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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2019
OR
 For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2019
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
  For the Transition Period from ___________ to ___________  
Commission file number 001-35095
Commission file number 001-35095
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1807304
(State of Incorporation)incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
125 Highway 515 East  
Blairsville,Georgia 30512
(Address of Principal Executive Officesprincipal executive offices) (Zip Code)code)
(706) 781-2265
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 (706) 781-2265 
Title of Each Class(Telephone Number)Trading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $1 per shareUCBINasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES ý NO ¨Yes No


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted 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 such files).
YES ý NO ¨Yes No


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


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


Common stock, par value $1 per share 79,039,39078,981,929 shares outstanding as of April 30,October 31, 2019.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $1 per shareUCBINasdaq Global Select Market
 






INDEX
 
    
 Item 1.  Financial Statements. 
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 



Part I – Financial Information

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2019 2018
     
Interest revenue:  
  
Loans, including fees $115,259
 $96,469
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,169 and $972 20,818
 18,295
Deposits in banks and short-term investments 439
 526
Total interest revenue 136,516
 115,290
     
Interest expense:    
Deposits:    
NOW and interest-bearing demand 3,536
 1,113
Money market 4,205
 2,175
Savings 32
 49
Time 8,184
 2,956
Total deposit interest expense 15,957
 6,293
Short-term borrowings 161
 300
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1,422
 2,124
Long-term debt 3,342
 3,288
Total interest expense 20,882
 12,005
Net interest revenue 115,634
 103,285
Provision for credit losses 3,300
 3,800
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses 112,334
 99,485
     
Noninterest income:    
Service charges and fees 8,453
 8,925
Mortgage loan and other related fees 3,748
 5,359
Brokerage fees 1,337
 872
Gains from sales of SBA/USDA loans 1,303
 1,778
Securities losses, net (267) (940)
Other 6,394
 6,402
Total noninterest income 20,968
 22,396
Total revenue 133,302
 121,881
     
Noninterest expenses:    
Salaries and employee benefits 47,503
 42,875
Communications and equipment 5,788
 4,632
Occupancy 5,584
 5,613
Advertising and public relations 1,286
 1,515
Postage, printing and supplies 1,586
 1,637
Professional fees 3,161
 4,044
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges 1,710
 2,476
Amortization of intangibles 1,293
 1,898
Merger-related and other charges 546
 2,054
Other 7,627
 6,731
Total noninterest expenses 76,084
 73,475
Net income before income taxes 57,218
 48,406
Income tax expense 12,956
 10,748
Net income $44,262
 $37,658
     
Net income available to common shareholders $43,947
 $37,381
     
Earnings per common share:    
Basic $0.55
 $0.47
Diluted 0.55
 0.47
Weighted average common shares outstanding:    
Basic 79,807
 79,205
Diluted 79,813
 79,215

See accompanying notesForward-looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and generally 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 or events, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of United Community Banks, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to consolidatedin this report as “United”).

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict as to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to the following factors:
the condition of the general business, political, and economic environment, banking system and financial markets and corresponding changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss policies associated with changes in these and other conditions;
strategic, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with our business;
changes in the interest rate environment, including interest rate changes made by the Federal Reserve, the discontinuation of London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as an interest rate benchmark, as well as cash flow reassessments may reduce net interest margin and/or the volumes and values of loans made or held as well as the value of other financial assets;
our lack of geographic diversification and the success of the local economies in which we operate;
the risks of expansion into new geographic or product markets;
risks with respect to our ability to successfully expand and complete acquisitions and integrate businesses and operations that are acquired;
our ability to attract and retain key employees;
competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers including financial technology providers and our ability to attract customers from other financial institutions;
losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our customers, third party service providers or employees;
cybersecurity risks and the vulnerability of United’s network and online banking portals, and the systems of parties with whom United contracts, to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches that could adversely affect our business and financial performance or reputation;
our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure and services required to operate our business;
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with regulatory initiatives and the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
the availability of and access to capital;
legislative, regulatory or accounting changes that may adversely affect us;
changes in the allowance for loan losses resulting from the adoption and implementation of the new Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology;
the costs, effects and outcomes of litigation, regulatory proceedings, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;
deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in loan losses and provisions for those losses that exceed our current allowance for loan losses; and
limitations on the ability of United Community Bank (the “Bank”) to pay dividends to the Holding Company, which could affect Holding Company liquidity, including the ability to pay dividends to shareholders or take other capital actions.

United cautions readers that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, is not necessarily in order of importance and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements also may be found in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. United does not intend to and hereby disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this Form 10-Q, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 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”) or any other regulator.





Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,
  
Before-tax
Amount
 
Tax 
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of Tax
Amount
2019      
Net income $57,218
 $(12,956) $44,262
Other comprehensive income:      
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding gains arising during period 33,174
 (8,049) 25,125
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income 267
 (68) 199
Net unrealized gains 33,441
 (8,117) 25,324
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity 84
 (20) 64
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments that were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges 102
 (26) 76
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan 174
 (44) 130
       
Total other comprehensive income 33,801
 (8,207) 25,594
       
Comprehensive income $91,019
 $(21,163) $69,856
       
2018      
Net income $48,406
 $(10,748) $37,658
Other comprehensive loss:      
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities:      
Unrealized holding losses arising during period (29,265) 7,155
 (22,110)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income 940
 (221) 719
Net unrealized losses (28,325) 6,934
 (21,391)
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity 222
 (54) 168
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments that were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges 147
 (38) 109
Defined benefit pension plan activity:      
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (5) 1
 (4)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan 227
 (58) 169
Net defined benefit pension plan activity 222
 (57) 165
       
Total other comprehensive loss (27,734) 6,785
 (20,949)
       
Comprehensive income $20,672
 $(3,963) $16,709

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands, except share data)  September 30,
2019
 December 31, 2018
    
ASSETS  
  
  
  
Cash and due from banks $118,659
 $126,083
 $108,389
 $126,083
Interest-bearing deposits in banks (includes restricted cash of $6.43 million and $6.70 million) 206,836
 201,182
Interest-bearing deposits in banks (includes restricted cash of $5,326 and $6,702) 252,670
 201,182
Cash and cash equivalents 325,495
 327,265
 361,059
 327,265
Debt securities available for sale 2,454,625
 2,628,467
 2,272,046
 2,628,467
Debt securities held to maturity (fair value $265,117 and $268,803) 265,329
 274,407
Debt securities held to maturity (fair value $248,546 and $268,803) 243,028
 274,407
Loans held for sale at fair value 26,341
 18,935
 54,625
 18,935
Loans and leases, net of unearned income 8,493,254
 8,383,401
 8,903,266
 8,383,401
Less allowance for loan and lease losses (61,642) (61,203) (62,514) (61,203)
Loans and leases, net 8,431,612
 8,322,198
 8,840,752
 8,322,198
Premises and equipment, net 214,022
 206,140
 215,435
 206,140
Bank owned life insurance 193,489
 192,616
 201,955
 192,616
Accrued interest receivable 35,126
 35,413
 33,233
 35,413
Net deferred tax asset 51,055
 64,224
 34,591
 64,224
Derivative financial instruments 25,924
 24,705
 43,755
 24,705
Goodwill and other intangible assets 322,779
 324,072
 343,340
 324,072
Other assets 160,030
 154,750
 165,667
 154,750
Total assets $12,505,827
 $12,573,192
 $12,809,486
 $12,573,192
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Liabilities:        
Deposits:        
Noninterest-bearing demand $3,313,861
 $3,210,220
 $3,527,815
 $3,210,220
NOW and interest-bearing demand 2,205,117
 2,274,775
Money market 2,106,045
 2,097,526
Savings 681,739
 669,886
Time 1,668,563
 1,598,391
Brokered 558,981
 683,715
Interest-bearing deposits 7,228,702
 7,324,293
Total deposits 10,534,306
 10,534,513
 10,756,517
 10,534,513
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 40,000
 160,000
 40,000
 160,000
Long-term debt 257,259
 267,189
 240,245
 267,189
Derivative financial instruments 18,789
 26,433
 16,244
 26,433
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 147,315
 127,503
 151,055
 127,503
Total liabilities 10,997,669
 11,115,638
 11,204,061
 11,115,638
Shareholders' equity:        
Common stock, $1 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized;
79,035,459 and 79,234,077 shares issued and outstanding
 79,035
 79,234
Common stock issuable; 621,491 and 674,499 shares 10,291
 10,744
Common stock, $1 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized;
78,974,199 and 79,234,077 shares issued and outstanding
 78,974
 79,234
Common stock issuable; 660,581 and 674,499 shares 11,327
 10,744
Capital surplus 1,494,400
 1,499,584
 1,495,267
 1,499,584
Accumulated deficit (59,573) (90,419)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,995) (41,589)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 5,594
 (90,419)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 14,263
 (41,589)
Total shareholders' equity 1,508,158
 1,457,554
 1,605,425
 1,457,554
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $12,505,827
 $12,573,192
 $12,809,486
 $12,573,192
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.statements (unaudited).




UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except share and per share data) Common Stock Common Stock Issuable Capital Surplus Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total
Balance, December 31, 2017 $77,580
 $9,083
 $1,451,814
 $(209,902) $(25,241) $1,303,334
Net income       37,658
   37,658
Other comprehensive loss         (20,949) (20,949)
Common stock issued to dividend
   reinvestment plan and employee benefit
   plans (5,204 shares)
 5
   139
     144
Common stock issued for acquisition
   (1,443,987 shares)
 1,444
   44,302
     45,746
Amortization of stock option and restricted
   stock awards
     1,148
     1,148
Vesting of restricted stock and exercise
   of stock options, net of shares surrendered to
   cover payroll taxes (48,310 shares issued,
   46,074 shares deferred)
 48
 850
 (1,725)     (827)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including
  dividend equivalents
   143
       143
Shares issued from deferred compensation
   plan, net of shares surrendered to cover
   payroll taxes (45,558 shares)
 46
 (684) 629
     (9)
Common stock dividends ($0.12 per share)       (9,633)   (9,633)
Balance, March 31, 2018 $79,123
 $9,392
 $1,496,307
 $(181,877) $(46,190) $1,356,755
             
Balance, December 31, 2018 $79,234
 $10,744
 $1,499,584
 $(90,419) $(41,589) $1,457,554
Net income       44,262
   44,262
Other comprehensive income         25,594
 25,594
Exercise of stock options (12,000 shares) 12
   185
     197
Common stock issued to dividend
   reinvestment plan and employee benefit
   plans (8,445 shares)
 8
   178
     186
Amortization of restricted stock awards     1,985
     1,985
Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares
   surrendered to cover payroll taxes (15,945
   shares issued, 19,450 shares deferred)
 16
 532
 (865)     (317)
Purchases of common stock (305,052 shares) (305)   (7,535)     (7,840)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including
   dividend equivalents
   185
       185
Shares issued from deferred compensation
   plan, net of shares surrendered to cover
   payroll taxes (70,044 shares)
 70
 (1,170) 868
     (232)
Common stock dividends ($0.16 per share)       (12,867)   (12,867)
Adoption of new accounting standard       (549)   (549)
Balance, March 31, 2019 $79,035
 $10,291
 $1,494,400
 $(59,573) $(15,995) $1,508,158
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Interest revenue:  
  
    
Loans, including fees $122,645
 $108,335
 $357,575
 $308,296
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,118 and $1,052, and $3,409 and $3,049 17,744
 19,899
 57,638
 56,448
Deposits in banks and short-term investments 226
 487
 1,074
 1,482
Total interest revenue 140,615
 128,721
 416,287
 366,226
         
Interest expense:        
Deposits 17,113
 10,941
 50,185
 25,353
Short-term borrowings 429
 274
 838
 772
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 521
 1,791
 2,695
 5,551
Long-term debt 3,214
 3,605
 9,813
 10,679
Total interest expense 21,277
 16,611
 63,531
 42,355
Net interest revenue 119,338
 112,110
 352,756
 323,871
Provision for credit losses 3,100
 1,800
 9,650
 7,400
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses 116,238
 110,310
 343,106
 316,471
         
Noninterest income:        
Service charges and fees 9,916
 9,112
 27,429
 26,831
Mortgage loan and other related fees 8,658
 5,262
 17,750
 15,928
Brokerage fees 1,699
 1,525
 4,624
 3,598
Gains from sales of SBA/USDA loans 1,639
 2,605
 4,412
 6,784
Securities gains (losses), net 
 2
 (118) (1,302)
Other 7,119
 5,674
 20,433
 18,077
Total noninterest income 29,031
 24,180
 74,530
 69,916
Total revenue 145,269
 134,490
 417,636
 386,387
         
Noninterest expenses:        
Salaries and employee benefits 50,501
 47,146
 146,161
 135,384
Communications and equipment 6,223
 5,590
 18,233
 15,071
Occupancy 5,921
 5,779
 17,424
 16,939
Advertising and public relations 1,374
 1,442
 4,256
 4,341
Postage, printing and supplies 1,618
 1,574
 4,733
 4,896
Professional fees 4,715
 3,927
 11,930
 11,435
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges 314
 2,228
 3,571
 6,677
Amortization of intangibles 1,210
 1,681
 3,845
 5,426
Merger-related and other charges 2,541
 115
 6,981
 4,449
Other 8,507
 8,236
 23,687
 23,425
Total noninterest expenses 82,924
 77,718
 240,821
 228,043
Net income before income taxes 62,345
 56,772
 176,815
 158,344
Income tax expense 13,983
 13,090
 40,106
 37,370
Net income $48,362
 $43,682
 $136,709
 $120,974
         
Net income available to common shareholders $48,011
 $43,381
 $135,727
 $120,124
         
Net income per common share:        
Basic $0.60
 $0.54
 $1.70
 $1.51
Diluted 0.60
 0.54
 1.70
 1.51
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic 79,663
 79,806
 79,714
 79,588
Diluted 79,667
 79,818
 79,718
 79,598


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.statements (unaudited). 




UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands) 2019 2018
Operating activities:  
  
Net income $44,262
 $37,658
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 6,373
 10,487
Provision for credit losses 3,300
 3,800
Stock based compensation 1,985
 1,148
Deferred income tax expense 658
 10,225
Securities losses, net 267
 940
Gains from sales of SBA/USDA loans (1,303) (1,778)
Net (gains) losses and write downs on sales of other real estate owned (45) 188
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Other assets and accrued interest receivable (6,206) (385)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (5,994) 1,371
Loans held for sale (7,406) 8,833
Net cash provided by operating activities 35,891
 72,487
     
Investing activities:    
Debt securities held to maturity:    
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity 9,049
 13,832
Purchases of securities held to maturity 
 (4,781)
Debt securities available for sale and equity securities:    
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 178,604
 113,961
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale 60,779
 85,331
Purchases of securities available for sale (34,729) (30,161)
Net increase in loans (90,380) (79,404)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment 105
 195
Purchases of premises and equipment (11,686) (6,107)
Net cash paid for acquisition 
 (56,800)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 974
 957
Net cash provided by investing activities 112,716
 37,023
     
Financing activities:    
Net change in deposits 117
 186,089
Net change in short-term borrowings 
 (264,923)
Repayment of long-term debt (10,110) (12,309)
Proceeds from FHLB advances 780,000
 760,000
Repayment of FHLB advances (900,000) (830,000)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt, net of issuance costs 
 98,188
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans 186
 144
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 197
 
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes upon vesting of restricted stock (549) (836)
Repurchase of common stock (7,342) 
Cash dividends on common stock (12,876) (7,885)
Net cash used in financing activities (150,377) (71,532)
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash (1,770) 37,978
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period 327,265
 314,275
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period $325,495
 $352,253
     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:    
Interest paid $22,963
 $13,069
Income taxes paid 939
 811
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:    
Unsettled securities purchases 
 4,790
Unsettled government guaranteed loan sales 13,934
 14,240
Transfers of loans to foreclosed properties 751
 625
Unsettled repurchases of common stock 498
 
Acquisitions:    
Assets acquired 
 480,679
Liabilities assumed 
 350,433
Net assets acquired 
 130,246
Common stock issued in acquisitions 
 45,746
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
Before-tax
Amount
 
Tax 
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of Tax
Amount
 
Before-tax
Amount
 
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of Tax
Amount
2019            
Net income $62,345
 $(13,983) $48,362
 $176,815
 $(40,106) $136,709
Other comprehensive income:            
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:            
Unrealized holding gains arising during period 8,014
 (1,897) 6,117
 70,944
 (17,194) 53,750
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income 
 
 
 118
 (30) 88
Net unrealized gains 8,014
 (1,897) 6,117
 71,062
 (17,224) 53,838
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity 105
 (25) 80
 282
 (67) 215
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments that were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges 
 
 
 337
 (86) 251
Defined benefit pension plan activity:            
Termination of defined benefit pension plan 1,558
 (398) 1,160
 1,558
 (398) 1,160
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan 174
 (45) 129
 521
 (133) 388
Net defined benefit pension plan activity 1,732
 (443) 1,289
 2,079
 (531) 1,548
Total other comprehensive income 9,851
 (2,365) 7,486
 73,760
 (17,908) 55,852
Comprehensive income $72,196
 $(16,348) $55,848
 $250,575
 $(58,014) $192,561
             
2018            
Net income $56,772
 $(13,090) $43,682
 $158,344
 $(37,370) $120,974
Other comprehensive loss:            
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities:            
Unrealized holding losses arising during period (14,022) 3,397
 (10,625) (52,860) 12,861
 (39,999)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income (2) 5
 3
 1,302
 (312) 990
Net unrealized losses (14,024) 3,402
 (10,622) (51,558) 12,549
 (39,009)
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity 168
 (40) 128
 607
 (149) 458
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments that were previously accounted for as cash flow hedges 105
 (27) 78
 395
 (103) 292
Defined benefit pension plan activity:            
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan 
 
 
 (5) 1
 (4)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan 227
 (57) 170
 681
 (188) 493
Net defined benefit pension plan activity 227
 (57) 170
 676
 (187) 489
Total other comprehensive loss (13,524) 3,278
 (10,246) (49,880) 12,110
 (37,770)
Comprehensive income $43,248
 $(9,812) $33,436
 $108,464
 $(25,260) $83,204

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. statements (unaudited).


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except share and per share data) Common Stock Common Stock Issuable Capital Surplus Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Common Stock Common Stock Issuable Capital Surplus Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total
2019                        
Balance at beginning of period $79,075
 $10,858
 $1,498,740
 $(29,116) $6,777
 $1,566,334
 $79,234
 $10,744
 $1,499,584
 $(90,419) $(41,589) $1,457,554
Net income       48,362
   48,362
       136,709
   136,709
Other comprehensive income         7,486
 7,486
         55,852
 55,852
Exercise of stock options (12,000 shares)           
 12
   185
     197
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and
employee benefit plans 34,190 and 76,613
shares, respectively)
 34
   879
     913
 76
   1,928
     2,004
Amortization of restricted stock awards     1,678
     1,678
     7,680
     7,680
Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares surrendered to
cover payroll taxes (60,199 and 81,178 shares issued,
respectively, and 14,919 and 51,580 shares deferred,
respectively)
 60
 356
 (1,046)     (630) 81
 1,365
 (2,468)     (1,022)
Purchases of common stock (195,443 and 500,495 shares, respectively) (195)   (4,985)     (5,180) (500)   (12,520)     (13,020)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend
equivalents
   114
       114
   406
       406
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan, net of
shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (34 and 70,826
shares, respectively)
 
 (1) 1
     
 71
 (1,188) 878
     (239)
Common stock dividends ($0.17 and $0.50 per share,
respectively)
       (13,652)   (13,652)       (40,147)   (40,147)
Adoption of new accounting standard           
       (549)   (549)
Balance, September 30, 2019 $78,974
 $11,327
 $1,495,267
 $5,594
 $14,263
 $1,605,425
 $78,974
 $11,327
 $1,495,267
 $5,594
 $14,263
 $1,605,425
2018                        
Balance at beginning of period $79,138
 $9,509
 $1,497,517
 $(154,290) $(52,765) $1,379,109
 $77,580
 $9,083
 $1,451,814
 $(209,902) $(25,241) $1,303,334
Net income       43,682
   43,682
       120,974
   120,974
Other comprehensive loss         (10,246) (10,246)         (37,770) (37,770)
Exercise of stock options (12,000 shares) 

   

     
 12
   130
     142
Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and
employee benefit plans 7,903 and 17,756 shares,
respectively)
 8
   211
     219
 18
   486
     504
Common stock issued for acquisition (1,443,987 shares) 

   

     
 1,444
   44,302
     45,746
Amortization of stock option and restricted stock awards     1,799
     1,799
     4,075
     4,075
Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares surrendered to
cover payroll taxes (54,551 and 100,960 shares issued,
respectively, 32,437 and 79,856 shares deferred,
respectively)
 54
 589
 (1,363)     (720) 100
 1,473
 (3,279)     (1,706)
Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend
equivalents
   110
       110
   344
       344
Shares issued from deferred compensation plan, net of
shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (2,215 and
48,215 shares, respectively)
 2
 (37) 35
     
 48
 (729) 671
     (10)
Common stock dividends ($0.15 and $0.42 per
share, respectively)
       (12,071)   (12,071)       (33,751)   (33,751)
Balance, September 30, 2018 $79,202
 $10,171
 $1,498,199
 $(122,679) $(63,011) $1,401,882
 $79,202
 $10,171
 $1,498,199
 $(122,679) $(63,011) $1,401,882
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands) 2019 2018
Operating activities:  
  
Net income $136,709
 $120,974
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 18,009
 24,486
Provision for credit losses 9,650
 7,400
Stock based compensation 7,680
 4,075
Deferred income tax expense 12,149
 36,335
Securities losses, net 118
 1,302
Gains from sales of other loans (4,783) (6,784)
Net (gains) losses on sales and write downs of other real estate owned (307) 316
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Other assets and accrued interest receivable (47,236) (13,515)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (188) 17,593
Loans held for sale (35,690) 8,001
Net cash provided by operating activities 96,111
 200,183
     
Investing activities:    
Debt securities held to maturity:    
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity 39,787
 47,325
Purchases of securities held to maturity (8,499) (11,983)
Debt securities available for sale and equity securities:    
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 225,883
 156,679
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale 238,514
 249,750
Purchases of securities available for sale and equity securities (45,629) (425,093)
Net increase in loans (296,076) (123,438)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment 5,870
 4,126
Purchases of premises and equipment (16,532) (14,449)
Net cash paid for acquisition (19,545) (56,800)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 2,344
 3,645
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 126,117
 (170,238)
     
Financing activities:    
Net increase in deposits 10,538
 422,622
Net decrease in short-term borrowings 
 (264,923)
Repayment of long-term debt (27,500) (53,503)
Proceeds from FHLB advances 1,625,000
 2,240,000
Repayment of FHLB advances (1,745,000) (2,444,003)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt, net of issuance costs 
 98,188
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans 2,004
 504
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 197
 142
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes upon vesting of restricted stock (1,261) (1,716)
Repurchase of common stock (13,020) 
Cash dividends on common stock (39,392) (29,563)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (188,434) (32,252)
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash 33,794
 (2,307)
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period 327,265
 314,275
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period $361,059
 $311,968
     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:    
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:    
Unsettled government guaranteed loan sales $6,850
 $25,680
Transfers of loans to foreclosed properties 853
 2,063
Unsettled securities purchases 
 15,450
Unsettled government guaranteed loan purchases 
 5,214
Acquisitions:    
Assets acquired 264,937
 480,679
Liabilities assumed 212,844
 350,433
Net assets acquired 52,093
 130,246
Common stock issued in acquisitions 
 45,746

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited). 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)






Note 1 – Accounting Policies
 
The accounting and financial reporting policies of United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “United”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and reporting guidelines of banking regulatory authorities and regulators. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have not been audited. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. A more detailed description of United’s accounting policies is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 (the “2018 10-K”).
 
In management’s opinion, all accounting adjustments necessary to accurately reflect the financial position and results of operations on the accompanying financial statements have been made. These adjustments are normal and recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair and accurate statement.presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any other interim periods. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in United’s 2018 10-K. Certain amounts reported in prior periods' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


Note 2 –Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards
 
Accounting Standards Updates
 
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This guidance was further modified in November 2018 by ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. Losses, in April 2019 by ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825 Financial Instruments and in May 2019 by ASU No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology, and requires consideration of a broader range of information to determine credit loss estimates.estimates and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost and some off-balance sheet credit exposures. 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 deteriorated (“PCD”) 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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30 (“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 impact. During the firstthird quarter of 2019, management’s CECL steering committee analyzed the results of ongoing parallel runs for both securities held to maturity and loans and continued to monitor the processimpact of populating relevant data, building modelsvarious model assumptions in order to improve the precision of the model. The committee remains focused on developing its CECL policy, procedures, and documenting processes and controlsinternal control structure in preparation for adoption of Topic 326. During the remainder of 2019,the pre-adoption period, management plans towill run multipleadditional parallel runs of the allowance model under the expected credit loss methodology, starting with a loan-focused parallel run using first quarter data. Management will incrementally widen the scope of model runs thereafter until a full CECL run is completed.methodology. During monthly steering committee meetings, management regularly reviews project status, gap remediation efforts and project priorities.


As referenced above, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825 Financial Instruments. In addition to amending guidance related to the new CECL standard, this update clarifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The non-CECL provisions of this update are effective for United as of January 1, 2020. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Standards


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This guidance was further modified by ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842 Leases, ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors andASU No. 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These standards require a lessee to recognize in the consolidated balance sheet 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. United adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method, which allowed for a modified retrospective method of adoption with a cumulative
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


effect adjustment to shareholders’ equity without restating comparable periods. United also elected the relief package of practical expedients for which there is no requirement to reassess existence of leases, their classification, and initial direct costs as well as an exemption for short-term leases with a term of less than one year, whereby United does not recognize a lease liability or right-of-use asset on the consolidated balance sheet but instead recognizes lease payments as an expense over the lease term as appropriate. The adoption of this guidance resulted in recognition of a right-of-use asset of $23.8 million, a lease liability of $26.8 million and a reduction of shareholders’ equity of $549,000, net of tax, related to its operating leases. In addition, United has equipment financing leases for which it is the lessor, which were previously accounted for as capital leases. Upon adoption of Topic 842, these leases were classified as sales-type or direct financing leases, which required no significant change in accounting policy or treatment. These lease agreements may include options to renew and for the lessee to purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term. As a lessor, United elected to exclude sales taxes from consideration in lease contracts. In the opinion of management, the changes described above resulting from the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. See Notes 56 and 1416 for additional information on directequipment financing leases and operating leases, respectively.

In July of 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-07, Codification updates to SEC sections: amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC final rule releases No. 33-10532, disclosure update and simplification, and nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, investment company reporting modernization, and miscellaneous updates. This standard updates various SEC financial statement disclosure requirements, including disclosures related to bank holding companies. The standard is effective immediately, and United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its disclosures.

Note 3 – Acquisitions

Acquisition of First Madison Bank and Trust
On May 1, 2019, United completed the acquisition of First Madison Bank & Trust (“FMBT”). FMBT operated 4 banking offices in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. In connection with the acquisition, United acquired $245 million of assets and assumed $213 million of liabilities. Under the terms of the merger agreement, FMBT shareholders received $52.1 million in 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 $20.3 million, representing the intangible value of FMBT’s business and reputation within the markets it served. NaN of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. United will amortize the related core deposit intangible of $2.80 million using the sum-of-the-years-digits method over 9.25 years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset. 

United’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of May 1, 2019.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




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
FMBT
 
Fair Value
Adjustments (1)
 
As Recorded by
United
Assets     
Cash and cash equivalents$32,548
 
 $32,548
Loans197,682
 (5,188) 192,494
Allowance for loan losses(6,338) 6,338
 
Premises and equipment, net7,124
 1,400
 8,524
Bank owned life insurance6,823
 
 6,823
Net deferred tax asset1,386
 (1,229) 157
Core deposit intangible
 2,800
 2,800
Other assets1,032
 246
 1,278
Total assets acquired$240,257
 $4,367
 $244,624
Liabilities     
Deposits$211,884
 $243
 $212,127
Other liabilities924
 (207) 717
Total liabilities assumed212,808
 36
 212,844
Excess of assets acquired over liabilities assumed$27,449
    
Aggregate fair value adjustments  $4,331
  
Total identifiable net assets    31,780
Cash consideration transferred    52,093
Goodwill    $20,313

(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):
  May 1, 2019 
 Accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30:  
 Contractually required principal and interest$13,145
 
 Non-accretable difference2,517
 
 Cash flows expected to be collected10,628
 
 Accretable yield1,300
 
 Fair value$9,328
 
    
 Excluded from ASC 310-30:  
 Fair value$183,166
 
 Gross contractual amounts receivable218,855
 
 Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected8,826
 

 
Pro forma information
United acquired NLFC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, collectively known as “Navitas,” on February 1, 2018, as described in United’s 2018 10-K. The following table discloses the impact of the acquisitions of FMBT and Navitas since the acquisition dates through September 30 in the year of acquisition. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if FMBT had been acquired on January 1, 2018 and Navitas had been acquired on January 1, 2017. These results combine the historical results of the acquired entities with United’s consolidated statement of income and, while 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.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Merger-related costs from the FMBT acquisition of $756,000 and $1.78 million, respectively, have been excluded from the three and nine months 2019 pro forma information presented below and included in the three and nine months 2018 pro forma information below. Merger-related costs from the Navitas acquisition of $103,000 and $4.93 million, respectively, have been excluded from the three and nine months 2018 pro forma information presented below. The actual results and pro forma information were as follows (in thousands):
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Revenue Net Income Revenue Net Income
2019        
Actual FMBT results included in statement of income since acquisition date $2,697
 $1,403
 $5,024
 $2,590
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if FMBT had been acquired January 1, 2018 144,881
 48,653
 420,872
 138,157
         
2018        
Actual Navitas results included in statement of income since acquisition date $7,006
 $1,884
 $17,243
 $5,380
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if FMBT had been acquired January 1, 2018 and Navitas had been acquired January 1, 2017 138,036
 44,846
 399,692
 124,599


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Note 34 – 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 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, of which there were none as of March 31,September 30, 2019, and derivative financial instruments including those entered into in connection with the same counterparty under master netting agreements as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   Gross Amounts not Offset in the Balance Sheet  
September 30, 2019   Net Asset Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
Derivatives $43,755
 $
 $43,755
 $(122) $
 $43,633
Total $43,755
 $
 $43,755
 $(122) $
 $43,633
             
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet Net Liability Balance 
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
     
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Pledged
 
Net
Amount
Derivatives $16,244
 $
 $16,244
 $(122) $(16,316) $
Total $16,244
 $
 $16,244
 $(122) $(16,316) $
             
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
December 31, 2018   Net Asset Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $50,000
 $(50,000) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives 24,705
 
 24,705
 (973) (8,029) 15,703
Total $74,705
 $(50,000) $24,705
 $(973) $(8,029) $15,703
             
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements 3.20%          
 
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
    Net Liability Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Pledged
 
Net
Amount
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $50,000
 $(50,000) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives 26,433
 
 26,433
 (973) (16,126) 9,334
Total $76,433
 $(50,000) $26,433
 $(973) $(16,126) $9,334
             
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements 2.45%          
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   Gross Amounts not Offset in the Balance Sheet  
March 31, 2019   Net Asset Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
Derivatives $25,924
 $
 $25,924
 $(2,295) $(1,797) $21,832
Total $25,924
 $
 $25,924
 $(2,295) $(1,797) $21,832
             
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet Net Liability Balance 
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
     
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Pledged
 
Net
Amount
Derivatives $18,789
 $
 $18,789
 $(2,295) $(11,870) $4,624
Total $18,789
 $
 $18,789
 $(2,295) $(11,870) $4,624
             
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
December 31, 2018   Net Asset Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Received
 
Net
Amount
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $50,000
 $(50,000) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives 24,705
 
 24,705
 (973) (8,029) 15,703
Total $74,705
 $(50,000) $24,705
 $(973) $(8,029) $15,703
             
Weighted average interest rate of reverse repurchase agreements 3.20%          
 
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet   
Gross Amounts not Offset
in the Balance Sheet
  
    Net Liability Balance 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
Pledged
 
Net
Amount
Repurchase agreements / reverse repurchase agreements $50,000
 $(50,000) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivatives 26,433
 
 26,433
 (973) (16,126) 9,334
Total $76,433
 $(50,000) $26,433
 $(973) $(16,126) $9,334
             
Weighted average interest rate of repurchase agreements 2.45%          

  
At March 31,September 30, 2019, United recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $11.9 million and the obligation to return$16.3 million. At September 30, 2019 there was 0 cash collateral of $1.80 million.held for derivatives. At December 31, 2018, United recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $16.1 million and the obligation to return cash collateral of $8.03 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. Derivatives include customer derivatives, which as discussed further in Note 9, are cross-collateralized with the collateral used to support the credit risk for the underlying lending relationship. Such collateral is not included in the tables above.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The following table presents additional detail regarding repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings and the securities underlying these agreements as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands).
  Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 to 90 Days 91 to 110 days Total
Mortgage-backed securities $
 $
 $50,000
 $
 $50,000
Total $
 $
 $50,000
 $
 $50,000
           
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements in offsetting disclosure  
 $50,000
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure  
  
 $
  Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
  Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 Days 30 to 90 Days 91 to 110 days Total
Mortgage-backed securities $
 $
 $50,000
 $
 $50,000
           
Total $
 $
 $50,000
 $
 $50,000
           
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements in offsetting disclosure  
 $50,000
Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosure  
  
 $

 
United is obligated to promptly transfer additional securities if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase agreement price. United manages this risk by maintaining an unpledged securities portfolio that it believes is sufficient to cover a decline in the market value of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase.
 
Note 45 – Securities


The amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of debt securities held-to-maturity as of the dates indicated are as follows (in thousands).
 
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 
Fair
Value
As of September 30, 2019       
State and political subdivisions$61,251
 $3,308
 $
 $64,559
Residential mortgage-backed securities163,603
 2,532
 597
 165,538
Commercial mortgage-backed securities18,174
 331
 56
 18,449
Total$243,028
 $6,171
 $653
 $248,546
        
As of December 31, 2018       
State and political subdivisions$68,551
 $952
 $2,191
 $67,312
Residential mortgage-backed securities176,488
 652
 5,094
 172,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities29,368
 173
 96
 29,445
Total$274,407
 $1,777
 $7,381
 $268,803
 
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 
Fair
Value
As of March 31, 2019       
        
State and political subdivisions$65,519
 $1,443
 $456
 $66,506
Residential mortgage-backed securities170,980
 1,078
 2,532
 169,526
Commercial mortgage-backed securities28,830
 323
 68
 29,085
Total$265,329
 $2,844
 $3,056
 $265,117
        
As of December 31, 2018       
        
State and political subdivisions$68,551
 $952
 $2,191
 $67,312
Residential mortgage-backed securities176,488
 652
 5,094
 172,046
Commercial mortgage-backed securities29,368
 173
 96
 29,445
Total$274,407
 $1,777
 $7,381
 $268,803


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)





The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated are presented below (in thousands).
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
As of September 30, 2019       
U.S. Treasuries$152,759
 $1,873
 $
 $154,632
U.S. Government agencies2,972
 203
 
 3,175
State and political subdivisions215,159
 12,166
 
 227,325
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,236,101
 22,154
 1,622
 1,256,633
Commercial mortgage-backed securities318,815
 3,783
 133
 322,465
Corporate bonds200,246
 1,291
 342
 201,195
Asset-backed securities106,729
 762
 870
 106,621
Total$2,232,781
 $42,232
 $2,967
 $2,272,046
        
As of December 31, 2018       
U.S. Treasuries$150,712
 $767
 $2,172
 $149,307
U.S. Government agencies25,493
 335
 275
 25,553
State and political subdivisions234,750
 907
 1,716
 233,941
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,464,380
 3,428
 21,898
 1,445,910
Commercial mortgage-backed securities399,663
 187
 7,933
 391,917
Corporate bonds200,582
 502
 1,921
 199,163
Asset-backed securities184,683
 328
 2,335
 182,676
Total$2,660,263
 $6,454
 $38,250
 $2,628,467
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
As of March 31, 2019       
        
U.S. Treasuries$142,409
 $22
 $576
 $141,855
U.S. Government agencies4,812
 292
 3
 5,101
State and political subdivisions217,120
 5,124
 64
 222,180
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,414,612
 9,222
 9,749
 1,414,085
Commercial mortgage-backed securities345,198
 432
 2,291
 343,339
Corporate bonds200,471
 506
 301
 200,676
Asset-backed securities128,359
 183
 1,153
 127,389
Total$2,452,981
 $15,781
 $14,137
 $2,454,625
        
As of December 31, 2018       
        
U.S. Treasuries$150,712
 $767
 $2,172
 $149,307
U.S. Government agencies25,493
 335
 275
 25,553
State and political subdivisions234,750
 907
 1,716
 233,941
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,464,380
 3,428
 21,898
 1,445,910
Commercial mortgage-backed securities399,663
 187
 7,933
 391,917
Corporate bonds200,582
 502
 1,921
 199,163
Asset-backed securities184,683
 328
 2,335
 182,676
Total$2,660,263
 $6,454
 $38,250
 $2,628,467

 
Securities with a carrying value of $842$724 million and $925 million were pledged to secure public deposits, derivatives and other secured borrowings at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


 The following table summarizes debt securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
As of September 30, 2019           
Residential mortgage-backed securities$2,597
 $12
 $55,776
 $585
 $58,373
 $597
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 1,900
 56
 1,900
 56
Total unrealized loss position$2,597
 $12
 $57,676
 $641
 $60,273
 $653
            
As of December 31, 2018           
State and political subdivisions$7,062
 $46
 $34,146
 $2,145
 $41,208
 $2,191
Residential mortgage-backed securities6,579
 61
 136,376
 5,033
 142,955
 5,094
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 4,290
 96
 4,290
 96
Total unrealized loss position$13,641
 $107
 $174,812
 $7,274
 $188,453
 $7,381
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
As of March 31, 2019           
            
State and political subdivisions$
 $
 $22,356
 $456
 $22,356
 $456
Residential mortgage-backed securities
 
 112,921
 2,532
 112,921
 2,532
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 4,095
 68
 4,095
 68
Total unrealized loss position$
 $
 $139,372
 $3,056
 $139,372
 $3,056
            
As of December 31, 2018           
            
State and political subdivisions$7,062
 $46
 $34,146
 $2,145
 $41,208
 $2,191
Residential mortgage-backed securities6,579
 61
 136,376
 5,033
 142,955
 5,094
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 4,290
 96
 4,290
 96
Total unrealized loss position$13,641
 $107
 $174,812
 $7,274
 $188,453
 $7,381

 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The following table summarizes debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
As of September 30, 2019           
Residential mortgage-backed securities$72,466
 $603
 $111,223
 $1,019
 $183,689
 $1,622
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 37,111
 133
 37,111
 133
Corporate bonds19,820
 114
 15,772
 228
 35,592
 342
Asset-backed securities64,608
 867
 1,233
 3
 65,841
 870
Total unrealized loss position$156,894
 $1,584
 $165,339
 $1,383
 $322,233
 $2,967
            
As of December 31, 2018           
U.S. Treasuries$
 $
 $120,391
 $2,172
 $120,391
 $2,172
U.S. Government agencies
 
 21,519
 275
 21,519
 275
State and political subdivisions15,160
 28
 133,500
 1,688
 148,660
 1,716
Residential mortgage-backed securities234,583
 808
 775,360
 21,090
 1,009,943
 21,898
Commercial mortgage-backed securities4,552
 594
 355,292
 7,339
 359,844
 7,933
Corporate bonds
 
 117,296
 1,921
 117,296
 1,921
Asset-backed securities74,492
 1,879
 31,968
 456
 106,460
 2,335
Total unrealized loss position$328,787
 $3,309
 $1,555,326
 $34,941
 $1,884,113
 $38,250
 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Loss
As of March 31, 2019           
            
U.S. Treasuries$
 $
 $122,122
 $576
 $122,122
 $576
U.S. Government agencies
 
 471
 3
 471
 3
State and political subdivisions415
 1
 18,186
 63
 18,601
 64
Residential mortgage-backed securities47,263
 644
 665,525
 9,105
 712,788
 9,749
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
 237,883
 2,291
 237,883
 2,291
Corporate bonds
 
 108,272
 301
 108,272
 301
Asset-backed securities71,224
 720
 17,825
 433
 89,049
 1,153
Total unrealized loss position$118,902
 $1,365
 $1,170,284
 $12,772
 $1,289,186
 $14,137
            
As of December 31, 2018           
            
U.S. Treasuries$
 $
 $120,391
 $2,172
 $120,391
 $2,172
U.S. Government agencies
 
 21,519
 275
 21,519
 275
State and political subdivisions15,160
 28
 133,500
 1,688
 148,660
 1,716
Residential mortgage-backed securities234,583
 808
 775,360
 21,090
 1,009,943
 21,898
Commercial mortgage-backed securities4,552
 594
 355,292
 7,339
 359,844
 7,933
Corporate bonds
 
 117,296
 1,921
 117,296
 1,921
Asset-backed securities74,492
 1,879
 31,968
 456
 106,460
 2,335
Total unrealized loss position$328,787
 $3,309
 $1,555,326
 $34,941
 $1,884,113
 $38,250

 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, there were 17449 debt securities available-for-sale and 5629 debt securities held-to-maturity that were in an unrealized loss position. United does not intend to sell nor believes it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment 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 analysts’ reports. NoNaN impairment charges were recognized during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 or 2018.
 
Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. The following table summarizes available-for-sale securities sales activity for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands)
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2019 2018 
      
 Proceeds from sales$178,604
 $113,961
 
      
 Gross gains on sales$1,287
 $417
 
 Gross losses on sales(1,554) (1,357) 
 Net losses on sales of securities$(267) $(940) 
      
 Income tax benefit attributable to sales$(68) $(221) 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2019 2018 2019 2018 
          
 Proceeds from sales$
 $16,383
 $225,883
 $156,679
 
          
 Gross gains on sales$
 $176
 $1,776
 $825
 
 Gross losses on sales
 (174) (1,894) (2,127) 
 Net gains (losses) on sales of securities$
 $2
 $(118) $(1,302) 
          
 Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to sales$
 $5
 $(30) $(312) 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity at March 31,September 30, 2019, 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
U.S. Treasuries: 
  
  
  
Within 1 year$29,786
 $29,887
 $
 $
1 to 5 years122,973
 124,745
 
 
 152,759
 154,632
 
 
        
U.S. Government agencies:       
1 to 5 years406
 406
 
 
More than 10 years2,566
 2,769
 
 
 2,972
 3,175
 
 
        
State and political subdivisions:       
Within 1 year935
 943
 1,350
 1,376
1 to 5 years54,107
 55,437
 10,764
 11,322
5 to 10 years16,339
 17,222
 7,202
 8,047
More than 10 years143,778
 153,723
 41,935
 43,814
 215,159
 227,325
 61,251
 64,559
        
Corporate bonds:       
Within 1 year120,046
 120,176
 
 
1 to 5 years77,700
 78,475
 
 
5 to 10 years1,500
 1,546
 
 
More than 10 years1,000
 998
 
 
 200,246
 201,195
 
 
        
Asset-backed securities:       
1 to 5 years1,754
 1,746
 
 
More than 10 years104,975
 104,875
 
 
 106,729
 106,621
 
 
        
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:       
Within 1 year150,767
 151,006
 1,350
 1,376
1 to 5 years256,940
 260,809
 10,764
 11,322
5 to 10 years17,839
 18,768
 7,202
 8,047
More than 10 years252,319
 262,365
 41,935
 43,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,236,101
 1,256,633
 163,603
 165,538
Commercial mortgage-backed securities318,815
 322,465
 18,174
 18,449
 $2,232,781
 $2,272,046
 $243,028
 $248,546

 Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
U.S. Treasuries: 
  
  
  
1 to 5 years$142,409
 $141,855
 $
 $
 142,409
 141,855
 
 
        
U.S. Government agencies:       
1 to 5 years474
 471
 
 
More than 10 years4,338
 4,630
 
 
 4,812
 5,101
 
 
        
State and political subdivisions:       
Within 1 year500
 502
 3,250
 3,262
1 to 5 years36,058
 36,060
 11,567
 12,024
5 to 10 years35,888
 36,743
 7,753
 8,423
More than 10 years144,674
 148,875
 42,949
 42,797
 217,120
 222,180
 65,519
 66,506
        
Corporate bonds:       
Within 1 year10,239
 10,219
 
 
1 to 5 years187,732
 187,948
 
 
5 to 10 years1,500
 1,514
 
 
More than 10 years1,000
 995
 
 
 200,471
 200,676
 
 
        
Asset-backed securities:       
1 to 5 years2,121
 2,107
 
 
More than 10 years126,238
 125,282
 
 
 128,359
 127,389
 
 
        
Total securities other than mortgage-backed securities:       
Within 1 year10,739
 10,721
 3,250
 3,262
1 to 5 years368,794
 368,441
 11,567
 12,024
5 to 10 years37,388
 38,257
 7,753
 8,423
More than 10 years276,250
 279,782
 42,949
 42,797
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,414,612
 1,414,085
 170,980
 169,526
Commercial mortgage-backed securities345,198
 343,339
 28,830
 29,085
 $2,452,981
 $2,454,625
 $265,329
 $265,117


Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Note 56 – Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses
 
Major classifications of the loan and lease portfolio (collectively referred to as the “loan portfolio” or “loans”) are summarized as of the dates indicated as follows (in thousands).
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,692,010
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate1,933,868
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial1,271,243
 1,278,347
Commercial construction1,000,801
 796,158
Equipment financing729,506
 564,614
Total commercial6,627,428
 6,099,443
Residential mortgage1,120,828
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit668,987
 694,010
Residential construction229,352
 211,011
Consumer direct125,517
 122,013
Indirect auto131,154
 207,692
Total loans8,903,266
 8,383,401
Less allowance for loan losses(62,514) (61,203)
Loans, net$8,840,752
 $8,322,198
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,620,068
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate1,867,425
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial1,283,865
 1,278,347
Commercial construction865,666
 796,158
Equipment financing605,984
 564,614
Total commercial6,243,008
 6,099,443
Residential mortgage1,063,840
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit683,771
 694,010
Residential construction200,708
 211,011
Consumer direct121,174
 122,013
Indirect auto180,753
 207,692
    
Total loans8,493,254
 8,383,401
    
Less allowance for loan losses(61,642) (61,203)
    
Loans, net$8,431,612
 $8,322,198

 
At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, loans totaling $4.03$4.15 billion and $3.98 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securitized notes payable and other contingent funding sources.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, the carrying value and outstanding balance of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, were $68.7$69.7 million and $100$97.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018, the carrying value and outstanding balance of PCI loans were $74.4 million and $109 million, respectively. The following table presents changes in the balance of the accretable yield for PCI loans for the periods indicated (in thousands)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Balance at beginning of period$26,308
 $23,406
 $26,868
 $17,686
Additions due to acquisitions
 
 1,300
 1,977
Accretion(4,950) (3,773) (14,037) (9,284)
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference1,159
 3,018
 5,627
 10,136
Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference329
 2,027
 3,088
 4,163
Balance at end of period$22,846
 $24,678
 $22,846
 $24,678
  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2019 2018 
 Balance at beginning of period$26,868
 $17,686
 
 Additions due to acquisitions
 1,830
 
 Accretion(4,813) (2,546) 
 Reclassification from nonaccretable difference2,706
 591
 
 Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference1,863
 475
 
 Balance at end of period$26,624
 $18,036
 

 
In addition to the accretable yield on PCI loans, the fair value adjustments on purchased loans outside the scope of ASC 310-30 are also accreted to interest revenue over the life of the loans. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the remaining accretable net fair value discount on loans acquired through a business combination and not accounted for under ASC 310-30 was $4.44$5.69 million and $4.31 million, respectively. At March 31, 2019, the net fair value discount of $4.44 millionrespectively, which included a net premium on acquired equipment financing loans. In addition, indirect auto loans purchased at a premium outside of a business combination had a remaining premium of $3.03$1.91 million and $3.72 million, respectively, as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, equipment financing assets included direct financing leases of $33.5$39.5 million and $30.4 million,, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below (in thousands)
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Minimum future lease payments receivable$42,176
 $31,915
 
 Estimated residual value of leased equipment3,749
 3,593
 
 Initial direct costs936
 827
 
 Security deposits(1,091) (1,189) 
 Purchase accounting premium379
 806
 
 Unearned income(6,630) (5,568) 
 Net investment in leases$39,519
 $30,384
 
  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Minimum future lease payments receivable$35,385
 $31,915
 
 Estimated residual value of leased equipment3,791
 3,593
 
 Initial direct costs856
 827
 
 Security deposits(1,173) (1,189) 
 Purchase accounting premium644
 806
 
 Unearned income(6,011) (5,568) 
 Net investment in leases$33,492
 $30,384
 

 
Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of March 31,September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands)
 Year  
 Remainder of 2019$4,048
 
 202014,455
 
 202110,740
 
 20227,131
 
 20234,226
 
 Thereafter1,576
 
 Total$42,176
 

 Year  
 Remainder of 2019$10,384
 
 202010,960
 
 20217,156
 
 20224,249
 
 20232,046
 
 Thereafter590
 
 Total$35,385
 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Allowance for Credit Losses and Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment
 
The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of the end of the period. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Combined, the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded commitments are referred to as the allowance for credit losses.
 
The following table presents the balance and activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the periods indicated (in thousands)
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Three Months Ended March 31,                  
Three Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,                  
 Beginning Balance Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release)Provision Ending Balance Beginning Balance Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release) Provision Ending Balance Beginning Balance Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release)Provision Ending Balance Beginning Balance Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release) Provision Ending Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate $12,207
 $(5) $69
 $(397) $11,874
 $14,776
 $(60) $103
 $(258) $14,561
 $11,545
 $
 $39
 $(165) $11,419
 $12,909
 $
 $251
 $(706) $12,454
Income producing commercial real estate 11,073
 (197) 20
 230
 11,126
 9,381
 (657) 235
 817
 9,776
 11,020
 (472) 41
 473
 11,062
 10,862
 (375) 375
 220
 11,082
Commercial & industrial 4,802
 (1,519) 163
 1,449
 4,895
 3,971
 (384) 389
 99
 4,075
 5,308
 (898) 207
 773
 5,390
 4,205
 (660) 242
 568
 4,355
Commercial construction 10,337
 (69) 394
 (387) 10,275
 10,523
 (363) 97
 (223) 10,034
 10,318
 
 247
 (158) 10,407
 10,123
 (24) 66
 (293) 9,872
Equipment financing 5,452
 (1,424) 143
 2,060
 6,231
 
 (139) 97
 2,333
 2,291
 6,935
 (1,376) 202
 1,485
 7,246
 3,561
 (700) 218
 1,141
 4,220
Residential mortgage 8,295
 (61) 48
 63
 8,345
 10,097
 (70) 123
 71
 10,221
 8,290
 (264) 106
 82
 8,214
 9,845
 (235) 66
 70
 9,746
Home equity lines of credit 4,752
 (337) 122
 260
 4,797
 5,177
 (124) 35
 (156) 4,932
 4,794
 (287) 204
 (28) 4,683
 4,943
 (426) 147
 174
 4,838
Residential construction 2,433
 (4) 26
 (65) 2,390
 2,729
 
 64
 251
 3,044
 2,365
 (13) 18
 181
 2,551
 2,590
 (32) 195
 (382) 2,371
Consumer direct 853
 (547) 207
 324
 837
 710
 (651) 160
 514
 733
 855
 (645) 226
 441
 877
 765
 (643) 244
 474
 840
Indirect auto 999
 (197) 38
 32
 872
 1,550
 (436) 80
 224
 1,418
 774
 (125) 67
 (51) 665
 1,268
 (228) 53
 69
 1,162
Total allowance for loan losses 61,203
 (4,360) 1,230
 3,569
 61,642
 58,914
 (2,884) 1,383
 3,672
 61,085
 62,204
 (4,080) 1,357
 3,033
 62,514
 61,071
 (3,323) 1,857
 1,335
 60,940
Allowance for unfunded commitments 3,410
 
 
 (269) 3,141
 2,312
 
 
 128
 2,440
 3,391
 
 
 67
 3,458
 2,895
 
 
 465
 3,360
Total allowance for credit losses $64,613
 $(4,360) $1,230
 $3,300
 $64,783
 $61,226
 $(2,884) $1,383
 $3,800
 $63,525
 $65,595
 $(4,080) $1,357
 $3,100
 $65,972
 $63,966
 $(3,323) $1,857
 $1,800
 $64,300
                    
 2019 2018
Nine Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,                  
 Beginning Balance Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release) Provision Ending Balance Beginning
Balance
 Charge-
Offs
 Recoveries (Release)
Provision
 Ending
Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate $12,207
 $(5) $166
 $(949) $11,419
 $14,776
 $(67) $939
 $(3,194) $12,454
Income producing commercial real estate 11,073
 (977) 127
 839
 11,062
 9,381
 (2,685) 842
 3,544
 11,082
Commercial & industrial 4,802
 (3,833) 645
 3,776
 5,390
 3,971
 (1,277) 848
 813
 4,355
Commercial construction 10,337
 (70) 804
 (664) 10,407
 10,523
 (440) 322
 (533) 9,872
Equipment financing 5,452
 (3,810) 466
 5,138
 7,246
 
 (862) 386
 4,696
 4,220
Residential mortgage 8,295
 (433) 388
 (36) 8,214
 10,097
 (417) 290
 (224) 9,746
Home equity lines of credit 4,752
 (653) 466
 118
 4,683
 5,177
 (761) 372
 50
 4,838
Residential construction 2,433
 (263) 91
 290
 2,551
 2,729
 (40) 326
 (644) 2,371
Consumer direct 853
 (1,721) 672
 1,073
 877
 710
 (1,846) 599
 1,377
 840
Indirect auto 999
 (502) 151
 17
 665
 1,550
 (1,043) 188
 467
 1,162
Total allowance for loan losses 61,203
 (12,267) 3,976
 9,602
 62,514
 58,914
 (9,438) 5,112
 6,352
 60,940
Allowance for unfunded commitments 3,410
 
 
 48
 3,458
 2,312
 
 
 1,048
 3,360
Total allowance for credit losses $64,613
 $(12,267) $3,976
 $9,650
 $65,972
 $61,226
 $(9,438) $5,112
 $7,400
 $64,300


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following tables represent 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 the dates indicated (in thousands).
Allowance for Credit LossesAllowance for Credit Losses
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
 
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
 PCI 
Ending
Balance
 
Individually
evaluated
for
impairment
 
Collectively
evaluated for
impairment
 PCI 
Ending
Balance
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$825
 $10,894
 $155
 $11,874
 $862
 $11,328
 $17
 $12,207
$859
 $10,446
 $114
 $11,419
 $862
 $11,328
 $17
 $12,207
Income producing commercial real estate280
 10,846
 
 11,126
 402
 10,671
 
 11,073
261
 10,737
 64
 11,062
 402
 10,671
 
 11,073
Commercial & industrial36
 4,855
 4
 4,895
 32
 4,761
 9
 4,802
33
 5,305
 52
 5,390
 32
 4,761
 9
 4,802
Commercial construction68
 10,001
 206
 10,275
 71
 9,974
 292
 10,337
49
 10,248
 110
 10,407
 71
 9,974
 292
 10,337
Equipment financing
 5,988
 243
 6,231
 
 5,045
 407
 5,452

 7,149
 97
 7,246
 
 5,045
 407
 5,452
Residential mortgage916
 7,403
 26
 8,345
 861
 7,410
 24
 8,295
808
 7,392
 14
 8,214
 861
 7,410
 24
 8,295
Home equity lines of credit1
 4,796
 
 4,797
 1
 4,740
 11
 4,752
16
 4,648
 19
 4,683
 1
 4,740
 11
 4,752
Residential construction63
 2,327
 
 2,390
 51
 2,382
 
 2,433
51
 2,472
 28
 2,551
 51
 2,382
 
 2,433
Consumer direct5
 832
 
 837
 6
 847
 
 853
5
 872
 
 877
 6
 847
 
 853
Indirect auto25
 847
 
 872
 26
 973
 
 999
41
 624
 
 665
 26
 973
 
 999
Total allowance for loan losses2,219
 58,789
 634
 61,642
 2,312
 58,131
 760
 61,203
2,123
 59,893
 498
 62,514
 2,312
 58,131
 760
 61,203
Allowance for unfunded commitments
 3,141
 
 3,141
 
 3,410
 
 3,410

 3,458
 
 3,458
 
 3,410
 
 3,410
Total allowance for credit losses$2,219
 $61,930
 $634
 $64,783
 $2,312
 $61,541
 $760
 $64,613
$2,123
 $63,351
 $498
 $65,972
 $2,312
 $61,541
 $760
 $64,613
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 Loans Outstanding
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 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$18,562
 $1,663,913
 $9,535
 $1,692,010
 $17,602
 $1,620,450
 $9,852
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate10,748
 1,886,317
 36,803
 1,933,868
 16,584
 1,757,525
 38,311
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial2,068
 1,268,815
 360
 1,271,243
 1,621
 1,276,318
 408
 1,278,347
Commercial construction3,287
 990,513
 7,001
 1,000,801
 2,491
 787,760
 5,907
 796,158
Equipment financing111
 724,664
 4,731
 729,506
 
 556,672
 7,942
 564,614
Residential mortgage16,672
 1,095,179
 8,977
 1,120,828
 14,220
 1,025,862
 9,150
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit300
 667,286
 1,401
 668,987
 276
 692,122
 1,612
 694,010
Residential construction1,283
 227,564
 505
 229,352
 1,207
 209,070
 734
 211,011
Consumer direct198
 124,939
 380
 125,517
 211
 121,269
 533
 122,013
Indirect auto1,043
 130,111
 
 131,154
 1,237
 206,455
 
 207,692
Total loans$54,272
 $8,779,301
 $69,693
 $8,903,266
 $55,449
 $8,253,503
 $74,449
 $8,383,401
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


 Loans Outstanding
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 
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$17,238
 $1,594,226
 $8,604
 $1,620,068
 $17,602
 $1,620,450
 $9,852
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate14,125
 1,817,203
 36,097
 1,867,425
 16,584
 1,757,525
 38,311
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial1,701
 1,281,823
 341
 1,283,865
 1,621
 1,276,318
 408
 1,278,347
Commercial construction2,379
 857,683
 5,604
 865,666
 2,491
 787,760
 5,907
 796,158
Equipment financing
 599,243
 6,741
 605,984
 
 556,672
 7,942
 564,614
Residential mortgage15,453
 1,039,582
 8,805
 1,063,840
 14,220
 1,025,862
 9,150
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit255
 682,047
 1,469
 683,771
 276
 692,122
 1,612
 694,010
Residential construction1,340
 198,787
 581
 200,708
 1,207
 209,070
 734
 211,011
Consumer direct199
 120,499
 476
 121,174
 211
 121,269
 533
 122,013
Indirect auto1,104
 179,649
 
 180,753
 1,237
 206,455
 
 207,692
Total loans$53,794
 $8,370,742
 $68,718
 $8,493,254
 $55,449
 $8,253,503
 $74,449
 $8,383,401

 
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. ManagementOn a quarterly basis, management individually evaluates certain impaired loans, including all non-PCI nonaccrual relationships that are on nonaccrual with a balance of $500,000 or greater and all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) regardless of accrual status, for impairment. Impairment for collateral dependent loans within this population is measured based on the presentfair value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate,collateral. If impairment is identified, the loan’s observable market price, orloan is generally charged down to the fair value of the underlying collateral, ifless selling costs. Impairment for non-collateral dependent TDRs within this population is measured based on discounted cash flows or the loan is collateral dependent. A specific reserve is established for impaired loans for the amount of calculated impairment, if any. Interest payments received on impaired nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the recorded investmentloan’s observable market price. Impairment identified using these methods would result in the loan. For impaired loans not on nonaccrual status, interest is accrued according to the termsestablishment of the loan agreement. Loans are evaluated for impairment quarterly anda specific reserves are established in the allowance for loan losses for any measured impairment.reserve.
 
Each quarter, 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 and unfunded loan commitments. 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.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Management calculates the loss emergence period for each pool in the loan portfolio 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.
 
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.
 
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, employment rates, debt per capita, home price indices, and trends in real estate value indices.
 
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 placed on nonaccrual status and evaluated for impairment, which, if necessary, could result in fully or partially charging off the loan or establishing a specific reserve. 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 are generally charged down to fair value of collateral less costs to sell at the time they are placed on nonaccrual status.
 
Commercial and consumer asset quality committees meet monthly to review charge-offs that have occurred during the previous month. Participants include the respective Chief Credit Officer, Senior Risk Officers, and Senior Credit Officers, Regional Credit Managers, and Special Asset Officers.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


 
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. Open-end (revolving) unsecured retail loans which are past due 90 cumulative days from their contractual due date are generally charged-off.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 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$9,225
 $7,107
 $
 $8,650
 $6,546
 $
Income producing commercial real estate5,363
 5,164
 
 9,986
 9,881
 
Commercial & industrial1,297
 1,037
 
 525
 370
 
Commercial construction1,716
 1,607
 
 685
 507
 
Equipment financing111
 111
 
 
 
 
Total commercial17,712
 15,026
 
 19,846
 17,304
 
Residential mortgage7,666
 6,808
 
 5,787
 5,202
 
Home equity lines of credit275
 213
 
 330
 234
 
Residential construction790
 658
 
 554
 428
 
Consumer direct28
 28
 
 18
 17
 
Indirect auto236
 223
 
 294
 292
 
Total with no related allowance recorded26,707
 22,956
 
 26,829
 23,477
 
            
With an allowance recorded:           
Owner occupied commercial real estate11,509
 11,455
 859
 11,095
 11,056
 862
Income producing commercial real estate5,968
 5,584
 261
 6,968
 6,703
 402
Commercial & industrial1,200
 1,031
 33
 1,652
 1,251
 32
Commercial construction1,826
 1,680
 49
 2,130
 1,984
 71
Equipment financing
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial20,503
 19,750
 1,202
 21,845
 20,994
 1,367
Residential mortgage9,922
 9,864
 808
 9,169
 9,018
 861
Home equity lines of credit89
 87
 16
 45
 42
 1
Residential construction637
 625
 51
 791
 779
 51
Consumer direct171
 170
 5
 199
 194
 6
Indirect auto820
 820
 41
 946
 945
 26
Total with an allowance recorded32,142
 31,316
 2,123
 32,995
 31,972
 2,312
Total$58,849
 $54,272
 $2,123
 $59,824
 $55,449
 $2,312
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 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$8,159
 $6,089
 $
 $8,650
 $6,546
 $
Income producing commercial real estate8,333
 8,227
 
 9,986
 9,881
 
Commercial & industrial522
 360
 
 525
 370
 
Commercial construction119
 113
 
 685
 507
 
Equipment financing
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial17,133
 14,789
 
 19,846
 17,304
 
Residential mortgage6,513
 5,890
 
 5,787
 5,202
 
Home equity lines of credit275
 215
 
 330
 234
 
Residential construction753
 624
 
 554
 428
 
Consumer direct15
 15
 
��18
 17
 
Indirect auto142
 130
 
 294
 292
 
Total with no related allowance recorded24,831
 21,663
 
 26,829
 23,477
 
            
With an allowance recorded:           
Owner occupied commercial real estate11,191
 11,149
 825
 11,095
 11,056
 862
Income producing commercial real estate6,166
 5,898
 280
 6,968
 6,703
 402
Commercial & industrial1,746
 1,341
 36
 1,652
 1,251
 32
Commercial construction2,503
 2,266
 68
 2,130
 1,984
 71
Equipment financing
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial21,606
 20,654
 1,209
 21,845
 20,994
 1,367
Residential mortgage9,713
 9,563
 916
 9,169
 9,018
 861
Home equity lines of credit43
 40
 1
 45
 42
 1
Residential construction727
 716
 63
 791
 779
 51
Consumer direct189
 184
 5
 199
 194
 6
Indirect auto975
 974
 25
 946
 945
 26
Total with an allowance recorded33,253
 32,131
 2,219
 32,995
 31,972
 2,312
Total$58,084
 $53,794
 $2,219
 $59,824
 $55,449
 $2,312

 
As of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $2.22$2.12 million and $2.31 million, respectively, of specific reserves were allocated to customers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. As of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no0 commitments to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs.


The modification of the TDR terms 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 restructuring of the borrower’s debt into an “A/B note structure” wherein which the A note would fall within the borrower’s ability to pay and the remainder would be included in the B note; a mandated bankruptcy restructuring; or interest-only payment terms greater than 90 days wherewhen 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.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 are presented in the table below.following table. In addition, the following table presents loans modified under the terms of a TDR that defaulted (became 90 days or more delinquent) during the periods presented and were initially restructured within one year prior to default (dollars in thousands).
  New TDRs
    Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment by Type of Modification TDRs Modified Within the Previous Twelve Months That Have Subsequently Defaulted
  
Number of
 Contracts
  
Rate  
Reduction
 Structure Other Total 
Number of  
Contracts
 
Recorded  
Investment
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
 $
Income producing commercial real estate 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 2
 93
 
 93
 
 93
 
 
Total commercial 2
 93
 
 93
 
 93
 
 
Residential mortgage 2
 609
 
 609
 
 609
 
 
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct 3
 21
 
 
 21
 21
 
 
Indirect auto 4
 101
 
 
 101
 101
 
 
Total loans 11
 $824
 $
 $702
 $122
 $824
 
 $
                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 2
 $610
 $
 $610
 $
 $610
 
 $
Income producing commercial real estate 1
 169
 
 169
 
 169
 
 
Commercial & industrial 1
 7
 
 
 7
 7
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 3
 113
 
 113
 
 113
 
 
Total commercial 7
 899
 
 892
 7
 899
 
 
Residential mortgage 11
 1,785
 
 1,784
 
 1,784
 1
 135
Home equity lines of credit 1
 50
 
 50
 
 50
 
 
Residential construction 1
 22
 
 
 21
 21
 1
 13
Consumer direct 3
 21
 
 
 21
 21
 
 
Indirect auto 15
 271
 
 
 262
 262
 
 
Total loans 38
 $3,048
 $
 $2,726
 $311
 $3,037
 2
 $148
                 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
 $
Income producing commercial real estate 1
 3,647
 
 3,637
 
 3,637
 
 
Commercial & industrial 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial 1
 3,647
 
 3,637
 
 3,637
 
 
Residential mortgage 4
 421
 
 395
 
 395
 
 
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect auto 9
 188
 
 
 188
 188
 
 
Total loans 14
 $4,256
 $
 $4,032
 $188
 $4,220
 
 $
                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 4
 $1,276
 $
 $1,260
 $
 $1,260
 3
 $1,869
Income producing commercial real estate 2
 3,753
 106
 3,637
 
 3,743
 
 
Commercial & industrial 2
 108
 
 32
 
 32
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 1
 3
Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial 8
 5,137
 106
 4,929
 
 5,035
 4
 1,872
Residential mortgage 8
 1,186
 
 1,159
 
 1,159
 1
 101
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect auto 26
 424
 
 
 424
 424
 
 
Total loans 42
 $6,747
 $106
 $6,088
 $424
 $6,618
 5
 $1,973
  New TDRs
    Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment by Type of Modification TDRs Modified Within the Previous Twelve Months That Have Subsequently Defaulted
  
Number of
 Contracts
  
Rate  
Reduction
 Structure Other Total 
Number of  
Contracts
 
Recorded  
Investment
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
 $
Income producing commercial real estate 1
 169
 
 169
 
 169
 
 
Commercial & industrial 1
 7
 
 
 7
 7
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial 2
 176
 
 169
 7
 176
 
 
Residential mortgage 2
 345
 
 344
 
 344
 
 
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect auto 6
 66
 
 
 57
 57
 
 
Total loans 10
 $587
 $
 $513
 $64
 $577
 
 $
                 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 3
 $994
 $
 $978
 $
 $978
 2
 $1,586
Income producing commercial real estate 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & industrial 1
 81
 
 5
 
 5
 
 
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial 4
 1,075
 
 983
 
 983
 2
 1,586
Residential mortgage 2
 340
 
 340
 
 340
 
 
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer direct 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans 6
 $1,415
 $
 $1,323
 $
 $1,323
 2
 $1,586

 
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.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The average balances of impaired loans and income recognized on impaired loans while they were considered impaired are presented below for the periods indicated (in thousands)
  2019 2018
Three Months Ended September 30, 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 $18,759
 $288
 $290
 $17,857
 $291
 $284
Income producing commercial real estate 10,906
 144
 153
 18,623
 240
 232
Commercial & industrial 2,133
 48
 54
 1,445
 18
 17
Commercial construction 3,316
 38
 39
 2,869
 39
 39
Equipment financing 66
 3
 3
 
 
 
Total commercial 35,180
 521
 539
 40,794
 588
 572
Residential mortgage 16,669
 195
 203
 14,654
 168
 162
Home equity lines of credit 301
 4
 2
 275
 3
 3
Residential construction 1,298
 22
 25
 1,295
 23
 23
Consumer direct 204
 4
 4
 232
 4
 4
Indirect auto 1,069
 14
 14
 1,220
 16
 16
Total $54,721
 $760
 $787
 $58,470
 $802
 $780
             
Nine Months Ended September 30,            
Owner occupied commercial real estate $18,302
 $846
 $882
 $20,623
 $771
 $800
Income producing commercial real estate 12,941
 523
 529
 17,155
 665
 679
Commercial & industrial 1,921
 74
 89
 1,861
 83
 83
Commercial construction 3,029
 113
 114
 3,456
 137
 135
Equipment financing 29
 3
 3
 
 
 
Total commercial 36,222
 1,559
 1,617
 43,095
 1,656
 1,697
Residential mortgage 16,134
 553
 561
 14,587
 474
 473
Home equity lines of credit 288
 11
 7
 285
 12
 11
Residential construction 1,352
 70
 72
 1,467
 72
 71
Consumer direct 197
 11
 11
 260
 14
 14
Indirect auto 1,121
 42
 42
 1,274
 50
 50
Total $55,314
 $2,246
 $2,310
 $60,968
 $2,278
 $2,316
  2019 2018
Three Months Ended March 31, 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 $17,410
 $285
 $284
 $24,658
 $245
 $280
Income producing commercial real estate 14,237
 193
 207
 16,433
 210
 235
Commercial & industrial 1,716
 19
 19
 2,596
 40
 42
Commercial construction 2,402
 34
 33
 3,936
 51
 52
Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 
 
Total commercial 35,765
 531
 543
 47,623
 546
 609
Residential mortgage 15,502
 168
 174
 14,993
 149
 150
Home equity lines of credit 258
 4
 3
 344
 4
 4
Residential construction 1,408
 24
 23
 1,590
 24
 24
Consumer direct 205
 4
 4
 291
 5
 5
Indirect auto 1,190
 14
 14
 1,378
 18
 18
Total $54,328
 $745
 $761
 $66,219
 $746
 $810

 
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans


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 full 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 generally applied to reduce 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 to be 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. The accrual of interest is discontinued on PCI loans if management can no longer reliably estimate future cash flows on the loan or pool of loans. No PCI loans were classified as nonaccrual at March 31,September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018 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 $378,000$338,000 and $342,000$213,000 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $965,000 and $812,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class as of the dates indicated (in thousands)
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$8,430
 $6,421
 
 Income producing commercial real estate2,030
 1,160
 
 Commercial & industrial2,625
 1,417
 
 Commercial construction1,894
 605
 
 Equipment financing1,974
 2,677
 
 Total commercial16,953
 12,280
 
 Residential mortgage9,475
 8,035
 
 Home equity lines of credit3,065
 2,360
 
 Residential construction597
 288
 
 Consumer direct147
 89
 
 Indirect auto595
 726
 
 Total$30,832
 $23,778
 
  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$7,030
 $6,421
 
 Income producing commercial real estate1,276
 1,160
 
 Commercial & industrial1,666
 1,417
 
 Commercial construction473
 605
 
 Equipment financing1,813
 2,677
 
 Total commercial12,258
 12,280
 
 Residential mortgage8,281
 8,035
 
 Home equity lines of credit2,233
 2,360
 
 Residential construction347
 288
 
 Consumer direct47
 89
 
 Indirect auto458
 726
 
 Total$23,624
 $23,778
 

 
Excluding PCI loans, substantially all loans more than 90 days past due were on nonaccrual status at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 Loans Past Due       Loans Past Due      
As of March 31, 2019 30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days > 90 Days Total Loans Not Past Due PCI Loans Total
As of September 30, 2019 30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days > 90 Days Total Loans Not Past Due PCI Loans Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate $4,644
 $1,142
 $3,328
 $9,114
 $1,602,350
 $8,604
 $1,620,068
 $1,881
 $978
 $6,447
 $9,306
 $1,673,169
 $9,535
 $1,692,010
Income producing commercial real estate 1,199
 125
 706
 2,030
 1,829,298
 36,097
 1,867,425
 9,422
 93
 915
 10,430
 1,886,635
 36,803
 1,933,868
Commercial & industrial 2,649
 790
 937
 4,376
 1,279,148
 341
 1,283,865
 6,017
 663
 2,055
 8,735
 1,262,148
 360
 1,271,243
Commercial construction 139
 443
 24
 606
 859,456
 5,604
 865,666
 116
 11
 121
 248
 993,552
 7,001
 1,000,801
Equipment financing 1,809
 894
 1,722
 4,425
 594,818
 6,741
 605,984
 1,039
 668
 1,901
 3,608
 721,167
 4,731
 729,506
Total commercial 10,440
 3,394
 6,717
 20,551
 6,165,070
 57,387
 6,243,008
 18,475
 2,413
 11,439
 32,327
 6,536,671
 58,430
 6,627,428
Residential mortgage 4,862
 1,511
 1,292
 7,665
 1,047,370
 8,805
 1,063,840
 4,649
 1,921
 1,155
 7,725
 1,104,126
 8,977
 1,120,828
Home equity lines of credit 2,355
 634
 528
 3,517
 678,785
 1,469
 683,771
 2,620
 479
 897
 3,996
 663,590
 1,401
 668,987
Residential construction 574
 132
 154
 860
 199,267
 581
 200,708
 314
 71
 150
 535
 228,312
 505
 229,352
Consumer direct 522
 89
 2
 613
 120,085
 476
 121,174
 627
 74
 40
 741
 124,396
 380
 125,517
Indirect auto 711
 185
 416
 1,312
 179,441
 
 180,753
 508
 142
 520
 1,170
 129,984
 
 131,154
Total loans $19,464
 $5,945
 $9,109
 $34,518
 $8,390,018
 $68,718
 $8,493,254
 $27,193
 $5,100
 $14,201
 $46,494
 $8,787,079
 $69,693
 $8,903,266
  Loans Past Due      
As of December 31, 2018 30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days > 90 Days Total Loans Not Past Due PCI Loans Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,542
 $2,897
 $1,011
 $6,450
 $1,631,602
 $9,852
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate 1,624
 291
 301
 2,216
 1,771,893
 38,311
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial 7,189
 718
 400
 8,307
 1,269,632
 408
 1,278,347
Commercial construction 267
 
 68
 335
 789,916
 5,907
 796,158
Equipment financing 1,351
 739
 2,658
 4,748
 551,924
 7,942
 564,614
Total commercial 12,973
 4,645
 4,438
 22,056
 6,014,967
 62,420
 6,099,443
Residential mortgage 5,461
 1,788
 1,950
 9,199
 1,030,883
 9,150
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit 2,112
 864
 902
 3,878
 688,520
 1,612
 694,010
Residential construction 509
 63
 190
 762
 209,515
 734
 211,011
Consumer direct 600
 82
 21
 703
 120,777
 533
 122,013
Indirect auto 750
 323
 633
 1,706
 205,986
 
 207,692
Total loans $22,405
 $7,765
 $8,134
 $38,304
 $8,270,648
 $74,449
 $8,383,401
  Loans Past Due      
As of December 31, 2018 30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days > 90 Days Total Loans Not Past Due PCI Loans Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,542
 $2,897
 $1,011
 $6,450
 $1,631,602
 $9,852
 $1,647,904
Income producing commercial real estate 1,624
 291
 301
 2,216
 1,771,893
 38,311
 1,812,420
Commercial & industrial 7,189
 718
 400
 8,307
 1,269,632
 408
 1,278,347
Commercial construction 267
 
 68
 335
 789,916
 5,907
 796,158
Equipment financing 1,351
 739
 2,658
 4,748
 551,924
 7,942
 564,614
Total commercial 12,973
 4,645
 4,438
 22,056
 6,014,967
 62,420
 6,099,443
Residential mortgage 5,461
 1,788
 1,950
 9,199
 1,030,883
 9,150
 1,049,232
Home equity lines of credit 2,112
 864
 902
 3,878
 688,520
 1,612
 694,010
Residential construction 509
 63
 190
 762
 209,515
 734
 211,011
Consumer direct 600
 82
 21
 703
 120,777
 533
 122,013
Indirect auto 750
 323
 633
 1,706
 205,986
 
 207,692
Total loans $22,405
 $7,765
 $8,134
 $38,304
 $8,270,648
 $74,449
 $8,383,401

 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Risk Ratings
 
United categorizes commercial loans, with the exception of equipment financing receivables, 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, and 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 continual 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.
 
Equipment Financing Receivables and Consumer Purpose Loans. United applies a pass / fail grading system to all equipment financing receivables and consumer purpose loans. Under the pass / fail grading system, loans that become past due 90 days or are in bankruptcy are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, loans in these categories that are classified as “fail” are reported in the substandard column and all other loans are reported in the “pass” column.
 
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans as of the dates indicated is as follows (in thousands).
  Pass Watch Substandard 
Doubtful /
Loss
 Total
As of September 30, 2019          
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,606,137
 $32,725
 $43,613
 $
 $1,682,475
Income producing commercial real estate 1,844,176
 25,451
 27,438
 
 1,897,065
Commercial & industrial 1,199,399
 32,105
 39,379
 
 1,270,883
Commercial construction 963,742
 22,393
 7,665
 
 993,800
Equipment financing 722,801
 
 1,974
 
 724,775
Total commercial 6,336,255
 112,674
 120,069
 
 6,568,998
Residential mortgage 1,099,233
 
 12,618
 
 1,111,851
Home equity lines of credit 663,087
 
 4,499
 
 667,586
Residential construction 228,029
 
 818
 
 228,847
Consumer direct 124,729
 
 408
 
 125,137
Indirect auto 129,306
 
 1,848
 
 131,154
Total loans, excluding PCI loans 8,580,639
 112,674
 140,260
 
 8,833,573
           
Owner occupied commercial real estate 1,905
 5,262
 2,368
 
 9,535
Income producing commercial real estate 26,499
 8,204
 2,100
 
 36,803
Commercial & industrial 86
 50
 224
 
 360
Commercial construction 3,190
 581
 3,230
 
 7,001
Equipment financing 4,715
 
 16
 
 4,731
Total commercial 36,395
 14,097
 7,938
 
 58,430
Residential mortgage 7,505
 
 1,472
 
 8,977
Home equity lines of credit 1,361
 
 40
 
 1,401
Residential construction 467
 
 38
 
 505
Consumer direct 354
 
 26
 
 380
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
Total PCI loans 46,082
 14,097
 9,514
 
 69,693
           
Total loan portfolio $8,626,721
 $126,771
 $149,774
 $
 $8,903,266
           
As of December 31, 2018          
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,585,797
 $16,651
 $35,604
 $
 $1,638,052
Income producing commercial real estate 1,735,456
 20,923
 17,730
 
 1,774,109
Commercial & industrial 1,247,206
 8,430
 22,303
 
 1,277,939
Commercial construction 777,780
 4,533
 7,938
 
 790,251
Equipment financing 553,995
 
 2,677
 
 556,672
Total commercial 5,900,234
 50,537
 86,252
 
 6,037,023
Residential mortgage 1,028,660
 
 11,422
 
 1,040,082
Home equity lines of credit 688,493
 
 3,905
 
 692,398
Residential construction 209,744
 
 533
 
 210,277
Consumer direct 121,247
 19
 214
 
 121,480
Indirect auto 205,632
 
 2,060
 
 207,692
Total loans, excluding PCI loans 8,154,010
 50,556
 104,386
 
 8,308,952
           
Owner occupied commercial real estate 3,352
 2,774
 3,726
 
 9,852
Income producing commercial real estate 23,430
 13,403
 1,478
 
 38,311
Commercial & industrial 266
 48
 94
 
 408
Commercial construction 3,503
 188
 2,216
 
 5,907
Equipment financing 7,725
 
 217
 
 7,942
Total commercial 38,276
 16,413
 7,731
 
 62,420
Residential mortgage 6,914
 
 2,236
 
 9,150
Home equity lines of credit 1,492
 
 120
 
 1,612
Residential construction 687
 
 47
 
 734
Consumer direct 493
 
 40
 
 533
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
Total PCI loans 47,862
 16,413
 10,174
 
 74,449
           
Total loan portfolio $8,201,872
 $66,969
 $114,560
 $
 $8,383,401

  Pass Watch Substandard 
Doubtful /
Loss
 Total
As of March 31, 2019          
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,557,510
 $17,511
 $36,443
 $
 $1,611,464
Income producing commercial real estate 1,789,063
 22,548
 19,717
 
 1,831,328
Commercial & industrial 1,253,268
 7,517
 22,739
 
 1,283,524
Commercial construction 846,902
 6,767
 6,393
 
 860,062
Equipment financing 597,430
 
 1,813
 
 599,243
Total commercial 6,044,173
 54,343
 87,105
 
 6,185,621
Residential mortgage 1,043,447
 
 11,588
 
 1,055,035
Home equity lines of credit 678,578
 
 3,724
 
 682,302
Residential construction 199,570
 
 557
 
 200,127
Consumer direct 120,465
 
 233
 
 120,698
Indirect auto 178,740
 
 2,013
 
 180,753
Total loans, excluding PCI loans 8,264,973
 54,343
 105,220
 
 8,424,536
           
Owner occupied commercial real estate 2,803
 2,781
 3,020
 
 8,604
Income producing commercial real estate 23,872
 11,389
 836
 
 36,097
Commercial & industrial 246
 43
 52
 
 341
Commercial construction 3,340
 165
 2,099
 
 5,604
Equipment financing 6,626
 
 115
 
 6,741
Total commercial 36,887
 14,378
 6,122
 
 57,387
Residential mortgage 6,512
 
 2,293
 
 8,805
Home equity lines of credit 1,350
 
 119
 
 1,469
Residential construction 542
 
 39
 
 581
Consumer direct 440
 
 36
 
 476
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
Total PCI loans 45,731
 14,378
 8,609
 
 68,718
           
Total loan portfolio $8,310,704
 $68,721
 $113,829
 $
 $8,493,254
           
As of December 31, 2018          
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,585,797
 $16,651
 $35,604
 $
 $1,638,052
Income producing commercial real estate 1,735,456
 20,923
 17,730
 
 1,774,109
Commercial & industrial 1,247,206
 8,430
 22,303
 
 1,277,939
Commercial construction 777,780
 4,533
 7,938
 
 790,251
Equipment financing 553,995
 
 2,677
 
 556,672
Total commercial 5,900,234
 50,537
 86,252
 
 6,037,023
Residential mortgage 1,028,660
 
 11,422
 
 1,040,082
Home equity lines of credit 688,493
 
 3,905
 
 692,398
Residential construction 209,744
 
 533
 
 210,277
Consumer direct 121,247
 19
 214
 
 121,480
Indirect auto 205,632
 
 2,060
 
 207,692
Total loans, excluding PCI loans 8,154,010
 50,556
 104,386
 
 8,308,952
           
Owner occupied commercial real estate 3,352
 2,774
 3,726
 
 9,852
Income producing commercial real estate 23,430
 13,403
 1,478
 
 38,311
Commercial & industrial 266
 48
 94
 
 408
Commercial construction 3,503
 188
 2,216
 
 5,907
Equipment financing 7,725
 
 217
 
 7,942
Total commercial 38,276
 16,413
 7,731
 
 62,420
Residential mortgage 6,914
 
 2,236
 
 9,150
Home equity lines of credit 1,492
 
 120
 
 1,612
Residential construction 687
 
 47
 
 734
Consumer direct 493
 
 40
 
 533
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
Total PCI loans 47,862
 16,413
 10,174
 
 74,449
           
Total loan portfolio $8,201,872
 $66,969
 $114,560
 $
 $8,383,401


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Note 67 – Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income


The following table presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
  $
 $2
 $(118) $(1,302) Securities gains (losses), net
  
 (5) 30
 312
 Income tax (expense) benefit
  $
 $(3) $(88) $(990) Net of tax
           
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity:  
  $(105) $(168) $(282) $(607) Investment securities interest revenue
  25
 40
 67
 149
 Income tax benefit
  $(80) $(128) $(215) $(458) Net of tax
           
Amortization of losses included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:  
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions $
 $(105) $(102) $(395) Money market deposit interest expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions 
 
 (235) 
 Other expense
  
 (105) (337) (395) Total before tax
  
 27
 86
 103
 Income tax benefit
  $
 $(78) $(251) $(292) Net of tax
           
Reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plan activity:  
Prior service cost $(158) $(167) $(476) $(501) Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses (16) (60) (45) (180) Other expense
Termination of defined benefit pension plan (1,558) 
 (1,558) 
 Merger-related and other charges
  (1,732) (227) (2,079) (681) Total before tax
  443
 57
 531
 188
 Income tax benefit
  $(1,289) $(170) $(1,548) $(493) Net of tax
           
Total reclassifications for the period $(1,369) $(379) $(2,102) $(2,233) Net of tax

 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Three Months Ended March 31, Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented 
  2019 2018  
 Realized losses on available-for-sale securities: 
   $(267) $(940) Securities losses, net 
   68
 221
 Income tax benefit 
   $(199) $(719) Net of tax 
         
 Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity:  
   $(84) $(222) Investment securities interest revenue 
   20
 54
 Income tax benefit 
   $(64) $(168) Net of tax 
         
 Amortization of losses included in net income on derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges:  
 Amortization of losses on de-designated positions $(102) $(147) Money market deposit interest expense 
   26
 38
 Income tax benefit 
   $(76) $(109) 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 $(159) $(167) Salaries and employee benefits expense 
 Actuarial losses (15) 
 Other expense 
 Actuarial losses 
 (60) Salaries and employee benefits expense 
   (174) (227) Total before tax 
   44
 58
 Income tax benefit 
   $(130) $(169) Net of tax 
         
 Total reclassifications for the period $(469) $(1,165) Net of tax 


Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Note 78 – Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data).
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income$48,362
 $43,682
 $136,709
 $120,974
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested shares(351) (301) (982) (850)
Net income available to common shareholders$48,011
 $43,381
 $135,727
 $120,124
        
Weighted average shares outstanding:       
Basic79,663
 79,806
 79,714
 79,588
Effect of dilutive securities       
Stock options1
 6
 1
 8
Restricted stock units3
 6
 3
 2
Diluted79,667
 79,818
 79,718
 79,598
        
Net income per common share:       
Basic$0.60
 $0.54
 $1.70
 $1.51
Diluted$0.60
 $0.54
 $1.70
 $1.51
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2019 2018 
 Net income$44,262
 $37,658
 
 Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested shares(315) (277) 
 Net income available to common shareholders$43,947
 $37,381
 
      
 Weighted average shares outstanding:    
 Basic79,807
 79,205
 
 Effect of dilutive securities    
 Stock options3
 10
 
 Restricted stock units3
 
 
 Diluted79,813
 79,215
 
      
 Net income per common share:    
 Basic$0.55
 $0.47
 
 Diluted$0.55
 $0.47
 

 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, United excluded 31,8121,000 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $31.47$30.45 from the computation of diluted earnings per share because of their antidilutive effect.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2018, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding: a warrantoutstanding to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 32,464share. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were also 33,283 and 32,283, respectively, of potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise pricethat were excluded from the computation of $31.50.diluted earnings per share because of their antidilutive effect.
 
Note 89 – 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 through a combination of pricing and term structure of deposit product offerings, the amount and duration of its investment securities portfolio and wholesale funding and, to a lesser degree, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically,From time to time, 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. Derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of known or expected cash receipts and known or expected cash payments principally related to loans, investment securities, wholesale borrowings and deposits.
 
In conjunction with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, United 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.




UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




United clears certain derivatives centrally through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”). CME rules legally characterize variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives as settlements of the derivatives’ exposure rather than as collateral. As a result, the variation margin payment and the related derivative instruments are considered a single unit of account for accounting purposes. Variation margin, as determined by the CME, is settled daily. As a result, derivative contracts that clear through the CME have an estimated fair value of zero. The table below presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments as of the dates indicated as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):


Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
Interest Rate Products Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Fair value hedge of brokered CDs Derivative liabilities $1,251
 $1,682
 Derivative liabilities $685
 $1,682
   $1,251
 $1,682
   $685
 $1,682
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
Interest Rate Products Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Customer derivative positions Derivative assets $37,081
 $5,216
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative assets 118
 7,620
Mortgage banking - loan commitment Derivative assets 2,732
 1,190
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative assets 313
 28
Bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative assets 3,511
 10,651
    $43,755
 $24,705
       
Customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities $122
 $9,661
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities 9,222
 781
Risk participations Derivative liabilities 14
 8
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative liabilities 187
 259
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative liabilities 6,014
 13,339
De-designated hedges Derivative liabilities 
 703
    $15,559
 $24,751
Interest Rate Products Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Customer derivative positions Derivative assets $12,658
 $5,216
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative assets 3,691
 7,620
Mortgage banking - loan commitment Derivative assets 1,796
 1,190
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative assets 14
 28
Bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative assets 7,765
 10,651
    $25,924
 $24,705
       
Customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities $4,118
 $9,661
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions Derivative liabilities 2,744
 781
Risk participations Derivative liabilities 6
 8
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment Derivative liabilities 483
 259
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives Derivative liabilities 10,187
 13,339
De-designated hedges Derivative liabilities 
 703
    $17,538
 $24,751

 
Customer derivative positions are between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swap/cap program. In addition, 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. The agreements, which are typically executed in conjunction with a participation in a loan with the same customer, allow customers to execute an interest rate swap with one bank while allowing for the distribution of the credit risk among participating members. Collateral used to support the credit risk for the underlying lending relationship is also available to offset the risk of credit risk participations and customer derivative positions.

United also has three3 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 are marked to market through earnings. The fair value marks on the market linked swaps and the bifurcated embedded derivatives tend to move in opposite directions with changes in 90-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and therefore provide an economic hedge.
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.
  
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, United is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments. United accounts for most newly originated mortgage 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. 


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 United did not have any active cash flow hedges. Changes in balance sheet composition and interest rate risk position made cash flow hedges not currently necessary as protection against rising interest rates. The loss remaining in other comprehensive income from prior hedges that havehad previously been de-designated iswas being amortized into earnings over the original term of the swaps as the forecasted transactions that the swaps were originally designated to hedge arewere still expected to occur. AmortizationDuring the second quarter of 2019, United amortized the lossremaining balance of losses on the de-designated hedgesterminated hedging positions from other comprehensive income, which was the only effect of cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018. See Note 67 for further detail. United expects that $118,000 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next twelve months related to these cash flow hedges.


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. At March 31,September 30, 2019, United had four4 interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $38.0$37.9 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. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the hedged brokered time deposits, which were included in brokered deposits on the consolidated balance sheet, had a carrying value of $36.0$36.3 million, which included cumulative fair value hedging adjustments of $1.38 million.$480,000. At December 31, 2018, United had four4 interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $39.0 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk and were pay-variable / receive-fixed, hedging the changes in the fair value of fixed-rate brokered time deposits resulting from changes in interest rates.
 
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 three months ended March 31, 2019, and March 31, 2018, United recognized net losses of $11,000 and $79,000, respectively, related to ineffectiveness in the fair value hedging relationships. United also recognized a net increase in interest expense of $101,000$97,000 and $300,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and a net increase in interest expense of $14,000$74,000 and $154,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 related to fair value hedges of brokered time deposits, which includes net settlements on the derivatives. United recognized an increase in interest revenue on securities during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 of $17,000 related to fair value hedges of corporate bonds which were terminated during the first quarter of 2018.
 
The table below presents the effect of derivatives in fair value hedging relationships on the consolidated statement of income for the periods indicated (in thousands)
  
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Hedged Item
   2019 2018 2019 2018
Three Months Ended September 30,    
  
  
  
Fair value hedges of brokered CDs Interest expense $71
 $(75) $(55) $(52)
    $71
 $(75) $(55) $(52)
           
Nine Months Ended September 30,    
  
  
  
Fair value hedges of brokered CDs Interest expense $671
 $(912) $(668) $518
Fair value hedges of corporate bonds Interest revenue 
 (336) 
 405
    $671
 $(1,248) $(668) $923
  
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Hedged Item
   2019 2018 2019 2018
Three Months Ended March 31,    
  
  
  
Fair value hedges of brokered CDs Interest expense $451
 $(693) $(462) $545
Fair value hedges of corporate bonds Interest revenue 
 (336) 
 405
    $451
 $(1,029) $(462) $950

 
In certain cases, the estate of deceased brokered certificate of deposit holders may put the certificate of deposit back to United at par upon the death of the holder. When these estate puts occur, a gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the fair 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 includes gains and losses from estate puts and such gains and losses are included in the amount of reported ineffectiveness gains or losses.

puts.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)





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)
  Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
   2019 2018
Three Months Ended September 30,    
  
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income $649
 $611
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income 
 17
De-designated hedges Other noninterest income 
 (25)
Mortgage banking derivatives Mortgage loan revenue (49) (213)
Risk participations Other noninterest income (1) 
    $599
 $390
       
Nine Months Ended September 30,    
  
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income $2,376
 $2,028
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income 144
 398
Interest rate caps Other noninterest income 
 276
De-designated hedges Other noninterest income (193) (108)
Mortgage banking derivatives Mortgage loan revenue (987) 1,207
Risk participations Other noninterest income (5) 12
    $1,335
 $3,813
  Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
   2019 2018
Three Months Ended March 31,    
  
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income $503
 $772
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income 218
 370
Interest rate caps Other noninterest income 
 276
De-designated hedges Other noninterest income (193) (67)
Mortgage banking derivatives Mortgage loan revenue (190) 1,264
Risk participations Other noninterest income 2
 (2)
    $340
 $2,613

 
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
United manages its credit exposure on derivatives transactions by entering into a bilateral credit support agreement with each non-customer 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 March 31,September 30, 2019, collateral totaling $11.9$16.3 million was pledged toward derivatives in a liability position.
 
United’s agreements with each of its derivative counterparties contain a provision whereprovide that 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 whereprovide that 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. Derivatives that are centrally cleared do not have credit-risk-related features that would require additional collateral if United’s credit rating were downgraded.
 
Note 910 – Stock-Based Compensation
 
United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of incentive 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. Options granted under the plan have had an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The general terms of the plan include a vesting period (usually four years, although certain acquisition-related performance grants may have periods of less than four years and up to ten years) with an exercisable period not to exceed ten years. Certain options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plan). Through March 31,September 30, 2019, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, base salary stock grants and performance share awards have been granted under the plan. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, 1.531.31 million additional awards remained available for grant under the plan.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




The following table shows stock option activity for the first threenine months of 2019.
Options Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 47,139
 $27.07
    
Exercised (12,000) 16.44
    
Cancelled/forfeited (2,396) 29.68
    
Expired (30,243) 31.43
    
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 2,500
 22.81
 1.9 $16
         
Exercisable at September 30, 2019 2,500
 22.81
 1.9 16
Options Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 47,139
 $27.07
    
Exercised (12,000) 16.44
    
Cancelled/forfeited (504) 31.50
    
Expired (1,023) 29.45
    
Outstanding at March 31, 2019 33,612
 30.72
 0.4 $13
         
Exercisable at March 31, 2019 33,612
 30.72
 0.4 13

 
The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. NoNaN stock options were granted during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.
 
United recognized $6,000$18,000 in compensation expense related to stock options during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, and no0 compensation expense related to stock options in the same period of 2019. The amount of compensation expense was determined based on the fair value of the 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 table below presents restricted stock units activity for the first threenine months of 2019.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards Shares 
Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 759,746
 $27.66
    
Granted 301,301
 26.55
    
Vested (171,177) 24.42
   $4,589
Cancelled (33,754) 25.79
    
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 856,116
 27.99
 3.7 24,271
Restricted Stock Unit Awards Shares 
Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 759,746
 $27.66
    
Granted 37,994
 25.67
    
Vested (46,628) 25.72
   $1,322
Cancelled (14,284) 25.30
    
Outstanding at March 31, 2019 736,828
 27.72
 4.2 18,369

 
CompensationHistorically, compensation expense for restricted stock units without market conditions ishas been based on the market value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. During the third quarter of 2019, as it had during the third quarter 2018, in addition to the time-based restricted stock unit awards, United’s Board of Directors approved performance-based restricted stock units. The performance-based restricted stock awards granted during the third quarter 2019 will vest based on achieving, during the applicable calendar-year performance periods from 2020 through 2023, certain performance and market targets relative to a bank peer group. Achieving target performance on both the performance and market targets for all performance periods will result in the issuance of 47,642 shares, although additional shares may be issued if more stringent performance and market hurdles are met. The per share fair market value of these performance-based restricted stock unit award of $26.32 was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. United recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. The value of restricted stock unit awards is amortized into expense over the service period. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, compensation expense of $1.91$7.40 million and $1.07$3.79 million, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit awards granted to United employees. Of the expense related to restricted stock unit awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, $1.38 million related to the modification of existing awards resulting from an acceleration of vesting of awards due to retirement and $740,000 related to awards granted in conjunction with an acquisition, both of which were recognized in merger-related and other charges in the consolidated statement of income. The remaining expense of $5.28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was recognized in salaries and employee benefits expense, as was the entire amount for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. In addition, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, $72,000$283,000 and $68,000,$264,000, respectively, was recognized in other operating expense for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of United’s boardBoard of directors.Directors.


A deferred income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense for optionsof $1.96 million and restricted stock of $507,000 and $296,000$1.04 million was included in the determination of income tax expense for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, there was $15.7$16.5 million of unrecognized expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit awards granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.42.6 years. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, there was no0 unrecognized expense related to non-vested stock options granted under the plan.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
Note 1011 – Common Stock
 
In November of 2018, United’s Board of Directors approved an increase and extension of the existingongoing common stock repurchase plan throughprogram, authorizing $50 million of repurchases of United’s outstanding common stock. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of United’s repurchase of its common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $50 million or December 31, 2019. Under the program, up to $50 millionshares may be repurchased periodically in the open market transactions at prevailing market prices,or in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased depends on a number of factors, including thefrom time to time, subject to market price of United’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements.conditions. During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, 305,052195,443 and 500,495 shares, respectively, were repurchased under the program. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, no0 shares were repurchased under the
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


program. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $42.2$37.0 million of outstanding common stock under the program. In November of 2019, the Board of Directors authorized an updated repurchase program for $50 million of its common shares that may be acquired through December 31, 2020.
 
Note 1112 – Income Taxes
 
The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was $13.0$14.0 million and $10.7$40.1 million, respectively, which represents anrepresented effective tax raterates of 22.6%22.4% and 22.2%22.7%, respectively.respectively, for those periods. The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $13.1 million and $37.4 million, respectively, which represented effective tax rates of 23.1% and 23.6%, respectively, for those periods.


At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, United maintained a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset of $3.37 million. Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax asset at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax asset is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence.
The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management’s conclusion at March 31, 2019 that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset of $51.1 million will be realized is based upon management’s estimate of future taxable income. Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal forecasts that 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 of the net deferred tax asset.
 
United is subject to income taxation in the United States and various state jurisdictions. United’s federal and state income tax returns are filed on a consolidated basis. Currently, no years for which United filed a federal income tax return are under examination by the IRS, and there are no state tax examinations currently in progress. United is no longer subject to income tax examinations from state and local income tax authorities for years before 2015.2016. Although it is not possible to know the ultimate outcome of future examinations, management believes that the liability recorded for uncertain tax positions is appropriate. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, unrecognized income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions totaled $3.39 million and $3.26 million, respectively.million.
 
Note 1213 – 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, United uses 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.
 
In instances wherewhen 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. The 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.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)





Investment Securities
Debt securities available-for-sale and equity securities with readily determinable fair values 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 those traded in less liquid markets and are valued based on estimates obtained from broker-dealers that are not directly observable.
 
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities
Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet 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.
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
United has 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 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 (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 credit 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’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, a creditor may measure impairment based on a loan’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, Fair Value Measures and Disclosures, 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.
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. United also uses best effort and mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments to hedge risk in its mortgage lending business.
 
To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, United 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, United has considered the effect of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.
 
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, 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. Derivatives classified as Level 3 included structured derivatives for which
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


broker quotes, used as a key valuation input, were not observable consistent with a Level 2 disclosure. The fair value of risk participations incorporates Level 3 inputs to evaluate the likelihood of customer default. The fair value of interest rate lock commitments, which is related to mortgage loan commitments, is categorized as Level 3 based on unobservable inputs for commitments that United does not expect to fund.
 
Servicing Rights for SBA/USDA Loans
United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. 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.
 
Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights
United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential mortgage loans sold with servicing retained. 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.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


 
Pension Plan Assets
For information on the fair value of pension plan assets, see Note 17 in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 10-K.


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 the dates indicated, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands).
March 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities available for sale:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasuries $141,855
 $
 $
 $141,855
 $154,632
 $
 $
 $154,632
U.S. Government agencies 
 5,101
 
 5,101
 
 3,175
 
 3,175
State and political subdivisions 
 222,180
 
 222,180
 
 227,325
 
 227,325
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 1,414,085
 
 1,414,085
 
 1,256,633
 
 1,256,633
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 343,339
 
 343,339
 
 322,465
 
 322,465
Corporate bonds 
 199,681
 995
 200,676
 
 200,197
 998
 201,195
Asset-backed securities 
 127,389
 
 127,389
 
 106,621
 
 106,621
Equity securities with readily available fair values 910
 
 
 910
 1,836
 
 
 1,836
Mortgage loans held for sale 
 26,341
 
 26,341
 
 54,625
 
 54,625
Deferred compensation plan assets 7,129
 
 
 7,129
 7,668
 
 
 7,668
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans 
 
 7,401
 7,401
 
 
 7,246
 7,246
Residential mortgage servicing rights 
 
 11,447
 11,447
 
 
 11,089
 11,089
Derivative financial instruments 
 16,363
 9,561
 25,924
 
 37,512
 6,243
 43,755
Total assets $149,894
 $2,354,479
 $29,404
 $2,533,777
 $164,136
 $2,208,553
 $25,576
 $2,398,265
                
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $7,129
 $
 $
 $7,129
 $7,680
 $
 $
 $7,680
Derivative financial instruments 
 7,345
 11,444
 18,789
 
 9,531
 6,713
 16,244
Total liabilities $7,129
 $7,345
 $11,444
 $25,918
 $7,680
 $9,531
 $6,713
 $23,924
December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:  
  
  
  
Debt securities available for sale  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasuries $149,307
 $
 $
 $149,307
U.S. Agencies 
 25,553
 
 25,553
State and political subdivisions 
 233,941
 
 233,941
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 1,445,910
 
 1,445,910
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 391,917
 
 391,917
Corporate bonds 
 198,168
 995
 199,163
Asset-backed securities 
 182,676
 
 182,676
Equity securities with readily available fair values 1,076
 
 
 1,076
Mortgage loans held for sale 
 18,935
 
 18,935
Deferred compensation plan assets 6,404
 
 
 6,404
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans 
 
 7,510
 7,510
Residential mortgage servicing rights 
 
 11,877
 11,877
Derivative financial instruments 
 12,864
 11,841
 24,705
Total assets $156,787
 $2,509,964
 $32,223
 $2,698,974
         
Liabilities:        
Deferred compensation plan liability $6,404
 $
 $
 $6,404
Derivative financial instruments 
 10,701
 15,732
 26,433
Total liabilities $6,404
 $10,701
 $15,732
 $32,837

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:  
  
  
  
Debt securities available for sale  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasuries $149,307
 $
 $
 $149,307
U.S. Agencies 
 25,553
 
 25,553
State and political subdivisions 
 233,941
 
 233,941
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 1,445,910
 
 1,445,910
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 391,917
 
 391,917
Corporate bonds 
 198,168
 995
 199,163
Asset-backed securities 
 182,676
 
 182,676
Equity securities with readily available fair values 1,076
 
 
 1,076
Mortgage loans held for sale 
 18,935
 
 18,935
Deferred compensation plan assets 6,404
 
 
 6,404
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans 
 
 7,510
 7,510
Residential mortgage servicing rights 
 
 11,877
 11,877
Derivative financial instruments 
 12,864
 11,841
 24,705
Total assets $156,787
 $2,509,964
 $32,223
 $2,698,974
         
Liabilities:        
Deferred compensation plan liability $6,404
 $
 $
 $6,404
Derivative financial instruments 
 10,701
 15,732
 26,433
Total liabilities $6,404
 $10,701
 $15,732
 $32,837
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the periods indicated for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 values (in thousands).
 2019 2018
 Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans Residential mortgage servicing rights Debt Securities Available-for-Sale Derivative
Asset
 Derivative
Liability
 Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans Residential mortgage servicing rights Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
Three Months Ended September 30,  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Balance at beginning of period$7,744
 $9,012
 $7,380
 $10,679
 $995
 $14,510
 $18,366
 $7,509
 $10,801
 $990
Additions
 
 486
 1,789
 
 
 
 745
 1,397
 
Sales and settlements
 
 (286) (416) 
 
 
 (242) (146) 
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 3
 
 
 
 
 5
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments(1,501) (2,299) (334) (963) 
 (94) 379
 (514) (21) 
Balance at end of period$6,243
 $6,713
 $7,246
 $11,089
 $998
 $14,416
 $18,745
 $7,498
 $12,031
 $995
                 
Nine Months Ended September 30,                
Balance at beginning of period$11,841
 $15,732
 $7,510
 $11,877
 $995
 $12,207
 $16,744
 $7,740
 $8,262
 $900
Business combinations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (354) 
 
Additions
 
 1,266
 3,880
 
 
 
 1,837
 3,505
 
Sales and settlements(1,135) (2,330) (837) (719) 
 (1,029) (1,347) (649) (352) 
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 3
 
 
 
 
 95
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments(4,463) (6,689) (693) (3,949) 
 3,238
 3,348
 (1,076) 616
 
Balance at end of period$6,243
 $6,713
 $7,246
 $11,089
 $998
 $14,416
 $18,745
 $7,498
 $12,031
 $995

 Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans Residential mortgage servicing rights Debt Securities Available-for-Sale
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019  
  
  
Balance at beginning of period$11,841
 $15,732
 $7,510
 $11,877
 $995
Additions
 
 375
 863
 
Sales and settlements(1,135) (2,330) (363) (150) 
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments(1,145) (1,958) (121) (1,143) 
Balance at end of period$9,561
 $11,444
 $7,401
 $11,447
 $995
       
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018      
Balance at beginning of period$12,207
 $16,744
 $7,740
 $8,262
 $900
Business combinations
 
 (354) 
 
Additions
 
 479
 926
 
Sales and settlements(1,029) (1,347) (91) (80) 
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments2,699
 2,391
 (304) 610
 
Balance at end of period$13,877
 $17,788
 $7,470
 $9,718
 $900


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated (in thousands)
  Fair Value     Weighted Average
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities September 30,
2019
 December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique   September 30,
2019
 December 31, 2018
    Unobservable Inputs  
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans $7,246
 $7,510
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 11.8% 14.5%

     
 Prepayment rate 15.3% 12.1%
Residential mortgage servicing rights 11,089
 11,877
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 10.0% 10.0%
        Prepayment rate 15.8% 10.6%
Corporate bonds 998
 995
 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 2,732
 1,190
 Internal model Pull through rate 83.3% 80.7%
Derivative assets - other 3,511
 10,651
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A
Derivative liabilities - risk participations 14
 8
 Internal model Probable exposure rate 0.33% 0.44%

       Probability of default rate 1.80% 1.80%
Derivative liabilities - other 6,699
 15,724
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  Fair Value     Weighted Average
Level 3 Assets and Liabilities March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Valuation Technique   March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
    Unobservable Inputs  
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans $7,401
 $7,510
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 13.6% 14.5%

     
 Prepayment rate 12.5% 12.1%
Residential mortgage servicing rights 11,447
 11,877
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 10.0% 10.0%
        Prepayment rate 12.8% 10.6%
Corporate bonds 995
 995
 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 1,796
 1,190
 Internal model Pull through rate 78.9% 80.7%
Derivative assets - other 7,765
 10,651
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A
Derivative liabilities - risk participations 6
 8
 Internal model Probable exposure rate 0.37% 0.44%

       Probability of default rate 1.80% 1.80%
Derivative liabilities - other 11,438
 15,724
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A

Fair Value Option
At March 31,September 30, 2019, mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected had an aggregate fair value and outstanding principal balance of $26.3$54.6 million and $25.3$53.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018, mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected had an aggregate fair value and outstanding principal balance of $18.9 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Interest income on these loans is calculated based on the note rate of the loan and is recorded in interest revenue. During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, changes in fair value of these loans resulted in net losses of $2,000 and net gains of $306,000.$873,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, changes in fair value of these loans resulted in net losses of $72,000.$412,000 and $157,000, respectively. Gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of these loans are 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 adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of the lower of the 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 March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the year-to-date periods presented (in thousands).
   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
 September 30, 2019  
  
  
  
 
 Loans $
 $
 $9,119
 $9,119
 
           
 December 31, 2018         
 Loans $
 $
 $8,631
 $8,631
 

   Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
 March 31, 2019  
  
  
  
 
 Loans $
 $
 $1,286
 $1,286
 
           
 December 31, 2018         
 Loans $
 $
 $8,631
 $8,631
 

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, although only those specific reserves based on the fair value of collateral are considered nonrecurring fair value adjustments. 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.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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.
 
Cash and cash equivalents and repurchase agreements have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair 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. All estimates are inherently subjective in nature. 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.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) for which draws can be reasonably predicted are generally short-term in maturity and are priced at variable rates. Therefore, the estimated fair value associated with these instruments is immaterial.


The carrying amount and fair values as of the dates indicated for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands).
    Fair Value Level
  Carrying Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
September 30, 2019          
Assets:          
Securities held to maturity $243,028
 $
 $248,546
 $
 $248,546
Loans and leases, net 8,840,752
 
 
 8,804,331
 8,804,331
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 10,756,517
 
 10,756,838
 
 10,756,838
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 40,000
 
 39,998
 
 39,998
Long-term debt 240,245
 
 
 246,567
 246,567
           
December 31, 2018          
Assets:          
Securities held to maturity $274,407
 $
 $268,803
 $
 $268,803
Loans and leases, net 8,322,198
 
 
 8,277,387
 8,277,387
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 10,534,513
 
 10,528,834
 
 10,528,834
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 160,000
 
 159,988
 
 159,988
Long-term debt 267,189
 
 
 278,996
 278,996
    Fair Value Level
  Carrying Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2019          
Assets:          
Securities held to maturity $265,329
 $
 $265,117
 $
 $265,117
Loans and leases, net 8,431,612
 
 
 8,401,018
 8,401,018
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 10,534,306
 
 10,527,436
 
 10,527,436
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 40,000
 
 39,998
 
 39,998
Long-term debt 257,259
 
 
 266,468
 266,468
           
December 31, 2018          
Assets:          
Securities held to maturity $274,407
 $
 $268,803
 $
 $268,803
Loans and leases, net 8,322,198
 
 
 8,277,387
 8,277,387
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 10,534,513
 
 10,528,834
 
 10,528,834
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 160,000
 
 159,988
 
 159,988
Long-term debt 267,189
 
 
 278,996
 278,996

 
Note 13 ���14 – Commitments and Contingencies
 
United is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its 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 balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


the extent of involvement United 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.
 
The following table summarizes the contractual amount of off-balance sheet instruments as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk: 
  
Commitments to extend credit$2,138,428
 $2,129,463
Letters of credit29,652
 25,447
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk: 
  
Commitments to extend credit$2,053,155
 $2,129,463
Letters of credit26,867
 25,447

 
United’s wholly-owned bank subsidiary, United Community Bank (the “Bank”), holds minor investments in certain limited partnerships for Community Reinvestment Act purposes. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Bank had committed to fund an additional $7.93$6.87 million related to future capital calls that had 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.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Note 15 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets as of the dates indicated is summarized below (in thousands)
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Core deposit intangible$65,452
 $62,652
 
 Less: accumulated amortization(49,537) (46,141) 
 Net core deposit intangible15,915
 16,511
 
 Noncompete agreements3,144
 3,144
 
 Less: accumulated amortization(3,144) (2,695) 
 Net noncompete agreements
 449
 
 Total intangibles subject to amortization, net15,915
 16,960
 
 Goodwill327,425
 307,112
 
 Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net$343,340
 $324,072
 

The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill (in thousands)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill, net of Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Goodwill, net of Accumulated Impairment Losses
Balance, beginning of period $633,015
 $(305,590) $327,425
 $612,702
 $(305,590) $307,112
Acquisition of FMBT 
 
 
 20,313
 
 20,313
Balance, end of period $633,015
 $(305,590) $327,425
 $633,015
 $(305,590) $327,425
             
2018            
Balance, beginning of period $612,702
 $(305,590) $307,112
 $526,181
 $(305,590) $220,591
Acquisition of Navitas 
 
 
 87,379
 
 87,379
Measurement period adjustments(1)
 
 
 
 (858) 
 (858)
Balance, end of period $612,702
 $(305,590) $307,112
 $612,702
 $(305,590) $307,112

(1) Measurement period adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were related to Four Oaks Fincorp, Inc. and HCSB Financial Corporation.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for core deposit intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
 Year  
 Remainder of 2019$1,093
 
 20203,842
 
 20213,019
 
 20222,379
 
 20231,852
 
 Thereafter3,730
 
 Total$15,915
 


Note 1416 - Operating Leases


United’s leases for which it is the lessee consist of operating leases for land, buildings, and equipment. Payments related to these leases consist primarily of base rent and, in the case of building leases, additional operating costs associated with the leased property such as common area maintenance and utilities. In most cases these operating costs vary over the term of the lease, and therefore are classified as variable lease costs, which are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statement of income. In addition, certain operating leases include costs such as property taxes and insurance, which are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statement of income. Many of United’s operating leases contain renewal options, most of which are excluded from the measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability as they are not reasonably certain to be exercised. United also subleases and leases certain real estate properties to third parties under operating leases. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, United had a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $22.7$21.0 million and $25.2$23.3 million, respectively, included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


The table below presents the operating lease income and expense recognized for the periodperiods indicated and other supplemental information (in thousands).
   Income Statement Location Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 
 Operating lease cost Occupancy expense $1,272
 $3,783
 
 Variable lease cost Occupancy expense 112
 336
 
 Short-term lease cost Occupancy expense 52
 92
 
 Total lease cost   $1,436
 $4,211
 
         
 Sublease income and rental income from owned properties under operating leases Other noninterest income $261
 886
 

   Income Statement Location Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 
 Operating lease cost Occupancy expense $1,258
 
 Variable lease cost Occupancy expense 111
 
 Short-term lease cost Occupancy expense 19
 
 Sublease income Occupancy expense (149) 
 Net lease cost   $1,239
 
       
 Rental income from owned properties under operating leases Other noninterest income $216
 
       
 Operating cash flows from operating leases   $1,348
 


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 6.035.51 years and 2.80%2.79%, respectively. Absent a readily determinable interest rate in the lease agreement, the discount rate applied to each individual lease obligation was the Bank’s incremental borrowing rate for secured borrowings.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, future minimum lease payments under operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
 Year   
 Remainder of 2019 $939
 
 2020 5,394
 
 2021 5,124
 
 2022 4,694
 
 2023 3,992
 
 Thereafter 5,092
 
 Total 25,235
 
 Less discount (1,963) 
 Present value of lease liability $23,272
 

 Year   
 Remainder of 2019 $3,627
 
 2020 5,253
 
 2021 4,983
 
 2022 4,553
 
 2023 3,979
 
 Thereafter 5,092
 
 Total 27,487
 
 Less discount (2,287) 
 Present value of lease liability $25,200
 


As discussed in Note 2, United adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative effect adjustment to shareholders’ equity without restating comparable periods. As a result, disclosures for comparative periods under the predecessor standard, ASC 840, Leases, are required in the year of transition. As of December 31, 2018, rent commitments under operating leases were $5.35 million, $5.16 million, $4.91 million, $4.48 million, and $3.91 million, for 2019 through 2023, respectively, and $5.04 million in the aggregate for years thereafter.


Note 17 - Termination of Defined Benefit Plan

During the third quarter of 2019, United materially settled the liabilities of its funded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Funded Plan”). Participants elected to receive either lump sum distributions or annuity contracts purchased from a third party insurance company that provided for the payment of vested benefits. United contributed $4.90 million to the Funded Plan in the third quarter of 2019 to fund its liquidation.

As a result of the pension termination, unrecognized losses of $1.56 million, which previously were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets, were recognized as expense and an additional pension plan settlement loss of $1.38 million was recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Including both charges, the total Funded Plan settlement loss was $2.94 million, which was included in merger-related and other charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Note 1518 - Subsequent Events


On May 1,November 7, 2019, United completed its previously announced acquisitionUnited’s Board of First Madison Bank & Trust (“First Madison”). First Madison operated four banking offices in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia and, asDirectors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of March 31, 2019, had total assets$0.18 per common share. The dividend is payable January 6, 2020, to shareholders of $244 million, loans of $199 million and deposits of $213 million. First Madison has merged into the Bank and will operate under the First Madison brand until system conversions are completed in the third quarter of 2019, at which time it will begin to operate under the United Community Bank brand.record on December 16, 2019.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, First Madison shareholders received $52.1 million in cash. 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, United is currently in the process of completing the purchase accounting and has not made all of the remaining disclosures required by ASC 805 Business Combinations, such as the fair value of assets acquired and supplemental pro forma information, which will be disclosed in subsequent filings.




Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-looking Statements
ThisThe following is a discussion of our financial condition at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018. The purpose of this discussion is to focus on information about our financial condition and results of operations which is not otherwise apparent from our consolidated financial statements and is intended to provide insight into our results of operations and financial condition. The following discussion and analysis should be read along with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part I - Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), about United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “United”). 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 generally 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 or events, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of United. We caution our shareholders and other readers not to place undue reliance on such statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forthdiscussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as well as the following factors:
the condition of the general business and economic environment, banking system and financial markets;
strategic, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with our business;
changes in the interest rate environment, including interest rate changes made by the Federal Reserve, as well as cash flow reassessments may reduce net interest margin and/or the volumes and values of loans made or held as well as the value of other financial assets;
our lack of geographic diversification(the “2018 10-K”) and the success of the local economies in which we operate;
risks with respect to our ability to successfully expand and complete acquisitions and integrate businesses and operations that are acquired;
our ability to attract and retain key employees;
competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers including financial technology providers;
losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our customers, third party service providers or employees;
cybersecurity risks that could adversely affect our business and financial performance or reputation;
our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure and services required to operate our business;
the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with regulatory initiatives and the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
legislative, regulatory or accounting changes that may adversely affect us;
changes in the securities markets;
changes in the allowance for loan losses resulting from the adoption and implementation of the new Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology;
the costs and effects of litigation, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or adverse facts and developments related thereto;
possible regulatory or judicial proceedings, board resolutions, informal memorandums of understanding or formal enforcement actions imposed by regulators;
the risk that our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover our actual loan losses; and
limitations on the ability of United Community Bank (the “Bank”) to pay dividends to United Community Banks, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), which could affect Holding Company liquidity, including the ability to pay dividends to shareholders or take other capital actions.

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 fileswe have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). United cautions thatSEC after we filed the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. United does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q. 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”) or any other regulator.2018 10-K.




Overview
The following discussion is intended to provide insight into the results of operations and financial condition of United and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
 
The Holding Company is a bank holding company incorporated in the state of Georgia in 1987, which began operations in 1988 by acquiring the capital stock of the Bank, a Georgia state-chartered bank that opened in 1950. United offers a wide array of commercial and consumer banking services and investment advisory services through a 149 branch147-branch network throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.


On May 1, 2019, United completed the acquisition of First Madison Bank and Trust (“FMBT”). FMBT’s results are included in United’s consolidated results beginning on the acquisition date.

At March 31,September 30, 2019, United had total consolidated assets of $12.5$12.8 billion, total loans of $8.49$8.90 billion, total deposits of $10.5$10.8 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $1.51$1.61 billion. United reported net income of $44.3$48.4 million, or $0.55$0.60 per diluted share, for the firstthird quarter of 2019, compared to net income of $37.7$43.7 million, or $0.47$0.54 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, United reported net income of $137 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, compared to $121 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, for the first quarternine months of 2018.


Net interest revenue increased to $116$119 million for the firstthird quarter of 2019, compared to $103$112 million for the firstthird quarter of 2018, due to higher loan volume and risinga higher net interest rates.margin. The net interest margin increased to 4.10%4.12% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 from 3.80%3.95% for the same period in 2018 primarily due to loan growth, including the addition of the FMBT loan portfolio, the positive effect of rising interest rates on floating ratea shift in the composition of United’s balance sheet away from securities and into higher yielding loans, and the reduction of borrowed funds since September 30, 2018. These improvements were partially offset by increased interest expense on interest-bearing deposits primarily due to higher interest rates from a year ago, particularly in time deposits. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net interest revenue was $353 million and the net interest margin was 4.11% compared to net interest revenue of $324 million and net interest margin of 3.88% for the same period in 2018. These improvements are also attributable to the same factors affecting the third quarter, as well as the inclusion, during the first nine months of 2019, of higher yielding equipment financing loans acquired from NLFC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, collectively known as “Navitas”, for the full first quarter of 2019..
 
The provision for credit losses was $3.30$3.10 million for the firstthird quarter of 2019, compared to $3.80$1.80 million for the firstthird quarter of 2018. Net charge-offsFor the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the provision for the first quarter of 2019 were $3.13credit losses was $9.65 million, compared to $1.50$7.40 million for the same period in 2018. Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2019 were $2.72 million compared to $1.47 million for the same period in 2018.

As of March 31,September 30, 2019, United’s allowance for loan losses was $61.6$62.5 million, or 0.73%0.70% of loans, compared to $61.2 million, or 0.73% of loans, at December 31, 2018, reflecting stable asset quality. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, nonperforming assets of $24.8$30.9 million and $25.1 million, respectively, were 0.24% and 0.20% of total assets.assets, respectively.


Noninterest income of $21.0$29.0 million for the firstthird quarter of 2019 was down $1.43up $4.85 million, or 6%20%, from the firstthird quarter of 2018. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to the decreasean increase in mortgage fees resultingorigination activity which resulted in a $3.40 million increase in mortgage fees. United closed $330 million in mortgage loans in the third quarter of 2019 compared with $237 million a year ago. Deposit service charges were also up with increases in interchange and overdraft fees. These increases were partially offset by decreases in gains on sales of United’s Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture (“SBA/USDA”) loans. The decrease results from a declinechange in the fair valuestrategy to hold more of the mortgage servicing rights asset inSBA loan production on balance sheet. For the first quarternine months of 2019.2019, total noninterest income was up $4.61 million compared to the same period of 2018 mostly due to increases in mortgage loan and related fees, brokerage fees and nominal securities losses in comparison to the $1.30 million of securities losses recorded during the same period of last year.


For the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019, noninterest expenses of $76.1$82.9 million and $241 million, respectively, increased $2.61$5.21 million and $12.8 million, respectively, from the same periodperiods of 2018. DecreasesThe increases were primarily attributable to increases in professional fees,salaries and employee benefits and communications and equipment costs. Merger-related and other charges also contributed to the increases from the prior periods due to the termination and settlement of the acquired Palmetto Bancshares, Inc. funded noncontributory defined benefit


pension plan (the “Funded Plan”), acquisition and systems conversions of FMBT, branch closure costs and executive retirement charges. Increases in salaries and employee benefits were driven by several factors, including the addition of FMBT employees, the inclusion of Navitas employees for the full period in 2019, annual merit-based salary increases awarded during the second quarter of 2019, and investments in new staff for key areas of the bank. The increase in communications and equipment expense was primarily a result of increased software maintenance and the addition of new software contracts. These increases were offset by decreases in FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges including a $1.38 million one-time assessment credit received in the third quarter of 2019, and amortization of intangibles, and merger-related and other charges offset much of the impact of higher salaries and employee benefits, communications and equipment expenses and other noninterest expense. Nearly half of the increase in salaries and employee benefits and approximately half of the increase in other expense were in our equipment finance business which we owned for only two of the three months of first quarter 2018. The rest of the increase in salaries and employee benefits expense resulted from annual merit increases, an increase in our 401(k) matching contribution, higher group medical insurance costs and higher incentives.intangibles.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The accounting and reporting policies of United are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The more critical accounting and reporting policies include United’s accounting forThere have been no significant changes to the allowance for loan losses, fair value measurements, and income taxes, all of which involve the use of estimates and require significant judgments to be made by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changesCritical Accounting Policies as described in United’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. See “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” herein for additional discussion of United’s accounting methodologies related to the allowance for loan losses.2018 10-K.
 
GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation
 
This Form 10-Q contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial information includes the following measures: “tangible book value per common share,” and “average tangible common equity to average 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 “expenses – operating,” “net income – 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 policies and procedures to accurately capture and account for merger-related and other charges and those charges are reviewed with the audit committee of United’s Board of Directors each quarter. Management uses these non-GAAP measures because it believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating


United’s operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating United’s business and in discussions about United’s operations and performance. Management believes these non-GAAP measures may also 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 Table 1 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis.


Results of Operations
 
United reported net income and diluted earnings per common share of $44.3$48.4 million and $0.55,$0.60, respectively, for the firstthird quarter of 2019. This compared to net income and diluted earnings per common share of $37.7$43.7 million and $0.47,$0.54, respectively, for the same period in 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, United reported net income and diluted earnings per share of $137 million and $1.70, respectively, compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $121 million and $1.51, respectively, for the same period in 2018.

United reported operating net income - operating (non-GAAP) of $44.8$50.4 million and $142 million for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019, compared to $39.7$44.1 million and $126 million for the same periodperiods in 2018. For the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019, operating net income - operating (non-GAAP) excludes termination of the funded defined benefit pension plan, merger-related, branch closure, and otherexecutive retirement charges, which net of tax, totaled $567,000.$2.01 million and $5.72 million, respectively. For the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2018, operating net income - operating (non-GAAP) excludes merger-related and branch closure charges, of $2.02 million,which net of tax.tax, totaled $451,000 and $5.22 million, respectively.





UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.            
Table 1 - Financial Highlights            
Selected Financial Information            
  2019 2018 First Quarter 2019 - 2018 Change
(in thousands, except per share data) First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter 
INCOME SUMMARY            
Interest revenue $136,516
 $133,854
 $128,721
 $122,215
 $115,290
  
Interest expense 20,882
 18,975
 16,611
 13,739
 12,005
  
Net interest revenue 115,634
 114,879
 112,110
 108,476
 103,285
 12 %
Provision for credit losses 3,300
 2,100
 1,800
 1,800
 3,800
 (13)
Noninterest income 20,968
 23,045
 24,180
 23,340
 22,396
 (6)
Total revenue 133,302
 135,824
 134,490
 130,016
 121,881
 9
Expenses 76,084
 78,242
 77,718
 76,850
 73,475
 4
Income before income tax expense 57,218
 57,582
 56,772
 53,166
 48,406
 18
Income tax expense 12,956
 12,445
 13,090
 13,532
 10,748
 21
Net income 44,262
 45,137
 43,682
 39,634
 37,658
 18
Merger-related and other charges 739
 1,234
 592
 2,873
 2,646
  
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (172) (604) (141) (121) (628)  
Net income - operating (1)
 $44,829
 $45,767
 $44,133
 $42,386
 $39,676
 13
             
PERFORMANCE MEASURES            
Per common share:            
Diluted net income - GAAP $0.55
 $0.56
 $0.54
 $0.49
 $0.47
 17
Diluted net income - operating (1)
 0.56
 0.57
 0.55
 0.53
 0.50
 12
Cash dividends declared 0.16
 0.16
 0.15
 0.15
 0.12
 33
Book value 18.93
 18.24
 17.56
 17.29
 17.02
 11
Tangible book value (3)
 14.93
 14.24
 13.54
 13.25
 12.96
 15
Key performance ratios:            
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)(4)
 11.85% 12.08% 11.96% 11.20% 11.11%  
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)(4)
 12.00
 12.25
 12.09
 11.97
 11.71
  
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)(4)
 15.46
 15.88
 15.81
 15.79
 15.26
  
Return on assets - GAAP (4)
 1.44
 1.43
 1.41
 1.30
 1.26
  
Return on assets - operating (1)(4)
 1.45
 1.45
 1.42
 1.39
 1.33
  
Dividend payout ratio - GAAP 29.09
 28.57
 27.78
 30.61
 25.53
  
Dividend payout ratio - operating (1)
 28.57
 28.07
 27.27
 28.30
 24.00
  
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) (4)
 4.10
 3.97
 3.95
 3.90
 3.80
  
Efficiency ratio - GAAP 55.32
 56.73
 56.82
 57.94
 57.83
  
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)
 54.78
 55.83
 56.39
 55.77
 55.75
  
Average equity to average assets 11.82
 11.35
 11.33
 11.21
 11.03
  
Average tangible common equity to average assets (3)
 9.53
 9.04
 8.97
 8.83
 8.82
  
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (3)
 12.48
 12.00
 11.61
 11.36
 11.19
  
             
ASSET QUALITY            
Nonperforming loans $23,624
 $23,778
 $22,530
 $21,817
 $26,240
 (10)
Foreclosed properties 1,127
 1,305
 1,336
 2,597
 2,714
 (58)
Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs") 24,751
 25,083
 23,866
 24,414
 28,954
 (15)
Allowance for loan losses 61,642
 61,203
 60,940
 61,071
 61,085
 1
Net charge-offs 3,130
 1,787
 1,466
 1,359
 1,501
 109
Allowance for loan losses to loans 0.73% 0.73% 0.74% 0.74% 0.75%  
Net charge-offs to average loans (4)
 0.15
 0.09
 0.07
 0.07
 0.08
  
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties 0.29
 0.30
 0.29
 0.30
 0.35
  
NPAs to total assets 0.20
 0.20
 0.19
 0.20
 0.24
  
             
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)
            
Loans $8,430
 $8,306
 $8,200
 $8,177
 $7,993
 5
Investment securities 2,883
 3,004
 2,916
 2,802
 2,870
 
Earning assets 11,498
 11,534
 11,320
 11,193
 11,076
 4
Total assets 12,509
 12,505
 12,302
 12,213
 12,111
 3
Deposits 10,361
 10,306
 9,950
 9,978
 9,759
 6
Shareholders’ equity 1,478
 1,420
 1,394
 1,370
 1,336
 11
Common shares - basic (thousands) 79,807
 79,884
 79,806
 79,753
 79,205
 1
Common shares - diluted (thousands) 79,813
 79,890
 79,818
 79,755
 79,215
 1
             
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
            
Loans $8,493
 $8,383
 $8,226
 $8,220
 $8,184
 4
Investment securities 2,720
 2,903
 2,873
 2,834
 2,731
 
Total assets 12,506
 12,573
 12,405
 12,386
 12,264
 2
Deposits 10,534
 10,535
 10,229
 9,966
 9,993
 5
Shareholders’ equity 1,508
 1,458
 1,402
 1,379
 1,357
 11
Common shares outstanding (thousands) 79,035
 79,234
 79,202
 79,138
 79,123
 



UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.                  
Table 1 - Financial Highlights                  
Selected Financial Information                  
  2019 2018 Third Quarter 2019 - 2018 Change For the Nine Months Ended September 30, YTD 2019 - 2018 Change
(in thousands, except per share data) Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter  2019 2018 
INCOME SUMMARY            
      
Interest revenue $140,615
 $139,156
 $136,516
 $133,854
 $128,721
   $416,287
 $366,226
  
Interest expense 21,277
 21,372
 20,882
 18,975
 16,611
   63,531
 42,355
  
Net interest revenue 119,338
 117,784
 115,634
 114,879
 112,110
 6 % 352,756
 323,871
 9 %
Provision for credit losses 3,100
 3,250
 3,300
 2,100
 1,800
 72
 9,650
 7,400
 30
Noninterest income 29,031
 24,531
 20,968
 23,045
 24,180
 20
 74,530
 69,916
 7
Total revenue 145,269
 139,065
 133,302
 135,824
 134,490
 8
 417,636
 386,387
 8
Expenses 82,924
 81,813
 76,084
 78,242
 77,718
 7
 240,821
 228,043
 6
Income before income tax expense 62,345
 57,252
 57,218
 57,582
 56,772
 10
 176,815
 158,344
 12
Income tax expense 13,983
 13,167
 12,956
 12,445
 13,090
 7
 40,106
 37,370
 7
Net income 48,362
 44,085
 44,262
 45,137
 43,682
 11
 136,709
 120,974
 13
Merger-related and other charges 2,605
 4,087
 739
 1,234
 592
   7,431
 6,111
  
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (600) (940) (172) (604) (141)   (1,712) (890)  
Net income - operating (1)
 $50,367
 $47,232
 $44,829
 $45,767
 $44,133
 14
 $142,428
 $126,195
 13
                   
PERFORMANCE MEASURES                  
Per common share:                  
Diluted net income - GAAP $0.60
 $0.55
 $0.55
 $0.56
 $0.54
 11
 $1.70
 $1.51
 13
Diluted net income - operating (1)
 0.63
 0.59
 0.56
 0.57
 0.55
 15
 1.77
 1.57
 13
Cash dividends declared 0.17
 0.17
 0.16
 0.16
 0.15
 13
 0.50
 0.42
 19
Book value 20.16
 19.65
 18.93
 18.24
 17.56
 15
 20.16
 17.56
 15
Tangible book value (3)
 15.90
 15.38
 14.93
 14.24
 13.54
 17
 15.90
 13.54
 17
Key performance ratios:                  
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)(4)
 12.16% 11.45% 11.85% 12.08% 11.96%   11.83% 11.43%  
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)(4)
 12.67
 12.27
 12.00
 12.25
 12.09
   12.32
 11.93
  
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)(4)
 16.38
 15.88
 15.46
 15.88
 15.81
   15.92
 15.62
  
Return on assets - GAAP (4)
 1.51
 1.40
 1.44
 1.43
 1.41
   1.45
 1.32
  
Return on assets - operating (1)(4)
 1.58
 1.50
 1.45
 1.45
 1.42
   1.51
 1.38
  
Dividend payout ratio - GAAP 28.33
 30.91
 29.09
 28.57
 27.78
   29.41
 27.81
  
Dividend payout ratio - operating (1)
 26.98
 28.81
 28.57
 28.07
 27.27
   28.25
 26.75
  
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) (4)
 4.12
 4.12
 4.10
 3.97
 3.95
   4.11
 3.88
  
Efficiency ratio - GAAP 55.64
 57.28
 55.32
 56.73
 56.82
   56.09
 57.52
  
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)
 53.90
 54.42
 54.78
 55.83
 56.39
   54.36
 55.98
  
Equity to total assets 12.53
 12.25
 12.06
 11.60
 11.30
   12.53
 11.30
  
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)
 10.16
 9.86
 9.76
 9.29
 8.95
   10.16
 8.95
  
                   
ASSET QUALITY                  
Nonperforming loans $30,832
 $26,597
 $23,624
 $23,778
 $22,530
 37
 $30,832
 $22,530
 37
Foreclosed properties 102
 75
 1,127
 1,305
 1,336
 (92) 102
 1,336
 (92)
Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs") 30,934
 26,672
 24,751
 25,083
 23,866
 30
 30,934
 23,866
 30
Allowance for loan losses 62,514
 62,204
 61,642
 61,203
 60,940
 3
 62,514
 60,940
 3
Net charge-offs 2,723
 2,438
 3,130
 1,787
 1,466
 86
 8,291
 4,326
 92
Allowance for loan losses to loans 0.70% 0.70% 0.73% 0.73% 0.74%   0.70% 0.74%  
Net charge-offs to average loans (4)
 0.12
 0.11
 0.15
 0.09
 0.07
   0.13
 0.07
  
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties 0.35
 0.30
 0.29
 0.30
 0.29
   0.35
 0.29
  
NPAs to total assets 0.24
 0.21
 0.20
 0.20
 0.19
   0.24
 0.19
  
                   
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)
                  
Loans $8,836
 $8,670
 $8,430
 $8,306
 $8,200
 8
 $8,647
 $8,124
 6
Investment securities 2,550
 2,674
 2,883
 3,004
 2,916
 (13) 2,701
 2,863
 (6)
Earning assets 11,568
 11,534
 11,498
 11,534
 11,320
 2
 11,534
 11,197
 3
Total assets 12,681
 12,608
 12,509
 12,505
 12,302
 3
 12,600
 12,209
 3
Deposits 10,531
 10,493
 10,361
 10,306
 9,950
 6
 10,462
 9,896
 6
Shareholders’ equity 1,588
 1,531
 1,478
 1,420
 1,394
 14
 1,533
 1,367
 12
Common shares - basic (thousands) 79,663
 79,673
 79,807
 79,884
 79,806
 
 79,714
 79,588
 
Common shares - diluted (thousands) 79,667
 79,678
 79,813
 79,890
 79,818
 
 79,718
 79,598
 
                   
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
                  
Loans $8,903
 $8,838
 $8,493
 $8,383
 $8,226
 8
 $8,903
 $8,226
 8
Investment securities 2,515
 2,620
 2,720
 2,903
 2,873
 (12) 2,515
 2,873
 (12)
Total assets 12,809
 12,779
 12,506
 12,573
 12,405
 3
 12,809
 12,405
 3
Deposits 10,757
 10,591
 10,534
 10,535
 10,229
 5
 10,757
 10,229
 5
Shareholders’ equity 1,605
 1,566
 1,508
 1,458
 1,402
 14
 1,605
 1,402
 14
Common shares outstanding (thousands) 78,974
 79,075
 79,035
 79,234
 79,202
 
 78,974
 79,202
 
(1)
Excludes merger-related and other charges which includes termination of pension plan in the third quarter of 2019, executive retirement charges in the second quarter of 2019 and amortization of certain executive change of control benefits. (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.





 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.           
 Table 1 (Continued) - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
 Selected Financial Information           
   2019 2018 
   First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter 
 (in thousands, except per share data)      
             
 Expense reconciliation  
  
  
  
  
 
 Expenses (GAAP) $76,084
 $78,242
 $77,718
 $76,850
 $73,475
 
 Merger-related and other charges (739) (1,234) (592) (2,873) (2,646) 
 Expenses - operating $75,345
 $77,008
 $77,126
 $73,977
 $70,829
 
             
 Net income reconciliation           
 Net income (GAAP) $44,262
 $45,137
 $43,682
 $39,634
 $37,658
 
 Merger-related and other charges 739
 1,234
 592
 2,873
 2,646
 
 Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (172) (604) (141) (121) (628) 
 Net income - operating $44,829
 $45,767
 $44,133
 $42,386
 $39,676
 
             
 Diluted income per common share reconciliation           
 Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $0.55
 $0.56
 $0.54
 $0.49
 $0.47
 
 Merger-related and other charges 0.01
 0.01
 0.01
 0.04
 0.03
 
 Diluted income per common share - operating $0.56
 $0.57
 $0.55
 $0.53
 $0.50
 
             
 Book value per common share reconciliation           
 Book value per common share (GAAP) $18.93
 $18.24
 $17.56
 $17.29
 $17.02
 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (4.00) (4.00) (4.02) (4.04) (4.06) 
 Tangible book value per common share $14.93
 $14.24
 $13.54
 $13.25
 $12.96
 
             
 Return on tangible common equity reconciliation           
 Return on common equity (GAAP) 11.85 % 12.08 % 11.96 % 11.20 % 11.11 % 
 Merger-related and other charges 0.15
 0.17
 0.13
 0.77
 0.60
 
 Return on common equity - operating 12.00
 12.25
 12.09
 11.97
 11.71
 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles 3.46
 3.63
 3.72
 3.82
 3.55
 
 Return on tangible common equity - operating 15.46 % 15.88 % 15.81 % 15.79 % 15.26 % 
             
 Return on assets reconciliation           
 Return on assets (GAAP) 1.44 % 1.43 % 1.41 % 1.30 % 1.26 % 
 Merger-related and other charges 0.01
 0.02
 0.01
 0.09
 0.07
 
 Return on assets - operating 1.45 % 1.45 % 1.42 % 1.39 % 1.33 % 
             
 Dividend payout ratio reconciliation           
 Dividend payout ratio (GAAP) 29.09 % 28.57 % 27.78 % 30.61 % 25.53 % 
 Merger-related and other charges (0.52) (0.50) (0.51) (2.31) (1.53) 
 Dividend payout ratio - operating 28.57 % 28.07 % 27.27 % 28.30 % 24.00 % 
             
 Efficiency ratio reconciliation           
 Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 55.32 % 56.73 % 56.82 % 57.94 % 57.83 % 
 Merger-related and other charges (0.54) (0.90) (0.43) (2.17) (2.08) 
 Efficiency ratio - operating 54.78 % 55.83 % 56.39 % 55.77 % 55.75 % 
             
 Average equity to assets reconciliation           
 Equity to average assets (GAAP) 11.82 % 11.35 % 11.33 % 11.21 % 11.03 % 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (2.29) (2.31) (2.36) (2.38) (2.21) 
 Average tangible common equity to average assets 9.53 % 9.04 % 8.97 % 8.83 % 8.82 % 
             
 Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets reconciliation           
 Tier 1 capital ratio (Regulatory) 12.69 % 12.42 % 12.25 % 11.94 % 11.61 % 
 Effect of other comprehensive income (0.17) (0.44) (0.68) (0.57) (0.50) 
 Effect of deferred tax limitation 0.22
 0.28
 0.30
 0.33
 0.42
 
 Effect of trust preferred (0.26) (0.26) (0.26) (0.34) (0.34) 
 Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets 12.48 % 12.00 % 11.61 % 11.36 % 11.19 % 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.              
Table 1 (Continued) - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
Selected Financial Information              
  2019 2018 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter 2019 2018
(in thousands, except per share data)       
               
Expense reconciliation  
  
  
  
  
    
Expenses (GAAP) $82,924
 $81,813
 $76,084
 $78,242
 $77,718
 $240,821
 $228,043
Merger-related and other charges (2,605) (4,087) (739) (1,234) (592) (7,431) (6,111)
Expenses - operating $80,319
 $77,726
 $75,345
 $77,008
 $77,126
 $233,390
 $221,932
               
Net income reconciliation              
Net income (GAAP) $48,362
 $44,085
 $44,262
 $45,137
 $43,682
 $136,709
 $120,974
Merger-related and other charges 2,605
 4,087
 739
 1,234
 592
 7,431
 6,111
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (600) (940) (172) (604) (141) (1,712) (890)
Net income - operating $50,367
 $47,232
 $44,829
 $45,767
 $44,133
 $142,428
 $126,195
               
Diluted income per common share reconciliation              
Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $0.60
 $0.55
 $0.55
 $0.56
 $0.54
 $1.70
 $1.51
Merger-related and other charges 0.03
 0.04
 0.01
 0.01
 0.01
 0.07
 0.06
Diluted income per common share - operating $0.63
 $0.59
 $0.56
 $0.57
 $0.55
 $1.77
 $1.57
               
Book value per common share reconciliation              
Book value per common share (GAAP) $20.16
 $19.65
 $18.93
 $18.24
 $17.56
 $20.16
 $17.56
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (4.26) (4.27) (4.00) (4.00) (4.02) (4.26) (4.02)
Tangible book value per common share $15.90
 $15.38
 $14.93
 $14.24
 $13.54
 $15.90
 $13.54
               
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation              
Return on common equity (GAAP) 12.16 % 11.45 % 11.85 % 12.08 % 11.96 % 11.83 % 11.43 %
Merger-related and other charges 0.51
 0.82
 0.15
 0.17
 0.13
 0.49
 0.50
Return on common equity - operating 12.67
 12.27
 12.00
 12.25
 12.09
 12.32
 11.93
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles 3.71
 3.61
 3.46
 3.63
 3.72
 3.60
 3.69
Return on tangible common equity - operating 16.38 % 15.88 % 15.46 % 15.88 % 15.81 % 15.92 % 15.62 %
               
Return on assets reconciliation              
Return on assets (GAAP) 1.51 % 1.40 % 1.44 % 1.43 % 1.41 % 1.45 % 1.32 %
Merger-related and other charges 0.07
 0.10
 0.01
 0.02
 0.01
 0.06
 0.06
Return on assets - operating 1.58 % 1.50 % 1.45 % 1.45 % 1.42 % 1.51 % 1.38 %
               
Dividend payout ratio reconciliation              
Dividend payout ratio (GAAP) 28.33 % 30.91 % 29.09 % 28.57 % 27.78 % 29.41 % 27.81 %
Merger-related and other charges (1.35) (2.10) (0.52) (0.50) (0.51) (1.16) (1.06)
Dividend payout ratio - operating 26.98 % 28.81 % 28.57 % 28.07 % 27.27 % 28.25 % 26.75 %
               
Efficiency ratio reconciliation              
Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 55.64 % 57.28 % 55.32 % 56.73 % 56.82 % 56.09 % 57.52 %
Merger-related and other charges (1.74) (2.86) (0.54) (0.90) (0.43) (1.73) (1.54)
Efficiency ratio - operating 53.90 % 54.42 % 54.78 % 55.83 % 56.39 % 54.36 % 55.98 %
               
Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation              
Equity to total assets (GAAP) 12.53 % 12.25 % 12.06 % 11.60 % 11.30 % 12.53 % 11.30 %
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (2.37) (2.39) (2.30) (2.31) (2.35) (2.37) (2.35)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets 10.16 % 9.86 % 9.76 % 9.29 % 8.95 % 10.16 % 8.95 %




Net Interest Revenue


Net interest revenue, which is the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds, is the single largest component of total revenue. Management seeks to optimize this revenue while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risks.


The banking industry uses two ratios to measure the relative profitability of net interest revenue. The net interest spread measures the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The interest rate spread eliminates the effect of noninterest-bearing deposits 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 balance sheet and is defined as net interest revenue as a percent of average total interest-earning assets, which includes the positive effect of funding a portion of interest-earning assets with noninterest-bearing deposits and stockholders’ equity.


Net interest revenue for the firstthird quarter of 2019 and 2018 was $116$119 million and $103$112 million, respectively. TaxableAs set forth in the following tables, fully taxable equivalent net interest revenue for the firstthird quarter of 2019 was $116$120 million, representing an increase of $12.6$7.39 million, or 7%, from the same period in 2018. The net interest spread and net interest margin for the firstthird quarter of 2019 of 3.73%3.72% and 4.10%4.12%, respectively, increased 15eight basis points and 3017 basis points, respectively, from the firstthird quarter of 2018. For the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, net interest revenue was $353 million and $324 million, respectively. Fully taxable equivalent net interest revenue for the first nine months of 2019 was $355 million, an increase of $29.5 million, or 9%, from the first nine months of 2018.


The following tables showalso indicate the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average amounts of assets and liabilities for the periods indicated. As shown in the tables, both average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 increased compared to the same periodperiods of 2018. The quarterly increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily related todriven by the increase in average loans of $437$636 million, or 5%8%, from the firstthird quarter of 2018, and reflected bothwhich reflects organic growth and loans obtained through the full-quarteracquisition of FMBT. The increase in average loans was offset by an intentional decrease in average taxable securities. The nine months ended September 30, 2019, also includes the full nine month effect of equipment financing loans and leases acquired from Navitas. The increase in average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was funded primarily through an increase in average customer deposits compared to firstsince the third quarter of 2018 of $373$821 million, of which $99.0$204 million was noninterest-bearing.


The increase in the net interest margin and net interest spread during three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily attributable to the increase in yield on average loans, which increased 6627 and 46 basis points, respectively, from the first quarter ofcorresponding periods in 2018. Nationally,More recently, the federal funds rate increased 75decreased 25 basis points since March 31,September 30, 2018, andwhich has begun to affect United’s loan yield reflected these rising interest rates, as well asin the last quarter, however this decrease is moderated by growth in higher yielding loans from Navitas.the equipment finance business. The increase in the average rate on interest-earning assets more than offset the increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities of 4524 and 36 basis points which reflectedfrom the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities is primarily attributable to a higher average rate on interest-bearing deposits, as United increased deposit rates to retain and capture more deposit market share. Rates paid on core deposits lagged behind general increases in market rates. The increase in noninterest-bearing deposits also contributed to the improvement in the net interest margin for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019.
 




Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended March 31,September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE)) Average Balance Interest Average Rate Average Balance Interest Average Rate Average Balance Interest Average Rate Average Balance Interest Average Rate
Assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest-earning assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)
 $8,429,976
 $115,347
 5.55% $7,993,339
 $96,389
 4.89% $8,835,585
 $122,526
 5.50% $8,199,856
 $108,197
 5.23%
Taxable securities (3)
 2,712,995
 19,649
 2.90
 2,722,977
 17,323
 2.54
 2,379,927
 16,626
 2.79
 2,763,461
 18,847
 2.73
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
 169,702
 1,570
 3.70
 146,531
 1,309
 3.57
 170,027
 1,502
 3.53
 152,939
 1,417
 3.71
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets 185,623
 618
 1.33
 213,055
 698
 1.31
 182,935
 616
 1.35
 203,707
 751
 1.47
Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 11,498,296
 137,184
 4.83
 11,075,902
 115,719
 4.23
 11,568,474
 141,270
 4.85
 11,319,963
 129,212
 4.53
                        
Noninterest-earning assets:                        
Allowance for loan losses (61,784)     (59,144)     (63,474)     (62,322)    
Cash and due from banks 123,801
     160,486
     116,922
     123,290
    
Premises and equipment 216,611
     216,723
     221,930
     216,775
    
Other assets (3)
 731,628
     717,385
     836,951
     703,915
    
Total assets $12,508,552
     $12,111,352
     $12,680,803
     $12,301,621
    
                        
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
Interest-bearing deposits:                        
NOW and interest-bearing demand(5) $2,208,816
 3,536
 0.65
 $2,083,703
 1,113
 0.22
 $2,123,910
 3,214
 0.60
 $1,963,312
 1,985
 0.40
Money market(5) 2,175,855
 4,205
 0.78
 2,230,620
 2,175
 0.40
 2,277,162
 5,126
 0.89
 2,078,116
 3,177
 0.61
Savings 672,197
 32
 0.02
 655,746
 49
 0.03
 695,297
 41
 0.02
 680,640
 33
 0.02
Time 1,627,584
 5,336
 1.33
 1,535,216
 2,241
 0.59
 1,879,801
 8,053
 1.70
 1,545,020
 3,351
 0.86
Brokered time deposits 482,048
 2,848
 2.40
 158,358
 715
 1.83
 102,078
 679
 2.64
 434,182
 2,395
 2.19
Total interest-bearing deposits 7,166,500
 15,957
 0.90
 6,663,643
 6,293
 0.38
 7,078,248
 17,113
 0.96
 6,701,270
 10,941
 0.65
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings 21,549
 161
 3.03
 78,732
 300
 1.55
 73,733
 429
 2.31
 50,767
 274
 2.14
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 223,945
 1,422
 2.58
 511,727
 2,124
 1.68
 88,261
 521
 2.34
 331,413
 1,791
 2.14
Long-term debt 261,971
 3,342
 5.17
 274,480
 3,288
 4.86
 243,935
 3,214
 5.23
 296,366
 3,605
 4.83
Total borrowed funds 507,465
 4,925
 3.94
 864,939
 5,712
 2.68
 405,929
 4,164
 4.07
 678,546
 5,670
 3.32
Total interest-bearing liabilities 7,673,965
 20,882
 1.10
 7,528,582
 12,005
 0.65
 7,484,177
 21,277
 1.13
 7,379,816
 16,611
 0.89
                        
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits 3,194,401
     3,095,405
     3,453,174
     3,249,218
    
Other liabilities 162,213
     150,955
     155,107
     278,764
    
Total liabilities 11,030,579
     10,774,942
     11,092,458
     10,907,798
    
Shareholders' equity 1,477,973
     1,336,410
     1,588,345
     1,393,823
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $12,508,552
     $12,111,352
     $12,680,803
     $12,301,621
    
                        
Net interest revenue (FTE)  
 $116,302
     $103,714
    
 $119,993
     $112,601
  
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)  
  
 3.73%     3.58%  
  
 3.72%     3.64%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
  
  
 4.10%     3.80%  
  
 4.12%     3.95%
 
(1) 
Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 26% in 2019 and 2018,, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2) 
Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans whereon which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
(3) 
Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized lossesgains of $25.9$35.1 million in 2019 and $28.3unrealized losses of $49.9 million in 2018 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.
(5)
Reflects reclassification of certain sweep deposits from money market to NOW and interest bearing demand during the third quarter of 2019.






Table 3 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2019 2018
(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE)) Average Balance Interest Average Rate Average Balance Interest Average Rate
Assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest-earning assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)
 $8,646,622
 $357,541
 5.53% $8,124,269
 $307,981
 5.07%
Taxable securities (3)
 2,532,070
 54,229
 2.86
 2,712,900
 53,399
 2.62
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
 168,787
 4,579
 3.62
 150,014
 4,106
 3.65
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets 186,402
 1,913
 1.37
 209,836
 2,123
 1.35
Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 11,533,881
 418,262
 4.85
 11,197,019
 367,609
 4.39
             
Non-interest-earning assets:            
Allowance for loan losses (62,664)     (61,259)    
Cash and due from banks 121,889
     138,809
    
Premises and equipment 220,872
     217,339
    
Other assets (3)
 785,862
     717,555
    
Total assets $12,599,840
     $12,209,463
    
             
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:            
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Interest-bearing deposits:            
NOW and interest-bearing demand (5)
 $2,199,607
 10,283
 0.63
 $2,098,734
 4,483
 0.29
Money market (5)
 2,187,822
 14,100
 0.86
 2,113,972
 7,853
 0.50
Savings 685,167
 115
 0.02
 671,883
 117
 0.02
Time 1,761,374
 20,338
 1.54
 1,534,823
 8,288
 0.72
Brokered time deposits 292,835
 5,349
 2.44
 298,653
 4,612
 2.06
Total interest-bearing deposits 7,126,805
 50,185
 0.94
 6,718,065
 25,353
 0.50
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings 44,898
 838
 2.50
 58,144
 772
 1.78
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 142,876
 2,695
 2.52
 392,227
 5,551
 1.89
Long-term debt 252,686
 9,813
 5.19
 295,966
 10,679
 4.82
Total borrowed funds 440,460
 13,346
 4.05
 746,337
 17,002
 3.05
Total interest-bearing liabilities 7,567,265
 63,531
 1.12
 7,464,402
 42,355
 0.76
             
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:            
Noninterest-bearing deposits 3,335,450
     3,178,387
    
Other liabilities 164,350
     199,848
    
Total liabilities 11,067,065
     10,842,637
    
Shareholders' equity 1,532,775
     1,366,826
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $12,599,840
     $12,209,463
    
             
Net interest revenue (FTE)   $354,731
     $325,254
  
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)     3.73%     3.63%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
     4.11%     3.88%
(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 26%, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2)
Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
(3)
Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $4.94 million in 2019 and unrealized losses of $40.4 million in 2018 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.
(5)
Reflects reclassification of certain sweep deposits from money market to NOW and interest bearing demand during the third quarter of 2019.




The following table shows the relative effect on net interest revenue for changes in the average outstanding amounts (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates earned and paid on such assets and liabilities (rate). Variances resulting from a combination of changes in rate and volume are allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each category.
 
Table 34 - Change in Interest Revenue and Expense on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
(in thousands)
   Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
 
   
Compared to 2018
Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in
 
   Volume Rate Total 
 Interest-earning assets:       
 Loans (FTE) $5,470
 $13,488
 $18,958
 
 Taxable securities (64) 2,390
 2,326
 
 Tax-exempt securities (FTE) 213
 48
 261
 
 Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets (91) 11
 (80) 
 Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 5,528
 15,937
 21,465
 
         
 Interest-bearing liabilities:       
 NOW and interest-bearing demand accounts 71
 2,352
 2,423
 
 Money market accounts (55) 2,085
 2,030
 
 Savings deposits 1
 (18) (17) 
 Time deposits 143
 2,952
 3,095
 
 Brokered deposits 1,853
 280
 2,133
 
 Total interest-bearing deposits 2,013
 7,651
 9,664
 
 Federal funds purchased & other borrowings (308) 169
 (139) 
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1,520) 818
 (702) 
 Long-term debt (154) 208
 54
 
 Total borrowed funds (1,982) 1,195
 (787) 
 Total interest-bearing liabilities 31
 8,846
 8,877
 
         
 Increase in net interest revenue (FTE) $5,497
 $7,091
 $12,588
 
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
  
Compared to 2018
Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in
  Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
Interest-earning assets:            
Loans (FTE) $8,646
 $5,683
 $14,329
 $20,547
 $29,013
 $49,560
Taxable securities (2,670) 449
 (2,221) (3,694) 4,524
 830
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) 153
 (68) 85
 510
 (37) 473
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets (73) (62) (135) (240) 30
 (210)
Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 6,056
 6,002
 12,058
 17,123
 33,530
 50,653
             
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
NOW and interest-bearing demand accounts (1)
 174
 1,055
 1,229
 225
 5,575
 5,800
Money market accounts (1)
 329
 1,620
 1,949
 283
 5,964
 6,247
Savings deposits 1
 7
 8
 2
 (4) (2)
Time deposits 855
 3,847
 4,702
 1,383
 10,667
 12,050
Brokered deposits (2,129) 413
 (1,716) (91) 828
 737
Total interest-bearing deposits (770) 6,942
 6,172
 1,802
 23,030
 24,832
Federal funds purchased & other borrowings 132
 23
 155
 (202) 268
 66
Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1,422) 152
 (1,270) (4,300) 1,444
 (2,856)
Long-term debt (674) 283
 (391) (1,640) 774
 (866)
Total borrowed funds (1,964) 458
 (1,506) (6,142) 2,486
 (3,656)
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2,734) 7,400
 4,666
 (4,340) 25,516
 21,176
             
Increase in net interest revenue (FTE) $8,790
 $(1,398) $7,392
 $21,463
 $8,014
 $29,477


(1) Reflects reclassification of certain sweep deposits from money market to NOW and interest bearing demand during the third quarter of 2019.

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 and corresponding analysis of the allowance for credit losses at quarter-end. ProvisionThe provision for credit losses was $3.30$3.10 million and $9.65 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to $3.80$1.80 million and $7.40 million, respectively, for the same periodperiods in 2018. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, net loan charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average outstanding loans were 0.15%0.13% compared to 0.08%0.07% for the same period in 2018. The amount of provision recorded in each period was the amount required such that the total allowance for loan losses reflected the appropriate balance, in the estimation of management, sufficient to cover incurred losses in 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 NavitasFMBT on FebruaryMay 1, 2018. At March 31, 2018, United included the performing non-impaired loans acquired from Navitas2019. The increase in its general allowance calculation in order to reflect the necessary allowance for incurred losses, which increased provision expense by approximately $2.29 million for the first quarter of 2018. Provision expense for the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2019, decreased $500,000 fromcompared to the same periodperiods of last year, but remained relatively higher than historical periods as2018 was primarily a result of loan growth and increased charge-offs. The increase in charge-offs was partly attributable to incorporating equipment financing loans acquired in the Navitas transaction into the loan portfolio for the full first quarterthree quarters of 2019. Charge-offs from equipment financing loans totaled $1.42$1.38 million and $3.81 million for the first quarter ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2019, which was in line with management’s expectations for this now-seasoned product line of higher yielding loans.
 
The allowance for unfunded commitments 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.
 
Additional discussion on credit quality and the allowance for loan losses is included in the “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” section ofdiscussion elsewhere in this report.document.






Noninterest income
 
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.
Table 45 - Noninterest Income
(in thousands)
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
  2019 2018 Amount Percent 
 Overdraft fees$3,455
 $3,652
 $(197) (5)% 
 ATM and debit card fees2,878
 3,271
 (393) (12) 
 Other service charges and fees2,120
 2,002
 118
 6
 
 Service charges and fees8,453
 8,925
 (472) (5) 
 Mortgage loan and related fees3,748
 5,359
 (1,611) (30) 
 Brokerage fees1,337
 872
 465
 53
 
 Gains on sales of SBA/USDA loans1,303
 1,778
 (475) (27) 
 Customer derivatives505
 772
 (267) (35) 
 Securities losses, net(267) (940) 673
   
 Other5,889
 5,630
 259
 5
 
 Total noninterest income$20,968
 $22,396
 $(1,428) (6) 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Change Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Change
 2019 2018 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Overdraft fees$3,800
 $3,765
 $35
 1 % $10,728
 $10,897
 $(169) (2)%
ATM and debit card fees3,901
 3,231
 670
 21
 10,109
 9,573
 536
 6
Other service charges and fees2,215
 2,116
 99
 5
 6,592
 6,361
 231
 4
Service charges and fees9,916
 9,112
 804
 9
 27,429
 26,831
 598
 2
Mortgage loan and related fees8,658
 5,262
 3,396
 65
 17,750
 15,928
 1,822
 11
Brokerage fees1,699
 1,525
 174
 11
 4,624
 3,598
 1,026
 29
Gains on sales of SBA/USDA loans1,639
 2,605
 (966) (37) 4,412
 6,784
 (2,372) (35)
Customer derivatives647
 611
 36
 6
 2,370
 2,041
 329
 16
Securities gains (losses), net
 2
 (2)   (118) (1,302) 1,184
  
Other6,472
 5,063
 1,409
 28
 18,063
 16,036
 2,027
 13
Total noninterest income$29,031
 $24,180
 $4,851
 20
 $74,530
 $69,916
 $4,614
 7


Service charges and fees increased $804,000 for the third quarter of 2019 in comparison to the same period of 2018 partly due to the acquisition of FMBT. In addition, United’s annual rebate received from its debit card service provider increased compared to 2018, which contributed to the increase in ATM and debit card fees earned in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019.

Mortgage loan and related fees for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 decreased $1.61 million, or 30%, fromreflected an increase in fees on mortgage rate locks and mortgage closings compared to the firstsame periods of last year. The increase in fees for the third quarter of 2018. The decreaseand nine months ended September 30, 2019, was primarily attributable to a decline in thepartially offset by negative fair value ofadjustments on the mortgage servicing asset in the first quarter of 2019, which wasrights asset. The negative fair value adjustments were driven by a decrease in mortgage interest rates. The overall increase in mortgage loan and related fees was primarily attributable to an increased focus on the mortgage division resulting in new investments in mortgage loan offices and staff, as well as reductions in interest rates, latewhich increased the demand for mortgage rate locks and refinances.

Mortgage rate locks during the third quarter of 2019 increased 71% to $508 million in 2019 compared to $298 million in the quarter.third quarter of 2018. Mortgage production in the firstthird quarter of 2019 decreased slightlyalso increased compared to the same period of 2018. United closed 7631,265 mortgage loans totaling $180$330 million in the firstthird quarter of 2019 compared with 7991,021 mortgage loans totaling $191$237 million in the firstthird quarter of 2018. United had $116$215 million in home purchase mortgage originations in the firstthird quarter of 2019, which accounted for 65% of mortgage production volume, compared with $104to $164 million, or 56%,70% of production volume for the same period a year ago.

Mortgage rate locks during the first nine months of 2019 increased 34% to $1.2 billion in 2019 compared to $904 million for the same period of 2018. During the first nine months of 2019, United closed 3,110 mortgage loans totaling $770 million compared to 2,897 loans totaling $688 million for the same period of last year. United had $540 million in home purchase mortgage originations in the first nine months of 2019, which accounted for 70% of mortgage production volume. During the first nine months of 2019, United had $419 million, in home purchase originations, or 62%, of production volume.

Brokerage fees for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 increased 53%11% and 29%, respectively, compared to the first quarter 2018. This increase was primarily attributable to lower brokerage fees during the first quartersame periods of 2018, reflecting downtime associated with transitioning towhich was a new third-party broker dealer.result of increased recurring revenue, which yielded higher and more consistent brokerage revenue.
 
United’s Small Business Administration and United States Department of Agriculture (“SBA/USDA”)USDA lending strategy includes selling a portion of the loan production each quarter. The amount of loans sold depends on a number ofseveral variables including the current lending environment and balance sheet management activities. Beginning in the first quarter of 2019, United made a strategic decision to hold more of its government guaranteed loans in order to benefit from the stable yield on these lower-risk assets. In the firstthird quarter of 2019 and 2018, United sold the guaranteed portion of loans in the amount of $17.1$21.0 million and $22.2$35.6 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $1.30$1.64 million and $1.78$2.61 million, respectively. In the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, United sold the guaranteed portion of loans in the amount of $55.2 million and $86.3 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $4.41 million and $6.78 million, respectively.


Customer derivative fees relate primarily to 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. During the first quarter of 2019, fees on customer derivatives decreased from the same period of last year reflecting the changing interest rate environment and customer preference.


Other noninterest income for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 included a full quarter of fee revenue from Navitas resulting in a $422,000 increaseincreased from the same period of 2018. In the first quarterperiods of 2018 United recognized net securities losses of $940,000. The securities losses were part of a larger balance sheet management strategy that included the cancellation of $289 million notionalprimarily due to increases in interest rate caps as well as the partial cancellation ofequipment finance fee revenue, primarily attributable to loan growth, gains on other hedging instruments. The derivative cancellations resulted in gains of $1.16 million, which were included in other noninterest income. The securities lossesinvestments, and gains from derivative activities were mostly offsetting.positive fair value adjustments on deferred compensation plan assets.





Noninterest Expenses


The following table presents the components of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated. 
Table 56 - Noninterest Expenses
(in thousands)
        
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
  2019 2018 Amount Percent 
 Salaries and employee benefits$47,503
 $42,875
 $4,628
 11 % 
 Communications and equipment5,788
 4,632
 1,156
 25
 
 Occupancy5,584
 5,613
 (29) (1) 
 Advertising and public relations1,286
 1,515
 (229) (15) 
 Postage, printing and supplies1,586
 1,637
 (51) (3) 
 Professional fees3,161
 4,044
 (883) (22) 
 FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges1,710
 2,476
 (766) (31) 
 Amortization of core deposit intangibles1,100
 1,306
 (206) (16) 
 Other7,627
 6,731
 896
 13
 
 Total excluding merger-related and other charges75,345
 70,829
 4,516
 6
 
 Merger-related and other charges546
 2,054
 (1,508)   
 Amortization of noncompete agreements193
 592
 (399)   
 Total noninterest expenses$76,084
 $73,475
 $2,609
 4
 
            
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Change Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Change
 2019 2018 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Salaries and employee benefits$50,501
 $47,146
 $3,355
 7 % $146,161
 $135,384
 $10,777
 8 %
Communications and equipment6,223
 5,590
 633
 11
 18,233
 15,071
 3,162
 21
Occupancy5,921
 5,779
 142
 2
 17,424
 16,939
 485
 3
Advertising and public relations1,374
 1,442
 (68) (5) 4,256
 4,341
 (85) (2)
Postage, printing and supplies1,618
 1,574
 44
 3
 4,733
 4,896
 (163) (3)
Professional fees4,715
 3,927
 788
 20
 11,930
 11,435
 495
 4
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges314
 2,228
 (1,914) (86) 3,571
 6,677
 (3,106) (47)
Amortization of core deposit intangibles1,146
 1,204
 (58) (5) 3,395
 3,764
 (369) (10)
Other8,507
 8,236
 271
 3
 23,687
 23,425
 262
 1
Total excluding merger-related and other charges80,319
 77,126
 3,193
 4
 233,390
 221,932
 11,458
 5
Merger-related and other charges2,541
 115
 2,426
   6,981
 4,449
 2,532
  
Amortization of noncompete agreements64
 477
 (413)   450
 1,662
 (1,212)  
Total noninterest expenses$82,924
 $77,718
 $5,206
 7
 $240,821
 $228,043
 $12,778
 6

Noninterest expenses excluding merger-related and other charges for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 totaled $75.3$82.9 million and $241 million, respectively, up 7% and 6%, respectively, from the same periodperiods of 2018. Increases in salaries and employee benefits, professional fees, communications and equipment and merger-related and other noninterest expensecharges, partially offset by lower professional fees and FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges and amortization of noncompete agreements, accounted for much of the change in noninterest expense for the periods presented.
 
Salaries and employee benefits for the firstthird quarter of 2019 were $47.5 million, up 11%increased 7% from same period of 2018. The increase was primarily dueattributable to increased brokerage and mortgage commissions resulting from increased production, an increase in bonus expense accrual driven by strong quarterly performance, annual merit-based salary increases awarded during the inclusion of Navitas for the entire firstsecond quarter of 2019, the addition of FMBT employees, and higher group medical costs. In addition to these factors, increases for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, were driven by additional stock compensation expense from new restricted stock unit awards issued in the third quarter of 2018. The remainder2018, investments in additional staff to expand Commercial Banking Solutions and other key areas, the inclusion of Navitas for the increase resulted fromentire nine months of 2019 and an increase in the 401(k) matching contribution higher group medical insurance costs and annual merit-based salary increases awarded in the second quarter ofeffective March 1, 2018. Full time equivalent headcount totaled 2,2912,319 at March 31,September 30, 2019, up from 2,2882,300 at March 31,September 30, 2018.

Communications and equipment expense increased primarily due to to increases inadditional software maintenance costs and additionalnew software contracts. The increase in other noninterest expense was attributable to several factors including increased lending support costs resulting from loan growth, volume related increases in loan servicing costs, and increases related to usage and development of United’s internet banking tools.

Professionalprofessional fees for the firstthird quarter of 2019 of $3.16 million decreased 22% from the same period of 2018. During the first quarter of 2018,is largely attributable to increased accounting fees related to CECL and other projects. Additionally, professional fees were higher primarilyfor the nine months ended September 30, 2019, increased due to recent acquisitions and increased legal fees associated with loan growth.acquisition activity. FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, decreased relative to the same periodperiods in 2018 primarily due to a reduction in United’s FDIC assessment rate.rate and the receipt of a $1.38 million assessment credit from the FDIC during the third quarter of 2019.
 
Merger-related and other charges for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 decreased $1.51included a $2.94 million fromcharge for the same periodtermination and settlement of 2018, due to reduced levelsthe Funded Plan, FMBT acquisition related costs, branch closure costs, executive retirement charges, and gains on the sale of merger-related activity during the period.surplus properties. Merger-related and other charges for the first quarterthree and nine months of 2018 of $2.05 million consisted primarily of severance, conversion costs, branch closure costs and legal and professional fees. Additionally, the



The reduction of amortization of noncompete agreements was a result of the expiration of certain of these agreements since the firstthird quarter of 2018. At September 30, 2019, all capitalized noncompete agreements have been fully amortized.


Income Taxes
 
The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $13.0$14.0 million and $40.1 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 22.4% and 22.7%, respectively. The income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $13.1 million and $37.4 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 22.6% for the period. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $10.7 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 22.2% for the period.


At March 31, 201923.1% and December 31, 2018, United maintained a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset of $3.37 million. Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax asset at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax asset is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence.
The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management’s conclusion at March 31, 2019 that it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset of $51.1 million will be realized is based upon management’s estimate of future taxable income. Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal forecasts that 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, the valuation allowance may need to be increased for some or all of its net deferred tax asset.23.6%, respectively.
 
United is subject to income taxation in the United States and various state jurisdictions. United’s federal and state income tax returns are filed on a consolidated basis. Currently, no years for which United filed a federal income tax return are under examination by the IRS, and there are no state tax examinations currently in progress.
 
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 16 to the consolidated financial statements filed with United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 10-K.


Balance Sheet Review
 
Total assets at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $12.5$12.8 billion and $12.6 billion, respectively. Average total assets for the third quarter and first quarternine months of 2019 were $12.5$12.7 billion and $12.6 billion, respectively, up from $12.1$12.3 billion and $12.2 billion for the same periods of 2018.


Total loans increased 6% since December 31, 2018 due to organic growth and loans obtained in the first quarter 2018.



acquisition of FMBT. As of September 30, 2019, approximately 75% of United’s loans are secured by real estate. The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio.

Table 67 - Loans Outstanding
(in thousands)
  March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 By Loan Type    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,620,068
 $1,647,904
 
 Income producing commercial real estate1,867,425
 1,812,420
 
 Commercial & industrial1,283,865
 1,278,347
 
 Commercial construction865,666
 796,158
 
 Equipment financing605,984
 564,614
 
 Total commercial6,243,008
 6,099,443
 
 Residential mortgage1,063,840
 1,049,232
 
 Home equity lines of credit683,771
 694,010
 
 Residential construction200,708
 211,011
 
 Consumer direct121,174
 122,013
 
 Indirect auto180,753
 207,692
 
 Total loans$8,493,254
 $8,383,401
 
      
 As a percentage of total loans:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate19% 20% 
 Income producing commercial real estate22
 22
 
 Commercial & industrial15
 15
 
 Commercial construction11
 9
 
 Equipment financing7
 7
 
 Total commercial74
 73
 
 Residential mortgage13
 13
 
 Home equity lines of credit8
 8
 
 Residential construction2
 3
 
 Consumer direct1
 1
 
 Indirect auto2
 2
 
 Total100% 100% 
      
 By Geographic Location    
 North Georgia$970,072
 $980,968
 
 Atlanta MSA1,523,406
 1,506,990
 
 North Carolina1,074,024
 1,071,790
 
 Coastal Georgia603,385
 587,988
 
 Gainesville MSA242,984
 246,715
 
 East Tennessee458,349
 477,403
 
 South Carolina1,674,012
 1,645,567
 
 Commercial Banking Solutions1,766,269
 1,658,288
 
 Indirect auto180,753
 207,692
 
 Total loans$8,493,254
 $8,383,401
 
  September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 By Loan Type    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,692,010
 $1,647,904
 
 Income producing commercial real estate1,933,868
 1,812,420
 
 Commercial & industrial1,271,243
 1,278,347
 
 Commercial construction1,000,801
 796,158
 
 Equipment financing729,506
 564,614
 
 Total commercial6,627,428
 6,099,443
 
 Residential mortgage1,120,828
 1,049,232
 
 Home equity lines of credit668,987
 694,010
 
 Residential construction229,352
 211,011
 
 Consumer direct125,517
 122,013
 
 Indirect auto131,154
 207,692
 
 Total loans$8,903,266
 $8,383,401
 
      
 As a percentage of total loans:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate19% 20% 
 Income producing commercial real estate22
 22
 
 Commercial & industrial14
 15
 
 Commercial construction11
 9
 
 Equipment financing8
 7
 
 Total commercial74
 73
 
 Residential mortgage13
 13
 
 Home equity lines of credit8
 8
 
 Residential construction3
 3
 
 Consumer direct1
 1
 
 Indirect auto1
 2
 
 Total100% 100% 

Substantially all of United’s loans are to customers located in the immediate market areas of its community banks in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee, including customers who have a seasonal residence in United’s market areas, or are generated by the Commercial Banking Solutions division that focuses on specific commercial loan businesses, such as equipment financing and SBA and franchise lending. Approximately 74% of United’s loans are secured by real estate. Total loans averaged $8.43 billion in the first quarter of 2019, compared with $7.99 billion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 5% due to organic growth and the inclusion of Navitas loans for the entire first quarter of 2019.



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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the funded portion of home equity lines totaled $684 million and $694 million, respectively. Of the $684 million in balances outstanding at March 31, 2019, $405 million, or 59%, were secured by first liens. At March 31, 2019, 52% 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, management reviews current valuations to determine if any charge-offs are warranted and whether it is in United’s best interest to pay off the first lien creditor.


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 administrationrisk management function is responsible for monitoring asset quality and Board of Directors approvedDirectors-approved portfolio limits, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures among all lending units. Additional information on the credit administrationrisk management function is included in Item 1 under the heading Lending Activities in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 10-K.
 
United classifies commercial 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. United classifies consumer performing loans as “substandard” when the loanborrower is in bankruptcy.




The table below presents performing classified loans for the last five quarters.
 
Table 78 - Performing Classified Loans
(in thousands)
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018September 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018
By Category 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Owner occupied commercial real estate$32,433
 $32,909
 $38,601
 $42,169
 $42,096
$37,551
 $34,650
 $32,433
 $32,909
 $38,601
Income producing commercial real estate19,277
 18,048
 24,170
 26,120
 24,984
27,508
 26,219
 19,277
 18,048
 24,170
Commercial & industrial21,125
 20,980
 21,509
 17,820
 11,003
36,978
 34,015
 21,125
 20,980
 21,509
Commercial construction8,019
 9,549
 8,012
 10,102
 8,422
9,001
 7,751
 8,019
 9,549
 8,012
Equipment financing115
 217
 274
 820
 414
16
 114
 115
 217
 274
Total commercial80,969
 81,703
 92,566
 97,031
 86,919
111,054
 102,749
 80,969
 81,703
 92,566
Residential mortgage5,600
 5,623
 13,582
 14,970
 14,824
4,615
 4,719
 5,600
 5,623
 13,582
Home equity1,610
 1,665
 4,818
 5,117
 5,491
1,474
 1,504
 1,610
 1,665
 4,818
Residential construction249
 293
 1,397
 1,567
 1,506
259
 237
 249
 293
 1,397
Consumer direct222
 165
 416
 498
 1,142
287
 334
 222
 165
 416
Indirect auto1,555
 1,334
 1,704
 1,291
 1,498
1,253
 1,391
 1,555
 1,334
 1,704
Total$90,205
 $90,783
 $114,483
 $120,474
 $111,380
$118,942
 $110,934
 $90,205
 $90,783
 $114,483
         
By Market         
North Georgia$17,066
 $16,477
 $23,540
 $25,417
 $26,243
Atlanta MSA10,334
 10,863
 13,410
 13,640
 12,145
North Carolina10,019
 11,556
 18,315
 24,886
 27,186
Coastal Georgia2,790
 2,730
 3,214
 3,550
 3,075
Gainesville MSA508
 519
 950
 966
 662
East Tennessee9,396
 8,543
 11,783
 12,737
 12,402
South Carolina28,481
 26,277
 28,533
 22,841
 26,800
Commercial Banking Solutions10,056
 12,484
 13,034
 15,146
 1,369
Indirect auto1,555
 1,334
 1,704
 1,291
 1,498
Total loans$90,205
 $90,783
 $114,483
 $120,474
 $111,380




Reviews of classified performing and non-performing loans, past due loans and larger credits are conducted on a regular basis 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 or respective credit officer 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 the reviews mentioned above, United also has an internalindependent loan review team which directly reviews the portfolio in conjunction with external loan review to ensure the objectivityconsistent application of the loan review process.risk rating policies and procedures.




The following table presents a summary of the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated.
Table 89 - Allowance for Credit Losses
(in thousands)
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2019 2018 
 Allowance for loan and lease losses at beginning of period$61,203
 $58,914
 
 Charge-offs:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate5
 60
 
 Income producing commercial real estate197
 657
 
 Commercial & industrial1,519
 384
 
 Commercial construction69
 363
 
 Equipment financing1,424
 139
 
 Residential mortgage61
 70
 
 Home equity lines of credit337
 124
 
 Residential construction4
 
 
 Consumer direct547
 651
 
 Indirect auto197
 436
 
 Total loans charged-off4,360
 2,884
 
 Recoveries:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate69
 103
 
 Income producing commercial real estate20
 235
 
 Commercial & industrial163
 389
 
 Commercial construction394
 97
 
 Equipment financing143
 97
 
 Residential mortgage48
 123
 
 Home equity lines of credit122
 35
 
 Residential construction26
 64
 
 Consumer direct207
 160
 
 Indirect auto38
 80
 
 Total recoveries1,230
 1,383
 
 Net charge-offs3,130
 1,501
 
 Provision for loan and lease losses3,569
 3,672
 
 Allowance for loan and lease losses at end of period61,642
 61,085
 
      
 Allowance for unfunded commitments at beginning of period3,410
 2,312
 
 Provision for losses on unfunded commitments(269) 128
 
 Allowance for unfunded commitments at end of period3,141
 2,440
 
 Allowance for credit losses$64,783
 $63,525
 
      
 Total loans and leases:    
 At period-end$8,493,254
 $8,184,249
 
 Average8,429,976
 7,993,339
 
 Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end loans and leases0.73% 0.75% 
 As a percentage of average loans (annualized):    
 Net charge-offs0.15
 0.08
 
 Provision for loan and lease losses0.17
 0.19
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Allowance for loan and lease losses at beginning of period$62,204
 $61,071
 $61,203
 $58,914
Charge-offs:       
Owner occupied commercial real estate
 
 5
 67
Income producing commercial real estate472
 375
 977
 2,685
Commercial & industrial898
 660
 3,833
 1,277
Commercial construction
 24
 70
 440
Equipment financing1,376
 700
 3,810
 862
Residential mortgage264
 235
 433
 417
Home equity lines of credit287
 426
 653
 761
Residential construction13
 32
 263
 40
Consumer direct645
 643
 1,721
 1,846
Indirect auto125
 228
 502
 1,043
Total loans charged-off4,080
 3,323
 12,267
 9,438
Recoveries:       
Owner occupied commercial real estate39
 251
 166
 939
Income producing commercial real estate41
 375
 127
 842
Commercial & industrial207
 242
 645
 848
Commercial construction247
 66
 804
 322
Equipment financing202
 218
 466
 386
Residential mortgage106
 66
 388
 290
Home equity lines of credit204
 147
 466
 372
Residential construction18
 195
 91
 326
Consumer direct226
 244
 672
 599
Indirect auto67
 53
 151
 188
Total recoveries1,357
 1,857
 3,976
 5,112
Net charge-offs2,723
 1,466
 8,291
 4,326
Provision for loan and lease losses3,033
 1,335
 9,602
 6,352
Allowance for loan and lease losses at end of period62,514
 60,940
 62,514
 60,940
        
Allowance for unfunded commitments at beginning of period3,391
 2,895
 3,410
 2,312
Provision for losses on unfunded commitments67
 465
 48
 1,048
Allowance for unfunded commitments at end of period3,458
 3,360
 3,458
 3,360
Allowance for credit losses$65,972
 $64,300
 $65,972
 $64,300
        
Total loans and leases:       
At period-end$8,903,266
 $8,226,466
 $8,903,266
 $8,226,466
Average8,835,585
 8,199,856
 8,646,622
 8,124,269
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of period-end loans and leases0.70% 0.74% 0.70% 0.74%
As a percentage of average loans (annualized):       
Net charge-offs0.12
 0.07
 0.13
 0.07
Provision for loan and lease losses0.14
 0.06
 0.15
 0.10
 


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. For further discussion regarding our allowance for credit losses, refer to Critical Accounting Estimates included in the 2018 10-K.



The allowance for credit losses, which includes a portion related to unfunded commitments, totaled $64.8$66.0 million at March 31,September 30, 2019, compared with $64.6 million at December 31, 2018. At March 31,September 30, 2019, the allowance for loan losses was $61.6$62.5 million, or 0.73%0.70% of loans, compared with $61.2 million, or 0.73% of total loans, at December 31, 2018.
 
Management believes that the allowance for credit losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 reflects the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment and is subject to change in future periods. The amount of any changes could be significant if management’s assessment of loan quality or collateral values change 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 allowance for credit losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such adjustments.


Nonperforming Assets


The table below summarizes nonperforming assets (“NPAs”).
Table 910 - Nonperforming Assets
(in thousands)
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Nonaccrual loans$23,624
 $23,778
$30,832
 $23,778
Foreclosed properties/other real estate owned ("OREO")1,127
 1,305
102
 1,305
Total nonperforming assets$24,751
 $25,083
$30,934
 $25,083
      
Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans and leases0.28% 0.28%0.35% 0.28%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and OREO0.29
 0.30
0.35
 0.30
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets0.20
 0.20
0.24
 0.20


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 full or when the loan becomes 90 days past due. 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 generally applied to reduce the 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. The accrual of interest is discontinued on PCI loans if management can no longer reliably estimate future cash flows on the loan. No PCI loans were classified as nonaccrual at March 31,September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018 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 following table summarizes nonperforming assets by category For additional information about and market asdiscussion of the dates indicated.
Table 10 - Nonperforming Assets by Category and Market
(in thousands)
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
BY CATEGORY 
  
  
  
  
  
Owner occupied commercial real estate$7,030
 $145
 $7,175
 $6,421
 $170
 $6,591
Income producing commercial real estate1,276
 
 1,276
 1,160
 
 1,160
Commercial & industrial1,666
 
 1,666
 1,417
 
 1,417
Commercial construction473
 421
 894
 605
 421
 1,026
Equipment financing1,813
 
 1,813
 2,677
 
 2,677
Total commercial12,258
 566
 12,824
 12,280
 591
 12,871
Residential mortgage8,281
 336
 8,617
 8,035
 654
 8,689
Home equity lines of credit2,233
 185
 2,418
 2,360
 60
 2,420
Residential construction347
 40
 387
 288
 
 288
Consumer direct47
 
 47
 89
 
 89
Indirect auto458
 
 458
 726
 
 726
Total NPAs$23,624
 $1,127
 $24,751
 $23,778
 $1,305
 $25,083
            
BY MARKET           
North Georgia$5,848
 $430
 $6,278
 $6,527
 $286
 $6,813
Atlanta MSA1,951
 
 1,951
 1,578
 
 1,578
North Carolina3,464
 484
 3,948
 3,259
 743
 4,002
Coastal Georgia1,881
 
 1,881
 1,491
 
 1,491
Gainesville MSA187
 
 187
 479
 
 479
East Tennessee1,555
 
 1,555
 1,147
 
 1,147
South Carolina4,476
 213
 4,689
 4,123
 276
 4,399
Commercial Banking Solutions3,804
 
 3,804
 4,448
 
 4,448
Indirect auto458
 
 458
 726
 
 726
Total NPAs$23,624
 $1,127
 $24,751
 $23,778
 $1,305
 $25,083

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, United had $50.3 million and $52.4 million, respectively, inPCI loans, with terms that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Included therein were $6.68 million and $7.09 million, respectively, of TDRs that were classified as nonaccrual and weresee Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in nonperforming loans. The remaining TDRs with an aggregate balancePart I - Item 1 of $43.7 million and $45.3 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and are therefore not considered to be nonperforming assets.this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were $53.8 million and $55.4 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $21.7 million and $23.5 million, respectively, that did not require specific reserves or had previously been charged down to net realizable value. The remaining balance of impaired loans at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 of $32.1 million and $32.0 million, respectively, had specific reserves that totaled $2.22 million and $2.31 million, respectively. The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the first quarters of 2019 and 2018 was $54.3 million and $66.2 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, United recognized $745,000 in interest revenue on impaired loans compared to $746,000 for the same period of the prior year.



The table below summarizes activity in nonperforming assets for the periods indicated.
Table 11 - Activity in Nonperforming Assets
(in thousands)
 First Quarter 2019 First Quarter 2018
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
Beginning Balance$23,778
 $1,305
 $25,083
 $23,658
 $3,234
 $26,892
Acquisitions
 
 
 428
 
 428
Loans placed on nonaccrual6,759
 
 6,759
 7,463
 
 7,463
Payments received(3,520) 
 (3,520) (3,534) 
 (3,534)
Loan charge-offs(2,714) 
 (2,714) (1,150) 
 (1,150)
Foreclosures(679) 751
 72
 (625) 625
 
Property sales
 (974) (974) 
 (957) (957)
Write downs
 (15) (15) 
 (72) (72)
Net gains (losses) on sales
 60
 60
 
 (116) (116)
Ending Balance$23,624
 $1,127
 $24,751
 $26,240
 $2,714
 $28,954

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.




The following table summarizes nonperforming assets by category as of the dates indicated.
Table 11 - Nonperforming Assets by Category
(in thousands)
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Foreclosed
Properties
 
Total
NPAs
Owner occupied commercial real estate$8,430
 $
 $8,430
 $6,421
 $170
 $6,591
Income producing commercial real estate2,030
 26
 2,056
 1,160
 
 1,160
Commercial & industrial2,625
 
 2,625
 1,417
 
 1,417
Commercial construction1,894
 7
 1,901
 605
 421
 1,026
Equipment financing1,974
 
 1,974
 2,677
 
 2,677
Total commercial16,953
 33
 16,986
 12,280
 591
 12,871
Residential mortgage9,475
 46
 9,521
 8,035
 654
 8,689
Home equity lines of credit3,065
 
 3,065
 2,360
 60
 2,420
Residential construction597
 23
 620
 288
 
 288
Consumer direct147
 
 147
 89
 
 89
Indirect auto595
 
 595
 726
 
 726
Total NPAs$30,832
 $102
 $30,934
 $23,778
 $1,305
 $25,083

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, United had $47.5 million and $52.4 million, respectively, in loans with terms that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Included therein were $7.23 million and $7.09 million, respectively, of TDRs that were classified as nonaccrual and were included in nonperforming loans. The remaining TDRs with an aggregate balance of $40.3 million and $45.3 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and are therefore not considered to be nonperforming assets.
At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were $54.3 million and $55.4 million, respectively, of loans classified as impaired, including TDRs. Included in impaired loans at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $23.0 million and $23.5 million of loans, respectively, that did not require specific reserves or had previously been charged down to net realizable value. The remaining balance of impaired loans at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 of $31.3 million and $32.0 million, respectively, had specific reserves that totaled $2.12 million and $2.31 million, respectively.

The table below summarizes activity in nonaccrual loans for the periods indicated.
Table 12 - Activity in Nonaccrual Loans
(in thousands)
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2019 2018 2019 2018 
 Beginning Balance$26,597
 $21,817
 $23,778
 $23,658
 
 Acquisitions
 
 
 428
 
 Loans placed on nonaccrual8,722
 5,759
 23,797
 16,834
 
 Payments received(2,107) (3,095) (8,839) (11,943) 
 Loan charge-offs(2,278) (1,588) (7,123) (4,803) 
 Foreclosures(102) (363) (781) (1,644) 
 Ending Balance$30,832
 $22,530
 $30,832
 $22,530
 
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.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, United had debt securities held-to-maturity with a carrying amount of $265$243 million and $274 million, respectively, and debt securities available-for-sale totaling $2.45$2.27 billion and $2.63 billion, respectively. At March 31, September 30,


2019 and December 31, 2018, the securities portfolio represented approximately 22%20% and 23%, respectively, of total assets. During the first quarter of 2019, management has intentionally reduced securities and wholesale borrowings as part of a balance sheet deleveraging strategy.
 
The investment securities portfolio primarily consists of 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 usually differ from contractual maturities because loans underlying the securities 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 backed by student 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 March 31,September 30, 2019 primarily reflect the effect of changes in interest rates. United did not recognize any other than temporary impairment losses on its investment securities during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 or 2018.
 
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 10% and 12%, respectively, of the securities portfolio was invested in floating-rate securities.


Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
Goodwill represents the premium paid for acquired companies above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including separately identifiable intangible assets.
 
Core deposit intangibles, representing the value of acquired deposit relationships, 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. During the third quarter of 2019, all capitalized noncompete agreements became fully amortized. There were no events or circumstances that led management to believe that any impairment exists in goodwill or other intangible assets.
 
Deposits

Total customer deposits, excluding brokered deposits as of March 31,September 30, 2019 were $9.98$10.8 billion, compared to $9.85which consisted of noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $3.53 billion atand interest-bearing deposits of $7.23 billion. Since December 31, 2018. Total core transaction deposits (demand, NOW, money market and savings deposits, excluding public funds deposits) of $7.09 billion at March 31, 2019 increased $135 million since December 31, 2018. Total customer time2018, noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $70.2$318 million, while interest-bearing deposits decreased $95.6 million. The decrease in interest-bearing deposits reflected a reduction in brokered deposits of $462 million pursuant to the balance sheet deleveraging strategy, partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing customer deposits of $366 million. United’s high level of service, as evidenced by its strong customer satisfaction scores, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining customer deposit accounts.
Borrowing Activities
 
The Bank is a shareholder in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). Through this affiliation, FHLB secured advances totaled $40 million and $160 million respectively, as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. United anticipates continued use of this short and long-term source of funds, although the decrease in the first quarter of 2019 was attributable to management’s strategy to deleverage the balance sheet by reducing securities and wholesale borrowings.funds. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, United also had long-term debt outstanding of $257$240 million and $267 million, respectively, which includes senior debentures, subordinated debentures, trust preferred securities, and securitized notes payable. Additional information regarding FHLB advances and long-term debt is provided in Notes 12 and 13, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements included in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 10-K.


Contractual Obligations
 
There have not been any material changes to United’s contractual obligations since December 31, 2018.
 
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. Management 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.
 
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 20 to the consolidated financial statements included in United’s Annual Report on Form2018 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for additional information on off-balance sheet arrangements.




Interest Rate Sensitivity Management


The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant effect on profitability, primarily in United’s core community banking activities of extending loans and accepting deposits.profitability. The objective of interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changing interest rates, consistent with United’s overall financial goals. Based on economic conditions, asset quality and various other considerations, management establishes tolerance ranges for interest rate sensitivity and manages within these ranges. 


Net interest revenue and the fair value of 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 ofseveral assumptions for each scenario, including loan and deposit re-pricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. ALCO periodically reviews the assumptions for reasonableness 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 all compared to the base scenario. 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 12-month time frame, longer time horizons are also modeled. 


United’s policy is based on the 12-month impact on net interest revenue of interest rate shocks and ramps that increase from 100 to 400 basis points or decrease 100 to 200 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. The following table presents United’s interest sensitivity position at the dates indicated. The change in simulation model results from December 31, 2018 to March 31,September 30, 2019 was primarily a result of a change in assumptions implemented in the first quarter of 2019, rather than a reflection of a significant change in balance sheet composition.


Table 1213 - Interest Sensitivity
   Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at 
   March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Change in Rates Shock Ramp Shock Ramp 
 100 basis point increase 1.91 % 1.29 % (0.37)% (0.81)% 
 100 basis point decrease (3.45) (2.56) (2.89) (2.17) 
   Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at 
   September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 
 Change in Rates Shock Ramp Shock Ramp 
 100 basis point increase 2.91 % 2.18 % (0.37)% (0.81)% 
 100 basis point decrease (4.36) (3.45) (2.89) (2.17) 
 


Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the re-pricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These re-pricing 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, re-pricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their re-pricing 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 has discretion in the extent and timing of deposit re-pricing 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 re-pricing for both the asset and the liability remains the same, due to the two instruments re-pricing according to different indices. This is commonly referred to as basis risk.
 
Derivative financial instruments are used to manage interest rate sensitivity. 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). In addition, investment securities and wholesale funding strategies are used to manage interest rate risk.




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 effective economic hedges. Derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as accounting hedges are marked to market through earnings.
 
From time to time, United will terminate hedging positions when conditions change and the position is no longer necessary to manage overall sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In those situations wherewhen the terminated contract was in an effective 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. For swap contracts, the gain or loss is amortized over the remaining original contract term using the straight linestraight-line method of amortization. During the second quarter of 2019, United expects that $118,000 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expenseamortized the remaining balance of losses on terminated hedging positions from other comprehensive income over the next twelve months related to these terminated cash flow hedges.income.
 
United’s policy requires all non-customer facing derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions or positions, and not for trading or speculative purposes. Management believes that the risk associated with using derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk sensitivity is appropriately monitored and controlled and will not have any material adverse effect on 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.


Liquidity Management
 
Liquidity is defined as the ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining the ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of customers, both depositors and borrowers. The primary objective is to ensure that sufficient funding is available, at a reasonable cost, to meet 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. United maintains an unencumbered liquid asset reserve to help ensure its ability to meet its obligations under normal conditions for at least a 12-month period and under severely adverse liquidity conditions for a minimum of 30 days.
 
An important part of the Bank’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.
 
The Bank’s main source of liquidity is customer interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts. Liquidity is also available from wholesale funding sources consisting primarily of Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances and brokered deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.deposits. 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 the Holding Company is a separate legal entity and apart from the Bank, it must provide for its own liquidity. United’s holding companyThe Holding Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its commonto shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt or trust preferred


securities. The Holding Company currently has internal capital resources to meet these obligations. While the Holding Company has access to the capital markets and maintains a line of credit as a contingent funding source, the ultimate source of its liquidity is subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank, which are limited by applicable law and regulations. Holding Company liquidity is managed to a minimum of 15-months of positive cash flow after considering all of its liquidity needs over this period.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, United had sufficient qualifying collateral to increase FHLB advances by $1.20$1.17 billion and Federal Reserve discount window borrowing capacity of $1.56$1.55 billion, as well as unpledged investment securities of $1.88$1.79 billion that could be used as collateral for additional borrowings. In addition to these wholesale sources, United has the ability to attract retail deposits by competing more aggressively on pricing.
 
As disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows, net cash provided by operating activities was $35.9$96.1 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. Net income of $44.3$137 million for the three-monthnine-month period included non-cash expenses for the following: deferred income tax expense of $658,000,$12.1 million, depreciation, amortization and accretion of $6.37$18.0 million, provision expense of $3.30$9.65 million and stock-based compensation expense of $1.99$7.68 million. Uses of cash from operating activities included a decrease in accrued expenses and other


liabilities of $5.99 million, an increase in other assets and accrued interest receivable of $6.21$47.2 million and an increase in loans held for sale of $7.41$35.7 million. Net cash provided by investing activities of $113$126 million consisted primarily of $226 million in proceeds from sales and $239 million in proceeds from maturities and calls of debt securities available for sale and equity securities, of $179as well as $39.8 million and $60.8 million, respectively, andin proceeds from maturities and calls of debt securities held to maturity of $9.05 million.maturity. These sources of cash were offset by a $90.4$296 million net increase in loans, $34.7$45.6 million in purchases of debt securities available for sale and equity securities, net cash paid for acquisitions of $19.5 million, and $11.7$16.5 million in purchases of premises and equipment. Net cash used in financing activities of $150$188 million consisted primarily of a net decrease in FHLB advances of $120 million, cash dividends of $12.9$39.4 million and repayments of long-term debt of $10.1$27.5 million. In the opinion of management, United’s liquidity position at March 31,September 30, 2019, was sufficient to meet its expected cash flow requirements.


Capital Resources and Dividends
 
Shareholders’ equity at March 31,September 30, 2019 was $1.51$1.61 billion, an increase of $50.6$148 million from December 31, 2018 due to year-to-date earnings less dividends declared and an increase in the value of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $7.84$13.0 million in share repurchases. Accumulated other comprehensive loss,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 defined benefit pension plans, is excluded in the calculation of regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

The following table shows United’s capital ratios, as calculated under applicable regulatory guidelines, at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, capital levels remained characterized as “well-capitalized” under the Basel III Capital Rules in effect at the time.


Table 1314 – Capital Ratios
(dollars in thousands)
 Basel III Guidelines 
United Community Banks, Inc.
(Consolidated)
 United Community Bank Basel III Guidelines 
United Community Banks, Inc.
(Consolidated)
 United Community Bank
 
Minimum (1)
 
Well
Capitalized
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 
Minimum (1)
 
Well
Capitalized
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Risk-based ratios:                        
Common equity tier 1 capital 4.5% 6.5% 12.44% 12.16% 13.35% 12.91% 4.5% 6.5% 12.44% 12.16% 14.15% 12.91%
Tier 1 capital 6.0
 8.0
 12.69
 12.42
 13.35
 12.91
 6.0
 8.0
 12.68
 12.42
 14.15
 12.91
Total capital 8.0
 10.0
 14.55
 14.29
 14.04
 13.60
 8.0
 10.0
 14.47
 14.29
 14.82
 13.60
Leverage ratio 4.0
 5.0
 9.88
 9.61
 10.40
 9.98
 4.0
 5.0
 10.23
 9.61
 11.41
 9.98
                        
Common equity tier 1 capital     $1,180,309
 $1,148,355
 $1,264,669
 $1,216,449
     $1,233,644
 $1,148,355
 $1,400,439
 $1,216,449
Tier 1 capital     1,204,559
 1,172,605
 1,264,669
 1,216,449
     1,257,894
 1,172,605
 1,400,439
 1,216,449
Total capital     1,380,963
 1,348,843
 1,329,452
 1,281,062
     1,435,479
 1,348,843
 1,466,411
 1,281,062
Risk-weighted assets     9,491,554
 9,441,622
 9,469,757
 9,421,009
     9,918,874
 9,441,622
 9,896,095
 9,421,009
Average total assets     12,186,441
 12,207,986
 12,159,520
 12,183,341
     12,298,793
 12,207,986
 12,275,583
 12,183,341

(1) As of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.50% and 1.87%, respectively.




United’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “UCBI.” Below is a quarterly schedule of high, low and closing stock prices and average daily volume for 2019 and 2018.


Table 1415 - Stock Price Information
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 High Low Close 
Avg Daily
Volume
 High Low Close 
Avg Daily
Volume
 High Low Close 
Avg Daily
Volume
 High Low Close 
Avg Daily
Volume
First quarter $29.79
 $21.19
 $24.93
 507,207
 $33.60
 $27.73
 $31.65
 529,613
 $29.79
 $21.19
 $24.93
 507,207
 $33.60
 $27.73
 $31.65
 529,613
Second quarter 

 

 

 

 34.18
 30.52
 30.67
 402,230
 28.98
 24.91
 28.56
 427,652
 34.18
 30.52
 30.67
 402,230
Third quarter 
 
 
 
 31.93
 27.82
 27.89
 414,541
 $29.28
 $25.24
 $28.35
 357,739
 31.93
 27.82
 27.89
 414,541
Fourth quarter         28.88
 20.23
 21.46
 509,152
         28.88
 20.23
 21.46
 509,152




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 normal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio.
 
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 manage interest rate sensitivity. In addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs.


Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
There have been no material changes in United’s market risk as of March 31,September 30, 2019 from that presented in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 10-K. The interest rate sensitivity position at March 31,September 30, 2019 is included in Table 1213 in management’s discussionPart I - Item 2 - “Management’s Discussion and analysisAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

United’s(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officerour principal executive officer and Chief Financial Officer, supervised and participated inprincipal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of United’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of March 31,September 30, 2019. Based on, and as of the date of that evaluation, United’s Chief Executive Officerprincipal executive officer and Chief Financial Officer havechief financial officer concluded that theour disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

(b) Changes in accumulating and communicating information to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and ChiefInternal Control Over Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required 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 disclosedReporting. No change in reports that are filed or submitted by United under theour internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 that materially affected, or is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

There were no significant changes in the internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.




Part II. Other InformationOTHER INFORMATION 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
In the ordinary course of operations,business, United and the Bank are defendants inparties to various legal proceedings. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, United and the Bank are subject to regulatory examinations and investigations. Based on our current knowledge and advice of counsel, in the opinion of management there is no such pending or threatened legal matter which would result in a material adverse change ineffect upon the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of United.
 
Items 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. 2018 10-K.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table contains information for shares repurchasedregarding purchases of our common stock made during the first quarter ended September 30, 2019 by or on behalf of 2019.United or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(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 (1)
January 1, 2019 - January 31, 2019 95,000
 $26.13
 95,000
 $47,518
February 1, 2019 - February 28, 2019 81,600
 26.61
 81,600
 45,347
March 1, 2019 - March 31, 2019 128,452
 24.80
 128,452
 42,160
Total 305,052
 $25.70
 305,052
 $42,160
(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 (1)
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019 
 $
 
 $42,160
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019 195,443
 26.51
 195,443
 36,980
September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019 
 
 
 36,980
Total 195,443
 $26.51
 195,443
 $36,980
 
(1)In November 2018, United’sUnited announced that its Board of Directors approved an increase and extension of the existingits ongoing common stock repurchase plan,program, authorizing $50 million of repurchases throughof United’s outstanding common stock. The program is scheduled to expire upon the earlier of United’s repurchase of shares of its common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $50 million and December 31, 2019. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased periodically in the open market transactions at prevailing market prices,or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, subject to market and other conditions. The approved share repurchase program does not obligate United to repurchase any dollar amount or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number and value of shares, repurchased underand the program depends on a numbermay be extended, modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time. In November of factors, including2019, the market priceBoard of United’sDirectors authorized an updated repurchase program for $50 million of its common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements.shares that may be acquired through December 31, 2020.
 
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities – None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures – None
Item 5. Other Information – None





Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
101.INS101 XBRL Instance Document
Interactive data files for United Community Bank, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited); (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited); (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited); (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited); (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited); and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
   
101.SCH104 The cover page from United Community Bank’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 (formatted in Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Documentand included in Exhibit 101)






Signatures
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
  
 /s/ H. Lynn Harton
 H. Lynn Harton
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (Principal Executive Officer)
  
 /s/ Jefferson L. Harralson
 Jefferson L. Harralson
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer)
  
 /s/ Alan H. Kumler
 Alan H. Kumler
 Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 (Principal Accounting Officer)
  
 Date:  May 8,November 7, 2019




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