As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 1997
                                      Registration No. 33-_______

                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     Washington, D.C.  20549
                    _________________________

                             FORM S-1
                      Registration Statement
                              Under
                    The Securities Act of 1933
                    _________________________

                   UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
      (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
                    _________________________

       Georgia                 6712              58-1807304
   (State or other      (Primary Standard     (I.R.S. Employer
   jurisdiction of          Industrial         Identification
   incorporation or    Classification Code         Number)
    organization)            Number)

          P.O. Box 398              Mr. Christopher J. Bledsoe
         59 Highway 515              Chief Financial Officer
   Blairsville, Georgia  30512     United Community Banks, Inc.
         (706) 745-2151                    P.O. Box 398
  (Address, including zip code,           59 Highway 515
      and telephone number,        Blairsville, Georgia  30512
            including                     (706) 745-2151
   area code, of registrant's     (Name, address, including zip
  principal executive offices)     code, and telephone number,
                                  including area code, of agent
                                           for service)

                         With copies to:
                    Richard R. Cheatham, Esq.
                    Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P.
                            Suite 2800
                      1100 Peachtree Street
                     Atlanta, Georgia  30309
                          (404) 815-6500

     Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale to the
public:  AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
BECOMES EFFECTIVE.

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form arebeing
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule
415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for
an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering.  ________________

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering._________

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made
pursuant to Rule 434 please check the following box.


| Offering Price Per Share | Aggregate Offering Price | Registration Fee - -----------------------------|----------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|---------------------- Common Stock, par value | 250,000 | $20.00 | 5,000,000 | $1,515.15 $1.00 per share | | | | ============================================================================================================================== Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE INACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 31, 1997 PROSPECTUS - ---------- UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. 250,000 Shares of Common Stock ______________________________ United Community Banks, Inc. ("United") hereby offers for sale on a best efforts basis 250,000 shares of its common stock (the "Common Stock") at a price of $20.00 per share (the "Offering"). In the State of Georgia, the Common Stock offered hereby will be sold by certain executive officers of United, and no commissions will be paid on such sales. In order to comply with securities requirements of the State of North Carolina, United has engaged The Carson Medlin Company ("Carson Medlin") to act as a broker dealer for the account of United in effecting offers and sales of the Common Stock to investors in North Carolina. Carson Medlin will receive a fee of $30,000 for these services. Subscription proceeds for 25,000 shares must be deposited in an interest bearing account with SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, Georgia by the date that is 30 days from the date of this Prospectus unless extended to the date that is 90 days from the date of this Prospectus, or the Offering will terminate and subscription funds, together with interest actually earned thereon, will be returned to subscribers. The Common Stock offered hereby will be offered to members of the general public who are residents of the States of Georgia and North Carolina. Prior to the Offering, there has been no established public market for the Common Stock, and it is not expected that an active trading market for the Common Stock will develop as a result of completing the Offering. The offering price of $20.00 per share of Common Stock was set by United. For information relating to the factors considered in determining the offering price to the public, see "Determination of Offering Price." ______________________________ See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection with an investment in the securities offered hereby. ______________________________ THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. The securities offered hereby are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
========================================================================================================================= Price to Public | Underwriting Discounts and | Proceeds to United (1) | Commissions | - ---------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------- Per Share of Common Stock $20.00 | | $19.60 Minimum $500,000 | | $400,000 Maximum $5,000,000 | | $4,900,000 ========================================================================================================================== Before deducting expenses payable by United, estimated at $70,000. Carson Medlin will receive a fee of $30,000 for effecting sales of Common Stock on behalf of United in the State of North Carolina.
The date of this Prospectus is January 31, 1997. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial statements, and the notes related thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Company United Community Banks, Inc. ("United") was incorporated under the laws of Georgia in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988 by acquiring 100% of the outstanding shares of Union County Bank ("UCB"). United is a registered bank holding company. All of United's activities are currently conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiaries, UCB, which was organized as a Georgia banking corporation in 1950, Carolina Community Bank, Murphy, North Carolina ("Carolina"), which United acquired in 1990, Peoples Bank, Blue Ridge, Georgia ("Peoples"), which United acquired in 1992, Towns County Bank, Hiawassee, Georgia ("Towns"), which United acquired in 1992, and White County Bank, Cleveland, Georgia ("White"), which United acquired in 1995, (collectively with UCB, Carolina, Peoples, Towns and White, the "Banks"). In August 1995, United completed an offering to the public of 215,515 shares of United Common Stock registered under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to which $2,434,000 in additional capital was raised. United used the proceeds of that offering primarily to invest additional capitalin Carolina and Towns. On July 1, 1996, UCB established a branch in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia, and on September 28, 1996, UCB purchased and assumed certain assets and liabilities and established a branch in Cornelia, Habersham County, Georgia. On December 31, 1996, United completed a Private Placement of $3,500,000 of Floating Rate Convertible Subordinated Payable-in-Kind Debentures due December 31, 2006, the proceeds of which were used to invest additional capital in Carolina, and for general corporate purposes. See "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES - Debentures." United's executive offices are located at 59 Highway 515, Blairsville, Georgia 30512, and its telephone number is (706) 745-2151. Risk Factors Prospective investors should carefully consider the matters discussed under "Risk Factors" elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Offering
Common Stock Common Stock offered ....................... 250,000 shares. Common Stock deemed outstanding before the Offering ............................... 6,637,248 shares, including 140,000 shares deemed outstanding pursuant to United's prime plus 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Payable-in-Kind Debentures due December 31, 2006 ("2006 Debentures") and presently exercisable options to acquire 58,400 shares (the "Options") issued pursuant to the United's Stock Option Plan. Common Stock deemed outstanding after the Offering .............................. 6,887,248 shares (including shares underlying the 2006 Debentures and the Options). Use of Proceeds .............................. To invest additional capital in UCB and Carolina, and for general corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
2 United Community Banks, Inc. Summary Consolidated Financial Information (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Pro Forma Consolidated December 31 As Adjusted --------------------------------------------------- Sept. 30, Sept. 30, 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Balance Sheet Data Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . $269,684 $332,013 $393,632 $456,936 659,669 779,565 787,965 Loans, gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180,254 224,057 283,611 341,621 456,140 564,685 564,685 Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242,957 300,020 349,765 393,270 590,656 680,337 680,337 Long term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,277 7,800 7,400 9,400 11,309 10,736 10,736 Stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . 17,968 20,942 25,449 30,217 44,027 48,766 54,666
Pro Forma Consolidated As Adjusted As of December 31, ----------- ------------------------------------------------ Sept. 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Statement of Earnings Data Net interest income . . . . . . . . . $9,322 $11,131 $14,516 $18,217 22,919 22,632 22,739 23,063 Provision for loan losses . . . . . . 834 472 842 935 1,040 915 915 1,040 Noninterest income . . . . . . . . . . 1,551 2,157 3,700 3,762 4,264 3,740 3,740 4,264 Noninterest expense . . . . . . . . . 7,377 8,635 11,705 13,902 17,854 16,803 16,803 17,854 Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,082 3,126 4,202 5,200 6,051 5,724 5,796 6,146 Per Share Data Book value (period end) . . . . . . 3.29 3.81 4.55 5.41 7.03 7.79 8.17 7.46 Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.38 0.57 0.76 0.93 1.04 0.91 0.87 0.98 Weighted average outstanding shares . 5,454,040 5,492.435 5,545,110 5,589,365 5,813,615 6,260,280 6,688,848 6,242,183 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.04 Ratios Return on average assets . . . . . . . 0.82% 1.04% 1.16% 1.22% 1.08% 1.05% 1.06% 1.07% Return on average stockholders' equity 12.23% 16.07% 18.12% 18.68% 16.30% 16.49% 15.70% 15.34% Net interest margin . . . . . . . . 4.27% 4.27% 4.57% 4.88% 4.60% 4.64% 4.60% 4.56% Average stockholders' equity to average assets 6.73% 6.47% 6.41% 6.51% 6.60% 6.45% 6.77% 7.01% ______________ Represents stockholders' equity divided by the number of outstanding shares at period end. Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Gives effect to the application of the net proceeds of the Offering, issuance of the 2006 Debentures and conversion of the 2000 Debentures as of December 31, 1996. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 - Developments Since September 30, 1996.
3 RISK FACTORS Investors should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, before purchasing any of the securities offered hereby. Government Regulation - --------------------- United and the Banks are subject to extensive government regulation and control. This regulation not only imposes cost and compliance burdens, but also limits and defines the scope and nature of United's and the Banks' activities. See "BUSINESS" and "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION." Determination of Offering Price of Common Stock - ----------------------------------------------- Because there is no active market for the Common Stock, the offering price for the Common Stock has been determined by the Board of Directors of United and represents the most favorable terms for United upon which the Board of Directors believes it can anticipate attracting additional capital in the amounts needed by United. When setting the price for the securities offered hereby, the Board of Directors considered recent sales of the Common Stock, prevailing area and national economic conditions, the prices of securities of other financial institutions in comparison to the earnings and book values of those institutions, and the historical and potential future financial results of United. See "DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE." Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions - --------------------------------------- The operating income and net earnings of the Banks depend to a substantial extent on the difference between the income the Banks receive from their loans, investments and other earning assets, and the interest the Banks pay on their deposits and other liabilities. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors which are beyond the control of the Banks, including national and international economic conditions and the monetary policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities. Absence of Trading Market - ------------------------- The shares of Common Stock offered hereby will not be subject to any specific restrictions on transfer (with the exception of securities purchased by United's directors, officers and other affiliates) and will be freely transferable immediately upon issuance. However, prior to the Offering, there has been no public or other established, active market for the Common Stock, and it is not expected that any active public market for the Common Stock will develop as a result of the completion of the Offering or otherwise. No Firm Commitment - ------------------ The Offering is being conducted on a best-efforts basis. As a consequence, the Offering's success is dependent on the willingness of current shareholders of United to invest additional funds and the ability of the officers of United to attract new investors. The Offering will be conducted by certain executive officers of United in Georgia. North Carolina securities regulations require that offers and sales of Common Stock in the State of North Carolina must be made by a broker-dealer who is registered in North Carolina. United has engaged The Carson Medlin Company ("Carson Medlin") to act as a broker dealer for the account of United in effecting offers and sales of the Common Stock to investors in North Carolina. Carson Medlin will receive a fee of $30,000 for these services. Carson Medlin will not be obligated to purchase any of the Common Stock for its own account. 4 DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE The offering price for the Common Stock was determined by United. Among the factors considered were recent sales of the Common Stock and the earnings of United during the year ended December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as well as United's prospective earnings, an assessment of United's management, the nature of United's assets and liabilities, the future prospects of United and the banking industry in general, area and national economic conditions, interest rate environment, market prices of and demand for securities of institutions engaged in activities similar to those of United and a comparison of prices of securities of other financial institutions to the earnings and book value of those institutions and of United. No assurance can be given that investors in the Offering will be able to resell their shares of Common Stock at a price equal to or greater than the offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus or that such price necessarily indicates the fair market value of the Common Stock. MARKET FOR AND PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK Since United began operations as a holding company in 1988, there has been no established market for the Common Stock. As of December 31, 1996, 6,637,248 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, including 140,000 shares deemed outstanding pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and presently exercisable options to acquire 58,400 shares. United has not agreed to register any other shares of Common Stock nor is United presently contemplating any other public offering of Common Stock. United is aware of approximately 256 sales of Common Stock in 1996 in blocks ranging from one share to 2,500 shares at prices ranging from $10.00 per share to $42.00 per share and of approximately 29 sales of Common Stock in 1995, in blocks ranging from 15 shares to 1,000 shares at prices ranging from $10.00 per share to $11.50 per share. At December 31, 1996, there were 1,704 holders of record of Common Stock. It is not expected that any active public market for the Common Stock will develop as a result of the completion of the Offering or otherwise. USE OF PROCEEDS The net proceeds to be received by United from the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are estimated to be $4.9 million, after the deduction of estimated offering expenses payable by United. United intends to use such proceeds to invest additional capital in UCB and Carolina, and for working capital because of the asset growth which both of those banks are experiencing. United frequently evaluates acquisition opportunities and from time to time enters into discussions regarding possible acquisitions. Pending the application of the net proceeds of the Offering, United currently anticipates that the net proceeds will be deposited into a money market account with UCB. CAPITALIZATION The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of United at September 30, 1996, and as adjusted at that date to give effect to the sale by United of the 2006 Debentures, conversion of the 2000 Debentures and the 250,000 shares of Common Stock and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as described in "USE OF PROCEEDS" and as further adjusted to give effect to the application of the net proceeds of the Offering. This table should be reviewed in conjunction with the United's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. 5
September 30, 1996 ------------------ Actual As Adjusted ------ --------------- ($ in thousands) Long-Term Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,736 $10,736 Convertible Subordinated Debentures . . . . . . . . . 1,000 3,500 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding . . - - Common Stock, $1.00 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 6,260,280 shares issued and outstanding, 6,688,748 shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted 6,260 6,689 Capital surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,520 19,991 Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,471 28,471 Unrealized losses on securities available for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (485) (485) Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,766 54,666 Total capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,502 68,902 _________________________ Gives effect to the application of the net proceeds of the Offering, proceeds from issuance of 2006 Debentures and conversion of the 2000 Debentures as of December 31, 1996. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Information for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 - Developments Since September 30, 1996.
DIVIDENDS United paid semi-annual cash dividends of $.08 per share of Common Stock to shareholders of record in 1996 and $.07 per share of Common Stock to shareholders of record in 1995. United presently intends to continue paying cash dividends on a semi-annual basis with respect to the Common Stock. The amount and frequency of dividends will be determined by United's Board of Directors in light of the earnings, capital requirements and the financial condition of United, and no assurance can be given that dividends on the Common Stock will be declared in the future. Further, United's ability to pay cash dividends on the Common Stock will be dependent on cash dividends paid to it by the Banks. The ability of the Banks to pay dividends to United is restricted by applicable regulatory requirements. See "BUSINESS," "SUPERVISION AND REGULATION" and "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES." 6 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS GENERAL The following discussion focuses on significant changes in the financial condition and results of operations of United and the Banks during the past three years ended December 31, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996. The discussion and analysis is intended to supplement and highlight, and should be in conjunction with, information contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the summary financial information presented elsewhere in this Prospectus. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995. Net earnings totaled over $6 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, an increase of over 16% from the $5.2 million earned in 1994. Net earnings per common share were $1.04 for 1995 compared to $0.93 reported for 1994, an increase of 12%. Return on assets and return on equity for the year ended December 31, 1995, was 1.08% and 16.30%, respectively. The 1994 return on assets and return on equity was 1.22% and 18.68%, respectively. United's balance sheet grew 44.3% during the year as assets ended the year at $660 million. Net loans increased 34.5% during the year and deposits grew over 50%. The increases in both loans and deposits reflect a strengthening economic environment as well as market share gains from competition. Stockholders' equity increased to $44 million and represented 6.67% of year end assets. On October 26, 1995, the United board of Directors declared a five- for-one stock split, effected in the form of a share dividend, payable to shareholders of record November 6, 1995. Share and per share data for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the additional shares outstanding resulting from the stock split. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996. Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased to $5.7 million or 38% over net earnings for the first nine months of 1995. Net earnings per common share for the first nine months also increased 25% from the same period in 1995 to $.91. Net interest income increased 39% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 over the same period of 1995 to $23.6 million. For the first half of 1996, the provision for loan losses increased 23% to $915,000 for the nine month period. Noninterest income and expense rose 21% and 33%, respectively, over the first three quarters of 1995. Total assets at September 30, 1996 were $780 million representing a $120 million or an 18% increase from December 31, 1995 and a $158 million or a 25% increase from September 30, 1995. The growth from prior year is primarily attributed to an increase in market share of approximately $109 million and $49 from acquisitions. The primary purpose of this Offering is to provide more capital to UCB and Carolina which have seen their assets grow $61 million (25%) and $36 million (20%), respectively, in 1996. At September 30, 1996, earning assets totaled $722 million, an increase of $111 million from December 31, 1995. The earning assets mix improved slightly in the first nine months with loans representing 77% of the total earning assets as compared to 73% at December 31, 1995. MERGERS AND BRANCH ACQUISITIONS In 1995, United's subsidiary, Carolina, assumed deposits totaling $32 million and purchased certain assets totaling $12 million of three branch banks in the western North Carolina cities of Andrews, Franklin and Waynesville. Effective August 31, 1995, United completed the acquisition of White County Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the $71 million asset, White County Bank in Cleveland, Georgia. United issued 455,400 shares of its common stock in addition to a previously issued exchangeable payable in kind debenture for all of the issued and outstanding shares of White. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase. 7 On September 28, 1996, UCB assumed deposits of $23.7 million and purchased certain assets totalling $33.2 million of a branch bank located in Cornelia, Habersham County, Georgia. Participation interests in $12 million of those loans were repurchased by the seller, so that the net assets purchased by UCB was $21.2 million. On July 1, 1996, UCB established a de novo branch in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. NET INTEREST INCOME Net interest income (the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and liabilities) is the single largest component of United's operating income. United actively manages this income source to provide the largest possible amount of income while balancing interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks. Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, was $24.1 million in 1995, compared to $19.3 million in 1994 and $15.4 million in 1993. The 25% increase in 1995 was the result of increased volume of net earning assets partially offset by a decline in interest rate spreads. Interest income increased over 44% in 1995 and 20% in 1994, respectively. The increase in 1995 was again primarily a result of an increase in interest and fees on loans of over $12.5 million, of which $2.7 million was contributed as a result of the White County acquisition. Interest on investment securities and other earning assets increased $2.9 million or 49%. Average earning assets in 1995 increased over 33% when compared to 1994 due to increases in average loans of over $86 million and average investment securities of $28 million. Increases in average earning assets of 17% were experienced in 1994 over 1993 primarily due to increases in average loans of $59 million. Table 1 represents net interest income, yields and rates on a taxable-equivalent basis and average balances for the years 1995, 1994 and 1993. 8 Table 1 - Consolidated Average Balances, Interest and Rates Taxable Equivalent Basis (dollars in thousands)
Years Ended December 31, ------------------------ 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- Average Yield/ Average Yield/ Average Yield/ Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Interest earning assets: Federal funds sold $17,467 1,113 6.37% $3,270 135 4.13% $3,674 107 2.91% Interest bearing deposits with other banks 286 3 1.05% 502 20 3.98% 1,350 4 93.63% Investment securities: Taxable 78,684 4,791 6.09% 51,194 2,924 5.71% 57,104 3,276 5.74% Tax-exempt 31,605 2,797 8.85% 30,662 2,747 8.96% 24,324 2,330 9.58% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Total investment securities 110,289 7,588 6.88% 81,856 5,671 6.93% 81,428 5,606 6.88% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Loans: Taxable 389,565 40,943 10.51% 304,961 28,683 9.41% 247,092 23,153 9.37% Tax-exempt 5,938 653 11.00% 4,532 424 9.36% 3,387 306 9.04% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Total loans 395,503 41,596 10.52% 309,493 29,107 9.40% 250,479 23,459 9.37% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Total interest earning assets 523,545 50,300 9.61% 395,121 34,933 8.84% 336,931 29,221 8.67% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Allowance for loan losses (5,367) (3,712) (2,934) Cash and due from banks 15,891 13,504 11,141 Premises and equipment 13,456 11,086 7,897 Other assets 14,867 11,696 8,965 -------- -------- -------- Total assets $562,392 $427,695 $362,000 ======== ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Interest bearing liabilities: Deposits: Demand $ 97,103 3,585 3.69% $ 86,224 2,874 3.33% $ 66,195 2,080 3.14% Savings 33,057 1,023 3.09% 30,172 926 3.07% 24,464 788 3.22% Time 317,938 19,735 6.21% 225,872 10,572 4.68% 208,954 10,229 4.90% Federal funds purchased 975 56 5.74% 2,476 122 4.93% 1,297 42 3.24% FHLB advances 11,889 899 7.56% 8,096 415 5.13% 1,876 99 5.28% Long-term debt 9,537 820 8.60% 8,754 639 7.30% 7,657 459 6.00% Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 90 9.00% 1,000 90 9.00% 1,248 112 9.00% ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ Total interest bearing liabilities 471,499 26,208 5.56% 362,594 15,638 4.31% 311,691 13,809 4.43% ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ Noninterest bearing demand deposits 50,149 34,101 24,847 Other liabilities 3,621 3,167 2,266 Stockholders' equity 37,123 27,833 23,196 ------- ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $562,392 $427,695 $362,000 ======== ======== ======== Net interest income 24,092 19,295 15,412 ====== ====== ====== Net interest spread 4.05% 4.53% 4.24% ==== ==== ==== Net interest margin 4.60% 4.88% 4.57% ==== ==== ==== Taxable equivalent adjustments: Loans $ 222 144 104 Investment securities 951 934 792 ------- ------- ------- Total taxable equivalent adjustments 1,173 1,078 896 ------- ------- ------- Net interest income $ 22,919 $18,217 $14,516 ======== ======= =======
9 CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST AND RATES The banking industry uses two key ratios to measure relative profitability of net interest income. The net interest rate spread measures the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing sources of funds. The interest rate spread eliminates the impact of non-interest bearing deposits and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market interest rate movements. The net interest margin is defined as net interest income as a percent of average total earning assets and takes into account the positive impact of investing non-interest bearing deposits. The net interest spread was 4.05% in 1995, 4.53% in 1994 and 4.24% in 1993, while the net interest margin was 4.60% in 1995, 4.88% in 1994 and 4.57% in 1993. The decrease in the margin and spread are primarily due to competitive pricing for time deposit accounts and a rising rate environment. In addition, the acquisition of White County contributed unfavorably to the net interest margin for 1995. The increase in 1994 compared to 1993 was a result of changes in the overall asset and liability mix, combined with a favorable rate environment. Table 2 shows the change in net interest income for the past two years due to changes in volumes and rate. Table 2 - Rate/Volume Variance Analysis Taxable Equivalent Basis (dollars in thousands)
1995 Compared to 1994 1994 Compared to 1993 Increase (decrease) due to changes in Increase (decrease) due to changes in ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Yield/ Net Yield/ Net Volume Rate Change Volume Rate Change ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Interest earned on: Federal funds sold $ 905 73 978 $ (13) 41 28 Interest bearing deposits with other banks (2) (15) (17) (34) 5 (29) Investment securities: Taxable 1,674 193 1,867 (336) (16) (352) Tax-exempt 83 (33) 50 576 (159) 417 Loans: Taxable 8,892 3,368 12,260 5,438 92 5,530 Tax-exempt 155 74 229 107 11 118 Total interest income 11,707 3,660 15,367 5,738 (26) 5,712 Interest paid on: Deposits: Demand 402 309 711 662 132 794 Savings 89 8 97 177 (39) 138 Time 5,715 3,448 9,163 811 (468) 343 Federal funds purchased (86) 20 (66) 51 29 80 FHLB advances 287 197 484 319 (3) 316 Long-term debt 67 114 181 72 108 180 Convertible subordinated debentures -- -- -- (22) -- (22) Total interest expense 6,474 4,096 10,570 2,070 (241) 1,829 Net interest income $5,233 (436) 4,797 $3,668 215 3,883
10 NONINTEREST INCOME Noninterest income consists primarily of revenues generated from service charges and fees on deposit accounts, mortgage loan and related fees and profits earned through sales of credit life insurance. In addition, gains or losses realized from the sale of investment portfolio securities are included in non-interest income. Total non-interest income for 1995 increased 13% or $502,000, $235,000 of which was contributed as a result of the White County acquisition. Noninterest income for 1994 showed a modest increase of 2% from 1993. The growth in non-interest income was the result of United's continuing efforts to build stable sources of fee income, which includes services charges on deposits and mortgage loan and related fees. This growth is being accomplished through the building of customer market share and expansion of United's locations together with $135,000 resulting from the White acquisition. The primary contributor to non-interest income growth in both 1995 and 1994 was the continued growth in service charges on deposits. Fee income from service charges on deposit accounts increased over 32% in 1995 following a 9% increase in 1994. Continued emphasis on low cost checking account services, appropriate pricing for transaction deposit accounts and fee collection practices for other deposit services contributed to the increased levels of income for both years. Increases during 1995 and 1994 were further influenced by the increase in both the number of accounts and balances outstanding in transaction deposit accounts. Net gains on sales of investment securities decreased $34,000 from 1994 levels as management liquidated fewer investment securities to meet loan demand. Mortgage loan and related fee income decreased almost 4% or $57,000 during 1995 as compared to 1994 as the volume of loans refinanced remained relatively flat. NONINTEREST EXPENSE Noninterest expenses for 1995 increased 28% following an increase of 19% in 1994. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of White County Bank which added an additional $1.6 million or 40% of the total increase. Salaries and employee benefits increased 26% from 1994 due to employee additions resulting from the White and Carolina branch acquisitions together with the increases required to maintain continued growth and cost of living raises. Net occupancy expense increased $685,000 or 34% in 1995 following a 25% increase in 1994. The 1995 increase in occupancy expense was due primarily to increased depreciation related to new banking facilities located in Blue Ridge, Georgia and costs to operate the banking facilities in White County, Georgia and the branch banking facilities acquired by Carolina. Deposit insurance premiums decreased $302,000 or 37% as a result of the FDIC refunds from a recalculated FDIC assessment. Other non-interest expenses, including advertising, stationery and supplies, increased $1.5 million or 48% compared to a 11% increase in 1994. Management continues to emphasize the importance of expense management productivity throughout United in order to further decrease the cost of providing expanded banking services to a growing market base. INVESTMENT SECURITIES The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects United's investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment 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. 11 During 1995, gross investment securities sales were $15 million as compared to $19 million during 1994. Maturities and paydowns were $23 and $13 million, representing 21% and 12%, respectively, of the average total portfolio for the year. Net gains associated with the sales were approximately $4,000 and $38,000, respectively, accounting for less than 1% of non-interest income. Gross unrealized gains in the total portfolio amounted to approximately $1.8 million at year end 1995 and gross unrealized losses amounted to approximately $470,000. Total average investment securities, including those available for sale, increased 35% during 1995 largely due to the White acquisition. Average investment securities during 1994 increased 0.5% from the 1993 average levels. In December 1995, United transferred securities with amortized costs of $11 million from the held to maturity category to the available for sale category. At the date of transfer, the unrealized gain related to the transfer amounted to $312,500. These transfers were made as a result of United's reassessment of the appropriateness of its securities classifications as allowed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's special report "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Table 3 reflects the carrying amount of the investment securities portfolio for the past three years.
Table 3 - Carrying Value of Investments (dollars in thousands) December 31, --------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ============================================================================================== Securities held to maturity: U.S. Treasury $ 6,624 4,250 1,320 U.S. Government agencies 37,736 20,556 12,435 State and political subdivisions 26,524 32,039 27,648 Mortgage backed securities 7,937 6,103 5,756 ---------------------------------------------- 78,821 62,948 47,159 ---------------------------------------------- Securities available for sale: U.S. Treasury 23,239 5,781 13,766 U.S. Government agencies 28,341 6,733 18,548 State and political subdivisions 6,321 - - Mortgage backed securities 4,290 569 1,364 Other 2,855 1,864 1,372 ---------------------------------------------- 65,046 14,947 35,050 ---------------------------------------------- Total $143,867 77,895 82,209 ==============================================
CARRYING VALUE OF INVESTMENTS The December 31, 1995, market value of securities held to maturity, as a percentage of amortized cost was 101%, up from 96% at December 31, 1994. The market value of the portfolio of securities held to maturity will change as interest rates change and such unrealized gains or losses will not flow through the earnings statement unless the related securities are called at prices which differ from the carrying value at the time of call. United utilizes its investment portfolio to offset some of the natural mismatch of interest rate risk inherent in the loan and deposit portfolios. United is fortunate to experience strong loan demand at all the Banks so there is little need for investments solely to augment income or utilize uninvested deposits. Accordingly, United must maintain a conservative posture with respect to the types of securities in which it invests. The investment portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government agencies and tax-free municipal securities with little principal risk. 12 LOANS During 1995, average loans increased $86 million, or 28% and represented 75% of average interest earning assets and 70% of average total assets. This growth generally occurred proportionally among the various loan categories and can be attributed to additional products and services marketed to existing customers and the successful business development efforts which resulted in market share gains from competitors. In addition, the acquisition of White as well as the branch acquisitions contributed approximately $50 million. The level of loans, when compared to the level of deposits, has been relatively strong over the last three years. The average loan to deposit ratio was 79%, 82% and 77% in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The decrease noted in 1995 is attributed to the infusion of deposits acquired from the White acquisition together with the branch acquisitions. Table 4 breaks down the composition of the loan portfolio for each of the past five years while Table 5 shows the amount of loans outstanding for selected categories as of December 31, 1995, with maturities based on the remaining scheduled repayments of principal.
Table 4 - Loan Portfolio (dollars in thousands) December 31, ================================================================================================== 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 ================================================================================================================================== Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total ================================================================================================================================== Commercial, financial and agricultural $120,876 27.2% 105,644 32.1% 82,424 30.5% 67,208 30.7% 51,765 28.8% Real estate - construction 29,538 6.7% 19,707 6.0% 21,984 8.1% 9,768 4.5% 8,601 4.8% Real estate - mortgage 216,649 48.8% 144,971 44.0% 115,822 42.9% 98,427 45.0% 80,859 44.9% Installment loans to 77,029 17.3% 58,904 17.9% 49,770 18.5% 43,425 19.8% 38,700 21.5% ------ ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ------ -------- ------ individual Total loans 444,092 100.0% 329,226 100.0% 270,000 100.0% 218,828 100.0% 179,925 100.0% Less: Allowance for loan 6,545 3,950 3,237 2,592 2,091 ------- ------- ------- ------- losses $437,547 325,276 266,763 216,236 177,834 ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Table 5 - Loan Portfolio Maturity (dollars in thousands) Rate Structure for Loans Maturity Maturing Over One Year ============================================================================================ Over One Year Floating or One Year Through Over Five Predetermined Adjustable or Less Five Years Years Total Interest Rate Rate ============================================================================================================================ Commercial, financial and agricultural $103,378 12,796 4,702 120,876 15,330 2,168 Real estate - construction 28,828 710 - 29,538 261 449 -------- ------ ----- ------- ------ ----- $132,206 13,506 4,702 150,414 15,591 2,617 =========================================================================================
PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES United manages asset quality and controls risk through diversification of the loan portfolio and the application of policies designed to foster sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. United's loan administration function is charged with monitoring asset quality, establishing credit policies and procedures, and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures across United. 13 The provision for loan losses is the annual cost of providing an adequate allowance for anticipated potential future losses on loans. The amount each year is dependent upon many factors including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, management's assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and economic factors and trends. Reviews of non-performing, past due loans and larger credits, designed to identify potential charges to the allowance for loan losses, as well as determine the adequacy of the allowance, are made on a regular basis during the year. These reviews are made by the responsible lending officers, as well as a separate credit administration department, and consider such factors as the financial strength of borrowers, the value of the applicable collateral, past loan loss experience, anticipated loan losses, growth in the loan portfolio, and other factors, including prevailing and anticipated economic conditions. Whenever a loan, or portion thereof, is considered by management to be uncollectible, it is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Banks' allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Banks to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. The provision for loan losses increased 11% in 1995 compared to an 11% increase in 1994 although the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans increased from 1.19% in 1994 to 1.47% at year end 1995 due to the $1.8 million allowance acquired from White. Net loan charge-offs increased 16% in 1995 after increasing 13% in 1994. The slight increase in 1995 is largely due to net charge-offs within the White loan portfolio. United does not currently allocate the allowance for loan losses to the various loan categories. Net charge- offs during 1996 are expected to approximate those experienced during 1995. 14 Table 6 sets forth information with respect to United's loan and the allowance for loan losses for each of the last five years. Table 6 - Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses (dollars in thousands) Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 ===================================================================================================================== Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year $ 3,950 3,237 2,592 2,091 1,816 Charge-offs: Commercial, financial and agricultural 148 27 6 25 236 Real estate - construction 24 - - - 3 Real estate - mortgage 337 49 54 58 126 Installment loans to individuals 166 238 227 226 250 -------------------------------------------------------------- Total charge-offs 675 314 287 309 615 -------------------------------------------------------------- Recoveries: Commercial, financial and agricultural 157 6 1 43 6 Real estate - construction - - - - - Real estate - mortgage 189 1 28 23 10 Installment loans to individuals 71 85 61 60 40 -------------------------------------------------------------- Total recoveries 417 92 90 126 56 -------------------------------------------------------------- Net charge-offs 258 222 197 183 559 -------------------------------------------------------------- Provisions charged to earnings 1,040 935 842 472 834 Allowance for loan losses acquired from White 1,813 - - - - Allowance for loan losses acquired from Towns - - - 212 - -------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at end of year $6,545 3,950 3,237 2,592 2,091 ============================================================== Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period 0.07% 0.07% 0.08% 0.09% 0.33%
ASSET QUALITY Non-performing assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due totaled $2.2 million compared to $599,000 at year end 1994. The increase from 1994 is directly attributable to certain non-performing assets resulting from the acquisition of White. It is the general policy of the Banks to stop accruing interest income and place the recognition of interest on a cash basis when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status and any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income unless the collateral for the loan is sufficient to cover the accrued interest or a guarantor assures payment of interest. Loans made by United's Bank Subsidiaries to facilitate the sale of other real estate are made on terms comparable to loans of similar risk. An adequate investment by the buyer is required prior to the removal of other real estate from non-performing assets. There were no commitments to lend additional funds on nonaccrual loans at December 31, 1995. Table 7 summarizes United's non-performing assets for each of the last five years.
Table 7 - Risk Elements (dollars in thousands) December 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 ========================================================================================================== Loans on nonaccrual $1,914 514 567 542 874 Loans 90 days past due 226 85 197 36 751 Other real estate 65 - - 41 609 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-performing assets $2,205 599 764 619 2,234 =================================================================== Total non-performing loans as a percentage of loans 0.48% 0.18% 0.21% 0.25% 0.49% Loans 90 days past due as a percentage of loans 0.05% 0.03% 0.07% 0.02% 0.42%
15 Risk Elements There may be additional loans within United's portfolio that may become classified as conditions dictate; however, management was not aware of any such loans that are material in amount at December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1995, management was unaware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that will have, or that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on United's liquidity, capital resources or operations. Deposits All major categories of average interest bearing deposits increased during 1995. The largest dollar increase in average interest bearing deposits was in the time deposit category, rising over $92 million or 41% from 1994 followed by the increase in average interest bearing demand deposits of $11 million or 13%. Average non-interest bearing demand deposits increased over $16 million or 47% after increasing 37% during 1994. The increases were primarily a result of internally generated growth, as well as the previously discussed acquisitions. Savings deposits, interest bearing demand deposits and non-interest bearing demand deposits accounted for 36% of total average deposits during 1995. For 1994, these lower cost deposits, including certificates of deposit over $100,000, were almost $318 million or 64% of total average deposits. The maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more issued by United's bank subsidiaries at December 31, 1995, are summarized in the following table: Table 8 - Maturities of Time Deposits Over $100,000 (dollars in thousands) Three months or less $30,477 Over three months through six months 14,784 Over six months through twelve months 21,395 Over twelve months 23,803 -------- $90,459 ======== At December 31, 1995, four of United's bank subsidiaries were shareholders in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Through this affiliation, advances totaling $9 million were outstanding at rates competitive with time deposits of like maturities. United anticipates further utilization of this short and long term source of funds to minimize interest rate risk and provide competitive, long-term fixed rate loans to its customers. INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY MANAGEMENT The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant impact on United's profitability. The objective of interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates, in order to achieve United's overall financial goals. Based on economic conditions, asset quality and various other considerations, management establishes tolerance ranges for interest rate sensitivity and manages within these ranges. United uses income simulation modeling as the primary tool in measuring interest rate risk and managing interest rate sensitivity. Simulation modeling considers not only the impact of changing market rates of interest on future net interest income, but also such other potential causes of variability as earning asset volume, mix, yield curve relationships, customer preferences and general market conditions. Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of United's portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the interest bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity during the life of the instruments. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their repricing characteristics during periods of changes in market interest rates. Effective interest rate sensitivity management seeks to ensure that both assets and liabilities respond to changes in interest rates within an acceptable time frame, thereby minimizing the effect of interest rate movements on net interest income. 16 Interest rate sensitivity is measured as the difference between the volumes of assets and liabilities in United's current portfolio that are subject to repricing at various time horizons: immediate, one to three months, four to twelve months, one or five years, over five years, and on a cumulative basis. The differences are known as interest sensitivity gaps. Table 9 shows interest sensitivity gaps for these different intervals as of December 31, 1995.
Table 9 - Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis (dollars in thousands) December 31, 1995 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Four One Over Five Through Through Through Years and Three Twelve Five Non-Rate Immediate Months Months Years Sensitive Total ================================================================================================================== Interest earning assets: Federal funds sold $ 11,230 - - - - 11,230 Investment securities - 19,695 25,883 64,295 33,994 143,867 Mortgage loans held for sale - 12,048 - - - 12,048 Loans 93,766 68,069 182,408 72,307 27,542 444,092 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest earning assets 104,996 99,812 208,291 136,602 61,536 611,237 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest bearing liabilities: Deposits: Demand - 114,825 - - - 114,825 Savings - - 38,947 - - 8,947 Time - 107,893 155,377 110,861 - 374,131 FHLB advances 1,000 83 3,218 1,831 2,869 9,001 Long-term debt 11,309 - - - - 11,309 Convertible subordinated debentures - - - 1,000 - 1,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest bearing liabilities 12,309 222,801 197,542 113,692 2,869 549,213 Noninterest bearing sources of funds - net - - - - 62,753 62,753 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest sensitivity gap 92,687 (122,989) 10,749 22,910 (4,086) (729) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumulative interest sensitivity gap $92,687 (30,302) (19,553) 3,357 (729) - =========================================================================
As seen in the preceding table, for the first 365 days 78% of earning asset funding sources will reprice compared to 67% of all interest earning assets. Changes in the mix of earning assets or supporting liabilities can either increase or decrease the net interest margin without affecting interest rate sensitivity. In addition, the interest rate spread between an asset and its supporting liability can vary significantly while the timing of repricing for both the asset and the liability remains the same, thus impacting net interest income. This characteristic is referred to as basis risk and generally relates to the possibility that the repricing characteristics of short-term assets tied to United's prime lending rate are different from those of short-term funding sources such as certificates of deposit. Varying interest rate environments can create unexpected changes in prepayment levels of assets and liabilities which are not reflected in the interest rate sensitivity analysis report. These prepayments may have significant effects on United's net interest margin. Because of these factors an interest sensitivity gap report may not provide a complete assessment of United's exposure to changes in interest rates. Table 9 indicates United is in a liability sensitive or negative gap position at twelve months. This liability sensitive position would generally indicate that United's net interest income would decrease should interest rates rise and would increase should interest rates fall. Due to the factors cited previously, current simulation results indicate only minimal sensitivity to parallel shifts in interest rates. Management also evaluates the condition of the economy, the pattern of 17 market interest rates and other economic data to determine the appropriate mix and repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities required to produce an optimal net interest margin. Table 10 represents the expected maturity of the total investment securities by maturity date and average yields based on amortized cost (for all obligations on a fully taxable basis assuming a 34% tax rate) at December 31, 1995. It should be noted that the composition and maturity/repricing distribution of the investment portfolio is subject to change depending on rate sensitivity, capital needs, and liquidity needs.
Table 10 - Expected Maturity of Investment Securities (dollars in thousands) ====================================================================================================================== After One But After Five But Within One Year Within Five Years Within Ten Years After Ten Years Totals ============================================================================================= Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield ===================================================================================================================== Securities held to maturity: U.S. Treasury securities $5,249 5.84% 1,375 6.01% - - - - 6,624 U.S. Government agencies 8,275 5.45% 28,961 5.71% 250 7.71% 250 9.60% 37,736 State and political subdivisions 1,134 6.07% 6,605 5.63% 12,724 5.28% 6,061 5.54% 26,524 Mortgage backed securities - - 4,496 7.13% 1,427 6.99% 2,014 6.04% 7,937 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14,658 5.64% 41,437 5.86% 14,401 5.49% 8,325 5.79% 78,821 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Securities available for sale: U.S. Treasury securities 10,606 6.18% 12,522 5.84% - - - - 23,128 U.S. Government agencies 10,475 6.25% 17,740 6.33% - - - - 28,215 State and political subdivisions 1,382 6.63% 4,521 6.63% 104 6.00% - - 6,007 Mortgage backed securities - - 9 7.96% 1,848 5.99% 2,453 5.08% 4,310 Other - - - - - - 2,912 5.28% 2,912 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22,463 5.83% 34,792 5.33% 1,952 5.67% 5,365 5.19% 64,572 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $37,121 5.76% 76,229 5.62% 16,353 5.51% 13,690 5.55 143,393 ===========================================================================================
18 LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that sufficient funding is available, at reasonable cost, to meet the ongoing operational cash needs of United and to take advantage of income producing opportunities as they arise. While the desired level of liquidity will vary depending upon a variety of factors, it is the primary goal of United to maintain a high level of liquidity in all economic environments. Liquidity is defined as the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining United's ability to meet the day to day cash flow requirements of the Banks' customers, whether they are depositors wishing to withdraw funds or borrowers requiring funds to meet their credit needs. Without proper liquidity management, United would not be able to perform the primary functions of a financial intermediary and would, therefore, not be able to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The primary function of asset and liability management is not only to assure adequate liquidity in order for United to meet the needs of its customer base, but to maintain an appropriate balance between interest- sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities so that the Company can also meet the investment requirements of its shareholders. Daily monitoring of the sources and use of funds is necessary to maintain an acceptable cash position that meets both requirements. In a banking environment, both assets and liabilities are considered sources of liquidity funding and both are, therefore, monitored on a daily basis. The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments, maturities of investment securities and, to a lesser extent, sales of securities. Installment loan payments are becoming an increasingly important source of liquidity for United as this portfolio continues to grow. Mortgage loans held for sale totaled just over $12 million at year end and typically turn over every 45 days. Real estate-construction and commercial, financial and agricultural loans that mature in one year or less amounted to $132 million or 30% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 1995. Investment securities maturing in the same time frame totaled $37 million or 26% of the total investment securities portfolio at year end 1995. Other short-term investments such as federal funds sold and maturing interest bearing deposits with other banks are additional sources of liquidity funding. The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through various customers' interest bearing and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are additional sources of liquidity and basically represent United's incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet short-term liquidity needs. As disclosed in United's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included elsewhere herein, net cash provided by operating activities, net of the decrease in mortgage loans held for sale, increased over $8 million primarily due to the increase in net earnings coupled with increases in noncash expenses - depreciation and amortization and provision for loan losses. Net cash used in investing activities of $87 million consisted primarily of net loans originated of $63 million and securities purchased of $85 million funded largely by sales, maturities and paydowns of investment securities of over $37 million and cash acquired from acquisitions and branch purchases of $26 million. This resulted from management's continued efforts to reinvest new funds in higher-yielding loans rather than investment securities. Net cash provided by financing activities provided the remainder of funding sources for 1995. The $96 million of net cash provided consisted primarily of a $104 million net increase in demand, savings and time deposits net of Federal Home Loan Bank repayments of $3 million. Management considers United's liquidity position at the end of 1995 to be sufficient to meet its foreseeable cash flow requirements. Reference should be made to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows appearing in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a three-year analysis of the changes in cash and cash equivalents resulting from operating, investing and financing activities. 19 CAPITAL RESOURCES AND DIVIDENDS Stockholders' equity at December 31, 1995, increased 45% from December 31, 1994. Net earnings after dividends for 1995 accounted for over $6 million of the increase in stockholders' equity augmented by $5.3 million resulting from the acquisition of White, $2.4 million realized from the issuance of common stock and $460,000 in unrealized gains on available for sale investment securities. Dividends of $418,000 or $0.07 per share were declared on the Common Stock in 1995, which represented a 75% increase from the $0.04 declared in 1994. United has historically retained the majority of its earnings in order to keep pace with the rate at which assets have grown. Average stockholders' equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. The ratio of average stockholders' equity to average assets for 1995 was 6.60% compared to 6.51% in 1994. United's asset growth has continued to exceed the rate at which capital has been retained. Table 11 summarizes these and other key ratios for United for each of the last three years.
Table 11 - Equity Ratios Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ============================================================================================== Return on average assets 1.08% 1.22% 1.16% Return on average equity 16.30% 18.68% 18.12% Dividend payout ratio 6.91% 4.30% 4.62% Average equity to average assets 6.60% 6.51% 6.41%
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has issued guidelines for the implementation of risk-based capital requirements by U.S. banks and bank holding companies. These risk-based capital guidelines take into consideration risk factors, as defined by regulators, associated with various categories of assets, both on and off balance sheet. Under the guidelines, capital strength is measured in two tiers which are used in conjunction with risk adjusted assets to determine the risk based capital ratios. The guidelines require an 8% total risk-based capital ratio, of which 4% must be Tier I capital. United's Tier I capital, which consists of stockholders' equity less goodwill and deposit-based intangibles, amounted to $37.3 million at December 31, 1995. Tier II capital components include supplemental capital components such as a qualifying allowance for loan losses and qualifying subordinated debt. Tier I capital plus Tier II capital components is referred to as Total Risk-based Capital and was $43.7 million at year end 1995. The percentage ratios, as calculated under the guidelines, were 8.59% and 10.07% for Tier I and Total Risk-based Capital, respectively, at year end 1995. A minimum leverage ratio is required in addition to the risk-based capital standards and is defined as period end stockholders' equity adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles divided by average assets adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles. Although a minimum leverage ratio of 4% is required for the highest-rated bank holding companies which are not undertaking significant expansion programs, the Federal Reserve Board requires a bank holding company to maintain a leverage ratio greater than 4% if it is experiencing or anticipating significant growth or is operating with less than well- diversified risks in the opinion of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board uses the leverage ratio in tandem with the risk- based capital ratios to assess capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies. United's leverage ratios at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were 6.74% and 6.28%, respectively. Risk-based and leverage capital positions as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 are presented in Table 12. 20
Table 12 - Analysis of Capital Adequacy (dollars in thousands) Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 Amount Percent Amount Percent ================================================== Tier 1 risk-based capital: Tier I capital $37,287 8.59% 26,440 8.48% Minimum required 17,371 4.00% 12,479 4.00% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excess 19,916 4.59% 13,961 4.48% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total risk-based capital: Actual 43,715 10.07% 31,340 10.05% Minimum required 34,741 8.00% 24,958 8.00% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excess 8,974 2.07% 6,382 2.05% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tier 1 capital leverage ratio: Actual 37,287 6.74% 26,440 6.28% Minimum required 22,126 4.00% 16,847 4.00% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Excess 15,161 2.74% 9,593 2.28% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total risk-adjusted assets $434,263 311,969 ======= =======
All three of the capital ratios of United's bank subsidiaries currently exceed the minimum ratios required in 1995 as defined by federal regulators. United monitors these ratios to ensure that the bank subsidiaries remain within regulatory guidelines. Increased regulatory activity in the financial industry as a whole will continue to impact the structure of the industry; however, management does not anticipate any negative impact on the capital resources or operations of United. INCOME TAX EXPENSE Income tax expense increased 15% for 1995 and 32% for 1994. The effective tax rate as a percentage of pretax income was 27% in 1995 and 1994. These tax rates are lower than the statutory Federal tax rate of 34% primarily due to interest income on tax exempt loans and securities. See United's consolidated financial statements for an analysis of income taxes. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 The following discussion reviews significant changes in the financial condition and results of operations of United and the Banks for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 1995. NET INTEREST INCOME. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased $6.4 million over the first three quarters of 1995. This increase was the result of a $10.6 million, or 30% increase, in interest income, offset by a $4.2 million increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in average earning assets of $146 million. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, increased $4.2 million, or 23% from the prior year, due primarily to a 29% increase in average core deposits, offset slightly by a decrease in the average yield on source of funds from 4.93% to 4.68%. NET INTEREST MARGIN. The difference between the overall interest income on earning assets and the interest expense paid on all funding sources, including non-interest bearing deposits, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the first three quarters of 1996 the net interest margin was 4.64% compared to 4.32% for the same period in 1995. This 32 basis point increase resulted from a stable rate environment as well as a favorable change in the core deposit mix. 21 NONINTEREST INCOME. Noninterest income for the first nine months of 1996 increased $642,000, or 21% over the same period in 1995. Service charges on deposits increased over $559,000, or 40% during the first nine months, principally as a result of an increased number of deposit accounts being serviced. This increase is a result of continued growth and the White and the Carolina branch acquisitions. Mortgage loan and related fees increased $114,000, or 10% as a result of declining rate environment for a majority of the first nine months of 1996. Gains on investment securities sold during the first three quarter of 1996 were not material. NONINTEREST EXPENSE. Noninterest expenses increased $4.2 million during the first nine months of 1996 over the same period in 1995. Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.3 million, or 33%, for the first three quarters. The increase in salaries and benefits was the result of an additional 72 employees compared to the same period in 1995. The number of employees increased primarily as a result of the White acquisition as well as the branch banking facilities acquired by Carolina as discussed earlier. Net occupancy expense increased $446,000 due primarily to an increase in the depreciation and other occupancy expenses associated with the increased number of banking facilities. FDIC deposit insurance premiums decreased $433,000 as a result of the recalculated FDIC assessment. Other non-interest expense, including stationary and supplies and advertising, increased $1.8 million during the first three quarters of 1996. PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased 23% to $915,000 from the $746,000 reported for the same period in 1995. Management considers the size and character of the loan portfolio, changes in non-performing and past due loans, historical loan loss experience, the existing risk of individual loans, concentrations of loans to specific borrowers and existing and prospective economic conditions when determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 1996 was $7.4 million compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 1995. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding at September 30, 1996 was 1.32% compared to 1.48% at December 31, 1995. The reduction in the ratio reflects the improvement in the quality of United's loan portfolio. It is management's belief that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable loss in the portfolio. ASSET QUALITY. Non-performing assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due, decreased $1.3 million to $850,000 at September 30, 1996 from $2.2 million at December 31, 1995. In addition, non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate owned improved to .15% at September 30, 1996 from .48% at December 31, 1995. United regularly monitors selected accruing loans for which general economic conditions or changes within a particular industry could cause the borrowers financial difficulties. This regular monitoring of the loan portfolio and the related identification of loans with a high degree of credit risk are essential parts of United's credit management. Management continues to emphasize maintaining a low level of non- performing assets and returning current non-performing assets to an earning status. At September 30, 1996, management was unaware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that will have or that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on United's liquidity, capital resources or operations. DEPOSITS. Interest bearing deposits at September 30, 1996 increased $79 million from December 31, 1995, while non-interest bearing deposits increased over $11 million since December 31, 1995. At September 30, 1996, deposits accounted for 87% of United's funding, from 90% at December 31, 1995. 22 LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL RESOURCES. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For the three quarters of 1996, net cash used from investing activities of $96 million consisted of proceeds from maturities of investment securities of $34 million, proceeds from sales of investment securities of $12 million, cash acquired from acquisitions of $3 million and offset by cash outflows of $47 million in investment securities purchases, a $95 million increase in loans outstanding and purchase of bank premises and equipment of $1.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted largely of a $66 million increase in deposit and time accounts, $22 million from additional FHLB advances, and were offset slightly by payments of $811,000 on United's long-term debt and FHLB repayments. Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 1996, was 6.26% of total assets compared to 6.67% at December 31, 1995. The slight decrease since year end 1995 reflects the asset growth of $120 million and the change of $736,000 in the unrealized loss in United's available for sale investment portfolio offset by retained earnings from the first nine months of 1996. INCOME TAX EXPENSE. Income tax expense increased during the first three quarters of 1996 compared to the same period in 1995 by $1.1 million. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 were 35% and 30%, respectively. The increases are due primarily to the combined effect of increased levels of pretax income, and a lower mix of tax-exempt securities held in the investment portfolio. Management expects the trend of an increasing effective tax rate to continue. DEVELOPMENTS SINCE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996. On December 31, 1996, the holders of convertible debentures of the Company due July 1, 2000 (the"2000 Debentures"), which bore interest at a rate of 9% per annum, converted the 2000 Debentures into an aggregate of 178,568 shares of common stock in accordance with their terms and pursuant to an additional six month period for conversion extended by the Company in order to comply with certain obligations of the Company to provide the holders with notice of the conversion termination date. On December 31, 1996, the Company also completed a private placement of $3,500,000 in payable in kind debentures due 2006 (the "2006 Debentures"). See "Business - Recent Developments." IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES. A bank's asset and liability structure is substantially different from that of an industrial company in that primarily all assets and liabilities of a bank are monetary in nature and therefore differ greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories. Inflation does have an important impact on the growth of total assets and the resulting need to increase equity capital at higher than normal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio. United's management believes the impact of inflation on financial results depends on United's ability to react to changes in interest rates and, by such reaction, reduce the inflationary impact on performance. United has an asset/liability management program which attempts to manage United's interest rate sensitivity position. In addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs. Cost cutting and cost controlling measures have been implemented, including the constant search for technological advancements in order to improve efficiency and productivity. 23 BUSINESS GENERAL United was incorporated under the laws of Georgia in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988 by acquiring 100% of the outstanding shares of UCB. United is a registered bank holding company. All of United's activities are currently conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiaries, UCB, which was organized as a Georgia banking corporation in 1950, Carolina, which United acquired in 1990, Peoples, which United acquired in 1992, Towns, which United also acquired in 1992 and White, which United acquired in 1995. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF $3,500,000 CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED PAYABLE-IN- KIND DEBENTURES DUE DECEMBER 31, 2006. On December 31, 1996, United completed a private placement of convertible subordinated payable-in-kind debentures due December 31, 1996 (the "2006 Debentures"). The 2006 Debentures bear interest at the rate of one quarter of one percentage point over the prime rate per annum as quoted in The Wall Street Journal, payable on April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1 of each year commencing on April 1, 1997, to holders of record at the close of business on the 15th day of the month immediately preceding the interest payment date. Interest is computed on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable. The 2006 Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time on or after January 1, 1998, at the option of United upon at least 20 days' and not more than 60 days' notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed plus interest accrued and unpaid as of the date of redemption. The holders of the 2006 Debentures not redeemed will have the right, exercisable at any time up to December 31, 2006, to convert such Debenture at the principal amount thereof into shares of Common Stock of United at the conversion price of $25 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends. BRANCHING TO NEW MARKETS. Effective July 1, 1996, the Georgia bank branching laws were amended to permit subsidiary banks of Georgia bank holding companies to branch in an aggregate of three additional locations prior to July 1, 1998, after which time statewide branching would be permitted. On July 1, 1996, UCB changed its name from Union County Bank to United Community Bank and established a branch office in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. UCB simultaneously filed a tradename filing to permit it to conduct its operations in Union County, Georgia under the tradename Union County Bank. On September 28, 1996, UCB assumed deposits of $23.7 million and purchased assets of $33.2 million in Cornelia, Habersham County, Georgia, from a banking institution which sold all of its operations in the county. In Habersham County, UCB operates under the trade name of First Bank of Habersham, and in Lumpkin County, UCB does business as United Community Bank. On July 1, 1996, Carolina opened a loan production office in Sylva, North Carolina. PUBLIC STOCK OFFERING. In August 1995 United completed an offering to the public of 215,515 shares of United Common Stock registered under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to which $2,434,000 in additional capital was raised. United used the proceeds of the offering primarily to invest additional capital in Carolina and Towns. The additional capital for Towns was to support the asset growth experienced by Towns. The additional capital for Carolina was necessitated by Carolina's asset growth and the acquisition of the Franklin and Waynesville branch banking offices. ACQUISITION OF WHITE. In 1994, United acquired a payable-in-kind debenture in the principal amount of $2,846,240 of White County Bancshares, Inc. ("WC Holding Company"), at that time the holder of a majority of the outstanding common stock of White. White had entered into a Cease and Desist Order with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the "DBF") on July 15, 1993 which required it to raise $3 million in additional capital. WC Holding Company initially gave its shareholders the right to subscribe for the entire amount of additional capital by offering them $3 million of Common Stock of White and stock rights for additional shares of White Common Stock. United agreed to acquire the debenture to the extent the offering was not successful in raising the additional capital. The principal amount of the debenture was exchangeable for White Common Stock held by WC Holding Company at the 24 rate of $40 per share of White Common Stock, and the debenture accrued interest at 9.75% compounded annually. Because WC Holding Company was not able to pay interest in cash on the debentures, it made interest payments in the form of additional exchangeable debentures. On April 11, 1995, United and WC Holding Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization providing for the merger of United and WC Holding Company (the "Holding Company Merger") and the merger of White County Bank and White Interim Bank (the "Bank Merger"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United. Subsequently, on April 17, 1995, United converted the debentures into 77,452 shares of White Common Stock. On August 31, 1995, the Holding Company Merger and the Bank Merger were consummated. Pursuant to the Holding Company Merger, each share of WC Holding Company Common Stock was converted into 0.04 shares of United's Common Stock (as restated to reflect the five-for-one stock split). United issued 455,400 shares of its common stock and approximately $10,000 in cash for fractional shares in exchange for all the outstanding common shares of WC Holding Company. Pursuant to the Bank Merger, each share of White County Bank Common Stock, other than those shares owned by United, were converted into 0.25697 shares of United's Common Stock (as restated to reflect the five-for-one stock split). United was the surviving entity in the Holding Company Merger, and White Interim Bank, which changed its name to "White County Bank," was the surviving entity in the Bank Merger. SERVICES UCB, Carolina, Peoples, Towns and White (collectively, the "Banks") are community-oriented, with an emphasis on retail banking, and offer such customary banking services as customer and commercial checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, lines of credit, Mastercard and VISA accounts, money transfers and trust services. The Banks finance commercial and consumer transactions, make secured and unsecured loans, including residential mortgage loans, and provide a variety of other banking services. UCB also offers travel agency services for the Banks' customers. The Mortgage People Company ("MPC"), a division of UCB, is a full- service mortgage lending operation approved as a seller/servicer for Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Mortgage Corporation. MPC was organized to provide fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages. United Family Finance Company ("UFFC"), which United purchased in 1996, is a traditional consumer finance company. UFFC, formerly known as Mountain Mortgage and Loan Company, is based in Hiawassee, Georgia and also has been granted a license to conduct business in Blue Ridge, Georgia. MARKETS United conducts banking activities primarily through UCB in Union County, Lumpkin County and Habersham County and surrounding counties of Georgia, through Peoples in Fannin County and surrounding counties of Georgia and Polk County, Tennessee, through Towns in Towns County and surrounding counties of Georgia, through Carolina in Cherokee County, Macon County, Haywood County, Graham County and Clay County and surrounding counties in North Carolina, and through White in White County and surrounding counties in Georgia. MPC makes mortgage loans both inside the Banks market areas and outside this market areas through affiliations with other community banks in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Customers of the Banks are primarily consumers and small businesses. DEPOSITS The Banks offer a full range of depository accounts and services to both consumers and businesses. At September 30, 1996, United's deposit base, totaling approximately $680,000,000, consisted of approximately $73,500,000 in non-interest-bearing demand deposits (11% of total deposits), approximately $170,000,000 in interest-bearing demand deposits (including money market accounts) (25% of total deposits), approximately $40,000,000 in savings deposits (6% of total deposits), approximately $306,000,000 in time deposits in amounts less than $100,000 (45% of total deposits), and approximately $90,500,000 in time deposits of $100,000 25 or more (13% of total deposits). Certificates of deposit in excess of $100,000 may be more volatile than other deposits since those deposits, to the extent that they exceed $100,000, are not insured by the FDIC. Management of United is of the opinion that its time deposits of $100,000 or more are customer-relationship oriented and represent a reasonably stable source of funds. LOANS The Banks make both secured and unsecured loans to individuals, firms and corporations. Secured loans include first and second real estate mortgage loans. The Banks also make direct installment loans to consumers on both a secured and unsecured basis. At September 30, 1996, consumer, real estate (including mortgage and construction loans) and commercial loans represented approximately 16%, 56% (14% of which are acquisition loans and 86% of which are commercial or consumer loans), and 28%, respectively, of United's total loan portfolio. Specific risk elements associated with each of the Banks' lending categories are as follows: Commercial, financial and Industry concentrations, agricultural inability to monitor the condition of collateral (inventory, accounts receivable and vehicles), lack, of borrower management expertise, increased competition, and specialized or obsolete equipment as collateral Real estate - construction Inadequate collateral and long-term financing agreements Real estate - mortgage Changes in local economy and rate limits on variable rate loans Installment loans to Loss of borrower's employment, individuals changes in local economy, the inability to monitor collateral (vehicle, boats and mobile homes) 26 Effective March 19, 1993, inter-agency guidelines adopted by federal bank regulators mandated that financial institutions establish real estate lending policies with maximum allowable real estate loan-to-value guidelines, subject to an allowable amount of non-conforming loans. The Banks had similar guidelines in place and adopted the federal guidelines as their maximum allowable limits, but had in the past and now have in place loan policies that are, in some cases, more conservative than the federal guidelines. The federal guidelines establish maximum allowable loan-to-value ratios for various types of real estate loans as set forth below:
Maximum Allowable Loan Category Loan-To-Value Percent ------------- --------------------- Land 65% Land development 75 Construction: Commercial, multi-family and other 80 nonresidential One-to-four family residential 85 Improved property 85 Owner-occupied one-to-four family and home equity ___________________________________ Multi-family construction includes condominiums and cooperatives. A loan-to-value limit has not been established for permanent mortgage or home equity loans on owner-occupied, one-to-four family residential property. However, for any such loan with a loan-to- value ratio that equals or exceeds 90% at origination, appropriate credit enhancement in the form of either mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral is required.
Lending Policy - -------------- The current lending strategy of the Banks is to make loans primarily to persons who reside, work or own property in their primary trade areas, except that United makes mortgage loans in the trade areas of the community banks in which United has affiliations or in the areas in which United has a loan origination office. See "Markets." Unsecured loans normally are made only to persons who maintain depository relationships with the Banks. Secured loans are made to persons who are well established and have net worth, collateral and cash flow to support the loan. The Banks provide each lending officer with written guidelines for lending activities. Lending authority is delegated by the Boards of Directors of the Banks to loan officers, each of whom is limited in the amount of secured and unsecured loans which he or she can make to a single borrower or related group of borrowers. All unsecured loans in excess of $10,000 must have the approval of the President or a Senior Vice President of the appropriate Bank prior to being committed. Generally, secured loans above $100,000 and unsecured loans over $35,000 require Board approval. Loan Review and Non-performing Assets - ------------------------------------- The loan review officer of United reviews each of the Banks' loan portfolios to determine any deficiencies and corrective action to be taken. The results of the reviews by the loan review officers are presented to the Presidents of each of the Banks, the President and the Chief Credit Officer of United and the Boards of Directors of each of the Banks and United. On at least a semi-annual basis, reviews are conducted at Towns for all loans over $50,000; at Peoples, Carolina and White for all loans over $100,000; and at UCB for all loans over $200,000. Past due loans are reviewed at least weekly by lending officers of the Bank involved and by the Chief Credit Officer of United, and a summary report is reviewed monthly by the Boards of Directors of each Bank. The Boards of Directors of the relevant Bank review all loans over $50,000, whether current or past due, at least once annually. 27 Asset/Liability Management - -------------------------- Committees composed of officers of each of the Banks and the Chief Financial Officer and Controller of United are charged with managing the assets and liabilities of the Banks. The committees attempt to manage asset growth, liquidity and capital in order to maximize income and reduce interest rate risk. The committees direct each Bank's overall acquisition and allocation of funds. At monthly meetings, the committees review the monthly asset and liability funds budget in relation to the actual flow of funds, as well as peer group comparisons; the ratio of the amount of rate sensitive assets to the amount of rate sensitive liabilities; the ratio of allowance for loan losses to outstanding and non-performing loans; and other variables, such as expected loan demand, investment opportunities, core deposit growth within specified categories, regulatory changes, monetary policy adjustments and the overall state of the economy. Investment Policy - ----------------- The Banks' investment portfolio policy is to maximize income consistent with liquidity, asset quality and regulatory constraints. The policy is reviewed from time to time by the Boards of Directors. Individual transactions, portfolio composition and performance are reviewed and approved monthly by the Boards of Directors or a committee thereof. The Chief Financial Officer of United and the President of each of the Banks implement the policy and report information to the full Board of Directors of each of the Banks on a monthly basis concerning sales, purchases, maturities and calls, resultant gains or losses, average maturity, federal taxable equivalent yields and appreciation or depreciation by investment categories. Employees - --------- As of December 31, 1996, the Banks had an aggregate of 402 full-time equivalent employees, and United had 12 employees. Neither United nor any of the Banks is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, and the Banks believe that their employee relations are good. None of the Banks' executive officers is employed pursuant to an employment contract. Competition - ----------- The banking business is highly competitive. UCB competes with one other depository institution in Union County, Georgia, and three other depository institutions in each of Lumpkin and Habersham Counties. Carolina competes with six other depository institutions in Graham, Cherokee, Macon, Haywood and Clay Counties, North Carolina, the majority of which are branches of regional or North Carolina state-wide institutions. Peoples competes with two other depository institutions in Fannin County, Georgia. Towns competes with one depository institution in Towns County, Georgia. White competes with two other depository institutions in White County, Georgia. The Banks also compete with other financial service organizations, including savings and loan associations, finance companies, credit unions and certain governmental agencies. To the extent that banks must maintain non-interest-earning reserves against deposits, they may be at a competitive disadvantage when compared with other financial service organizations that are not required to maintain reserves against substantially equivalent sources of funds. Properties - ---------- The executive offices of United and the main banking office of UCB are located in adjacent buildings, the former a 17,000 square-foot facility at 59 Highway 515, Blairsville, Georgia and the latter a 19,000 square-foot operations center located adjacent to its executive offices and main banking office. Both the building and the land, which includes parking and four drive-in teller stations, are owned by UCB. UCB also has a branch at an Ingles supermarket in Blairsville. The Ingles branch property, consisting of 350 square feet, is leased. UCB's branch office in Cornelia, which it owns, is 5,000 square feet. UCB also maintains a branch office on rented land in Dahlonega, which consists of 1,309-square feet of property owned by the Company and a 1,020-square foot building leased by UCB. 28 The main banking office of Carolina is located at 300 Peachtree Street, Murphy, North Carolina, and contains 12,000 square feet. Both the building and the land, which includes parking and drive-in teller stations, are owned by Carolina. Carolina has branches located at 1 Sanderson Street in Hayesville, North Carolina containing 1,680 square feet, 129 Bypass, in Robbinsville, North Carolina containing approximately 3,300 square feet, Second and Fairview, in Andrews, North Carolina, containing 1,680 square feet, 409 North Main Street in Waynesville, North Carolina, containing approximately 2,000 square feet and 128 East Main Street in Franklin, North Carolina, containing approximately 2,670 square feet. Carolina also has a branch at an Ingles supermarket in Hayesville. The Ingles branch premises, consisting of 150 square feet, is leased. Peoples owns its main banking office located at 4000 Appalachian Highway, Blue Ridge, Georgia. The office contains 19,000 square feet and four drive-in teller stations. Peoples owns a branch at West Tennessee Avenue and Blue Ridge Drive in McCaysville, Georgia, which contains 2,800 square feet and has three drive-in teller stations. Peoples also leases a 335 square foot branch at an Ingles supermarket on Appalachian Highway in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Towns owns its banking facility, containing 3,594 square feet and two drive-in teller stations. The facility is located at 214 North Main Street, Hiawassee, Georgia. The main banking office of White is located at 153 East Kytle Street, Cleveland, Georgia and contains approximately 14,000 square feet and four drive-in teller stations. White also has a branch office located on Highway 75 North in Helen, Georgia which contains approximately 2,200 square feet. White owns both its main and branch office. 29 United Family Finance, Inc., a finance company wholly owned by United, leases property in Hiawassee, Georgia and Blue Ridge, Georgia. The Hiawassee and Blue Ridge properties consist of 1,800 and 2,800 square feet, respectively. None of the properties owned by United or the Banks is subject to encumbrances. 30 SUPERVISION AND REGULATION GENERAL. United is a registered bank holding company subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "Act"). United is required to file financial information with the Federal Reserve periodically and is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. The Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before (i) it may acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank that it does not already control; (ii) it or any of its subsidiaries, other than a bank, may acquire all or substantially all of the assets of a bank; and (iii) it may merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company. In addition, a bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring, direct or indirect control of the voting shares of any company engaged in non-banking activities. This prohibition does not apply to activities found by the Federal Reserve, by order or regulation, to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the activities that the Federal Reserve has determined by regulation or order to be closely related to banking are: making or servicing loans and certain types of leases; performing certain data processing services; acting as fiduciary or investment or financial advisor; providing discount brokerage services; underwriting bank eligible securities; underwriting debt and equity securities on a limited basis through separately capitalized subsidiaries; and making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare. United must also register with the DBF and file periodic information with the DBF. As part of such registration, the DBF requires information with respect to the financial condition, operations, management and intercompany relationships of United and the Banks and related matters. The DBF may also require such other information as is necessary to keep itself informed as to whether the provisions of Georgia law and the regulations and orders issued thereunder by the DBF have been complied with, and the DBF may examine United and each of the Banks. The North Carolina Banking Commission ("NCBC"), which has the statutory authority to regulate non-banking affiliates of North Carolina banks, in 1992 began using this authority to examine and regulate the activities of North Carolina-based holding companies owning North Carolina-based banks. Although the NCBC has not exercised its authority to date to examine and regulate holding companies outside of North Carolina that own North Carolina banks, it is likely the NCBC may do so in the future. United is an "affiliate" of the Banks under the Federal Reserve Act, which imposes certain restrictions on (i) loans by the Banks to United, (ii) investments in the stock or securities of United by the Banks, (iii) the Banks' taking the stock or securities of an "affiliate" as collateral for loans by the Bank to a borrower and (iv) the purchase of assets from United by the Banks. Further, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services. Each of United's subsidiaries is regularly examined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). UCB, Peoples, White and Towns, as state banking associations organized under Georgia law, are subject to the supervision of, and are regularly examined by, by DBF. Carolina is subject to the supervision of, and is regularly examined by, the NCBC, in addition to the FDIC. Both the FDIC and the DBF must grant prior approval of any merger, consolidation or other corporation reorganization involving UCB, Peoples, White or Towns, and the FDIC and the NCBC must grant prior approval of any merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization of Carolina. A bank can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with the default of a commonly-controlled institution. PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS. United is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Banks. Most of the revenues of United result from dividends paid to it by the Banks. There are statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the payment of dividends by the Banks, as well as by United to its shareholders. 31 UCB, Peoples, Towns and White are each state chartered banks regulated by the DBF and the FDIC. Under the regulations of the DBF, dividends may not be declared out of the retained earnings of a state bank without first obtaining the written permission of the DBF unless such bank meets all the following requirements: (a) Total classified assets as of the most recent examination of the bank do not exceed 80% of equity capital (as defined by regulation); (b) The aggregate amount of dividends declared or anticipated to be declared in the calendar year does not exceed 50% of the net profits after taxes but before dividends for the previous calendar year; and (c) The ratio of equity capital to adjusted assets is not less than 6%. Under North Carolina law, the Board of Directors of Carolina may declare a dividend for as much of the undivided profits of Carolina as it deems expedient, so long as Citizen's surplus is greater than 50% of its capital. The payment of dividends by United and the Banks may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines. In addition, if, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending upon the financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The FDIC has issued a policy statement providing that insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. In addition to the formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities consider the adequacy of each of the Bank's total capital in relation to its assets, deposits and other such items. Capital adequacy considerations could further limit the availability of dividends to the Banks. At December 31, 1995, net assets available from the Banks to pay dividends without prior approval from regulatory authorities totaled approximately $5.4 million. For 1995, United's cash dividend payout to stockholders was 7% of net income. MONETARY POLICY. The results of operations of the Banks are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve. The instruments of monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve include open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the Federal Reserve, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or the business and earnings of the Banks. CAPITAL ADEQUACY. The Federal Reserve and the FDIC have implemented substantially identical risk-based rules for assessing bank and bank holding company capital adequacy. These regulations establish minimum capital standards in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposures as adjusted for credit risk. Banks and bank holding companies are required to have (1) a minimum level of total capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets of eight percent (8%); (2) a minimum Tier One Capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets of four percent (4%); and (3) a minimum stockholders' equity to risk-weighted assets of four percent (4%). In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have established a minimum three percent (3%) leverage ratio of Tier One Capital to total assets for the most highly-rated banks and bank holding companies. "Tier One Capital" generally consists of common equity not including unrecognized gains and losses on securities, minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries and certain perpetual preferred stock less certain intangibles. The Federal Reserve and the FDIC will require a bank holding company and a bank, respectively, to maintain a leverage ratio greater than three percent (3%) if either is experiencing or anticipating significant growth or is operating with less than well-diversified risks in the opinion of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve and the FDIC use the leverage ratio in tandem with the risk-based ratio to assess the capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies. The FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC") and the Federal Reserve have amended effective January 1, 1997 the capital adequacy standards to provide for the consideration of interest rate risk in the overall determination of a bank's capital ratio, 32 requiring banks with greater interest rate risk to maintain adequate capital for the risk. The revised standards are not expected to have a significant effect on United's capital requirements. In addition, effective December 19, 1992, a new Section 38 to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act implemented the prompt corrective action provisions that Congress enacted as a part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (the "1991 Act"). The "prompt corrective action" provisions set forth five regulatory zones in which all banks are placed largely based on their capital positions. Regulators are permitted to take increasingly harsh action as a bank's financial condition declines. Regulators are also empowered to place in receivership or require the sale of a bank to another depository institution when a bank's capital leverage ratio reaches 2%. Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital. The FDIC has adopted regulations implementing the prompt corrective action provisions of the 1991 Act, which place financial institutions in the following five categories based upon capitalization ratios: (1) a "well capitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier One risk-based ratio of at least 6% and a leverage ratio of at least 5%; (2) an "adequately capitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a Tier One risk-based ratio of at least 4% and a leverage ratio of at least 4%; (3) an "undercapitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 8%, a Tier One risk-based ratio of under 4% or a leverage ratio of under 4%; (4) a "significantly undercapitalized" institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of under 6%, a Tier One risk-based ratio of under 3% or a leverage ratio of under 3%; and (5) a "critically undercapitalized" institution has a leverage ratio of 2% or less. Institutions in any of the three undercapitalized categories would be prohibited from declaring dividends or making capital distributions. The FDIC regulations also establish procedures for "downgrading" an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital. Under the FDIC's regulations, all of the Banks were "well capitalized" institutions at December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1996. Set forth below are pertinent capital ratios for each of the Banks as of September 30, 1996:
Minimum Capital Requirement UCB Carolina Peoples Towns White -------------------------- --- -------- ------- ----- ----- Tier One Capital to 8.18% 9.31% 9.96% 8.61% 11.20% Risk Based Assets: 4.00% Total Capital to 9.21% 10.56% 11.16% 9.61% 12.47% Risk Based Assets: 8.00% Leverage Ratio (Tier One 7.18% 6.19% 7.08% 6.49% 8.37% Capital to Average Total Assets): 3.00% __________________________ Minimum required ratio for "well capitalized" banks is 6% Minimum required ratio for "well capitalized" banks is 10% Minimum required ratio for "well capitalized" banks is 5%
RECENT LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ACTION. On April 19, 1995, the four federal bank regulatory agencies adopted revisions to the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA"), which are intended to set distinct assessment standards for financial institutions. The revised regulation contains three evaluation tests: (i) a lending test, which will compare an institution's market share of loans in low- and moderate-income areas to its market share of loans in its entire service area and the percentage of a bank's outstanding loans to low- and moderate-income areas or individuals, (ii) a services test, which will evaluate the provisions of services that 33 promote the availability of credit to low- and moderate-income areas, and (iii) an investment test, which will evaluate an institution's record of investments in organizations designed to foster community development, small- and minority-owned businesses and affordable housing lending, including state and local government housing or revenue bonds. The regulations are designed to reduce some paperwork requirements of the current regulations and provide regulators, institutions and community groups with a more objective and predictable manner with which to evaluate the CRA performance of financial institutions. The rule became effective on January 1, 1996, at which time evaluation under streamlined procedures began for institutions with assets of less than $250 million that are owned by a holding company with total assets of less than $1 billion. It is not expected that these regulations will have any appreciable impact upon United and the Banks. Congress and various federal agencies (including, in addition to the bank regulatory agencies, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice) (collectively the "Federal Agencies") responsible for implementing the nation's fair lending laws have been increasingly concerned that prospective home buyers and other borrowers are experiencing discrimination in their efforts to obtain loans. In recent years, the Department of Justice has filed suit against financial institutions, which it determined had discriminated, seeking fines and restitution for borrowers who allegedly suffered from discriminatory practices. Most, if not all, of these suits have been settled (some for substantial sums) without a full adjudication on the merits. On March 8, 1994 the Federal Agencies, in an effort to clarify what constitutes lending discrimination and specify the factors the agencies will consider in determining if lending discrimination exists, announced a joint policy statement detailing specific discriminatory practices prohibited under the Equal Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. In the policy statement, three methods of proving lending discrimination were identified: (1) overt evidence of discrimination, when a lender blatantly discriminates on a prohibited basis, (2) evidence of disparate treatment, when a lender treats applicants differently based on a prohibited factor even where there is no showing that the treatment was motivated by prejudice or a conscious intention to discriminate against a person, and (3) evidence of disparate impact, when a lender applies a practice uniformly to all applicants, but the practice has a discriminatory effect, even where such practices are neutral on their face and are applied equally, unless the practice can be justified on the basis of business necessity. On September 23, 1994, President Clinton signed the Reigle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the "Regulatory Improvement Act"). The Regulatory Improvement Act contains funding for community development projects through banks and community development financial institutions and also numerous regulatory relief provisions designed to eliminate certain duplicative regulations and paperwork requirements. On September 29, 1994, President Clinton signed the Reigle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Federal Interstate Bill") which amends federal law to permit bank holding companies to acquire existing banks in any state effective September 29, 1995, and any interstate bank holding company is permitted to merge its various bank subsidiaries into a single bank with interstate branches after May 31, 1997. States have the authority to authorize interstate branching prior to June 1, 1997, or alternatively, to opt out of interstate branching prior to that date. The Georgia Financial Institutions Code was amended in 1994 to permit the acquisition of a Georgia bank or bank holding company by out-of-state bank holding companies beginning July 1, 1995. On September 29, 1995, the interstate banking provisions of the Georgia Financial Institutions Code were superseded by the Federal Interstate Bill. On January 26, 1996, the Georgia legislature adopted a bill (the "Georgia Intrastate Bill") to permit, effective July 1, 1996, any Georgia bank or group of affiliated banks under one holding company to establish up to an aggregate of three new or additional branch banks anywhere within the State of Georgia, excluding any branches established by a bank in a county in which it is already located. After July 1, 1998, all restrictions on state-wide branching are removed. Prior to adoption of the Georgia Intrastate Bill, Georgia only permitted branching via merger or consolidation with an existing bank or in certain other limited circumstances. FDIC INSURANCE AND FICO ASSESSMENTS FOR THE BANKS. The Banks are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments for the Bank Insurance Fund (the "BIF"). In the first six months of 1995, the Banks were assessed $.23 per $100 of deposits based upon a risk-based system whereby banks are assessed on a sliding scale depending upon their placement in nine separate supervisory categories, from $.23 per $100 of deposits for the 34 healthiest banks (those with the highest capital, best management and best overall condition) to as much as $.31 per $100 of deposits for the less-healthy institutions, for an average $.259 per $100 of deposits. On August 8, 1995, the FDIC lowered the BIF premium for healthy banks 83% from $.23 per $100 in deposits to $.04 per $100 in deposits, while retaining the $.31 level for the riskiest banks. The average assessment rate was therefore reduced from $.232 to $.044 per $100 of deposits. The new rate took effect on September 29, 1995. On September 15, 1995, the FDIC refunded $564,000 to the Banks for premium overpayments in the second and third quarter of 1995. On November 14, 1995, the FDIC again lowered the BIF premium for healthy banks from $.04 per $100 of deposits to zero for the highest rated institutions (92% of the industry). As a result, each of the Banks paid only the legally required annual minimum payment of $2,000 per year for insurance beginning in January 1996. Had the current rates been in effect for all of 1994 and 1995, the annual FDIC insurance premiums paid by the Banks would have been reduced by $504,000 and $564,000, respectively. On September 29, 1996, the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 was enacted. This Act's chief accomplishment was to provide for the recapitalization of the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") by levying a one-time special assessment on SAIF deposits to bring the fund to a reserve ratio equal to $.25 per $100 of insured deposits and to provide that beginning in 1997, BIF assessments would be used to help pay off the $780 million in annual interest payments on the $8 billion Financing Corporation ("FICO") bonds issued in the late 1980s as part of the government rescue of the thrift industry. The law provides that BIF assessments for FICO bond payments must be set at a rate equal to 20% of the SAIF rates for such assessments in for 1997, 1998 and 1999. After 1999, all FDIC insured institutions will pay the same assessment rates. For the first six months of 1997, the assessment for the FICO bond payments will be $.0132 per $100 of deposits for BIF deposits and $.0648 per $100 of deposits for SAIF deposits. The FDIC announced on November 26th that the premium for the first six months for deposit insurance assessments would range from zero to $.27 per $100 of deposits with 94% of banks paying nothing for deposit insurance. One of 35 the provisions of the 1996 Act was to eliminate the minimum $2,000 per year charge for deposit insurance. As a result, the Banks will pay no premium for deposit insurance in the first six months of 1997 and a first quarter FICO bond assessment of $19,000. The Bill also provided for certain limited regulatory relief and modifications to certain out-of- date regulations. MANAGEMENT Executive Officers of United. Executive officers of United are elected by the Board of Directors annually in January and hold office until the following January unless they sooner resign or are removed from office by the Board of Directors. The executive officers of United, and their ages, positions with United and the Banks and terms of office as of December 31, 1996, are as follows:
Name (age) Principal Position Officer of United Since ---------- ------------------ ----------------------- Jimmy C. Tallent President and Director of UCB and United; 1984 (44) Director of Carolina, White and Peoples; Chairman of the Board of Towns. Billy M. Decker President and Director of Carolina; Director 1988 (53) of United and UCB; Secretary and Treasurer of United. Stephen L. Cockerham Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of 1990 (35) UCB and United. From 1985 through 1990, Mr. Cockerham was a Bank Liquidation Specialist with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Guy Freeman Vice President of United since March, 1995, 1995 (61) Executive Vice President of Carolina since July, 1996, and Director of Carolina since December 1996. Mr. Freeman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of White from 1993 until February 1995. Since February 1995, Mr. Freeman has been Chairman of the Board of White, of which he has been a member since January 1993. Mr. Freeman also served as Chairman of the Board of WC Holding Company from February 1995 until its acquisition by United. From 1992 until 1993, Mr. Freeman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of East Side Bank, Snellville, Georgia, and from 1987 to 1992, he served in the same capacity at First American Bank, Atlanta, Georgia. Thomas C. Gilliland President and Chief Executive Officer of 1993 (48) Peoples; Vice Chairman of the Peoples Board; Executive Vice President and Director of United; Executive Vice President of United since April 1994. From 1986 through 1992, Mr. Gilliland was a partner in the law firm of Hurt, Richardson, Garner, Todd & Cadenhead in Atlanta, Georgia. 36 Name (age) Principal Position Officer of United Since ---------- ------------------ ----------------------- Eugene B. White President and Director of White and Vice 1995 (52) President of United since March, 1995. Mr. White served as Executive Vice President of First National Bank of Habersham, Cornelia, Georgia from 1982 to 1995. Richard E. Martin, Jr. Vice President of United since 1993; 1992 (48) President and Director of Towns. From 1989 through 1992, Mr. Martin was Senior Vice President of First Colony Bank, Alpharetta, Georgia. L. Gene Sprayberry Executive Vice President of UCB; Assistant 1973 (51) Secretary of United. Christopher J. Bledsoe Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 1993 (33) of UCB and United. A certified public accountant, from 1988 through 1993, Mr. Bledsoe was a Supervisor at Evans, Porter, Bryan & Co., an accounting firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Robert L. Cochran Assistant Vice President and Controller of 1995 (32) UCB; Controller of United since 1996. A certified public accountant, from 1989 through 1995, Mr. Cochran was an accounting manager with PNC Bank in Cincinnati, Ohio.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD The Board of Directors does not have a standing audit or nominating committee. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of all members of the Board who are not employees of the Banks. The compensation committee makes compensation decisions for executive officers and key employees and administers the Profit Sharing Plan. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION United did not pay any remuneration to its executive officers during the year ended December 31, 1995. The following table sets forth the annual and other compensation paid by the Banks to Jimmy Tallent, President and Chief Executive Officer of United and UCB, Billy M. Decker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina, and Thomas C. Gilliland, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples (each, a "Named Executive Officer"). No other executive officer of United or the Banks was paid $100,000 or more during 1995. 37
Summary Compensation Table Long-term Annual Compensation Compensation ------------------- ------------ Securities Name and Underlying All Other Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Other Options Compensation ------------------ ---- ------ ----- ----- ----------- ------------ Jimmy C. Tallent . . . 1995 $167,200 $57,000 $9,000 12,500 $ 21,085 President and 1994 151,251 50,000 8,100 - 19,101 Chief Executive 1993 125,000 40,000 8,100 - 15,250 Officer of United and UCB; Director of UCB, Peoples, Carolina, Towns and United; Chairman of the Board of Towns Thomas C. Gilliland . . 1995 $132,563 $ 30,000 $5,400 7,500 $ 6,628 President and 1994 121,395 25,000 5,400 - 4,249 Chief Executive 1993 108,000 13,500 5,400 - 5,192 Officer of Peoples; Executive Vice President of United; Director of Peoples and United Billy M. Decker . . . . 1995 $ 98,010 $ 30,000 $8,100 5,000 $ 11,957 President and 1994 90,905 23,000 8,100 - 11,090 Chief Executive 1993 87,500 18,000 8,100 - 10,675 Officer of Carolina; Vice President of United; Director of UCB, Carolina and United ____________________ Directors' fees for service on United's and the Banks' boards of directors. Other perquisites do not meet the Securities and Exchange Commission threshold for disclosure. Represents a contribution by United of $20,398 on behalf of Mr. Tallent to United's Profit Sharing Plan and insurance premiums of approximately $699 paid by United on behalf of Mr. Tallent on a life insurance policy. United's contribution on behalf of the named individual to United's Profit Sharing Plan.
United has not granted restricted stock, stock appreciation rights or similar awards to any of its present or past executive officers, other than awards of stock options under the United Community Banks Key Employee Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan"). 38 OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers (as defined in the Stock Option Plan) under the Stock Option Plan during fiscal year 1995 and the projected value of those options at assumed annual rates of appreciation.
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Individual Grants Option Term ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Percent of Number of Total Securities Options Underlying Granted to Options Employees Exercise or Granted in Fiscal Base Price Expiration Name Year ($/Share) Date 0% 5% 10% ---- -------- -------- ----------- ---------- ------ ------ -------- Jimmy C. Tallent 12,500 25% $10.00 1/1/05 $0 $78,625 $199,250 Thomas C. Gilliland 7,500 15% $10.00 1/1/05 $0 $47,175 $119,550 Billy M. Decker 5,000 10% $10.00 1/1/05 $0 $31,450 $ 79,700 ____________________ All options are currently exercisable. "Potential Realizable Value" is disclosed in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations that require such disclosure for illustration only. The values disclosed are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, representations or projections of the future value of United's Common Stock or of the stock price. Amounts are calculated at 0%, 5% and 10% assumed appreciation of the value of the Common Stock (compounded annually over the option term) and are not intended to forecast actual expected future appreciation, if any, of the Common Stock. The potential realizable value to the optionee is the difference between the exercise price and the appreciated stock price at the assumed annual rates of appreciation multiplied by the number of shares underlying the options. No gain to the optionee is possible without appreciation in the value of the Common Stock, which will benefit all shareholders commensurately. Zero percent appreciation in the stock price would result in zero dollars for the optionees if the options were exercised.
OPTION FISCAL YEAR-END VALUES Shown below is information with respect to unexercised options to purchase the Common Stock granted under the Stock Option Plan to the Named Executive Officers and held by them at December 31, 1995. No options were exercised during 1995 by a Named Executive Officer.
Fiscal Year-End Option Values Number of Unexercised Options at Value of Unexercised in the Money Fiscal Year End Options at Fiscal Name Exercisable/Unexercisable (#) Year End ($) ---- ---------------------------- --------------------------------- Jimmy C. Tallent 12,500/0 $75,000 Thomas C. Gilliland 7,500/0 $45,000 Billy M. Decker 5,000/0 $30,000
39 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Directors of United, other than a President of a Bank who serves on United's Board of Directors, received $500 per meeting attended during 1995. Certain members of United's Board of Directors also serve as members of one or more of the Boards of Directors of the Banks, for which they are compensated by such Bank. PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS The following table lists information concerning the beneficial ownership of United's Common Stock at December 31, 1996 by (i) each person known to United to beneficially own more than 5% of the Common Stock, (ii) each director and Named Executive Officer and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as set forth below, the stockholders named below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
Name and Address of Common Stock Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned Percent of Shares - -------------------- ------------------ ----------------- Robert L. Head, Jr. 716,513 11.1% P.O. Box 147 Blairsville, Georgia 30514 W.C. Nelson, Jr. 686,463 10.6% P.O. Box 127 Blairsville, Georgia 30514 James A. Brackett, Jr. 167,855 2.6% Charles E. Hill 174,792 2.7% Clarence W. Mason, Sr. 81,190 1.3% Hoyt O. Holloway 47,985 * P. Deral Horne 27,500 * Jimmy C. Tallent 145,272 2.3% Thomas C. Gilliland 176,449 2.7% Billy M. Decker 130,002 2.0% All Executive Officers 2,465,372 37.3% and Directors as a Group (17 persons) * Less than 1%. Includes 52,758 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Head as custodian for his children and 10,000 shares owned pursuant to Debentures. Does not include 16,965 shares owned by Mr. Head's wife, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 11,250 shares owned by a trust over which Mr. Nelson has voting power and 10,000 shares owned pursuant to Debentures. Does not include 5,000 shares owned by Mr. Nelson's wife, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures. Does not include 59,710 shares owned by Mr. Brackett's wife, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. 40 Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures. Does not include 87,105 shares owned by Mr. Hill's wife for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures and 35,565 beneficially owned by Holloway Motors, Inc., a company 100% owned by Mr. Holloway. Does not include 485 shares owned by Mr. Holloway's wife, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures and 14,250 shares beneficially owned pursuant to currently exercisable stock options. Does not include 15 shares owned by Mr. Tallent's daughter, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 6,270 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Gilliland as custodian for his children, 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures and 8,550 shares beneficially owned pursuant to currently exercisable stock options. Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures and 5,700 shares beneficially owned pursuant to currently exercisable stock options; does not include 9,040 shares owned by Mr. Decker's wife for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes presently exercisable options to acquire 54,100 shares and 122,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to Debentures.
41 CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS Carolina, UCB, Towns and Peoples have retained the services of a construction company operated by Robert L. Head, Jr., who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of United and a director of UCB. During 1995, Carolina, Peoples and UCB made payments totaling approximately $719,000 in exchange for such services, which included construction by Carolina of a new branch office in Robbinsville, North Carolina, by UCB of a new operations center adjacent to its principal office and by Peoples of a new principal office. During 1996, UCB and Towns made payments of approximately $89,900 to such construction company for a leasehold improvement in Dahlonega and remodeling of Towns' existing facilities. The Banks have had, and expect to have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors and officers of United and their associates, including corporations in which such officers or directors are shareholders, directors and/or officers, on the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions have not involved more than the normal risk of collectability or presented other unfavorable features. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Common Stock, Preferred Stock and the 2006 Debentures. Additional information about the 2006 Debentures is set forth in the form of the 2006 Debentures included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. GENERAL The authorized capital stock of United consists of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share. As of December 31, 1996, 6,637,248 shares, including 140,000 shares deemed outstanding pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and presently exercisable options to acquire 58,400 shares of United's Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding. At the same date, 2006 Debentures in the principal amount of $3,500,000 were outstanding. PREFERRED STOCK United is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, issuable in such series and bearing such voting, dividend, conversion, liquidation and other rights and preferences as the Board of Directors may determine. The preferred stock could be issued for any lawful corporate purpose without further action by the shareholders. The issuance of any preferred stock having conversion rights might have the effect of diluting the interests of the other shareholders. Shares of preferred stock could be issued with such rights, privileges and preferences as would deter a further tender or exchange offer or to discourage the acquisition of control of the Company. The Board of Directors presently has no plans to issue any preferred stock. COMMON STOCK All voting rights are vested in the holders of the Common Stock. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share on any issue requiring a vote at any meeting. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. All shares of Common Stock are entitled to share equally in such dividends as the Board of Directors of United may declare on United's Common Stock from sources legally available therefor. The determination and declaration of dividends is within the discretion of the Board of Directors of United. United's Common Stock will be entitled to receive on a pro rata basis, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of United, all assets of United available for distribution, in cash or in kind. 42 The outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued by United in connection with the Offering will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. DEBENTURES Debentures in the principal amount of $3,500,000 which are due on December 31, 2006 are outstanding as of the date hereof. The 2006 Debentures bear interest at the rate of one quarter of one percentage point over the prime rate per annum as quoted in The Wall Street Journal, payable on April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1 of each year commencing on April 1, 1997, to holders of record at the close of business on the 15th day of the month immediately preceding the interest payment date. Interest is computed on the basis of actual number of days elapsed in a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable. Interest on the 2006 Debentures is payable, at the option of the Board of Directors of United, in cash or in an additional debenture with the same terms as the 2006 Debentures. The 2006 Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time on or after January 1, 1998, at the option of United upon at least 20 days' and not more than 60 days' notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed plus interest accrued and unpaid as of the date of redemption. The holder of any 2006 Debentures not called for redemption will have the right, exercisable at any time up to December 31, 2006, to convert such Debenture at the principal amount thereof into shares of Common Stock of United at the conversion price of $25 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends. The 2006 Debentures are unsecured obligations of United and are subordinate in right of payment to all obligations of United to its other creditors, except obligations ranking on a parity with or junior to such debentures. The 2006 Debentures were not issued pursuant to an indenture nor is there a trustee to act on behalf of debentureholders. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The Transfer Agent and Registrar for United's Common Stock and Debentures is SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, 58 Edgewood Avenue, Room 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. 43 SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE Upon completion of the Offering, there will be 6,887,248 shares of Common Stock outstanding (including the Options and 140,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the 2006 Debentures). All of the shares offered hereby will be freely transferable, without restriction, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), unless acquired by an affiliate (as that term is defined under the Securities Act) of United. Sales of substantial amounts of shares in the limited trading market following the Offering could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. Since such stock is not listed on a stock exchange or quoted in the over-the-counter market, nor are there any existing plans to so list or to have the stock quoted, no shares can be sold under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act nor is it likely that any shares can be sold under Rule 144 in the future. THE OFFERING United is offering for sale to the public 250,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $20.00 per share. In the State of Georgia, the Common Stock offered hereby will be sold by certain executive officers of United and no commission will be paid on such sales. In order to comply with securities requirements of the State of North Carolina, United has engaged Carson Medlin, pursuant to the terms of a broker dealer agreement dated January 28, 1997 (the "Broker Dealer Agreement"), to act as a broker dealer for the account of United in effecting offers and sales of the Common Stock to investors in North Carolina at the public offering price. Under the Broker-Dealer Agreement, Carson Medlin has no financial obligation to purchase any of the Common Stock. Carson Medlin will receive a fee of $30,000 for these services. If the Offering is terminated for any reason prior to acceptance by the Company of the Common Stock offered hereby to residents of North Carolina, the Company will pay to Carson Medlin a fee of $20,000. The Broker Dealer Agreement provides that the Company will indemnify Carson Medlin against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act. A minimum of 25,000 shares must be sold in the Offering or the Offering will terminate. The Offering will terminate on the date that is 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, subject to termination at an earlier date upon acceptance of subscriptions for all of the securities offered hereby or to extension for an additional period or periods up to 90 days from the date of this Prospectus at the sole discretion of United (such offering termination date as it may be shortened or extended pursuant to the terms hereof is referred to herein as the "Offering Termination Date"). On the Offering Termination Date, subscription funds will be returned to subscribers with interest actually earned thereon if 25,000 shares have not been subscribed. Officers of United will receive no compensation for selling the shares of Common Stock, but they will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred by them in connection with the Offering, such as travel, telephone and similar expenses. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE United will offer shares of Common Stock to members of the public who are residents of the State of Georgia and North Carolina, including United shareholders, who may subscribe for blocks of whole shares of Common Stock consisting of at least 100 shares (unless otherwise agreed to by United) by submitting a Subscription Agreement and making an appropriate payment to Union County Bank as escrow agent any time before the Offering Termination Date, subject to acceptance by United. Persons who wish to subscribe for shares of Common Stock must, prior to the Offering Termination Date: (1) Complete the appropriate portions and sign the Subscription Agreement which is attached to this Prospectus as Exhibit A to subscribe for at least 100 shares of Common Stock; (2) Make full payment of the aggregate purchase price for the shares subscribed in United States currency by check, bank draft or money order payable to United Community Banks, Inc.; and 44 (3) Deliver the Subscription Agreement together with full payment of the purchase price, to SunTrust Bank, 58 Edgewood Avenue, Room 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Subscriptions are not binding until accepted by United. United reserves the right to accept or reject subscriptions, in whole or in part, or to cancel the Offering, in its sole discretion. All subscription payments received by United for the first 25,000 shares subscribed will be deposited in an interest- bearing escrow account at SunTrust and will be available to United once it accepts subscriptions for 25,000 shares. If subscription funds for 25,000 shares are not received by the Offering Termination Date, all proceeds will be returned promptly to investors, together with interest actually earned thereon. No assurance can be given that subscription funds can or will be invested at the highest rate of return available or that any profits will be realized from the investment of subscription funds. Once subscription funds for 25,000 shares have been received and placed in the escrow account, such proceeds and any interest earned thereon will be made available to United, as will the proceeds of any subsequent sales of shares. Certificates representing the Common Stock purchased in the Offering will be issued by United and mailed to subscribers as soon as practicable after acceptance of subscriptions. Rejected subscription payments will be returned to subscribers by mail in full, with any interest actually earned on collected funds, as soon as possible, but in no event later than 30 days after the occurrence of such rejection. PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of earnings have been prepared from the historical results of operations of United, and reflect adjustments for the 2006 Debentures. These statements should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of United, including the notes thereto, which financial statements are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The pro forma combined results are not necessarily indicative of the combined results of further operations. 45 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Earnings For the Year Ended December 31, 1995 (Unaudited)
2006 Debenture Pro Forma Actual Adjustments Consolidated ------ -------------- ------------ Interest income: Interest and fees on loans $41,374 - $41,374 Interest on deposits with other banks 3 - 3 Interest on federal funds sold 1,113 184 1,297 Interest on investment securities: U.S. Treasuries and U.S. Gov't agencies 4,791 - 4,791 State, county and municipal 1,846 - 1,846 ------- ----- ------ Total interest income 49,127 184 49,311 Interest expense: Interest on deposits: Demand 3,585 - 3,585 Savings 1,023 - 1,023 Time 19,735 - 19,735 ------- ----- ------ 24,343 - 24,343 ------- ----- ------ Long-term debt, subordinated debentures and federal funds purchased 1,865 298 2,163 ------- ----- ------ Total interest expense 26,208 298 26,506 ------- ----- ------ Net interest income 22,919 (114) 22,805 ------- ----- ------ Provision for loan losses 1,040 - 1,040 ------- ----- ------ Net interest income after provision for loan losses 21,879 (114) 21,765 ------- ----- ------ Noninterest income: Service charges and fees 1,937 - 1,937 Securities gains, net 4 - 4 Mortgage loan and related fees 1,582 - 1,582 Other noninterest income 741 - 741 ------- ----- ------ Total noninterest income 4,264 - 4,264 ------- ----- ------ Noninterest expense: Salaries and employee benefits 9,890 - 9,890 Occupancy 2,695 - 2,695 Deposit insurance premiums 514 - 514 Other noninterest expenses 4,755 - 4,755 ------- ----- ------ Total noninterest expenses 17,854 - 17,854 ------- ----- ------ Earnings before income taxes 8,289 (114) 8,175 Income taxes 2,238 (39) 2,199 ------- ----- ------ Net earnings $ 6,051 (75) $5,976 ======= ===== ====== Assumes proceeds from debenture invested in federal funds sold at an average rate of 5.25%. Assumes rate paid on $3,500,000 2006 Debenture Offering of 8.50%. Tax effect of net interest income at 34% tax rate.
46 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Earnings For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
2006 Debenture Pro Forma Actual Adjustments Consolidated ------ --------------- ------------ Interest income: Interest and fees on loans $38,786 - $38,786 Interest on deposits with other banks 47 - 47 Interest on federal funds sold 660 137 797 Interest on investment securities: U.S. Treasuries and U.S. Gov't agencies 4,588 - 4,588 State, county and municipal 1,413 - 1,413 ------- ---- ------- Total interest income 45,494 137 45,631 ------- ---- ------- Interest expense: Interest on deposits: Demand 3,647 - 3,647 Savings 783 - 783 Time 17,214 - 17,214 ------- ---- ------- 21,644 - 21,644 ------- ---- ------- Long-term debt, subordinated debentures and federal funds purchased 1,218 223 1,441 ------- ---- ------- Total interest expense 22,862 223 23,085 ------- ---- ------- Net interest income 22,632 (86) 22,546 ------- ---- ------- Provision for loan losses 915 - 915 ------- ---- ------- Net interest income after provision for loan 21,717 (86) 21,631 losses ------- ---- ------- Noninterest income: Service charges and fees 1,940 - 1,940 Securities gains, net 17 - 17 Mortgage loan and related fees 1,218 - 1,218 Other noninterest income 565 - 565 ------- ---- ------- Total noninterest income 3,740 - 3,740 ------- ---- ------- Noninterest expense: Salaries and employee benefits 9,380 - 9,380 Occupancy 2,402 - 2,402 Deposit insurance premiums 20 - 20 Other noninterest expenses 5,001 - 5,001 ------- ---- ------- Total noninterest expenses 16,803 - 16,803 ------- ---- ------- Earnings before income taxes 8,654 (86) 8,568 Income taxes 2,930 (29) 2,901 ------- ---- ------- Net earnings $ 5,724 (57) $5,667 ======= ==== ======= Assumes proceeds from debenture invested in federal funds sold at an average rate of 5.25% for 273 days. Assumes rate paid on $3,500,000 2006 Debenture Offering of 8.50% for 273 days. Tax effect of net interest income at 34% tax rate.
47 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) The following unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 1996 has been prepared based upon the historical consolidated balance sheets for United and reflects the adjustments for the 2006 Debenture. This statement should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of United, including the notes thereto, which financial statements are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 1996 (Unaudited)
2006 Pro Forma Actual Debenture Consolidated Adjustments ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 26,467 - $ 26,467 Federal funds sold 12,855 3,500 16,355 ---------- ------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents 39,322 3,500 42,822 Investment securities 74,626 - 74,626 Investment securities available for sale 70,012 - 70,012 Mortgage loans held for sale 6,360 - 6,360 Loans 558,325 - 558,325 Less: Allowance for loan losses (7,369) - (7,369) ---------- ------- ---------- Loans, net 550,956 - 550,956 Premises and equipment 17,615 - 17,615 Accrued interest receivable 7,667 - 7,667 Other assets 13,007 - 13,007 ---------- ------- ---------- $ 779,565 3,500 $ 783,065 ========== ======= ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand $ 73,553 - $ 73,553 Interest-bearing demand 170,284 - 170,284 Savings 40,068 - 40,068 Time 396,432 - 396,432 ---------- ------- ---------- Total deposits 680,337 - 680,337 Repurchase agreements 2,000 - 2,000 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 5,588 - 5,588 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 31,138 - 31,138 Long-term debt 10,736 - 10,736 Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 3,500 4,500 ---------- ------- ---------- Total liabilities $ 730,799 3,500 734,299 ---------- ------- ---------- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock - - - Common stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,260,280 issued and 6,260 - 6,260 outstanding Capital surplus 14,520 - 14,520 Unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale, net of tax (485) - (485) Retained earnings 28,471 - 28,471 ---------- ------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 48,766 - 48,766 ---------- ------- ---------- $ 779,565 3,500 $ 783,065 ========== ======= ========== Assumes proceeds of 2006 Debenture offering invested in federal funds sold.
48 LEGAL MATTERS The legality of the shares of Common Stock offered by this Prospectus will be passed upon for United by Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P., Atlanta, Georgia. EXPERTS The consolidated audited financial statements of United, included herein and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have been included herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the reports of Porter Keadle Moore, LLP, independent certified public accountants, successor to the practice of Evans, Porter, Bryan & Co., and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. AVAILABLE INFORMATION United has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus, which is part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to United and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other document to which reference is made are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the offices of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of all or any part of the Registration Statement may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549, upon the payment of the fees prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. United is subject to certain informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such periodic reports, proxy statements and other information filed by United with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission's regional offices in New York (7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048) and Chicago (Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661), and copies of such material can be obtained from the public reference section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov. UNITED INTENDS TO FURNISH ITS SHAREHOLDERS WITH ANNUAL REPORTS CONTAINING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUDITED BY INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND SUCH OTHER REPORTS AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW. 49 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS United Community Banks, Inc. and Subsidiaries - --------------------------------------------- Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants ................. F-1 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1994 .......... F-2 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 .............................. F-3 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 .......... F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 ............................. F-5 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 ....................... F-6 Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and December 31, 1995 ......................................... F-23 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited) ................ F-24 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited) ................. F-25 Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements ........................... F-26 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors and Stockholders United Community Banks, Inc. Blairsville, Georgia We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of United Community Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the related statements of earnings, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of United Community Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As disclosed in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for mortgage servicing rights during 1995. ______/s/___________________________ Evans, Porter, Bryan & Company Atlanta, Georgia February 16, 1996 F-1 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands)
December 31, 1995 1994 ---- ---- ASSETS Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements of $ 20,758 11,995 $3,217 and $2,073 Federal funds sold 11,230 2,575 ---------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents 31,988 14,570 ---------- --------- Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value of $79,650 78,821 62,948 and $60,421) Securities available for sale 65,046 14,947 Mortgage loans held for sale 12,048 12,395 Loans 444,092 329,226 Less: Allowance for loan losses 6,545 3,950 ---------- --------- Loans, net 437,547 325,276 ---------- --------- Bank premises and equipment 15,997 11,468 Accrued interest receivable 6,462 4,299 Other assets 11,760 11,033 ---------- --------- $ 659,669 456,936 ========== ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand $ 62,753 35,465 Interest-bearing demand 114,825 88,433 Savings 38,947 30,672 Time 374,131 238,700 ---------- --------- Total deposits 590,656 393,270 Federal funds purchased - 8,300 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,676 2,600 FHLB advances 9,001 12,149 Long-term debt 11,309 9,400 Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 1,000 ---------- --------- Total liabilities 615,642 426,719 ---------- --------- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock - - Common stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,260 5,589 6,260,280 and 5,589,365 shares issued and outstanding Capital surplus 14,520 7,474 Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for 251 (209) sale, net of tax Retained earnings 22,996 17,363 ---------- --------- Total stockholders' equity 44,027 30,217 ---------- --------- $ 659,669 456,936 ========== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Earnings (dollars in thousands except per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31, 1995 1994 1993 -------------------------------------------- INTEREST INCOME: Interest and fees on loans $ 41,374 28,963 23,355 Interest on deposits with other banks 3 20 49 Interest on federal funds sold 1,113 135 107 Interest on investment securities: U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agencies 4,791 2,924 3,276 State and political subdivisions 1,846 1,813 1,538 -------------------------------------------- Total interest income 49,127 33,855 28,325 -------------------------------------------- INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest on deposits: Demand 3,585 2,874 2,080 Savings 1,023 926 788 Time 19,735 10,572 10,229 -------------------------------------------- 24,343 14,372 13,097 -------------------------------------------- Long-term debt, subordinated debentures, federal funds purchased, and FHLB advances 1,865 1,266 712 -------------------------------------------- Total interest expense 26,208 15,638 13,809 -------------------------------------------- Net interest income 22,919 18,217 14,516 Provision for loan losses 1,040 935 842 -------------------------------------------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 21,879 17,282 13,674 -------------------------------------------- NONINTEREST INCOME: Service charges and fees 1,937 1,470 1,346 Gains on sales of investment securities 4 38 152 Mortgage loan and other related fees 1,582 1,639 1,757 Other noninterest income 741 615 445 -------------------------------------------- Total noninterest income 4,264 3,762 3,700 -------------------------------------------- NONINTEREST EXPENSE: Salaries and employee benefits 9,890 7,856 6,487 Occupancy 2,695 2,010 1,608 Deposit insurance premiums 514 816 717 Other noninterest expense 4,755 3,220 2,893 -------------------------------------------- Total noninterest expense 17,854 13,902 11,705 -------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 8,289 7,142 5,669 Income taxes 2,238 1,942 1,467 -------------------------------------------- NET EARNINGS $ 6,051 5,200 4,202 =========== ========= ========= Net earnings per common share $ 1.04 0.93 0.76 =========== ========= ========= Weighted average common shares outstanding 5,813,615 5,589,365 5,545,110 =========== ========= ========= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity For the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investment Securities Available Common Stock Capital Retained for Sale, ------------- Net Shares Amount Surplus Earnings of Tax Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1992 as previously 1,100,022 $ 1,100 7,063 12,779 - 20,942 reported Effect of five-for-one stock split 4,400,088 4,400 - (4,400) - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1992 as adjusted 5,500,110 5,500 7,063 8,379 - 20,942 Cash dividends declared ($0.035 per share) - - - (195) - (195) Common stock issued in conversion of 89,255 89 411 - - 500 debentures Net earnings - - - 4,202 - 4,202 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1993 5,589,365 5,589 7,474 12,386 - 25,449 Cumulative effect of accounting change for - - - - 428 428 investment securities, net of tax of $262 Change in unrealized loss on securities - - - - (637) (637) available for sale, net of tax Cash dividends declared ($0.040 per share) - - - (223) - (223) Net earnings - - - 5,200 - 5,200 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1994 5,589,365 5,589 7,474 17,363 (209) 30,217 Issuance of common shares for bank 455,400 455 4,828 - - 5,283 acquisition Proceeds from common stock offering, 215,515 216 2,218 - - 2,434 net of offering cost Change in unrealized losses on securities - - - - 460 460 available for sale, net of tax Cash dividends declared ($0.072 per share) - - - (418) - (418) Net earnings - - - 6,051 - 6,051 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 31, 1995 6,260,280 $ 6,260 14,520 22,996 251 44,027 ========= ======== ====== ====== ==== ====== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 1994 1993 --------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 6,051 5,200 4,202 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,715 1,471 1,418 Provision for loan losses 1,040 935 842 Provision for deferred tax benefit (83) (3) (194) Gain on sale of investment securities (4) (38) (152) Change in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions: Interest receivable (1,658) (910) 181 Interest payable 1,286 407 (398) Other assets 792 (483) (631) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,315) (150) 719 Change in mortgage loans held for sale 347 1,216 (8,382) --------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 8,171 7,645 (2,395) --------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES, NET OF THE EFFECTS OF ACQUISITIONS: Cash acquired from acquisitions and branch purchases 25,867 - - Proceeds from sales of securities held to maturity - - 22,594 Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity 11,465 4,232 11,553 Purchases of securities held to maturity (24,899) (20,021) (33,166) Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 14,718 19,074 - Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale 11,299 8,660 - Purchases of securities available for sale (60,366) (8,290) - Purchase of exchangeable payable in kind debenture - (2,846) - Purchases of mortgage servicing rights - (2,022) - Net change in interest-bearing deposits with other banks 299 693 199 Net increase in loans (63,387) (59,488) (51,383) Proceeds from sale of other real estate 243 119 33 Purchase of bank premises and equipment (2,178) (3,673) (2,384) --------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (86,939) (63,562) (52,554) --------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES, NET OF THE EFFECTS OF ACQUISITIONS: Net change in demand and savings deposits 18,599 21,577 33,787 Net change in time deposits 85,110 21,928 15,958 Net change in federal funds purchased (8,300) 7,000 1,300 Proceeds from long-term debt 2,539 2,800 - Proceeds from FHLB advances 8,596 5,956 6,489 Repayments of long-term debt (630) (800) (413) Repayments of FHLB advances (11,744) (283) - Proceeds from sale of common stock 2,434 - - Cash paid for dividends (418) (223) (195) --------------------------------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 96,186 57,955 56,926 --------------------------------------- Net change in cash and cash equivalents 17,418 2,038 1,977 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 14,570 12,532 10,555 --------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 31,988 14,570 12,532 ========== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accounting principles followed by United Community Banks, Inc. (United) and its subsidiaries and the methods of applying these principles conform with generally accepted accounting principles and with general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the more significant of those policies. Organization ------------ United is a five bank holding Company whose business is conducted by its wholly-owned bank subsidiaries. United is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The Bank Subsidiaries are commercial banks which serve markets throughout north Georgia and western North Carolina. The Bank Subsidiaries are insured and subject to the regulation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank Subsidiaries also provide a full range of customary banking services. Basis of Presentation --------------------- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United and its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiaries, Union County Bank, Blairsville, Georgia (UCB), Citizens Bank-Murphy, North Carolina (Citizens), Peoples Bank, Blue Ridge, Georgia (Peoples) Towns County Bank, Hiawassee, Georgia (Towns), and White County Bank, Cleveland, Georgia (White) (collectively, the "Bank Subsidiaries"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in prior years' financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current financial statement presentations. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with these valuations, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. A substantial portion of United's loans are secured by real estate located in north Georgia and western North Carolina. Accordingly, the collection of a substantial portion of United's loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in the real estate market conditions of this market area. Investment Securities --------------------- Effective January 1, 1994, United adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Under SFAS No. 115, United classifies its securities in one of three categories: held to maturity, available for sale, or trading. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. United does not have investments classified in the trading category. Held to maturity securities are those securities for which United has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held to maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax F-6 effect, on securities available for sale are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity until realized. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from held to maturity to available for sale are recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The unrealized holding gains or losses included in the separate component of stockholders' equity for securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity are maintained and amortized into earnings over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of premium or discount on the associated security. A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to maturity investment below cost that is deemed other than temporary is charged to earnings and establishes a new cost basis for the security. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. Mortgage Loans Held for Sale ---------------------------- Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. The amount by which cost exceeds market value is accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in the determination of net earnings of the period in which the change occurs. No market valuation allowances were required at December 31, 1995 or 1994. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses ----------------------------------- All loans are stated at principal amount outstanding. Interest on loans is primarily calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged to interest income on loans. Generally, payments on nonaccrual loans are applied to principal. Effective January 1, 1995, United adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" as amended by SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures." A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The adoption of SFAS No. 114 and No. 118 had no significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collection of the principal is unlikely. The allowance represents an amount which, in management's judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Management's judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the probability of collection of loans. These evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to pay, overall portfolio quality and review of specific problem loans. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part F-7 of their examination process, periodically review United's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require United to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination. Bank Premises and Equipment --------------------------- Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using primarily the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed currently. The range of estimated useful lives for building and improvements is 15 to 40 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years. Goodwill and Deposit-Based Intangibles -------------------------------------- Goodwill, arising from the excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired of purchased bank subsidiaries, is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 25 years. Deposit assumption premiums paid in connection with the 1995 branch bank purchases are being amortized over 15 years, the estimated life of the deposit base acquired. On an ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and amortization periods of goodwill and the deposit assumption premiums to determine if events and circumstances require the remaining lives to be reduced. Mortgage Servicing Rights ------------------------- Effective April 1, 1995, United adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 122 "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights." SFAS No. 122 amends SFAS No. 65, "Accounting for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities." SFAS No. 122 requires a mortgage banking enterprise to recognize as a separate asset, the rights to service mortgage loans regardless of whether the servicing rights are acquired through either purchase or origination. Prior to SFAS No. 122, SFAS No. 65 prohibited the capitalization of mortgage servicing rights except where the rights to service loans were acquired from another organization. Additionally, the new standard requires impairment analysis of mortgage servicing rights regardless of whether purchased or originated. United's mortgage servicing rights represent the unamortized cost of purchased and originated contractual rights to service mortgages for others in exchange for a servicing fee and ancillary loan administration income. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized over the period of estimated net servicing income and are periodically adjusted for actual and anticipated prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans. Impairment analysis is performed quarterly after stratifying the rights by interest rate. Impairment, defined as the excess of the asset's carrying value over its current fair value, is recognized through a valuation allowance. At December 31, 1995, no valuation allowances were required for United's mortgage servicing rights. Income Taxes ------------ United recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, is based on the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date. In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of United's assets and liabilities result in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to F-8 realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Net Earnings Per Common Share ----------------------------- Net earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The assumed conversion of the convertible subordinated debentures and exercise of stock options do not result in material dilution. All share and per share data have been adjusted to reflect the October 1995, five-for-one split, effected in the form of a stock dividend, paid on November 6, 1995. Recent Accounting Pronouncements -------------------------------- During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This new standard will become effective January 1, 1996, and will require United to disclose the fair value of employee stock options granted in 1995 and subsequent years. Since United will not be required to record the options at fair value, management does not expect this new standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. F-9 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS On August 31, 1995, United acquired all the outstanding common stock of White County Bancshares, Inc., (White Bancshares) the parent company of White County Bank, Cleveland, Georgia. United issued 455,400 shares of its common stock and approximately $10,000 in cash for fractional shares, in exchange for all the outstanding common shares of White Bancshares. Additionally, United exercised its option to convert the exchangeable payable in kind debenture, previously acquired during 1994, and the related accrued interest into a majority interest in White County Bank. At the date of acquisition, White County Bank had total assets of $71 million and liabilities of $63 million. The original purchase price was allocated to assets and liabilities acquired based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase and, therefore, is not included in United's results of operations or statements of financial position prior to the date of acquisition. The following summarized pro forma unaudited financial information is presented as if the purchase had occurred on January 1, 1994. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative either of the results of the operations that would have occurred had the two companies actually combined during the period presented or of future results of the combined companies:
For the Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 -------------------------------------------- (dollars in thousands except per share data) Net interest income $ 24,207 20,903 ========== ====== Noninterest income 4,418 4,173 ===== ===== Noninterest expense 6,197 17,381 ===== ====== Net earnings 6,288 4,898 ===== ===== Net earnings per share $ 1.03 0.81 ========== ==== Weighted average shares outstanding 6,116,800 6,044,765 ========= =========
In 1995, United's subsidiary, Citizens, assumed deposits totaling $32 million and purchased certain assets totaling $12 million of three branch banks in the western North Carolina cities of Andrews, Franklin and Waynesville. F-10 (2) CASH FLOWS United paid approximately $25 million, $15 million and $14 million in interest on deposits and other liabilities during 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. In connection with United's 1995 acquisition of White, assets having fair value of $71 million were acquired and liabilities totaling $63 million were assumed.
For the Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ----------------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Schedule of noncash investing and financing activities: Change in dividends payable $ -- -- 2 Transfers of loans to other real estate $ 821 1,041 308 Financed sales of other real estate $ 826 925 321 Conversion of convertible subordinated debentures into 89,255 shares of common stock $ -- -- 500 Common stock issued and conversion of exchangeable payable in kind debenture in connection with the acquisition of White $ 8,864 -- -- Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities $ 460 (209) -- available for sale, net of tax
F-11 (3) INVESTMENT SECURITIES Investment securities at December 31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
----------------------------------------------------- December 31, 1995 ----------------------------------------------------- Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ----------------------------------------------------- Securities Available for Sale: U S Treasuries $23,128 112 1 23,239 U S Government agencies 28,215 137 11 28,341 State and Municipal 6,007 314 - 6,321 Mortgage-backed securities 4,310 14 34 4,290 Other 2,912 - 57 2,855 ----------------------------------------------------- Total 64,572 577 103 65,046 ===================================================== Securities Held to Maturity: U S Treasuries 6,624 31 4 6,651 U S Government agencies 37,736 202 268 37,670 State and Municipal 26,524 864 76 27,312 Mortgage-backed securities 7,937 99 19 8,017 ----------------------------------------------------- Total $78,821 1,196 367 79,650 ===================================================== ----------------------------------------------------- December 31, 1994 ----------------------------------------------------- Gross Gross Estimated Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value ----------------------------------------------------- Securities Available for Sale: U S Treasuries $5,875 - 94 5,781 U S Government agencies 6,961 11 239 6,733 Mortgage-backed securities 567 4 2 569 Other 1,881 - 17 1,864 ----------------------------------------------------- Total 15,284 15 352 14,947 ===================================================== Securities Held to Maturity: U S Treasuries 4,250 - 88 4,162 U S Government agencies 20,556 - 1,474 19,082 State and Municipal securities 32,039 395 1,152 31,282 Mortgage-backed securities 6,103 - 208 5,895 ----------------------------------------------------- Total $62,948 395 2,922 60,421 =====================================================
The amortized cost and fair value of the securities portfolio at December 31, 1995, by contractual maturity, is presented in the following table. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. F-12
------------------------------------------------------- Securities Held Securities Available to Maturity for Sale December 31, 1995 December 31, 1995 ------------------------------------------------------- AMORTIZED ESTIMATED AMORTIZED ESTIMATED COST FAIR VALUE COST FAIR VALUE ------------------------------------------------------- U S TREASURIES: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Within 1 year $5,249 5,260 10,606 10,624 1 to 5 years 1,375 1,391 12,522 12,615 ----------------------------------------------------- $6,624 6,651 23,128 23,239 ===================================================== U S GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: Within 1 year $8,275 8,260 10,475 10,500 1 to 5 years 28,961 28,909 17,740 17,841 5 to 10 years 250 249 - - More than 10 years 250 252 - - ----------------------------------------------------- $37,736 37,670 28,215 28,341 ===================================================== STATE AND MUNICIPAL: Within 1 year $1,134 1,136 1,382 1,418 1 to 5 years 6,605 6,839 4,521 4,791 5 to 10 years 12,724 13,105 104 112 More than 10 years 6,061 6,232 - - ----------------------------------------------------- $26,524 27,312 6,007 6,321 ===================================================== OTHER: More than 10 years - - 2,912 2,855 ----------------------------------------------------- $ - - 2,912 2,855 ===================================================== TOTAL SECURITIES OTHER THAN MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: Within 1 year $14,658 14,656 22,463 22,542 1 to 5 years 36,941 37,139 34,783 35,247 5 to 10 years 12,974 13,354 104 112 More than 10 years 6,311 6,484 2,912 2,855 Mortgage-backed securities 7,937 8,017 4,310 4,290 ----------------------------------------------------- $78,821 79,650 64,572 65,046 =====================================================
In December 1995, United transferred securities with amortized costs of $11 million from the held to maturity category to the available for sale category. At the date of transfer, the unrealized gain related to that transfer amounted to $312,500. These transfers were made as a result of United's reassessment of the appropriateness of its securities classifications as allowed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's special report "A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". F-13 There were no sales of securities held to maturity during 1995 and 1994. Proceeds from sales of securities held to maturity during 1993 were $22.6 million. Gross gains of $190,000 along with gross losses of $38,000 were realized on those sales. Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during 1995 and 1994 were $14.7 million and $19.1 million, respectively. Gross gains were $113,000 and $143,000 for 1995 and 1994, along with gross losses of $109,000 and $105,000 for 1995 and 1994, were realized on those sales. Securities with a carrying value of $38.9 and $29.4 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits as required by law. (4) LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES Major classifications of loans at December 31, 1995 and 1994 are summarized as follows:
1995 1994 --------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Commercial, financial and agricultural $120,876 105,644 Real estate - construction 29,538 19,707 Real estate - mortgage 216,649 144,971 Consumer loans 77,029 58,904 --------------------------- Total loans 444,092 329,226 Less: Allowance for loan losses 6,545 3,950 --------------------------- Loans, net $437,547 325,276 ===========================
During 1995 and 1994, certain executive officers and directors of United and its Bank Subsidiaries, including their immediate families and companies with which they are associated, maintained a variety of banking relationships with the Bank Subsidiaries. Total loans outstanding to these persons at December 31, 1995 and 1994, amounted to $8,528,000 and $5,902,000, respectively. The change from December 31, 1994, to December 31, 1995, reflects payments amounting to $3,580,000 and advances of $6,206,000. Such loans are made in the ordinary course of business at normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateral requirements, and do not represent more than normal credit risk. Changes in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as follows:
------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ------------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $3,950 3,237 2,592 Allowance for loan losses acquired from White 1,813 - - Provisions charged to earnings 1,040 935 842 Loans charged off (675) (314) (287) Recoveries of loans previously charged off 417 92 90 ------------------------------- Balance at end of year $6,545 3,950 3,237 ===============================
United serviced approximately $244.8 and $199.4 million of loans for others at December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1994, respectively. F-14 (5) BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Bank premises and equipment at December 31, 1995 and 1994 are summarized as follows:
-------------------- 1995 1994 (dollars in thousands) ---------------------- Land and land improvements $ 3,332 2,672 Buildings and improvements 10,122 6,539 Furniture and equipment 8,005 6,371 Construction in progress 616 - -------------------- 22,075 15,582 Less accumulated depreciation 6,078 4,114 -------------------- $15,997 11,468 ====================
Depreciation expense was approximately $1,313,000, $927,000 and $725,000 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. During 1995 and 1994, payments under cost plus contracts were made totaling approximately $719,000 and $1,784,000, respectively, to the business interest of a shareholder and director of United as the general contractor for the construction of certain new banking facilities. (6) FHLB ADVANCES United has advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) with monthly interest payments and principal payments due at various maturity dates and interest rates ranging from 4.50% to 7.81% at December 31, 1995. The majority of the advances represent draws to fund mortgage loans to customers over payment terms longer than those normally given. The FHLB advances are collateralized by certain qualifying real estate loans having Lendable Collateral Value equal to at least 100% of the balance of advances outstanding under a blanket floating lien security agreement with the FHLB. The Lendable Collateral Value is calculated by discounting the total unpaid principal balances of the loans at 75%. Additionally, all stock of the FHLB owned by United and other U.S. agency investment securities are pledged as collateral for the advances. (7) LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt at December 31, 1995 and 1994, totalled $11,309,000 and $9,400,000, respectively. Long-term debt at December 31, 1995 consisted of notes payable to a bank due in quarterly installments of $282,725, plus interest, through January 2005, secured by common stock of the Bank Subsidiaries. Interest is based on the prime rate less fifty (50) basis points. The loan agreement contains covenants and restrictions pertaining to the maintenance of certain financial ratios, limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, and the declaration of dividends or other capital transactions. Aggregate maturities are approximately $1,130,900 for each of the next five years and $5,654,500, thereafter. (8) CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES Effective July 1, 1993, $500,000 of United's 9% convertible subordinated debentures were converted at a conversion price of $5.60 per share into 89,255 shares of common stock plus cash paid for fractional shares totalling $172. The remaining $1,000,000 of debentures, subordinate to United's other indebtedness, are convertible into common stock of United at a conversion price of $5.60 per share at any time on or before July 1, 1996, unless previously redeemed. United may redeem the debentures in whole or in part at anytime after January 1, 1993 at redemption prices, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, ranging from 105% in 1993 to 101% in 1997. The debentures mature on July 1, 2000 and bear interest at 9%, payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year. F-15 Certain directors and executive officers of United hold convertible debentures totaling $700,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994. (9) INCOME TAXES During 1995, 1994 and 1993, United made income tax payments of approximately $2,315,000, $2,147,000 and $1,745,000, respectively. Applicable income tax expense of $1,000, $13,000 and $52,000 on net securities gains for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, is included in the provision for income tax expense. The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are as follows:
----------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ----------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Current $ 2,321 1,945 1,661 Deferred (83) (3) (194) ------- ----- ----- $ 2,238 1,942 1,467 ======= ===== =====
The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34 percent to earnings before taxes are as follows:
Pretax income at statutory rates $ 2,818 2,428 1,927 Add (deduct): Tax-exempt interest income (767) (704) (609) Nondeductible interest expense 126 91 71 Other 61 127 78 ------- ----- ----- $ 2,238 1,942 1,467 ======= ===== =====
The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions (income) which comprise the net deferred tax asset at December 31:
Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses $ 1,833 1,213 Mortgage loans 63 52 Net operating loss carryforward and credit carryforwards 1,044 8 Unrealized loss on securities available for sale - 128 ------- ------ Gross deferred tax assets 2,940 1,401 Deferred tax liabilities: Premises and equipment (1,074) (682) Unrealized gain on securities available for sale (184) - Other (88) (47) ------- ------ Gross deferred tax liabilities (1,346) (729) ------- ------ Net deferred tax asset $ 1,594 672 ======= ======
F-16 At December 31, 1995, United had remaining loss carryforwards of approximately $2 million and $4 million for Federal and State income taxes, respectively, which begin to expire in 2008. The use of these carry forwards is limited to future taxable earnings of United and to annual limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. United may use no more than approximately $600,000 annually of its remaining Federal operating loss carryforwards. (10) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS United has contributory employee benefit plans covering substantially all employees, subject to certain minimum service requirements. United's contribution to the plans is determined annually by the Board of Directors and amounted to approximately $556,000, $396,000 and $343,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively. (11) COMMITMENTS The Bank Subsidiaries are parties to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank Subsidiaries have 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 standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Bank Subsidiaries use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments. In most cases collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk. The following table summarizes, as of December 31, the contract or notional amount of off-balance sheet instruments:
----------------------- Financial instruments whose contact amounts represent credit risk: 1995 1994 ----------------------- (dollars in thousands) Commitments to extend credit $47,173 23,993 Standby letters of credit and financial $1,760 1,501 guarantees written
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank Subsidiaries evaluate each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral. Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Bank Subsidiaries to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to local businesses. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank Subsidiaries hold real estate, certificates of deposit, equipment and automobiles as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those commitments varies. F-17 (12) STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY Dividends paid by the Bank Subsidiaries are the primary source of funds available to United for payment of dividends to its shareholders and other needs. Applicable Federal and State statutes and regulations impose restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be declared by the Bank Subsidiaries. At December 31, 1995, approximately $5.4 million of the Bank Subsidiaries' net assets were available for payment of dividends without prior approval from the regulatory authorities. In addition to the formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities also consider the adequacy of each Bank Subsidiary's total capital in relation to its assets, deposits and other such items. Capital adequacy considerations could further limit the availability of dividends from the Bank Subsidiaries. On October 25, 1995, United's Board of Directors declared a five-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend, payable to shareholders of record November 6, 1995. Share and per share data for all periods presented have been retroactively restated to reflect the additional shares outstanding resulting from the stock split. In 1995, the Board of Directors adopted the Key Employee Stock Option Plan. Under this plan, options can be granted for up to 150,000 shares of United's common stock. During 1995, options for 50,000 shares were granted which are exercisable at $10 per share, the fair market value at the date of grant. At December 31, 1995, 100,000 shares were available for grant under this plan. In 1995, United's Board of Directors amended the Articles of Incorporation to authorize 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1.00 par value. At December 31, 1995, there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding. (13) SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA Components of other operating expenses in excess of 1% of total interest and other noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are as follows:
----------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ----------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Stationery and supplies $ 439 410 327 Advertising $ 627 379 277 F-18 (14) United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Financial Information
BALANCE SHEETS December 31 ---------------------- 1995 1994 ---------------------- ASSETS (dollars in thousands) Cash $ 200 83 Investment in Bank Subsidiaries 51,761 32,941 Other assets 4,735 7,937 -------------------- 56,696 40,961 ==================== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Other liabilities $ 360 344 Long-term debt 11,309 9,400 Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 1,000 Stockholders' equity 44,027 30,217 -------------------- $ 56,696 40,961 =====================
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Years Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ========================================= (dollars in thousands) Income: Dividends from Bank Subsidiaries $ 1,510 1,770 1,323 Other 163 174 - ----------------------------------------- Total income 1,673 1,944 1,323 ----------------------------------------- Expenses: Interest on long-term debt and subordinated debentures 910 729 572 Other 410 209 283 ----------------------------------------- Total expense 1,320 938 855 ----------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of Bank Subsidiaries 353 1,006 468 Income tax benefit 346 228 247 ----------------------------------------- Earnings before equity in undistributed earnings of Bank Subsidiaries 699 1,234 715 ----------------------------------------- Equity in undistributed earnings of Bank Subsidiaries 5,352 3,966 3,487 ----------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 6,051 5,200 4,202 =========================================
F-19
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 ------------------------------------- (dollars in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 6,051 5,200 4,202 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in undistributed earnings of Bank (5,352) (3,966) (3,487) Subsidiaries Amortization and accretion 185 184 191 Change in: Other assets (203) 97 198 Accrued interest payable 39 81 (22) Other liabilities (18) (270) (143) ------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 702 1,326 939 ------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of exchangeable payable in kind - (2,846) - debenture Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares (10) - - Capital contribution to Bank Subsidiaries (4,500) (200) (350) Net cash used in investing activities (4,510) (3,046) (350) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 2,539 2,800 - Repayments of long-term debt (630) (800) (400) Proceeds from sale of common stock 2,434 - - Dividends paid (418) (223) (195) ------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by financing 3,925 1,777 (595) activities ------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash 117 57 (6) Cash at beginning of year 83 26 32 ------------------------------------- Cash at end of year $ 200 83 26 =====================================
F-20 (15) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of United's financial instruments are detailed below. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of United or its Bank Subsidiaries, but rather a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held by United since purchase, origination, or issuance. Cash and Short-Term Investments ------------------------------- For cash, due from banks and federal funds sold, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Investment Securities --------------------- Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices. Loans and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale -------------------------------------- The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Deposits -------- The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Federal Funds Purchased ----------------------- The carrying value of federal funds purchased approximates their fair value. FHLB Advances ------------- The fair value of United's fixed rate borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows, based on United's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. Long-Term Debt and Convertible Subordinated Debentures ------------------------------------------------------ Rates currently available to United for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt. Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit ---------------------------------------------------------- Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are made using variable rates, the contract value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Limitations ----------- 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 any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time United's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of United's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. F-21 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. The carrying amount and estimated fair values of United's financial instruments at December 31, 1995 and 1994, are as follows:
December 31, 1995 December 31, 1994 ------------------------ ------------------------ Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value -------- ---------- ------- ---------- (dollars in thousands) Assets: Cash and short term investments $31,988 31,988 14,570 14,570 Securities held to maturity 78,821 79,650 62,948 60,421 Securities available for sale 65,046 65,046 14,947 14,947 Mortgage loans held for sale 12,048 12,048 12,395 12,395 Loans, net 437,547 437,053 325,276 323,894 Liabilities: Deposits 590,656 596,307 393,270 391,609 Federal funds purchased - - 8,300 8,300 FHLB advances 9,001 8,771 12,149 11,034 Long term-debt 11,309 11,309 9,400 9,265 Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 946 1,000 921 Unrecognized financial instruments: Commitments to extend credit 47,173 47,173 23,993 23,993 Standby letters of credit 1,760 1,760 1,501 1,501
F-22
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 1996 1995 ------------- ------------ ASSETS (In Thousands) Cash and due from banks $ 26,467 20,758 Federal funds sold 12,855 11,230 ---------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents 39,322 31,988 ---------- --------- Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value of $74,346 and $79,650) 74,626 78,821 Securities available for sale 70,012 65,046 Mortgage loans held for sale 6,360 12,048 Loans 558,325 444,092 Less: Allowance for loan losses (7,369) (6,545) ---------- --------- Loans, net 550,956 437,547 Premises and equipment 17,615 15,997 Accrued interest receivable 7,667 6,462 Other assets 13,007 11,760 ---------- --------- $ 779,565 659,669 ========== ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Demand $ 73,553 62,753 Interest-bearing demand 170,284 114,825 Savings 40,068 38,947 Time 396,432 374,131 ---------- --------- Total deposits 680,337 590,656 Repurchase agreements 2,000 - Accrued expenses and other liabilities 5,588 3,676 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 31,138 9,001 Long-term debt 10,736 11,309 Convertible subordinated debentures 1,000 1,000 ---------- --------- Total liabilities 730,799 615,642 ---------- --------- Stockholders' equity: Preferred Stock - - Common stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,260,280 shares issued and outstanding 6,260 6,260 Capital surplus 14,520 14,520 Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax (485) 251 Retained earnings 28,471 22,996 ---------- --------- Total stockholders' equity 48,766 44,027 ---------- --------- $ 779,565 659,669 ========== =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-23
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, -------------------------- ------------------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 ---- ---- ---- ---- (In Thousands Except Per Share Data) INTEREST INCOME: Interest and fees on loans $ 13,856 10,525 38,786 29,520 Interest on deposits with other banks 13 14 47 37 Interest on federal funds sold 243 340 660 837 Interest on investment securities: U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agencies 1,499 1,158 4,588 3,128 State, county and municipal 480 458 1,413 1,375 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest income 16,091 12,495 45,495 34,897 --------- --------- --------- --------- INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest on deposits: Demand 1,629 859 3,647 2,587 Savings 263 241 783 740 Time 5,647 5,243 17,214 13,856 --------- --------- --------- --------- 7,539 6,343 21,644 17,183 --------- --------- --------- --------- Long-term debt, subordinated debentures and federal funds purchased 493 446 1,218 1,439 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total interest expense 8,032 6,789 21,644 18,622 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income 8,059 5,706 22,633 16,275 --------- --------- --------- --------- Provision for loan losses 348 326 915 746 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 7,711 5,380 21,718 15,529 --------- --------- --------- --------- NONINTEREST INCOME: Service charges and fees 667 481 1,940 1,381 Securities gains, net 2 (1) 17 2 Mortgage loan and related fees 361 475 1,218 1,104 Other noninterest income 215 212 565 611 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total noninterest income 1,245 1,167 3,740 3,098 --------- --------- --------- --------- NONINTEREST EXPENSE: Salaries and employee benefits 3,279 2,434 9,380 7,042 Occupancy 775 677 2,402 1,956 Deposit insurance premiums 3 (36) 20 453 Other noninterest expense 1,732 1,244 5,001 3,160 --------- --------- --------- --------- Total noninterest expense 5,789 4,319 16,803 12,611 --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings before income taxes 3,167 2,228 8,655 6,015 Income taxes 1,013 704 2,930 1,857 --------- --------- --------- --------- NET EARNINGS $ 2,154 1,524 5,725 4,158 ========= ========= ========= ========= Net earnings per common share $ 0.34 0.26 0.91 0.73 Weighted average shares outstanding 6,260 280 5,815,430 6,260,280 5,665,545
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-24
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, -------------------------- 1996 1995 ---- ---- (In Thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $ 5,725 4,158 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, amortization and accretion 1,636 1,280 Provision for loan losses 915 746 Gain on sale of investment securities (17) (2) Change in assets and liabilities: Interest receivable (1,205) (1,170) Interest payable (174) 611 Other assets (163) (719) Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,513 (114) Change in mortgage loans held for sale 5,688 (119) -------- ------- Net cash provided by operating activities 13,918 4,671 -------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Cash acquired from acquisitions 2,685 8,508 Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity 12,531 5,900 Purchases of securities held to maturity (8,413) (13,175) Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 12,185 9,800 Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale 21,038 6,776 Purchases of securities available for sale (39,486) (45,340) Net change in interest-bearing deposits with other banks - 299 Net increase in loans (95,136) (52,792) Proceeds from sales of other real estate 54 69 Purchase of bank premises and equipment (1,562) (1,981) -------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities (96,104) (81,936) -------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net change in demand and savings deposits 57,368 19,231 Net change in time deposits 8,838 78,336 Net increase in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 2,000 (8,300) Proceeds from long-term debt - 539 Repayments of long-term debt (573) 7,346 Proceeds from FHLB advances 22,375 (630) Repayments of FHLB advances (238) (7,571) Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of costs 2434 Dividends paid (250) (279) -------- ------- Net cash provided by financing activities 89,520 91,106 -------- ------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 7,334 13,841 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31,988 14,570 -------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 39,322 28,411 ======== ======= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 23,036 18,011 Income taxes $ 2,750 1,645 SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Change in dividends payable $ - 110 Transfers of loans to other real estate owned $ 388 195 Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale $ (1,162) 302
See accompanying notes to consolidted financial statements. F-25 UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements The accompanying consolidated financial statements have not been audited. The results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim periods. The accounting principals followed by United Community Banks, Inc. ("United") and its bank subsidiaries and the methods of applying these principals conform with generally accepted accounting principals and with general practices within the banking industry. Certain principals which significantly affect the determination of financial position, results of operation and cash flows are summarized below and in United's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. (1) Basis of Presentation ---------------------- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Union County Bank (UCB), Citizens Bank (Citizens), Peoples Bank (Peoples), Towns County Bank (Towns) and White County Bank (White) . All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in prior period's financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current financial statement presentation. The consolidated financial information furnished herein reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the results of operations and financial position for the periods covered herein and are normal and recurring in nature. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in United's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. (2) Earnings Per Share ------------------ Net earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The assumed conversion of the convertible subordinated debentures and exercise of stock options do not result in material dilution. All share and per share data have been adjusted to reflect the October 1995, five-for-one split, effected in the form of a stock dividend, paid on November 6, 1995. (3) Acquisition of Branch Offices ----------------------------- On May 25, 1995, United executed a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to acquire certain assets and deposit liabilities of the Franklin and Waynesville, North Carolina branch offices of Nations Bank, N.A. These branch offices had total assets of $14.8 million, total loans of $11.1 million and total deposits of $26.1 million as of October 19, 1995, the date of closing. F-26 On June 6, 1996, United executed a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to acquire certain assets and deposit liabilities of the Cornelia, Georgia branch office of the First National Bank of Commerce. This branch office had total assets of $36 million, total loans of $31 million and total deposits of $24 million as of September 30, 1996, the date of closing. (4) Recently Issued Accounting Standards ------------------------------------ During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This new standard became effective January 1, 1996, and will require United to disclose the fair value of employee stock options granted in 1995 and subsequent years. Since United will not be required to record the options at fair market value, management does not expect this new standard to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Results of Operations OVERVIEW Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased to $5.7 million or 38 percent over net earnings for the first nine months of 1995. Net earnings per common share for the first nine months also increased 25 percent from the same period in 1995 to $.91. Net interest income increased 39 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 over the same period of 1995 to $23.6 million. For the first half of 1996, the provision for loan losses increased 23 percent to $915.000 for the nine month period. Noninterest income and expense rose 21 percent and 33 percent respectively over the first three quarters of 1995. NET INTEREST INCOME Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased $6.4 million over the first three quarters of 1995. This increase was the result of a $10.6 million, or 30 percent increase in interest income, offset by a $4.2 million increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in average earning assets of $146 million. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, increased $4.2 million, or 23 percent from the prior year, due primarily to a 29% increase in average core deposits, offset slightly by a decrease in the average yield on source of funds from 4.93% to 4.68%. NET INTEREST MARGIN The difference between the overall interest income on earning assets and the interest expense paid on all funding sources, including noninterest bearing deposits, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the first three quarters of 1996 the net interest margin was 4.64 percent compared to 4.32 percent for the same period in 1995. This 32 basis point increase resulted from a stable rate environment as well as a favorable change in the core deposit mix. F-27 NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE Noninterest income for the first nine months of 1996 increased $642 thousand, or 21 percent over the same period in 1995. Service charges on deposits increased over $559 thousand, or 40 percent during the first nine months, principally as a result of an increased number of deposit accounts being serviced. This increase is a result of continued growth and the White County and the Citizens' branch banking acquisitions. Mortgage loan and related fees increased $114 thousand, or 10% as a result of declining rate environment for a majority of the first nine months of 1996. Gains on investment securities sold during the first three quarter of 1996 were not material. Noninterest expenses increased $4.2 million during the first nine months of 1996 over the same period in 1995. Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.3 million, or 33 percent, for the first three quarters. The increase in salaries and benefits was the result of an additional 72 employees compared to the same period in 1995. The number of employees increased primarily as a result of the White County acquisition as well as the branch banking facilities acquired by Citizens as discussed earlier. Net occupancy expense increased $446 thousand due primarily to an increase in the depreciation and other occupancy expenses associated with the increased number of banking facilities. FDIC deposit insurance premiums decreased $433 thousand as a result of the recalculated FDIC assessment. Other noninterest expense, including stationary and supplies and advertising , increased $1.8 million during the first three quarters of 1996. INCOME TAXES Income tax expense increased during the first three quarters of 1996 compared to the same period in 1995 by $1.1 million. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 were 35 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The increases are due primarily to the combined efforts of increased levels of pretax income, and a lower mix of tax-exempt securities held in the investment portfolio. Management expects the trend of an increasing effective tax rate to continue. PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased 23 percent to $915 thousand from the $746 thousand reported for the same period in 1995. Management considers the size and character of the loan portfolio, changes in nonperforming and past due loans, historical loan loss experience, the existing risk of individual loans, concentrations of loans to specific borrowers and existing and prospective economic conditions when determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 1996 was $7.4 million compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 1995. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding at September 30, 1996 was 1.32 percent compared to 1.48 percent at December 31, 1995. The reduction in the ratio reflects the improvement in the quality of United's loan portfolio. It is management's belief that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb probable loss in the portfolio. F-28 NONPERFORMING ASSETS AND PAST DUE LOANS Nonperforming assets, comprised of nonaccrual loans, other real estate owned and loans for which payments are more than 90 days past due, decrease $1.3 million to $ 850 thousand at September 30, 1996 from $2.2 million at December 31, 1995. In addition, Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans and other real estate owned improved to .15 percent at September 30, 1996 from .48 percent at December 31, 1995. United regularly monitors selected accruing loans for which general economic conditions or changes within a particular industry could cause the borrowers financial difficulties. This continuous monitoring of the loan portfolio and the related identification of loans with a high degree of credit risk are essential parts of United's credit management. Management continues to emphasize maintaining a low level of nonperforming assets and returning current nonperfroming assets to an earning status. At September 30, 1996, management was unaware of any known trends, events or uncertainties that will have or that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on United's liquidity, capital resources or operations. Financial Condition OVERVIEW Total assets at September 30, 1996 were $780 million representing a $120 million or a 18 percent increase from December 31, 1995 and a $158 million or a 25 percent increase from September 30, 1995. The growth from prior year is primarily attributed to an increase in market share of approximately $109 million and $49 from acquisitions. ASSETS AND FUNDING At September 30, 1996, earning assets totaled $722 million, an increase of $111 million from December 31, 1995. The earning assets mix improved slightly in the first nine months with loans representing 77% of the total earning assets as compared to 73% percent at December 31, 1995. Interest bearing deposits at September 30, 1996 increased $79 million from December 31, 1995, while non-interest bearing deposits increased over $11 million since December 31, 1995. At September 30, 1996, deposits accounted for 87 percent of United's funding, from 90 percent at December 31, 1995. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For the three quarters of 1996, net cash used from investing activities of $96 million consisted of proceeds from maturities of investments securities of $34 million, proceeds from sales of investment securities of $12 million, cash acquired from acquisitions of $3 million and offset by cash outflows of $47 million in investment securities purchases, a $95 million increase in loans outstanding and purchase F-29 of bank premises and equipment of $1.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted largely of $66 million increase in deposit and time accounts, $22 million from additional FHLB advances, and were offset slightly by payments of $811 thousand on United's long-term debt and FHLB repayments. Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 1996, was 6.26 percent of total assets compared to 6.67 percent at December 31, 1995. The slight decrease since year end 1995 reflects the asset growth of $120 million and the change of $736 thousand in the unrealized loss in United's available for sale investment portfolio offset by retained earnings from the first nine months of 1996. F-30
============================================= No dealer, sales person or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any repre- sentations other than those contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by United. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to 250,000 Shares of Common Stock sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the securities to which it relates or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of United since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as of UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. any time subsequent to its date. _______________ ______________ PROSPECTUS ______________ TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Prospectus Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Determination of Offering Price . . . . . . . . . 5 Market For and Price Range of Common Stock . . . 5 Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of JANUARY 31, 1997 Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Supervision and Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Principal Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Certain Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Description of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Shares Eligible for Future Sale . . . . . . . . . 43 The Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Pro Forma Consolidating Statements of Earnings . 44 Pro Forma Consolidating Balance Sheet . . . . . 47 Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Index to Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . F-1
50 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION The following sets forth the various expenses and costs expected to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimated except for the registration fees of the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,515.15 Blue Sky Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Printing and Engraving Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Legal Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Accounting Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ * ___________________________________________ * To be filed by amendment
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION Under Article Seven of United's Bylaws, United is required to indemnify and hold harmless its directors, officers and agents against judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement, and expenses, including attorney's fees, resulting from various types of legal actions or proceedings if the actions of the party being indemnified meet the standards of conduct specified therein. Determination concerning whether or not the applicable standard of conduct has been met can be made by (a) a disinterested majority of the Board of Directors, (b) independent legal counsel, (c) an affirmative vote of a majority of shares held by the shareholders. No indemnification may be made to or on behalf of a corporate director, officer, employee or agent (I) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which such person was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him. As provided under Georgia law, the liability of a director may not be eliminated or limited (a) for any appropriation, in violation of his duties, of any business opportunity of United, (b) for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) for unlawful corporate distributions or (d) for any transaction from which the director received an improper benefit. United's directors and officers are insured against losses arising from any claim against them as such for wrongful acts or omissions, subject to certain limitations. ITEM 15 RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES On December 31, 1996, debentures due December 31, 2006, in the aggregate amount of $3,500,000 were sold to 26 accredited investors in the States of Georgia and North Carolina for cash in a transaction not involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and in compliance with exemptions contained in Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. All of the purchasers were either existing shareholders, current officers or directors of United. 51 ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) Exhibits Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit - ------- ---------------------- 3.1 -- Articles of Incorporation of United, as amended (included on Exhibit 3.1 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 33- 93286 previously filed with Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 3.2 -- By-Laws of United, as amended (included as Exhibit 3.2 to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 4.1 -- See exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 for provisions of Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, as amended, which define the rights of the holders of Common Stock of United. 4.2 -- Form of Floating Rate Convertible Subordinated Payable In Kind Debenture due December 31, 2006. 5 -- Opinion of Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P. 10.1 -- Agreement, dated May 3, 1984, by and between Cornelia Bank and Union County Bank (included as Exhibit 10.8 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-18, Commission File No. 33-32205-A, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.2(a) -- Union County Bank Retirement Plan and Trust Agreement, as amended and restated as of January 1, 1993 (included as Exhibit 10.4 to United's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.2(b) -- Amendment No. 1 to the Union County Bank Retirement Plan and Trust, dated December 29, 1993 (included as Exhibit 10.3(b) to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.3 -- United Community Banks, Inc. Key Employee Stock Option Plan (included as Exhibit 10.3 to United's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 52 10.4 -- Split-Dollar Agreement between United and Jimmy C. Tallent dated June 1, 1994 (included as Exhibit 10.11 to United's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by 10.5 -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among White County Bancshares, Inc., White County Bank and United, dated as of April 11, 1995 (included as Exhibit 2.1 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File Number 33-93286, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.6 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Registrant and White County Bancshares, Inc., dated as of April 11, 1995 (included as Exhibit 2.2 to United's Registration Statement on Form S- 4, Commission File Number 33-93286, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.7 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between White County Bank and White Interim Bank, dated as of June 12, 1995 (included as Exhibit 2.3 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 33-93286, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.8 -- Purchase and Assumption Agreement by and between Carolina Bank and NationsBank, N.A. (Carolinas) dated May 25, 1995 (included as Exhibit 10.16 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File Number 33-93278, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.9 -- Loan Agreement dated April 26, 1995, by and between The Bankers Bank and the Registrant, together with the related Promissory Note in the principal amount of $15,000,000 and Stock Pledge Agreement (included as Exhibit 10.17 to United's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File Number 33-93278, previously filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference). 10.10 -- Broker Dealer Agreement between the Registrant and The Carson Medlin Company dated January 28, 1997 and amendment thereto dated January 28, 1997 21 -- Subsidiaries of United. 23.1 -- Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, L.L.P. 23.2 -- Consent of Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P. (included as part of Exhibit 5). (b) No Financial Statement Schedules are required to be filed as part of this Registration Statement. 53 ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnifica- tion by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 54 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, United Community Banks, Inc. has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Blairsville, State of Georgia, on January 29, 1997. UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. By:/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent Jimmy C. Tallent President POWER OF ATTORNEY Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jimmy C. Tallent or Robert L. Head, or either of them, as attorney-in-fact, with each having the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-1 and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on January 29, 1997. Signature Title /s/ Jimmy C. Tallent President and Director (Principal Executive Jimmy C. Tallent Officer) /s/ Robert L. Head, Jr. Robert L. Head, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Directors /s/ Christopher J. Bledsoe Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Christopher J. Bledsoe and Financial Officer) /s/ James A. Brackett James A. Brackett Director /s/ Billy M. Decker Billy M. Decker Director [SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE] 55 [SIGNATURES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE] /s/ Thomas C. Gilliland Thomas C. Gilliland Director /s/ Charles E. Hill Charles E. Hill Director /s/ Hoyt O. Holloway Hoyt O. Holloway Director /s/ P. Deral Home P. Deral Horne Director /s/ Clarence W. Mason, Sr. Clarence W. Mason, Sr. Director /s/ W. C. Nelson, Jr. W. C. Nelson, Jr. Director 56 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit 5 and 23.2 -- Opinion and Consent of Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P. * 4.2 -- Form of Floating Rate Convertible Subordinated Payable In Kind Debenture due December 31, 2006 10.10 -- Broker Dealer Agreement between the Registrant and The Carson Medlin Company dated January 28, 1997 and amendment thereto dated January 28, 1997 21 -- Subsidiaries of United 23.2 -- Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, L.L.P. _________________________________________________________ * To be filed by amendment 57 EXHIBIT A UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. 59 Highway 515 P.O. Box 398 Blairsville, Georgia 30512 SUBSCRIPTION FOR COMMON STOCK Gentlemen: United Community Banks, Inc. (the "Company") is offering to sell shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") at a price of $20.00 per share. The undersigned hereby tenders this subscription for the purchase of the number of Shares set forth below, to SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, 58 Edgewood Avenue, Room 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The undersigned has also enclosed a check, bank draft or money order which represents the full subscription price, payable to the Company. The Shares purchased by the undersigned shall be registered as specified below. If Shares are to be issued in more than one name, please specify whether ownership is to be as individual owner, tenants in common, joint tenants with right of survivorship, community property, etc. If Shares are to be held in joint ownership, all joint owners should sign this subscription. If Shares are to be issued in the name of one person for the benefit of another, please indicate whether registration should be as trustee or custodian for such other person. The undersigned certifies, acknowledges and agrees that: 1. The undersigned has received a copy of the Company's Prospectus and has read and considered the Prospectus, and by executing this subscription agreement, the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to all the terms and conditions of the offering as described in the Prospectus and all the terms and conditions of this subscription. The subscriber by executing this subscription is not waiving any rights available under applicable federal or state securities laws. 2. A subscription is not binding until accepted by the Company. The Company reserves the right to accept or reject a subscription, in whole or in part, in its sole discretion. 3. The undersigned acknowledges that there is no public market for the Shares, nor is a public market expected to develop after this offering. 4. The undersigned represents that he/she is (i) either a shareholder of the Company prior to the date of the Prospectus (ii) a resident of the State of Georgia or (iii) a resident of the State of North Carolina. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this subscription on the date set forth below and has returned the subscription, with the full subscription price for the Shares, to the Company. Date:_______________________________, 1997 _______________________________ Signature of Subscriber Number of Shares Subscribed _______________________________ for (at $20.00 per Share) ________________ Signature of Subscriber Total Subscription Price $_______________ _______________________________ Print Name(s) in which Shares are to be Registered Home Address and Personal Information about Person in whose Name the Shares are to be Registered: ______________________________________ ______________________________ Street Address Social Security/Taxpayer Identification Number of Person in whose name the shares are to be registered ______________________________________ _______________________________ City/State/Zip Code Telephone Number
          THIS DEBENTURE AND THE SHARES INTO WHICH IT IS CONVERTIBLE
(THE "SECURITIES") HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "FEDERAL ACT") OR THE GEORGIA SECURITIES
ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED (THE "GEORGIA ACT"), BUT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED
BY THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF FOR PURPOSES OF INVESTMENT AND IN
RELIANCE ON THE STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 4(2) OF
THE FEDERAL ACT AND IN SECTION 10-5-9(13) OF THE GEORGIA ACT.  THE
SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED EXCEPT
IN A TRANSACTION WHICH IS EXEMPT UNDER THOSE ACTS, OR PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT THEREUNDER OR IN A TRANSACTION
OTHERWISE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE GEORGIA ACT AND OTHER APPLICABLE
STATE AND FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS, AND IN THE CASE OF AN EXEMPTION,
UNLESS THE CORPORATION HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL,
SATISFACTORY TO IT, OR A COMMUNICATION FROM THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, THAT SUCH TRANSACTION DOES NOT REQUIRE
REGISTRATION OF THE SHARES UNDER THESE ACTS.



____________________, 1996

No.____________________________              $___________________


                    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
  FLOATING RATE CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED PAYABLE IN KIND DEBENTURE
                        DUE DECEMBER 31, 2006


          United Community Banks, Inc. (the "Company"), a Georgia
corporation, for value received, hereby promises to pay to the
order of ________________________________________________________
, or registered assigns (the "Record Holder"), __________________
______________________________ DOLLARS ($______________) (the
"principal amount") on December 31, 2006 (the "Maturity Date")
with interest on the outstanding and unpaid principal amount
hereof at the simple interest rate per annum of one quarter of
one percentage point above the Prime Rate as defined herein. 
This Debenture is one of a series of Floating Rate Convertible
Subordinated Payable in Kind Debentures due December 31, 2006
issued by the Company and limited to an aggregate principal
amount of $3,500,000.

          THIS DEBENTURE IS AN UNSECURED DEBT OBLIGATION OF THE
COMPANY ONLY, IS NOT AN OBLIGATION OF, OR A DEPOSIT IN, A BANK,
AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.

          1.   Interest
               --------

               (a)  Accrued interest on this Debenture shall be
     payable quarterly on the first (1st) day of the calendar
     quarter following the quarter in which it accrues,
     commencing on April 1, 1997 and continuing to be due on each
     July 1, October 1, January 1 and April 1 thereafter so long
     as this Debenture is outstanding, together with a final
     payment of interest which shall be due on the date indicated
     herein on which the final payment of principal is due
     hereunder.  Each payment of accrued interest on this
     Debenture payable on any interest payment date shall be made
     to the Record Holder as of the close of business on the 15th
     day of the month immediately preceding such payment date. 
     Such interest shall be calculated on the basis on the actual
     number of days elapsed and a year of 365 or 366 days, as
     applicable.
               (b)  Interest may be payable, at the option of the
     Board of Directors of the Company, in cash or in an
     additional debenture of like kind and tenor herewith with
     the principal amount thereof equal to the amount of interest
     so paid (an "Interest Debenture").

               (c)  When interest in cash is not paid in full on
     the Debenture and on any other indebtedness of the Company
     ranking pari passu as to interest with the Debenture, all
     cash interest paid on the Debenture and such other
     indebtedness shall be paid pro rata so that the amount of
     cash interest paid on the Debenture and such other
     indebtedness shall bear to each other the same ratio that
     unpaid cash interest on the Debenture and such other
     indebtedness, to the date of such interest payment, bear to
     each other.

               (d)  As used herein, the term "Prime Rate" shall
     mean the rate of interest equal to the lowest rate quoted as
     the "Prime Rate" from time to time in the Money Rates column
     of the issue of The Wall Street Journal.  For purposes of
     calculating interest hereunder, the Prime Rate in effect on
     the last business day of each calendar quarter shall be the
     Prime Rate for the entire succeeding calendar quarter;
     provided, however, from the date hereof to, but not
     including January 1, 1997, the Prime Rate shall be 8.25%. 
     In the event the Prime Rate is discontinued as a standard,
     the Company shall designate a comparable reference rate as a
     substitute therefor.  

               2.   Optional Redemption by the Company
                    ----------------------------------

               (a)  The Debenture and the Interest Debentures
     (collectively the "Debentures") shall not be redeemable
     prior to January 1, 1998.  At any time thereafter, subject
     to the following limitations, the Company, at its sole
     option, may redeem the whole or any part of the then
     outstanding Debentures by paying in cash for the Debentures
     an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
     Debentures to be redeemed plus all accrued but unpaid
     interest on the Debentures (the "Redemption Price").

               (b)  Notice of redemption shall be mailed
     (certified mail, postage prepaid) not less than twenty (20)
     days nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the redemption
     date specified in that notice, to the Record Holder of the
     Debentures at the address appearing on the Company's records
     for the Debentures.  Each such notice shall state: (i) the
     redemption date; (ii) the applicable Redemption Price; and
     (iii) the place or places at which the certificates
     representing the Debentures are to be surrendered for
     payment of the Redemption Price.

               (c)  If notice of redemption has been given
     pursuant to Section 2(b) above and if, on or before the
     redemption date specified in such notice, the funds
     necessary for such redemption have been irrevocably
     deposited by the Company with a Paying Agent (as defined in
     Section 2(d) below), then from and after the redemption
     date, notwithstanding that the certificate for the
     Debentures shall not have been surrendered for cancellation
     or that such Debentures may have been transferred (whether

                                  -2-
     with or without the Company's permission), (i) the
     Debentures so called for redemption shall no longer be
     deemed outstanding, (ii) all interest shall cease to accrue
     thereon, and (iii) all other rights with respect to such
     Debentures shall cease and terminate (except the right to
     receive the Redemption Price upon a surrender of the
     Debentures).  Upon surrender, in accordance with said
     notice, of the Debentures, the Debentures shall be redeemed
     by the Company at the Redemption Price.

               (d)  On or before the redemption date, the Company
     shall deposit with an agent that is a bank or a trust
     company (the "Paying Agent"), or otherwise designate or set
     aside as provided in Section 2(c) above, funds sufficient to
     pay the Redemption Price for the Debentures on the
     redemption date.  Any interest earned on funds so
     designated, set aside or deposited with a Paying Agent shall
     be retainable by or payable to the Company, and the holder
     of the Debentures shall have no rights with respect thereto.

               3.   Conversion
                    ----------

               (a)  Subject to and upon compliance with the
     provisions of this Section 3, the Record Holder of the
     Debenture may, at its option, convert any or all of such
     Debenture for shares of common stock of the Company
     ("Company Stock") at the rate of one share of Company Stock
     (the "Conversion Factor") for each $25 (the "Conversion
     Price") of Conversion Value (as defined below) of the
     Debenture so converted, subject to adjustments as set forth
     below.  The "Conversion Value" of the Debenture shall be
     equal to the principal amount thereof.  If a residual amount
     of Conversion Value remains following a conversion of the
     Debenture tendered for conversion (that is, an amount less
     than the then effective Conversion Price for another whole
     share of Company Stock), the Company shall pay to the Record
     Holder in cash such residual amount of Conversion Value in
     lieu of any fractional share of Company Stock.  If the
     Debenture is called for redemption as provided in Section 2
     hereof, the conversion rights pertaining thereto will
     terminate at the close of business five (5) business days
     immediately preceding the redemption date thereof.

               (b)  A Record Holder of the Debentures may
     exercise the conversion right as to any amount of a
     Debenture (but not as to an amount, if less than the full
     amount of the Debenture, of Conversion Value that is less
     than the then-effective Conversion Price for a whole share
     of Company Stock) by delivering to the Company during
     regular business hours, at its principal executive office or
     at any such other place as may be designated by the Company,
     the Debenture to be converted, duly endorsed or assigned in
     blank (or to the Company if required by it), and accompanied
     by written notice stating that the Record Holder elects to
     convert the Debenture, stating the amount thereof to be
     converted if less than the full amount, and stating the name
     or names (with addresses) in which the certificate or
     certificates for the Company Stock are to be issued and a
     completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, or any
     successor form or forms substitutable therefor, executed by
     any transferee.  The conversion shall be deemed to have been
     effected on the date when such delivery is made, and such

                                  -3-
     date is referred to herein as the "Conversion Date."  From
     and after the Conversion Date, no further interest shall
     accrue with respect to the Debenture.  As promptly as
     practicable after the Conversion Date, the Company shall
     issue and deliver to or upon the written order of the Record
     Holder a certificate or certificates for the number of full
     shares of Company Stock to which the Record Holder is
     entitled, and a check or cash in respect of any residual
     amount of Conversion Value.  Any person in whose name the
     certificate or certificates for shares of Company Stock are
     to be issued shall be deemed to become a holder of record of
     such shares on the applicable Conversion Date, unless the
     transfer books of the Company are closed on that date, in
     which event such person shall be deemed to have become a
     holder of record of such shares on the next succeeding date
     on which the transfer books are open, but the applicable
     Conversion Factor and Conversion Value shall be those in
     effect on the Conversion Date.

               (c)  No fractional shares of Company Stock, or
     scrip in respect thereof, shall be issued upon conversion of
     the Debenture.  Instead, in any case in which a fractional
     share of Company Stock would otherwise be issuable because
     the amount of remaining Conversion Value is less than the
     then-effective Conversion Price for a whole share of Company
     Stock, the Company shall pay the exchanging Record Holder
     the cash amount of such remaining Conversion Value.

               (d)  The Conversion Factor shall be subject to
     adjustment from time to time as follows, provided, however,
     that no adjustment to the Conversion Factor need be made
     until cumulative adjustments would affect the Conversion
     Factor by more than one percent (1%):

                    (i)  If, at any time or from time to time
          after the date of original issuance of the Debenture,
          the number of shares of Company Stock outstanding is
          increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of
          Company Stock or by a subdivision or split-up of shares
          of Company Stock, then the Conversion Factor in effect
          on the record date fixed for the determination of
          holders of shares of Company Stock entitled to receive
          such stock dividend, or whose shares of Company Stock
          are included as part of such subdivision or split-up,
          shall be adjusted in accordance with the following
          formula:

                          CF/ = CF x 0/ 
                                    ---
                                     0

     where:

          CF/  =    the adjusted Conversion Factor.

          CF   =    the Conversion Factor in effect on
                    such record date.

          O/   =    the number of shares of Company Stock
                    outstanding immediately after such
                    event.

          O    =    the number of shares of Company Stock

                                  -4-
                    outstanding immediately prior to
                    such event.

                    (ii) If, at any time or from time to time
          after the date of original issuance of the Debenture,
          the number of shares of Company Stock outstanding is
          decreased by a combination (whether by reverse stock
          split or otherwise) of the outstanding shares of
          Company Stock, then the Conversion Factor in effect on
          the record date fixed for such combination shall be
          adjusted in accordance with the formula set forth in
          clause (i) above.

                    (iii)       In case, at any time or from time
          to time after the date of original issuance of the
          Debenture, of (A) any capital reorganization,
          reclassification or recapitalization of the capital
          stock of the Company (other than a change in par value,
          or from par value to no par value), (B) a
          consolidation, combination or merger of the Company
          with or into another person (other than a business
          combination or merger in which the Company is the
          continuing entity and which does not result in any
          change in the Company Stock) or (C) a sale or other
          disposition of all or substantially all the assets of
          the Company as an entirety or substantially as an
          entirety to any other person, then the Debenture shall
          immediately upon the consummation of such
          reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization,
          consolidation, combination, merger, or sale or other
          disposition be convertible into the kind and number of
          shares of stock or other securities or property of the
          Company, or of the entity resulting from such business
          combination or surviving such merger or to which such
          assets shall have been sold or otherwise disposed, to
          which a holder of the number of shares of Company Stock
          deliverable upon conversion of the Debenture
          (immediately prior to the consummation of such event)
          would have been entitled upon such consummation.  If
          the Company engages in a transaction set forth in
          clauses (A) to (C) above and the Record Holder of the
          Debenture does not convert its Debenture as provided
          above, then the continuing or surviving entity shall be
          obligated within thirty days of the consummation of
          such transaction to redeem the Debenture, and the
          Record Holder of the Debenture shall surrender the
          Debenture for redemption, all in accordance with the
          redemption provisions otherwise applicable to the
          Debenture as set forth in Section 2 hereof.  The
          adjustments described in this clause (iii) shall be
          subject to further adjustments as appropriate that
          shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to
          the relevant adjustments provided for in the preceding
          clauses and in this clause.  If, in the case of any
          such reorganization, reclassification,
          recapitalization, consolidation, merger, combination,
          sale or other disposition, the stock or other
          securities and property receivable thereupon by a
          holder of shares of Company Stock includes shares of
          stock, securities or other property or assets
          (including cash) of an entity other than the successor
          or acquiring entity, as the case may be, in such

                                  -5-
          reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization,
          consolidation, merger, combination, sale or other
          disposition, then the Company shall enter into an
          agreement with such other entity for the benefit of the
          holder of the Debenture that shall contain such
          provisions to protect the interests of such Record
          Holder as the Board of Directors of the Company shall
          reasonably consider necessary by reason of the
          foregoing.

                    (iv) No adjustment in the Conversion Factor
          shall have any effect upon the Conversion Value of the
          Debenture, although each such adjustment shall affect
          (in the manner described in this Section 3(d)) the
          number of shares of Company Stock issuable in respect
          of any particular amount of Conversion Value and thus
          shall affect the effective Conversion Price as to a
          whole share of Company Stock.

                    (v)  All calculations under this Section 3(d)
          shall be made to the nearest one-tenth (1/10) of a cent
          or to the nearest one-tenth (1/10) of a share, as the
          case may be.

                    (vi) Any adjustment made pursuant to clauses
          (i), (ii) or (iii) above shall become effective on the
          date immediately after the record date referenced
          therein.

               (e)  Whenever the Conversion Factor shall be
     adjusted as provided in Section 3(d), the Company shall
     forthwith mail (first class and postage prepaid) to the
     Record Holder of the Debenture at its address appearing on
     the Company's records for the Debenture, a copy of a
     statement, certified by its chief financial officer, showing
     the facts requiring such adjustment and the Conversion
     Factor and effective Conversion Price per whole share of
     Company Stock that shall be in effect after such adjustment. 
     Where appropriate, such copy may be given in advance and may
     be included as part of a notice required under Section 3(f).

               (f)  If the Company shall propose to take any
     action of the types described in clause (iii) of Section
     3(d) or liquidate, dissolve or wind-up, the Company shall
     give notice to the Record Holder of the Debenture, in the
     manner set forth in Section 3(e), which notice shall specify
     the record date, if any, with respect to any such action and
     the date on which such action is to take place.  Such notice
     shall also set forth such facts with respect thereto as
     shall be reasonably necessary to indicate the effect of such
     action (to the extent such effect may be known at the date
     of such notice) on the Conversion Factor and effective
     Conversion Price per whole share of Company Stock and on the
     number, kind or class of stock or other securities or
     property that shall be deliverable or purchasable upon the
     occurrence of such action or thereafter deliverable upon
     conversion of the Debenture.  In the case of any action that
     would require the fixing of a record date, such notice shall
     be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date so
     fixed, and in the case of all other action, such notice
     shall be given at least twenty (20) days prior to the taking
     of such proposed action.  Failure to give such notice, or

                                  -6-
     any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or
     validity of any such action.

               (g)  All shares of Company Stock which may be
     delivered upon conversion of the Debenture shall upon
     delivery be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-
     assessable, free of all claims, liens, charges, and
     encumbrances.

          4.   Subordination
               -------------

               (a)  The Company agrees, and the holder of this
     Debenture by accepting such Debenture agrees, that the
     indebtedness evidenced by the Debenture and the payment of
     the principal amount and any interest on this Debenture is
     subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the
     manner provided hereinbelow, to the prior payment in full of
     all Senior Indebtedness and that the subordination is for
     the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness.  "Senior
     Indebtedness" means any indebtedness of any kind of the
     Company including claims of depositors in the Company's
     banking subsidiaries, or any guarantee by the Company of
     such indebtedness outstanding at any time, except for this
     Debenture and any other debenture issued by the Company that
     by its terms is expressly subordinated to all other
     indebtedness of the Company or any deferrals, renewals or
     extensions of the foregoing.

               (b)  Upon any distribution of Company assets to
     creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of
     the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
     receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company
     or its property:

               Holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be
          entitled to receive payment in full of the
          principal and interest (including interest
          accruing after the commencement of any such
          proceeding) to the date of payment on the
          Senior Indebtedness before the holder hereof
          shall be entitled to receive any payment of
          principal of or interest on this Debenture; and

               Until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in
          full, any distribution to which the holder
          hereof would be entitled but for this provision
          shall be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness
          as their interests may appear, except that the
          holder hereof may receive securities that are
          subordinated to Senior Indebtedness at least to
          the same extent as this Debenture.

               (c)  The Company may not pay interest in cash on
     this Debenture if, at the time of such payment or
     immediately after giving effect thereto, there exists with
     respect to any Senior Indebtedness any event of default
     permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity
     thereof or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or
     both, would become such an event of default.

               (d)  The Company may not pay the principal of this
     Debenture if, at the time of such payment or immediately

                                  -7-
     after giving effect thereto, there exists with respect to
     any Senior Indebtedness any event of default permitting the
     holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof, or any
     event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
     become such an event of default.

               (e)  If payment of this Debenture is accelerated
     because of an Event of Default (hereinafter defined), the
     Company shall promptly notify holders of Senior Indebtedness
     of the acceleration.  Holders of Senior Indebtedness shall
     be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or
     to become due in respect of Senior Indebtedness before the
     holder of this Debenture shall be entitled to receive any
     payment (including any payment which may be payable by
     reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the
     Company being subordinated to the payment of the Debentures)
     by the Company on account of the principal or interest on
     the Debentures or on account of the purchase or other
     acquisition of the Debentures.  The Company may pay this
     Debenture when one hundred twenty days pass after the
     acceleration occurs if such payment is otherwise permitted
     at that time.

               (f)  If a distribution is made to the holder of
     this Debenture that, because of the subordination provisions
     hereof, should not have been made, the holder hereof shall
     hold it in trust for the holders of Senior Indebtedness and
     pay it over to them as their interests may appear.

               (g)  Subject to the payment in full of all Senior
     Indebtedness, the holder hereof shall be subrogated to the
     extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders
     of Senior Indebtedness pursuant to these subordination
     provisions to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness
     until the principal amount of and interest on this Debenture
     shall be paid in full.  For purposes of such subrogation, no
     distributions to holders of Senior Indebtedness to which the
     holder hereof would be entitled except for these
     subordination provisions, and no payments to the holders of
     Senior Indebtedness by the holder hereof, shall, as between
     the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior
     Indebtedness and the holder hereof, be deemed to be a
     payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of
     the Senior Indebtedness.

               (h)  These subordination provisions define the
     relative rights of the holder hereof and holders of Senior
     Indebtedness.  Nothing in this Debenture shall:

               Impair, as between the Company and the
          holder hereof, the obligation of the Company,
          which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
          principal and interest on this Debenture in
          accordance with its terms.

               Prevent the holder hereof from exercising
          his available remedies upon an Event of
          Default, subject to the rights of holders of
          Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions
          otherwise payable to the holder hereof.

               No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness to

                                  -8-
     enforce the subordination of the indebtedness evidenced by
     this Debenture shall be impaired by any act or failure to
     act by the Company.

          5.   Event of Default
               ----------------

          An "Event of Default" occurs if:

     (1)  The Company, pursuant to or within the meaning
          of any Bankruptcy Law:

          (a)  Commences a voluntary case, or

          (b)  Consents to the entry of an order for relief
               against it in an involuntary case, or

          (c)  Files a petition or answer or consent seeking
               reorganization or relief under any Bankruptcy
               Law, or

          (d)  Consents to the appointment of a custodian of
               it or for all or any substantial part of its
               property, or

          (e)  Makes an assignment for the benefit of its
               creditors, or

          (f)  Admits in writing its inability to pay its
               debts generally as they become due, or

          (g)  Takes any corporate action in furtherance of
               any of the above actions.

     (2)  A court of competent jurisdiction enters an order
          or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

          (a)  Is for relief against the Company in an
               involuntary case, or

          (b)  Appoints a custodian of the Company for all or
               any substantial part of its property, or

          (c)  Orders the liquidation of the Company, and the
               order or decree remains unstayed and in effect
               for sixty days.

     (3)  A default in payment of any interest on the
          Debenture when such interest becomes due and
          payable and such default continues for a period of
          thirty (30) days.

     (4)  A default in the performance of any covenant by the
          Company in this Debenture and such default
          continues for a period of sixty (60) days after there
          has been given written notice to the Company by a
          holder thereof.

          The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or
any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.  The
term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee,
liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.


                                  -9-
          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
Record Holder by notice to the Company may declare the principal
amount and any accrued interest on this Debenture to be due and
payable.  Upon such declaration such principal amount and accrued
interest shall be due and payable immediately.

          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
Record Holder may pursue any available remedy to collect the
payment of principal and accrued interest on this Debenture.  A
delay or omission by the holder hereof in exercising any right or
remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the
right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the
Event of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent
permitted by law.

          The holder of this Debenture may in his discretion
waive any Event of Default hereunder and its consequences or
rescind any declaration of acceleration of maturity of the
principal of and the interest on this Debenture.  If any such
waiver or rescission occurs, or if any proceeding taken by the
holder hereof on account of any such Event of Default shall have
been discontinued or abandoned or determined adversely to the
holder of this Debenture, then, and in every such case, the
Company and the holder hereof shall be restored to their former
positions and their rights hereunder, respectively, but no waiver
or rescission shall extend to any subsequent or other Event of
Default or impair any right or remedy consequent thereon.

          6.   Certain General Matters
               -----------------------

          (a)  Any action not permitted by this Debenture to be
taken by the Company may nonetheless be taken by it (if otherwise
permitted by applicable law, the articles of incorporation, and
the bylaws of the Company) if the Company obtains the written
consent of the Record Holder.

          (b)   In any case where any interest payment date,
redemption date or the last date on which the Record Holder of
the Debenture has the right to convert such holder's Debenture
into Company Stock shall not be a Business Day (as defined
below), then notwithstanding any other provision hereof, payment
of interest due or a redemption price or conversion of the
Debenture need not be made on such date but may be made on the
next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if
made on the interest payment date or redemption date or the last
day for conversion; provided, that for purposes of computing such
payment, no interest shall accrue for the period from and after
such interest payment date, redemption date or the last day for
conversion, as the case may be.  As used in this instrument,
"Business Day" means any day except a Saturday or Sunday or other
day on which banking institutions in the State of Georgia are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

          (c)  This Debenture shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

          (d)  The holder hereof must surrender this Debenture to
the Company to obtain payment of the principal amount, plus any
premium.  The Company will pay principal, and any premium in
money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; however, the
Company may pay principal and any premium by check payable in

                                 -10-
such money.  The payment of principal at maturity, or upon
redemption or conversion as provided in this Debenture, shall be
made to the Record Holder on the payment date.

          (e)  The registered holder of this Debenture may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.  This Debenture is issued
in registered form without coupons.  The transfer of this
Debenture may be registered and this Debenture may be converted
only upon presentation of this Debenture to the Company.  When
this Debenture is presented to the Company with a request to
register, transfer or to convert it for an equal principal amount
of Debentures of other denominations, the Company shall register
the transfer or make the conversion if, in the Company's
discretion and upon the advice of counsel, such transfer or
conversion is permitted under applicable securities laws and
regulations.

          (f)  If the holder of this Debenture claims that this
Debenture has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the
Company shall issue a replacement Debenture.  If required by the
Company, the holder must obtain an indemnity bond that is
sufficient in the Company's judgment to protect the Company from
any loss which it may suffer if a Debenture is replaced.

          (g)  A director, officer, employee or shareholder, as
such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under this Debenture or for any claim
based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligation or its
creation.  The holder hereof accepting this Debenture waives and
releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of
the consideration for issuance of this Debenture.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
Debenture to be executed in its name with the manual signature of
its President, its seal to be affixed hereto and attested by the
manual signature of its Secretary as of the day and year first
above set forth.

                              UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.



                              By:____________________________
                                   President

(CORPORATE SEAL)


Attest:____________________
          Secretary









                                 -11-

                       UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

                               Common Stock



                         BROKER DEALER AGREEMENT


                                           January 28, 1997




The Carson Medlin Company
1307 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 158
Raleigh, North Carolina  27605

Dear Sirs:

     SECTION 1.  Broker Dealer Agreement.  United Community
Banks, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the "Company) proposes to
issue and sell 250,000 shares of its authorized but unissued
Common Shares (the "Common Shares").  Said aggregate of 250,000
shares are herein called the "Common Shares."  

     The Carson Medlin Company ("Carson Medlin") has advised the
Company that pursuant to Chapter 78A of the North Carolina
General Statutes, Carson Medlin proposes to act as a Dealer for
the account of the Company in connection with a public offering
of the Common Shares on behalf of the Company in the State of
North Carolina after the effective date of the registration
statement hereinafter referred to.  Carson Medlin shall have no
financial commitment to purchase any of the Common Shares. 
Carson Medlin will act as Dealer on behalf of the Company in
connection with effecting the offer and sale of the Common Shares
in North Carolina to residents of North Carolina who are not
already shareholders of the Company.  Carson Medlin will not be
obligated to purchase any of the Common Shares for its own
account.  In North Carolina, Carson Medlin will effect the sale
of the Common Shares for the account of the Company at a price of
$20.00 per share, unless and until the Company establishes
another price.  Carson Medlin has not and will not be involved
with determining the price of the shares to be sold in the public
offering.  The Company will pay to Carson Medlin at the closing
of the offering a fee of $30,000 for Carson Medlin's services
performed hereunder.  If the offering is terminated for any
reason prior to acceptance by the Company of the Common Shares
offered hereby to residents of North Carolina, the Company will
pay to Carson Medlin a fee of $20,000 for services performed
hereunder.

     SECTION 2.  Representations and Warranties of the Company. 
The Company hereby represents and warrants to Carson Medlin that:

          (a)  A registration statement on Form S-1 has been or
     will be filed with respect to the Common Shares has been
     prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements
     of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and
     the rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of
     the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
     thereunder, and has been filed with the Commission.  The
     Company has prepared and has  filed or proposes to file
     prior to the effective date of such registration statement
     an amendment or amendments to such registration statement,
     which amendment or amendments have been or will be similarly
     prepared.  There have been delivered to Carson Medlin a copy
     of such registration statement and amendments, together with
     a copy of each exhibit filed therewith.  The Company will
     next file with the Commission one of the following:  (i)
     prior to effectiveness of such registration statement, a
     further amendment thereto, including the form of final
     prospectus, or (ii) a final prospectus in accordance with
     Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations.

          (b)  The Commission has not issued any order preventing
     or suspending the use of the Prospectus and the Prospectus
     has conformed in all material respects to the requirements
     of the Act and the Rules and Regulations and, as of its
     date, has not included any untrue statement of a material
     fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make
     the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
     which they were made, not misleading; and at the time the
     Registration Statement becomes effective, and at all times
     subsequent thereto up to and including each Closing Date
     hereinafter mentioned, the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, will
     contain all material statements and information required to
     be included therein by the Act and the Rules and Regulations
     and will in all material respects conform to the
     requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and
     neither the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus, nor
     any amendment or supplement thereto, will include any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein not misleading; provided, however, no
     representation or warranty contained in this subsection 2(b)
     shall be applicable to information contained in or omitted
     from the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any such
     amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity
     with written information furnished to the Company by or on
     behalf of Carson Medlin, specifically for use in the
     preparation thereof.

          (c)  The Company and each of Union County Bank ("UCB"),
     Carolina Community Bank ("Carolina"), Peoples Bank of Fannin
     County ("Peoples"), White County Bank ("White") and Towns
     County Bank ("Towns") (UCB, Carolina, Peoples, White and
     Towns hereinafter referred to as the "Subsidiaries") have
     been duly organized and are validly existing and in good
     standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of
     organization, with full power and authority to own and lease

                                -2-

     their properties and conduct their respective businesses as
     described in the Prospectus; except as disclosed in the
     Prospectus and the financial statements of the Company, the
     Company, directly or indirectly, owns all of the outstanding
     capital stock of its Subsidiaries free and clear of all
     claims, liens, charges and encumbrances; the Company and
     each of its Subsidiaries are in possession of and operating
     in compliance with all authorizations, licenses, permits,
     consents, certificates and orders material to the conduct of
     their respective businesses, all of which are valid and in
     full force and effect.

          (d)  The Company has authorized and outstanding capital
     stock as set forth under the heading "Capitalization" in the
     Prospectus; the issued and outstanding shares of Common
     Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued, are
     fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance
     with all federal and state securities laws, were not issued
     in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights or other
     rights to subscribe for or purchase securities, and conform
     to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.  All
     issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each
     Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued and
     are fully paid and nonassessable.  Except as disclosed in or
     contemplated by the Prospectus and the financial statements
     of the Company and the related notes thereto included in the
     Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has
     outstanding any options to purchase, or any preemptive
     rights or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase, any
     securities or obligations convertible into, or any contracts
     or commitments to issue or sell, shares of its capital
     stock, or any such options, rights, convertible securities
     or obligations.  The description of the Company's stock
     option, stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements,
     and the options or other rights granted and exercised
     thereunder, set forth in the Prospectus accurately and
     fairly presents the information required to be shown with
     respect to such plans, arrangements, options and rights.

          (e)  The Common Shares to be sold by the Company have
     been duly authorized and, when issued, delivered and paid
     for in the manner set forth in this Agreement, will be duly
     authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable,
     and will conform to the description thereof contained in the
     Prospectus.  No preemptive rights or other rights to
     subscribe for or purchase exist with respect to the issuance
     and sale of the Common Shares by the Company pursuant to
     this Agreement.  No shareholder of the Company has any right
     which has not been waived to require the Company to register
     the sale of any share owned by such shareholder under the
     Act in the public offering contemplated by this Agreement. 
     No further approval or authority of the shareholders or the
     Board of Directors of the Company will be required for the
     issuance and sale of the Common Shares to be sold by the
     Company as contemplated herein.

          (f)  The Company has full legal right, power and
     authority to enter into this Agreement and perform the
     transactions contemplated hereby.  This Agreement has been
     duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and
     constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company in
     accordance with its terms, except to the extent

                               -3-
     enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
     moratorium, reorganization or other laws affecting the
     rights of creditors generally and by principles of equity,
     whether considered at law or equity.  The making and
     performance of this Agreement by the Company and the
     consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will
     not violate any provisions of the articles of incorporation
     or bylaws, or other organizational documents, of the Company
     and will not conflict with, result in the breach or
     violation of, or constitute, either by itself or upon notice
     or the passage of time or both, a default under any
     agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, franchise,
     license, indenture, permit or other instrument to which the
     Company is a party or by which the Company or any of its
     properties may be bound or affected, any statute or any
     authorization, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation
     of any court or any regulatory body, administrative agency
     or other governmental body applicable to the Company or any
     of its properties.  No consent, approval, authorization or
     other order of any court, regulatory body, administrative
     agency or other governmental body is required for the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation
     of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
     for compliance with the Act and Blue Sky securities laws
     applicable to the public offering of the Common Shares by
     the Company.

          (g)  Porter Keadle Moore, LLP, who have expressed their
     opinion with respect to the financial statements and
     schedules filed with the Commission as a part of the
     Registration Statement and included in the Prospectus and in
     the Registration Statement, are independent accountants as
     required by the Act and the Rules and Regulations.

          (h)  The combined financial statements and schedules of
     the Company and the related notes thereto included in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the
     financial position of the Company as of the respective dates
     of such financial statements and schedules, and the results
     of operations and changes in financial position of the
     Company for the respective periods covered thereby.  Such
     statements, schedules and related notes have been prepared
     in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
     applied on a consistent basis as certified by Porter Keadle
     Moore, LLP.  No other financial statements or schedules are
     required to be included in the Registration Statement.  The
     selected financial data set forth in the Prospectus under
     the captions "Capitalization" and "Selected Combined
     Historical Financial Data" fairly present the information
     set forth therein on the basis stated in the Registration
     Statement.  The pro forma financial information (including
     the related notes) included in the Prospectus complies as to
     form in all material respects to the applicable accounting
     requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and
     management of the Company believes that the assumptions
     underlying the pro forma adjustments are reasonable.  Such
     pro forma adjustments have been properly applied to the
     historical amounts in the compilation of the information and
     such information fairly represents with respect to the
     Company the financial position, results of operations and
     other information purported to be shown therein at the
     respective dates and for the respective periods specified.

                                -4-
          (i)  The Company has disclosed in the Registration
     Statement and Prospectus all information it is required to
     disclose therein, and such Registration Statement and
     Prospectus are true and correct in every material respect
     and do not fail to disclose any information which if not
     disclosed would cause the Registration Statement and/or
     Prospectus to be materially misleading in any respect.

          (j)  The Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintains
     a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to
     provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are
     executed in accordance with management's general or specific
     authorization, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary
     to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity
     with generally accepted accounting principles and to
     maintain accountability for assets, (iii) access to assets
     is permitted only in accordance with management's general or
     specific authorization, and (iv) the recorded accountability
     for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable
     intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to
     any differences.

     For purposes of this Section 2, "the best of the Company's
knowledge" or a similar phrase means the knowledge of each of
Jimmy C. Tallent, Christopher J. Bledsoe, Richard R. Cheatham,
Neil D. Falis and F. Sheffield Hale, after diligent inquiry of
persons who should have knowledge of the facts relevant to such
representations.

     SECTION 3.  Representations and Warranties of Carson Medlin. 
Carson Medlin hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:

          (a)  The information set forth in the Prospectus that
     was furnished to the Company by and on behalf of Carson
     Medlin for use in connection with the preparation of the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus is correct in all
     material respects;

          (b)  Carson Medlin is registered as a broker-dealer in
     the State of North Carolina.

          (c)  Carson Medlin will make all necessary filings with
     the National Association of Securities Dealers in connection
     with its services provided hereunder.

     SECTION 4.  Covenants of the Company.  The Company covenants
and agrees that:

          (a)  The Company will use its best efforts to cause the
     Registration Statement and any amendment thereof, if not
     effective at the time and date that this Agreement is
     executed and delivered by the parties hereto, to become
     effective.  Carson Medlin will have the opportunity to
     review and approve the Registration Statement and any
     amendment thereto.  The Company will promptly advise Carson
     Medlin in writing (i) of the receipt of any comments of the
     Commission, (ii) of any request of the Commission for
     amendment of or supplement to the Registration Statement
     (either before or after it becomes effective) or the
     Prospectus or for additional information, (iii) when the
     Registration Statement shall have become effective, and (iv)
     of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order

                                -5-
     suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
     or of the institution of any proceedings for that purpose. 
     If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any
     time, the Company will use its best efforts to obtain the
     lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment.  The
     Company will not file any amendment or supplement to the
     Registration Statement (either before or after it becomes
     effective) or the Prospectus of which Carson Medlin has not
     been furnished with a copy a reasonable time prior to such
     filing or to which Carson Medlin reasonably objects or which
     is not in compliance with the Act and the Rules and
     Regulations.

          (b)  The Company will prepare and file with the
     Commission, promptly upon Carson Medlin's request, any
     amendment or supplements to the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus which in Carson Medlin's judgment may be
     necessary or advisable to enable Carson Medlin to continue
     the distribution of the Common Shares, and will use its best
     efforts to cause the same to become effective as promptly as
     possible.

          (c)  If at any time within the nine-month period
     referred to in Section 10(a)(3) of the Act during which a
     prospectus relating to the Common Shares is required to be
     delivered under the Act any event occurs, as a result of
     which the Prospectus, including any amendments or
     supplements, would include an untrue statement of a material
     fact, or omit to state any material fact required to be
     stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to amend
     the Prospectus, including any amendments or supplements, to
     comply with the Act or the Rules and Regulations, the
     Company will promptly advise Carson Medlin thereof and will
     promptly prepare and file with the Commission, at its own
     expense, an amendment or supplement which will correct such
     statement or omission or an amendment or supplement which
     will effect such compliance and will use its best efforts to
     cause the same to become effective as soon as possible; and,
     in case Carson Medlin is required to deliver a prospectus
     after such nine-month period, the Company upon request, but
     at the expense of Carson Medlin, will promptly prepare such
     amendment or amendments to the Registration Statement and
     such Prospectus or Prospectuses as may be necessary to
     permit compliance with the requirements of Section 10(a)(3)
     of the Act.

          (d)  The Company will timely file such reports pursuant
     to the Exchange Act as are necessary in order to make
     generally available to its security holders as soon as
     practicable an earnings statement for the purposes of, and
     to provide the benefits contemplated by, the last paragraph
     of Section 11(a) of the Act.

          (e)  During such period as a prospectus is required by
     law to be delivered in connection with sales by Carson
     Medlin, the Company, at its expense, but only for the nine-
     month period referred to in Section 10(a)(3) of the Act,
     will furnish to Carson Medlin or mail to the order of Carson
     Medlin copies of the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus and all amendments and supplements to any such

                                -6-
     documents, in each case as soon as available and in such
     quantities as Carson Medlin may request, for the purposes
     contemplated by the Act.

          (f)  The Company shall qualify or register the Common
     Shares for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the
     application of) the Blue Sky securities law of North
     Carolina, will comply with such law and will continue such
     qualification, registration and exemption in effect so long
     as reasonably required for the distribution of the Common
     Shares.  The Company will advise Carson Medlin promptly of
     the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or
     any such exemption relating to) the Common Shares for
     offering, sale or trading in any jurisdiction or any
     initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose,
     and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending
     such qualification, registration or exemption, the Company,
     with Carson Medlin's cooperation, will use its best efforts
     to obtain the withdrawal thereof.

          (g)  The Company will apply the net proceeds of the
     sale of the Common Shares sold by it substantially in
     accordance with its statements under the caption "Use of
     Proceeds" in the Prospectus.

     Carson Medlin may, in its sole discretion, waive in writing
the performance by the Company of any one or more of the
foregoing covenants or extend the time for their performance.

     SECTION 5.  Payment of Fees and Expenses.  Whether or not
the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this
Agreements becomes effective or is terminated, the Company agrees
to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with
the performance of its obligations hereunder and in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby and all reasonable fees
and expenses of Carson Medlin, including reasonable fees and
disbursements of Carson Medlin's counsel, not to exceed $10,000.

     SECTION 6.  Effectiveness of Registration Statement.  Carson
Medlin and the Company will use their best efforts to cause the
Registration Statement to become effective, to prevent the
issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement and, if such stop order be issued, to
obtain as soon as possible the lifting thereof.

     SECTION 7.  Indemnification.  

          (a)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
     Carson Medlin and each person, if any, who controls Carson
     Medlin within the meaning of the Act against any losses,
     claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, joint or several,
     to which Carson Medlin or such controlling person may become
     subject, under the Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or
     state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or
     otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if
     such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
     Company), insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
     liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof as
     contemplated below) arise out of or are based upon any
     untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material
     fact contained in the Registration Statement, the
     Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise

                               -7-
     out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to
     state in any of them a material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements in any of them
     not misleading, or arise out of or are based in whole or in
     part on any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties
     of the Company contained herein or any failure of the
     Company to perform its obligations hereunder or under law;
     and will reimburse Carson Medlin and each such controlling
     person for any legal and other expenses as such expenses are
     reasonably incurred by Carson Medlin or such controlling
     person in connection with investigating, defending,
     settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim,
     damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however,
     that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the
     extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
     expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement
     or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
     made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any
     amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in
     conformity with the information furnished to the Company
     pursuant to Section 3 hereof.

          (b)  Carson Medlin will indemnify and hold harmless the
     Company, each of the Company's directors, each of the
     Company's officers who signed the Registration Statement,
     and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the
     meaning of the Act, against any losses, claims, damages,
     liabilities or expenses to which the Company or any such
     director, officer or controlling person may become subject,
     under the Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state
     statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise
     (including in settlement of any litigation, if such
     settlement is effected with the written consent of Carson
     Medlin), insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
     liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof as
     contemplated below) arise out of or are based upon any
     untrue or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
     contained in, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or
     any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are
     based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein
     a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein not misleading in each case
     to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue
     statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
     omission was made in the Registration Statement, the
     Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, in
     reliance upon and in conformity with the information
     furnished to the Company pursuant to Section 3 hereof; and
     will reimburse the Company or any such director, officer or
     controlling person for any legal and other expense
     reasonably incurred by the Company, or any such director,
     officer, or controlling person in connection with
     investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying
     any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action. 
     This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any
     liability which Carson Medlin may otherwise have.

          (c)  It is agreed that any controversy arising out of
     the operation of the interim reimbursement arrangements set
     forth in Sections 7(a) and 7(b) hereof, including the
     amounts of any requested reimbursement payments and the
     method of determining such amounts, shall be settled by

                               -8-
     arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration
     Association.  Any such arbitration must be commenced by
     service of a written demand for arbitration or written
     notice of intention to arbitrate, therein electing the
     arbitration tribunal.  In the event the party demanding
     arbitration does not make such designation of an arbitration
     tribunal in such demand or notice, then the party responding
     to said demand or notice is authorized to do so.

     SECTION 8.  Termination.  Without limiting the right to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to any other provision hereof:

          (a)  This Agreement may be terminated by the Company by
     notice to Carson Medlin or by Carson Medlin by notice to the
     Company at any time prior to the time this Agreement shall
     become effective as to all its provisions, and any such
     termination shall be without liability on the part of the
     Company to Carson Medlin (except for the fees and expenses
     to be paid or reimbursed by the Company, pursuant to
     Sections 1, 5 and 7 hereof and except to the extent provided
     in Section 9 hereof) or of Carson Medlin to the Company
     (except for the expenses to be paid or reimbursed by Carson
     Medlin, pursuant to Section 7 hereof and except to the
     extent provided in Section 9 hereof).

          (b)  This Agreement may also be terminated by Carson
     Medlin by notice to the Company (i) if any adverse event
     shall have occurred or shall exist which makes untrue or
     incorrect in any material respect any statement or
     information contained in the Registration Statement or
     Prospectus or which is not reflected in the Registration
     Statement or Prospectus but should be reflected therein in
     order to make the statements or information contained
     therein not misleading in any material respect, or (ii) if
     there shall be any action, suit or proceeding pending or
     threatened; or there shall have been any development or
     prospective development involving particularly the business
     or properties or securities of the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries or the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement which, in the reasonable judgment of Carson
     Medlin, may materially and adversely affect the Company's
     business or earnings and makes it impracticable or
     inadvisable to offer or sell the Common Shares.  Any
     termination pursuant to this subsection (b) shall be without
     liability on the part of Carson Medlin to the Company or on
     the part of the Company to Carson Medlin (except for the
     fees and expenses to be paid or reimbursed by the Company
     pursuant to Sections 1, 5 and 7 hereof and except to the
     extent provided in Section 9 hereof).

     SECTION 9.  Representations and Indemnities to Survive
Delivery.  The respective indemnities, agreements,
representations, warranties and other statements of the Company,
of the Company's officers and of Carson Medlin set forth in or
made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
Carson Medlin, the Company, or any of its or their partners,
officers or directors or any controlling person, as the case may
be, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Common
Shares sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.

                               -9-

     SECTION 10.  Notices.  All communications hereunder shall be
in writing and, if sent to Carson Medlin shall be mailed,
delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to The Carson Medlin
Company, 1307 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 158, Raleigh, North Carolina
27605, with a copy to The Sanford Law Firm, P.O. Box 2447,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602, Attention:  Alfred P. Carlton,
Jr., Esq.; and if sent to the Company shall be mailed, delivered
or telegraphed and confirmed to the Company at P.O. Box 398, 59
Highway 515, Blairsville, Georgia 30512, with a copy to
Kilpatrick & Cody, L.L.P., 1100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2800,
Atlanta, GA 30309, Attention:  Richard R. Cheatham, Esq.  The
Company or Carson Medlin may change the address for receipt of
communications hereunder by giving notice to the others.

     SECTION 11.  Successors.  This Agreement will inure to the
benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, and to the
benefit of the officers and directors and controlling persons
referred to in Section 7, and in each case their respective
successors, personal representatives and assigns, and no other
person will have any right or obligation hereunder.  No such
assignment shall relieve any party of its obligations hereunder. 
The term "successors" shall not include any purchaser of the
Common Shares as such from Carson Medlin merely by reason of such
purchase.

     SECTION 12.  Partial Unenforceability.  The invalidity or
unenforceability of any Section, paragraph or provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other Section, paragraph or provision hereof.  If any Section,
paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed
to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as
are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

     SECTION 13.  Applicable Law.  This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws
(and not the laws pertaining to conflicts of laws) of the State
of North Carolina.

     SECTION 16.  General.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all
prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements,
understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject
matter hereof.  This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, and all of
which shall constitute one and the same document.

     In this Agreement, the masculine, feminine and neuter
genders and the singular and the plural include one another.  The
section headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of the
parties only and will not affect the construction or
interpretation of this Agreement.  This Agreement may be amended
or modified, and the observance of any term of this Agreement may
be waived, only by a writing signed by the Company.

                                -10-
     If the foregoing is in accordance with Carson Medlin's
understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to us the
enclosed copies hereof, whereupon it will become a binding
agreement among the Company and Carson Medlin, all in accordance
with its terms.

                              Very truly yours,

                              UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.


                              By:/s/ Billy M. Decker
                                        Secretary

                              THE CARSON MEDLIN COMPANY


                              By: /s/ W. Gary Medlin
                                        President



THE CARSON MEDLIN COMPANY
INVESTMENT BANKERS

January 28, 1997


Jimmy C. Tallent
President and CEO
United Community Banks, Inc.
59 Highway 515
Blairsville, GA  30512

Dear Mr. Tallent:

With respect to that certain agreement between United Community Banks,
Inc. (the "Company") and The Carson Medlin Company ("Carson Medlin")
dated January 28, 1997 (the "Broker Dealer Agreement"), Carson Medlin
agrees hereby to the following changes to the Broker Dealer Agreement. 
The third sentence of the second paragraph of Section 1.  BROKER DEALER
AGREEMENT shall be deleted and in its place the following sentence shall
be substituted:

     Carson Medlin will act as Dealer on behalf of the company
     in connection with effecting the offer and sale of the
     Common Shares in North Carolina to residents of North
     Carolina.

All other terms of the Broker Dealer Agreement shall remained unchanged.

If the foregoing is in accordance with the Company's understanding of
our agreement, as hereby amended, please sign and return to us one copy
of this letter, whereupon it will become a binding agreement between
Carson Medlin and the Company.


                    Sincerely,


                    THE CARSON MEDLIN COMPANY


                    /s/ W. Gray Medlin
                    Chairman


                    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.


                    By: /s/ Billy M. Decker
                    Its:  /s/ Secretary
                   Subsidiaries of United Community Banks, Inc.


Carolina Community Bank
Peoples Bank
Towns County Bank
United Community Bank
United Family Finance, Inc.
White County Bank


         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We have issued our report dated February 16, 1996, accompanying the
financial statements of United Community Banks, Inc. and Subsidiaries
contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 and Prospectus.  We
consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it
appears under the caption "Experts".


                                PORTER KEADLE MOORE, LLP



                                /s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP
                                Successor to the practice of
                                Evans, Porter, Bryan & Co.

Atlanta, Georgia
January 29, 1997