United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Net Operating Loss for First Quarter 2009

Apr 23, 2009

BLAIRSVILLE, GA, Apr 23, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI)

--  Provision for loan losses of $65 million exceeded charge-offs by $22
    million
--  Allowance-to-loans ratio of 2.56 percent, up from 2.14 percent last
    quarter
--  Non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $70 million, or $1.45 per
    diluted share, primarily due to stock price decline
--  Severance costs of $2.9 million, or 4 cents per diluted share, related
    to reduction in work force
--  Margin improvement of 38 basis points this quarter to 3.08 percent
--  Capital levels remain strong


United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) today reported a net operating loss of $32 million, or 71 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2009. The net operating loss was primarily driven by higher credit costs, including the $22 million build-up in the allowance for loan losses. Net operating loss does not reflect a $70 million non-cash charge for impairment of goodwill and $2.9 million in severance costs relating to a reduction in work force, both of which are considered non-recurring expenses and therefore excluded from operating earnings. Including these non-recurring expenses the net loss for the quarter was $103.8 million, or $2.20 per diluted share.

"The $70 million goodwill impairment charge is a non-cash accounting adjustment to the company's balance sheet that does not affect cash flow or liquidity and has no impact on our regulatory or tangible capital ratios," stated Jimmy Tallent, president and chief executive officer. "During the fourth quarter our stock price traded well above tangible book value, and our goodwill test indicated no impairment at year-end. However, our stock price declined sharply during the first quarter, as did those of most financial services companies. When we updated our impairment test as of March 31, 2009, we had impairment of $70 million driven primarily by the stock price decline."

"The recession and its effect on the housing and construction markets, particularly in Atlanta, continued to drive credit quality issues in our loan portfolio," added Tallent. "A rise in the level of classified and non-performing assets, and deterioration in property valuations, led us to increase our allowance by $22 million over net charge-offs. While we remain committed to moving through this credit cycle as quickly as possible, our efforts have been hindered by this difficult environment."

Loans were $5.6 billion at quarter end, down $335 million from a year ago and down $72 million on a linked-quarter basis, reflecting the company's continued efforts to reduce exposure to the residential construction market. At March 31, 2009, residential construction loans were $1.4 billion, or 25 percent of total loans, a decrease of $361 million from a year ago and $49 million from the fourth quarter of 2008.

Taxable equivalent net interest revenue of $57.4 million reflected an increase of $5.5 million from last quarter and a decrease of $8.9 million from a year ago. The taxable equivalent net interest margin was 3.08 percent compared with 2.70 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008, and 3.55 percent for the first quarter of 2008.

"In the latter part of the fourth quarter, we were able to take several steps that contributed to the expansion in our first quarter margin," stated Tallent. "We improved our loan pricing and credit spreads, decreased deposit interest rates and, with an overall improvement in liquidity, we were able to let higher-cost time deposits and brokered deposits run off. We will continue to actively pursue strategies to improve our margin, while balancing liquidity needs with our goal of maximizing pre-tax, pre-provision earnings."

"Core deposits, excluding public funds, increased in every category this quarter reflective of our new initiatives and programs for customer referrals and cross selling," stated Tallent. "We added 21,918 new services this quarter, an annual growth rate of 11 percent, that expanded customer relationships and we opened 3,585 net new customer accounts."

The first quarter provision for loan losses was $65 million, compared with $85 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Net charge-offs for the first quarter were $43.3 million compared with $74 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. At quarter-end, non-performing assets totaled $334.5 million compared with $250.5 million at December 31, 2008. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets at the end of the first and fourth quarters was 4.11 percent and 2.94 percent, respectively. The allowance for loan losses to total loans was 2.56 percent and 2.14 percent.

"The recession continued to negatively affect our credit quality, particularly within our Atlanta residential construction portfolio," Tallent said. "Although we have seen some deterioration in other loan categories and markets, our principal challenge remains in the residential construction portfolio. The rise in non-performing assets was driven primarily by continued weakness in the Atlanta housing and construction markets, and to softened demand from buyers. We expect the challenges to continue in 2009 and the level of charge-offs and non-performing assets to be elevated over historical levels. However, we will aggressively work through our problem credits and pursue the best economic outcome for our company in each instance."

Fee revenue of $12.8 million was up $2.1 million from the fourth quarter, but down $1.4 million from the first quarter of 2008. Service charges and fees on deposit accounts of $7.0 million reflected a $779,000 decrease from a year ago due to lower activity and fewer transaction charges. Consulting fees were down $786,000 from last year primarily due to the consulting assistance provided to United for a company-wide initiative to improve efficiency and profitability. Consulting fees were further affected by weakness in the financial services industry that hindered sales efforts and delayed consulting contracts. Mortgage loan fees of $2.7 million were up $688,000 due to a record high level of refinancing activity.

Operating expenses, before the recognition of goodwill impairment and severance costs, were $52.6 million reflecting an increase of $5.0 million from the first quarter of 2008 and at the same level as the fourth quarter of 2008. The increase year over year was primarily due to higher foreclosed property costs of $3.4 million and an increase in FDIC insurance premiums of $1.4 million. For the first quarter of 2009, salaries and employee benefit costs of $28.8 million were at the same level as a year ago. First quarter 2009 staff costs did not reflect the reduction in work force of 191 staff, since most of the reduction in work force occurred at the end of the quarter with the remainder transitioning through the year-end. Severance and related benefit costs of $2.9 million were related to the reduction in staff.

"The decision to reduce staff was among the most difficult in my 25 years at United," commented Tallent. "Unfortunately, their departure came as a result of economic conditions that were not within our control, but had a powerful influence on our business decision for the reduction in staff. We expect to save $10 million in annual staff and benefit costs. Also, we have completed a company-wide performance improvement project with fee revenue enhancements and expense savings of $7 million annually that should be fully implemented by year-end. We expect to realize over half of the $17 million of annual savings this year."

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2009 was 14 percent, compared to 35.5 percent for the first quarter of 2008. "The tax rate was lower this quarter because goodwill and the related impairment charge are not recognized, nor deductible, for tax reporting purposes," stated Tallent. "Also affecting the first quarter tax rate was a $2.3 million net reserve for deferred tax assets relating to state tax credits that are expected to expire unused. The projected effective tax rate for the balance of 2009 is 38 percent."

United continues to maintain a strong capital position. At March 31, 2008, the company's regulatory capital ratios were as follows: Tier I Risk-Based Capital of 10.9 percent; Leverage of 7.9 percent; and, Total Risk-Based of 13.6 percent. Also, the average tangible equity to assets ratio was 8.3 percent and the average tangible common equity to assets ratio was 6.1 percent.

"While we continue to aggressively dispose of problem credits and improve our margin, we have been pursuing ways to build on the growth opportunities identified throughout our markets," Tallent said. "A key part of this plan was recently launched with the reorganization of our Atlanta region that enables us to more efficiently pursue, and better meet the needs of, small business and commercial customers. This new structure and redeployed team will not only increase and deepen our current customer relationships, but also expand our commercial and small business lending capabilities. Also, they will contribute to additional core deposits as well as further rebalance our loan portfolio, while reducing our exposure to any one segment of the market. Even though we will be using considerable resources to address the credit challenges for the remainder of the year, we will continue to plan ahead and position ourselves to capitalize on new opportunities across our footprint as the economy improves."

Conference Call

United Community Banks will hold a conference call today, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this news release and to share business highlights for the quarter. The telephone number for the conference call is (877) 741-4240 and the pass code is "UCBI." The conference call will also be available by web cast within the Investor Relations section of the company's web site at www.ucbi.com.

About United Community Banks, Inc.

Headquartered in Blairsville, United Community Banks is the third-largest bank holding company in Georgia. United Community Banks has assets of $8.1 billion and operates 27 community banks with 107 banking offices located throughout north Georgia, the Atlanta region, coastal Georgia, western North Carolina and east Tennessee. The company specializes in providing personalized community banking services to individuals and small to mid-size businesses. United Community Banks also offers the convenience of 24-hour access through a network of ATMs, telephone and on-line banking. United Community Banks common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol UCBI. Additional information may be found at the company's web site at www.ucbi.com.

Safe Harbor

This news release contains forward-looking statements, as defined by Federal Securities Laws, including statements about financial outlook and business environment. These statements are provided to assist in the understanding of future financial performance and such performance involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Any such statements are based on current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of some factors that may cause such forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results, please refer to the section entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" on page 3 of United Community Banks, Inc.'s annual report filed on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Tables Follow)

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Selected Financial Information
                                         2009               2008
                                     -----------  ------------------------
(in thousands, except per share         First       Fourth        Third
 data; taxable equivalent)             Quarter      Quarter      Quarter
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue                     $   103,562  $   108,434  $   112,510
Interest expense                          46,150       56,561       53,719
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net interest revenue                  57,412       51,873       58,791
Provision for loan losses                 65,000       85,000       76,000
Fee revenue                               12,846       10,718       13,121
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total revenue                          5,258      (22,409)      (4,088)
Operating expenses (1)                    52,569       52,439       56,970
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Operating (loss) income before
     taxes                               (47,311)     (74,848)     (61,058)
Income tax (benefit) expense             (15,335)     (28,101)     (21,184)
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net operating (loss) income (1)      (31,976)     (46,747)     (39,874)
Noncash goodwill impairment charge        70,000            -            -
Severance costs, net of tax benefit        1,797            -            -
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net (loss) income                   (103,773)     (46,747)     (39,874)
Preferred dividends                        2,554          712            4
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
Net (loss) income available to
 common shareholders                 $  (106,327) $   (47,459) $   (39,878)
                                     ===========  ===========  ===========
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
  Per common share:
    Diluted operating (loss)
     earnings (1)                    $      (.71) $      (.99) $      (.84)
    Per share impact of goodwill
     impairment charge                     (1.45)           -            -
    Per share impact of severance
     costs                                  (.04)           -            -
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Diluted (loss) earnings                (2.20)        (.99)        (.84)
    Cash dividends declared                    -            -            -
    Stock dividends declared (5)       1 for 130    1 for 130    1 for 130
    Book value                             14.70        16.95        17.12
    Tangible book value (3)                 9.65        10.39        10.48
  Key performance ratios:
    Return on tangible equity (2)(3)          NM%          NM%          NM%
    Return on equity (2)(4)                   NM           NM           NM
    Return on assets (4)                      NM           NM           NM
    Net interest margin (4)                 3.08         2.70         3.17
    Operating efficiency ratio (3)         79.29        81.34        79.35
    Equity to assets                       11.64        10.08        10.28
    Tangible equity to assets (3)           8.30         6.59         6.65
    Tangible common equity to assets
     (3)                                    6.13         6.23         6.65
ASSET QUALITY
  Net charge-offs                    $    43,281  $    74,028  $    55,736
  Non-performing loans (NPLs)            259,155      190,723      139,266
  Foreclosed properties                   75,383       59,768       38,438
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total non-performing assets
     (NPAs)                              334,538      250,491      177,704
  Allowance for loan losses              143,990      122,271      111,299
  Allowance for loan losses to loans        2.56%        2.14%        1.91%
  Net charge-offs to average loans
   (4)                                      3.09         5.09         3.77
  NPAs to loans and foreclosed
   properties                               5.86         4.35         3.03
  NPAs to total assets                      4.11         2.94         2.20
AVERAGE BALANCES
  Loans                              $ 5,675,054  $ 5,784,139  $ 5,889,168
  Investment securities                1,712,654    1,508,808    1,454,740
  Earning assets                       7,530,230    7,662,536    7,384,287
  Total assets                         8,312,648    8,449,097    8,146,880
  Deposits                             6,780,531    6,982,229    6,597,339
  Shareholders' equity                   967,505      851,956      837,487
  Common shares - basic                   48,324       47,844       47,417
  Common shares - diluted                 48,324       47,844       47,417
AT PERIOD END
  Loans                              $ 5,632,705  $ 5,704,861  $ 5,829,937
  Investment securities                1,719,033    1,617,187    1,400,827
  Total assets                         8,140,909    8,520,765    8,072,543
  Deposits                             6,616,488    7,003,624    6,689,335
  Shareholders' equity                   888,853      989,382      816,880
  Common shares outstanding               48,487       48,009       47,596
(1)  Excludes the non-recurring goodwill impairment charge of $70 million
and severance costs of $2.9 million, net of income tax benefit of $1.1
million in the first quarter of 2009.  (2)  Net income available to common
shareholders, which excludes 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.  (5)  Number of new shares
issued for shares currently held.  NM - Not meaningful.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Selected Financial Information
                                               2008               First
                                     ------------------------    Quarter
(in thousands, except per share        Second        First      2009-2008
 data; taxable equivalent)             Quarter      Quarter      Change
                                     -----------  -----------  ----------
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue                     $   116,984  $   129,041
Interest expense                          55,231       62,754
                                     -----------  -----------
    Net interest revenue                  61,753       66,287         (13)%
Provision for loan losses                 15,500        7,500
Fee revenue                               15,105       14,197         (10)
                                     -----------  -----------
    Total revenue                         61,358       72,984          NM
Operating expenses (1)                    49,761       47,529          11
                                     -----------  -----------
    Operating (loss) income before
     taxes                                11,597       25,455          NM
Income tax (benefit) expense               4,504        9,377
                                     -----------  -----------
    Net operating (loss) income (1)        7,093       16,078          NM
Noncash goodwill impairment charge             -            -
Severance costs, net of tax benefit            -            -
                                     -----------  -----------
    Net (loss) income                      7,093       16,078          NM
Preferred dividends                            4            4
                                     -----------  -----------
Net (loss) income available to
 common shareholders                 $     7,089  $    16,074          NM
                                     ===========  ===========
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
  Per common share:
    Diluted operating (loss)
     earnings (1)                    $       .15  $       .34          NM
    Per share impact of goodwill
     impairment charge                         -            -
    Per share impact of severance
     costs                                     -            -
                                     -----------  -----------
    Diluted (loss) earnings                  .15          .34          NM
    Cash dividends declared                  .09          .09
    Stock dividends declared (5)               -            -
    Book value                             17.75        18.50         (21)
    Tangible book value (3)                11.03        11.76         (18)
  Key performance ratios:
    Return on tangible equity (2)(3)        5.86%       13.16%
    Return on equity (2)(4)                 3.41         7.85
    Return on assets (4)                     .34          .78
    Net interest margin (4)                 3.32         3.55
    Operating efficiency ratio (3)         65.05        59.03
    Equity to assets                       10.33        10.30
    Tangible equity to assets (3)           6.77         6.73
    Tangible common equity to assets
     (3)                                    6.77         6.73
ASSET QUALITY
  Net charge-offs                    $    14,313  $     7,075
  Non-performing loans (NPLs)            123,786       67,728
  Foreclosed properties                   28,378       22,136
                                     -----------  -----------
    Total non-performing assets
     (NPAs)                              152,164       89,864
  Allowance for loan losses               91,035       89,848
  Allowance for loan losses to loans        1.53%        1.51%
  Net charge-offs to average loans
   (4)                                       .97          .48
  NPAs to loans and foreclosed
   properties                               2.55         1.50
  NPAs to total assets                      1.84         1.07
AVERAGE BALANCES
  Loans                              $ 5,933,143  $ 5,958,296          (5)
  Investment securities                1,507,240    1,485,515          15
  Earning assets                       7,478,018    7,491,480           1
  Total assets                         8,295,748    8,305,621           -
  Deposits                             6,461,361    6,051,069          12
  Shareholders' equity                   856,727      855,659          13
  Common shares - basic                   47,158       47,052
  Common shares - diluted                 47,249       47,272
AT PERIOD END
  Loans                              $ 5,933,141  $ 5,967,839          (6)
  Investment securities                1,430,588    1,508,402          14
  Total assets                         8,264,051    8,386,255          (3)
  Deposits                             6,696,456    6,175,769           7
  Shareholders' equity                   837,890      871,452           2
  Common shares outstanding               47,096       47,004
(1)  Excludes the non-recurring goodwill impairment charge of $70 million
and severance costs of $2.9 million, net of income tax benefit of $1.1
million in the first quarter of 2009.  (2)  Net income available to common
shareholders, which excludes 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.  (5)  Number of new shares
issued for shares currently held.  NM - Not meaningful.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End
                                                     2009        2008
                                                    ------- ---------------
                                                     First   Fourth  Third
(in millions)                                       Quarter Quarter Quarter
                                                    ------- ------- -------
LOANS BY CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by RE)                             $ 1,779 $ 1,627 $ 1,604
Commercial construction                                 377     500     509
Commercial & industrial                                 387     410     425
                                                    ------- ------- -------
     Total commercial                                 2,543   2,537   2,538
Residential construction                              1,430   1,479   1,596
Residential mortgage                                  1,504   1,526   1,528
Consumer / installment                                  156     163     168
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total loans                                   $ 5,633 $ 5,705 $ 5,830
                                                    ======= ======= =======
LOANS BY MARKET
Atlanta MSA                                         $ 1,660 $ 1,706 $ 1,800
Gainesville MSA                                         422     420     426
North Georgia                                         2,014   2,040   2,066
Western North Carolina                                  808     810     815
Coastal Georgia                                         460     464     458
East Tennessee                                          269     265     265
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total loans                                   $ 5,633 $ 5,705 $ 5,830
                                                    ======= ======= =======
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Dirt loans
   Acquisition & development                        $   445 $   484 $   516
   Land loans                                           155     153     142
   Lot loans                                            390     358     385
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total                                             990     995   1,043
                                                    ------- ------- -------
House loans
   Spec                                                 317     347     393
   Sold                                                 123     137     160
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total                                             440     484     553
                                                    ------- ------- -------
Total residential construction                      $ 1,430 $ 1,479 $ 1,596
                                                    ======= ======= =======
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION - ATLANTA MSA
Dirt loans
   Acquisition & development                        $   148 $   167 $   185
   Land loans                                            52      56      47
   Lot loans                                             98      86     103
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total                                             298     309     335
                                                    ------- ------- -------
House loans
   Spec                                                 164     189     227
   Sold                                                  33      40      49
                                                    ------- ------- -------
      Total                                             197     229     276
                                                    ------- ------- -------
Total residential construction                      $   495 $   538 $   611
                                                    ======= ======= =======
(1)  Annualized.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End
                                        2008
                                ---------------------  Linked    Year over
                                  Second     First    Quarter      Year
(in millions)                    Quarter    Quarter   Change(1)   Change
                                ---------- ---------- --------   --------
LOANS BY CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by RE)         $    1,584 $    1,526       37 %       17 %
Commercial construction                522        548      (98)       (31)
Commercial & industrial                417        437      (22)       (11)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total commercial               2,523      2,511        1          1
Residential construction             1,745      1,791      (13)       (20)
Residential mortgage                 1,494      1,491       (6)         1
Consumer / installment                 171        175      (17)       (11)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total loans               $    5,933 $    5,968       (5)        (6)
                                ========== ==========
LOANS BY MARKET
Atlanta MSA                     $    1,934 $    1,978      (11)%      (16)%
Gainesville MSA                        422        415        2          2
North Georgia                        2,065      2,071       (5)        (3)
Western North Carolina                 819        816       (1)        (1)
Coastal Georgia                        436        439       (3)         5
East Tennessee                         257        249        6          8
                                ---------- ----------
      Total loans               $    5,933 $    5,968       (5)        (6)
                                ========== ==========
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
Dirt loans
   Acquisition & development    $      569 $      583      (32)%      (24)%
   Land loans                          139        130        5         19
   Lot loans                           401        406       36         (4)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total                          1,109      1,119       (2)       (12)
                                ---------- ----------
House loans
   Spec                                450        460      (35)%      (31)%
   Sold                                186        212      (41)       (42)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total                            636        672      (36)       (35)
                                ---------- ----------
Total residential construction  $    1,745 $    1,791      (13)       (20)
                                ========== ==========
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION -
 ATLANTA MSA
Dirt loans
   Acquisition & development    $      232 $      252      (46)%      (41)%
   Land loans                           50         50      (29)         4
   Lot loans                           117        117       56        (16)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total                            399        419      (14)       (29)
                                ---------- ----------
House loans
   Spec                                271        271      (53)%      (39)%
   Sold                                 58         71      (70)       (54)
                                ---------- ----------
      Total                            329        342      (56)       (42)
                                ---------- ----------
Total residential construction  $      728 $      761      (32)       (35)
                                ========== ==========
(1)  Annualized.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Credit Quality
                                                 First Quarter 2009
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Nonaccrual              Total
(in thousands)                               Loans       OREO       NPAs
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
NPAs BY CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by RE)                    $   18,188 $    3,811 $   21,999
Commercial construction                         6,449      2,948      9,397
Commercial & industrial                        12,066          -     12,066
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total commercial                          36,703      6,759     43,462
Residential construction                      187,656     58,327    245,983
Residential mortgage                           33,148     10,297     43,445
Consumer / installment                          1,648          -      1,648
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  259,155 $   75,383 $  334,538
                                           ========== ========== ==========
NPAs BY MARKET
Atlanta MSA                                $  131,020 $   48,574 $  179,594
Gainesville MSA                                17,448        694     18,142
North Georgia                                  66,875     20,811     87,686
Western North Carolina                         21,240      3,067     24,307
Coastal Georgia                                15,699      1,286     16,985
East Tennessee                                  6,873        951      7,824
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  259,155 $   75,383 $  334,538
                                           ========== ========== ==========
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Credit Quality
                                                 Fourth Quarter 2008
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Nonaccrual              Total
(in thousands)                               Loans       OREO       NPAs
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
NPAs BY CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by RE)                    $   15,188 $    2,427 $   17,615
Commercial construction                         1,513      2,333      3,846
Commercial & industrial                         1,920          -      1,920
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total commercial                          18,621      4,760     23,381
Residential construction                      144,836     48,572    193,408
Residential mortgage                           25,574      6,436     32,010
Consumer / installment                          1,692          -      1,692
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  190,723 $   59,768 $  250,491
                                           ========== ========== ==========
NPAs BY MARKET
Atlanta MSA                                $  105,476 $   42,336 $  147,812
Gainesville MSA                                16,208      1,110     17,318
North Georgia                                  31,631     12,785     44,416
Western North Carolina                         18,509      2,986     21,495
Coastal Georgia                                11,863        138     12,001
East Tennessee                                  7,036        413      7,449
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  190,723 $   59,768 $  250,491
                                           ========== ========== ==========
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Credit Quality
                                                 Third Quarter 2008
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Nonaccrual              Total
(in thousands)                               Loans       OREO       NPAs
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
NPAs BY CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by RE)                    $    9,961 $      854 $   10,815
Commercial construction                         2,924        375      3,299
Commercial & industrial                         1,556          -      1,556
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total commercial                          14,441      1,229     15,670
Residential construction                      102,095     32,453    134,548
Residential mortgage                           21,335      4,756     26,091
Consumer / installment                          1,395          -      1,395
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  139,266 $   38,438 $  177,704
                                           ========== ========== ==========
NPAs BY MARKET
Atlanta MSA                                $   80,805 $   27,011 $  107,816
Gainesville MSA                                15,105        648     15,753
North Georgia                                  20,812      8,337     29,149
Western North Carolina                         13,432      1,509     14,941
Coastal Georgia                                 3,682        601      4,283
East Tennessee                                  5,430        332      5,762
                                           ---------- ---------- ----------
     Total NPAs                            $  139,266 $   38,438 $  177,704
                                           ========== ========== ==========
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Financial Highlights
Credit Quality
                        First Quarter    Fourth Quarter     Third Quarter
                            2009              2008              2008
                      ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
                                 Net               Net               Net
                               Charge-           Charge-           Charge-
                               Offs to           Offs to           Offs to
                        Net    Average    Net    Average    Net    Average
                      Charge-   Loans   Charge-   Loans   Charge-   Loans
(in thousands)          Offs     (1)      Offs     (1)      Offs     (1)
                      -------- -------  -------- -------  -------- -------
NET CHARGE-OFFS BY
 CATEGORY
Commercial (sec. by
 RE)                  $    826     .20% $  4,460    1.10% $    257     .06%
Commercial
 construction               54     .05     1,442    1.14       225     .17
Commercial &
 industrial                873     .89     3,416    3.24     1,018     .96
                      --------          --------          --------
     Total commercial    1,753     .28     9,318    1.46     1,500     .24
Residential
 construction           37,762   10.52    57,882   14.93    50,228   11.94
Residential mortgage     2,984     .80     5,852    1.52     3,332     .88
Consumer /
 installment               782    1.99       976    2.34       676    1.58
                      --------          --------          --------
     Total            $ 43,281    3.09  $ 74,028    5.09  $ 55,736    3.77
                      ========          ========          ========
NET CHARGE-OFFS BY
 MARKET
Atlanta MSA           $ 26,228    6.16% $ 49,309   10.80% $ 48,313   10.08%
Gainesville MSA          1,105    1.18     7,994    8.60     1,470    1.49
North Georgia            8,208    1.64     9,872    1.91     4,567     .88
Western North
 Carolina                3,669    1.83     2,371    1.16       855     .42
Coastal Georgia          3,229    2.84     3,150    2.70       249     .22
East Tennessee             842    1.28     1,332    2.02       282     .43
                      --------          --------          --------
     Total            $ 43,281    3.09  $ 74,028    5.09  $ 55,736    3.77
                      ========          ========          ========
(1)  Annualized.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)
                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                           March 31,
                                                    ----------------------
(in thousands, except per share data)                  2009        2008
                                                    ----------  -----------
Interest revenue:
  Loans, including fees                             $   81,880  $   109,266
  Investment securities, including tax exempt of
   $319 and $394                                        20,752       19,022
  Federal funds sold, commercial paper and
   deposits in banks                                       442          222
                                                    ----------  -----------
       Total interest revenue                          103,074      128,510
                                                    ----------  -----------
Interest expense:
  Deposits:
    NOW                                                  3,337        8,587
    Money market                                         2,237        2,913
    Savings                                                127          227
    Time                                                36,053       38,884
                                                    ----------  -----------
       Total deposit interest expense                   41,754       50,611
  Federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements
   and other short-term borrowings                         553        4,318
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances                        1,074        5,745
  Long-term debt                                         2,769        2,080
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Total interest expense                              46,150       62,754
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Net interest revenue                                56,924       65,756
  Provision for loan losses                             65,000        7,500
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Net interest revenue after provision for
     loan losses                                        (8,076)      58,256
                                                    ----------  -----------
Fee revenue:
  Service charges and fees                               7,034        7,813
  Mortgage loan and other related fees                   2,651        1,963
  Consulting fees                                        1,021        1,807
  Brokerage fees                                           689        1,093
  Securities gains, net                                    303            -
  Other                                                  1,148        1,521
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Total fee revenue                                   12,846       14,197
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Total revenue                                        4,770       72,453
                                                    ----------  -----------
Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits                        28,839       28,754
  Communications and equipment                           3,729        3,832
  Occupancy                                              3,807        3,716
  Advertising and public relations                       1,109        1,351
  Postage, printing and supplies                         1,182        1,592
  Professional fees                                      2,293        1,921
  Foreclosed preoperty                                   4,319          911
  FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges          2,682        1,266
  Amortization of intangibles                              739          767
  Other                                                  3,870        3,419
  Goodwill impairment                                   70,000            -
  Severance costs                                        2,898            -
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Total operating expenses                           125,467       47,529
                                                    ----------  -----------
  (Loss) income before income taxes                   (120,697)      24,924
  Income tax (benefit) expense                         (16,924)       8,846
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Net (loss) income                                 (103,773)      16,078
  Preferred stock dividends                              2,554            4
                                                    ----------  -----------
    Net (loss) income available to common
     shareholders                                   $ (106,327) $    16,074
                                                    ==========  ===========
(Loss) earnings per common share:
  Basic                                             $    (2.20) $       .34
  Diluted                                                (2.20)         .34
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
  Basic                                                 48,324       47,052
  Diluted                                               48,324       47,272
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(in thousands, except share and       March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
 per share data)                        2009          2008         2008
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
                                     (unaudited)   (audited)   (unaudited)
ASSETS
  Cash and due from banks            $   103,707  $   116,395  $   169,538
  Interest-bearing deposits in
   banks                                   5,792        8,417       13,417
  Federal funds sold, commercial
   paper and short-term investments       24,983      368,609            -
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
     Cash and cash equivalents           134,482      493,421      182,955
  Securities available for sale        1,719,033    1,617,187    1,508,402
  Mortgage loans held for sale            43,161       20,334       28,451
  Loans, net of unearned income        5,632,705    5,704,861    5,967,839
     Less allowance for loan
      losses                             143,990      122,271       89,848
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
         Loans, net                    5,488,715    5,582,590    5,877,991
  Premises and equipment, net            178,980      179,160      180,746
  Accrued interest receivable             45,514       46,088       59,585
  Goodwill and other intangible
   assets                                251,060      321,798      324,041
  Other assets                           279,964      260,187      224,084
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
     Total assets                    $ 8,140,909  $ 8,520,765  $ 8,386,255
                                     ===========  ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
 EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Deposits:
     Demand                          $   665,447  $   654,036  $   690,028
     NOW                               1,284,791    1,543,385    1,523,942
     Money market                        500,261      466,750      431,623
     Savings                             177,001      170,275      187,911
     Time:
         Less than $100,000            1,911,627    1,953,235    1,535,742
         Greater than $100,000         1,350,190    1,422,974    1,375,000
         Brokered                        727,171      792,969      431,523
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
           Total deposits              6,616,488    7,003,624    6,175,769
  Federal funds purchased,
   repurchase agreements,
   and other short-term borrowings       158,690      108,411      532,896
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances        260,125      235,321      615,324
  Long-term debt                         151,006      150,986      107,996
  Accrued expenses and other
   liabilities                            65,747       33,041       82,818
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
     Total liabilities                 7,252,056    7,531,383    7,514,803
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $1 par value;
   10,000,000 shares authorized;
     Series A; $10 stated value;
      25,800 shares issued and
      outstanding                            258          258          258
     Series B; $1,000 stated
      value; 180,000 shares
      issued and outstanding             173,480      173,180            -
  Common stock, $1 par value;
   100,000,000 shares authorized;
   48,809,301 shares issued               48,809       48,809       48,809
  Common stock issuable; 161,807,
   129,304 and 90,505 shares               3,270        2,908        2,410
  Capital surplus                        452,277      460,708      463,095
  Retained earnings                      158,201      265,405      359,248
  Treasury stock; 322,603,
   799,892 and 1,805,078 shares,
   at cost                                (5,992)     (16,465)     (41,351)
  Accumulated other comprehensive
   income                                 58,550       54,579       38,983
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
     Total shareholders' equity          888,853      989,382      871,452
                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
     Total liabilities and
      shareholders' equity           $ 8,140,909  $ 8,520,765  $ 8,386,255
                                     ===========  ===========  ===========
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                      2009
                                     -------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, taxable         Average                     Avg.
 equivalent)                           Balance      Interest       Rate
                                     -----------  ------------ -----------
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
  Loans, net of unearned income
   (1)(2)                            $ 5,675,054  $     81,749        5.84%
  Taxable securities (3)               1,682,603        20,433        4.86
  Tax-exempt securities (1)(3)            30,051           522        6.95
  Federal funds sold and other
   interest-earning assets               142,522           858        2.41
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-earning assets     7,530,230       103,562        5.56
                                     -----------  ------------
Non-interest-earning assets:
  Allowance for loan losses             (128,798)
  Cash and due from banks                104,411
  Premises and equipment                 179,495
  Other assets (3)                       627,310
                                     -----------
     Total assets                    $ 8,312,648
                                     ===========
Liabilities and Shareholders'
 Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing deposits:
    NOW                              $ 1,358,149  $      3,337        1.00
    Money market                         477,325         2,237        1.90
    Savings                              172,708           127         .30
    Time less than $100,000            1,942,897        17,217        3.59
    Time greater than $100,000         1,393,188        12,825        3.73
    Brokered                             786,171         6,011        3.10
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-bearing
      deposits                         6,130,438        41,754        2.76
                                     -----------  ------------
    Federal funds purchased and
     other borrowings                    150,517           553        1.49
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances      204,941         1,074        2.13
    Long-term debt                       150,997         2,769        7.44
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total borrowed funds                506,455         4,396        3.52
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-bearing
      liabilities                      6,636,893        46,150        2.82
                                                  ------------
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
  Non-interest-bearing deposits          650,093
  Other liabilities                       58,157
                                     -----------
     Total liabilities                 7,345,143
Shareholders' equity                     967,505
                                     -----------
     Total liabilities and
      shareholders' equity           $ 8,312,648
                                     ===========
Net interest revenue                              $     57,412
                                                  ============
Net interest-rate spread                                              2.74%
                                                                 =========
Net interest margin (4)                                               3.08%
                                                                 =========
(1)  Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased
     to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The
     rate used was 39%, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate
     and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2)  Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where
     the accrual of interest has been discontinued.
(3)  Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax
     unrealized gains of $10.6 million in 2009 and $15.9 million in 2008
     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.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                      2008
                                     -------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, taxable         Average                     Avg.
 equivalent)                           Balance      Interest       Rate
                                     -----------  ------------ -----------
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
  Loans, net of unearned income
   (1)(2)                            $ 5,958,296  $    109,252        7.37%
  Taxable securities (3)               1,448,224        18,628        5.15
  Tax-exempt securities (1)(3)            37,291           648        6.95
  Federal funds sold and other
   interest-earning assets                47,669           513        4.30
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-earning assets     7,491,480       129,041        6.92
                                     -----------  ------------
Non-interest-earning assets:
  Allowance for loan losses              (92,025)
  Cash and due from banks                154,706
  Premises and equipment                 181,355
  Other assets (3)                       570,105
                                     -----------
     Total assets                    $ 8,305,621
                                     ===========
Liabilities and Shareholders'
 Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing deposits:
    NOW                              $ 1,462,116  $      8,587        2.36
    Money market                         439,049         2,913        2.67
    Savings                              184,812           227         .49
    Time less than $100,000            1,553,313        18,223        4.72
    Time greater than $100,000         1,365,307        16,370        4.82
    Brokered                             374,402         4,291        4.61
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-bearing
      deposits                         5,378,999        50,611        3.78
                                     -----------  ------------
    Federal funds purchased and
     other borrowings                    551,812         4,318        3.15
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances      661,498         5,745        3.49
    Long-term debt                       107,996         2,080        7.75
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total borrowed funds              1,321,306        12,143        3.70
                                     -----------  ------------
     Total interest-bearing
      liabilities                      6,700,305        62,754        3.77
                                                  ------------
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
  Non-interest-bearing deposits          672,070
  Other liabilities                       77,587
                                     -----------
     Total liabilities                 7,449,962
Shareholders' equity                     855,659
                                     -----------
     Total liabilities and
      shareholders' equity           $ 8,305,621
                                     ===========
Net interest revenue                              $     66,287
                                                  ============
Net interest-rate spread                                              3.15%
                                                                 =========
Net interest margin (4)                                               3.55%
                                                                 =========
(1)  Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased
     to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The
     rate used was 39%, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate
     and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
(2)  Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where
     the accrual of interest has been discontinued.
(3)  Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax
     unrealized gains of $10.6 million in 2009 and $15.9 million in 2008
     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.

For more information:
Rex S. Schuette
Chief Financial Officer
(706) 781-2266
Email Contact


SOURCE: United Community Banks, Inc.

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