the premium or discount on any particular financial instrument that could result from the sale of United’s entire holdings. Because no ready market exists for a significant portion of United’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.


Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the mortgage banking operation, brokerage network, deferred income taxes, premises and equipment and goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

126

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(24)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value, continued

Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) for which draws can be reasonably predicted are generally short-term and at variable rates. Therefore, both the carrying amount and the estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(23)    Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value, continued
Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value, continued

The carrying amount and fair values for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in United’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013sheets are as follows(in thousands):

  Carrying     Fair Value Level    
December 31, 2014 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets:          
Securities held to maturity $415,267  $  $425,233  $  $425,233 
Loans, net  4,600,500         4,549,027   4,710,559 
Mortgage loans held for sale  13,737      14,139      14,139 
 
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  6,326,513      6,328,264      6,328,264 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  270,125      270,125      270,125 
Long-term debt  129,865         132,814   132,814 
 
December 31, 2013                    
Assets:                    
Securities held to maturity  479,742      485,585      485,585 
Loans, net  4,252,504         4,165,591   4,165,591 
Mortgage loans held for sale  10,319      10,529      10,529 
 
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  6,201,505      6,204,815      6,204,815 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  120,125      120,125      120,125 
Long-term debt  129,865         130,262   130,262 
(24)    Subsequent Events
On January 27, 2015, United announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire MoneyTree Corporation (“MoneyTree“) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First National Bank (“FNB”). MoneyTree and FNB are headquartered in Lenoir City, Tennessee and FNB currently operates 10 branches in east Tennessee.  At December 31, 2014, FNB had $425 million in assets, $354 million in deposits and $253 million in loans.  The resulting combination will enhance both United’s position in key growth markets in east Tennessee and its ability to offer expanded banking products to FNB’s customer base.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, MoneyTree shareholders will receive merger consideration consisting of 80 percent common stock of United and 20 percent cash in the aggregate, with a fixed exchange ratio that is valued at approximately $52 million based on United’s January 27, 2015 closing price of $17.65 per share.  Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of MoneyTree’s shareholders.  The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.
108

  Carrying  Fair Value Level 
December 31, 2017 Amount  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets:               
Securities held to maturity $321,094  $-  $321,276  $-  $321,276 
Loans, net  7,676,658   -   -   7,674,460   7,674,460 
Loans held for sale  6,482   -   6,514   -   6,514 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  9,807,697   -   9,809,264   -   9,809,264 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  504,651   -   504,460   -   504,460 
Long-term debt  120,545   -   -   123,844   123,844 
                     
December 31, 2016                    
Assets:                    
Securities held to maturity $329,843  $-  $333,170  $-  $333,170 
Loans, net  6,859,214   -   -   6,824,229   6,824,229 
Loans held for sale  1,987   -   2,018   -   2,018 
Residential mortgage servicing rights  4,372   -   -   5,175   5,175 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Deposits  8,637,558   -   8,635,811   -   8,635,811 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances  709,209   -   709,174   -   709,174 
Long-term debt  175,078   -   -   175,750   175,750 

 127

 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(25)Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only)
Statement

Statements of Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012

2015

(in thousands)

       
  2014  2013  2012 
       
Dividends from bank and other subsidiaries $132,000  $50,000  $ 
Shared service fees from subsidiaries  8,057   6,764   6,714 
Other  424   1,217   1,169 
Total income  140,481   57,981   7,883 
             
Interest expense  11,550   10,977   10,201 
Other expense  9,868   8,658   8,717 
Total expenses  21,418   19,635   18,918 
Income tax benefit  2,357   24,862   398 
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed loss of subsidiaries  121,420   63,208   (10,637)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries  (53,800)  209,932   44,493 
Net income $67,620  $273,140  $33,856 

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Dividends from bank $103,200  $41,500  $77,500 
Dividends from other subsidiaries  -   -   3,500 
Shared service fees from subsidiaries  10,481   8,476   7,628 
Other  1,078   685   123 
Total income  114,759   50,661   88,751 
             
Interest expense  10,258   11,209   10,385 
Other expense  14,960   11,380   11,185 
Total expenses  25,218   22,589   21,570 
             
Income tax benefit  1,447   6,717   1,709 
Income before equity in undistributed (loss) earnings of subsidiaries  90,988   34,789   68,890 
Equity in undistributed (loss) earnings of subsidiaries  (23,167)  65,867   2,688 
Net income $67,821  $100,656  $71,578 

Balance Sheet

Sheets

As of December 31, 20142017 and 2013

2016

(in thousands)

Assets      
       
  2017  2016 
         
Cash $26,054  $42,980 
Investment in bank  1,390,490   1,201,868 
Investment in other subsidiaries  4,744   3,731 
Other assets  20,578   17,800 
Total assets $1,441,866  $1,266,379 
         
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity        
         
Long-term debt $120,545  $175,078 
Other liabilities  17,987   15,566 
Total liabilities  138,532   190,644 
Shareholders' equity  1,303,334   1,075,735 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,441,866  $1,266,379 

128

Assets
     
  2014  2013 
     
Cash $31,967  $36,338 
Investment in subsidiaries  816,919   869,665 
Other assets  32,295   34,972 
Total assets $881,181  $940,975 
         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity        
         
Long-term debt $129,865  $129,865 
Other liabilities  11,739   15,395 
Total liabilities  141,604   145,260 
Shareholders’ equity  739,577   795,715 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $881,181  $940,975 

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(25)Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Only), continued
Statement

Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012

2015

(in thousands)

  2014  2013  2012 
Operating activities:      
Net income $67,620  $273,140  $33,856 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in            
operating activities:            
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries  53,800   (209,932)  (44,493)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion  22   82   142 
Stock-based compensation  4,304   3,045   1,976 
Change in assets and liabilities:            
Other assets  2,529   (29,168)  21,722 
Other liabilities  (9,177)  5,682   (20,483)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  119,098   42,849   (7,280)
 
Investing activities:            
Purchases and disposal of premises and equipment  (44)      
Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale  537   586    
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  493  586    
 
Financing activities:            
Repayment of subordinated notes     (35,000)  (30,500)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes     40,000   35,000 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans  469   796   894 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs  12,206       
Proceeds from exercise of warrant     19,389    
Repurchase of outstanding warrant  (12,000)      
Retirement of preferred stock  (121,613)  (75,217)   
Cash dividends on common stock  (1,810)      
Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock     (15)  (12)
Cash dividends on Series B preferred stock  (802)  (9,440)  (9,000)
Cash dividends on Series D preferred stock  (412)  (1,657)  (1,687)
 
Net cash used in financing activities  (123,962)  (61,144)  (5,305)
 
Net change in cash  (4,371)  (17,709)  (12,585)
 
Cash at beginning of year  36,338   54,047   66,632 
 
Cash at end of year $31,967  $36,338  $54,047 

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Operating activities:            
Net income $67,821  $100,656  $71,578 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Equity in undistributed loss (earnings) of the subsidiaries  23,167   (65,867)  (2,688)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion  36   23   26 
Loss on prepayment of debt  -   -   754 
Stock-based compensation  5,827   4,496   4,403 
Change in assets and liabilities:            
Other assets  1,184   14,305   515 
Other liabilities  (758)  (8,268)  1,087 
Net cash provided by operating activities  97,277   45,345   75,675 
             
Investing activities:            
Payment for acquisition  (11,034)  (11,209)  (76,893)
Purchases of premises and equipment  (708)  -   (12)
Purchase of available for sale securities  -   (1,125)  - 
Sales and paydowns of securities available for sale  -   -   250 
Net cash used in investing activities  (11,742)  (12,334)  (76,655)
             
Financing activities:            
Repayment of long-term debt  (75,000)  -   (48,521)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  -   -   83,924 
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes upon vesting of restricted stock  (1,701)  (1,189)  (1,483)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans  450   366   303 
Retirement of preferred stock  -   (9,992)  - 
Repurchase of common stock  -   (13,659)  - 
Cash dividends on common stock  (26,210)  (15,849)  (14,822)
Cash dividends on Series H preferred stock  -   (46)  (50)
             
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (102,461)  (40,369)  19,351 
             
Net change in cash  (16,926)  (7,358)  18,371 
             
Cash at beginning of year  42,980   50,338   31,967 
             
Cash at end of year $26,054  $42,980  $50,338 

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.129

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(26)Subsequent Events

Debt Issuance

On January 18, 2018, United issued $100 million of 4.5% Fixed to Floating Rate Subordinated notes due January 30, 2028 (the “Notes”). The Notes will initially bear interest at a rate of 4.500% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears, with interest commencing on the issue date, to, but excluding, January 30, 2023, and, thereafter, payable quarterly in arrears at an annual floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined for the applicable quarterly period, plus 2.120%. The notes are callable after five years and qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital.

Dividends Declared

On February 7, 2018, United’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share. The dividend is payable April 5, 2018 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2018.

Acquisition of NLFC Holding Corp.

On February 1, 2018, United completed its previously announced acquisition of NLFC Holdings Corp. (“NLFC”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Navitas Credit Corp (“Navitas”). Navitas is a specialty lending company providing equipment finance credit services to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. As of December 31, 2017, NLFC had total assets of $410 million and loans of $377 million.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, NLFC shareholders received $130 million in total consideration, $84.5 million of which was paid in cash and $45.7 million was paid in United common stock. United issued 1.44 million shares pursuant to the acquisition.

The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination, subject to the provisions of ASC 805-10-50,Business Combinations. Due to the timing of the acquisition, management is currently in the process of completing the purchase accounting and has not made all of the remaining disclosures required by ASC 805-10-50, such as the fair value of assets acquired and supplemental pro forma information, which will be disclosed in subsequent filings.

In January 2018, after announcement of its intention to acquire Navitas but prior to the completion of the acquisition, United purchased $19.9 million in loans from Navitas in a transaction separate from the business combination.

130
During the past two years,

ITEM 9.          CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

United did not have any change in or disagreements with its accountants on any matters of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosure.

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

ITEM 9A.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


United’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, supervised and participated in an evaluation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014.


2017.

Based on that evaluation, the 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 disclosures of that information under the SEC’s 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 under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified.


specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


No changes were made to United’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 20142017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, United’s internal control over financial reporting.


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


United’s management

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of United’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20142017 is included in Item 8 of this report under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION.

ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION.

There were no items required to be reported on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 20142017 that were not reported on Form 8-K.

131

PART III

ITEM 10.ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information contained under the headings “Information Regarding Nominees and Other Directors“Directors”, “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance“Compliance” in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for United’s 20142018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference. Pursuant to instruction 3 to paragraph (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K, information relating to the executive officers of United is included in Item 1 of this report.

ITEM 11.ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information contained under the heading “Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors” in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for United’s 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference.



ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information contained under the heading “Principal and Management Shareholders“Shareholders” and the “Equity Compensation Plan Information” table in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for United’s 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference. For purposes of determining the aggregate market value of United’s voting stock held by nonaffiliates, shares held by all directors and executive officers of United have been excluded. The exclusion of such shares is not intended to, and shall not, constitute a determination as to which persons or entities may be “Affiliates““Affiliates” of United as defined by the SEC.

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information contained under the heading “Corporate Governance – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for United’s 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANTACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information contained under the heading “Other Matters – Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”Accountants” in the Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the solicitation of proxies for United’s 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC, is incorporated herein by reference.

112

 132

 

PART IV

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)1.
Financial Statements..
   
  The following consolidated financial statements are located in Item 8 of this report:
   
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  Consolidated StatementStatements of Income - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,2017, 2016, and 20122015
  Consolidated Balance SheetSheets - December 31, 20142017 and 20132016
  Consolidated StatementStatements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,2017, 2016, and 20122015
  Consolidated StatementStatements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,2017, 2016, and 20122015
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.
Financial Statement Schedules.

Schedules to the consolidated financial statements are omitted, as the required information is not applicable.

3.Exhibits.

The following exhibits are required to be filed with this report by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

Exhibit No. Exhibit 
   
Schedules2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 22, 2015, by and between Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. and United Community Banks, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the consolidated financial statements are omitted, as the required information is not applicable.SEC on April 22, 2015).
   
3.2.2 
Exhibits.
The following exhibits are required to be filed with this report by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

Exhibit No.Exhibit
2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 27, 2015, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and MoneyTree Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to exhibitExhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on January 28, 2015).
   
3.12.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 4, 2016, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on April 4, 2016)
2.4Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 27, 2016, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2016, filed with the SEC on August 8, 2016
2.5Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 19, 2017, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and HCSB Financial Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-26995, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2017).
2.6Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 26, 2017, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-22787, filed with the SEC on June 27, 2017).
2.7Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 8, 2018, by and between United Community Banks, Inc., United Community Bank, Symph Acquisition Corp., NLFC Holdings Corp. and Shareholder Representative Services LLC (incorporated by reference herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on January 9, 2018).
3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation of United Community Banks, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011,2016, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2011)8, 2016).

 133 

3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Community Banks, Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011,2015, filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011)11, 2015).
   
4.1 

See Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of United Community Banks, Inc., as amended, and the Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, of United Community Banks, Inc., which define the rights of security holders.

4.2Indenture, dated August 14, 2015, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015).

4.3First Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture, dated August 14, 2015, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015).

4.4

Second Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture, dated August 14, 2015, by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015).

4.5Indenture, dated January 18, 2018, by and between United and The Bank of New York Mellon, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on January 23, 2018).
   
10.14.6 First Supplemental Indenture to the Indenture, dated January 18, 2018, by and between United and The Bank of New York Mellon, N.A., Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on January 23, 2018).
4.7Form of Indenture for Senior Indebtedness (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form S-3, File No. 333-203548, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2015).

4.8Form of Indenture for Subordinated Indebtedness (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form S-3, File No. 333-203548, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2015).

10.1United Community Banks, Inc.’s Profit Sharing Plan, amended and restated as of January 1, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-86876, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2002).*
   
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Profit Sharing Plan, dated as of March 15, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-86876, filed with the SEC on April 24, 2002).*
Exhibit No.Exhibit
   
10.3 Split-Dollar Agreement between United Community Banks, Inc. and Jimmy C. Tallent dated June 1, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-21656).*
   
10.4 

United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2007).*

10.5Amendment No. 1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan dated April 13, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on April 13, 2007).*
   
10.510.6 Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Agreement by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and Jimmy C. Tallent and H. Lynn Harton Rex S. Schuette, and Bill Gilbert (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009).*

134

10.7Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement by and between United Community Banks, Inc. and Jefferson L. Harrelson, Bill Gilbert, and Rob Edwards (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017, File No. 35095, filed with the SEC on May 5, 2017).*
   
10.610.8 United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated Modified Retirement Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009).*
   
10.710.9 United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009).*
   
10.810.10 United Community Banks, Inc. Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-3D, File No. 333-197026, filed with the SEC on June 25, 2014).*
   
10.910.11 United Community Banks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of December 20, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-130489, filed with the SEC on December 20, 2005).*
   
10.1010.12 United Community Banks, Inc.’s Management Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2007).*
   
10.1110.13 Amendment No. 12 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan dated April 13, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on April 13, 2007).*
10.12Investment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2011, between United Community Banks, Inc. and Corsair Georgia, L.P.20, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on March 17, 2011)May 24, 2012).*
Exhibit No.Exhibit
   
10.1310.14 Amendment No. 3 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Plan dated March 20, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on May 24, 2012).*
10.15Employment Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2012, between United Community Bank and H. Lynn Harton (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on September 19, 2012).*
   
10.1410.16 Credit Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2014, between United Community Banks, Inc. and Synovus Bank.Bank, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2017, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on August 4, 2017).

10.17Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015).*
10.18Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2015).*
10.19Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2017).*

10.20Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2017).*

135

10.21Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award for Key Employees (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013,2016, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014)27, 2017).*
   
10.1510.22 Form of IncentiveAmendment No. 4 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Amended and Restated 2000 Key Employee Stock Option Award Agreement.Plan dated March 18, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-35095, filed with the SEC on June 23, 2016).*
   
10.1614 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement.*
10.17Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.*
14Code of Ethical Conduct (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14 to United Community Banks, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 000-21656, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2004).
   
21 Subsidiaries of United.United Community Banks, Inc.
   
23.123 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
23.224 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of United (included on Signature Page)
   
31.1 Certification by Jimmy C. Tallent, Chairman 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,Jefferson L. Harrelson, 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.

101.INS** XBRL Report Instance Document
   
101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE** XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF** 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
**Indicates furnished herewith.

ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY.

Not applicable.

136

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, United has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Blairsville, State of Georgia, on the 27th day of February, 2015.

2018.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

(Registrant)

/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent /s/ Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson
Jimmy C. Tallent Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Alan H. Kumler  
Alan H. Kumler  
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer  
(Principal Accounting Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES


Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jimmy C. Tallent and W.C. Nelson, Jr.,Thomas A. Richlovsky, or either of them, as attorney-in-fact, with each having the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United and in the capacities set forth and on the 527th day of February, 2015.


2018.

/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent /s/ Robert BlalockL. Cathy Cox
Jimmy C. Tallent Robert BlalockL. Cathy Cox
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/ Clifford V. Brokaw
/s/ Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson Clifford V. Brokaw/s/ Kenneth L. Daniels
Rex S. SchuetteJefferson L. Harralson DirectorKenneth L. Daniels
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Director
(Principal Financial Officer)/s/ L. Cathy Cox
 L. Cathy Cox
/s/ Alan H. Kumler Director/s/ W.C. Nelson, Jr.
Alan H. Kumler W.C. Nelson, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer /s/ Steven J. GoldsteinDirector
(Principal Accounting Officer)Steven J. Goldstein
 Director
/s/ H. Lynn Harton /s/ David C. Shaver
H. Lynn Harton /s/ Thomas A. RichlovskyDavid C. Shaver
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director Director
/s/ Thomas A. Richlovsky/s/ Tim Wallis
Thomas A. Richlovsky 
Director
/s/ W.C. Nelson, Jr.
W. C. Nelson, Jr./s/ Tim Wallis
Lead Independent Director Director
 Tim Wallis 
/s/ Robert Blalock/s/ David H. Wilkins
Robert BlalockDavid H. Wilkins
DirectorDirector

137

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.Description
 
10.1521FormSubsidiaries of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement.United.
  
10.1623Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement.
 
10.17Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
21Subsidiaries of United.
23.1Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  
23.224Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
24Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of United (included on Signature Page).
  
31.1Certification by Jimmy C. Tallent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Community Banks, Inc., as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
31.2Certification by Rex S. Schuette,Jefferson L. Harralson, 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.
  
32Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

117138