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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 March 31, 2020
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 79,039,39078,290,267 shares outstanding as of April 30, 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
2020.
 






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 notesCautionary Note Regarding Forward-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. Statements regarding the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations, financial performance and prospects are forward-looking statements. Also, any statement that does not describe historical or current facts is a forward-looking statement. These statements 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 similar expressions. 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”).

Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control, and that are difficult to predict as to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results implied or anticipated by the statements. Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligations to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial statements.condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, in addition to those described in detail under Part II, Item 1A of this Report - “Risk Factors” - include, but are not limited to the following: 

negative economic and political conditions that adversely affect the general economy, housing prices, the real estate market, the job market, consumer confidence, the financial condition of our borrowers and consumer spending habits, which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense;
changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions or regulatory developments, either as they currently exist or as they may be affected by conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic;
the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate;
strategic, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with our business;
continuation of historically low interest rates coupled with other potential fluctuations or unanticipated 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 any unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions in the national or local economies in which we operate;
our loan concentration in industries or sectors that may experience unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions than other industries or sectors in the national or local economies in which we operate;
the risks of expansion into new geographic or product markets;
risks with respect to future mergers or acquisitions, including our ability to successfully expand and complete acquisitions and integrate businesses and operations that we acquire;
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 our network and online banking portals, and the systems of parties with whom we contract, 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;
volatility in the allowance for credit losses resulting from the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) methodology, either alone or as that may be affected by conditions arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic;
adverse results (including judgments, costs, fines, reputational harm, inability to obtain necessary approvals and/or other negative effects) from current or future litigation, regulatory proceedings, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or developments related thereto;
any matter that would cause us to conclude that there was impairment of any asset, including intangible assets;



limitations on our ability to make dividends and other distributions from the Bank to the Holding Company, which could affect Holding Company liquidity, including the ability to pay dividends to shareholders or take other capital actions;
other risks and uncertainties disclosed in documents filed or furnished by us with or to the SEC, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements.

We caution 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 our 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)  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
    
ASSETS  
  
  
  
Cash and due from banks $118,659
 $126,083
 $155,008
 $125,844
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 365,494
 389,362
Cash and cash equivalents 325,495
 327,265
 520,502
 515,206
Debt securities available for sale 2,454,625
 2,628,467
Debt securities held to maturity (fair value $265,117 and $268,803) 265,329
 274,407
Debt securities available-for-sale 2,249,876
 2,274,581
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $301,595 and $287,904) 290,404
 283,533
Loans held for sale at fair value 26,341
 18,935
 89,959
 58,484
Loans and leases, net of unearned income 8,493,254
 8,383,401
Less allowance for loan and lease losses (61,642) (61,203)
Loans and leases held for investment 8,935,424
 8,812,553
Less allowance for credit losses - loans and leases (81,905) (62,089)
Loans and leases, net 8,431,612
 8,322,198
 8,853,519
 8,750,464
Premises and equipment, net 214,022
 206,140
 214,744
 215,976
Bank owned life insurance 193,489
 192,616
 200,778
 202,664
Accrued interest receivable 35,126
 35,413
 31,570
 32,660
Net deferred tax asset 51,055
 64,224
 30,715
 34,059
Derivative financial instruments 25,924
 24,705
 82,668
 35,007
Goodwill and other intangible assets 322,779
 324,072
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net 341,207
 342,247
Other assets 160,030
 154,750
 179,924
 171,135
Total assets $12,505,827
 $12,573,192
 $13,085,866
 $12,916,016
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Liabilities:        
Deposits:        
Noninterest-bearing demand $3,313,861
 $3,210,220
 $3,624,806
 $3,477,979
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 7,410,120
 7,419,265
Total deposits 10,534,306
 10,534,513
 11,034,926
 10,897,244
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 40,000
 160,000
Long-term debt 257,259
 267,189
 212,849
 212,664
Derivative financial instruments 18,789
 26,433
 27,349
 15,516
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 147,315
 127,503
 170,130
 154,900
Total liabilities 10,997,669
 11,115,638
 11,445,254
 11,280,324
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;
78,283,544 and 79,013,729 shares issued and outstanding
 78,284
 79,014
Common stock issuable; 591,053 and 664,640 shares 10,534
 11,491
Capital surplus 1,494,400
 1,499,584
 1,478,719
 1,496,641
Accumulated deficit (59,573) (90,419)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,995) (41,589)
Retained earnings 54,206
 40,152
Accumulated other comprehensive income 18,869
 8,394
Total shareholders' equity 1,508,158
 1,457,554
 1,640,612
 1,635,692
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $12,505,827
 $12,573,192
 $13,085,866
 $12,916,016
 
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
March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2020 2019
Interest revenue:    
Loans, including fees $118,063
 $115,259
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,523 and $1,169 17,394
 20,818
Deposits in banks and short-term investments 1,090
 439
Total interest revenue 136,547
 136,516
     
Interest expense:    
Deposits 15,075
 15,957
Short-term borrowings 1
 161
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1
 1,422
Long-term debt 2,864
 3,342
Total interest expense 17,941
 20,882
Net interest revenue 118,606
 115,634
Provision for credit losses 22,191
 3,300
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses 96,415
 112,334
     
Noninterest income:    
Service charges and fees 8,638
 8,453
Mortgage loan gains and other related fees 8,310
 3,748
Brokerage fees 1,640
 1,337
Gains from sales of other loans, net 1,674
 1,303
Securities losses, net 
 (267)
Other 5,552
 6,394
Total noninterest income 25,814
 20,968
Total revenue 122,229
 133,302
     
Noninterest expenses:    
Salaries and employee benefits 51,358
 47,503
Communications and equipment 5,946
 5,788
Occupancy 5,714
 5,584
Advertising and public relations 1,274
 1,286
Postage, printing and supplies 1,670
 1,586
Professional fees 4,097
 3,161
Lending and loan servicing expense 2,293
 2,334
Outside services - electronic banking 1,832
 1,609
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges 1,484
 1,710
Amortization of intangibles 1,040
 1,293
Merger-related and other charges 808
 546
Other 4,022
 3,684
Total noninterest expenses 81,538
 76,084
Net income before income taxes 40,691
 57,218
Income tax expense 8,807
 12,956
Net income $31,884
 $44,262
     
Net income available to common shareholders $31,641
 $43,947
     
Net income per common share:    
Basic $0.40
 $0.55
Diluted 0.40
 0.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:    
Basic 79,340
 79,807
Diluted 79,446
 79,813


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 March 31,
  
Before-tax
Amount
 
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of Tax
Amount
2020      
Net income $40,691
 $(8,807) $31,884
Other comprehensive income:      
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 13,685
 (3,433) 10,252
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity 83
 (20) 63
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plan 214
 (54) 160
Total other comprehensive income 13,982
 (3,507) 10,475
Comprehensive income $54,673
 $(12,314) $42,359
       
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

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


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
   Three Months Ended March 31, 
 (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 
 2020             
 Balance at beginning of period $79,014
 $11,491
 $1,496,641
 $40,152
 $8,394
 $1,635,692
 
 Net income       31,884
   31,884
 
 Other comprehensive income         10,475
 10,475
 
 Common stock issued to dividend reinvestment plan and
employee benefit plans (8,686 shares)
 9
   190
     199
 
 Amortization of restricted stock awards     2,492
     2,492
 
 Vesting of restricted stock, net of shares surrendered to
cover payroll taxes (24,005 shares issued and 23,967
shares deferred)
 24
 665
 (1,177)     (488) 
 Purchases of common stock (826,482 shares) (827)   (19,955)     (20,782) 
 Deferred compensation plan, net, including dividend
equivalents
   156
       156
 
 Shares issued from deferred compensation plan, net of
shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes (63,606
shares)
 64
 (1,778) 528
     (1,186) 
 Common stock dividends ($0.18 per share)       (14,301)   (14,301) 
 Adoption of new accounting standard       (3,529)   (3,529) 
 Balance, March 31, 2020 $78,284
 $10,534
 $1,478,719
 $54,206
 $18,869
 $1,640,612
 
               
 2019             
 Balance at beginning of period $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) (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
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands) 2020 2019
Operating activities:  
  
Net income $31,884
 $44,262
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,894
 6,373
Provision for credit losses 22,191
 3,300
Stock based compensation 2,492
 1,985
Deferred income tax expense 1,292
 658
Securities losses, net 
 267
Gains from sales of other loans (1,674) (1,303)
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Other assets and accrued interest receivable (45,851) (6,251)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 8,456
 (5,994)
Loans held for sale (31,475) (7,406)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (10,791) 35,891
     
Investing activities:    
Debt securities held-to-maturity:    
Proceeds from maturities and calls 9,085
 9,049
Purchases (15,989) 
Debt securities available-for-sale and equity securities:    
Proceeds from sales 1,000
 178,604
Proceeds from maturities and calls 105,247
 60,779
Purchases (70,075) (34,729)
Net increase in loans (110,222) (90,380)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment 102
 105
Purchases of premises and equipment (2,596) (11,686)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate 63
 974
Other investing activities, net (1,600) 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (84,985) 112,716
     
Financing activities:    
Net increase in deposits 137,783
 117
Repayment of long-term debt 
 (10,110)
Proceeds from FHLB advances 5,000
 780,000
Repayment of FHLB advances (5,000) (900,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans 199
 186
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 
 197
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes upon vesting of restricted stock (1,674) (549)
Repurchase of common stock (20,782) (7,342)
Cash dividends on common stock (14,454) (12,876)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 101,072
 (150,377)
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash 5,296
 (1,770)
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at beginning of period 515,206
 327,265
     
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, at end of period $520,502
 $325,495
     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:    
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:    
Unsettled government guaranteed loan sales $485
 $13,934
Transfers of loans to foreclosed properties 127
 751
Unsettled repurchases of common stock 
 498

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. AIn addition to those items mentioned below, 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, 2018.2019 (the “2019 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 2019 10-K. Certain amounts reported in prior periods' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


Debt Securities
Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are generally amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Premiums on callable debt securities are amortized to their earliest call date. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity are included in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. These unrealized holding gains or losses are amortized into income over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.

A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) - Held-to-Maturity Securities: Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $1.07 million at March 31, 2020 and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the held-to-maturity portfolio into the following major security types: State and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed, agency and commercial mortgage-backed, agency.

All of the residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities held by United are issued by U.S. government agencies. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. The state and political subdivision securities are highly rated by major rating agencies. As a result, 0 ACL was recorded on the held-to-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020.

ACL - Available-For-Sale Securities: For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, United first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available-for-sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, United evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


is less than the amortized cost basis. Any amount of unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the ACL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. At March 31, 2020, there was 0 ACL related to the available-for-sale portfolio.

Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities totaled $8.83 million at March 31, 2020 and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Loans and Leases
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $21.2 million at March 31, 2020 and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using methods that approximate a level yield without anticipating prepayments.

The accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured.

Equipment Financing Lease Receivables: Equipment financing lease receivables, which are classified as sales-type or direct financing leases, are recorded as the sum of the future minimum lease payments, initial deferred costs and estimated or contractual residual values less unearned income and security deposits. The determination of residual value is derived from a variety of sources including equipment valuation services, appraisals, and publicly available market data on recent sales transactions on similar equipment. The length of time until contract termination, the cyclical nature of equipment values and the limited marketplace for re-sale of certain leased assets are important variables considered in making this determination. Interest income, which is included in loan interest revenue in the consolidated statements of income, is recognized as earned using the effective interest method. Direct fees and costs associated with the origination of leases are deferred and included as a component of equipment financing receivables. Net deferred fees or costs are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the lease using the effective interest method. These lease agreements may include options to renew and for the lessee to purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term. United excludes sales taxes from consideration in these lease contracts.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans: Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), loans that were designated as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans under the previous accounting guidance were classified as PCD loans without reassessment.

In future acquisitions, United may purchase loans, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. In those cases, United will consider internal loan grades, delinquency status and other relevant factors in assessing whether purchased loans are PCD. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An initial ACL is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment, but with no impact to earnings. The initial ACL determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan's purchase price and ACL becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent to initial recognition, PCD loans are subject to the same interest income recognition and impairment model as non-PCD loans, with changes to the ACL recorded through provision expense.

ACL - Loans
The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

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


Management determines the ACL balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit behaviors along with model judgments provide the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to modeled loss estimates may be made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in economic conditions, property values, or other relevant factors.

The ACL is measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. United has identified the following portfolio segments and calculates the ACL for each using a discounted cash flow methodology at the loan level, with loss rates, prepayment assumptions and curtailment assumptions driven by each loan’s collateral type:

Owner occupied commercial real estate - Loans in this category are susceptible to business failure and general economic conditions.

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

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

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

Equipment financing - Risks associated with equipment financing are similar to those described for commercial and industrial loans, including general economic conditions, as well as appropriate lien priority on equipment, equipment obsolescence and the general mobility of the collateral.

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

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

Residential construction - Residential construction loans are susceptible to the same risks as residential mortgage loans. Changes in market demand for property lead to longer marketing times resulting in higher carrying costs and declining values.

Consumer - Risks common to consumer direct loans include unemployment and changes in local economic conditions as well as the inability to monitor collateral consisting of personal property.

When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

When the discounted cash flow method is used to determine the ACL, management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments.

Determining the Contractual Term: Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a troubled debt restructuring will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by United.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”s): A loan for which the terms have been modified resulting in a more than insignificant concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, is generally considered to be a TDR. The ACL on a TDR is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment, except that the original interest rate is used to discount the expected cash flows, not the rate specified within the restructuring. As discussed in Note 2, certain modifications in the first quarter of 2020 were excluded from the TDR population based on relief provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).

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


ACL - Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures
Management estimates expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit over the contractual period in which United is exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The ACL is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to fund.

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 TopicOn January 1, 2020, United adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The new guidance replaces, which replaced the incurred loss impairment methodologyframework in currentprior GAAP with a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodologyframework, which requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and requires consideration of a broader range of informationreasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to determinefinancial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit loss estimates.exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. 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 deterioratedACL. PCD loans will receive an initial allowance account at the acquisition date that represents a componentan adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the purchase price allocation.loan, with no impact to earnings. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses,ACL prospectively, 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, 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 first quarter 2019, management’s CECL steering committee continued the process of populating relevant data, building models and documenting processes and controls in preparation for adoption of Topic 326. During the remainder of 2019, management plans to run multiple 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. During monthly steering committee meetings, management regularly reviews project status, gap remediation efforts and project priorities.


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 onASC 326 as of January 1, 20192020 using the optional transition method, which allowed for a modified retrospective method of adoption with a cumulative 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 ofloans, 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 balanceoff-balance sheet but instead recognizes lease payments as an expense over the lease term as appropriate. The adoptioncredit exposures. Adoption of this guidance resulted in recognitionan $8.75 million increase in the ACL, comprised of a right-of-use assetincreases in the ACL for loans of $23.8 million, a lease liability of $26.8$6.88 million and a reductionthe ACL for unfunded commitments of shareholders’ equity$1.87 million, with $3.59 million of $549,000,the increase reclassified from the amortized cost basis of PCD financial assets that were previously classified as PCI. The cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was $3.53 million, net of tax, relatedtax. Calculated credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities were not material and there was no impact to its operating leases.the available-for-sale securities portfolio or other financial instruments. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP (“Incurred Loss”).

The ACL for the majority of loans and leases was calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology applied at a loan level with a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period and a two-year straight-line reversion period. In connection with the adoption, management has implemented changes to relevant systems, processes and controls where necessary. Model validation was completed during the fourth quarter of 2019 and implementation of the accounting, reporting and governance processes to comply with the new guidance was completed in the first quarter of 2020. United’s CECL allowance will fluctuate over time due to macroeconomic conditions and forecasts as well as the size and composition of the loan portfolios. Federal banking regulatory agencies have provided relief, which United has adopted, for the delay of the adverse capital impact of CECL at adoption and during the subsequent two-year period. This optional two-year delay is followed by an optional three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay. Under the transition provision, the amount of aggregate capital benefit is phased out by 25% each year with the full impact of adoption completely recognized by the beginning of the sixth year.

United adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for PCD assets that were previously classified as PCI. In accordance with the standard, management did not reassess whether PCI assets met the criteria of PCD assets as of the date of adoption. As mentioned above, the amortized cost basis of the PCD assets was adjusted to reflect the addition of $3.59 million of the ACL. The remaining noncredit discount (based on the adjusted amortized cost basis) will be accreted into interest income at a rate that approximates the effective interest rate as of January 1, 2020.

With regard to PCD assets, because United elected to disaggregate the former PCI pools and no longer considers these pools to be the unit of account, contractually delinquent PCD loans will be reported as nonaccrual loans using the same criteria as other loans. Similarly, although management did not reassess whether modifications to individual acquired financial assets accounted for in pools were TDRs as of the date of adoption, PCD loans that are restructured and meet the definition of troubled debt restructurings after the adoption of CECL will be reported as such.

United elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable and instead to reverse interest income on those loans that are 90 days past due, to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of financial instruments subject to CECL and to separately state the balance of accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, United has equipment financing leaseselected to adjust the discount rate used to calculate credit losses for expected prepayments and will include all changes in discounted cash flows as credit loss. United also elected to use, as a practical expedient, the fair value of collateral when determining the ACL for loans for which itrepayment is expected to be provided substantially through the lessor, which were previously accounted for as capital leases. Upon adoption of Topic 842, these leases were classified as direct financing leases, which required no significant change in accounting policyoperation or treatment. These lease agreements may include options to renew and for the lessee to purchase the leased equipment at the endsale of the lease term. As a lessor, United elected to exclude sales taxes from consideration in lease contracts. Incollateral when the opinion of management, the changes described above resulting from the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the consolidatedborrower is experiencing financial statements. See Notes 5 and 14 for additional information on direct financing leases and operating leases, respectively.difficulty (collateral-dependent loans).

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




On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. The CARES Act included a number of provisions that were applicable to United, including the following:

Accounting Relief for TDRs: The CARES Act provided that modifications for loans under certain forbearance conditions that were otherwise performing before the COVID-19 crisis will not be considered TDRs for regulatory reporting and GAAP.
Optional Delay and Regulatory Relief for CECL Implementation:The CARES Act stipulated that large SEC filers have the option of delaying the adoption of CECL from January 1, 2020 to the earlier of the end of the COVID-19 emergency period or December 31, 2020. Banks that were required to implement CECL by the end of 2020 were granted the option to defer any impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years before beginning the original three-year regulatory phase-in period, for a total five-year phase-in period. Although United did not elect to delay the adoption of CECL, the Company did elect the five-year phase-in period for regulatory purposes, as discussed above.
Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”): The CARES Act created the PPP through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which allowed United to lend money to small businesses to maintain employee payrolls through the crisis with guarantees from the SBA. Under this program, loan amounts may be forgiven if the borrower maintains employee payrolls or restores payrolls afterwards.

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. This update clarified certain minor issues within the codification, including, among other things, debt securities disclosure for financial institutions and determination of the contractual term of a net investment in a lease. The standard was effective immediately, and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This update provides expedients for contracts that are modified because of reference rate reform, including receivables, debt, leases, and certain derivatives. In addition, the update provides a one-time election to sell or transfer debt securities classified as held-to-maturity that reference a rate that is affected by reference rate reform. The update is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2020, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, which required an entity to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by valuing a reporting unit’s assets and liabilities using the same process that would be required to value assets and liabilities in a business combination. Instead, the amendments require that an entity perform its annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2020, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 3 – 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, 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  
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, 2019, United recognized the right to reclaim cash collateral of $11.9 million and the obligation to return cash collateral of $1.80 million. 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.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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  
  
 $
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 4 – 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 March 31, 2020       
State and political subdivisions$61,083
 $3,377
 $
 $64,460
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency145,793
 4,711
 14
 150,490
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency83,528
 3,170
 53
 86,645
Total$290,404
 $11,258
 $67
 $301,595
        
As of December 31, 2019       
State and political subdivisions$45,479
 $1,574
 $9
 $47,044
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency153,967
 2,014
 694
 155,287
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency84,087
 1,627
 141
 85,573
Total$283,533
 $5,215
 $844
 $287,904
 
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 March 31, 2020       
U.S. Treasuries$153,219
 $5,745
 $
 $158,964
U.S. Government agencies2,777
 190
 
 2,967
State and political subdivisions214,191
 13,507
 17
 227,681
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency1,008,944
 29,264
 459
 1,037,749
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Non-agency260,638
 2,095
 2,891
 259,842
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency261,836
 5,982
 29
 267,789
Corporate bonds191,070
 665
 950
 190,785
Asset-backed securities109,542
 340
 5,783
 104,099
Total$2,202,217
 $57,788
 $10,129
 $2,249,876
        
As of December 31, 2019       
U.S. Treasuries$152,990
 $1,628
 $
 $154,618
U.S. Government agencies2,848
 188
 1
 3,035
State and political subdivisions214,677
 11,813
 
 226,490
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency1,030,948
 12,022
 726
 1,042,244
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Non-agency250,550
 6,231
 
 256,781
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency266,770
 2,261
 128
 268,903
Commercial mortgage-backed, Non-agency15,395
 918
 263
 16,050
Corporate bonds202,131
 1,178
 218
 203,091
Asset-backed securities104,298
 743
 1,672
 103,369
Total$2,240,607
 $36,982
 $3,008
 $2,274,581
 
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$559 million and $925$918 million were pledged, primarily to secure public deposits, derivatives and other secured borrowings at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, 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 March 31, 2020           
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency$1,589
 $11
 $440
 $3
 $2,029
 $14
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency
 
 1,467
 53
 1,467
 53
Total unrealized loss position$1,589
 $11
 $1,907
 $56
 $3,496
 $67
            
As of December 31, 2019           
State and political subdivisions$10,117
 $9
 $
 $
 $10,117
 $9
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency16,049
 64
 48,237
 630
 64,286
 694
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency21,841
 87
 1,685
 54
 23,526
 141
Total unrealized loss position$48,007
 $160
 $49,922
 $684
 $97,929
 $844
 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 March 31, 2020           
State and political subdivisions$15,009
 $17
 $
 $
 $15,009
 $17
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency32,736
 454
 1,856
 5
 34,592
 459
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Non-agency151,965
 2,891
 
 
 151,965
 2,891
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency8,655
 29
 
 
 8,655
 29
Corporate bonds94,040
 950
 
 
 94,040
 950
Asset-backed securities20,713
 1,240
 59,022
 4,543
 79,735
 5,783
Total unrealized loss position$323,118
 $5,581
 $60,878
 $4,548
 $383,996
 $10,129
            
As of December 31, 2019           
U.S. Government agencies$404
 $1
 $
 $
 $404
 $1
Residential mortgage-backed securities, Agency228,611
 576
 18,294
 150
 246,905
 726
Commercial mortgage-backed, Agency
 
 33,517
 128
 33,517
 128
Commercial mortgage-backed, Non-agency
 
 4,864
 263
 4,864
 263
Corporate bonds19,742
 216
 998
 2
 20,740
 218
Asset-backed securities32,294
 625
 38,990
 1,047
 71,284
 1,672
Total unrealized loss position$281,051
 $1,418
 $96,663
 $1,590
 $377,714
 $3,008
 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, 2019,2020, there were 17458 debt securities available-for-sale and 566 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, 20192020 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 orvolatile market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given toconditions resulting from uncertainty surrounding the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospectsimpact 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. NoCOVID-19 pandemic.

NaN impairment charges were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 20192019. At adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 and at March 31, 2020, calculated credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities were not material due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which included securities issued or 2018.guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and high credit quality municipal securities. As a result, 0 ACL was recorded on the held-to-maturity portfolio at March 31, 2020. In addition, at March 31, 2020, there was 0 ACL related to the available-for-sale portfolio. See Note 1 for additional details on the adoption of CECL as it relates to the securities portfolio.

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 months ended March 31, 2020 and 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
March 31,
 
  2020 2019 
 Proceeds from sales$1,000
 $178,604
 
      
 Gross gains on sales$
 $1,287
 
 Gross losses on sales
 (1,554) 
 Net losses on sales of securities$
 $(267) 
      
 Income tax benefit attributable to sales$
 $(68) 

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, 2019,2020, 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$29,967
 $30,035
 $
 $
1 to 5 years123,252
 128,929
 
 
 153,219
 158,964
 
 
        
U.S. Government agencies:       
1 to 5 years354
 358
 
 
More than 10 years2,423
 2,609
 
 
 2,777
 2,967
 
 
        
State and political subdivisions:       
Within 1 year935
 935
 1,350
 1,363
1 to 5 years54,097
 55,202
 11,759
 12,421
5 to 10 years24,255
 25,802
 13,323
 14,714
More than 10 years134,904
 145,742
 34,651
 35,962
 214,191
 227,681
 61,083
 64,460
        
Corporate bonds:       
Within 1 year160,000
 159,258
 
 
1 to 5 years27,570
 27,835
 
 
5 to 10 years3,500
 3,692
 
 
 191,070
 190,785
 
 
        
Total securities other than asset-backed and
  mortgage-backed securities:
       
Within 1 year190,902
 190,228
 1,350
 1,363
1 to 5 years205,273
 212,324
 11,759
 12,421
5 to 10 years27,755
 29,494
 13,323
 14,714
More than 10 years137,327
 148,351
 34,651
 35,962
        
Asset-backed securities109,542
 104,099
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,269,582
 1,297,591
 145,793
 150,490
Commercial mortgage-backed securities261,836
 267,789
 83,528
 86,645
 $2,202,217
 $2,249,876
 $290,404
 $301,595

 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 54 – 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).
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,702,984
 $1,720,227
 
 Income producing commercial real estate2,064,502
 2,007,950
 
 Commercial & industrial1,310,112
 1,220,657
 
 Commercial construction959,318
 976,215
 
 Equipment financing760,952
 744,544
 
 Total commercial6,797,868
 6,669,593
 
 Residential mortgage1,127,988
 1,117,616
 
 Home equity lines of credit668,382
 660,675
 
 Residential construction215,996
 236,437
 
 Consumer125,190
 128,232
 
 Total loans8,935,424
 8,812,553
 
 Less allowance for credit losses - loans(81,905) (62,089) 
 Loans, net$8,853,519
 $8,750,464
 
 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, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, loans totaling $4.03$4.15 billion and $3.98$4.06 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure Federal Home Loan Bank advances, securitized notes payable and other contingent funding sources.

During the first quarter of 2020 United sold $4.03 million of United States Small Business Administration / United States Department of Agriculture (“SBA/USDA”) guaranteed loans and $22.2 million of equipment financing receivables. During the first quarter of 2019, United sold $17.1 million of SBA/USDA guaranteed loans. The gains and losses on these loan sales were included in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.
At March 31, 2019, the carrying value2020 and outstanding balanceDecember 31, 2019, equipment financing assets included leases of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, were $68.7$37.6 million and $100$37.4 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below (in thousands)
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 Minimum future lease payments receivable$39,725
 $39,709
 
 Estimated residual value of leased equipment3,575
 3,631
 
 Initial direct costs788
 842
 
 Security deposits(918) (989) 
 Purchase accounting premium238
 273
 
 Unearned income(5,848) (6,088) 
 Net investment in leases$37,560
 $37,378
 


Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of March 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands)
 Year  
 Remainder of 2020$11,653
 
 202112,387
 
 20228,683
 
 20234,937
 
 20241,700
 
 Thereafter365
 
 Total$39,725
 


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


At December 31, 2018,2019, the carrying value and outstanding balance of PCI loans were $74.4$58.6 million and $109$83.1 million, respectively. The following table presents changes in the balance of the accretable yield for PCI loans for the periodsperiod indicated (in thousands)
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 
 Balance at beginning of period$26,868
 
 Accretion(4,813) 
 Reclassification from nonaccretable difference2,706
 
 Changes in expected cash flows that do not affect nonaccretable difference1,863
 
 Balance at end of period$26,624
 


Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
The following table presents the aging of the amortized cost basis in loans by aging category and accrual status as of March 31, 2020(in thousands).
  Accruing   
  Current Loans Loans Past Due   
   30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days > 90 Days Nonaccrual Loans Total Loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,686,758
 $4,364
 $1,457
 $
 $10,405
 $1,702,984
Income producing commercial real estate 2,057,775
 4,482
 10
 
 2,235
 2,064,502
Commercial & industrial 1,304,689
 2,004
 250
 
 3,169
 1,310,112
Commercial construction 956,397
 791
 406
 
 1,724
 959,318
Equipment financing 753,741
 4,019
 753
 
 2,439
 760,952
Total commercial 6,759,360
 15,660
 2,876
 
 19,972
 6,797,868
Residential mortgage 1,110,031
 4,882
 617
 
 12,458
 1,127,988
Home equity lines of credit 661,857
 3,223
 292
 
 3,010
 668,382
Residential construction 214,568
 836
 52
 
 540
 215,996
Consumer 123,720
 982
 260
 
 228
 125,190
Total loans $8,869,536
 $25,583
 $4,097
 $
 $36,208
 $8,935,424

The following table presents the aging of recorded investment in loans, including accruing and nonaccrual loans, as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands).
  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
 
  Loans Past Due - Accruing and Nonaccrual      
  30 - 59 Days 60 - 89 Days 
> 90 Days (1)
 Total Current Loans PCI Loans Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate $2,913
 $2,007
 $6,079
 $10,999
 $1,700,682
 $8,546
 $1,720,227
Income producing commercial real estate 562
 706
 401
 1,669
 1,979,053
 27,228
 2,007,950
Commercial & industrial 2,140
 491
 2,119
 4,750
 1,215,581
 326
 1,220,657
Commercial construction 1,867
 557
 96
 2,520
 966,833
 6,862
 976,215
Equipment financing 2,065
 923
 3,045
 6,033
 734,526
 3,985
 744,544
Total commercial 9,547
 4,684
 11,740
 25,971
 6,596,675
 46,947
 6,669,593
Residential mortgage 5,655
 2,212
 2,171
 10,038
 1,097,999
 9,579
 1,117,616
Home equity lines of credit 1,697
 421
 1,385
 3,503
 655,762
 1,410
 660,675
Residential construction 325
 125
 402
 852
 235,211
 374
 236,437
Consumer 668
 181
 27
 876
 127,020
 336
 128,232
Total loans $17,892
 $7,623
 $15,725
 $41,240
 $8,712,667
 $58,646
 $8,812,553

In addition to the accretable yield on(1) Excluding PCI loans, the fair value adjustmentssubstantially all loans more than 90 days past due were 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, 2019 andnonaccrual status at 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 million and $4.31 million, respectively. At March 31, 2019, the net fair value discount of $4.44 million 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 million and $3.72 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

2019.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, equipment financing assets included direct financing leases of $33.5 million and $30.4 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases are presented below (in thousands)
  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 lease contracts as of March 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands)
 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


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 lossesnonaccrual loans by portfolio segmentloan class for the periods indicated (in thousands)
  CECL Incurred Loss
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
  Nonaccrual loans with no allowance Nonaccrual loans with an allowance Total Nonaccrual Loans 
Nonaccrual
Loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate $6,889
 $3,516
 $10,405
 $10,544
Income producing commercial real estate 1,039
 1,196
 2,235
 1,996
Commercial & industrial 1,332
 1,837
 3,169
 2,545
Commercial construction 1,235
 489
 1,724
 2,277
Equipment financing 43
 2,396
 2,439
 3,141
Total commercial 10,538
 9,434
 19,972
 20,503
Residential mortgage 3,163
 9,295
 12,458
 10,567
Home equity lines of credit 962
 2,048
 3,010
 3,173
Residential construction 130
 410
 540
 939
Consumer 8
 220
 228
 159
Total $14,801
 $21,407
 $36,208
 $35,341

  2019 2018
Three Months Ended March 31,                  
  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
Income producing commercial real estate 11,073
 (197) 20
 230
 11,126
 9,381
 (657) 235
 817
 9,776
Commercial & industrial 4,802
 (1,519) 163
 1,449
 4,895
 3,971
 (384) 389
 99
 4,075
Commercial construction 10,337
 (69) 394
 (387) 10,275
 10,523
 (363) 97
 (223) 10,034
Equipment financing 5,452
 (1,424) 143
 2,060
 6,231
 
 (139) 97
 2,333
 2,291
Residential mortgage 8,295
 (61) 48
 63
 8,345
 10,097
 (70) 123
 71
 10,221
Home equity lines of credit 4,752
 (337) 122
 260
 4,797
 5,177
 (124) 35
 (156) 4,932
Residential construction 2,433
 (4) 26
 (65) 2,390
 2,729
 
 64
 251
 3,044
Consumer direct 853
 (547) 207
 324
 837
 710
 (651) 160
 514
 733
Indirect auto 999
 (197) 38
 32
 872
 1,550
 (436) 80
 224
 1,418
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
Allowance for unfunded commitments 3,410
 
 
 (269) 3,141
 2,312
 
 
 128
 2,440
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

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 Losses
 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$825
 $10,894
 $155
 $11,874
 $862
 $11,328
 $17
 $12,207
Income producing commercial real estate280
 10,846
 
 11,126
 402
 10,671
 
 11,073
Commercial & industrial36
 4,855
 4
 4,895
 32
 4,761
 9
 4,802
Commercial construction68
 10,001
 206
 10,275
 71
 9,974
 292
 10,337
Equipment financing
 5,988
 243
 6,231
 
 5,045
 407
 5,452
Residential mortgage916
 7,403
 26
 8,345
 861
 7,410
 24
 8,295
Home equity lines of credit1
 4,796
 
 4,797
 1
 4,740
 11
 4,752
Residential construction63
 2,327
 
 2,390
 51
 2,382
 
 2,433
Consumer direct5
 832
 
 837
 6
 847
 
 853
Indirect auto25
 847
 
 872
 26
 973
 
 999
Total allowance for loan losses2,219
 58,789
 634
 61,642
 2,312
 58,131
 760
 61,203
Allowance for unfunded commitments
 3,141
 
 3,141
 
 3,410
 
 3,410
Total allowance for credit losses$2,219
 $61,930
 $634
 $64,783
 $2,312
 $61,541
 $760
 $64,613
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
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. Management individually evaluates certain impaired loans, including all non-PCI 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 is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. 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 investment in the loan. For impaired loans not on nonaccrual status, interest is accrued according to the terms of the loan agreement. Loans are evaluated for impairment quarterly and specific reserves are established in the allowance for loan losses for any measured impairment.
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.
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.
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.
The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $2.22 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no 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” where 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 where the borrower is unable to amortize the loan. Modified PCI loans are not accounted for as TDRs because they are not separated from the pools, and as such are not classified as impaired loans.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented in the table below. 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 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


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 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, 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$468,000 and $342,000$378,000 for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.

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


The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual loans by loan class as of the dates indicated (in thousands)
  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, 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      
As of March 31, 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
Income producing commercial real estate 1,199
 125
 706
 2,030
 1,829,298
 36,097
 1,867,425
Commercial & industrial 2,649
 790
 937
 4,376
 1,279,148
 341
 1,283,865
Commercial construction 139
 443
 24
 606
 859,456
 5,604
 865,666
Equipment financing 1,809
 894
 1,722
 4,425
 594,818
 6,741
 605,984
Total commercial 10,440
 3,394
 6,717
 20,551
 6,165,070
 57,387
 6,243,008
Residential mortgage 4,862
 1,511
 1,292
 7,665
 1,047,370
 8,805
 1,063,840
Home equity lines of credit 2,355
 634
 528
 3,517
 678,785
 1,469
 683,771
Residential construction 574
 132
 154
 860
 199,267
 581
 200,708
Consumer direct 522
 89
 2
 613
 120,085
 476
 121,174
Indirect auto 711
 185
 416
 1,312
 179,441
 
 180,753
Total loans $19,464
 $5,945
 $9,109
 $34,518
 $8,390,018
 $68,718
 $8,493,254
  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


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 are on nonaccrual status, become past due 90 days, or are in bankruptcy are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes of the table below, loans in these categories that are classified as “fail” are reported in theas substandard column and all other loans are reported in the “pass” column.as pass.

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 amortized cost of loans by risk category by vintage year as of the date indicated is as follows (in thousands).
  As of March 31, 2020
  Term Loans by Origination Year Revolvers Revolvers converted to term loans Total
  2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior   
Owner occupied commercial real estate:                  
Pass $108,385
 $402,541
 $271,646
 $236,178
 $222,321
 $287,441
 $60,479
 $28,008
 $1,616,999
Watch 4,602
 8,706
 4,166
 11,315
 7,869
 4,634
 842
 70
 42,204
Substandard 3,320
 8,582
 2,903
 12,650
 3,739
 8,613
 3,215
 759
 43,781
Total owner occupied commercial real estate 116,307
 419,829
 278,715
 260,143
 233,929
 300,688
 64,536
 28,837
 1,702,984
Income producing commercial real estate:                  
Pass 206,665
 500,411
 399,578
 284,259
 286,601
 258,605
 37,060
 9,820
 1,982,999
Watch 6,665
 12,955
 9,885
 4,214
 8,775
 2,989
 
 1,807
 47,290
Substandard 10,632
 13,890
 2,662
 4,117
 228
 2,577
 
 107
 34,213
Total income producing commercial real estate 223,962
 527,256
 412,125
 292,590
 295,604
 264,171
 37,060
 11,734
 2,064,502
Commercial & industrial                  
Pass 87,261
 267,166
 240,535
 125,838
 93,442
 63,150
 361,419
 9,674
 1,248,485
Watch 1,066
 807
 2,725
 620
 883
 53
 16,140
 147
 22,441
Substandard 44
 9,345
 1,554
 2,340
 2,726
 1,606
 20,796
 775
 39,186
Total commercial & industrial 88,371
 277,318
 244,814
 128,798
 97,051
 64,809
 398,355
 10,596
 1,310,112
Commercial construction                  
Pass 90,555
 246,335
 313,984
 163,033
 91,830
 19,976
 15,565
 7,600
 948,878
Watch 306
 940
 994
 181
 49
 401
 
 
 2,871
Substandard 1,205
 2,609
 550
 387
 950
 438
 
 1,430
 7,569
Total commercial construction 92,066
 249,884
 315,528
 163,601
 92,829
 20,815
 15,565
 9,030
 959,318
Equipment financing:                  
Pass 124,870
 353,441
 187,366
 67,279
 21,377
 3,510
 
 
 757,843
Substandard 
 817
 1,421
 627
 180
 64
 
 
 3,109
Total equipment financing 124,870
 354,258
 188,787
 67,906
 21,557
 3,574
 
 
 760,952
Residential mortgage:                  
Pass 86,068
 251,157
 188,207
 164,654
 134,189
 279,723
 11
 8,009
 1,112,018
Substandard 832
 2,103
 2,927
 1,520
 891
 7,337
 
 360
 15,970
Total residential mortgage 86,900
 253,260
 191,134
 166,174
 135,080
 287,060
 11
 8,369
 1,127,988
Home equity lines of credit                  
Pass 
 
 
 
 
 
 645,874
 18,111
 663,985
Substandard 
 
 
 
 
 
 226
 4,171
 4,397
Total home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 646,100
 22,282
 668,382
Residential construction                  
Pass 34,849
 137,032
 13,603
 5,911
 5,171
 18,480
 
 162
 215,208
Substandard 
 173
 133
 25
 127
 330
 
 
 788
Total residential construction 34,849
 137,205
 13,736
 5,936
 5,298
 18,810
 
 162
 215,996
Consumer                  
Pass 16,878
 45,895
 25,917
 10,217
 7,199
 3,947
 14,567
 97
 124,717
Watch 
 
 
 
 
 
 7
 
 7
Substandard 26
 71
 82
 74
 69
 52
 91
 1
 466
Total consumer 16,904
 45,966
 25,999
 10,291
 7,268
 3,999
 14,665
 98
 125,190
                   
Total loans                  
Pass 755,531
 2,203,978
 1,640,836
 1,057,369
 862,130
 934,832
 1,134,975
 81,481
 8,671,132
Watch 12,639
 23,408
 17,770
 16,330
 17,576
 8,077
 16,989
 2,024
 114,813
Substandard 16,059
 37,590
 12,232
 21,740
 8,910
 21,017
 24,328
 7,603
 149,479
Total loans $784,229
 $2,264,976
 $1,670,838
 $1,095,439
 $888,616
 $963,926
 $1,176,292
 $91,108
 $8,935,424
                   


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 datesdate indicated is as follows (in thousands).
  As of December 31, 2019
  Pass Watch Substandard 
Doubtful /
Loss
 Total
Owner occupied commercial real estate $1,638,398
 $24,563
 $48,720
 $
 $1,711,681
Income producing commercial real estate 1,914,524
 40,676
 25,522
 
 1,980,722
Commercial & industrial 1,156,366
 16,385
 47,580
 
 1,220,331
Commercial construction 960,251
 2,298
 6,804
 
 969,353
Equipment financing 737,418
 
 3,141
 
 740,559
Total commercial 6,406,957
 83,922
 131,767
 
 6,622,646
Residential mortgage 1,093,902
 
 14,135
 
 1,108,037
Home equity lines of credit 654,619
 
 4,646
 
 659,265
Residential construction 234,791
 
 1,272
 
 236,063
Consumer 127,507
 8
 381
 
 127,896
Total loans, excluding PCI loans 8,517,776
 83,930
 152,201
 
 8,753,907
           
Owner occupied commercial real estate 3,238
 2,797
 2,511
 
 8,546
Income producing commercial real estate 19,648
 6,305
 1,275
 
 27,228
Commercial & industrial 104
 81
 141
 
 326
Commercial construction 3,628
 590
 2,644
 
 6,862
Equipment financing 3,952
 
 33
 
 3,985
Total commercial 30,570
 9,773
 6,604
 
 46,947
Residential mortgage 8,112
 
 1,467
 
 9,579
Home equity lines of credit 1,350
 
 60
 
 1,410
Residential construction 348
 
 26
 
 374
Consumer 303
 
 33
 
 336
Total PCI loans 40,683
 9,773
 8,190
 
 58,646
           
Total loan portfolio $8,558,459
 $93,703
 $160,391
 $
 $8,812,553

  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)




Troubled Debt Restructurings
As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, United had TDRs totaling $53.7 million and $54.2 million, respectively. United allocated $1.51 million and $2.51 million of allowance for TDRs as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 0 commitments to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs.

Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented in the following table. In addition, the 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 Amortized Cost Post-Modification Outstanding Amortized Cost 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
 Amortized Cost
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020                
Owner occupied commercial real estate 1
 $1,008
 $
 $
 $990
 $990
 
 $
Income producing commercial real estate 3
 235
 
 67
 165
 232
 
 
Commercial & industrial 
 
 
 
 
 
 1
 6
Commercial construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment financing 7
 434
 
 434
 
 434
 
 
Total commercial 11
 1,677
 
 501
 1,155
 1,656
 1
 6
Residential mortgage 5
 302
 
 278
 
 278
 
 
Home equity lines of credit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential construction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer 2
 11
 
 
 11
 11
 1
 3
Total loans 18
 $1,990
 $
 $779
 $1,166
 $1,945
 2
 $9
                 
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
 
 $


As of March 31, 2020, United had granted short-term deferrals related to the COVID-19 crisis for $164 million of loans that were otherwise performing prior to modification. Pursuant to the CARES Act, these loans were not considered TDRs.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Allowance for Credit Losses
Since the adoption of ASC 326, the ACL for loans represents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the portfolio as of the end of the period. The ACL related to unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the periods indicated (in thousands).
  CECL Incurred Loss
  2020 2019
Three Months Ended March 31,                      
  December 31, 2019
Balance
 Adoption of CECL January 1, 2020
Balance
 Charge-Offs Recoveries (Release) Provision Ending Balance Beginning
Balance
 Charge-
Offs
 Recoveries (Release)
Provision
 Ending
Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate $11,404
 $(1,616) $9,788
 $(6) $1,034
 $184
 $11,000
 $12,207
 $(5) $69
 $(397) $11,874
Income producing commercial real estate 12,306
 (30) 12,276
 (411) 141
 4,578
 16,584
 11,073
 (197) 20
 230
 11,126
Commercial & industrial 5,266
 4,012
 9,278
 (7,561) 376
 8,738
 10,831
 4,802
 (1,519) 163
 1,449
 4,895
Commercial construction 9,668
 (2,583) 7,085
 
 141
 2,330
 9,556
 10,337
 (69) 394
 (387) 10,275
Equipment financing 7,384
 5,871
 13,255
 (1,863) 356
 2,990
 14,738
 5,452
 (1,424) 143
 2,060
 6,231
Residential mortgage 8,081
 1,569
 9,650
 (284) 275
 1,422
 11,063
 8,295
 (61) 48
 63
 8,345
Home equity lines of credit 4,575
 1,919
 6,494
 (20) 103
 310
 6,887
 4,752
 (337) 122
 260
 4,797
Residential construction 2,504
 (1,771) 733
 (22) 34
 71
 816
 2,433
 (4) 26
 (65) 2,390
Consumer 901
 (491) 410
 (638) 231
 427
 430
 853
 (547) 207
 324
 837
Indirect auto 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 999
 (197) 38
 32
 872
Total allowance for credit losses - loans 62,089
 6,880
 68,969
 (10,805) 2,691
 21,050
 81,905
 61,203
 (4,360) 1,230
 3,569
 61,642
Allowance for unfunded commitments 3,458
 1,871
 5,329
 
 
 1,141
 6,470
 3,410
 
 
 (269) 3,141
Total allowance for credit losses $65,547
 $8,751
 $74,298
 $(10,805) $2,691
 $22,191
 $88,375
 $64,613
 $(4,360) $1,230
 $3,300
 $64,783


As of March 31, 2020, United used a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period. The changes in loss rates used as the basis for the estimate of credit losses during this period were modeled using historical data from peer banks and macroeconomic forecast data obtained from a third party vendor, which were then applied to United’s recent default experience as a starting point. At March 31, 2020, the forecast indicated that the markets in which United operates will experience a decline in economic conditions and an increase in the unemployment rate over the next year, primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in the ACL compared to January 1, 2020 was primarily attributable to the worsening trends in the forecast at March 31, 2020 compared to the forecast used at adoption, with the primary economic forecast driver being the change in the unemployment rate.

For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year, United reverted to historical credit loss information on a straight line basis over two years. For all collateral types excluding residential mortgage, United reverted to through-the-cycle average default rates using peer data from 2000 to 2017. For loans secured by residential mortgages, the peer data was adjusted for changes in lending practices designed to prevent the magnitude of losses observed during the mortgage crisis.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


Disaggregation of Incurred Loss Impairment Methodology
The following tables represent the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and the balance of the allowance assigned to each segment based on the method of evaluating the loans for impairment as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands).
 Loans Outstanding Allowance for Credit Losses
 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$19,233
 $1,692,448
 $8,546
 $1,720,227
 $816
 $10,483
 $105
 $11,404
Income producing commercial real estate18,134
 1,962,588
 27,228
 2,007,950
 770
 11,507
 29
 12,306
Commercial & industrial1,449
 1,218,882
 326
 1,220,657
 21
 5,193
 52
 5,266
Commercial construction3,675
 965,678
 6,862
 976,215
 55
 9,613
 
 9,668
Equipment financing1,027
 739,532
 3,985
 744,544
 
 7,240
 144
 7,384
Residential mortgage15,991
 1,092,046
 9,579
 1,117,616
 782
 7,296
 3
 8,081
Home equity lines of credit992
 658,273
 1,410
 660,675
 16
 4,541
 18
 4,575
Residential construction1,256
 234,807
 374
 236,437
 47
 2,456
 1
 2,504
Consumer214
 127,682
 336
 128,232
 5
 885
 11
 901
Total$61,971
 $8,691,936
 $58,646
 $8,812,553
 2,512
 59,214
 363
 62,089
Allowance for unfunded commitments        
 3,458
 
 3,458
Total allowance for credit losses        $2,512
 $62,672
 $363
 $65,547
The following table presents additional detail on loans individually evaluated for impairment under Incurred Loss by class as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands).
  December 31, 2019 
  Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated 
 With no related allowance recorded: 
  
  
 
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$9,527
 $8,118
 $
 
 Income producing commercial real estate5,159
 4,956
 
 
 Commercial & industrial1,144
 890
 
 
 Commercial construction2,458
 2,140
 
 
 Equipment financing1,027
 1,027
 
 
 Total commercial19,315
 17,131
 
 
 Residential mortgage7,362
 6,436
 
 
 Home equity lines of credit1,116
 861
 
 
 Residential construction731
 626
 
 
 Consumer66
 53
 
 
 Total with no related allowance recorded28,590
 25,107
 
 
        
 With an allowance recorded:      
 Owner occupied commercial real estate11,136
 11,115
 816
 
 Income producing commercial real estate13,591
 13,178
 770
 
 Commercial & industrial559
 559
 21
 
 Commercial construction1,535
 1,535
 55
 
 Equipment financing
 
 
 
 Total commercial26,821
 26,387
 1,662
 
 Residential mortgage9,624
 9,555
 782
 
 Home equity lines of credit146
 131
 16
 
 Residential construction643
 630
 47
 
 Consumer161
 161
 5
 
 Total with an allowance recorded37,395
 36,864
 2,512
 
 Total$65,985
 $61,971
 $2,512
 


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 under Incurred Loss are presented below for the period indicated (in thousands)
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 
   Average Balance Interest Revenue
Recognized During Impairment
 Cash Basis Interest Revenue Received 
 Owner occupied commercial real estate $17,410
 $285
 $284
 
 Income producing commercial real estate 14,237
 193
 207
 
 Commercial & industrial 1,716
 19
 19
 
 Commercial construction 2,402
 34
 33
 
 Equipment financing 
 
 
 
 Total commercial 35,765
 531
 543
 
 Residential mortgage 15,502
 168
 174
 
 Home equity lines of credit 258
 4
 3
 
 Residential construction 1,408
 24
 23
 
 Consumer 205
 4
 4
 
 Indirect auto 1,190
 14
 14
 
 Total $54,328
 $745
 $761
 


Note 65 – 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
March 31,
 Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
 2020 2019 
Realized losses on available-for-sale securities:
  $
 $(267) Securities losses, net
  
 68
 Income tax benefit
  $
 $(199) Net of tax
       
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity:  
  $(83) $(84) Investment securities interest revenue
  20
 20
 Income tax benefit
  $(63) $(64) 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) Deposit interest expense
  
 26
 Income tax benefit
  $
 $(76) Net of tax
       
Reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plan activity:  
Prior service cost $(133) $(159) Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses (81) (15) Other expense
  (214) (174) Total before tax
  54
 44
 Income tax benefit
  $(160) $(130) Net of tax
       
Total reclassifications for the period $(223) $(469) 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 76 – 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
March 31,
 
  2020 2019 
 Net income$31,884
 $44,262
 
 Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested shares(243) (315) 
 Net income available to common shareholders$31,641
 $43,947
 
      
 Weighted average shares outstanding:    
 Basic79,340
 79,807
 
 Effect of dilutive securities    
 Stock options
 3
 
 Restricted stock units106
 3
 
 Diluted79,446
 79,813
 
      
 Net income per common share:    
 Basic$0.40
 $0.55
 
 Diluted$0.40
 $0.55
 

  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, 2020, United excluded 1,000 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $30.45 from the computation of diluted earnings per share because of their antidilutive effect.
 
At March 31, 2019, United excluded 31,812 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $31.47 from the computation of diluted earnings per share because of their antidilutive effect.
 
At March 31, 2018, United had the following potentially dilutive stock options and warrants outstanding: a warrant to purchase 219,909 shares of common stock at $61.40 per share; 32,464 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to employees with a weighted average exercise price of $31.50.
Note 87 – 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 conjunctionUnited has master netting agreements with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, United made an accounting policy electionderivatives dealers with which it does business, but has elected to measurereflect gross assets and liabilities on the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis.consolidated balance sheets.




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


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



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
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
  Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Asset Derivative Liability
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:        
Fair value hedge of brokered time deposits $
 $144
 $
 $880
Total $
 $144
 $
 $880
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:        
Customer derivative positions $74,793
 $33
 $27,277
 $446
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions 33
 20,318
 394
 6,425
Risk participations 
 28
 
 12
Mortgage banking - loan commitment 7,361
 
 1,970
 
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment 481
 4,281
 98
 86
Bifurcated embedded derivatives 
 538
 5,268
 
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives 
 2,007
 
 7,667
Total $82,668
 $27,205
 $35,007
 $14,636
         
Total derivatives $82,668
 $27,349
 $35,007
 $15,516
         
Total gross derivative instruments $82,668
 $27,349
 $35,007
 $15,516
Less: Amounts subject to master netting agreements (50) (50) (401) (401)
Less: Cash collateral received/pledged 
 (23,718) 
 (14,933)
Net amount $82,618
 $3,581
 $34,606
 $182

Interest Rate Products Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Fair value hedge of brokered CDs Derivative liabilities $1,251
 $1,682
    $1,251
 $1,682
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
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 areinclude swaps, caps, and corridors between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swap/cap program. In addition, United occasionally enters into credit risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to accept or transfer 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.

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 linkedmarket-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 gains and other related fee income in the consolidated statements of income. 


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


Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
At March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 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 three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019. See Note 65 for further detail. United expects that $118,000 will be reclassified as an increase

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to interest expense over the next twelve months related to these cash flow hedges.Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)



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 swapsderivatives 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, 2019, United had four interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $38.0 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, 2019, the hedged brokered time deposits, which were included in brokered deposits on the consolidated balance sheet, had a carrying value of $36.0 million, which included cumulative fair value hedging adjustments of $1.38 million. At December 31, 2018, United had four 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

At March 31, 2019,2020 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 for the three months ended MarchDecember 31, 2019, United had 3 and a net increase in4, respectively, interest expenserate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $14,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 related to$27.9 million and $37.9 million, respectively, that were designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate brokered time deposits, which includes net settlements ondeposits. The swaps involved the derivatives.receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for United recognized an increase in interest revenue on securities duringmaking variable rate payments over the three months ended March 31, 2018life of $17,000 related to fair value hedges of corporate bonds which were terminated during the first quarter of 2018.agreements.

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 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
  Interest expense - deposits
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2020 2019
Total amounts presented in the consolidated statements of income $15,075
 $15,957
     
Gains (losses) on fair value hedging relationships:    
Interest rate contracts:    
Amounts related to interest settlements on derivatives (75) (101)
Recognized on derivatives 1,062
 451
Recognized on hedged items (982) (462)
Net income (expense) recognized on fair value hedges $5
 $(112)
 
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 putsputs.

The table below presents the carrying amount of hedged fixed-rate brokered time deposits and such gains and losses arecumulative fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of reported ineffectiveness gains or losses.

the hedged liability for the periods presented (in thousands).
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Balance Sheet Location Carrying amount of Assets (Liabilities) Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment Carrying amount of Assets (Liabilities) Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment
Deposits $(27,017) $(324) $(35,880) $645

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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
   2020 2019
Three Months Ended March 31,    
  
Customer derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income $1,424
 $503
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsets Other noninterest income (195) 218
De-designated hedges Other noninterest income 
 (193)
Mortgage banking derivatives Mortgage loan revenue (829) (190)
Risk participations Other noninterest income (17) 2
    $383
 $340
  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

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


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, 2019, collateral totaling $11.9 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 98 – 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.various share-based compensation. 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 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)plan document). ThroughAs of March 31, 2019, incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit2020, 1.30 million additional awards base salary stock grants and performance share awards have beencould be granted under the plan. As of March 31, 2019, 1.53 million additional awards remained available for grant under the plan.

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



The following table shows stock option activity for the first three months of 2019.2020.
Options Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,500
 $27.95
    
Expired (500) 22.95
    
Outstanding at March 31, 2020 1,000
 30.45
 0.04 $
         
Exercisable at March 31, 2020 1,000
 30.45
 0.04 
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 three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018.
2019. United recognized $6,000 in0 compensation expense related to stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2018,2020 and no 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 unitsunit activity for the first three months of 2019.2020.
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, 2019 808,424
 $27.94
    
Granted 38,988
 25.39
    
Vested (64,912) 27.83
   $1,870
Cancelled (17,672) 26.44
    
Outstanding at March 31, 2020 764,828
 27.85
 4.0 14,004
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

 
Compensation expense for restricted stock units and performance stock units without market conditions is based on the market value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for performance stock units with market conditions is based on the grant date per share fair market value which was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. United recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. The value of restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards is amortized into expense over the service period. For the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018, compensation2019, expense of $1.91$2.40 million and $1.07$1.91 million, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted to United employees.employees in salaries and employee benefits expense. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, $93,000 and 2018, $72,000, and $68,000, respectively, was recognized in other operating expense for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of United’s boardBoard of directors.Directors.


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


A deferred income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense for optionsof $637,000 and restricted stock of $507,000 and $296,000 was included in the determination of income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively. As of March 31, 2019,2020, there was $15.7$12.8 million of unrecognized expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.42.3 years. As of March 31, 2019,2020, there was no0 unrecognized expense related to non-vested stock options granted under the plan.
 
Note 109 – Common Stock
 
In November of 2018,2019, United’s Board of Directors approvedauthorized an increase and extensionexpansion of the existing common stock repurchase plan throughto authorize the repurchase of its common stock up to $50 million. 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, 2019.2020. 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 months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, 826,482 and 305,052 shares, respectively, were repurchased under the program. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, no shares were repurchased under the
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


program. As of March 31, 2019,2020, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $42.2$29.2 million of outstanding common stock under the program.

Note 11 – Income Taxes
The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was $13.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively, which represents an effective tax rate of 22.6% and 22.2%, respectively.

At March 31, 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. 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $3.39 million and $3.26 million, respectively.
Note 1210 – 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



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


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 floorsderivatives 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 as necessary 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 Residential and SBA/USDA Loans
United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential and SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. Management has elected to carry this assetthese assets at fair value. Given the nature of the asset,these assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management classifies this assetthese assets 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
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes 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.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.


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
March 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Debt securities available for sale:  
  
  
  
Debt securities available-for-sale:  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasuries $141,855
 $
 $
 $141,855
 $158,964
 $
 $
 $158,964
U.S. Government agencies 
 5,101
 
 5,101
 
 2,967
 
 2,967
State and political subdivisions 
 222,180
 
 222,180
 
 227,681
 
 227,681
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 1,414,085
 
 1,414,085
 
 1,297,591
 
 1,297,591
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 343,339
 
 343,339
 
 267,789
 
 267,789
Corporate bonds 
 199,681
 995
 200,676
 
 190,785
 
 190,785
Asset-backed securities 
 127,389
 
 127,389
 
 104,099
 
 104,099
Equity securities with readily available fair values 910
 
 
 910
 1,338
 
 
 1,338
Mortgage loans held for sale 
 26,341
 
 26,341
 
 89,959
 
 89,959
Deferred compensation plan assets 7,129
 
 
 7,129
 7,537
 
 
 7,537
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans 
 
 7,401
 7,401
 
 
 6,290
 6,290
Residential mortgage servicing rights 
 
 11,447
 11,447
 
 
 11,059
 11,059
Derivative financial instruments 
 16,363
 9,561
 25,924
 
 75,307
 7,361
 82,668
Total assets $149,894
 $2,354,479
 $29,404
 $2,533,777
 $167,839
 $2,256,178
 $24,710
 $2,448,727
                
Liabilities:                
Deferred compensation plan liability $7,129
 $
 $
 $7,129
 $7,549
 $
 $
 $7,549
Derivative financial instruments 
 7,345
 11,444
 18,789
 
 24,632
 2,717
 27,349
Total liabilities $7,129
 $7,345
 $11,444
 $25,918
 $7,549
 $24,632
 $2,717
 $34,898
December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:  
  
  
  
Debt securities available-for-sale  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasuries $154,618
 $
 $
 $154,618
U.S. Agencies 
 3,035
 
 3,035
State and political subdivisions 
 226,490
 
 226,490
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 1,299,025
 
 1,299,025
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 284,953
 
 284,953
Corporate bonds 
 202,093
 998
 203,091
Asset-backed securities 
 103,369
 
 103,369
Equity securities with readily available fair values 1,973
 
 
 1,973
Mortgage loans held for sale 
 58,484
 
 58,484
Deferred compensation plan assets 8,133
 
 
 8,133
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans 
 
 6,794
 6,794
Residential mortgage servicing rights 
 
 13,565
 13,565
Derivative financial instruments 
 27,769
 7,238
 35,007
Total assets $164,724
 $2,205,218
 $28,595
 $2,398,537
         
Liabilities:        
Deferred compensation plan liability $8,132
 $
 $
 $8,132
Derivative financial instruments 
 6,957
 8,559
 15,516
Total liabilities $8,132
 $6,957
 $8,559
 $23,648

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).
 2020 2019
 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 March 31,  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Balance at beginning of period$7,238
 $8,559
 $6,794
 $13,565
 $998
 $11,841
 $15,732
 $7,510
 $11,877
 $995
Additions
 
 95
 2,115
 
 
 
 375
 863
 
Sales and settlements
 
 (307) (493) (1,000) (1,135) (2,330) (363) (150) 
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts included in earnings - fair value adjustments123
 (5,842) (292) (4,128) 
 (1,145) (1,958) (121) (1,143) 
Balance at end of period$7,361
 $2,717
 $6,290
 $11,059
 $
 $9,561
 $11,444
 $7,401
 $11,447
 $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 March 31,
2020
 December 31, 2019 Valuation Technique   March 31,
2020
 December 31, 2019
    Unobservable Inputs  
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans $6,290
 $6,794
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 12.0% 12.3%

     
 Prepayment rate 17.1% 16.5%
Residential mortgage servicing rights 11,059
 13,565
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 10.0% 10.0%
        Prepayment rate 19.3% 14.1%
Corporate bonds 
 998
 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 7,361
 1,970
 Internal model Pull through rate 80.5% 83.6%
Derivative assets - other 
 5,268
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A
Derivative liabilities - risk participations 28
 12
 Internal model Probable exposure rate 0.15% 0.36%

       Probability of default rate 1.80% 1.80%
Derivative liabilities - other 2,689
 8,547
 Dealer priced Dealer priced N/A
 N/A
  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, 2020, mortgage loans held for sale for which the fair value option was elected had an aggregate fair value and outstanding principal balance of $90.0 million and $86.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 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$58.5 million and $25.3 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$56.6 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 months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, changes in fair value of these loans resulted in net gains of $306,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, changes in fair value of these loans resulted in net losses of $72,000.$1.73 million and $306,000, 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.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


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, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, 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 
 March 31, 2020  
  
  
  
 
 Loans $
 $
 $3,909
 $3,909
 
           
 December 31, 2019         
 Loans $
 $
 $20,977
 $20,977
 

   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.
 
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.


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


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
March 31, 2020          
Assets:          
Securities held-to-maturity $290,404
 $
 $301,595
 $
 $301,595
Loans and leases, net 8,853,519
 
 
 8,690,538
 8,690,538
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 11,034,926
 
 11,037,183
 
 11,037,183
Long-term debt 212,849
 
 
 213,940
 213,940
           
December 31, 2019          
Assets:          
Securities held-to-maturity $283,533
 $
 $287,904
 $
 $287,904
Loans and leases, net 8,750,464
 
 
 8,714,592
 8,714,592
           
Liabilities:          
Deposits 10,897,244
 
 10,897,465
 
 10,897,465
Long-term debt 212,664
 
 
 217,665
 217,665
    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 ���11 – 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).
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk: 
  
Commitments to extend credit$2,079,644
 $2,126,275
Letters of credit24,705
 22,533
 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, 2019, the Bank2020, United had committed to fund an additional $7.93$10.4 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.
 
Note 14 - Operating Leases12 – Regulatory Matters

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, 2019, United had a right-of-use asset and lease liability of $22.7 million and $25.2 million, respectively, included in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet.

The table below presents the operating lease income and expense recognized for the period indicated and other supplemental information (in thousands).
   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, 20192020, United and the weighted average remaining lease termBank were categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect at such time. To be categorized as well-capitalized at March 31, 2020, United and weighted average discount rate of operating leases was 6.03 years and 2.80%, respectively. Absent a readily determinable interest ratethe Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at such time, as set forth in the lease agreement,table below and have met certain other requirements. Management believes that United and the discount rate applied to each individual lease obligation wasBank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements at March 31, 2020, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the Bank’s incremental borrowing rate for secured borrowings.

status of well-capitalized.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)




AsThrough the CARES Act, federal banking regulatory agencies have provided relief, which United has adopted, for the delay of the adverse capital impact of CECL at adoption and during the subsequent two-year period after adoption. This optional two-year delay is followed by an optional three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay. Under the transition provision, the amount of aggregate capital benefit is phased out by 25% each year with the full impact of adoption completely recognized by the beginning of the sixth year.

Regulatory capital ratios at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 future, along with the minimum lease paymentsamounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under operating leases were as follows (prompt corrective action provisions in effect at such times are presented below for United and the Bank (dollars in thousands):
 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
 
  Basel III Guidelines 
United Community Banks, Inc.
(Consolidated)
 United Community Bank
  
Minimum (1)
 
Well
Capitalized
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Risk-based ratios:            
Common equity tier 1 capital 4.5% 6.5% 12.85% 12.97% 13.58% 14.87%
Tier 1 capital 6.0
 8.0
 13.09
 13.21
 13.58
 14.87
Total capital 8.0
 10.0
 14.93
 15.01
 14.30
 15.54
Leverage ratio 4.0
 5.0
 10.40
 10.34
 10.78
 11.63
             
Common equity tier 1 capital     $1,283,068
 $1,275,148
 $1,351,820
 $1,458,720
Tier 1 capital     1,307,318
 1,299,398
 1,351,820
 1,458,720
Total capital     1,490,998
 1,476,302
 1,424,147
 1,524,267
Risk-weighted assets     9,983,839
 9,834,051
 9,957,388
 9,810,477
Average total assets for the
  leverage ratio
     12,570,521
 12,568,563
 12,538,532
 12,545,254


(1) As discussedof March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.50%

Note 2, United adopted Topic 842 using13 – Goodwill
Goodwill represents the modified retrospective method withpremium paid for acquired companies above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including separately identifiable intangible assets. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the net carrying value of goodwill was $327 million. Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment, referred to as a cumulative effect adjustmenttriggering event. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, accounting guidance allows for an assessment of qualitative factors to shareholders’ equity without restating comparable periods.determine whether it is more likely than not, or a greater than 50% likelihood, that the fair value of the entity is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. When it is more likely than not that impairment has occurred, management is required to perform a quantitative analysis and, if necessary, adjust the carrying amount of goodwill by recording a goodwill impairment loss. During the first quarter of 2020, as a result of market concerns about the potential impact of COVID-19, United’s stock price declined such that it traded below book value for the latter part of the quarter. As a result disclosures for comparative periods underof this triggering event, management has qualitatively assessed and concluded that there is not a greater than 50% likelihood that United’s fair value is less than its carrying amount as of March 31, 2020, given the predecessor standard, ASC 840, Leases, are requiredshort duration of change in macroeconomic conditions and excess of value as of the yearlatest annual test performed as of transition. AsSeptember 30, 2019. Management will continue to monitor and assess the impact of December 31, 2018, rent commitments under operating leases were $5.35 million, $5.16 million, $4.91 million, $4.48 million, $3.91 million, for 2019 through 2023, respectively, and $5.04 million in the aggregate for years thereafter.pandemic on the Company’s value.


Note 1514 - Subsequent Events


On May 6, 2020, United’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share. The dividend is payable July 6, 2020, to shareholders of record on June 15, 2020.

Subsequent to quarter-end and through May 1, 2019,2020, United completed its previously announced acquisitionhad received SBA authorization for 11,256 PPP loans totaling $1.20 billion. In addition, through April 30, 2020, United had granted short-term deferrals on loans that were otherwise performing of First Madison Bank & Trust (“First Madison”). First Madison operated four banking offices in Athens-Clarke County, Georgiaapproximately $1.40 billion, which included those granted prior to quarter-end.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and asadversely affected United’s business and results of March 31, 2019, had total assetsoperations, and the ultimate impacts of $244 million, loansthe pandemic on United’s business, financial condition and results of $199 millionoperations will depend on future developments and deposits of $213 million. First Madison has merged into the Bankother factors that are highly uncertain and will operate underbe impacted by 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.
Under the termsscope and duration of the merger agreement, First Madison shareholders received $52.1 millionpandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities in cash. The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination, subjectresponse 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.pandemic.





Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains forward-lookingThe following is a discussion of our financial condition at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019. 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 withinand is intended to provide insight into our results of operations and financial condition. Unless the meaning of Section 27A ofcontext otherwise requires, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), aboutterms “we,” “our,” “us” or “United” refer to United Community Banks, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, (collectively referredincluding United Community Bank, which we sometimes refer to herein as “United”). These forward-looking“the Bank,” “our bank subsidiary” or “our bank.” References to the “Holding Company” refer to United Community Banks, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis. The following discussion and analysis should be read along with our consolidated financial statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Actand related notes included in Part I - Item 1 of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical factthis Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” 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, 20182019 (the “2019 10-K”), as well assupplemented by those discussed in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the following factors:other reports we have filed with the SEC after we filed the 2019 10-K.
 
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 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 files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). United cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. United does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this Form 10-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.



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 offersWe offer a wide array of commercial and consumer banking services and investment advisory services through a 149 branch149-branch network throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. We have grown organically as well as through strategic acquisitions. On May 1, 2019, we acquired First Madison Bank & Trust (“FMBT”), which operated four branches in the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia MSA. We acquired $245 million of assets and assumed $213 million of liabilities in the acquisition. Also, on March 9, 2020, we entered into a merger agreement through which we will acquire Three Shores Bancorporation, Inc. (“Three Shores”) including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Seaside National Bank & Trust (“Seaside”) headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Seaside is a premier commercial lender with a strong wealth management platform and operates a 14 branch network located in key Florida metropolitan markets. The merger is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2020.

Recent Developments
During the first quarter of 2020, global financial markets experienced significant volatility resulting from the spread of a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. In March of 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted the level of economic activity in our markets. In response to the pandemic, the governments of the states in which we have branches and of most other states have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego time outside of their homes, and ordering temporary closures of businesses that have been deemed to be non-essential. These measures have dramatically increased unemployment in the United States and have negatively impacted many businesses, and thereby threatened the repayment ability of some of our borrowers.

To address the economic impact in the United States, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act included a number of provisions that affected us, including accounting relief for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and relief for the effect of current expected credit losses accounting standard (“CECL”) implementation on regulatory capital. The CARES Act also established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) through the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which allowed us to lend money to small businesses to maintain employee payrolls through the crisis with guarantees from the SBA. Under this program, loan amounts may be forgiven if the borrower maintains employee payrolls and meet certain other requirements.

In addition, the Federal Reserve took steps to bolster the economy by, among other things, reducing the federal funds rate and the discount-window borrowing rate to near zero.

In response to the pandemic, we have implemented protocols and processes to help protect our employees, customers and communities. These measures include:

Operating our branches under a drive-through model with appointment-only lobby service, leveraging our business continuity plans and capabilities that include critical operations teams being divided and dispersed to separate locations and, when possible, having employees work from home.
Offering assistance to our customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes payment deferrals, waiving certain fees, suspending property foreclosures, and participating in the CARES Act and lending programs for businesses, including the SBA PPP.
Temporarily suspending common stock repurchases to maximize capital and liquidity resources.


In connection with reviewing our financial condition in light of the pandemic, we evaluated certain assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, for potential impairment. Based upon our review as of March 31, 2020, no impairments have been recorded. We have also elected to delay for two years the phase-in of the capital impact from our adoption of the new accounting standard on credit losses. For more information, see Capital Resources and Dividends.
We have implemented various consumer and commercial loan modification programs to provide our borrowers relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Based on guidance in the CARES Act, COVID-19 related modifications to loans that were current as of December 31, 2019 are exempt from TDR classification under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In addition, the bank regulatory agencies issued interagency guidance stating that COVID-19 related short-term modifications (i.e., six months or less) granted to loans that were current as of the loan modification program implementation date are not TDRs. For more information, see Note 4 - Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Given the unprecedented uncertainty and rapidly evolving economic effects and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future direct and indirect impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition are highly uncertain. Should current economic conditions persist or continue to deteriorate, we expect that this macroeconomic environment will have a continued adverse effect on our business and results of operations, which could include, but not be limited to: decreased demand for our products and services, protracted periods of lower interest rates, increased noninterest expenses, including operational losses, and increased credit losses due to deterioration in the financial condition of our consumer and commercial borrowers, including declining asset and collateral values, which may continue to increase our provision for credit losses and net charge-offs. For more information on how the risks related to COVID-19 may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, see Part II, Item 1A Risk Factors on page 58.
Financial Highlights
At March 31, 2019, United2020, we had total consolidated assets of $12.5$13.1 billion, total loans of $8.49$8.94 billion, total deposits of $10.5$11.0 billion, and shareholders’ equity of $1.51$1.64 billion. UnitedWe reported net income of $31.9 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2020, compared to net income of $44.3 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019, compared2019.

Net interest revenue increased to net income of $37.7$119 million or $0.47 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2018.

Net interest revenue increased2020, compared to $116 million for the first quarter of 2019, compared to $103 million for the first quarter of 2018, due to several factors including higher purchased loan volumeaccretion, an improvement in the mix of interest-earning assets as growth in the loan portfolio replaced an intentionally shrinking investment portfolio, and rising interest rates.a more favorable funding mix, which included a reduction in higher cost wholesale funding and an increase in noninterest-bearing deposits. The net interest margin increaseddecreased to 4.10%4.07% for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 from 3.80%4.10% for the same period in 20182019 primarily due to the effect of risingfalling interest rates on floating rate loans and the inclusion 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.our asset sensitive balance sheet.
 
The provision for credit losses was $22.2 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $3.30 million for the first quarter of 2019 compared to $3.80 million forreflecting higher expected losses resulting primarily from the first quarterCOVID-19 pandemic, as well as the adoption of 2018.CECL and increased charge-offs. Net charge-offs for the first quarter of 20192020 were $3.13$8.11 million compared to $1.50$3.13 million for the same period in 2018. 2019 with the increase resulting primarily from one loan that had been substandard for several quarters.

As of March 31, 2019, United’s2020, our allowance for loancredit losses (“ACL”) on loans was $61.6$81.9 million, or 0.73%0.92% of loans, compared to $61.2$62.1 million, or 0.73%0.70% of loans, at December 31, 2018, reflecting stable asset quality.2019. The higher allowance reflects the effect of adopting CECL, which increased the allowance by $6.88 million upon adoption, and a higher expectation of credit losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. At March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, nonperforming assets of $24.8$36.7 million and $25.1$35.8 million, respectively, were 0.20%0.28% of total assets.


Noninterest income of $21.0$25.8 million for the first quarter of 20192020 was down $1.43up $4.85 million, or 6%23%, from the first quarter of 2018.2019. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to the decreasean increase in mortgage fees resulting fromorigination activity which resulted in a decline$4.56 million increase in the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights assetloan gains and related fees. We closed $388 million in mortgage loans in the first quarter of 2019.2020 compared with $180 million a year ago. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in other noninterest income, which was primarily a result of negative fair value marks on other investments during the first quarter of 2020.


For the first quarter of 2019,2020, noninterest expenses of $76.1$81.5 million increased $2.61$5.45 million fromcompared to the same period of 2018. Decreases in professional fees, FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges, 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 the2019. The increase was primarily attributable to increases 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 increaseprofessional fees. Increases in salaries and employee benefits expense resulted fromwere driven by several factors, including higher mortgage commissions as a result of increased mortgage production, annual meritmerit-based salary increases anawarded during the second quarter of 2019, investments in new staff for key areas of the bank, and the inclusion of FMBT employees for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in our 401(k) matching contribution, higher group medical insurance costs and higher incentives.professional fees from the first quarter of 2019 was primarily a result of unusually low professional fees during the first quarter of 2019 due to the timing of projects.
 


Critical Accounting Policies
 
TheOur 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 accountingExcept as described below, there have been no significant changes to the Critical Accounting Policies as described in our 2019 10-K.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Since the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of financial instruments, with particular applicability on our balance sheet to loans and unfunded loan commitments. Estimating the amount of the allowance for credit losses fair value measurements,requires significant judgment and income taxes, all of which involve the use of estimates related to historical experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and the value of collateral on collateral-dependent loans. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on our consolidated balance sheet. Loan losses are charged against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for credit losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors.

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

Additional information on the loan portfolio and allowance for credit losses can be found in the applicationsections of these policies could result in material changes in United’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. SeeManagement’s Discussion and Analysis titled “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” herein forand “Nonperforming Assets.” Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements includes additional discussion of United’sinformation on accounting methodologiespolicies related to the allowance for loancredit losses.

GAAPNon-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’sour 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’sour Board of Directors each quarter. Management uses these non-GAAP measures because it believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating


United’s our operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating United’sour business and in discussions about United’sour operations and performance. Management believes these non-GAAP measures may also provide users of United’sour financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing United’sour financial results and credit trends, as well as a comparison to financial results for prior periods. Nevertheless, non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. 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 andGAAP. In addition, because non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparablestandardized, it may not be possible to compare our non-GAAP measures 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
 
UnitedWe reported net income and diluted earnings per common share of $31.9 million and $0.40, respectively, for the first quarter of 2020. This compared to net income and diluted earnings per common share of $44.3 million and $0.55, respectively, for the first quarter of 2019. This compared to net income and diluted earnings per common share of $37.7 million and $0.47, respectively, for the same period in 2018.2019.

UnitedWe reported operating net income - operating (non-GAAP) of $44.8$32.5 million for the first quarter of 2019,2020, compared to $39.7$44.8 million for the same period in 2018.2019. For the first quarter of 2020, net income - operating (non-GAAP) excludes merger-related, severance, and branch closure charges, which net of tax, totaled $626,000. For the first quarter of 2019, operating net income - operating (non-GAAP) excludes merger-related and other charges, which net of tax, totaled $567,000. For the first quarter of 2018, operating net income excludes merger-related and branch closure charges of $2.02 million, net of tax.





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            
  2020 2019 1st Quarter 2020 - 2019 Change
(in thousands, except per share data) First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter 
INCOME SUMMARY            
Interest revenue $136,547
 $136,419
 $140,615
 $139,156
 $136,516
  
Interest expense 17,941
 19,781
 21,277
 21,372
 20,882
  
Net interest revenue 118,606
 116,638
 119,338
 117,784
 115,634
 3 %
Provision for credit losses 22,191
 3,500
 3,100
 3,250
 3,300
 

Noninterest income 25,814
 30,183
 29,031
 24,531
 20,968
 23
Total revenue 122,229
 143,321
 145,269
 139,065
 133,302
 (8)
Expenses 81,538
 81,424
 82,924
 81,813
 76,084
 7
Income before income tax expense 40,691
 61,897
 62,345
 57,252
 57,218
 (29)
Income tax expense 8,807
 12,885
 13,983
 13,167
 12,956
 (32)
Net income 31,884
 49,012
 48,362
 44,085
 44,262
 (28)
Merger-related and other charges 808
 (74) 2,605
 4,087
 739
  
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (182) 17
 (600) (940) (172)  
Net income - operating (1)
 $32,510
 $48,955
 $50,367
 $47,232
 $44,829
 (27)
             
PERFORMANCE MEASURES            
Per common share:            
Diluted net income - GAAP $0.40
 $0.61
 $0.60
 $0.55
 $0.55
 (27)
Diluted net income - operating (1)
 0.41
 0.61
 0.63
 0.59
 0.56
 (27)
Cash dividends declared 0.18
 0.18
 0.17
 0.17
 0.16
 13
Book value 20.80
 20.53
 20.16
 19.65
 18.93
 10
Tangible book value (3)
 16.52
 16.28
 15.90
 15.38
 14.93
 11
Key performance ratios:            
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)(4)
 7.85% 12.07% 12.16% 11.45% 11.85%  
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)(4)
 8.01
 12.06
 12.67
 12.27
 12.00
  
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)(4)
 10.57
 15.49
 16.38
 15.88
 15.46
  
Return on assets - GAAP (4)
 0.99
 1.50
 1.51
 1.40
 1.44
  
Return on assets - operating (1)(4)
 1.01
 1.50
 1.58
 1.50
 1.45
  
Dividend payout ratio - GAAP 45.00
 29.51
 28.33
 30.91
 29.09
  
Dividend payout ratio - operating (1)
 43.90
 29.51
 26.98
 28.81
 28.57
  
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent) (4)
 4.07
 3.93
 4.12
 4.12
 4.10
  
Efficiency ratio - GAAP 56.15
 54.87
 55.64
 57.28
 55.32
  
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)
 55.59
 54.92
 53.90
 54.42
 54.78
  
Equity to total assets 12.54
 12.66
 12.53
 12.25
 12.06
  
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)
 10.22
 10.32
 10.16
 9.86
 9.76
  
             
ASSET QUALITY            
Nonperforming loans $36,208
 $35,341
 $30,832
 $26,597
 $23,624
 53
Foreclosed properties 475
 476
 102
 75
 1,127
 (58)
Total nonperforming assets ("NPAs") 36,683
 35,817
 30,934
 26,672
 24,751
 48
Allowance for credit losses - loans 81,905
 62,089
 62,514
 62,204
 61,642
 33
Net charge-offs 8,114
 3,925
 2,723
 2,438
 3,130
 159
Allowance for credit losses to loans 0.92% 0.70% 0.70% 0.70% 0.73%  
Net charge-offs to average loans (4)
 0.37
 0.18
 0.12
 0.11
 0.15
  
NPAs to loans and foreclosed properties 0.41
 0.41
 0.35
 0.30
 0.29
  
NPAs to total assets 0.28
 0.28
 0.24
 0.21
 0.20
  
             
AVERAGE BALANCES ($ in millions)
            
Loans $8,829
 $8,890
 $8,836
 $8,670
 $8,430
 5
Investment securities 2,520
 2,486
 2,550
 2,674
 2,883
 (13)
Earning assets 11,798
 11,832
 11,568
 11,534
 11,498
 3
Total assets 12,944
 12,946
 12,681
 12,608
 12,509
 3
Deposits 10,915
 10,924
 10,531
 10,493
 10,361
 5
Shareholders’ equity 1,653
 1,623
 1,588
 1,531
 1,478
 12
Common shares - basic (thousands) 79,340
 79,659
 79,663
 79,673
 79,807
 (1)
Common shares - diluted (thousands) 79,446
 79,669
 79,667
 79,678
 79,813
 
             
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
            
Loans $8,935
 $8,813
 $8,903
 $8,838
 $8,493
 5
Investment securities 2,540
 2,559
 2,515
 2,620
 2,720
 (7)
Total assets 13,086
 12,916
 12,809
 12,779
 12,506
 5
Deposits 11,035
 10,897
 10,757
 10,591
 10,534
 5
Shareholders’ equity 1,641
 1,636
 1,605
 1,566
 1,508
 9
Common shares outstanding (thousands) 78,284
 79,014
 78,974
 79,075
 79,035
 (1)
(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           
   2020 2019 
   First Quarter Fourth Quarter Third Quarter Second Quarter First Quarter 
 (in thousands, except per share data)      
             
 Expense reconciliation  
  
  
  
  
 
 Expenses (GAAP) $81,538
 $81,424
 $82,924
 $81,813
 $76,084
 
 Merger-related and other charges (808) 74
 (2,605) (4,087) (739) 
 Expenses - operating $80,730
 $81,498
 $80,319
 $77,726
 $75,345
 
             
 Net income reconciliation           
 Net income (GAAP) $31,884
 $49,012
 $48,362
 $44,085
 $44,262
 
 Merger-related and other charges 808
 (74) 2,605
 4,087
 739
 
 Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges (182) 17
 (600) (940) (172) 
 Net income - operating $32,510
 $48,955
 $50,367
 $47,232
 $44,829
 
             
 Diluted income per common share reconciliation           
 Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $0.40
 $0.61
 $0.60
 $0.55
 $0.55
 
 Merger-related and other charges, net of tax 0.01
 
 0.03
 0.04
 0.01
 
 Diluted income per common share - operating $0.41
 $0.61
 $0.63
 $0.59
 $0.56
 
             
 Book value per common share reconciliation           
 Book value per common share (GAAP) $20.80
 $20.53
 $20.16
 $19.65
 $18.93
 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (4.28) (4.25) (4.26) (4.27) (4.00) 
 Tangible book value per common share $16.52
 $16.28
 $15.90
 $15.38
 $14.93
 
             
 Return on tangible common equity reconciliation           
 Return on common equity (GAAP) 7.85 % 12.07 % 12.16 % 11.45 % 11.85 % 
 Merger-related and other charges, net of tax 0.16
 (0.01) 0.51
 0.82
 0.15
 
 Return on common equity - operating 8.01
 12.06
 12.67
 12.27
 12.00
 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles 2.56
 3.43
 3.71
 3.61
 3.46
 
 Return on tangible common equity - operating 10.57 % 15.49 % 16.38 % 15.88 % 15.46 % 
             
 Return on assets reconciliation           
 Return on assets (GAAP) 0.99 % 1.50 % 1.51 % 1.40 % 1.44 % 
 Merger-related and other charges, net of tax 0.02
 
 0.07
 0.10
 0.01
 
 Return on assets - operating 1.01 % 1.50 % 1.58 % 1.50 % 1.45 % 
             
 Dividend payout ratio reconciliation           
 Dividend payout ratio (GAAP) 45.00 % 29.51 % 28.33 % 30.91 % 29.09 % 
 Merger-related and other charges, net of tax (1.10) 
 (1.35) (2.10) (0.52) 
 Dividend payout ratio - operating 43.90 % 29.51 % 26.98 % 28.81 % 28.57 % 
             
 Efficiency ratio reconciliation           
 Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 56.15 % 54.87 % 55.64 % 57.28 % 55.32 % 
 Merger-related and other charges (0.56) 0.05
 (1.74) (2.86) (0.54) 
 Efficiency ratio - operating 55.59 % 54.92 % 53.90 % 54.42 % 54.78 % 
             
 Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation           
 Equity to total assets (GAAP) 12.54 % 12.66 % 12.53 % 12.25 % 12.06 % 
 Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (2.32) (2.34) (2.37) (2.39) (2.30) 
 Tangible common equity to tangible assets 10.22 % 10.32 % 10.16 % 9.86 % 9.76 % 




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 generally 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 first quarterquarters of 2020 and 2019 was $119 million and 2018 was $116 million, and $103 million, respectively. TaxableAs set forth in the following tables, fully taxable equivalent net interest revenue for the first quarter of 20192020 was $116$119 million, representing an increase of $12.6$3.10 million, or 3%, from the same period in 2018.2019. The net interest spread for the first quarters of 2020 and 2019 was 3.73%. The net interest margin for the first quarterquarters of 2020 and 2019 of 3.73%was 4.07% and 4.10%, respectively, increased 15 basis points and 30 basis points, respectively, from the first quarter of 2018.respectively.


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-bearingaverage liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 increased compared to the same period of 2018.2019. The increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily related todriven by the increase in average loans of $437$399 million, or 5%, from the first quarter of 2018, and reflected both2019, which reflects organic growth and loans obtained through the full-quarter effectacquisition of equipment financing loans acquired from Navitas.FMBT, the combination of which more than offset the impact of the sale of the indirect auto portfolio on December 31, 2019. The increase in average loans was offset by an intentional decrease in average taxable securities. The increase in average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was funded primarily through an increase in average customer deposits compared tosince the first quarter 2018 of $3732019 of $980 million, of which $99.0$333 million was noninterest-bearing.


The increasedecrease in the net interest margin and net interest spread was primarily attributable to the increase in yield on average loans, which increased 66 basis points from the first quarter of 2018. Nationally, the federal funds rate increased 75 basis points since March 31, 2018, and United’s loan yield reflected these rising interest rates, as well as higher yielding loans from Navitas. 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 45 basis points, which reflected 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 forduring the three months ended March 31, 2020, was primarily attributable to the impact of falling interest rates on our asset sensitive balance sheet as loan yields fell faster than we could lower deposit rates. In March of 2020, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) lowered interest rates twice for a total reduction of 150 basis points in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the most aggressive action taken by the FOMC since the financial crisis in 2008. This followed three other federal funds rate reductions since first quarter 2019 of 25 basis points each on July 31, September 18 and October 30. The impact of falling interest rates was partially offset by other factors including higher purchased loan accretion, improvement in the earning asset mix as growth in the loan portfolio replaced an intentionally shrinking investment portfolio, and a more favorable funding mix. Purchased loan accretion in the first quarter of 2020 was $7.61 million, which added 26 basis points to the net interest margin, compared with $3.17 million in the first quarter of 2019, which added 11 basis points to the net interest margin. In the first quarter of 2020, noninterest- bearing deposits funded 30% of our interest-earning assets compared with 28% in the first quarter of 2019. Since the first quarter of 2019, we substantially reduced our use of wholesale funding sources, with nearly all of our balance sheet funded with customer deposits as of March 31, 2020.





Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018 2020 2019
(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% $8,828,880
 $117,796
 5.37% $8,429,976
 $115,347
 5.55%
Taxable securities (3)
 2,712,995
 19,649
 2.90
 2,722,977
 17,323
 2.54
 2,357,635
 15,871
 2.69
 2,712,995
 19,649
 2.90
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
 169,702
 1,570
 3.70
 146,531
 1,309
 3.57
 162,253
 2,045
 5.04
 169,702
 1,570
 3.70
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets 185,623
 618
 1.33
 213,055
 698
 1.31
 448,775
 1,632
 1.46
 185,623
 618
 1.33
Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 11,498,296
 137,184
 4.83
 11,075,902
 115,719
 4.23
 11,797,543
 137,344
 4.68
 11,498,296
 137,184
 4.83
                        
Noninterest-earning assets:                        
Allowance for loan losses (61,784)     (59,144)    
Allowance for credit losses (69,777)     (61,784)    
Cash and due from banks 123,801
     160,486
     128,254
     123,801
    
Premises and equipment 216,611
     216,723
     219,243
     216,611
    
Other assets (3)
 731,628
     717,385
     868,452
     731,628
    
Total assets $12,508,552
     $12,111,352
     $12,943,715
     $12,508,552
    
                        
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
 $2,412,733
 2,978
 0.50
 $2,286,619
 3,609
 0.64
Money market(5) 2,175,855
 4,205
 0.78
 2,230,620
 2,175
 0.40
 2,340,723
 4,531
 0.78
 2,098,052
 4,132
 0.80
Savings 672,197
 32
 0.02
 655,746
 49
 0.03
 712,110
 35
 0.02
 672,197
 32
 0.02
Time 1,627,584
 5,336
 1.33
 1,535,216
 2,241
 0.59
 1,841,552
 7,250
 1.58
 1,627,584
 5,336
 1.33
Brokered time deposits 482,048
 2,848
 2.40
 158,358
 715
 1.83
 80,821
 281
 1.40
 482,048
 2,848
 2.40
Total interest-bearing deposits 7,166,500
 15,957
 0.90
 6,663,643
 6,293
 0.38
 7,387,939
 15,075
 0.82
 7,166,500
 15,957
 0.90
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings 21,549
 161
 3.03
 78,732
 300
 1.55
 396
 1
 1.02
 21,549
 161
 3.03
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 223,945
 1,422
 2.58
 511,727
 2,124
 1.68
 165
 1
 2.44
 223,945
 1,422
 2.58
Long-term debt 261,971
 3,342
 5.17
 274,480
 3,288
 4.86
 212,762
 2,864
 5.41
 261,971
 3,342
 5.17
Total borrowed funds 507,465
 4,925
 3.94
 864,939
 5,712
 2.68
 213,323
 2,866
 5.40
 507,465
 4,925
 3.94
Total interest-bearing liabilities 7,673,965
 20,882
 1.10
 7,528,582
 12,005
 0.65
 7,601,262
 17,941
 0.95
 7,673,965
 20,882
 1.10
                        
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
Noninterest-bearing deposits 3,194,401
     3,095,405
     3,527,385
     3,194,401
    
Other liabilities 162,213
     150,955
     162,187
     162,213
    
Total liabilities 11,030,579
     10,774,942
     11,290,834
     11,030,579
    
Shareholders' equity 1,477,973
     1,336,410
     1,652,881
     1,477,973
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $12,508,552
     $12,111,352
     $12,943,715
     $12,508,552
    
                        
Net interest revenue (FTE)  
 $116,302
     $103,714
    
 $119,403
     $116,302
  
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)  
  
 3.73%     3.58%  
  
 3.73%     3.73%
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
  
  
 4.10%     3.80%  
  
 4.07%     4.10%
 
(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 saleavailable-for-sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $52.9 million in 2020 and unrealized losses of $25.9 million in 2019 and $28.3 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 3 - 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 March 31, 2020 
   
Compared to 2019
Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in
 
   Volume Rate Total 
 Interest-earning assets:       
 Loans (FTE) $5,369
 $(2,920) $2,449
 
 Taxable securities (2,456) (1,322) (3,778) 
 Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (72) 547
 475
 
 Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets 948
 66
 1,014
 
 Total interest-earning assets (FTE) 3,789
 (3,629) 160
 
         
 Interest-bearing liabilities:       
 
NOW and interest-bearing demand accounts (1)
 190
 (821) (631) 
 
Money market accounts (1)
 471
 (72) 399
 
 Savings deposits 2
 1
 3
 
 Time deposits 757
 1,157
 1,914
 
 Brokered deposits (1,718) (849) (2,567) 
 Total interest-bearing deposits (298) (584) (882) 
 Federal funds purchased & other borrowings (96) (64) (160) 
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1,359) (62) (1,421) 
 Long-term debt (655) 177
 (478) 
 Total borrowed funds (2,110) 51
 (2,059) 
 Total interest-bearing liabilities (2,408) (533) (2,941) 
         
 Increase in net interest revenue (FTE) $6,197
 $(3,096) $3,101
 


(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
 
ThePrior to January 1, 2020, the provision for credit losses iswas based on management’s evaluationthe then-applicable incurred loss model and represented an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments and corresponding analysisat the end of each reporting period. Since the allowanceadoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the provision for credit losses at quarter-end. Provisionrepresents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for unfunded commitments, which is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, represents expected losses on unfunded loan commitments that are expected to result in outstanding loan balances. Management’s estimate of credit losses under CECL is determined using a complex model that relies on reasonable and supportable forecasts and historical loss information to determine the balance of the ACL and resulting provision for credit losses.

The provision for credit losses was $3.30$22.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, compared to $3.80$3.30 million for the same period in 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, net loan charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average outstanding loans were 0.15% compared to 0.08% for the same period in 2018.2019. The amount of provision recorded in each period was the amount required such that the total allowance for loan lossesACL reflected the appropriate balance as determined under the applicable accounting standards in effect at each balance sheet date. The increase in provision expense for 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 Navitas on February 1, 2018. Atthree months ended March 31, 2018, United included2020 compared to the performing non-impairedsame period of 2019 was primarily a result of higher expected credit losses mostly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan growth and increased charge-offs, as well as the change from the incurred loss model to CECL, also contributed to the higher provision for credit losses.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net loan charge-offs as an annualized percentage of average outstanding loans acquired from Navitaswere 0.37% compared to 0.15% for the same period in its general allowance calculation2019.The increase in order to reflect the necessary allowance for incurred losses, which increased provision expense by approximately $2.29 million forcharge-offs in the first quarter of 2018. Provision expense for2020 was primarily the first quarter of 2019 decreased $500,000 from the same period of last year, but remained relatively higher than historical periods as a result of one large charge-off of a loan growth and increased charge-offs. The increase in charge-offs was partly attributable to incorporating equipment financing loans into the loan portfoliothat had been substandard for the full first quarter of 2019. Charge-offs from equipment financing loans totaled $1.42 million for the first quarter of 2019, which was in line with management’s expectations for this now-seasoned product line of higher yielding loans.several quarters.
 
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 lossesACL 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 4 - 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
March 31,
 Change 
  2020 2019 Amount Percent 
 Service charges and fees:        
 Overdraft fees$3,519
 $3,455
 $64
 2 % 
 ATM and debit card fees3,069
 2,878
 191
 7
 
 Other service charges and fees2,050
 2,120
 (70) (3) 
 Total service charges and fees8,638
 8,453
 185
 2
 
 Mortgage loan gains and related fees8,310
 3,748
 4,562
 122
 
 Brokerage fees1,640
 1,337
 303
 23
 
 Gains on sales of other loans1,674
 1,303
 371
 28
 
 Securities gains (losses), net
 (267) 267
   
 Other noninterest income:        
 Bank owned life insurance845
 873
 (28) (3) 
 Customer derivatives1,407
 505
 902
 179
 
 Other3,300
 5,016
 (1,716) (34) 
 Total other noninterest income5,552
 6,394
 (842) (13) 
 Total noninterest income$25,814
 $20,968
 $4,846
 23
 


During the first quarter of 2020 noninterest income increased $4.85 million compared to the same period of 2019, primarily due to increases in mortgage loan gains and related fees, income from customer derivatives, brokerage fees, and gains on sales of other loans. These increases in income were partially offset by a decrease in other noninterest income.

Mortgage loan gains and related fees for the first quarter of 2020 increased $4.56 million from the same period of 2019, decreased $1.61 million, or 30%, fromreflecting an increase in demand for mortgage rate locks and mortgage closings due to a historically low interest rate environment. The decrease in mortgage rates was partially attributable to the 150 basis point decrease in the national federal funds rate during the first quarter of 2018.2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decreaseincrease in rate locks and closings was primarily attributable to a decline in thepartially offset by negative fair value ofadjustments on the mortgage servicing rights asset due to the decrease in mortgage interest rates that resulted in an acceleration of prepayments.

Mortgage rate locks during the first quarter of 2020 increased 157% to $801 million compared to $312 million in the first quarter of 2019, which was driven by a decrease in mortgage interest rates late in the quarter.2019. Mortgage production in the first quarter of 2019 decreased slightly2020 also significantly increased compared to the same period of 2018. United2019. We closed 1,470 mortgage loans totaling $388 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 763 mortgage loans totaling $180 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared with 799 mortgage loans totaling $191 million in the first quarter of 2018. United had $1162019. There were $219 million in home purchase mortgage originations in the first quarter of 2019,2020, which accounted for 65%56% of mortgage production volume, compared with $104to $116 million, or 56%,65% of production volume for the same period a year ago.

Income from customer derivatives during the first quarter of 2020 increased $902,000 compared to the first quarter of 2019 due to increased demand for fixed rates during the current low rate environment.

Brokerage fees for the first quarter of 20192020 increased 53%23% compared to the first quarter 2018. This increasesame period of 2019, which was primarily attributable to lower brokerage feesa result of higher assets under management during the first quarter of 2018 reflecting downtime associated with transitioning to a new third-party broker dealer.2020.
 
United’s Small Business AdministrationDuring the first quarter of 2020, we realized net gains on the sale of other loans of $1.67 million, which included the sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans and United States Departmentthe sale of Agriculture (“SBA/USDA”)certain equipment financing loans. During the first quarter of 2020, we sold $22.2 million of equipment financing loans, which resulted in gains of $1.26 million. Our SBA 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 first quarter of 2020 and 2019, and 2018, Unitedwe sold the guaranteed portion of loans in the amount of $4.03 million and $17.1 million, and $22.2 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $1.30 million and $1.78 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 In the first quarter of 2019, fees on customer derivatives decreased from2020, unfavorable pricing for these loans driven by COVID-19 related market disruption led to our decision to hold more of our production in portfolio rather than sell to the same period of last year reflecting the changing interest rate environment and customer preference.secondary market.



Other noninterest income for the first quarter of 2019 included a full quarter of fee revenue from Navitas resulting in a $422,000 increase2020 decreased from the same period of 2018. In the first quarter 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 notional in interest rate caps as well as the partial cancellation of2019 primarily due to negative fair value adjustments on deferred compensation plan assets and other hedging instruments. The derivative cancellations resulted in gains of $1.16 million, which were included in other noninterest income. The securities losses and gains from derivative activities were mostly offsetting.investments.





Noninterest Expenses


The following table presents the components of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated. 
Table 5 - 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
March 31,
 Change 
  2020 2019 Amount Percent 
 Salaries and employee benefits$51,358
 $47,503
 $3,855
 8 % 
 Communications and equipment5,946
 5,788
 158
 3
 
 Occupancy5,714
 5,584
 130
 2
 
 Advertising and public relations1,274
 1,286
 (12) (1) 
 Postage, printing and supplies1,670
 1,586
 84
 5
 
 Professional fees4,097
 3,161
 936
 30
 
 Lending and loan servicing expense2,293
 2,334
 (41) (2) 
 Outside services - electronic banking1,832
 1,609
 223
 14
 
 FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges1,484
 1,710
 (226) (13) 
 Amortization of core deposit intangibles1,040
 1,100
 (60) (5) 
 Other4,022
 3,684
 338
 9
 
 Total excluding merger-related and other charges80,730
 75,345
 5,385
 7
 
 Merger-related and other charges808
 546
 262
   
 Amortization of noncompete agreements
 193
 (193)   
 Total noninterest expenses$81,538
 $76,084
 $5,454
 7
 

Noninterest expenses excluding merger-related and other charges for the first quarter of 20192020 totaled $75.3$81.5 million, up 6%7% from the same period of 2018.2019. Increases in salaries and employee benefits, communicationsprofessional fees, outside services-electronic banking and equipment,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.expense.
 
Salaries and employee benefits for the first quarter of 2019 were $47.5 million, up 11%2020 increased 8% from same period of 2018.2019. The increase was primarily dueattributable to higher mortgage commissions resulting from increased production, the inclusion of NavitasFMBT employees for the entire first quarter of 2019 and additional stock compensation expense from2020, investments in new restricted stock unit awards issued in the third quarter of 2018. The remainderstaff for key areas of the increase resulted from an increase in the 401(k) matching contribution, higher group medical insurance costsbank, and annual merit-based salary increases awarded induring the second quarter of 2018.2019. Full time equivalent headcount totaled 2,332 at March 31, 2020, up from 2,291 at March 31, 2019, up from 2,288 at March 31, 2018. Communications and equipment expense increased primarily due to to increases in software maintenance costs and additional 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.2019.


Professional fees forare up compared to the first quarter of 2019 mostly due to timing of $3.16 million decreased 22%projects, which made first quarter 2019 expenses unusually low. Outside services - electronic banking increased from the same period of 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, professional fees were higher primarily due to recent acquisitions2019 as a result of a steady increase in the use of our ATM network and increased legal fees associated with loan growth.online banking platform over the past year. The decrease in FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased relative to the same period in 2018 primarily dueis mostly attributable to a reduction in United’sour FDIC assessment rate.rate compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Merger-related and other charges for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased $1.51 million from the same period of 2018, due to reduced levels of merger-related activity during the period. Merger-related and other charges for the first quarter of 2018 of $2.05 million2020 consisted primarily of merger-related expenses associated with the acquisition of FMBT and the announced acquisition of Three Shores, which was announced in March of 2020, severance, conversion costs,and branch closure costs and legal and professional fees. Additionally, thecosts.

The reduction of amortization of noncompete agreements was a result of the expiration of certain of these agreements since the first quarter of 2018.2019.

Income Taxes
The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $13.0 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, 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, the valuation allowance may need to be increased for some or all of its 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.
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.


Balance Sheet Review
 
Total assets at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 were $12.5$13.1 billion and $12.6$12.9 billion, respectively. Average total assets for the first quarterthree months of 20192020 were $12.5$12.9 billion, up from $12.1$12.5 billion infor the first quarter 2018same period of 2019.




As of March 31, 2020, approximately 75% of our loans are secured by real estate. The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio.

Table 6 - 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
 
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 By Loan Type    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate$1,702,984
 $1,720,227
 
 Income producing commercial real estate2,064,502
 2,007,950
 
 Commercial & industrial1,310,112
 1,220,657
 
 Commercial construction959,318
 976,215
 
 Equipment financing760,952
 744,544
 
 Total commercial6,797,868
 6,669,593
 
 Residential mortgage1,127,988
 1,117,616
 
 Home equity lines of credit668,382
 660,675
 
 Residential construction215,996
 236,437
 
 Consumer125,190
 128,232
 
 Total loans$8,935,424
 $8,812,553
 
      
 As a percentage of total loans:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate19% 20% 
 Income producing commercial real estate23
 23
 
 Commercial & industrial15
 14
 
 Commercial construction11
 11
 
 Equipment financing8
 8
 
 Total commercial76
 76
 
 Residential mortgage13
 13
 
 Home equity lines of credit8
 7
 
 Residential construction2
 3
 
 Consumer1
 1
 
 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 managesWe manage asset quality and controlscontrol 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’sOur credit administration function is responsible for monitoring asset quality and Board of Directors approved portfolio concentration limits, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures among all lending units.procedures. Additional information on theour credit administration function is included in Part I, Item 1 under the heading Lending Activities in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.our 2019 10-K.
 
United classifies commercial performingWe classify 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 Unitedwe could sustain some loss if the deficiency is not corrected. United classifies consumer performingPerforming substandard loans, as “substandard” when the loan is in bankruptcy.

The table below presents performing classifiedwhich are substandard loans for the last five quarters.that are still accruing interest, totaled $113 million and $125 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
Table 7 - Performing Classified Loans
(in thousands)
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 March 31, 2018
By Category 
  
  
  
  
Owner occupied commercial real estate$32,433
 $32,909
 $38,601
 $42,169
 $42,096
Income producing commercial real estate19,277
 18,048
 24,170
 26,120
 24,984
Commercial & industrial21,125
 20,980
 21,509
 17,820
 11,003
Commercial construction8,019
 9,549
 8,012
 10,102
 8,422
Equipment financing115
 217
 274
 820
 414
Total commercial80,969
 81,703
 92,566
 97,031
 86,919
Residential mortgage5,600
 5,623
 13,582
 14,970
 14,824
Home equity1,610
 1,665
 4,818
 5,117
 5,491
Residential construction249
 293
 1,397
 1,567
 1,506
Consumer direct222
 165
 416
 498
 1,142
Indirect auto1,555
 1,334
 1,704
 1,291
 1,498
Total$90,205
 $90,783
 $114,483
 $120,474
 $111,380
          
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



ReviewsWe conduct reviews of classified performing and non-performing loans, TDRs, past due loans and larger credits are conductedportfolio concentrations on a regular basis and are designed to identify risk migration and potential charges to the allowance for loan losses.ACL. These reviews are presented by the responsible lending officers or respective credit officer and specific action plansitems are discussed along with the financial strengthin a series 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 borrowermeetings attended by Credit Risk Management leadership and other factors specific to the borrower and its industry.leadership from various lending groups. 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 8 - 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
 


The provision for credit losses charged to earnings is based upon management’s judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowanceACL 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,March 31, 2020 reflects management’s assessment of the life of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and other macro-economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed quarterly by management through an analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance forexpected credit losses, which includes a portion related to unfunded commitments, totaled $64.8 million at March 31, 2019, compared with $64.6 million at December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019, the allowance for loan losses was $61.6 million, or 0.73% 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, 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 changechanges substantially with respect to one or more loan relationships or portfolios. The allocation of the ACL is based on reasonable and supportable forecasts, historical data,


subjective judgment and estimates and, therefore, is not necessarily indicative of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur. In addition, bank regulatory authorities, as part of their periodic examination of the Bank, may require adjustments to the allowanceprovision for credit losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such adjustments.additions. See the “Critical Accounting Policies” section for additional information on the allowance for credit losses.


The total ACL, which includes a portion related to unfunded commitments, totaled $88.4 million at March 31, 2020, compared with $65.5 million at December 31, 2019. At March 31, 2020, the ACL for loans was $81.9 million, or 0.92% of loans, compared with $62.1 million, or 0.70% of total loans, at December 31, 2019. The adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 added $6.88 million to the ACL for loans and $1.87 million to the reserve for unfunded commitments resulting in a total ACL of $74.3 million at the time of adoption. The increase since adoption primarily reflects higher expected credit losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact of first quarter loan growth.

Nonperforming Assets



The following table below summarizes nonperforming assets (“NPAs”).presents a summary of the changes in the ACL for the periods indicated.
Table 97 - Nonperforming AssetsACL
(in thousands)
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Nonaccrual loans$23,624
 $23,778
Foreclosed properties/other real estate owned ("OREO")1,127
 1,305
Total nonperforming assets$24,751
 $25,083
    
Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans and leases0.28% 0.28%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and OREO0.29
 0.30
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets0.20
 0.20
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
  2020 2019 
 ACL - loans, beginning of period$62,089
 $61,203
 
 Adoption of CECL6,880
 
 
 ACL - loans, adjusted beginning balance68,969
 61,203
 
 Charge-offs:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate6
 5
 
 Income producing commercial real estate411
 197
 
 Commercial & industrial7,561
 1,519
 
 Commercial construction
 69
 
 Equipment financing1,863
 1,424
 
 Residential mortgage284
 61
 
 Home equity lines of credit20
 337
 
 Residential construction22
 4
 
 Consumer direct638
 547
 
 Indirect auto
 197
 
 Total loans charged-off10,805
 4,360
 
 Recoveries:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate1,034
 69
 
 Income producing commercial real estate141
 20
 
 Commercial & industrial376
 163
 
 Commercial construction141
 394
 
 Equipment financing356
 143
 
 Residential mortgage275
 48
 
 Home equity lines of credit103
 122
 
 Residential construction34
 26
 
 Consumer direct231
 207
 
 Indirect auto
 38
 
 Total recoveries2,691
 1,230
 
 Net charge-offs8,114
 3,130
 
 Provision for credit losses - loans21,050
 3,569
 
 ACL - loans, end of period81,905
 61,642
 
      
 ACL - unfunded commitments, beginning of period3,458
 3,410
 
 Adoption of CECL1,871
 
 
 ACL - unfunded commitments, adjusted beginning balance5,329
 3,410
 
 Provision for credit losses - unfunded commitments1,141
 (269) 
 ACL - unfunded commitments, end of period6,470
 3,141
 
      
 Total ACL$88,375
 $64,783
 
      
 Total loans:    
 At period-end$8,935,424
 $8,493,254
 
 Average8,828,880
 8,429,976
 
 ACL - loans, as a percentage of period-end loans0.92% 0.73% 
 As a percentage of average loans (annualized):    
 Net charge-offs0.37
 0.15
 
 Provision for credit losses - loans0.96
 0.17
 

United’s


Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”), which include nonaccrual loans and foreclosed properties, totaled $36.7 million at March 31, 2020, compared with $35.8 million at December 31, 2019. As a result of the adoption of CECL, because we elected to disaggregate the former Purchased Credit Impaired (“PCI”) pools and no longer consider the loan pool to be the unit of account, contractually delinquent Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) loans are reported as nonaccrual loans using the same criteria as other loans.
Our policy is to place loans on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the full principal and interest on a loan is not likely to be repaid in fullcollected or when the loan becomes 90 days past due.due and is not well-collateralized or in the process of collection. When a loan is classifiedplaced on nonaccrual status, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current interest revenue. Principal and interestInterest payments received on a nonaccrual loanloans are generally applied to reduce the loan’s recorded investment.amortized cost. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance and future payments are reasonably assured.
 
Purchased credit impaired (“PCI”)Generally, we do not commit to lend additional funds to customers whose loans are consideredon nonaccrual status, although in certain isolated cases, we execute forbearance agreements whereby we agree to continue to fund construction loans to completion or other lines of credit as long as the borrower meets the conditions of the forbearance agreement. We may also fund other amounts necessary to protect collateral such as amounts to pay 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 flowsproperty taxes 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, 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.insurance coverage.



The following table summarizes nonperforming assets by category and market as 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, in 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 were included in nonperforming loans. The remaining TDRs with an aggregate balance 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.
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 table below summarizes NPAs.
Table 8 - NPAs
(in thousands)
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 Nonaccrual loans:    
 Owner occupied commercial real estate10,405
 10,544
 
 Income producing commercial real estate2,235
 1,996
 
 Commercial & industrial3,169
 2,545
 
 Commercial construction1,724
 2,277
 
 Equipment financing2,439
 3,141
 
 Total commercial19,972
 20,503
 
 Residential mortgage12,458
 10,567
 
 Home equity lines of credit3,010
 3,173
 
 Residential construction540
 939
 
 Consumer228
 159
 
 Total nonaccrual loans36,208
 35,341
 
 Foreclosed properties/other real estate owned ("OREO")475
 476
 
 Total NPAs$36,683
 $35,817
 
      
 Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of total loans0.41% 0.40% 
 NPAs as a percentage of total loans and OREO0.41
 0.41
 
 NPAs as a percentage of total assets0.28
 0.28
 

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $53.7 million and $54.2 million, respectively, in loans with terms that have been modified in TDRs. Included therein were $8.36 million and $8.25 million, respectively, of TDRs that were classified as nonaccrual and were included in nonperforming loans. The remaining TDRs with an aggregate balance of $45.3 million and $46.0 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and were therefore not considered to be nonperforming assets. As previously mentioned, the CARES Act granted temporary relief from TDR classification for certain loans restructured as a result of COVID-19 that were otherwise performing prior to the pandemic. We expect a significant amount of payment deferral requests from our borrowers in the second quarter of 2020 related to the economic disruption created by COVID-19, most of which will be exempt from TDR classification


in the short term. As of April 30, 2020, United had granted short-term deferrals on loans that were otherwise performing of approximately $1.40 billion, which included $164 million granted prior to March 31, 2020.

Investment Securities
 
The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects United’sour 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, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, Unitedwe had debt securities held-to-maturity with a carrying amount of $265$290 million and $274$284 million, respectively, and debt securities available-for-sale totaling $2.45$2.25 billion and $2.63$2.27 billion, respectively. At March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the securities portfolio represented approximately 22%19% and 23%20%, respectively, of total assets. During the first quarter of 2019, management 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 and asset-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, Unitedwe 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 itsIn accordance with CECL, our held-to-maturity securities portfolio each quarterwas evaluated to determineassess whether an ACL was required. We measure expected credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. At adoption on January 1, 2020 and at March 31, 2020, calculated credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities were not material due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which included securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and high credit quality municipal securities. As a result, we did not record an ACL for held-to-maturity securities at adoption or at March 31, 2020.

For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, if anywe intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the security's amortized cost basis is consideredwritten down to fair value through income. Absent an intent or more than likely requirement to sell, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The evaluation considers factors such as, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, changes to the security’s rating, and adverse conditions specific to the security. If the evaluation indicates a credit loss exists, an ACL may be recorded, with such allowance limited to the amount by which fair value is below amortized cost. Any impairment unrelated to credit factors is recognized in other than temporarily impaired. In making this evaluation, management considers its ability and intentcomprehensive income. At March 31, 2020, there was no ACL related to hold securities to recover current market losses.the available-for-sale portfolio. Losses on United’s fixed income securities at March 31, 20192020 primarily reflectreflected volatile market conditions resulting from uncertainty surrounding the effect of changes in interest rates. United did not recognize any other than temporary impairment losses on its investment securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 10% and 12%, respectively,impact of the securities portfolio was invested in floating-rate securities.COVID-19 pandemic.  



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. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the net carrying value of goodwill was $327 million. Goodwill is not amortized but is assessed for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment, referred to as a triggering event. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, accounting guidance allows for an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not, or a greater than 50% likelihood, that the fair value of the entity is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. When it is more likely than not that impairment has occurred, management is required to perform a quantitative analysis and, if necessary, adjust the carrying amount of goodwill by recording a goodwill impairment loss. During the first quarter of 2020, as a result of market concerns about the potential impact of COVID-19, our stock price declined such that it traded below book value for the latter part of the quarter. As a result of this triggering event, we have qualitatively assessed and concluded that there is not a greater than 50% likelihood that our fair value is less than our carrying amount as of March 31, 2020, given the short duration of change in macroeconomic conditions and excess of value as of the latest annual test performed as of September 30, 2019. We will continue to monitor and assess the impact of the pandemic on the our value and, should conditions be more severe and/or recovery extend for a longer period than currently anticipated, our assessment may change, which could necessitate the write-down or write-off of goodwill or other 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. There were no events or circumstances that led managementus to believe that any impairment exists in goodwill or otherexisted on core deposit intangible assets.
 
Deposits

Total customerCustomer deposits excluding brokered deposits, asare the primary source of March 31, 2019 were $9.98 billion, compared to $9.85 billion at December 31, 2018. Total core transaction deposits (demand, NOW, money market and savings deposits, excluding public funds deposits)for the continued growth of $7.09 billion at March 31, 2019 increased $135 million since December 31, 2018. Total customer time deposits increased $70.2 million. United’sour earning assets. Our high level of service, as evidenced by itsour strong customer satisfaction scores, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining customer deposit accounts. The following table sets forth the deposit composition for the periods indicated.

Table 9 - Deposits
(in thousands)
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 Noninterest-bearing demand$3,624,806
 $3,477,979
 
 NOW and interest-bearing demand2,391,976
 2,461,895
 
 Money market and savings3,009,261
 2,937,095
 
 Time1,840,767
 1,859,574
 
 Total customer deposits10,866,810
 10,736,543
 
 Brokered deposits168,116
 160,701
 
 Total deposits$11,034,926
 $10,897,244
 
Borrowing Activities
 
The Bank is a shareholder in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). Through this affiliation, we have ability to obtain short and long-term sources of funds through FHLB secured advances, totaled $40 million and $160 million, respectively, as of which there were none outstanding at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019. 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. At March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, United alsowe had long-term debt outstanding of $257$213 million, and $267 million, respectively, which includes senior debentures, subordinated debentures, and trust preferred securities, and securitized notes payable.securities. 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.our 2019 10-K.


Contractual Obligations
 
There have not been any material changes to United’sour contractual obligations since December 31, 2018.2019.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
United isWe are 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 usesWe use the same credit underwriting procedures for making commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees, as it useswe use 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 isWe are not involved in off-balance sheet contractual relationships, other than those disclosed in this report, that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments, or that could significantly affect earnings. See Note 2021 to the consolidated financial statements included in United’s Annual Report on Formour 2019 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’sour 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 itsWe limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by itsour 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. Our assumptions include floors such that market rates and discount rates cannot go below zero. 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’sOur 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’sOur policy limits the projected change in net interest revenue over the first 12 months to a 5%an 8% decrease for each 100 basis point change in the increasing and decreasing rate ramp and shock scenarios. The following table presents United’sour interest sensitivity position at the dates indicated. The change in simulation model results from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 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 1210 - 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 
   March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 Change in Rates Shock Ramp Shock Ramp 
 100 basis point increase 3.60 % 2.63 % 2.91 % 2.22 % 
 100 basis point decrease (2.02) (1.75) (4.86) (3.92) 
 
Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the re-pricingrepricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These re-pricingrepricing 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-pricingrepricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their re-pricingrepricing 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 hasWe have discretion in the extent and timing of deposit re-pricingrepricing depending upon the competitive pressures in the markets in which it operates.we operate. 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-pricingrepricing for both the asset and the liability remains the same, due to the two instruments re-pricingrepricing 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 payswe pay a variable rate (or fixed rate, as the case may be) and receivesreceive 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 hasWe have 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 where 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 line method of amortization. United expects that $118,000 will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense from other comprehensive income over the next twelve months related to these terminated cash flow hedges.
United’sOur policy requires all non-customer facing derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions, positions or positions,risks, and not for trading or speculative purposes. Management believes that the risk associated with using derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk sensitivity is 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 Unitedwe 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 theour primary goal of Unitedis to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity in all expected economic environments. To assist in determining the adequacy of itsour liquidity, United performswe perform a variety of liquidity stress tests. United maintainsWe maintain an unencumbered liquid asset reserve to help ensure itsour ability to meet itsour 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 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 common 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 sourcesources of its liquidity isare 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, 2019, United2020, we had sufficient qualifying collateral to increaseprovide borrowing capacity for FHLB advances by $1.20of $1.42 billion and Federal Reserve discount window borrowing capacity of $1.56$1.49 billion, as well as unpledged investment securities of $1.88$1.98 billion that could be used as collateral for additional borrowings. In addition to these wholesale sources, United haswe have the ability to attract retail deposits by competing more aggressively on pricing. In the second quarter of 2020, we expect to fund a significant amount of PPP loans, primarily by participating in the Paycheck Protection Program Lending Facility (“PPPLF”) announced by the Federal Reserve in April of 2020. Subsequent to quarter-end and through May 1, 2020, United had received SBA authorization for 11,256 PPP loans totaling $1.20 billion.
 
As disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows, net cash provided byused in operating activities was $35.9$10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.2020. Net income of $44.3$31.9 million for the three-month period included non-cash expenses for the following: deferred income tax expense of $658,000,$1.29 million, depreciation, amortization and accretion of $6.37$1.89 million, provision expense of $3.30$22.2 million and stock-based compensation expense of $1.99$2.49 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$45.9 million and an increase in loans held for sale of $7.41$31.5 million, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $8.46 million. Net cash provided byused in investing activities of $113$85.0 million consisted primarily of proceeds from sales and maturities and callsincluded a $110 million net increase in loans, $70.1 million in purchases of debt securities available for saleavailable-for-sale and equity securities, purchases of $179debt securities held-to-maturity of $16.0 million, and $60.8$2.60 million respectively,in purchases of premises and equipment. These uses of cash were partially offset by $105 million in proceeds from maturities and calls of debt securities held to maturity of $9.05 million. These sources of cash were offset by a $90.4 million net increase in loans, $34.7 million in purchases of debt securities available for saleavailable-for-sale and equity securities and $11.7$9.09 million in purchasesproceeds from maturities and calls of premises and equipment.debt securities held-to-maturity. Net cash used inprovided by financing activities of $150$101 million consisted primarily of a net decreaseincrease in FHLB advancesdeposits of $120$138 million, which was partially offset by the payment of cash dividends of $12.9$14.5 million and repaymentsthe repurchases of long-term debtour common stock of $10.1$20.8 million. In the opinion of management, United’sour liquidity position at March 31, 2019,2020, was sufficient to meet itsour expected cash flow requirements.



Capital Resources and Dividends
 
Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 20192020 was $1.51$1.64 billion, an increase of $50.6$4.92 million from December 31, 20182019 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$20.8 million in share repurchases. Accumulated other comprehensive loss,
Through the CARES Act, federal banking regulatory agencies have provided relief, which includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale,we have adopted, for 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 defineddelay of the adverse capital impact of CECL for the two-year period after adoption. This optional two-year delay is followed by an optional three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit pension plans,provided during the initial two-year delay. Under the transition provision, the amount of aggregate capital benefit is excluded inphased out by 25% each year with the calculationfull impact of regulatory capital adequacy ratios.adoption completely recognized by the beginning of the sixth year.

The following table shows United’s capital ratios, as calculated under applicable regulatory guidelines, at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019. As of March 31, 2019,2020, capital levels remained characterized as “well-capitalized” under the Basel III Capital Rules in effect at the time.

Additional information related to capital ratios, as calculated under regulatory guidelines, as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, is provided in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Table 1311 – Capital Ratios
(dollars in thousands)
 Basel III Guidelines 
United Community Banks, Inc.
(Consolidated)
 United Community Bank     
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 
Well
Capitalized
 Minimum Capital Plus Capital Conservation Buffer March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Risk-based ratios:                          
Common equity tier 1 capital 4.5% 6.5% 12.44% 12.16% 13.35% 12.91% 4.5% 6.5% 7.0% 12.85% 12.97% 13.58% 14.87%
Tier 1 capital 6.0
 8.0
 12.69
 12.42
 13.35
 12.91
 6.0
 8.0
 8.5
 13.09
 13.21
 13.58
 14.87
Total capital 8.0
 10.0
 14.55
 14.29
 14.04
 13.60
 8.0
 10.0
 10.5
 14.93
 15.01
 14.30
 15.54
Leverage ratio 4.0
 5.0
 9.88
 9.61
 10.40
 9.98
 4.0
 5.0
 N/A
 10.40
 10.34
 10.78
 11.63
            
Common equity tier 1 capital     $1,180,309
 $1,148,355
 $1,264,669
 $1,216,449
Tier 1 capital     1,204,559
 1,172,605
 1,264,669
 1,216,449
Total capital     1,380,963
 1,348,843
 1,329,452
 1,281,062
Risk-weighted assets     9,491,554
 9,441,622
 9,469,757
 9,421,009
Average total assets     12,186,441
 12,207,986
 12,159,520
 12,183,341
(1) As of March 31, 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 14 - Stock Price Information
  2019 2018
  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
Second quarter 

 

 

 

 34.18
 30.52
 30.67
 402,230
Third quarter 
 
 
 
 31.93
 27.82
 27.89
 414,541
Fourth quarter         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’sour ability to react to changes in interest rates, and by such reaction, reduce the inflationary effect on performance. United hasWe have 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
 
ThereExcept as set forth in the following sentence, which incorporates certain information by reference, there have been no material changes in United’sour market risk as of March 31, 20192020 from that presented in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.our 2019 10-K. The interest rate sensitivity position at March 31, 20192020 is included in Table 1210 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’sour disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of March 31, 2019.2020. Based on, and as of the date of that evaluation, United’s Chief Executive Officerour principal 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 March 31, 2020 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, Unitedbusiness, the Holding Company and the Bank are defendants inparties to various legal proceedings. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, Unitedthe Holding Company 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 in theeffect upon our consolidated financial condition or results of operations of United.operations.
 
Items 1A. Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes fromInvesting in shares of our common stock involves certain risks, including those identified and described in Part I, Item 1A. of our 2019 10-K, as well as cautionary statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those under the caption “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” and risks and matters described elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC.

The Company is providing these additional risk factors to supplement the risk factors previously disclosedcontained in United’s Annual ReportPart I, Item 1A. of our 2019 10-K.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and adversely affected our business and results of operations, and the ultimate impacts of the pandemic on Formour business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments and other factors that are highly uncertain and will be impacted by the scope and duration of the pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused and will continue to cause significant disruption in the international and United States economies and financial markets and has had an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The spread of COVID-19 has caused illness, quarantines, cancellation of events and travel, business and school shutdowns, reduction in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions, and overall economic and financial market instability. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of the states in which we have branches, and most other states, have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes, and ordering temporary closures of businesses that have been deemed to be non-essential. These restrictions and other consequences of the pandemic have resulted in significant adverse effects for many different types of businesses, including, among others, those in the hospitality (including hotels and lodging) and restaurant industries, and have resulted in a significant number of layoffs and furloughs of employees nationwide and in the regions in which we operate.

The ultimate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the broader economy and the markets that we serve are not known, nor is the ultimate length of the restrictions described above and any accompanying effects. Moreover, the Federal Reserve has taken action to lower the Federal Funds rate, which may negatively affect our interest income and, therefore, earnings, financial condition, and results of operation. Additional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business could be widespread and material, and may include, or exacerbate, among other consequences, any of the risk factors described in the 2019 10-K or any of the following:

employees contracting COVID-19;
reductions in operating effectiveness as employees work from home;
a work stoppage, forced quarantine, or other interruption of our business;
unavailability of key personnel necessary to conduct our business activities;
effects on key employees, including operational management personnel and those charged with preparing, monitoring, and evaluating our financial reporting and internal controls;
increased cybersecurity risks as a result of many of our employees working remotely;
sustained closures of branch lobbies or the offices or businesses of our customers;
declines in demand for loans and other banking services and products;
reduced consumer spending due to job losses and other effects attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic;
unprecedented volatility in United States financial markets;
volatile performance of our investment securities portfolio;
decline in the credit quality of our loan portfolio resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our markets, leading to a need to increase the allowance for credit losses or loan losses, as applicable;
increases in the allowance for credit losses resulting from CECL, either alone or as affected by the impact of COVID-19;
declines in value of collateral for loans, including real estate collateral;
declines in the net worth and liquidity of borrowers and loan guarantors, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us, which may affect, among other things, the levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs, and provision expense; and


declines in demand resulting from businesses deemed to be “non-essential” by governments in the markets that we serve, and from both “non-essential” and “essential” businesses suffering adverse effects from reduced levels of economic activity.

These factors, together or in combination with other events or occurrences that may not yet be known or anticipated, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in meaningfully lower stock prices for many companies, as well as the trading prices for many other securities. The further spread of COVID-19, as well as ongoing or new governmental, regulatory, and private sector responses to the pandemic, may materially disrupt banking and other economic activity generally and in the areas in which we operate. This could result in further decline in demand for our banking products and services, and could negatively impact, among other things, our liquidity, regulatory capital, and our growth strategy. Any one or more of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We are taking precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our employees and customers. However, if we experience a prolonged disruption in our employees’ ability to provide customer support and service, our business, financial condition, and results of operation could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest and repay principal of outstanding loans, the value of collateral securing those loans, and the demand for loans and other products and services that we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets in which we operate and in the United States as a whole. Unfavorable market conditions and uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic may result in a deterioration in the credit quality of borrowers, an increase in the number of loan delinquencies, defaults, and charge-offs, additional provisions for loan losses, adverse asset values of the collateral securing loans, and an overall material adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio. Moreover, the duration of the coronavirus pandemic and its corresponding impact on unfavorable and uncertain economic conditions is unknown and highly uncertain.
As a participating lender in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Company and the Bank are subject to litigation risk regarding the Bank’s processing of loans for the year ended December 31, 2018. PPP, reputational risk, and risk that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties.

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which included a $349 billion loan program administered through the SBA referred to as the PPP. The $349 billion in funds for the PPP was exhausted on April 16, 2020. On April 27, 2020, the program was reopened with an additional $310 billion approved by Congress. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to detailed qualifications and eligibility criteria. The Bank is participating as a lender in the PPP. Under the PPP, we obtained SBA authorization for 11,256 loans for $1.20 billion in the aggregate through May 1, 2020.

Because of the short timeframe between the passing of the CARES Act and implementation of the PPP, some of the rules and guidance relating to PPP were issued after lenders began processing PPP applications. Also, there was and continues to be uncertainty in the laws, rules, and guidance relating to the PPP. Since the opening of the PPP, several banks have been subject to litigation regarding the procedures used in processing PPP applications. In addition, some banks and borrowers have received negative media attention associated with PPP loans. Although we monitored all PPP laws, regulations, and guidance and believe that we implemented all requirements upon issuance of such laws, regulations, and guidance, the Company and the Bank may be exposed to litigation risk and/or negative media attention regarding the processing of PPP applications, funding of PPP loans, and the future servicing and forgiveness of PPP loans. If any such litigation is filed against the Company or the Bank and is not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company or the Bank, it may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect the Company’s reputation. In addition, litigation can be costly, regardless of outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs, or reputational damage caused by PPP related litigation or media attention could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The Bank also has credit risk on PPP loans if the SBA determines that there is a deficiency in the manner in which any loans were originated, funded, or serviced by the Bank, including any issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by the Bank, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if the SBA has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from the Bank.




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 March 31, 2020 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)
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020 139,013
 $28.39
 139,013
 $46,053
February 1, 2020 - February 29, 2020 282,469
 27.47
 282,469
 38,294
March 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020 405,000
 22.41
 405,000
 29,218
Total 826,482
 $25.14
 826,482
 $29,218
 
(1)In November 2018, United’sof 2019, our Board of Directors approvedauthorized an increase and extension ofupdate to the existing common stock repurchase plan authorizingto authorize the repurchase of its common stock up to $50 million. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of the repurchase of our common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $50 million of repurchases throughor December 31, 2019.2020. Under the program, the shares may be repurchased periodically in open market transactions at prevailing market prices,or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, subject to market conditions. The approved share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The actual timing, number of shares. Given the COVID-19 outbreak and value of shares repurchased underits effects on the markets, the program depends on a number of factors, including the market price of United’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements.has been discontinued at this time.

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 March 31, 2020, 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 March 31, 2020 (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)


#Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.





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, 20197, 2020




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