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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______ to ______
Commission File Number 001-35095
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1807304
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
125 Highway 515 East 
Blairsville, Georgia
30512
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (706) 781-2265
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $1 per shareUCBINasdaq Global Select Market
Depositary shares, each representing 1/1000th interest in a share of Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred StockUCBIONasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer☒Accelerated filer☐
Non-accelerated filer☐Smaller reporting company☐
Emerging growth company☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C.7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the closing price ($32.01 per share) of such common equity, as of June 30, 2021 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $2,760,810,229.
As of January 31, 2022, there were 105,980,634 shares of United Community Banks, Inc.’s common stock issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2022 (the “2022 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated herein into Part III by reference.


UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
FORM 10-K
INDEX
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
 


2


Glossary of Defined Terms

The following terms may be used throughout this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

TermDefinition
ACLAllowance for credit losses
AFSAvailable-for-sale
ALCOAsset/Liability Management Committee
AOCIAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Aquesta
Aquesta Financial Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aquesta Bank
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASC 326ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
ASUAccounting standards update
BHC ActBank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
BankUnited Community Bank
BoardUnited Community Banks Inc., Board of Directors
BOLIBank owned life insurance
BSBYBloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield
CARES ActCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
CECLCurrent expected credit loss model
CET1Common equity tier 1
CFPBConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
CMEChicago Mercantile Exchange
CompanyUnited Community Banks Incorporated (interchangeable with "United" below)
CRACommunity Reinvestment Act
Dodd-Frank ActDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
DRIPDividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
DTADeferred tax asset
DTLDeferred tax liability
Fannie MaeFederal National Mortgage Association
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FCAUnited Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority
FDICFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal ReserveFederal Reserve System
FHLBFederal Home Loan Bank
FINRAFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority
FinTrust
FinTrust Capital Partners, LLC, and its operating subsidiaries, FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC, FinTrust Capital Benefits Group, LLC and FinTrust Brokerage Services, LLC
FMBTFirst Madison Bank & Trust
FoundationUnited Community Bank Foundation
Freddie MacFederal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FTEFully taxable equivalent
Funded PlanFunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan acquired with Palmetto
GADBFGeorgia Department of Banking and Finance
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GLB ActGramm-Leach-Bliley Act
3

GSEU.S. government-sponsored enterprise
HELOCHome equity lines of credit
Holding CompanyUnited Community Banks, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis
HTMHeld-to-maturity
Incurred LossIncurred loss impairment framework used to calculate the allowance for loan loss for periods prior to January 1, 2020
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
LIHTCLow income housing tax credits
MBSMortgage-backed securities
MD&AManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Modified Retirement PlanUnited's unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan
NasdaqNational Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations Stock Market
NavitasNavitas Credit Corp.
NOWNegotiable order of withdrawal
NPANonperforming asset
OCIOther comprehensive income
PalmettoPalmetto Bancshares, Inc.
Patriot ActUniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001
PCDPurchased credit deteriorated loans
PPPPaycheck Protection Program
PSUPerformance based restricted stock unit awards with market conditions
ReliantReliant Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliant Bank
ReportAnnual Report on Form 10-K
ROU assetRight-of-use asset
RWARisk-weighted assets
SBAUnited States Small Business Administration
SCBFISouth Carolina Board of Financial Institutions
SeasideSeaside National Bank & Trust
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
SOFRSecured Overnight Financing Rate
SIPCSecurities Investor Protection Corporation
TDRTroubled debt restructuring
Three ShoresThree Shores Bancorporation, Inc.
U.S. TreasuryUnited States Department of the Treasury
UCBIUnited Community Banks, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries
UCMSUnited Community Mortgage Services
UCPSUnited Community Payment Systems, LLC
UnitedUnited Community Banks, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries
USDAUnited States Department of Agriculture

4

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, information appearing under “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither statements of historical fact nor assurance of future performance and generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “projects”, “plans”, “goal”, “targets”, “potential”, “estimates”, “pro forma”, “seeks”, “intends”, or “anticipates”, or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include discussions of strategy, financial projections, guidance and estimates (including their underlying assumptions), statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of various transactions or events, and statements about our future performance, operations, products and services, and should be viewed with caution.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances, many of which are out of our control, and that are difficult to predict as to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results implied or anticipated by the statements. Except as required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligations to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, in addition to those described in detail under Items 1A of this Report - “Risk Factors” - include, but are not limited to the following:
•negative economic and political conditions that adversely affect the general economy, housing prices, the real estate market, the job market, consumer confidence, the financial condition of our borrowers and consumer spending habits, which may affect, among other things, the levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense;
•changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions or regulatory developments, either as they currently exist or as they may be affected by conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic;
•the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate;
•strategic, market, operational, liquidity and interest rate risks associated with our business;
•continuation of historically low interest rates coupled with other potential fluctuations or unanticipated changes in the interest rate environment, including interest rate changes made by the Federal Reserve, the discontinuation of LIBOR as an interest rate benchmark, as well as cash flow reassessments may reduce net interest margin and/or the volumes and values of loans made or held as well as the value of other financial assets;
•our lack of geographic diversification and any unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions in the national or local economies in which we operate;
•our loan concentration in industries or sectors that may experience unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions than other industries or sectors in the national or local economies in which we operate;
•the risks of expansion into new geographic or product markets;
•risks with respect to our future ability to successfully expand and integrate businesses and operations that we acquire, as well as our ability to identify and complete future mergers or acquisitions;
•our ability to attract and retain key employees;
•competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers including non-bank financial technology providers and our ability to attract customers from other financial institutions;
•losses due to fraudulent and negligent conduct of our customers, third party service providers or employees;
•cybersecurity risks and the vulnerability of our network and online banking portals, and the systems or parties with whom we contract, to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches that could adversely affect our business and financial performance or reputation;
•our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure and services required to operate our business;
•the risk that we may be required to make substantial expenditures to keep pace with regulatory initiatives and the rapid technological changes in the financial services market;
•the availability of and access to capital;
•legislative, regulatory or accounting changes that may adversely affect us;
•volatility in the ACL resulting from the CECL methodology, either alone or as that may be affected by conditions arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic;
•adverse results (including judgments, costs, fines, reputational harm, inability to obtain necessary approvals and/or other negative effects) from current or future litigation, regulatory proceedings, examinations, investigations, or similar matters, or developments related thereto;
•any matter that would cause us to conclude that there was impairment of any asset, including intangible assets, such as goodwill;
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•limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends and other distributions from the Bank to the Holding Company, which could affect Holding Company liquidity, including its ability to pay dividends to shareholders or take other capital actions; and
•other risks and uncertainties disclosed in documents filed or furnished by us with or to the SEC, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements.

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PART I
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to United Community Banks, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including United Community Bank.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

United Community Banks, Inc. is a Georgia corporation incorporated in 1987 and headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia. We are a bank holding company under the BHC Act and, as of July 1, 2021, a financial holding company under the GLB Act. We provide diversified financial services primarily through our principal subsidiary, United Community Bank. The Bank was founded in 1950 as a Georgia state-chartered bank and converted to a South Carolina state-chartered bank effective on July 1, 2021. We have grown through a combination of acquisitions and strategic growth throughout the Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida markets, as well as nationally through our SBA/USDA lending and equipment finance businesses. As of December 31, 2021 we had consolidated total assets of $20.9 billion.

As a financial holding company, we coordinate the financial resources of the consolidated enterprise and maintain systems of financial, operational, and administrative control intended to coordinate selected policies and activities, including as described in Item 9A of Part II.

Recent Developments

Acquisition of Aquesta

On October 1, 2021, United completed the acquisition of Aquesta, a bank headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina that operated a network of branches primarily located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. In this acquisition, we acquired $756 million of assets and assumed $694 million of liabilities.

Acquisition of FinTrust

On July 6, 2021, we acquired FinTrust, an investment advisory firm headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with additional locations in Anderson, South Carolina, and Athens and Macon, Georgia. The firm provides wealth and investment management services to individuals and institutions within its markets. As of December 31, 2021, FinTrust had assets under management of $2.19 billion across its advisory, retirement planning and brokerage businesses.

Acquisition of Reliant Bancorp, Inc.

Subsequent to year-end, on January 1, 2022 we acquired Reliant, a bank headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. Reliant operates a 25 branch network in Tennessee, located primarily in the Nashville, Clarksville and Chattanooga metropolitan areas. It also has a manufactured housing finance group based in Knoxville. As of December 31, 2021, Reliant reported total assets of $3.00 billion, including loans of $2.38 billion, and deposits of $2.50 billion.

Principal Businesses and Services We Provide

We provide a wide range of financial products and services to the commercial, retail, governmental, educational, energy, health care and real estate sectors. This includes a variety of deposit products, secured and unsecured loans, mortgage loans, payment and commerce solutions, equipment finance services, wealth management, trust services, private banking, investment advisory services, insurance services, and other related financial services. These products and services are delivered through a variety of channels including our branches, other offices, the internet, and mobile applications.

Our business model combines the commitment to exceptional customer service of a local bank with the products and expertise of a larger institution. We have a strong culture focused on the golden rule of banking – treating each other and the customer the way we would want to be treated. We exist to serve our customers, and we are committed to making lives better through outstanding products, dedication to our customers, and serving the communities in which we operate.

We operate as a locally-focused community bank, supplemented by experienced, centralized support to deliver products and services to our larger, more sophisticated, customers. Our organizational structure reflects these strengths, with local leaders for each market
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and market advisory boards operating in partnership with the product experts of our Commercial Banking Solutions unit. We believe that this combination of service and expertise sets us apart and is instrumental in our strategy to build long-term relationships.
Lending Activities

We offer a full range of lending services, including real estate, consumer and commercial loans, to individuals, small businesses, mid-sized commercial businesses and non-profit organizations. We also originate loans partially guaranteed by the SBA and to a lesser extent by the USDA loan programs. Our consolidated loans at December 31, 2021 were $11.8 billion, or 56% of total consolidated assets. The interest rates that we charge on loans vary with the degree of risk, maturity and amount of the loan, and are further subject to competitive pressures, deposit costs, availability of funds and government regulations.

The most significant categories of our loans are those to finance owner occupied real estate, commercial income property, commercial and industrial equipment and operating loans, and consumer loans secured by personal residences. A majority of our loans are made on a secured basis.

The majority of our loans are to customers located in the immediate market areas of our banking locations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, including customers who have a seasonal residence in our market areas. We originate a significant portion of our SBA/USDA and equipment finance loans on a national basis, to customers outside of our immediate market areas.

Our full-service retail mortgage lending division, UCMS, is approved as a seller/servicer for the Fannie Mae and the Freddie Mac and provides fixed and adjustable-rate home mortgages. During 2021, the Bank originated $2.43 billion in residential mortgage loans for the purchase of homes and to refinance existing mortgage debt. The majority of these mortgages were sold into the secondary market without recourse to us, other than for breaches of warranties. We have retained the servicing on most of our mortgage loans sold.
For additional information regarding our lending activity, see the section captioned “Loans” in the “Balance Sheet Review” section of Part II, Item 7. MD&A of this Report.
Deposit Activities
Deposits are the major source of our funds for lending and other investment activities. We offer our customers a variety of deposit products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and other deposit accounts. Generally, we attempt to maintain the rates paid on our deposits at a competitive level. We generate the majority of our deposits from customers in our local markets. For additional information regarding our deposit accounts, see the section captioned “Deposits” in Part II, Item 7. MD&A of this Report.
Investments
We use our investment portfolio to provide for the investment of excess funds at acceptable risk levels while providing liquidity to fund loan demand or to offset fluctuations in deposits. Our portfolio consists primarily of residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, U.S. Treasury, U.S. agency and municipal obligations. Most of the securities are classified by us as AFS and recorded on our balance sheet at fair value at each balance sheet date. Changes in fair value on AFS securities are generally recorded directly in our shareholders’ equity account and are not recognized in our income statement.
Wealth Management, Trust, and Insurance
Through our Wealth Management division, we provide financial planning services, customized portfolio management and investment advice utilizing an open architecture approach to the selection of asset managers. We also offer trust services to manage fiduciary assets. Seaside Capital Management, Inc. and FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC are registered investment advisors that offer investment advisory services for clients who wish to utilize an independent custodian. Seaside Insurance, Inc., which became FinTrust Insurance and Benefits, Inc. on January 1, 2022, operates as an independent insurance agency for our clients. We also operate FinTrust Brokerage Services, LLC, a registered broker dealer.
Through our United Community Advisory Services division, we generate fee revenue through the sale of non-deposit investment products and insurance products, including life insurance, long-term care insurance and tax-deferred annuities, to our customers. We have an affiliation with a third party broker/dealer, LPL Financial, to facilitate this line of business.
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Reinsurance and Merchant Services
We own a captive insurance subsidiary, NLFC Reinsurance Corp., which provides reinsurance on a property insurance contract covering equipment financed by our equipment financing division.
We provide payment processing services for our commercial and small business customers through UCPS. UCPS is a joint venture between the Bank and Clover, a merchant services provider and subsidiary of Fiserv, Inc.
Other General Information

Subsidiaries

Our consolidated operating subsidiaries at December 31, 2021 are listed in Exhibit 21 of this Report. Technical and regulatory details follow:

•The Bank is supervised and regulated as described in Supervision and Regulation in this Item below.
•FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC and Seaside Capital Management, Inc. are registered with the SEC as investment advisers.
•Seaside Capital Management, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as an investment adviser.
•FinTrust Brokerage Services, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC and all states in which they conduct business for which registration is required and is a Member FINRA/SIPC.
•FinTrust Insurance and Benefits, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all states in which they conduct business for which licensing is required. FinTrust Insurance and Benefits, Inc. was formed by the January 1, 2022 merger of FinTrust Capital Benefits, LLC into Seaside Insurance, Inc. Seaside Insurance, Inc. was renamed FinTrust Insurance and Benefits, Inc. following the merger.

Strategic Transactions - Acquisitions and Expansion

An element of our business strategy is to consider opportunities to expand into attractive markets in which we believe our operating model will be successful. We have entered new markets and expanded our product offerings both by establishing new branches and service locations and also by selective acquisitions of existing market participants. We have developed a number of commercial lending businesses organically, which provide local commercial real estate, middle market, senior living, renewable energy, builder finance and asset-based lending services. We generally seek acquisition partners that share a similar culture and commitment to customer service. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values and, therefore, some dilution to our book value may occur with any future transactions. Our goal is to maintain a reasonable earn-back period of any tangible book value dilution, using realistic growth and expense reduction assumptions, as well as to achieve an attractive return on investment. Our ability to engage in any potential acquisition will depend upon the review and approval from various bank regulatory authorities.

Client Concentration

Neither we nor any of our significant subsidiaries is dependent upon a single client or very few clients.

Calendar-Year Seasonality

We do not experience material seasonality; however, we do experience seasonal variation in certain revenues, expenses, and credit trends. Historically, these variations have somewhat increased certain expenses and diminished certain revenues in the commercial banking business, principally in the first quarter each year.

In addition, we experience seasonal variation in certain business efforts that affect our income and our asset and liability balances. Our mortgage and related title service businesses tend to be seasonally strong in the second and third quarters correlating with home buying trends. Our commercial lending businesses (including SBA and Navitas) tend to be seasonally weaker in the first quarter and seasonally stronger in the fourth quarter. In addition, our government deposit balances tend to be strongest in the third and fourth quarters correlating with their tax receipts.

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Cyclicality

Banking

Financial services facilitate commercial and consumer economic activities in critical ways. As a result, in many ways, the performance of the financial services industry tends to reflect that of the economies it serves. As a result, our banking business is broadly and strongly dependent on the size and strength of the U.S. economy.

Generally, when the U.S. economy is in an expansionary phase of the business cycle, we experience loan growth, income from lending tends to rise (assuming static interest rates), credit losses tend to fall, and fee income tends to increase. In a contracting phase, those patterns tend to reverse. The impact of those factors on our operating results can be substantial, especially if they consistently move up or down at the same time.

Our banking business is crucially dependent on the level of interest rates, whether federal monetary policy is easing or tightening, and on the shape of the interest rate yield curve. These factors also are cyclical, and are related in complex ways with the business cycle mentioned above.

These factors, and their impacts on us, often are mixed rather than consistently positive or negative. For example, low interest rates reduce the interest income we earn, reduce our costs of funding, tend to stimulate economic activity and loan growth, and, through lower debt service, tend to ease financial pressure on clients, reducing default risk. If the yield curve remains relatively steep, with long-term interest rates noticeably higher than short rates, our net interest margin will tend not to be significantly compressed by the lower rate environment, since lower short rates will keep our deposit costs down while higher long rates will support the rates we can charge on lending. But if rates fall low enough (as they have in recent years), the yield curve will flatten and our margins will suffer. Moreover, the Federal Reserve tends to lower rates in response to, or to avoid, a weakening economy. Economic weakness tends to diminish client borrowing and other activities which benefit our performance.

Further information on these topics is presented: within Item 1A, Risk Factors in Risk from Economic Downturns and Changes, Risks Associated with Monetary Events, Liquidity and Funding Risks, and Interest Rate and Yield Curve Risks.

Mortgage Origination and Related Services

The strength of consumer mortgage lending activity in the United States impacts our mortgage origination and related services line of business. Mortgage lending activity is strongly linked to economic strength and interest rate cycles. Activity tends to be inversely related to prevailing mortgage rates: when rates are high, home-buying and refinancing decrease, and when rates are low, home-buying and refinancing increase. Moreover, expectations about near-term future mortgage rates can accelerate or delay those impacts, as borrowers rush to avoid future rate increases or wait for future rate decreases.
Human Resources Management

As of January 31, 2022, we had 2,921 full-time equivalent employees, compared to 2,406 at January 31, 2021. Those employees support our vision to follow the golden rule – to treat each other, and our customers, the way we would like to be treated. We believe that our ability to earn the trust of our customers and deliver exceptional customer service hinges on our culture, which in turn depends upon the dedication and engagement of our employees. When employees are dedicated and engaged, they take extra steps for our customers. We have a community bank mindset, empowering employees to make decisions at the local level, while arming our employees with the products, services, and centralized support of a larger institution. We are committed to attracting and retaining talented employees whose values align with our customer service mission, creating meaningful opportunities for training and advancement, and being an extraordinary place to work.

Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to foster an open, supportive workplace in which our employees can grow professionally and achieve their potential. We pride ourselves on maintaining workplaces that are intended to inspire employees to voice their ideas and openly express opinions for the betterment of the Bank, our employees, and our customers. We desire that all employees feel that they are operating in an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports differences. We believe that encouraging input from all perspectives allows us to provide our customers with creative ideas and solutions for operating effectively in a complex, ever changing marketplace.

In 2020, to strengthen a sense of belonging for all employees, we formed our Diversity and Inclusion Council, called the “Power of U.” In addition to leadership provided by our Board and executive management, our Diversity and Inclusion Council is designed to
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recommend strategies, programs, and opportunities to foster diversity and inclusion. The Power of U is comprised of 14 members from across our geographical footprint and focuses on enhancing the Bank’s culture of teamwork, communication, and connection.

Oversight and Management

Our Board and its Talent and Compensation Committee provide oversight on human capital matters, including overall compensation philosophy, equity award programs, diversity and inclusion, and succession planning. Our Human Resources, Legal, and Compliance departments develop policies associated with our labor and human capital practices, identify risks, and implement practices to mitigate those risks, under the oversight of the Board and its committees. At the management level, our Employee Benefits Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our employee benefits programs, including healthcare and other benefits. Our Incentive Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing, reviewing, and approving the non-executive incentive compensation plans for our employees and for assessing the risks associated with those incentive compensation plans.

Benefits

We are committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits programs that reward employees for matching the right products with our customers’ needs, while also staying within our risk tolerance. We offer a variety of medical plans for our employees, including prescription drug coverage and a comprehensive dental plan. We also provide long-term disability coverage and life insurance for eligible employees. Our cafeteria plans, or reimbursement accounts, help our employees reduce the costs of medical and dependent care by allowing them to set aside pre-tax dollars. Employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) Retirement Plan beginning the first of the month following their date of employment. After one year of employment, employees may become eligible for a company match in an amount up to 5% of total salary.

Human Capital Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

We took significant measures to provide employees with a sense of safety, security and certainty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, we provided eligible employees with 80 hours of COVID-19 paid leave. We also provided reimbursement to eligible employees for certain childcare expenses resulting from the pandemic. We continued to provide these COVID-19 related benefits in 2021. To protect the health and safety of employees and customers and consistent with CDC, state and local guidance, we established social distancing, hygiene and environmental safety protocols for on-site workers at our branches and offices.

Employee Professional Development

Through our professional development initiatives, our internal team and subject matter experts provide our employees with quality continuing education on a variety of topics. Participation in continuing education is expected and supported so our employees stay informed and up to date on information, skills, and systems.

Through our memberships with the American Bankers Association, the Risk Management Association, the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, and state bankers associations, our employees have access to resources, online training, conferences, and discussion groups designed for bankers at all levels in all roles. We encourage our employees to utilize these resources, and we support our employees’ involvement with these organizations for training, to advance their knowledge and skills sets, and to develop leadership skills. Many of our employees are actively engaged in leadership roles, forums, task forces, and other groups within these organizations.

To encourage, support, and equip our rising leaders with relevant skills, we offer our Leadership Academy, an annual program for a selected group of individuals who exemplify the qualities of a next generation leader. The program is designed to empower emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead our Bank. Participants are selected annually for the multi-month program and engage in strategic projects, leadership and business development sessions, and executive and senior leadership roundtable mentoring. This is intended to allow our future leaders with the highest potential to enhance their knowledge and skills, grow in understanding of our culture and how we do business, and be challenged with assignments that strategically impact the Bank.

Employee Engagement Surveys

The Best Banks to Work For program, initiated in 2013 by American Banker and Best Companies Group, identifies and recognizes U.S. banks for outstanding employee satisfaction. We are honored to have been named one of American Banker’s 2021 Best Banks to Work For, an award we’ve received for five consecutive years. The Bank is one of only three of the top 50 banks on the list with over $15 billion in assets.

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We believe that an engaged workforce is one of our most valuable assets in sustaining our success and that we are on this list because we listen to our employees and respond to their concerns. Every two years, we conduct an employee engagement survey, facilitated by a third party provider, to seek input and feedback from all of our employees across our entire footprint. Among other things, the survey asks employees to rate and comment on the Bank’s strategies and priorities, customer focus, operations, individual roles and responsibilities, competitiveness for compensation and benefits, work environment, and employee engagement. The survey includes questions that ask employees to score certain questions, as well as allowing employees to provide open-ended feedback responses.

The employee engagement survey results are reviewed and discussed by both executive management and our Board. Our leadership analyzes the survey feedback for areas of improvement, progress, and emphasis. Our leadership takes the survey feedback into account in developing and prioritizing the Bank’s strategic plans and initiatives. We also share an overview of the survey results with our employees and communicate the changes we make in response to the survey to meet our employees’ needs, to enhance our employees’ experience, and to continue to make our company an employer of choice.

We know employees want to work for companies that give back and, as an organization, we believe in the power of coming together for good. In 2020, we conducted our first community engagement survey, to seek input and feedback from all of our employees about volunteerism, community issues that are important to them, and how they would like to see us involved in the local communities that we serve. In 2021, as a result of the feedback we received, we created the Together for Good Council. This group of leaders helps to coordinate volunteer efforts, guide charitable giving, and lead each of our “Good Days” of service, which include Veteran’s Day, September 11th, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Through the Together for Good Council, we are continuing our efforts to enhance our community engagement initiatives and involvement with our local communities.

Competition

Our profitability depends principally on our ability to effectively compete in the markets in which we conduct business. We experience strong competition in all aspects of the businesses in which we engage from both bank and non-bank competitors. Broadly speaking, we compete with national banks, super-regional banks, smaller community banks, credit unions, non-traditional internet-based banks and insurance companies and agencies. We also compete with other financial intermediaries and investment alternatives such as mortgage companies, credit card issuers, leasing companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, governmental and corporate bond issuers, and other securities firms. Many of these non-bank competitors are not subject to the same regulatory oversight, which can provide them a competitive advantage in some instances. In many cases, our competitors have substantially greater resources and offer certain services that we are unable to provide to our customers.
We encounter strong pricing competition in providing our services, particularly in making loans and attracting deposits. The larger national and super-regional banks may have significantly greater lending limits and may offer additional products. We attempt to compete successfully with our competitors, regardless of their size, by emphasizing customer service while continuing to provide a wide variety of services.

We expect competition in the industry to continue to increase mainly as a result of the improvement in financial technology used by both existing and new banking and financial services firms. Competition may further intensify as additional companies (both banks and non-banks) enter the markets where we conduct business, competitors combine to present more formidable challengers, and we enter mature markets in accordance with our expansion strategy.

Supervision and Regulation
 
Scope of this Section

This section describes certain material aspects of the regulatory framework applicable to banks and financial holding companies and their subsidiaries and to companies engaged in securities and insurance activities. To the extent that the following information describes statutory or regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by express reference to each of the particular statutory and regulatory provisions, and you should refer to the full text of the statutes, regulations, and corresponding guidance for more information. These statutes and regulations are subject to change, and additional statutes, regulations, and corresponding guidance may be adopted. We are unable to predict these future changes or the effects, if any, that these changes could have on our business. Finally, investors should be aware that the regulatory framework governing banks and the financial services industry is intended primarily to protect depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund – not to protect our Bank or our security holders.

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Overview

The Holding Company

The Holding Company is a bank holding company and financial holding company within the meaning of the BHC Act and is registered with the Federal Reserve. We are subject to the regulation and supervision of, and to examination by, the Federal Reserve (under the BHC Act). We are required to file with the Federal Reserve annual reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require pursuant to the BHC Act.

Effective July 1, 2021, the Holding Company elected to become a financial holding company, which allows for engagement in a broader range of financial activities. A bank holding company that is not a financial holding company is limited to engaging in “banking” and activities found by the Federal Reserve to be “closely related to banking.” Eligible bank holding companies that elect to become financial holding companies may affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in activities that are “financial in nature.” “Financial” activities are broader in scope than those which are “closely related to banking.” See Financial Activities other than Banking in this Item.

The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the Federal Reserve’s prior approval before (1) acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank that it does not already control; (2) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of a bank; and (3) subject to certain exceptions, merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company. In addition, a bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring a direct or indirect interest in or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in, non-banking activities. This prohibition does not apply to activities listed in the BHC Act or found by the Federal Reserve, by order or regulation, to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. The Federal Reserve also may approve an application by a bank holding company to acquire a bank located outside the acquirer’s principal state of operations without regard to whether the transaction is prohibited under state law, although state law may still impose certain requirements. See Interstate Branching and Mergers in this Item for further information.

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

The Bank

United Community Bank, our most significant subsidiary, is a South Carolina state-chartered bank subject to the regulation and supervision of, and to examination by, the SCBFI. Effective July 1, 2021, the Bank moved its headquarters from Blairsville, Georgia to Greenville, South Carolina and became a South Carolina state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the SCBFI. Prior to that date, the Bank was a Georgia state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the GADBF. In addition to general supervision and examination powers, the SCBFI has the power to approve mergers with the Bank, the Bank’s issuance of preferred stock or capital notes, the establishment of branches, and many other corporate actions. We are not required to obtain the approval of the SCBFI prior to acquiring the capital stock of a national bank, but we must notify them at least 15 days prior to doing so. We must receive the SCBFI’s approval prior to engaging in the acquisition of a South Carolina state-chartered bank or another South Carolina bank holding company.

The Bank is subject to examination and reporting requirements of the FDIC, the SCBFI and the CFPB. The financial statements and information contained herein have not been reviewed, or confirmed for accuracy or relevance, by the FDIC or any other regulator.

The Bank is insured by, and subject to regulation by, the FDIC and is subject to regulation in certain respects by the CFPB. The Bank is also subject to various requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be made and the interest that may be charged, limitations on the types of investments that may be made, activities that may be engaged in, and types of services that may be offered. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of the Bank. In addition, several of the Bank’s subsidiaries are regulated separately, as discussed in Subsidiaries in this Item.

In addition to the impact of regulation, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve as it attempts to control money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy. Also, the Bank and certain of its subsidiaries are
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prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with extensions of credit, leases or sales of property, or furnishing products or services.

Payment of Dividends

The Holding Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and other subsidiaries. The Holding Company’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends on our stock or to pay principal (including premium, if any) and interest on debt securities results from dividends paid to it by the Bank. There are statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to the payment of dividends and other distributions by the Bank, as well as by the Holding Company to its shareholders.

During 2021 and 2020, the Bank paid cash dividends to the Holding Company of $217 million and $150 million, respectively. During 2019, no cash dividends were paid by the Bank to the Holding Company. The Holding Company declared quarterly cash dividends on its common stock in 2021, 2020 and 2019 totaling $0.78, $0.72 and $0.68 per share, respectively.

The Holding Company

Under Georgia corporate law, we are not permitted to pay cash dividends if, after giving effect to such payment, we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus any amounts needed to satisfy any preferential rights if we were dissolving. In addition, in deciding whether or not to declare a dividend of any particular size, our Board must consider our current and prospective capital, liquidity, and other needs, including the needs of the Bank which we are obligated to support.

The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve’s view that a bank holding company generally should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the holding company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve has also indicated that a bank holding company should not maintain a level of cash dividends that places undue pressure on the capital of its bank subsidiaries, or that can be funded only through additional borrowings or other arrangements that undermine the bank holding company’s ability to act as a source of strength to its bank subsidiaries. The Holding Company and the Bank must also maintain the CET1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions, including dividends, as described below under “Capital Adequacy-Basel III Capital Standards.”

The Bank

As a South Carolina state-chartered bank, the Bank is permitted to pay a dividend of up to 100% of its current year earnings without requesting approval of the SCBFI, provided certain conditions are met. All other cash dividends require approval of the SCBFI. The application of those restrictions to the Bank is discussed in more detail in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, which is incorporated into this Item 1 by reference.

Other Factors Affecting Dividends

If, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, the Holding Company or the Bank are engaged in or about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the Holding Company or the Bank, could include the payment of dividends), such authority may require us or the Bank to cease and desist from that practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s or holding company’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.

In addition, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, an FDIC-insured depository institution (such as the Bank) may not make any capital distributions, pay any management fees to its holding company, or pay any dividend if it is undercapitalized or if such payment would cause it to become undercapitalized.

The payment of dividends by the Holding Company and the Bank may also be affected or limited by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines imposed by debt covenants. For example, as discussed under Capital Adequacy discussed below, our ability to pay dividends would be restricted if our capital ratios fell below minimum regulatory requirements plus a capital conservation buffer.

The Federal Reserve generally requires bank holding companies to pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. The Federal Reserve has released a supervisory letter advising, among other things, that a bank holding company should inform the Federal Reserve and should eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce its dividends if (i) the bank holding company’s net income available to
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shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) the bank holding company’s prospective rate of earnings is not consistent with the bank holding company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

Transactions with Affiliates

Federal banking laws restrict transactions between a bank and its affiliates, including a parent BHC. The Bank is subject to these restrictions, which include quantitative and qualitative limits on the amounts and types of transactions that may take place, including extensions of credit to affiliates, investments in the stock or securities of affiliates, purchases of assets from affiliates and certain other transactions with affiliates. These restrictions also require that credit transactions with affiliates be collateralized and that transactions with affiliates must be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with or involving nonaffiliated companies. In the absence of such comparable transactions, any transaction between banks and their affiliates must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, which in good faith would be offered to or would apply to nonaffiliated companies. Generally, a bank’s covered transactions with any affiliate are limited to 10% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus and covered transactions with all affiliates are limited to 20% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus. The Dodd-Frank Act expanded the scope of these regulations, including by applying them to the credit exposure arising under derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Federal banking laws also place similar restrictions on loans and other extensions of credit by FDIC-insured banks, such as the Bank, and their subsidiaries to their directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders.

Capital Adequacy

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

Basel III Capital Standards

Federal financial industry regulators require that regulated financial institutions, including the Holding Company and the Bank maintain minimum capital levels. The capital requirements in the United States are based on international standards known as “Basel III.”, which require the following:

Ratio DescriptionMinimum CapitalMinimum Capital Plus Capital Conservation Buffer
Risk-based ratios:
CET1 capital
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to RWA
4.5 %7.0 %
Tier 1 capital
Tier 1 Capital to RWA
6.0 8.5 
Total capital
Total Capital to RWA
8.0 10.5 
Leverage ratio
Tier 1 Capital divided by quarterly average assets net of goodwill, certain other intangible assets, and certain required deduction items
4.0  N/A

Tier 1 capital includes two components: CET1 capital and additional Tier 1 capital. The highest form of capital, CET1 capital, consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, intangible assets, net of associated net deferred tax liabilities, and disallowed deferred tax assets. Additional Tier 1 capital includes non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock.

Tier 2 capital includes the allowable portion of the ACL up to 1.25% of RWA as well as qualifying subordinated debt and trust preferred securities.

In addition, a banking organization must maintain a 2.5% capital conservation buffer on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives. This buffer must consist solely of Tier 1 Common Equity, but the buffer applies to all three risk-based measurements (CET1, Tier 1 capital and total capital).

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Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, and to certain restrictions on its business and in certain circumstances to the appointment of a conservator or receiver. See Prompt Corrective Action immediately below for additional information.

In addition, the Bank is required to have a capital structure that the SCBFI determines is adequate, based on SCBFI’s assessment of the Bank’s businesses and risks. The SCBFI may require the Bank to increase its capital, if found to be inadequate.

Prompt Corrective Action

Federal banking regulators must take “prompt corrective action” regarding FDIC-insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For this purpose, insured depository institutions are divided into five capital categories, the specific regulatory requirements for which are set forth in the following table.

Risk-Based Ratios
CategoryTotal CapitalTier 1
 Capital		CET1
Capital		Leverage
Ratio		Tangible Equity to Total Assets
Well-capitalizedat least 10%at least 8%at least 6.5%at least 5%
Adequately capitalizedat least 8%at least 6%at least 4.5%at least 4%
Undercapitalizedunder 8%under 6%under 4.5%under 4%
Significantly undercapitalizedunder 6%under 4%under 3%under 3%
Critically undercapitalized2% or less

As of December 31, 2021, the Bank had sufficient capital to qualify as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory capital requirements discussed above. An institution may be deemed to be in a capitalization category that is lower than is indicated by its actual capital position if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating. Institutions generally are not allowed to publicly disclose examination results.

Federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Institutions in any of the three undercapitalized categories are prohibited from declaring dividends or making capital distributions. In addition, an institution that is categorized in the three undercapitalized categories is required to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency, which, for the Bank, is the FDIC. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, banking regulators must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is “critically undercapitalized.” The FDIC regulations also allow it to “downgrade” an institution to a lower capital category based on supervisory factors other than capital.

Holding Company Structure and Support of Subsidiary Banks

Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon the latter’s liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors (including depositors in the case of the Bank) except to the extent that we may be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. In addition, depositors of a bank, and the FDIC as their subrogee, would be entitled to priority over the other creditors in the event of liquidation of the bank.

Under Federal Reserve policy, now codified in the Dodd-Frank Act, we are expected to act as a source of financial strength to, and to commit resources to support, the Bank. This support may be required at times even if, absent such Federal Reserve policy, we might not wish to provide it or have the resources to provide it. In addition, any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of the subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

Consumer Protection Laws

In connection with its lending activities, the Bank is subject to a number of federal and state laws designed to protect borrowers and promote lending to various sectors of the economy and population. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act and their respective state law counterparts.
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Volcker Rule

The Volcker rule (1) generally prohibits banks from engaging in proprietary trading, which is engaging as principal (for the bank’s own account) in any purchase or sale of one or more of certain types of financial instruments, and (2) limits banks’ ability to invest in or sponsor hedge funds or private equity funds.

CFPB

The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, which is granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Consumer Financial Privacy provisions of the GLB Act and certain other statutes. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets, including the Bank. The CFPB has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial products.

The CFPB has issued a number of regulations related to the origination of mortgages, foreclosures, and overdrafts as well as many other consumer issues. Additionally, the CFPB has proposed, or may propose, additional regulations or modifications to existing regulations that directly relate to our business. New CFPB regulations, and changes to CFPB regulations and enforcement priorities, may have a material impact on our compliance costs, compliance risk, and operations of the Bank.

FDIC Insurance Assessments; Deposit Insurance Fund

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor subject to applicable limitations through the Deposit Insurance Fund. As a result, the Bank must pay deposit insurance assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC imposes a risk-based deposit premium assessment system to determine assessments based on a number of factors to measure the risk each institution poses to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The assessment rate is applied to our total average assets less tangible equity. Under the current system, premiums are assessed quarterly and could increase if, for example, criticized loans and/or other higher risk assets increase or balance sheet liquidity decreases. Because the Bank exceeds $10 billion in assets, the FDIC uses a “scorecard” system to calculate our assessments. Key factors include: the institution’s risk category; whether the institution is deemed large and highly complex; whether the institution qualifies for an unsecured debt adjustment; and whether the institution is burdened with a brokered deposit adjustment. Other factors can impact the base against which the applicable rate is applied, including (for example) whether a net loss is realized. The FDIC also has the ability to make discretionary adjustments to the total score based upon significant risk factors that are not adequately captured in the calculations.
 
The FDIC may also terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.

Interchange Fee Restrictions

We are subject to regulations that severely cap interchange fees which the Bank may charge merchants for debit card transactions. These restrictions were required by a statutory provision known as the Durbin Amendment of the Dodd-Frank Act. In the Federal Reserve’s final rules implementing the Durbin Amendment, interchange fees for debit card transactions were capped at $0.21 plus five basis points in order to be eligible for a safe harbor such that the fee is conclusively determined to be reasonable and proportionate. Another related rule also permits an additional $0.01 per transaction “fraud prevention adjustment” to the interchange fee if certain Federal Reserve standards are implemented, including an annual review of fraud prevention policies and procedures. With respect to network exclusivity and merchant routing restrictions, it is now required that all debit cards participate in at least two unaffiliated networks so that the transactions initiated using those debit cards will have at least two independent routing channels.
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Incentive Compensation and Risk Management

In addition to the potential restrictions on discretionary bonus compensation under the Basel III rules, the federal bank regulatory agencies have issued guidance on incentive compensation policies (the “Incentive Compensation Guidance”) intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of financial institutions do not undermine the safety and soundness of such institutions by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Incentive Compensation Guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an institution, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a financial institution’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the institution’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the institution’s board of directors. We operate a risk management process for assessing risk in incentive compensation plans.
 
The Federal Reserve reviews, as part of its regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of financial institutions, including us, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews are tailored to each financial institution based on the scope and complexity of the institution’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives are included in reports of examination. Deficiencies are incorporated into the financial institution’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the institution’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a financial institution if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the institution’s safety and soundness and the institution is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.
 
The scope and content of federal bank regulatory agencies’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the near future. In 2016 federal agencies proposed regulations which could significantly change the regulation of incentive compensation programs at financial institutions. The proposal would create four tiers of institutions based on asset size. Institutions in the top two tiers would be subject to rules much more detailed and proscriptive than are currently in effect. If interpreted aggressively by the regulators, the proposed rules could be used to prevent, as a practical matter, larger institutions from engaging in certain lines of business where substantial commission and bonus pool arrangements are the norm. In the 2016 proposal, the top two tiers included institutions with more than $50 billion of assets, which would not currently apply to us. Additionally, prompted by post-2016 legislation which significantly raised several statutory asset-size tiers, if this proposal were finalized today, the $50 billion floor might be raised significantly, allowing us to remain in the third tier for the foreseeable future. We cannot predict what final rules may be adopted, nor how they may be implemented and, therefore, it cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect our ability to hire, retain and motivate our key employees.
 
Real Estate Lending

Inter-agency guidelines adopted by federal bank regulatory agencies mandate that financial institutions establish real estate lending policies with maximum allowable real estate loan-to-value limits, subject to an allowable amount of non-conforming loans as a percentage of capital. In addition, the federal bank regulatory agencies, including the FDIC, restrict concentrations in commercial real estate lending and have noted that increases in banks’ commercial real estate concentrations can create safety and soundness concerns. The regulatory guidance mandates certain minimal risk management practices and categorizes banks with defined levels of such concentrations as banks requiring elevated examiner scrutiny.

Cross-Guarantee Liability

A depository institution insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution “in danger of default.” “Default” is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator or receiver and “in danger of default” is defined generally as the existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. The FDIC’s claim for damages is superior to claims of shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors, and holders of subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured depository institution. Currently the Bank is our only depository institution subsidiary. If we were to own or operate another depository institution, any loss suffered by the FDIC in respect of one subsidiary bank would likely result in assertion of the cross-guarantee provisions, the assessment of estimated losses against our other subsidiary bank(s), and a potential loss of our investment in our subsidiary banks.

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Interstate Branching and Mergers

As previously mentioned, the Bank generally must have SCBFI’s approval to establish a new branch. For a new branch located outside of South Carolina, South Carolina law requires the Bank to comply with branching laws applicable to the state where the new branch will be located. Federal law allows the Bank to establish or acquire a branch in another state to the same extent as a bank chartered in that other state would be allowed to establish or acquire a branch in South Carolina.

For an interstate merger or acquisition: the acquiring bank must be well-capitalized and well-managed; concentration limits on liabilities and deposits may not be exceeded; regulators must assess the transaction for incremental systemic risk; and the acquiring bank must have at least “satisfactory” standing under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (discussed immediately below). Once a bank has established branches in a state through de novo or acquired branching or through an interstate merger transaction, the bank may then establish or acquire additional branches within that state to the same extent that a bank chartered in that state is allowed to establish or acquire branches within the state.

Community Reinvestment Act

The CRA requires each U.S. bank, consistent with safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of each community where the bank accepts deposits, including low- and moderate-income communities. Federal banking regulators periodically assess the Bank for CRA compliance and that assessment is made public. The Bank’s low- and moderate-income community operations and activities traditionally are critical focal points in those assessments.

For purposes of CRA examinations, federal banking regulators rate each institution’s compliance with the CRA as “Outstanding,” “Satisfactory,” “Needs to Improve” or “Substantial Noncompliance.” A CRA rating below “Satisfactory” can slow or halt a bank’s plans to expand by branching, acquisition, or merger, and can prevent a bank holding company from becoming a financial holding company. In its most recent CRA examination, the Bank received a “Satisfactory” rating.

The Federal Reserve, the OCC, and the FDIC recently have adopted revised CRA regulations based upon rules adopted jointly by the agencies in 1995. These rules were effective January 1, 2022.

Financial Activities other than Banking

Permitted Activities. Under the BHC Act, a bank holding company is generally permitted to engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in, the following activities:
•banking or managing or controlling banks;
•furnishing services to or performing services for our subsidiaries; and
•any activity that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking.

Activities that the Federal Reserve has found to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking include:
•factoring accounts receivable;
•making, acquiring, brokering or servicing loans and usual related activities;
•leasing personal or real property;
•operating a non-bank depository institution, such as a savings association;
•trust company functions;
•financial and investment advisory activities;
•conducting discount securities brokerage activities;
•underwriting and dealing in government obligations and money market instruments;
•providing specified management consulting and counseling activities;
•performing selected data processing services and support services;
•acting as agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and other types of insurance in connection with credit transactions; and
•performing selected insurance underwriting activities.

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Federal law generally allows financial holding companies broad authority to engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity. These include: insurance underwriting and brokerage; merchant banking; securities underwriting, dealing, and market-making; real estate development; and such additional activities as the Federal Reserve in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be financial in nature or incidental. A bank holding company may engage in these activities directly or through subsidiaries by qualifying as a “financial holding company.” To qualify as a financial holding company, a bank holding company must file an initial declaration with the Federal Reserve, certifying that all of its subsidiary depository institutions are well-managed and well-capitalized.

Federal law also permits banks to engage in certain of these activities through financial subsidiaries. To control or hold an interest in a financial subsidiary, a bank must meet the following requirements:
•The bank must receive approval from its primary federal regulator for the financial subsidiary to engage in the activities.
•The bank and its depository institution affiliates must each be well-capitalized and well-managed.
•The aggregate consolidated total assets of all of the bank’s financial subsidiaries must not exceed the lesser of: 45% of the bank’s consolidated total assets; or $50 billion (subject to indexing for inflation).
•The bank must have in place adequate policies and procedures to identify and manage financial and operational risks and to preserve the separate identities and limited liability of the bank and the financial subsidiary.
•If the bank is among the 100 largest banks, the bank must meet the long-term debt rating or alternative standards adopted by the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from time to time. If this fifth requirement ceases to be met after a bank controls or holds an interest in a financial subsidiary, the bank cannot invest additional capital in that subsidiary until the requirement again is met.

No new activity may be commenced unless the bank and all of its depository institution affiliates have at least “Satisfactory” CRA ratings. Certain restrictions apply if the bank holding company or the bank fails to continue to meet one or more of the requirements listed above. In addition, federal law contains a number of other provisions that may affect the Bank’s operations, including limitations on the use and disclosure to third parties of client information.

At December 31, 2021, we are a financial holding company and we have a number of financial subsidiaries, as discussed in Subsidiaries in this Item.

Privacy and Data Security

The Federal Reserve, FDIC and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal customer information. These guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. In addition, various federal regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the SEC, have increased their focus on cyber-security through guidance, examinations and regulations. The Bank has adopted a customer information security program that has been approved by its Board of Directors.

The GLB Act requires financial institutions to implement policies regarding the disclosure of non-public personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. In general, the statute requires explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic information and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided in a banking subsidiary’s policies and procedures. The Bank has implemented a privacy policy. 

States are also increasingly proposing or enacting legislation that relates to data privacy and data protection such as the California Consumer Privacy Act which went into effect on January 1, 2020. We continue to assess the requirements of such laws and proposed legislation and their applicability to us. Moreover, these laws, and proposed legislation, are still subject to revision or formal guidance and they may be interpreted or applied in a manner inconsistent with our understanding.

Like other lenders, the Bank and other of our subsidiaries use credit bureau data in their underwriting activities. Use of such data is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates the reporting of information to credit bureaus, prescreening individuals for credit offers, sharing of information between affiliates, and using affiliate data for marketing purposes. Similar state laws may impose additional requirements on the Bank and its subsidiaries.

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Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives, the USA Patriot Act and the Office of Foreign Asset Control

We are subject to federal laws that are designed to combat terrorist financing, money laundering and transactions with persons, companies or foreign governments sanctioned by the United States. These include the Bank Secrecy Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Trading with the Enemy Act, as administered by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. These regulations obligate depositary institutions and broker-dealers to verify the identity of their customers, conduct customer due diligence, report on suspicious activity, file reports of transactions in currency and conduct enhanced due diligence on certain accounts. They also prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with certain designated restricted countries and persons. Depository institutions and broker-dealers are required by their federal regulators to maintain robust policies and procedures in order to ensure compliance with these obligations. .

Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, can lead to significant monetary penalties and could have other serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution. Federal regulators evaluate the effectiveness of an applicant in combating money laundering when determining whether to approve a proposed bank merger, acquisition, restructuring, or other expansionary activity. There have been a number of significant enforcement actions by regulators, as well as state attorneys general and the Department of Justice, against banks, broker-dealers and non-bank financial institutions with respect to these laws and some have resulted in substantial penalties, including criminal pleas. Our Board has approved policies and procedures that it believes comply with these laws.
 
Depositor Preference

Federal law provides that deposits and certain claims for administrative expenses and associate compensation against an insured depository institution would be afforded a priority over other general unsecured claims against such an institution, including federal funds and letters of credit, in the “liquidation or other resolution” of such an institution by any receiver.

Securities Regulation

Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to various securities laws and regulations and capital adequacy requirements promulgated by the regulatory and exchange authorities of the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Our registered broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the SEC’s net capital rule, Rule 15c3-1. That rule requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and limits the ability of the broker-dealer to transfer large amounts of capital to a parent company or affiliate. Compliance with the rule could limit operations that require intensive use of capital, such as underwriting and trading.

Certain of our subsidiaries are registered investment advisers which are regulated under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Advisory contracts with clients automatically terminate under these laws upon an assignment of the contract by the investment adviser unless appropriate consents are obtained.

Insurance Activities

Certain of our subsidiaries sell various types of insurance as agent in a number of states. Insurance activities are subject to regulation by the states in which such business is transacted. Although most of such regulation focuses on insurance companies and their insurance products, insurance agents and their activities are also subject to regulation by the states, including, among other things, licensing and marketing and sales practices.

Other Proposals

Federal and state legislators as well as regulatory agencies may introduce or enact new laws and rules, or amend existing laws and rules that may affect the regulation of United and its subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways, and, if enacted, could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the industry’s competitive balance. We are not able to predict what, if any, legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions will be enacted or implemented in the future, nor the impact that those actions will have upon us. Any such changes, however, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Source and Availability of Funds

Our revenue is primarily derived from interest on and fees received in connection with the loans we make and from interest and dividends from our investment securities and short-term investments. The principal sources of funds for our lending activities are customer deposits, repayment of loans, and the sale and maturity of investment securities. Our principal expenses are interest paid on deposits and other borrowings and operating and general administrative expenses.

Available Information

Our internet website address is www.ucbi.com. We file with or furnish to the SEC annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders and, from time to time, registration statements and other documents. These documents are available free of charge to the public on or through the “Investor Relations” section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file electronically with, or furnish to, the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov. The information on any website referenced in this Report is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of this Report. Further, our references to website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

This Item outlines specific risks that could affect the ability of our various businesses to compete, change our risk profile or materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. Our operating environment continues to evolve and new risks continue to emerge. To address that challenge we have a risk management governance structure that oversees processes for monitoring evolving risks and oversees various initiatives designed to manage and control our potential exposure. This Item highlights risks that could affect us in material ways by causing future results to differ materially from past results, by causing future results to differ materially from current expectations, or by causing material changes in our financial condition. Some of these risks are interrelated and the occurrence of one or more of them may exacerbate the effect of others.

TRADITIONAL COMPETITION RISKS

We are subject to intense competition for clients and the nature of that competition is rapidly evolving.

Our primary areas of competition include: consumer and commercial deposits, commercial loans, consumer loans including home mortgages and lines of credit, financial planning and wealth management, fixed income products and services, and other consumer and commercial financial products and services. Our competitors in these areas include national, state and non-U.S. banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, consumer finance companies, trust companies, mortgage banking firms, trust companies, securities brokerage firms, investment counseling firms, insurance companies and agencies, money market funds and other mutual funds, hedge funds and other financial services companies that serve in our markets. The emergence of non-traditional, disruptive service providers (see Industry Disruption section below) has intensified this competitive environment. In addition, as customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as check-cashing, automatic transfer and automatic payment systems and “peer-to-peer” lending in which investors provide debt financing and/or capital directly to borrowers. While traditional banks are subject to the same regulatory framework as we are, nonbanks experience a significantly different or reduced degree of regulation as well as lower cost structures. We may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size, more limited geographic diversification and inability to spread costs across broader markets. Although we compete by concentrating marketing efforts in our primary markets with local advertisements, personal contacts and greater flexibility and responsiveness in working with local customers, customer loyalty can be easily influenced by a competitor’s new products and our strategy may or may not continue to be successful. Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also be affected by the marketplace loosening of credit underwriting standards and structures.
STRATEGIC AND MACRO RISKS
We may be unable to successfully implement our strategy to grow our commercial and consumer banking businesses.

Although our current strategy is expected to evolve as business conditions change, in 2022 our strategy is to continue to invest resources in our banking businesses and operations as we integrate the businesses and operations of FinTrust, Aquesta and Reliant and seek to exploit opportunities for cost and revenue synergies. Organic growth, including exploitation of revenue synergies, is expected to be coordinated with a focus on strong and stable returns on capital. Organically, we have enhanced our market share in our traditional banking markets with targeted hires and marketing, expanded into other southern U.S. markets with similar characteristics, and expanded with specialty commercial lending and private client banking. In the future, we expect to continue to nurture profitable organic growth. We may pursue acquisitions or strategic transactions if appropriate opportunities, within or outside of our current markets, present themselves.

Failure to achieve one or more key elements needed for successful business acquisitions could adversely affect our business and earnings.

We intend to continue to expand in our current markets and in select attractive new growth markets by opening additional branches and service locations and also through acquisitions of all or part of other financial institutions. These types of expansions involve additional risks, including:

•our ability to identify and expand into suitable markets;
•our ability to identify and acquire suitable sites for new branches and service locations; our ability to identify and execute potential acquisition targets;
•our ability to develop accurate estimates and judgments to evaluate asset values and credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to an acquired branch or institution, a new branch office or a new market;
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•our ability to realize certain assumptions and estimates to preserve the expected financial benefits of the transaction;
•our ability to avoid the diversion of our management’s attention from existing operations during the negotiation of a transaction;
•our ability to manage successful entry into new markets where we have limited or no direct prior experience;
•our ability to obtain regulatory and other approvals, or obtain such approvals without restrictive conditions;
•our ability to integrate the acquired business’ operations, clients, and properties quickly and cost-effectively;
•our ability to manage cultural assimilation risks associated with growth through acquisitions, which can be an often-overlooked and often-critical failure point in mergers;
•our ability to combine the franchise values of businesses that we acquire with those of ours without significant loss from re-branding and other similar changes; or
•our ability to retain core clients and key associates.

Failure to achieve one or more key elements needed for successful organic growth could adversely affect our business and earnings.

We believe that the successful execution of organic growth depends upon a number of key elements, including:

•our ability to attract and retain clients in our banking market areas, particularly as we integrate FinTrust, Aquesta and Reliant;
•our ability to achieve and maintain growth in our earnings while pursuing new business opportunities;
•our ability to maintain a high level of client service while optimizing our physical branch count due to changing client demand, all while expanding our remote banking services and expanding or enhancing our information processing, technology, compliance, and other operational infrastructures effectively and efficiently;
•our ability to maintain loan quality in the context of significant loan growth;
•our ability to attract sufficient deposits and capital to fund anticipated loan growth;
•our ability to maintain adequate common equity and regulatory capital while managing the liquidity and capital requirements associated with growth, especially organic growth and cash-funded acquisitions;
•our ability to hire or retain adequate management personnel and systems to oversee and support such growth;
•our ability to implement additional policies, procedures and operating systems required to support our growth;
•our ability to manage effectively and efficiently the changes and adaptations necessitated by a complex, burdensome, and evolving regulatory environment

Although we have in place strategies designed to achieve those elements that are significant to us at present, our challenge is to execute those strategies and adjust them, or adopt new strategies, as conditions change.
INDUSTRY DISRUPTION
Failure to keep pace with technological changes could adversely affect our business.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Through technological innovations and changes in client habits, the manner in which clients use financial services continues to change at a rapid pace.

We provide a large number of services remotely (online and mobile), and physical branch utilization has been in long-term decline throughout the industry for many years. Technology has helped us reduce costs and improve service, but also has weakened traditional geographic and relationship ties, and has allowed disruptors to enter traditional banking areas. Through digital marketing and service platforms, many banks are making client inroads unrelated to physical presence. This competitive risk is especially pronounced from the largest U.S. banks, and from online-only banks, due in part to the investments they are able to sustain in their digital platforms.
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Companies as disparate as PayPal and Starbucks provide payment and exchange services which compete directly with banks in ways not possible traditionally. Recently, some government leaders have discussed having the U.S. Post Office offer banking services.

The nature of technology-driven disruption to our industry is changing, in some cases seeking to displace traditional financial service providers rather than merely enhance traditional services or their delivery.

A number of recent technologies have worked with the existing financial system and traditional banks, such as the evolution of ATM cards into debit/credit cards and the evolution of debit/credit cards into smart phones. These sorts of technologies often have expanded the market for banking services overall while siphoning a portion of the revenues from those services away from banks and disrupting prior methods of delivering those services. But some recent innovations may tend to replace traditional banks as financial service providers rather than merely augment those services. For example, companies which claim to offer applications and services based on artificial intelligence are beginning to compete much more directly with traditional financial services companies in areas involving personal advice, including high-margin services such as financial planning and wealth management. The low-cost, high-speed nature of these “robo-advisor” services can be especially attractive to younger, less-affluent clients and potential clients, as well as persons interested in “self-service” investment management. Other industry changes, such as zero-commission trading offered by certain large firms able to use trading as a loss-leader, may amplify this trend. Similarly, inventions based on blockchain technology eventually may be the foundation for greatly enhancing transactional security throughout the banking industry, but also eventually may reduce the need for banks as secure deposit-keepers and intermediaries.
OPERATIONAL RISKS
Fraud is a major, and increasing, operational risk for us and all banks.

Two traditional areas, deposit fraud (check kiting, wire fraud, etc.) and loan fraud, continue to be major sources of fraud attempts and loss. The sophistication and methods used to perpetrate fraud continue to evolve as technology changes. In addition to cybersecurity risk (discussed below), new technologies have made it easier for bad actors to obtain and use client personal information, mimic signatures and otherwise create false documents that look genuine. The industry fraud threat continues to evolve, including but not limited to card fraud, check fraud, social engineering and phishing attacks for identity theft and account takeover. Our anti-fraud measures are both preventive and, when necessary, responsive; however, some level of fraud loss is unavoidable, and the risk of a major loss cannot be eliminated.

Our ability to conduct and grow our businesses is dependent in part upon our ability to create, maintain, expand, and evolve an appropriate operational and organizational infrastructure, manage expenses, and recruit and retain personnel with the ability to manage a complex business.

Operational risk can arise in many ways, including: errors related to failed or inadequate physical, operational, information technology, or other processes; faulty or disabled computer or other technology systems; fraud, theft, physical security breaches, electronic data and related security breaches, or other criminal conduct by associates or third parties; and exposure to other external events. Inadequacies may present themselves in myriad ways. Actions taken to manage one risk may be ineffective against others. For example, information technology systems may be insufficiently redundant to withstand a fire, incursion, malware, or other major casualty, and they may be insufficiently adaptable to new business conditions or opportunities. Efforts to make systems more robust may make them less adaptable, and vice-versa. Also, our efforts to control expenses, which is a significant priority for us, increases our operational challenges as we strive to maintain client service and compliance at high quality and low cost.

A serious information technology security (cybersecurity) breach can cause significant damage and at the same time be difficult to detect even after it occurs.

Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our computer systems and networks as well as through the internet through digital and mobile technologies. Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify these systems as circumstances warrant, the advances in technology increase the risk of information security breaches. We provide our customers the ability to bank remotely, including over the internet or through their mobile device. The secure transmission of confidential information is a critical element of remote and mobile banking. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in disruptions to our accounting, deposit, loan and other systems, and adversely affect our customer relationships.

There have been increasing efforts on the part of third parties, including through cyber-attacks, to breach data security at financial institutions or with respect to financial transactions. There have been several recent instances involving financial services, credit bureaus and consumer-based companies reporting the unauthorized disclosure of client or customer information or the destruction or theft of corporate data, by both private individuals and foreign governments. In addition, because the techniques used to cause such security breaches change frequently, often are not recognized until launched against a target and may originate from less regulated and
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remote areas around the world, we may be unable to proactively address these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Our network, and the systems of parties with whom we contract, could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches.

Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and we may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks. Among other things, damage can occur due to outright theft or extortion of our funds, fraud or identity theft perpetrated on clients, or adverse publicity associated with a breach and its potential effects. Perpetrators potentially can be associates, clients, and certain vendors, all of whom legitimately have access to some portion of our systems, as well as outsiders with no legitimate access. These risks are heightened through the increasing use of digital and mobile solutions which allow for rapid money movement and increase the difficulty to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. We may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by security breaches or viruses. To the extent that our activities or the activities of our customers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches (including breaches of security of customer systems and networks) and viruses could expose us to claims, litigation and other possible liabilities. Any inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could also cause existing customers to lose confidence in our systems and could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations and ability to attract and maintain customers and businesses. In addition, a security breach could also subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability and cause reputational damage.

We rely on information technology and telecommunications systems and certain third-party service providers, the operational functions of which may experience disruptions that could adversely affect us and over which we may have limited or no control.

Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems, third-party accounting systems and mobile and online banking platforms. We outsource many of our major systems, such as data processing, loan servicing and deposit processing systems and online banking platforms. While we have selected these vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Financial or operational difficulties of a vendor could also damage our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’s ability to serve us. Furthermore, our vendors could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. Replacing these third-party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. If sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial could result in a deterioration of our ability to process new and renewed loans, gather deposits and provide customer service, compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to recoup our losses may be limited legally or practically in many situations.

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses.

We have implemented a risk management framework to mitigate our risk and loss exposure. This framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to identify, measure, monitor, report and manage the types of risk to which we are subject, including, among others, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, legal and regulatory risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, reputational risk and operational risk related to its employees, systems and vendors, among others. Any system of control and any system to reduce risk exposure, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met and will be effective under all circumstances or that it will adequately identify, manage or mitigate any risk or loss to us. Additionally, instruments, systems and strategies used to hedge or otherwise manage exposure to various types of interest rate, price, legal and regulatory compliance, credit, liquidity, operational and business risks and enterprise-wide risk could be less effective than anticipated. As a result, we may not be able to effectively mitigate our risk exposures in particular market environments or against particular types of risk. If our risk management framework is not effective, we could suffer unexpected losses and become subject to litigation, negative regulatory consequences, or reputational damage among other adverse consequences, any of which could result in our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects being materially adversely affected.

Competition for talent is substantial and increasing. Moreover, revenue growth in some business lines increasingly depends upon top talent.

In recent years the cost to us of hiring and retaining top revenue-producing talent has increased, and that trend is likely to continue. We have assembled a management team which has substantial background and experience in banking and financial services in our markets. Moreover, much of our organic loan growth in recent years was the result of our ability to attract experienced financial services professionals who have been able to attract customers from other financial institutions. We anticipate deploying a similar
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hiring strategy in the future. Additionally, operating our technology systems requires employees with specialized skills that are not readily available in the general employee candidate pool. Inability to retain these key personnel (including key personnel of the businesses we have acquired) or to continue to attract experienced lenders with established books of business could negatively affect our growth because of the loss of these individuals’ skills and customer relationships and/or the potential difficulty of promptly replacing them. Moreover, the higher costs we must pay to hire and retain these experienced individuals could cause our noninterest expense levels to rise and negatively impact our results of operations.
RISKS FROM ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS AND CHANGES
Generally, in periods of economic volatility, our realized credit losses increase, demand for our products and services declines, and the credit quality of our loan portfolio declines.

Our success depends significantly upon local, national and global economic and political conditions, as well as governmental monetary policies and trade relations. Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole. Unlike banks that are more geographically diversified, we are a regional bank that provides services to customers primarily in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. The market conditions in these markets may be different from, and could be worse than, the economic conditions in the United States as a whole. Adverse changes in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the markets in which we operate could affect our business, including causing one or more of the following negative developments:

•a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services offered by us;
•a decrease in the value of the collateral securing our residential or commercial real estate loans;
•a permanent impairment of our assets; or
•an increase in the number of customers or other counterparties who default on their loans or other obligations to us, which could result in a higher level of NPAs, net charge-offs and provision for loan losses.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MONETARY EVENTS
The Federal Reserve has implemented significant economic strategies that have impacted interest rates, inflation, asset values, and the shape of the yield curve. These strategies have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our business and on many of our clients.

In response to the recession in 2008 and the following uneven recovery, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of domestic monetary initiatives designed to lower interest rates and make credit easier to obtain. The Federal Reserve changed course in 2015, raising interest rates several times through 2018. The last raise in 2018 was accompanied by a substantial and broad stock market decline. In 2019, the Federal Reserve began to lower interest rates. In 2020, in response to economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve quickly reduced short-term interest rates to extremely low levels and acted to influence the markets to reduce long-term rates as well. In 2021, the Federal Reserve indicated that future actions would depend upon changes in economic data. In 2022, however, the Federal Reserve, in response to inflationary pressures, has indicated its intention to increase interest rates during 2022.

Federal Reserve strategies can, and often are intended to, affect the domestic money supply, inflation, interest rates, and the shape of the yield curve.

Effects on the yield curve often are most pronounced at the short end of the curve, which is of particular importance to us and other banks. Among other things, easing strategies are intended to lower interest rates, expand the money supply, and stimulate economic activity, while tightening strategies are intended to increase interest rates, tighten the money supply, and restrain economic activity. Many external factors may interfere with the effects of these plans or cause them to be changed, sometimes quickly. Such factors include significant economic trends or events as well as significant international monetary policies and events. Such strategies also can affect the U.S. and world-wide financial systems in ways that may be difficult to predict. Risks associated with interest rates and the yield curve are discussed in this Item 1A under the caption Interest Rate and Yield Curve Risks.
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REPUTATION RISKS
Our ability to conduct and grow our businesses, and to obtain and retain clients, is highly dependent upon external perceptions of our business practices and financial stability.

Our reputation is, therefore, a key asset for us. Reputation risk, or the risk to our earnings, liquidity and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business. Our reputation is affected principally by our business practices and how those practices are perceived and understood by others. Negative public opinion could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and expose us to adverse legal and regulatory consequences. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, securities compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, from sharing or inadequate protection of customer information and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to that conduct. Negative public opinion could also result from adverse news or publicity that impairs the reputation of the financial services industry generally or that relates to parties with whom we have important relationships. Because we conduct most of our business under the “United” brand, negative public opinion about one business could affect our other businesses.
CREDIT AND COUNTERPARTY RISK
We face the risk that our clients may not repay their loans or other obligations and that the realizable value of collateral may be insufficient to avoid a charge-off.

We also face risks that other counterparties, in a wide range of situations, may fail to honor their obligations to pay us. In our business some level of credit charge-offs is unavoidable and overall levels of credit charge-offs can vary substantially over time. Lending activities are inherently risky. When we lend money or commit to lend, we incur credit risk or the risk of loss if borrowers do not repay their loans or other credit obligations. Credit risk includes, among other things, the quality of our underwriting, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where we operate as well as across the United States.

When interest rates eventually rise, default risk will also likely rise.

Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely affect the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. If loan customers with significant loan balances fail to repay their loans, our results of operations, financial condition and capital levels will suffer.

We are exposed to higher credit and concentration risk from our commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and commercial construction lending.

Our credit risk and credit losses can increase if our loans become concentrated to borrowers engaged in the same or similar activities or to borrowers who as a group may be uniquely or disproportionately affected by economic or market conditions. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 76% of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial loans, including commercial and industrial, equipment financing, commercial construction and commercial real estate mortgage loans. Our borrowers under these loans tend to be small to medium-sized businesses. These types of loans are typically larger than residential real estate loans or consumer loans. During periods of lower economic growth or challenging economic periods, small to medium-sized businesses may be impacted more severely and more quickly than larger businesses. Consequently, the ability of such businesses to repay their loans may deteriorate, and in some cases this deterioration may occur quickly, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a net loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Deterioration in economic conditions, housing conditions and commodity and real estate values and an increase in unemployment in certain states or locations could result in materially higher credit losses if loans are concentrated in those locations. Our loans are heavily concentrated in our primary markets of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. These markets may have different or weaker performance than other areas of the country and our portfolio may be more negatively impacted than a financial services company with wider geographic diversity.

See the section captioned “Loans” in the “Balance Sheet Review” section of Part II, Item 7. MD&A of this Report for further discussion related to commercial and industrial, construction and commercial real estate loans.

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If our allowance for credit losses was required to be increased because it is not large enough to cover actual losses in our loan portfolio, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We maintain an ACL, which is a reserve established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense. After adopting ASC 326, the ACL reflects our assessment of the current expected losses over the life of the loan using historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. CECL has created more volatility in the level of our ACL because it relies on macroeconomic forecasts. It is possible that CECL may increase the cost of lending in the industry and result in slower loan growth and lower levels of net income. The level of the allowance reflects our continuing evaluation of factors including current economic forecasts, historical loss experience, the volume and types of loans, and specific credit risks. The determination of the appropriate level of the ACL inherently involves subjectivity in our modeling and requires us to make estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes or vary from our historical experience. Deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, changing economic forecasts, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the ACL. If we are required to materially increase our level of ACL for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our ACL and may require an increase in the provision for credit losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. Furthermore, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the ACL, we will need additional provisions to increase the ACL. Any increases in the ACL will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
See the section captioned “Allowance for Credit Losses” in Part II, Item 7. MD&A of this Report for further discussion related to our process for determining the appropriate level of the ACL.
RISKS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to periods of significant volatility in financial, commodities (including oil and gas) and other markets, has adversely affected our ability to conduct normal business, has adversely affected our clients, and is likely to harm our businesses, financial condition and results of operations.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused and will continue to cause significant disruption in the international and United States economies and financial markets and has had an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The spread of COVID-19 has caused illness and death resulting in quarantines, cancellation of events and travel, business and school shutdowns, reduction in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions, and overall economic and financial market instability. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of the states in which we have branches, and most other states, periodically have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations, advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes, and ordering temporary closures of businesses that have been deemed to be non-essential. These restrictions and other consequences of the pandemic have resulted in significant adverse effects for many different types of businesses, including, among others, those in the hospitality (including hotels and lodging) and restaurant industries, and resulted in a significant number of layoffs and furloughs of employees nationwide and in the regions in which we operate. Moreover, beginning in 2020, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates and started a “quantitative easing” program intended to lower longer-term interest rates and foster access to credit, which negatively affected and may continue to negatively affect our interest income and, therefore, earnings, financial condition, and results of operation.

Although we are taking precautions to protect the safety and well-being of our employees and customers, the unpredictability of the pandemic could result in any of the following:

•employees contracting COVID-19;
•reductions in operating effectiveness as employees work from home;
•a work stoppage, forced quarantine, or other interruption of our business, including sustained closures of our business locations;
•unavailability of key personnel necessary to conduct our business activities;
•effects on key employees, including operational management personnel and those charged with preparing, monitoring, and evaluating our financial reporting and internal controls;
•increased cybersecurity risks as a result of many of our employees working remotely;
•declines in demand for loans and other banking services and products;
•reduced consumer spending due to job losses, inflation and other effects directly or indirectly attributable to the pandemic;
•continued volatility in United States financial markets;
•continued volatile performance of our investment securities portfolio;
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•decline in the credit quality of our loan portfolio resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our markets, leading to a need to increase the ACL, as applicable;
•declines in value of collateral for loans, including real estate collateral;
•declines in the net worth and liquidity of borrowers and loan guarantors, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us, which may affect, among other things, the levels of NPAs, charge-offs, and provision expense; and
•declines in demand resulting from businesses deemed to be “non-essential” by governments in the markets that we serve, and from both “non-essential” and “essential” businesses suffering adverse effects from reduced levels of economic activity.
REGULATORY, LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL RISKS
We are subject to a challenging regulatory environment that restricts our activities.

We operate in a heavily regulated industry. Our regulatory burdens, including both operating restrictions and ongoing compliance costs, are substantial. We are subject to many banking, deposit, insurance, securities brokerage and underwriting, and consumer lending regulations in addition to the rules applicable to all companies publicly traded in the U.S. securities markets. Failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in financial, structural, and operational penalties. In addition, efforts to comply with applicable regulations may increase our costs and/or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities. See Supervision and Regulation in Item 1 of this report, for additional information concerning financial industry regulations. Federal and state regulations significantly limit the types of activities in which we, as a financial institution, may engage. In addition, we are subject to a wide array of other regulations that govern other aspects of how we conduct our business, such as in the areas of employment and intellectual property. Federal and state legislative and regulatory authorities increasingly consider changing these regulations or adopting new ones. Such actions could further limit the amount of interest or fees we can charge, could further restrict our ability to collect loans or realize on collateral, could affect the terms or profitability of the products and services we offer, or could materially affect us in other ways. The following paragraphs highlight certain specific important risk areas related to regulatory matters currently. These paragraphs do not describe these risks exhaustively, and they do not describe all such risks that we face currently. Moreover, the importance of specific risks will grow or diminish as circumstances change.

We and the Bank both are required to maintain certain regulatory capital levels and ratios.

U.S. capital standards are discussed in Item 1 of this report under the caption Capital Adequacy. Pressures to maintain appropriate capital levels and address business needs in a changing economy could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could be dilutive or otherwise have an adverse effect on our shareholders. Such actions could include: reduction or elimination of dividends; the issuance of common or preferred stock, or securities convertible into stock; or the issuance of any class of stock having rights that are adverse to those of the holders of our existing classes of common or preferred stock. In addition, these requirements could have a negative impact on our ability to lend, grow deposit balances, make acquisitions or make share repurchases or redemptions. Higher capital levels could also lower our return on equity. Additional information concerning these risks and our management of them, all of which is incorporated into this Item 1A by this reference, appears: under the captions Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action in Item 1 of this report; under the caption “Capital Resources and Dividends” of Part II, Item 7. MD&A; and Note 21 Regulatory Matters, of Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements.

Political dysfunction and volatility within the federal government, both at the regulatory and Congressional level, creates significant potential for major and abrupt shifts in federal policy regarding bank regulation, taxes, and the economy, any of which could have significant impacts on our business and financial performance.

Certain of our operations and customers are dependent on the regular operation of the federal or state government or programs they administer For example, our SBA lending program depends on interaction with the SBA, an independent agency of the federal government. During a lapse in funding, such as has occurred during previous federal government “shutdowns”, the SBA may not be able to engage in such interaction. Similarly, loans we make through USDA lending programs may be delayed or adversely affected by lapses in funding for the USDA. In addition, customers who depend directly or indirectly on providing goods and services to federal or state governments or their agencies may reduce their business with us or delay repayment of loans due to lost or delayed revenue from those relationships. If funding for these lending programs or federal spending generally is reduced as part of the appropriations process or by administrative decision, demand for our services may be reduced. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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Legal disputes are an unavoidable part of business, and the outcome of pending or threatened litigation cannot be predicted with any certainty.

We face the risk of litigation from clients, associates, vendors, contractual parties, and other persons, either singly or in class actions, and from federal or state regulators. We manage those risks through internal controls, personnel training, insurance, litigation management, our compliance and ethics processes, and other means. However, the commencement, outcome, and magnitude of litigation cannot be predicted or controlled with any certainty. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have material adverse financial effects or cause significant reputational harm to us, which in turn could seriously harm our business prospects.

Data privacy is becoming a major political concern. The laws governing it are new, and are likely to evolve and expand.

Many non-regulated, non-banking companies have gathered large amounts of personal details about millions of people, and have the ability to analyze that data and act on that analysis very quickly. This situation has prompted governmental responses. Two prominent responses are the European Union General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act. Neither is a banking industry regulation, but both apply to banks in relation to certain clients. Further general regulation to protect data privacy appears likely, and banking industry regulations might be enlarged as well.

LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING RISK

Liquidity is essential to our business model and a lack of liquidity, or an increase in the cost of liquidity could materially impair our ability to fund our operations and jeopardize our results of operation, financial condition and cash flows.

Liquidity represents an institution’s ability to provide funds to satisfy demands from depositors, borrowers and other creditors by either converting assets into cash or accessing new or existing sources of incremental funds. Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that we may be unable to satisfy current or future funding requirements and needs.

Deposit levels may be affected by several factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments, general economic and market conditions and other factors. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds but are subject to the borrowers’ ability to repay loans, which can be adversely affected by a number of factors including changes in general economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups or specific businesses, declines in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and other factors. Furthermore, loans generally are not readily convertible to cash.

From time to time, if deposits and loan payments are not sufficient to meet our needs, we may be required to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet growth in loans, deposit withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such secondary sources include FHLB advances, brokered deposits, secured and unsecured federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, Federal Reserve borrowings and/or accessing the equity or debt capital markets. The availability of these secondary funding sources is subject to broad economic conditions, to regulation and to investor assessment of our financial strength and, as such, the cost of funds may fluctuate significantly and/or the availability of such funds may be restricted, thus impacting our net interest income, our immediate liquidity and/or our access to additional liquidity. Additionally, if we fail to remain “well-capitalized” our ability to utilize brokered deposits may be restricted. We have somewhat similar risks to the extent high balance core deposits exceed the amount of deposit insurance coverage available.

We anticipate we will continue to rely primarily on deposits, loan repayments, and cash flows from our investment securities to provide liquidity. Additionally, when necessary, the secondary sources of borrowed funds described above will be used to augment our primary funding sources. An inability to maintain or raise funds (including the inability to access secondary funding sources) in amounts necessary to meet our liquidity needs would have a substantial negative effect, individually or collectively, on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities, or on terms attractive to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. For example, factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include our financial results, a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us, a reduction in our credit rating, any damage to our reputation, counterparty availability, changes in the activities of our business partners, changes affecting our loan portfolio or other assets, or any other event that could cause a decrease in depositor or investor confidence in our creditworthiness and business. Our access to liquidity could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as general business conditions, interest rate fluctuations, severe volatility or disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole, or legal, regulatory, accounting, and tax environments governing our funding transactions. In addition, our ability to raise funds is strongly affected by the general state of the U.S. and world economies and financial markets as well as the policies and capabilities of the U.S. government and its agencies, and may remain or become increasingly difficult due to economic and other factors beyond our control. Any such event or failure to
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manage our liquidity effectively could affect our competitive position, increase our borrowing costs and the interest rates we pay on deposits, limit our access to the capital markets and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Changes associated with LIBOR also may impact our funding ability; see Interest Rate and Yield Curve Risks below.
INTEREST RATE AND YIELD CURVE RISKS
We are subject to interest rate risk because a significant portion of our business involves borrowing and lending money, and investing in financial instruments.

A considerable amount of our profitability is dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on loans, leases and investment securities and interest expense paid on deposits, other borrowings, senior debt and subordinated notes. The absolute level of interest rates as well as changes in interest rates, including changes to the shape of the yield curve, may affect our level of interest income, the primary component of our gross revenue, as well as the level of our interest expense. In a period of changing interest rates, interest expense may increase at different rates than the interest earned on assets, impacting our net interest income. Interest rate fluctuations are caused by many factors which, for the most part, are not under our control. For example, national monetary policy implemented by the Federal Reserve plays a significant role in the determination of interest rates. Additionally, competitor pricing and the resulting negotiations that occur with our customers also impact the rates we collect on loans and the rates we pay on deposits.

Because of significant competitive pressures in our markets and the negative impact of these pressures on our deposit and loan pricing, coupled with the fact that a significant portion of our loan portfolio has variable rate pricing that moves in concert with changes to benchmark rates (which are at relatively low levels as a result of macroeconomic conditions), our net interest margin may be negatively impacted if these short-term rates remain at their low levels or decrease further. However, if short-term interest rates rise, our results of operations may also be negatively impacted if we are unable to increase the rates we charge on loans or earn on our investment securities in excess of the increases we must pay on deposits and our other funding sources. As interest rates change, we expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities (usually deposits and borrowings) will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets (usually loans and investment securities), or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this “gap” may work against us, and our results of operations and financial condition may be negatively affected.

We have historically entered into certain hedging transactions including interest rate swaps, which are designed to lessen elements of our interest rate exposure. If interest rates do not change in the manner anticipated, such transactions may not be effective and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

A flat or inverted yield curve may reduce our net interest margin and adversely affect our loan and investment portfolios.

The yield curve is a reflection of interest rates applicable to short and long-term debt. The yield curve is steep when short-term rates are much lower than long-term rates; it is flat when short-term rates and long-term rates are nearly the same; and it is inverted when short-term rates exceed long-term rates. Historically, the yield curve is usually upward sloping (higher rates for longer terms). However, the yield curve can be relatively flat or inverted (downward sloping), which has happened several times in the past few years. A flat or inverted yield curve, which tends to decrease net interest margin, would adversely impact our lending businesses and investment portfolio.

We appear to be at the extreme “easing” end of the spectrum in terms of interest rate policy, with “tightening” expected to resume in 2022; the uncertainties of the magnitude and timing of future rate actions, however, could adversely affect us.

The Federal Reserve eased substantially in 2020 in response to the COVID pandemic. In addition, the Fed has provided other stimulus through open-market purchases of various bond asset classes and the introduction of several liquidity facilities. As a result, rates cannot move much lower without becoming negative. The Federal Reserve, consistent with long-term goals, seems determined to begin normalizing rates in response to inflation, as well as significant and sustained economic improvement and improved employment. We cannot predict when those conditions will exist. Meanwhile, we believe that the current low-rate, low-margin environment will continue for the immediate future but not beyond 2022. See Risks Associated with Monetary Events within this section of the Report for additional information.

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The discontinuance of LIBOR as a viable benchmark rate may adversely affect our business and our operating results.

LIBOR and certain other “benchmarks” are the subject of recent national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. Our floating-rate funding, certain hedging transactions and certain of the products that we offer, such as floating-rate loans and mortgages, determine their applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to a benchmark rate, such as LIBOR, SOFR, the prime rate or the federal funds rate. In July 2017, the Chief Executive of the FCA announced that the FCA intended to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. This announcement indicated that the continuation of LIBOR on the then current basis could not and would not be guaranteed after 2021.

On March 5, 2021, the FCA announced future cessation or non-representativeness of 35 LIBOR benchmark settings – for instruments denominated in U.S. dollars:

•the cessation date for 1 week and 2-month LIBOR was December 31, 2021; and
•the cessation date for all other LIBOR tenors (overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month) is June 30, 2023.

The Federal Reserve, FDIC and Comptroller of the Currency have issued supervisory guidance for banks to cease using USD LIBOR as a reference rate as soon as possible and in any event on or before December 31, 2021. Certain transactions dealing with pre-2022 transactions (e.g., hedging prior LIBOR exposures) were permitted. “New contracts”, however, were not. A “new contract” is one that creates additional LIBOR exposure or extends the terms of an existing LIBOR contract. Draws under existing contracts, such as a committed credit facility, would not be viewed as a “new contract.” Since December 31, 2021, we have primarily used SOFR and BSBY as our floating rate index alternatives, which are published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Bloomberg, respectively.

Although we are currently unable to fully assess the ultimate impact of the transition from LIBOR, the market transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate is complex and the failure to adequately manage the transition could have a range of material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including the potential to:

•adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, and the revenue and expenses associated with, our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, or other securities or financial arrangements given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally;
•adversely affect the value of our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, or other securities or financial arrangements given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally;
•prompt inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate;
•result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in LIBOR-based securities; and
•require the transition to or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition our risk management processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on the applicable alternative pricing benchmark.

The manner and impact of this transition, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, loan and investment portfolios, asset-liability management and business, is uncertain.
ACCOUNTING AND TAX RISKS
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the financial statements.

Management must make significant assumptions and estimates and exercise significant judgment in selecting and applying accounting and reporting policies. In some cases, management must select a policy from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, which may result in reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative. The estimate that is consistently one of our most critical is the level of the allowance for credit losses. However, other estimates can be highly significant at discrete times or during periods of varying length, for example the valuation (or impairment) of our deferred tax assets. Estimates are made at specific points in time. As actual events unfold, estimates are adjusted accordingly. Due to the inherent nature of these estimates, it is possible that, at some time in the future, we may significantly increase the allowance for credit losses and/or sustain credit losses that are significantly higher than the provided allowance, or we may recognize a significant provision for impairment of assets, or we may make some other adjustment that will differ materially from the
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estimates that we make today. Moreover, in some cases, especially concerning litigation and other contingency matters where critical information is inadequate, often we are unable to make estimates until fairly late in a lengthy process.

In addition, changes in accounting standards or interpretations could impact our reported earnings and financial condition.

The accounting standard setters, including the FASB, the SEC and other regulatory agencies, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For additional information, refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Report. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, which would result in the recasting of our prior period financial statements.

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

We compute our income tax provision based on enacted tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any change in enacted tax laws, rules or regulatory or judicial interpretations, any adverse outcome in connection with tax audits in any jurisdiction or any change in the pronouncements relating to accounting for income taxes could adversely affect our effective tax rate, tax payments and results of operations.

Our internal controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

Maintaining and adapting our internal controls over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures and effective corporate governance policies and procedures (“controls and procedures”) is expensive and requires significant management attention. Moreover, as we continue to grow, our controls and procedures may become more complex and require additional resources to ensure they remain effective amid dynamic regulatory and other guidance. Failure to implement effective controls and procedures or circumvention of our controls and procedures could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition or cause us to fail to meet our public reporting obligations.
GEOGRAPHIC RISKS
We are subject to risks of operating in various jurisdictions.

Our success is also influenced heavily by population growth, income levels, loans and deposits and on stability in real estate values in our markets. To a significant degree our banking business is exposed to economic, regulatory, natural disaster, and other risks that primarily impact the south-eastern and south-central U.S. states where we do most of our traditional banking business. If those regions of the U.S. did not grow or were to experience adversity not shared by other parts of the country, we are likely to experience adversity to a degree not shared by those competitors which have a broader or different regional footprint. Examples of these kinds of risks include: hurricanes in Florida and the Carolina coasts; a major change in health insurance laws affecting the many healthcare companies in middle Tennessee; and automotive industry plant closures. If market and economic conditions deteriorate, this may lead to valuation adjustments on our loan portfolio and losses on defaulted loans and on the sale of other real estate owned. Additionally, such adverse economic conditions in our market areas, specifically decreases in real estate property values due to the nature of our loan portfolio, the majority of which is secured by real estate, could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are less able than larger institutions to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a larger number of more diverse economies.

Weather-related events or other natural disasters may have an effect on the performance of our loan portfolios, especially in our coastal markets, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations.

Our operations and customer base are located in markets where natural disasters, including tornadoes, severe storms, fires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes have occurred. Such natural disasters could significantly affect the local population and economies and our business, and could pose physical risks to our properties. Although our banking offices are geographically dispersed throughout portions of the southeastern United States and we maintain insurance coverage for such events, a significant natural disaster in or near one or more of our markets could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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STOCK HOLDING AND GOVERNANCE RISKS

The inability of our subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends or other distributions to the Holding Company could adversely affect its liquidity and ability to declare and pay dividends.

While our Board, since 2013, has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock, there can be no assurance whether or when we may pay dividends in the future. Future dividends, if any, will be declared and paid at the Board’s discretion and will depend on a number of factors including, among others, asset quality, earnings performance, liquidity and capital requirements. Our principal source of funds used to pay cash dividends on our common and preferred stock is dividends that we receive from the Bank. As a South Carolina state-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay, as described under “Supervision and Regulation - Payment of Dividends” in Part I, Item 1 of this Report. The federal banking agencies have also issued policy statements which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current earnings. The Federal Reserve may also prevent the payment of a dividend by the Bank if it determines that the payment would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Holding Company and the Bank must also maintain the CET1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% to avoid becoming subject to restrictions on capital distributions, including dividends. If the Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to the Holding Company, it is unlikely that we would be able to continue to pay dividends on our common stock or to pay interest on our indebtedness.

Holders of our indebtedness and of depositary shares related to our Series I preferred stock have rights that are senior to those of our common shareholders.

At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding senior debentures, subordinated debentures, trust preferred securities and accompanying subordinated debentures and preferred stock totaling $344 million. Payments of the principal and interest on the senior debentures, subordinated debentures and the subordinated debentures accompanying the trust preferred securities and dividends on the preferred stock are senior to payments with respect to shares of our common stock. We also conditionally guarantee payments of the principal and interest on the trust preferred securities. As a result, we must make payments on these debt instruments (including the related trust preferred securities) and preferred shares before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and, in the event of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of the debt and preferred shares must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our common stock. We have the right to defer distributions on the subordinated debentures related to the trust preferred securities (and the related guarantee of payments on the trust preferred securities) for up to five years, during which time no dividends may be paid on our common stock. If our financial condition deteriorates or if we do not receive required regulatory approvals, we may be required to defer distributions on the subordinated debentures related to the trust preferred securities (and the related guarantee of payments on the trust preferred securities).

We may from time to time issue additional senior or subordinated indebtedness or preferred stock that would have to be repaid before our shareholders would be entitled to receive any of our assets.

Although our common stock currently is traded on the Nasdaq, it has less liquidity than other stocks quoted on a national securities exchange.

Although our common stock is listed for trading on Nasdaq, the trading volume in our common stock is less than that of other, larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause our stock price to fall.

The trading volume in our common stock on Nasdaq has been relatively low when compared with larger companies listed on the Nasdaq or other stock exchanges. For 2021, our average daily trading volume was 472,740. Although we have experienced increased liquidity in our stock, we cannot say with any certainty that a more active and liquid trading market for our common stock will continue to develop. Because of this, it may be more difficult for shareholders to sell a substantial number of shares for the same price at which shareholders could sell a smaller number of shares.

We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of our common stock in the market, or the availability of shares of common stock for sale in the market, will have on the market price of our common stock. We can give no assurance that sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the market, or the potential for large amounts of sales in the market, would not cause the price of our common stock to decline or impair our future ability to raise capital through sales of our common stock.

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Our stock price can be volatile.

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Our stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors, some of which are unrelated to our financial performance, including, among other things:
•actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations;
•recommendations by securities analysts;
•operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us;
•news reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry;
•perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and/or our competitors;
•new technology used, or services offered, by competitors;
•significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;
•failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions;
•changes in government regulations; or
•geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism, military conflicts, the effects (or perceived effects) of pandemics and trade relations.

General market fluctuations, including real or anticipated changes in the strength of the local economy; industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions; interest rate changes, oil price volatility or credit loss trends could also cause our stock price to decrease regardless of our operating results.

United’s corporate organizational documents and the provisions of Georgia law to which we are subject contain certain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, make more difficult or prevent an attempted acquisition of United that you may favor.

United’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended (our “articles”), and bylaws, as amended (our “bylaws”), contain various provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change of control of United. These provisions include:

•a provision allowing the Board to consider the interests of our employees, customers, suppliers and creditors when considering an acquisition proposal;
•a provision that all amendments to the articles and bylaws must be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote;
•a provision requiring that any business combination involving United be approved by 75% of the outstanding shares of United’s common stock excluding shares held by stockholders who are deemed to have an interest in the transaction unless the business combination is approved by 75% of United’s directors;
•a provision restricting removal of directors except for cause and upon the approval of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote;
•a provision that any special meeting of shareholders may be called only by the chairman, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, board of directors or the holders of 25% of the outstanding shares of United’s capital stock entitled to vote; and
•a provision establishing certain advance notice procedures for matters to be considered at an annual meeting of shareholders.

Additionally, United’s articles authorize the Board to issue shares of preferred stock without shareholder approval and upon such terms as the Board may determine. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, financings and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a controlling interest in us. In addition, certain provisions of Georgia law, including a provision which restricts certain business combinations between a Georgia corporation and certain affiliated shareholders, may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control of United.

Our stockholders may suffer dilution if we raise capital through public or private equity financings to fund our operations, to increase our capital, or to expand.

If we raise funds by issuing equity securities or instruments that are convertible into equity securities, the percentage ownership of our current common stockholders will be reduced, the new equity securities may have rights and preferences superior to those of our
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common or outstanding preferred stock, and additional issuances could be at a sales price which is dilutive to current stockholders. We may issue or be required to issue additional shares of common stock, or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or representing rights to acquire shares of common stock in order to maintain capital at desired or regulatory-required levels. We could also issue additional equity securities directly as consideration in acquisitions of other financial institutions or other investments that we may make that would be dilutive to stockholders in terms of voting power and share-of-ownership, and could be dilutive financially or economically.
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ITEM 1B.     UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES
 
Our executive offices are located at 125 Highway 515 East, Blairsville, Georgia and 2 West Washington Street, Suite 700, Greenville, South Carolina. We own our executive office in Blairsville, Georgia and lease our executive office in Greenville, South Carolina. As of December 31, 2021, we provided services or performed operational functions at 204 locations. We own or lease no single physical property that we consider to be materially important to our financial condition or results from operations. Our retail branches, loan and mortgage production offices and wealth management offices remain important to our ability to deliver financial services to a large portion of our clients. For many years, branch usage by clients has slowly declined, and for many years we have slowly consolidated branch locations in response to changing utilization patterns. We expect that long-term trend to continue. We consider our properties to be suitable and adequate for operating our banking business. Notes 7 and 13 to our consolidated financial statements include additional information regarding investments in premises and equipment and leased properties.
 
ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the ordinary course of operations, we are parties to various legal proceedings and periodic regulatory examinations and investigations. There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we or any of our properties are subject.
 
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

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

Stock. United’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “UCBI”. At January 31, 2022, there were 10,210 record shareholders of United’s common stock.
 
Dividends. Our Board declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.78 and $0.72 per share on our common stock in 2021 and 2020, respectively. We currently intend to continue to pay comparable quarterly cash dividends on our common stock, subject to approval by our Board, although we may elect not to pay dividends or to change the amount of such dividends. The payment of dividends is a decision of our Board based upon then-existing circumstances, including our rate of growth, profitability, financial condition, existing and anticipated capital requirements, the amount of funds legally available for the payment of cash dividends, regulatory constraints and such other factors as the Board determines relevant.
 
Additional information regarding dividends is included in this Report in Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, under the heading of “Supervision and Regulation” in Part I Item 1. Business and under the heading “Capital Resources and Dividends” in Part II, Item 7. MD&A.
 
Share Repurchases. We made no common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2021. In November 2021, our Board re-authorized the existing common stock repurchase plan to allow the repurchase of up to $50 million of our common stock. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of the repurchase of our common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $50 million or December 31, 2022. Under the program, shares may be repurchased in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of our stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. Repurchased shares will become treasury shares and may be utilized for general corporate purposes.

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Performance Graph. Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) Index and the Nasdaq Bank Stocks Index for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2021. The following performance graph does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate the performance graphs by reference therein.
https://cdn.kscope.io/ab0ab0790bfbe780e15a1d36d23af4c1-ucbi-20211231_g1.jpg
 Cumulative Total Return*
 201620172018201920202021
United Community Banks, Inc.$100 $96 $75 $111 $105 $136 
Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index100 128 123 167 239 291 
Nasdaq Bank Index100 104 85 103 92 129 
 
*     Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2016 in our common stock and above noted indexes. Total return includes reinvestment of dividends at the closing stock price of the common stock on the dividend payment date and the closing values of stock and indexes as of December 31 of each year.
 
ITEM 6.    RESERVED
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ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The discussion of the components of our results of operations focuses on financial trends and events occurring between 2020 and 2021.

For additional information related to financial trends between 2020 and 2019 please see the information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021, which information under that caption is incorporated herein by this reference. Historical results of operations are not necessarily predictive of future results.

GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation
 
This Report contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial information includes the following measures: “tangible book value per common share” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” In addition, management presents non-GAAP operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other items that are not part of our core business operations. Operating performance measures include “noninterest expenses – operating,” “net income – operating,” “diluted net income per common share – operating,” “return on common equity – operating,” “return on tangible common equity – operating,” “return on assets – operating” and “efficiency ratio – operating.” Management has developed internal processes and procedures to accurately capture and account for merger-related and other charges and those charges are reviewed with the audit committee of our Board each quarter. Management uses these non-GAAP measures because it believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating our operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating our business and in discussions about our operations and performance. Management believes these non-GAAP measures may also provide users of our financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing our financial results and credit trends, as well as a comparison to financial results for prior periods. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included in Table 1 of MD&A.

Overview

We offer a wide array of commercial and consumer banking services and investment advisory services, which as of December 31, 2021 was comprised of a 171 branch network located throughout Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. We have grown organically as well as through strategic acquisitions. At December 31, 2021, we had consolidated total assets of $20.9 billion and 2,553 full-time equivalent employees.

Effective July 1, 2021, the Bank moved its headquarters from Blairsville, Georgia to Greenville, South Carolina and became a South Carolina state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the SCBFI. Prior to that, the Bank was a Georgia state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the GADBF. Also effective July 1, 2021, the Holding Company, which remains headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia, elected to become a financial holding company, which allows us to engage in a broader range of financial activities. Neither of these changes had a material impact on our operations.

Recent Developments

Mergers and Acquisitions
In the past two years, we have continued to expand through acquisitions as follows: 
•On October 1, 2021, we acquired Aquesta, a bank headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. Aquesta’s high-touch customer service is delivered to retail and business customers through a network of branches primarily located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. We acquired total assets of $756 million, including $498 million in loans, and we assumed $658 million in deposits as of the acquisition date.
•On July 6, 2021, we acquired FinTrust, an investment advisory firm headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with additional locations in Anderson, South Carolina, and Athens and Macon, Georgia. The firm provides wealth and investment management services to individuals and institutions within its markets, which expands our Wealth Management division. As of December 31, 2021, FinTrust had assets under management of $2.19 billion.
•On July 1, 2020, we acquired Three Shores including its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Seaside, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Seaside was a premier commercial lender with a strong wealth management platform, Seaside Wealth
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Management, and operated a 14-branch network located in key Florida metropolitan markets. We acquired total assets of $2.13 billion, including $1.43 billion in loans, and assumed $1.80 billion of deposits as of the acquisition date.
Subsequent to year-end, on January 1, 2022 we acquired Reliant, a bank headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee. Reliant operates a 25 branch network in Tennessee, located primarily in the Nashville, Clarksville and Chattanooga metropolitan areas. It also has a manufactured housing finance group based in Knoxville. As of December 31, 2021, Reliant reported total assets of $3.00 billion, including loans of $2.38 billion, and deposits of $2.50 billion.
The acquired entities’ results are included in our consolidated results beginning on the respective acquisition dates. We continue to evaluate potential transactions as opportunities arise.

COVID-19
We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and to offer assistance to our customers affected by its economic effects, through our participation in the CARES Act and PPP loan program. Loans with active COVID-19 payment deferrals have decreased by 96% since December 31, 2020, with $2.55 million outstanding at December 31, 2021.

LIBOR and Other Benchmark Rates

As previously disclosed, to facilitate an orderly transition from Interbank Offered Rates (“IBORs”) and other benchmark rates to alternative reference rates (“ARRs”), we have established an enterprise-wide program to identify, assess and monitor risks associated with the expected discontinuation or unavailability of benchmarks, including LIBOR. As part of this program, we continue to identify, assess and monitor risks associated with the expected discontinuation or unavailability of LIBOR and other benchmarks, and evaluate and address documentation and contractual mechanics of outstanding IBOR-based products and contracts that mature after 2021 and new and potential future ARR-based products and contracts to achieve operational readiness. This program includes active involvement of senior management and regular reports to the Enterprise Risk Committee. The program is structured to address the industry and regulatory engagement, client and financial contract changes, internal and external communications, technology and operations modifications, introduction of new products, migration of existing clients, and program strategy and governance. As the markets for ARRs continue to grow, we continue to monitor the development and usage of ARRs, including SOFR and BSBY. For more information on the expected replacement of LIBOR and other benchmark rates, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – Interest Rate and Yield Curve Risks of this Report.

Results of Operations
We reported net income of $270 million and net income - operating (non-GAAP) of $281 million in 2021. Net income - operating excludes merger related and other charges, which consists mostly of acquisition and branch closure costs. The following highlights the primary drivers of the increase in net income for 2021:
•We recorded a negative provision for credit losses of $37.6 million compared to provision expense of $80.4 million. The negative provision was mostly driven by a more favorable economic forecast as the state of the COVID-19 pandemic improved. The provision for 2020 included the combined impact of the transition of our allowance for credit losses methodology from incurred loss to CECL and the negative impact of the strained economic forecast due to the COVID-19 pandemic on our CECL model.
•Net interest revenue increased $47.3 million, which, in addition to loan growth, reflects the impact of deposit growth and the low interest rate environment on our net interest margin. During 2021, we further reduced our deposit interest rates and deployed surplus liquidity into our investment securities portfolio. Additionally, as a result of PPP loan forgiveness, accelerated recognition of related deferred fees and interest provided $7.05 million more in interest income on PPP loans compared to 2020. However, this was partially offset by a decrease in purchased loan accretion of $4.55 million compared to 2020.
•Noninterest income for 2021 was stable compared to 2020, which is the net result of several factors including an increase in wealth management fees, higher gains on other loan sales and other investments and a decrease in mortgage loan gains and related fees. The increase in wealth management fees mostly reflects the addition of FinTrust and a full year of fees from Seaside Wealth Management. The decrease in mortgage loan gains and fees is primarily volume driven as the robust demand for mortgage originations and refinances started to wane during the second half of 2021. See Tables 4 through 6 of MD&A for further detail on noninterest income.
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•Noninterest expenses increased $28.7 million, or 8%, compared to 2020. Most notably, salaries and employee benefits increased $17.4 million primarily due to growth in our employee base from acquisitions, higher commissions, incentives and bonuses reflecting strong performance during the year, offset by higher deferred loan origination costs from high loan production. Merger-related and other charges were up $6.95 million compared to 2020 reflective of our acquisition activity during 2021 and the Aquesta systems conversion completed during the fourth quarter of 2021. These increases were offset by a reduction of $9.29 million in advertising and public relations expense as 2020 included $10.0 million in contributions to establish our Foundation. See Table 7 of MD&A for further detail on noninterest expense.

Critical Accounting Estimates 

Our accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with GAAP and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions or judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates or judgments.

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

Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions or judgments and as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. We have identified the determination of our ACL and fair value measurements to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments, estimates and assumptions, and where changes in those judgments, estimates and assumptions (based on new or additional information, changes in the economic climate and/or market interest rates, etc.) could have a significant effect on our financial statements. Therefore, we consider these policies, discussed below, to be critical accounting estimates and discuss them directly with the Audit Committee of our Board.

Our most significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other notes to the consolidated financial statements and in this MD&A, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. 

Allowance for Credit Losses 

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

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

Additional information on the loan portfolio and ACL can be found in the sections of MD&A titled “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” and “Nonperforming Assets.” Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements includes additional information on accounting policies related to the ACL.

43

Fair Value Measurements

At December 31, 2021, the percentage of our total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was 22%. See Note 14 “Fair Value Measurements” in the consolidated financial statements herein for additional disclosures regarding the fair value of our assets and liabilities, including a description of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value is defined by GAAP “as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” GAAP further defines an “orderly transaction” as “a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets. It is not a forced transaction (for example, a forced liquidation or distress sale).”
 
The fair values for AFS and HTM securities are generally based upon quoted market prices or observable market prices for similar instruments. Management utilizes a third-party pricing service to assist with determining the fair value of our securities portfolio. The pricing service uses observable inputs when available including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids and offers. These values take into account recent market activity as well as other market observable data such as interest rate, spread and prepayment information. When market observable data is not available, which generally occurs due to the lack of liquidity for certain securities, the valuation of the security is subjective and may involve substantial judgment by management.
 
We have elected the fair value option for our portfolio of mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan, and as such is categorized as level 2. 

We use derivatives primarily to manage our interest rate risk or to help our customers manage their interest rate risk. The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes and internal pricing models that are primarily sensitive to market observable data. However, we do evaluate the level of these observable inputs and there are some instances where we have determined that the inputs are not directly observable.
 
We recognize a servicing rights asset upon the sale of residential mortgage loans and SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. Servicing right assets are carried at fair value. Given the nature of these SBA/USDA and residential mortgage servicing assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and we disclose them as a level 3 item.

As of December 31, 2021, we had level 3 assets, those valued using unobservable inputs, of $40.8 million. The total level 3 assets consisted of $25.2 million in residential mortgage servicing rights, $6.76 million in derivative assets, $6.51 million in servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans and $2.40 million of AFS debt securities. We also had level 3 derivative liabilities totaling $5.05 million.

From time to time, we may record assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, usually as a result of the write-downs of individual assets due to impairment. In particular, nonaccrual loans may be carried at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Although management believes its processes for determining the fair value of collateral-dependent loans are appropriate, the processes require management judgment and assumptions and the value of such assets at the time they are revalued or divested may be significantly different from management’s determination of fair value.

For business combinations, we measure and record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements includes additional information on accounting policies and estimates related to acquisition activities.
44

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Table 1 Selected Financial Information
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
202120202019
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue$578,794 $557,996 $552,706 
Interest expense29,760 56,237 83,312 
Net interest revenue549,034 501,759 469,394 
(Release of) provision for credit losses(37,550)80,434 13,150 
Noninterest income157,818 156,109 104,713 
Total revenue744,402 577,434 560,957 
Noninterest expenses396,639 367,989 322,245 
Income before income tax expense347,763 209,445 238,712 
Income tax expense77,962 45,356 52,991 
Net income269,801 164,089 185,721 
Merger-related and other charges13,970 7,018 7,357 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges(3,174)(1,340)(1,695)
Net income - operating (1)*
$280,597 $169,767 $191,383 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Per common share:
Diluted net income - GAAP$2.97 $1.91 $2.31 
Diluted net income - operating (1)*
3.09 1.98 2.38 
Common stock cash dividends declared0.78 0.72 0.68 
Book value23.63 21.90 20.53 
Tangible book value (3)*
18.42 17.56 16.28 
Key Performance Ratios:
Return on common equity - GAAP (2)
13.14 %9.25 %11.89 %
Return on common equity - operating (1)(2)*
13.68 9.58 12.25 
Return on tangible common equity - operating (1)(2)(3)*
17.33 12.24 15.81 
Return on assets - GAAP1.37 1.04 1.46 
Return on assets - operating (1)*
1.42 1.07 1.51 
Net interest margin (FTE)3.07 3.55 4.07 
Efficiency ratio - GAAP55.80 55.71 55.77 
Efficiency ratio - operating (1)*
53.83 54.64 54.50 
Equity to total assets10.61 11.29 12.66 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)*
8.09 8.81 10.32 
ASSET QUALITY
Total NPAs$32,855 $62,246 $35,817 
ACL - loans102,532 137,010 62,089 
Net charge-offs38 18,316 12,216 
ACL - loans to loans0.87 %1.20 %0.70 %
Net charge-offs to average loans— 0.17 0.14 
NPAs to total assets0.16 0.35 0.28 
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
Loans$11,760 $11,371 $8,813 
Investment securities5,653 3,645 2,559 
Total assets20,947 17,794 12,916 
Deposits18,241 15,232 10,897 
Shareholders’ equity2,222 2,008 1,636 
Common shares outstanding (thousands)
89,350 86,675 79,014 

(1) Excludes merger-related and other charges, which includes amortization of certain executive change of control benefits, 2019 executive retirement charges and termination of the Funded Plan.. (2) Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes AOCI. (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization.
* Represents a non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to related GAAP financial measures on the following page. For more information, see “GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation” in the MD&A section of this Report.

45

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Table 1 (Continued) - Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
Selected Financial Information
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
202120202019
Noninterest expense reconciliation
Noninterest expenses (GAAP)$396,639 $367,989 $322,245 
Merger-related and other charges(13,970)(7,018)(7,357)
Noninterest expenses - operating$382,669 $360,971 $314,888 
Net income reconciliation
Net income (GAAP)$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 
Merger-related and other charges13,970 7,018 7,357 
Income tax benefit of merger-related and other charges(3,174)(1,340)(1,695)
Net income - operating$280,597 $169,767 $191,383 
Diluted income per common share reconciliation
Diluted income per common share (GAAP)$2.97 $1.91 $2.31 
Merger-related and other charges0.12 0.07 0.07 
Diluted income per common share - operating$3.09 $1.98 $2.38 
Book value per common share reconciliation
Book value per common share (GAAP)$23.63 $21.90 $20.53 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles(5.21)(4.34)(4.25)
Tangible book value per common share$18.42 $17.56 $16.28 
Return on tangible common equity reconciliation
Return on common equity (GAAP)13.14 %9.25 %11.89 %
Merger-related and other charges0.54 0.33 0.36 
Return on common equity - operating13.68 9.58 12.25 
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles3.65 2.66 3.56 
Return on tangible common equity - operating17.33 %12.24 %15.81 %
Return on assets reconciliation
Return on assets (GAAP)1.37 %1.04 %1.46 %
Merger-related and other charges0.05 0.03 0.05 
Return on assets - operating1.42 %1.07 %1.51 %
Efficiency ratio reconciliation
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)55.80 %55.71 %55.77 %
Merger-related and other charges(1.97)(1.07)(1.27)
Efficiency ratio - operating53.83 %54.64 %54.50 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation
Equity to assets (GAAP)10.61 %11.29 %12.66 %
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles(2.06)(1.94)(2.34)
Effect of preferred equity(0.46)(0.54)— 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.09 %8.81 %10.32 %

46

Net Interest Revenue
 
Net interest revenue, which is the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds, is the single largest component of revenue. Management seeks to optimize this revenue while balancing interest rate, credit, and liquidity risks. The banking industry uses two key ratios to measure relative profitability of net interest revenue, which are the net interest spread and the net interest margin. The net interest spread measures the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest spread eliminates the effect of noninterest-earning assets as well as noninterest-bearing deposits and other noninterest-bearing funding sources and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market interest rate movements. The net interest margin is an indication of the profitability of a company’s balance sheet and is defined as net interest revenue as a percentage of total average interest-earning assets, which includes the positive effect of funding a portion of interest-earning assets with noninterest-bearing deposits and shareholders’ equity.

Net interest revenue for 2021 was $549 million, compared to $502 million for 2020. FTE net interest revenue totaled $553 million in 2021, an increase of $47.9 million, or 9%, from 2020. The net interest spread was 2.96% and 3.31% for 2021 and 2020, respectively, while the net interest margin was 3.07% and 3.55%, respectively. The following tables indicate the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average amounts of assets and liabilities, which provide further insight into net interest spread and net interest margin for the periods indicated. The following discussion provides additional detail on the average balances and net interest revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

For 2021, we reported a $21.4 million increase in FTE interest revenue compared to 2020. Although partially offset by the effect of the low interest rate environment, growth in average loans for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $1.02 billion compared to 2020 provided much of the increase in interest revenue. In addition to organic loan growth, the full year effect of loans acquired from Three Shores and the addition of loans acquired from Aquesta in the fourth quarter of 2021 contributed $560 million to the increase in average loans. PPP loan forgiveness, which resulted in a $92 million decrease in average PPP loans for 2021 compared to 2020, partially offset net loan growth. Additional components of loan interest revenue included PPP related interest income and accelerated recognition of deferred fees upon loan forgiveness and purchased loan accretion, which increased $7.05 million and decreased $4.55 million, respectively, in 2021 compared to 2020.

The increase in net interest revenue for 2021 was also positively affected by the reduction in deposit interest expense of $26.9 million, despite growing average interest-bearing deposits by $1.74 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020. $461 million of the increase in average interest-bearing deposits was attributable to the inclusion of Three Shores deposits for the full year of 2021 and the addition of deposits from Aquesta in the fourth quarter of 2021. The decrease in interest expense was a result of our ability to further decrease rates paid on deposits in the current low rate environment, a higher proportion of our deposits residing in noninterest-bearing account types (38% in 2021 compared to 35% in 2020), a more favorable interest-bearing deposit mix and reduced utilization of higher-cost brokered time deposits.

The additional liquidity provided by deposit growth and PPP loan forgiveness more than provided for our funding needs and resulted in higher average cash balances and deployment of surplus liquidity into our investment portfolio. Average investment securities increased $2.08 billion and provided an increase in interest revenue of $9.56 million compared to 2020.

During 2021, the shift in the composition of average interest-earning assets to be more heavily comprised of investment securities and cash resulted in net interest margin and spread compression compared to 2020. In addition, the continuation of the historically low interest rate environment negatively impacted our asset sensitive balance sheet and contributed to the net interest margin compression.
47

Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Margin Analysis
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, FTE)
 202120202019
Average
Balance		InterestAvg.
Rate		Average
Balance		InterestAvg.
Rate		Average
Balance		InterestAvg.
Rate
Assets:         
Interest-earning assets:         
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE) (1)(2)
$11,485,876 $504,015 4.39 %$10,466,653 $492,223 4.70 %$8,708,035 $475,803 5.46 %
Taxable securities (3)
4,446,712 61,994 1.39 2,532,750 55,031 2.17 2,475,102 69,920 2.82 
Tax-exempt securities (FTE) (1)(3)
382,915 12,059 3.15 219,668 9,458 4.31 171,549 6,130 3.57 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets1,680,151 4,784 0.28 1,007,059 4,753 0.47 254,370 3,499 1.38 
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)17,995,654 582,852 3.24 14,226,130 561,465 3.95 11,609,056 555,352 4.78 
Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses(121,586)(106,812)(62,900)
Cash and due from banks139,728 136,702 121,649 
Premises and equipment230,276 217,751 220,523 
Other assets (3)
1,013,956 993,584 798,649 
Total assets$19,258,028 $15,467,355 $12,686,977 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand$3,610,601 5,468 0.15 $2,759,383 7,735 0.28 $2,249,713 13,665 0.61 
Money market3,972,358 5,380 0.14 3,023,928 13,165 0.44 2,221,478 18,983 0.85 
Savings deposits1,095,071 217 0.02 821,344 169 0.02 690,028 149 0.02 
Time deposits1,529,072 3,663 0.24 1,832,319 20,146 1.10 1,791,319 28,313 1.58 
Brokered deposits67,230 117 0.17 97,788 557 0.57 240,646 5,746 2.39 
Total interest-bearing deposits10,274,332 14,845 0.14 8,534,762 41,772 0.49 7,193,184 66,856 0.93 
Federal funds purchased and other
  borrowings		44 — — 1,220 3 0.25 33,504 838 2.50 
FHLB advances1,195 3 0.25 749 28 3.74 106,973 2,697 2.52 
Long-term debt276,492 14,912 5.39 274,069 14,434 5.27 247,732 12,921 5.22 
Total borrowed funds277,731 14,915 5.37 276,038 14,465 5.24 388,209 16,456 4.24 
Total interest-bearing liabilities10,552,063 29,760 0.28 8,810,800 56,237 0.64 7,581,393 83,312 1.10 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits6,276,094 4,600,152 3,385,431 
Other liabilities322,566 235,120 164,550 
Total liabilities17,150,723 13,646,072 11,131,374 
Shareholders’ equity2,107,305 1,821,283 1,555,603 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$19,258,028 $15,467,355 $12,686,977 
Net interest revenue (FTE)$553,092 $505,228 $472,040 
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)2.96 %3.31 %3.68 %
Net interest margin (FTE) (4)
3.07 %3.55 %4.07 %

(1)Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used for each year was 26% reflecting the statutory federal rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.
(2)Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued.
(3)Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $28.7 million, $67.3 million and $12.8 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively, are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
(4)Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

48

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

Table 3 - Change in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense
(in thousands, FTE)
2021 Compared to 2020
Increase (decrease) due to changes in
2020 Compared to 2019
Increase (decrease) due to changes in
 VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotal
Interest-earning assets:      
Loans$46,031 $(34,239)$11,792 $88,168 $(71,748)$16,420 
Taxable securities31,477 (24,514)6,963 1,594 (16,483)(14,889)
Tax-exempt securities5,642 (3,041)2,601 1,923 1,405 3,328 
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets2,386 (2,355)31 4,788 (3,534)1,254 
Total interest-earning assets85,536 (64,149)21,387 96,473 (90,360)6,113 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand1,946 (4,213)(2,267)2,602 (8,532)(5,930)
Money market3,239 (11,024)(7,785)5,431 (11,249)(5,818)
Savings deposits54 (6)48 27 (7)20 
Time deposits(2,879)(13,604)(16,483)634 (8,801)(8,167)
Brokered deposits(137)(303)(440)(2,273)(2,916)(5,189)
Total interest-bearing deposits2,223 (29,150)(26,927)6,421 (31,505)(25,084)
Federal funds purchased and other short-term
  borrowings		(1)(2)(3)(431)(404)(835)
FHLB advances11 (36)(25)(3,548)879 (2,669)
Long-term debt128 350 478 1,386 127 1,513 
Total borrowed funds138 312 450 (2,593)602 (1,991)
Total interest-bearing liabilities2,361 (28,838)(26,477)3,828 (30,903)(27,075)
Increase in net interest revenue$83,175 $(35,311)$47,864 $92,645 $(59,457)$33,188 
 
Any variance attributable jointly to volume and rate changes is allocated to the volume and rate variance in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each.

Provision for Credit Losses

The ACL represents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. Management’s estimate of credit losses under CECL is determined using a model that relies on reasonable and supportable forecasts and historical loss information to determine the balance of the ACL and resulting provision for credit losses. We recorded a negative provision for credit losses of $37.6 million in 2021, compared to provision expense of $80.4 million in 2020. The amount of provision recorded in each period was the amount required such that the total ACL reflected the appropriate balance as determined by management reflecting expected life of loan losses.

The negative provision expense for 2021 was primarily a result of an improved economic forecast combined with low net charge-offs recognized during the period. During 2021, we had one large commercial credit recovery, strong recoveries from a number of other credits and lower charge-offs in comparison to 2020. The negative provision was partially offset by provision expense for the initial ACL recognized on Aquesta’s non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments of $2.98 million and $287,000, respectively, during the fourth quarter of 2021.

During 2020, the provision for credit losses was elevated due to our implementation of CECL combined with a stressed economic forecast amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we recorded provision expense for the initial ACL recorded on Three Shores’ non-PCD loans and unfunded commitments of $9.78 million and $913,000, respectively. Loan growth also contributed to the higher provision for credit losses, but this impact on the provision was partially mitigated by the fact that PPP loans originated in 2020 are 100% government guaranteed, requiring no ACL.
  
Additional discussion on credit quality and the ACL is included in the “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” and “Critical Accounting Estimates” sections of this report, as well as Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
49


Noninterest Income
 
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.
Table 4 - Noninterest Income    
For the Years Ended December 31,    
(in thousands)   Change
 2021202020192021-2020
Service charge and fees:
Overdraft fees$10,137 $10,800 $14,553 (6)%
ATM and debit card interchange fees13,737 13,299 13,517 3 
Other service charges and fees9,994 8,302 8,727 20 
Total service charges and fees33,868 32,401 36,797 5 
Mortgage loan gains and related fees58,446 76,087 27,145 (23)
Wealth management fees18,998 9,240 6,150 106 
Gains from sales of other loans, net11,267 5,420 6,867 108 
Securities gains (losses), net83 748 (1,021)
Other noninterest income:
Other lending and loan servicing fees9,427 8,028 4,054 17 
Customer derivatives3,198 6,392 2,875 (50)
Other investment gains4,886 735 1,103 
BOLI3,552 5,080 5,417 (30)
Treasury management income2,910 2,138 1,453 36 
Other11,183 9,840 13,873 14 
Total other noninterest income35,156 32,213 28,775 9 
Total noninterest income$157,818 $156,109 $104,713 1 

During 2021, total service charges and fees increased compared to 2020 primarily due to the addition of Three Shores and Aquesta customers and the receipt of larger vendor rebates, which were partially offset by a decrease in overdraft fees. Overdraft fees have remained at relatively low levels since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2021, transaction deposit account balances remained elevated due to government stimulus payments and customer preferences to allocate more funds to transaction deposit accounts rather than time deposits in the current low interest rate environment. During the fourth quarter of 2021, we updated our consumer overdraft policy to include the addition of a fee forgiveness feature, which provides one fee waiver per year per account, to increase the overdraft threshold, which is the amount an account balance must be overdrawn before a fee is charged, and to lower the daily fee item limit. We expect these changes to our overdraft policy to reduce our overdraft fee income in 2022.

Mortgage loan gains and related fees consist primarily of fees earned on mortgage originations, gains on the sale of mortgages in the secondary market and fair value adjustments to our mortgage servicing asset. We recognize the majority of gains on mortgages when customers enter into mortgage rate lock commitments, making our mortgage pipeline a significant driver of mortgage gains in any given period. The change in mortgage loan gains and related fees is closely tied to the interest rate environment. Customer demand, primarily driven by interest rates, as well as the market-driven gain on sale spread are also primary drivers of mortgage income.

Mortgage loan gains and related fees for 2021 decreased $17.6 million or 23% compared to 2020. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in volume of mortgage rate locks and mortgage sales as demand for refinances and home purchases has started to normalize after several quarters of strong demand resulting from the drop in interest rates in early 2020. Additionally, our gain on sale spread for 2021 decreased to 4.18% compared to 4.55% for 2020, contributing to the decrease in mortgage loan gains. During both 2021 and 2020 we recorded negative adjustments related to fair value and decay to the mortgage servicing rights asset; however, the negative adjustments recorded in 2021 of $3.57 million were significantly less than those recorded in 2020 of $9.25 million, which offset the decrease in mortgage loan gains for 2021.

50


Table 5 - Selected Mortgage Metrics
For the Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
20212020Change
Mortgage rate locks$3,120,137 $3,304,774 (6)%
# of mortgage rate locks8,956 11,539 (22)
Mortgage loans sold$1,347,105 $1,466,314 (8)
# of mortgage loans sold5,5356,344(13)
Mortgage loans originated
Purchases$1,386,046 $1,128,412 23 
Refinances 1,039,192 993,650 5 
Total$2,425,238 $2,122,062 14 
# of mortgage loans originated7,169 7,631 (6)

Our SBA/USDA lending strategy includes selling a portion of the loan production each quarter. The amount of loans sold depends on several variables including the current lending environment and balance sheet management activities. From time to time, we also sell certain equipment financing receivables based on market conditions. During 2021, we sold a higher volume of SBA and equipment financing receivables, as well as USDA renewable energy loans. We sold fewer SBA loans during 2020 as a result of less-favorable pricing for these loans during the first quarter of 2020, due to the market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following table presents loans sold and corresponding gains recognized on SBA/USDA loans and other loans sold for the periods indicated.

Table 6 - Other Loan Sales
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)20212020
Loans SoldGainLoans SoldGain
Guaranteed portion of SBA/USDA loans$90,903 $8,843 $48,385 $4,132 
Equipment financing receivables59,097 2,424 27,018 1,288 
Total$150,000 $11,267 $75,403 $5,420 

The increase in wealth management fees for 2021 compared to 2020 was driven by the growth in our wealth management business through the acquisition of FinTrust and the inclusion of Seaside Wealth Management for the full year of 2021. As of December 31, 2021, we had assets under management and assets under advisement totaling $4.69 billion, which included FinTrust, Seaside Wealth Management and United Community Bank Advisory Services, compared to $2.31 billion as of December 31, 2020, which included Seaside Wealth Management and United Community Bank Advisory Services.

The change in other noninterest income for 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily driven by the following factors:
•Other investment performance in 2021 yielded net higher positive fair value adjustments when compared to 2020. During the first half of 2020, we recorded negative fair value adjustments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic related market disruption. These losses were more than offset by gains recorded during the second half of 2020 as the pandemic outlook improved.
•Lending and loan servicing fees for 2021 increased compared 2020, mostly due to volume-driven fee income from our equipment finance business, partially offset by negative fair value adjustments to our SBA/USDA servicing asset.
•BOLI income decreased compared to the previous two years as we recognized death benefits in 2020 and 2019, whereas no such benefits were recognized during 2021.
•Customer derivative income for 2021 decreased compared to 2020 due to increases in interest rates negatively impacting the demand for customer derivative products. This was partially offset by the reduction of a credit valuation adjustment to certain of our customer derivatives during the fourth quarter of 2021 due to the underlying loans being upgraded.

51

Noninterest Expenses
 
The following table presents the components of noninterest expenses for the periods indicated.
Table 7 - Noninterest Expenses    
For the Years Ended December 31,    
(in thousands)   Change
 2021202020192021-2020
Salaries and employee benefits$241,443 $224,060 $196,440 8 %
Occupancy28,619 25,791 23,350 11 
Communications and equipment29,829 27,149 24,613 10 
Professional fees20,589 18,032 17,028 14 
Lending and loan servicing expense10,859 10,993 9,416 (1)
Outside services - electronic banking9,481 7,513 7,020 26 
Postage, printing and supplies7,110 6,779 6,370 5 
Advertising and public relations5,910 15,203 6,170 (61)
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges7,398 5,982 4,901 24 
Amortization of intangibles4,045 4,168 4,489 (3)
Other17,386 15,301 15,092 14 
Total excluding merger-related and other charges
   and amortization of noncompete agreements		382,669 360,971 314,889 6 
Merger-related and other charges13,970 7,018 6,907 99 
Amortization of noncompete agreements— — 449 
Total noninterest expenses$396,639 $367,989 $322,245 8 

Noninterest expenses for 2021 totaled $397 million, up 8% from 2020. The addition of Three Shores, FinTrust and Aquesta’s operating expenses for the full year, second half and fourth quarter of 2021, respectively, contributed to the increase, particularly in salaries and benefits and occupancy costs.
 
Salaries and employee benefits for 2021 increased $17.4 million compared to 2020. In addition to the growth in our employee base from acquisitions, the increase was also attributable to increased mortgage, brokerage, and equipment finance commissions as well as other incentives and bonuses resulting from strong performance during the year. The increase also reflects merit increases awarded during the second quarter of 2021. These increases were partially offset by higher deferred loan origination costs resulting from increased loan production. Full time equivalent headcount totaled 2,553 at December 31, 2021, up from 2,399 at December 31, 2020.

Communications and equipment expense increased primarily due to incremental software contract costs. The increase in professional fees was primarily driven by an increase in legal fees compared to 2020. FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges increased compared to 2020 as a result of higher FDIC assessments driven by the increase in our average total assets. The increase in outside services - electronic banking reflects higher volume-based ATM network and internet banking costs. Advertising and public relations expense decreased compared to 2020 as 2020 included $10.0 million in contributions to the United Community Bank Foundation in its inaugural year.

Merger-related and other charges for 2021 were primarily related to the acquisitions of FinTrust and Aquesta. Merger-related and other charges for 2020 primarily consisted of merger costs related to the acquisition of Three Shores, severance, and branch closure costs.
Balance Sheet Review
 
Total assets at December 31, 2021 were $20.9 billion, an increase of $3.15 billion, or 18%, from December 31, 2020. Total liabilities at December 31, 2021 were $18.7 billion, an increase of $2.94 billion, or 19% from December 31, 2020. Shareholders’ equity totaled $2.22 billion and $2.01 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following discussion of the major components of our balance sheet highlights significant activity resulting in the change in our financial condition between December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

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Loans

Our loan portfolio is our largest category of interest-earning assets. At December 31, 2021, total loans were $11.8 billion compared to $11.4 billion at December 31, 2020, an increase of 3%. The net increase in loans was primarily attributable to organic growth and loans acquired in the Aquesta transaction of $498 million, partially offset by PPP loan forgiveness. PPP loans outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $88.3 million and $646 million, respectively, a decrease of $558 million. The following presents the composition of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.

Table 8 - Loan Portfolio Composition
As of December 31, 2021
https://cdn.kscope.io/ab0ab0790bfbe780e15a1d36d23af4c1-ucbi-20211231_g2.jpg
The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of our loan portfolio, including the interest rate sensitivity for loans maturing after one year. Approximately 73% of all loans were secured by real estate at year-end 2021.

Table 9 - Loan Portfolio Maturity
As of December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
MaturityRate Structure for
 Loans Maturing Over
 One Year
One Year
 or Less		2 - 5 
Years		6 - 15
 Years		After 15
 Years		TotalFixed
Rate		Floating Rate
Owner occupied commercial real estate$159,435 $831,406 $1,229,102 $101,742 $2,321,685 $1,530,653 $631,597 
Income producing commercial real estate408,865 1,427,209 737,811 26,973 2,600,858 1,179,225 1,012,768 
Commercial & industrial (1)
345,996 1,017,122 457,002 90,042 1,910,162 638,924 925,242 
Commercial construction277,397 510,188 200,535 26,710 1,014,830 202,731 534,702 
Equipment financing42,303 853,858 186,860 — 1,083,021 1,040,718 — 
Total commercial1,233,996 4,639,783 2,811,310 245,467 8,930,556 4,592,251 3,104,309 
Residential mortgage24,182 19,338 131,107 1,463,258 1,637,885 569,070 1,044,633 
HELOC22,150 31,325 86,097 554,462 694,034 730 671,154 
Residential construction312,021 10,101 36,407 1,286 359,815 12,567 35,227 
Consumer direct28,707 95,075 11,505 2,769 138,056 98,775 10,574 
Total loans$1,621,056 $4,795,622 $3,076,426 $2,267,242 $11,760,346 $5,273,393 $4,865,897 
(1) Includes $88.3 million of PPP loans.
 
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As of December 31, 2021, our 25 largest credit relationships consisted of loans and loan commitments ranging from $23.9 million to $63.9 million, with an aggregate total credit exposure of $881 million. Total credit exposure included $264 million in unfunded commitments and $617 million in balances outstanding, excluding participations sold.

Asset Quality and Risk Elements 
We manage asset quality and control credit risk through review and oversight of the loan portfolio as well as adherence to policies designed to promote sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. Our credit administration function is responsible for monitoring asset quality and Board approved portfolio concentration limits, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures. Additional information on our credit administration function is included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report under the heading “Lending Activities.” 
We conduct reviews of classified performing and non-performing loans, TDRs, past due loans and portfolio concentrations on a regular basis to identify risk migration and potential charges to the ACL. These items are discussed in a series of meetings attended by Credit Risk Management leadership and leadership from various lending groups. In addition to the reviews mentioned above, an independent loan review team reviews the portfolio to ensure consistent application of risk rating policies and procedures.

The ACL reflects management’s assessment of the life of loan expected credit losses in the loan portfolio and unfunded loan commitments. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment and is subject to change in future periods. The amount of any changes could be significant if the assessment of loan quality or collateral values changes substantially with respect to one or more loan relationships or portfolios or if there is a significant change in the reasonable and supportable forecast used to model our expected credit losses. The allocation of the ACL is based on reasonable and supportable forecasts, historical data, subjective judgment and estimates and therefore, may not be predictive of the specific amounts or loan categories in which charge-offs may ultimately occur. In addition, bank regulatory authorities, as part of their periodic examination of the Bank, may require adjustments to the provision for credit losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such additions. See the Critical Accounting Estimates section for additional information on the ACL.

The ACL, which includes a portion related to unfunded commitments, totaled $114 million at December 31, 2021 compared with $148 million at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, the ACL for loans was $103 million, or 0.87% of total loans, compared with $137 million, or 1.20%, of loans at December 31, 2020.

The reduction in the ACL since December 31, 2020 reflects an improved economic forecast, which includes an improved COVID-19 pandemic outlook, government stimulus spending, projected GDP growth and a continued low interest rate environment. Qualitative factors were used to moderate the improvement in the economic forecast for certain portfolios in recognition of continued concerns in several COVID-19 impacted industries as evidenced by elevated levels of criticized loans, as well as concerns over the impact of inflationary pressure on commercial real estate values. The ACL at December 31, 2021 reflects $3.54 million of allowance established for Aquesta PCD loans at acquisition with no impact to earnings, as well as the impact of loan growth during 2021, including the non-PCD loans received through the Aquesta acquisition.

The ACL as of December 31, 2020 reflects the implementation of CECL on January 1, 2020, which added $6.88 million to the ACL for loans and $1.87 million to the reserve for unfunded commitments, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic forecast used in our CECL model, $11.2 million of allowance established for Three Shores PCD loans at acquisition with no impact to earnings, as well as the impact of loan growth during 2020 including the non-PCD loans received through the Three Shores acquisition. The impact of loan growth on the ACL was partially mitigated by the fact that PPP loans are considered low risk assets due to the 100% guarantee by the SBA.
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 The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL for each of the past three years.
 
Table 10 - Allocation of ACL
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
CECLIncurred Loss
202120202019
ACL% of loans in each category to total loansACL% of loans in each category to total loansACL% of loans in each category to total loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate$14,282 20 $20,673 18 $11,404 20 
Income producing commercial real estate24,156 22 41,737 22 12,306 23 
Commercial & industrial16,592 16 22,019 22 5,266 14 
Commercial construction9,956 9 10,952 9 9,668 11 
Equipment financing16,290 9 16,820 8 7,384 8 
Total commercial81,276 76 112,201 79 46,028 76 
Residential mortgage12,390 14 15,341 11 8,081 13 
HELOC6,568 6 8,417 6 4,575 7 
Residential construction1,847 3 764 3 2,504 3 
Consumer451 1 287 1 901 1 
Total ACL - loans102,532 100 137,010 100 62,089 100 
ACL - unfunded commitments10,992 10,558 3,458 
Total ACL$113,524 $147,568 $65,547 
ACL- loans as a percentage of total loans0.87 %1.20 %0.70 %
 
The following table summarizes net charge-offs to average loans for each of the past three years.

Table 11 - Net Charge-offs
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 
202120202019
Average LoansNet Charge-Offs (Recoveries)Net Charge-Offs to Average LoansAverage LoansNet Charge-Offs (Recoveries)Net Charge-Offs to Average LoansAverage LoansNet Charge-Offs (Recoveries)Net Charge-Offs to Average Loans
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,159,153 $316 0.01 %$1,867,935 $(2,495)(0.13)%$1,661,068 $(370)(0.02)%
Income producing commercial real estate2,571,923 (229)(0.01)2,283,157 4,884 0.21 1,909,934 944 0.05 
Commercial & industrial2,242,764 (2,499)(0.11)2,297,522 9,336 0.41 1,273,645 4,997 0.39 
Commercial construction958,791 (747)(0.08)967,030 (319)(0.03)932,806 (875)(0.09)
Equipment financing971,355 3,105 0.32 794,042 6,760 0.85 665,318 4,894 0.74 
Residential mortgage1,462,421 (220)(0.02)1,197,511 (57)— 1,092,447 135 0.01 
HELOC675,873 (405)(0.06)680,775 (456)(0.07)675,115 386 0.06 
Residential construction301,591 (147)(0.05)243,133 (63)(0.03)217,810 149 0.07 
Consumer*142,005 864 0.61 135,548 726 0.54 279,892 1,956 0.70 
$11,485,876 $38 — $10,466,653 $18,316 0.17 $8,708,035 $12,216 0.14 

*2019 amounts include indirect auto loans.

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Nonperforming Assets
 
The following table presents NPAs, which consist of nonaccrual loans and foreclosed properties, for the periods indicated.

Table 12 - NPAs
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
202120202019
Nonaccrual loans$32,812 $61,599 $35,341 
Foreclosed properties43 647 476 
Total NPAs$32,855 $62,246 $35,817 
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.28 %0.54 %0.40 %
NPAs to total assets0.16 0.35 0.28 
ACL - loans to nonaccrual loans coverage ratio3.122.221.76

The decrease in NPAs since December 31, 2020 was primarily a result of a decrease in nonaccrual loans, which resulted from a combination of payoffs and paydowns.
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had $52.4 million and $61.6 million, respectively, in loans with terms that have been modified in a TDR. Included therein were $11.5 million and $20.6 million, respectively, of TDRs that were nonaccrual loans. The remaining TDRs with aggregate balances of $40.9 million and $41.0 million, respectively, were performing according to their modified terms and were therefore not considered to be NPAs.

The CARES Act and interagency guidance granted temporary relief from TDR classification for certain loans restructured as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020 and early 2021, we granted a significant number of payment deferral requests to our borrowers related to the economic disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent that these deferrals qualified under either the CARES Act or interagency guidance, they were not considered new TDRs. The majority of borrowers who were granted a payment deferral have since returned to their normal payment schedules. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, COVID-19 related deferrals totaled $2.55 million and $70.7 million, respectively.

Investment Securities
 
The composition of our investment securities portfolio reflects our investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of revenue. The investment securities portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk in other categories of the balance sheet, while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits and borrowings. During 2021, strong deposit growth provided surplus liquidity, which we strategically deployed into our investment securities portfolio. The table below presents a summary of our investment securities balances as of the dates indicated.

Table 13 - Investment Securities
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
20212020
Carrying Value% of portfolioCarrying Value% of portfolio
2021 - 2020
$ Change
AFS$4,496,824 80 %$3,224,721 88 %$1,272,103 
HTM1,156,098 20 420,361 12 735,737 
Total Investment Securities$5,652,922 $3,645,082 $2,007,840 
Investment securities as a % of total assets27 %20 %



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Table 14 - Investment Securities Portfolio Composition
As of December 31,
https://cdn.kscope.io/ab0ab0790bfbe780e15a1d36d23af4c1-ucbi-20211231_g3.jpg 
Mortgage-backed securities, which include both U.S. government sponsored agency and non-agency securities, make up the largest portion of our investment securities portfolio. As we have grown our portfolio, we have continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield with low risk. These securities rely on the underlying pools of mortgage loans to provide a cash flow of principal and interest. The actual maturities of these securities will differ from the contractual maturities because the loans underlying the security can prepay. Decreases in interest rates will generally cause an acceleration of prepayment levels. In a declining or prolonged low interest rate environment, we may not be able to reinvest the proceeds from these prepayments in assets that have comparable yields. In a rising rate environment, the opposite may occur. Prepayments tend to slow and the weighted average life extends. This is referred to as extension risk, which can lead to lower levels of liquidity due to the delay of cash receipts, and can result in the holding of a below market yielding asset for a longer period of time.

As shown in the chart above, 75% of our investment securities portfolio is comprised of U.S. government or government sponsored agency securities. In addition, as of December 31, 2021, our state and political subdivision securities were all rated A or better. As a reflection of the high credit quality of the portfolio, at December 31, 2021 and 2020, no ACL for HTM or AFS debt securities was recorded. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the investment portfolio and related fair value and maturity information. Unrealized losses on fixed income securities at December 31, 2021 primarily reflected the effect of changes in interest rates.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill represents the premium paid for acquired companies above the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including separately identifiable intangible assets. Management evaluates goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if a triggering event indicates there may be impairment. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, a qualitative assessment is performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the entity is less than its carrying amount. When it is more likely than not that impairment has occurred, management is required to perform a quantitative analysis and, if necessary, adjust the carrying amount of goodwill by recording a goodwill impairment loss. During much of 2020 our common stock price traded below book value due to market concerns about the potential economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill at the end of each quarter of 2020, none of which yielded a determination that it was more likely than not our fair value was less than our carrying value. During the fourth quarter of 2020 and throughout 2021, our stock price returned to trading above book value. Our annual assessment during the fourth quarter of 2021 gave no indication that it was more likely than not that our fair value was less than our carrying value.

We also have core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets, representing the value of acquired deposit and customer relationships, respectively, which are amortizing intangible assets. Amortizing intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment only when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may exist.
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In connection with the acquisition of Aquesta, we recorded goodwill and a core deposit intangible of $70.0 million and $2.03 million, respectively. In connection with the acquisition of FinTrust, we recorded goodwill and a customer relationship intangible of $14.2 million and $7.53 million, respectively.

Deposits

Customer deposits are the primary source of funds for the continued growth of our earning assets. Our high level of service, as evidenced by our strong customer satisfaction scores, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining customer deposit accounts. Customer deposits as of December 31, 2021 were up $3.11 billion, or 21%, compared to December 31, 2020, which has allowed us to reduce our utilization of brokered deposits. Much of the growth is due to COVID stimulus funds which have boosted deposits across the banking industry. In addition to organic growth, the increase in customer deposits was also attributable to $658 million of deposits acquired from Aquesta as of the acquisition date. Our customer deposit composition has shifted from time deposits to transaction deposits as customer preference has shifted to allocate funds to more liquid account types in the current low rate environment. The following table sets forth the deposit composition for the periods indicated. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had $7.97 billion and $5.08 billion, respectively, in uninsured deposits.

Table 15 - Deposits
As of December 31,
(in thousands) 
20212020
BalanceCustomer Deposit CompositionBalanceCustomer Deposit Composition
Noninterest-bearing demand$6,956,981 38 %$5,390,291 36 %
NOW and interest-bearing demand4,252,209 24 3,346,490 22 
Money market and savings5,399,133 30 4,501,189 30 
Time1,442,498 8 1,704,290 12 
Total customer deposits18,050,821 100 %14,942,260 100 %
Brokered deposits190,358 290,098 
Total deposits$18,241,179 $15,232,358 

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

Table 16 - Maturities of Time Deposits Greater than $250,000
As of December 31, 2021
(in thousands) 
Three months or less$91,874 
Over three through six months48,784 
Over six months through twelve months76,457 
Over one year38,497 
Total$255,612 
 
Liquidity Management
 
Liquidity is defined as the ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining the ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of customers, both depositors and borrowers. The primary objective is to ensure that sufficient funding is available, at a reasonable cost, to meet ongoing operational cash needs and to take advantage of revenue producing opportunities as they arise. While the desired level of liquidity will vary depending upon a variety of factors, our primary goal is to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity in all expected economic environments. To assist in determining the adequacy of our liquidity, we perform a variety of liquidity stress tests. We maintain an unencumbered liquid asset reserve to help ensure our ability to meet our obligations under normal conditions for at least a 12-month period and under severely adverse liquidity conditions for a minimum of 30 days.
 
An important part of the Bank’s liquidity resides in the asset portion of the balance sheet, which provides liquidity primarily through loan interest and principal repayments and the maturities and sales of securities, as well as the ability to use these assets as collateral for borrowings on a secured basis.
58

 
The Bank’s main source of liquidity is customer interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts, which we are able to attract at any time by competing more aggressively on pricing. Liquidity is also available from wholesale funding sources consisting primarily of Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, and brokered deposits. These sources of liquidity are generally short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet other short-term liquidity needs. At December 31, 2021, we had sufficient qualifying collateral to increase FHLB advances by $1.19 billion. We also had unpledged investment securities of $4.19 billion at December 31, 2021 that could be used as collateral for additional borrowings.
 
In addition, because the Holding Company is a separate entity and apart from the Bank, it must provide for its own liquidity. The Holding Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its common and preferred shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt or trust preferred securities. The Holding Company currently has internal capital resources to meet these obligations. While the Holding Company has access to the capital markets and maintains a line of credit as a contingent funding source, the ultimate sources of its liquidity are subsidiary service fees and dividends from the Bank, which are limited by applicable law and regulations. In 2021 and 2020, the Bank paid dividends of $217 million and $150 million, respectively, to the Holding Company. Holding Company liquidity is managed to a minimum of 15-months of positive cash flow after considering all of its liquidity needs over this period.

Significant uses and sources of cash during the year ended December 31, 2021 are summarized below. See the consolidated statement of cash flows in this Report for further detail.
•Net cash provided by operating activities of $359 million reflects net income of $270 million adjusted for non-cash transactions, gains on sales of securities and other loans and changes in other assets and liabilities. Significant non-cash transactions for the period included release of provision for credit losses of $37.6 million and deferred income tax expense of $20.8 million.
•Net cash used in investing activities of $1.81 billion consisted primarily of $3.39 billion of purchases of AFS and HTM debt securities, partially offset by $1.33 billion proceeds from securities sales, maturities and calls, reflecting our strategic decision to deploy excess liquidity into the securities portfolio.
•Net cash provided by financing activities of $2.16 billion consisted primarily of a net increase in deposits of $2.35 billion, which was partially offset by the net repayment of long-term debt of $80.6 million, $73.8 million in common and preferred stock dividends, and repurchases of common stock of $15.1 million.
In the opinion of management, our liquidity position at December 31, 2021 was sufficient to meet our expected cash requirements.

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The following table presents the amortized cost of securities by contractual maturity of investment securities and weighted average yields on a FTE basis. The composition and maturity / repricing distribution of the securities portfolio is subject to change depending on rate sensitivity, capital and liquidity needs..Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. 

Table 17 - Contractual Maturity of AFS and HTM Debt Securities
As of December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
 Maturity By Years
 1 or Less1 to 56 to 10Over 10Total
BalanceWA YieldBalanceWA YieldBalanceWA YieldBalanceWA YieldBalanceWA Yield
AFS
U.S. Treasuries$54,9741.95 %$74,1011.68 %$88,9520.96 %$—— %$218,0271.46 %
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs871.40 22,9461.39 79,8121.21 87,0101.75 189,8551.48 
State and political subdivisions15,0082.53 33,2903.00 135,2652.69 79,7063.46 263,2692.96 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE—— 7,9942.32 34,6292.45 2,037,0771.35 2,079,7001.37 
Residential MBS, Non-agency—— —— —— 81,9253.06 81,9253.06 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE8970.65 118,8031.79 282,0860.96 468,7771.33 870,5631.27 
Commercial MBS, Non-agency—— —— —— 15,2024.19 15,2024.19 
Corporate bonds2,6570.61 100,5531.42 90,1691.91 7852.76 194,1641.64 
Asset-backed securities6553.02 376,0060.36 24,0730.51 203,0901.02 603,8240.59 
Total AFS securities$74,2782.01 $733,6931.04 $734,9861.48 $2,973,5721.45 $4,516,5291.40 
HTM
U.S. Treasuries$—— %$—— %$19,8031.40 %$—— %$19,8031.40 %
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs—— —— 31,9621.61 38,2181.77 70,1801.70 
State and political subdivisions5,2003.70 8,7624.64 38,1882.02 205,5382.51 257,6882.53 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE—— 4,5732.86 9,1522.62 367,9161.92 381,6411.95 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE—— 1,6512.40 175,9161.44 234,2192.07 411,7861.80 
Supranational entities—— —— 15,0001.64 —— 15,0001.64 
Total HTM securities$5,2003.70 $14,9863.85 $290,0211.58 $845,8912.10 $1,156,0982.00 

At December 31, 2021, the effective duration of the investment portfolio was 4.0 years, compared to 3.7 years at December 31, 2020. 

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

The following discussion provides an overview of United’s significant contractual obligations and other commitments.

Long-term Debt

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had long-term debt outstanding of $247 million and $327 million, respectively, which included senior debentures, subordinated debentures, and trust preferred securities. As a result of the additional liquidity provided by PPP loans and core deposit growth, we repaid several of our long-term debt instruments during 2021 including the 2025 subordinated debentures, the Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I trust preferred securities, the 2022 senior debentures, and the 2026 subordinated debentures, which, combined, reduced our long-term debt outstanding by $80.6 million. The following tables provides long-term debt outstanding by maturity in five year increments. Additional information regarding these debt instruments is provided in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Table 18 - Long-term Debt by Maturity Category
As of December 31, 2021
(in thousands)

Next 5 years$— 
6 - 10 years235,000 
11 - 15 years20,620 
255,620 
Less discount(8,260)
Total long-term debt$247,360 

Operating Lease Obligations

We are party to operating lease agreements for many of our branch locations, ATMs, loan production offices and operation centers. For qualifying leases with a term exceeding one year we record a lease liability and ROU asset on our balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, the lease liability and ROU asset totaled $31.1 million and $29.4 million, respectively, compared to $33.1 million and $31.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020. During 2021, we obtained $4.49 million in ROU assets in exchange for operating lease liabilities of approximately the same amount, $2.87 million of which were acquired in the Aquesta and FinTrust transactions. The majority of the leases assumed were for retail branch locations and office spaces.

As of December 31, 2021 the remaining terms of our leases ranged from one to 12 years. Certain of our leases contain options to renew the lease at the end of the current term. Unless we have determined we are reasonably likely to renew the lease, these options have been excluded from the calculation of our lease liability and ROU asset. Additional information regarding operating leases is provided in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

Capital Expenditures

During 2021, we purchased $26.5 million of fixed assets, which excludes fixed assets acquired from FinTrust and Aquesta. Most of our capital expenditures related to investments in technology equipment, software and branch and operations locations. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had $10.1 million and $7.59 million in construction in progress. Most notably, construction in progress includes costs related to the construction of the Bank’s new Greenville, South Carolina headquarters building, which is expected to be completed in 2023. As of December 31, 2021, we estimate the total cost of the headquarters project will be approximately $72.0 million, $58.0 million of which has yet to be incurred.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments included commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, which totaled $3.62 billion at December 31, 2021.
 
A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party and have essentially the same credit risk as extending loan facilities to customers. Those commitments are primarily issued to local businesses.
 
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. We use the same credit underwriting procedures for making commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees as we use for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. Management evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and the amount of the collateral, if deemed necessary, is based on the credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or other acceptable collateral.
 
All of these instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The total amount of these instruments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements because a significant portion of these instruments expire without being used. We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to fund commitments that are drawn upon by the borrowers.

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In addition, we hold minor investments in certain limited partnerships for CRA purposes. As of December 31, 2021, we had committed to fund an additional $13.7 million related to future capital calls that has not been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, we also had a $10.0 million commitment for future capital calls to a fintech fund limited partnership that has not been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.

We are not involved in off-balance sheet contractual relationships, other than those disclosed in this Report, that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments, or that could significantly affect earnings. See Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Capital Resources and Dividends

The maintenance and management of capital levels is one of management’s significant priorities. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2021 was $2.22 billion, an increase of $215 million from December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily a result of net income of $270 million and the issuance of $95.5 million of common stock in connection with the Aquesta and FinTrust acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by dividends on common and preferred stock of $76.0 million, common stock repurchases of $15.1 million, and other comprehensive loss of $64.2 million mostly driven by unrealized holding losses on AFS debt securities.

Under the risk-based capital guidelines of Basel III, assets and credit equivalent amounts of derivatives and off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of several broad risk categories according to the obligor, or, if relevant, the guarantor or the nature of the collateral. The aggregate dollar amount in each risk category is then multiplied by the risk weight associated with the category. The resulting weighted values from each of the risk categories are added together, and generally this sum is our total RWAs. RWAs for purposes of our capital ratios are calculated under these guidelines.
 
CET1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, intangible assets (goodwill, deposit-based intangibles and certain other intangibles, including certain servicing assets), net of associated deferred tax liabilities, and disallowed deferred tax assets. Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 plus non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. Tier 2 capital includes the allowable portion of the ACL up to 1.25% of RWA as well as qualifying subordinated debt and trust preferred securities. Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital is referred to as Total risk-based capital.

We have outstanding junior subordinated debentures related to trust preferred securities totaling $20.6 million at December 31, 2021, of which $20.0 million (excluding common securities) qualified as Tier 2 capital. Further information on trust preferred securities is provided in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

The following table outlines the minimum ratios required for capital adequacy purposes, as well as the thresholds for a categorization of “well-capitalized”.

Table 19 - Capital Ratios
As of December 31,
United Community Banks, Inc. (consolidated)United Community Bank
Minimum CapitalWell-CapitalizedMinimum Capital Plus Capital Conservation Buffer2021202020212020
Risk-based ratios:
CET1 capital4.5 %6.5 %7.0 %12.46 %12.31 %12.87 %13.31 %
Tier 1 capital6.0 8.0 8.5 13.17 13.10 12.87 13.31 
Total capital8.0 10.0 10.5 14.65 15.15 13.46 14.28 
Leverage ratio4.0 5.0     N/A8.75 9.28 8.53 9.42 

Additional information related to capital ratios, as calculated under regulatory guidelines, is provided in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, both United and the Bank were characterized as “well-capitalized”. 
 
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Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices
 
A bank’s asset and liability structure is substantially different from that of an industrial firm, because primarily all assets and liabilities of a bank are monetary in nature, with relatively little investment in fixed assets or inventories. Inflation has an important effect on the growth of total assets and the resulting need to increase equity capital at higher than nominal rates in order to maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio.
 
Our management believes the effect of inflation on financial results depends on our ability to react to changes in interest rates and, by such reaction, reduce the inflationary effect on performance. We have an asset/liability management program to monitor and manage our interest rate sensitivity position. In addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs.

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ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Sensitivity Management
 
The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a significant effect on profitability. The objective of interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changing interest rates, consistent with our overall financial goals. Based on economic conditions, asset quality and various other considerations, management establishes tolerance ranges for interest rate sensitivity and manages within these ranges. 

Net interest revenue and the fair value of financial instruments are influenced by changes in the level of interest rates. We limit our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by our ALCO and approved by the Board. ALCO meets periodically and has responsibility for formulating and recommending asset/liability management policies to the Board, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings, and reviewing interest rate sensitivity. 

One of the tools management uses to estimate and manage the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changes in interest rates is an asset/liability simulation model. Resulting estimates are based upon several assumptions for each scenario, including loan and deposit re-pricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. ALCO periodically reviews the assumptions for reasonableness based on historical data and future expectations; however, actual net interest revenue may differ from model results. The primary objective of the simulation model is to measure the potential change in net interest revenue over time using multiple interest rate scenarios. The base scenario assumes rates remain flat and is the scenario to which all others are compared in order to measure the change in net interest revenue. Policy limits are based on immediate rate shock scenarios, as well as gradually rising and falling rate scenarios, which are all compared to the base scenario. Other scenarios analyzed may include delayed rate shocks, yield curve steepening or flattening, or other variations in rate movements. While the primary policy scenarios focus on a 12-month time frame, longer time horizons are also modeled. 

Our policy is based on the 12-month impact on net interest revenue of interest rate shocks and ramps that increase from 100 to 400 basis points or decrease 100 to 200 basis points from the base scenario. In the shock scenarios, rates immediately change the full amount at the scenario onset. In the ramp scenarios, rates change by 25 basis points per month. Our policy limits the projected change in net interest revenue over the first 12 months to an 8% decrease for each 100 basis point change in the increasing and decreasing rate ramp and shock scenarios. The following table presents our interest sensitivity position at the dates indicated.

Table 20 - Interest Sensitivity
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Revenue from Base Scenario at
December 31,
 20212020
Change in RatesShockRampShockRamp
100 basis point increase3.87 %3.07 %3.80 %2.88 %
100 basis point decrease(4.45)(3.80)(1.89)(1.82)

Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the portfolio of assets and liabilities. These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their repricing characteristics during periods of changes in market interest rates. Effective interest rate sensitivity management seeks to ensure that both assets and liabilities respond to changes in interest rates on a net basis within an acceptable timeframe, thereby minimizing the potentially adverse effect of interest rate changes on net interest revenue.
 
We have discretion in the extent and timing of deposit repricing depending upon the competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate. Changes in the mix of earning assets or supporting liabilities can either increase or decrease the net interest margin without affecting interest rate sensitivity. The interest rate spread between an asset and its supporting liability can vary significantly even when the timing of repricing for both the asset and the liability remains the same, due to the two instruments repricing according to different indices. This is commonly referred to as basis risk.
 
Derivative financial instruments are used to manage interest rate sensitivity. These contracts generally consist of interest rate swaps under which we pay a variable rate (or fixed rate, as the case may be) and receive a fixed rate (or variable rate, as the case may be). In addition, investment securities and wholesale funding strategies are used to manage interest rate risk.

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Derivative financial instruments that are designated as accounting hedges are classified as either cash flow or fair value hedges. The change in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. Fair value hedges recognize in earnings both the effect of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument and the offsetting effect of the change in fair value of the hedged asset or liability associated with the particular risk of that asset or liability being hedged. We have other derivative financial instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges, but are used for interest rate risk management purposes and as effective economic hedges. Derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as accounting hedges are marked to market through earnings.
 
Our policy requires all non-customer derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions, positions or risks, and not for trading or speculative purposes. Management believes that the risk associated with using derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk sensitivity is appropriately monitored and controlled and will not have any material adverse effect on financial condition or results of operations. In order to mitigate potential credit risk, from time to time we may require the counterparties to derivative contracts to pledge cash and/or securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.
 
ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
The consolidated financial statements of the registrant and report of independent registered public accounting firm are included herein on the pages that follow.
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The management of United Community Banks, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and affected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
•Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
•Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
•Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, we used the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management also conducted an assessment of requirements pertaining to Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act. This section relates to management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, including controls over the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) and in compliance with laws and regulations. Our evaluation included a review of the documentation of controls, evaluations of the design of the internal control system and tests of the effectiveness of internal controls.

Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2021, United Community Banks, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

 
/s/ H. Lynn Harton /s/ Jefferson L. Harralson 
H. Lynn Harton Jefferson L. Harralson 
President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and 
 Chief Financial Officer 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of United Community Banks, Inc.


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income (loss), of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for credit losses on financial instruments in 2020.

Basis for Opinions

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

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

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

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management's assessment and our audit of United Community Banks, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting also included controls over the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

As described in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the allowance for credit losses – loans and leases (collectively referred to as “loans”) represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses for the remaining estimated life of loans and leases. As of December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses - loans was $103 million. Management determines the allowance for credit losses - loans using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Expected credit losses were estimated using a regression model based on historical data from peer banks which incorporates a third party vendor’s economic forecast to predict the change in credit losses. The allowance for credit losses - loans is calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology at the loan level, with loss rates, prepayment assumptions, and curtailment assumptions driven by each loan’s collateral type. As of December 31, 2021, the Company applied qualitative factors to the model output for the income producing commercial real estate and equipment finance portfolios.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the allowance for credit losses - loans is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when estimating expected credit losses, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence relating to the qualitative factors applied to the model output for the income producing commercial real estate and equipment finance portfolios and (ii) the audit effort involved use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the Company’s allowance for credit losses - loans estimation process, including controls over the qualitative factors applied to the model output for the income producing commercial real estate and equipment finance portfolios. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for determining the allowance for credit losses - loans, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of management’s methodology, (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used by management, and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the qualitative factors applied to the model output for the income producing real estate and equipment finance portfolios. Professionals with specialized skill
and knowledge were used to assist in testing management’s process for determining the allowance for credit losses - loans, evaluating the appropriateness of management’s methodology, and evaluating the reasonableness of the qualitative factors applied to the model output.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2022

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands, except share data)
 20212020
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$144,244 $148,896 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks2,147,266 1,459,723 
Federal funds and other short-term investments27,000 — 
Cash and cash equivalents2,318,510 1,608,619 
Debt securities available-for-sale4,496,824 3,224,721 
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $1,148,804 and $437,193, respectively)
1,156,098 420,361 
Loans held for sale at fair value44,109 105,433 
Loans and leases held for investment11,760,346 11,370,815 
Less allowance for credit losses - loans and leases(102,532)(137,010)
Loans and leases, net11,657,814 11,233,805 
Premises and equipment, net245,296 218,489 
Bank owned life insurance217,713 201,969 
Accrued interest receivable42,999 47,672 
Net deferred tax asset41,322 38,411 
Derivative financial instruments42,480 86,666 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net472,407 381,823 
Other assets211,199 226,405 
Total assets$20,946,771 $17,794,374 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand$6,956,981 $5,390,291 
Interest-bearing deposits11,284,198 9,842,067 
Total deposits18,241,179 15,232,358 
Long-term debt247,360 326,956 
Derivative financial instruments25,145 29,003 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities210,842 198,527 
Total liabilities18,724,526 15,786,844 
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized; Series I, $25,000 per share liquidation
  preference; 4,000 shares issued and outstanding
96,422 96,422 
Common stock, $1 par value; 200,000,000 and 150,000,000 shares authorized, respectively;
89,349,826 and 86,675,279 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
89,350 86,675 
Common stock issuable; 595,705 and 600,834 shares, respectively
11,288 10,855 
Capital surplus1,721,007 1,638,999 
Retained earnings330,654 136,869 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(26,476)37,710 
Total shareholders’ equity2,222,245 2,007,530 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$20,946,771 $17,794,374 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands, except per share data)
202120202019
Interest revenue:   
Loans, including fees$505,734 $494,212 $476,039 
Investment securities:
Taxable61,994 55,031 69,920 
Tax exempt8,978 7,043 4,564 
Deposits in banks and short-term investments2,088 1,710 2,183 
Total interest revenue578,794 557,996 552,706 
Interest expense:
Deposits14,845 41,772 66,856 
Short-term borrowings— 3 838 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances3 28 2,697 
Long-term debt14,912 14,434 12,921 
Total interest expense29,760 56,237 83,312 
Net interest revenue549,034 501,759 469,394 
(Release of) provision for credit losses(37,550)80,434 13,150 
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses586,584 421,325 456,244 
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees33,868 32,401 36,797 
Mortgage loan gains and related fees58,446 76,087 27,145 
Wealth management fees18,998 9,240 6,150 
Gains from other loan sales, net11,267 5,420 6,867 
Other lending and loan servicing fees9,427 8,028 4,054 
Securities gains (losses), net83 748 (1,021)
Other25,729 24,185 24,721 
Total noninterest income157,818 156,109 104,713 
Total revenue744,402 577,434 560,957 
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits241,443 224,060 196,440 
Occupancy28,619 25,791 23,350 
Communications and equipment29,829 27,149 24,613 
Professional fees20,589 18,032 17,028 
Lending and loan servicing expense10,859 10,993 9,416 
Outside services - electronic banking9,481 7,513 7,020 
Postage, printing and supplies7,110 6,779 6,370 
Advertising and public relations5,910 15,203 6,170 
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges7,398 5,982 4,901 
Amortization of intangibles4,045 4,168 4,938 
Merger-related and other charges13,970 7,018 6,907 
Other17,386 15,301 15,092 
Total noninterest expenses396,639 367,989 322,245 
Income before income taxes347,763 209,445 238,712 
Income tax expense77,962 45,356 52,991 
Net income$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 
Net income available to common shareholders$261,269 $159,269 $184,346 
Income per common share:
Basic$2.97 $1.91 $2.31 
Diluted2.97 1.91 2.31 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic87,940 83,184 79,700 
Diluted88,097 83,248 79,708 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands, except per share data)
 202120202019
 Before-tax AmountTax (Expense) BenefitNet of Tax AmountBefore-tax AmountTax (Expense) BenefitNet of Tax AmountBefore-tax AmountTax (Expense) BenefitNet of Tax Amount
Net income$347,763 $(77,962)$269,801 $209,445 $(45,356)$164,089 $238,712 $(52,991)$185,721 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains(92,231)23,294 (68,937)39,385 (9,514)29,871 64,749 (15,696)49,053 
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses recognized in net income(83)(46)(129)(748)191 (557)1,021 (247)774 
Net unrealized (losses) gains(92,314)23,248 (69,066)38,637 (9,323)29,314 65,770 (15,943)49,827 
Amortization of losses included in net income on available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity— — — 723 (173)550 383 (92)291 
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Amortization of losses included in net income on terminated derivative financial instruments previously accounted for as cash flow hedges— — — — — — 337 (86)251 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on derivatives3,837 (979)2,858 (149)38 (111)— — — 
Reclassification of losses on derivative instruments recognized in net income608 (156)452 359 (91)268 — — — 
Net cash flow hedge activity4,445 (1,135)3,310 210 (53)157 337 (86)251 
Defined benefit pension plan activity:
Termination of defined benefit pension plan— — — — — — 1,558 (398)1,160 
Amendments to defined benefit pension plans— — — — — — (386)99 (287)
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plans1,066 (273)793 (1,804)461 (1,343)(2,390)610 (1,780)
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost for defined benefit pension plans1,044 (267)777 857 (219)638 699 (178)521 
Net defined benefit pension plan activity2,110 (540)1,570 (947)242 (705)(519)133 (386)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(85,759)21,573 (64,186)38,623 (9,307)29,316 65,971 (15,988)49,983 
Comprehensive income$262,004 $(56,389)$205,615 $248,068 $(54,663)$193,405 $304,683 $(68,979)$235,704 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands except share data) 
Shares of Common StockPreferred StockCommon StockCommon Stock IssuableCapital SurplusRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
December 31, 201879,234,077 $— $79,234 $10,744 $1,499,584 $(90,419)$(41,589)$1,457,554 
Net income185,721 185,721 
Other comprehensive income49,983 49,983 
Purchases of common stock(500,495)(500)(12,520)(13,020)
Common stock dividends ($0.68 per share)
(54,601)(54,601)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards122,100 122 1,476 6,532 8,130 
Impact of other equity plans158,047 158 (729)3,045 2,474 
Adoption of new accounting standard(549)(549)
December 31, 201979,013,729 — 79,014 11,491 1,496,641 40,152 8,394 1,635,692 
Net income164,089 164,089 
Other comprehensive income29,316 29,316 
Issuance of preferred stock96,422 96,422 
Common stock issued for acquisitions8,130,633 8,131 155,458 163,589 
Purchases of common stock(826,482)(827)(19,955)(20,782)
Preferred stock dividends(3,533)(3,533)
Common stock dividends ($0.72 per share)
(60,310)(60,310)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards202,437 202 1,120 4,764 6,086 
Impact of other equity plans154,962 155 (1,756)2,091 490 
Adoption of new accounting standard(3,529)(3,529)
December 31, 202086,675,279 96,422 86,675 10,855 1,638,999 136,869 37,710 2,007,530 
Net income269,801 269,801 
Other comprehensive loss(64,186)(64,186)
Common stock issued for acquisitions2,863,734 2,864 92,661 95,525 
Purchases of common stock(492,744)(493)(14,608)(15,101)
Preferred stock dividends(6,876)(6,876)
Common stock dividends ($0.78 per share)
(69,140)(69,140)
Impact of equity-based compensation awards224,706 225 1,061 2,406 3,692 
Impact of other equity plans78,851 79 (628)1,549 1,000 
December 31, 202189,349,826 $96,422 $89,350 $11,288 $1,721,007 $330,654 $(26,476)$2,222,245 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
71

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands)
 202120202019
Operating activities:   
Net income$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net(2,063)(8,586)23,952 
(Release of) provision for credit losses(37,550)80,434 13,150 
Stock-based compensation6,554 7,887 9,360 
Deferred income tax expense20,787 2,668 14,909 
Securities (gains) losses, net(83)(748)1,021 
Gains from other loan sales, net(11,267)(5,420)(6,867)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in other assets and accrued interest receivable53,416 (20,139)(45,789)
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities(1,599)(14,783)(1,975)
Decrease (increase) in loans held for sale61,324 (46,721)(39,549)
Net cash provided by operating activities359,320 158,681 153,933 
Investing activities:
Debt securities held-to-maturity:
Proceeds from maturities and calls68,319 57,981 50,379 
Purchases(806,405)(157,465)(59,629)
Debt securities available-for-sale and equity securities with readily determinable fair values:
Proceeds from sales288,986 40,625 352,106 
Proceeds from maturities and calls974,721 834,725 349,758 
Purchases(2,587,420)(1,456,311)(294,245)
Net decrease (increase) in loans178,234 (1,069,089)(205,612)
Equity investments, outflows(15,595)(15,885)— 
Equity investments, inflows8,481 401 — 
Net cash received in (paid for) acquisitions103,065 195,699 (19,545)
Purchases of premises and equipment(26,483)(18,462)(20,944)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment4,247 903 6,595 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned3,290 1,074 2,439 
Other investing outflows(610)— — 
Other investing inflows767 5,241 1,916 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(1,806,403)(1,580,563)163,218 
Financing activities:
Net increase in deposits2,353,451 2,534,471 151,401 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances10,000 5,000 1,625,000 
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances(34,509)(134,121)(1,785,000)
Repayment of long-term debt(80,632)— (55,266)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs— 98,552 — 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans506 1,317 2,193 
Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants231 — 212 
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes related to equity instruments(3,182)(3,119)(1,686)
Repurchase of common stock(15,101)(20,782)(13,020)
Proceeds from issuance of Series I preferred stock, net of issuance costs— 96,422 — 
Cash dividends on common stock(66,914)(58,912)(53,044)
Cash dividends on preferred stock(6,876)(3,533)— 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities2,156,974 2,515,295 (129,210)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents709,891 1,093,413 187,941 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year1,608,619 515,206 327,265 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$2,318,510 $1,608,619 $515,206 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

See the Glossary of Defined Terms at the beginning of this Report for terms used herein. The accounting principles followed by United and the methods of applying these principles conform with GAAP and with general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the significant policies.
 
Organization and Basis of Presentation
The Holding Company is a bank holding company under the BHC Act and, as of July 1, 2021, a financial holding company under the GLB Act. Financial holding company status allows for engagement in a broader range of financial activities. Prior to that the Holding Company was a bank holding company. The Holding Company’s principal business is conducted by its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiary, United Community Bank. United is subject to regulation under the BHC Act. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Holding Company, the Bank and other wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Effective July 1, 2021, the Bank moved its headquarters from Blairsville, Georgia to Greenville, South Carolina and became a South Carolina state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the SCBFI. Prior to that date, the Bank was a Georgia state-chartered bank subject to examination and reporting requirements of the GADBF. The Bank serves both rural and metropolitan markets in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida and provides a full range of banking services. The Bank is insured by and subject to the regulation of the FDIC.
 
Use of Estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the years then ended. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the ACL, the valuation of acquired loans, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, and the valuation of deferred tax assets.
 
Operating Segments
Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. Public companies are required to report certain financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial statements. United’s community banking operations are divided among geographic regions and local community banks within those regions. Those regions and banks have similar economic characteristics and are therefore considered to be one operating segment.
 
Additionally, management assessed other operating units to determine if they should be classified and reported as segments, including Mortgage, Wealth Management and Commercial Banking Solutions. Qualitatively, these business units are primarily operating in the same geographic footprint as the community banks and face many of the same customers as the community banks. While the chief operating decision maker does have some limited production information for these entities, that information is not complete since it does not include a full allocation of revenue, costs and capital from key corporate functions. The business units are currently viewed more as a product line extension of the community banks. However, management will continue to evaluate these business units for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change.
 
Based on this analysis, United concluded that it has one operating and reportable segment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, federal funds sold, commercial paper, reverse repurchase agreements and short-term investments and are carried at cost. Federal funds are generally sold for one-day periods, interest-bearing deposits in banks are available on demand and commercial paper investments and reverse repurchase agreements mature within a period of less than 90 days.

Investment Securities
Debt Securities: Debt securities are classified as HTM and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as AFS when they may be sold before maturity. AFS securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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

Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer. Unrealized holding gains or losses associated with transfers of securities from AFS to HTM are included in the balance of AOCI in the consolidated balance sheets. These unrealized holding gains or losses are amortized/accreted into income over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to the yield in a manner consistent with the amortization or accretion of the original purchase premium or discount on the associated security.

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

United implemented CECL upon adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020. The CECL framework requires an estimate of expected credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The following discussion provides a description of the methodology applied to calculate the ACL under CECL. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, management evaluated securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warranted such evaluation.

ACL - HTM Debt Securities: Management measures current expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of current expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the HTM portfolio into the following major security types: U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government agencies and GSEs, state and political subdivisions, residential mortgage-backed, agency and GSEs, commercial mortgage-backed, agency and GSEs and supranational entities. Accrued interest receivable on HTM debt is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

All of the residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities held by United as HTM are issued by U.S. Government agencies and GSEs. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. The state and political subdivision securities are highly rated by major rating agencies.

ACL - AFS Debt Securities: For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, United first assesses whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, United evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any amount of unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income. Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Changes in the ACL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Equity securities: Equity securities are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Those with readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Those without readily determinable fair values include, among others, FHLB stock held to meet FHLB requirements related to outstanding advances and CRA equity investments, including those where the returns are primarily derived from LIHTC. FHLB stock, which totaled $9.23 million at December 31, 2021, is accounted for using the cost method of accounting. LIHTC investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method of accounting for qualified affordable housing investments which results in the amortization
74
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
being reported as a component of income tax expense. Obligations related to unfunded commitments for LIHTC investments are reported in other liabilities. Other CRA investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As conditions warrant, management reviews investments for impairment and adjusts the carrying value of the investment if it is deemed to be impaired.

Loans Held for Sale
United has elected the fair value option for mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them.

Loans and Leases
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the life of the loan.

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

PCD Loans (CECL): In acquisitions, United may acquire loans, some of which have experienced more than insignificant credit deterioration since origination. In those cases, United will consider internal loan grades, delinquency status and other relevant factors in assessing whether purchased loans are PCD. PCD loans are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date. An initial ACL is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment and recognized as an adjustment to the acquisition price of the asset; thus, the sum of the loan's purchase price and ACL becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent to initial recognition, PCD loans are subject to the same interest income recognition and impairment model as non-PCD loans, with changes to the ACL recorded through provision expense.

Nonaccrual Loans: The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectable in the normal course of business. A loan may continue to accrue interest after 90 days if it is well collateralized and in the process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. During 2020 and 2021, United granted loan payment deferrals in accordance with the CARES Act and interagency guidance for certain borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the temporary payment deferral period, these loans are not considered past due.

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

TDRs: A loan for which the terms have been modified resulting in a more than insignificant concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, is generally considered to be a TDR. Modified terms that result in a TDR include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, an extension of the amortization period
75
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
that would not otherwise be considered in the current market for new debt with similar risk characteristics; a restructuring of the borrower’s debt into an “A/B note structure” in which the A note would fall within the borrower’s ability to pay and the remainder would be included in the B note; a mandated bankruptcy restructuring; or interest-only payment terms greater than 90 days where the borrower is unable to amortize the loan.

Collateral dependent TDRs that subsequently default or are placed on nonaccrual are charged down to the fair value of the collateral consistent with United’s policy for nonaccrual loans. 

In accordance with the CARES Act, United implemented loan modification programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide borrowers with flexibility with respect to repayment terms. These loan modifications were not considered TDRs to the extent that the borrower was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and was not more than 30 days past due at December 31, 2019, or in certain circumstances, at the time that the COVID-19 loan modification program was implemented, unless the loan was previously classified as a TDR.

Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of United’s business activity is with customers located within the markets where it has banking operations. Therefore, United’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy within its markets. Approximately 73% of United’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and is therefore susceptible to changes in real estate valuations.

ACL- Loans
United implemented CECL upon adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020. The CECL framework requires an estimate of expected credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The following discussion provides a description of the methodology applied to calculate the ACL under CECL. The Incurred Loss method was utilized in periods prior to 2020 and is outlined in detail in our previously filed reports on Form 10-K.

The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Management determines the ACL balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit behaviors along with model judgments provide the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to modeled loss estimates may be made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in economic conditions, property values, or other relevant factors. For the majority of loans and leases the ACL is calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology applied at a loan level with a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period and a two-year straight-line reversion period.

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

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

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

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

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

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Equipment financing - Risks associated with equipment financing are similar to those described for commercial and industrial loans, including general economic conditions, as well as appropriate lien priority on equipment, equipment obsolescence and the general mobility of the collateral.

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

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

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

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

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

When the discounted cash flow method is used to determine the ACL, management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. The ACL on a TDR is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment, except that the original interest rate is used to discount the expected cash flows, not the rate specified within the restructuring.

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

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

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The range of estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements is 10 to 40 years, for land improvements, 10 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3 to 10 years. United periodically reviews the carrying value of premises and equipment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.
 
Foreclosed Properties (Other Real Estate Owned)
Foreclosed property is initially recorded at fair value, less cost to sell. If the fair value, less cost to sell at the time of foreclosure is less than the loan balance, the deficiency is recorded as a loan charge-off against the ACL. If the fair value, less cost to sell, of the foreclosed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to operating expenses. When the foreclosed property is sold, a gain or loss is recognized on the sale for the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the property.
 
77
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits from other assets acquired that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred, net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances exist that indicate a goodwill impairment test should be performed.
 
Other intangible assets, which are initially recorded at fair value, consist of core deposit and customer list intangibles resulting from acquisitions. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the sum-of-the-years-digits method. Customer list intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.

Management evaluates other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
 
Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from United, the transferee obtains the right, free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right, to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and United does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity.
 
Servicing Rights
United records a separate servicing asset for SBA loans, USDA loans, and residential mortgage loans when the loan is sold but servicing is retained. This asset represents the right to service the loans and receive a fee in compensation. Servicing assets are initially recorded at their fair value as a component of the sale proceeds. The fair value of the servicing assets is based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs, (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins. Servicing assets are included in other assets.
 
United has elected to subsequently measure the servicing assets for government guaranteed loans and residential mortgage loans at fair value. The rate of prepayment of loans serviced is the most significant estimate involved in the measurement process. Estimates of prepayment rates are based on market expectations of future prepayment rates, industry trends, and other considerations. Actual prepayment rates will differ from those projected by management due to changes in a variety of economic factors, including prevailing interest rates and the availability of alternative financing sources to borrowers. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more quickly than projected, the carrying value of servicing assets might have to be written down through a charge to earnings in the current period. If actual prepayments of the loans being serviced were to occur more slowly than had been projected, the carrying value of servicing assets could increase, and servicing income would exceed previously projected amounts.

United accounts for the servicing liabilities associated with sold equipment financing loans using the amortization method. Servicing liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities.
 
BOLI
United has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and members of management. United has also received life insurance policies on members of acquired bank management teams through acquisitions of other banks. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Operating Leases
United records a ROU asset, included in other assets, and a related lease liability, included in other liabilities, for eligible operating leases for which it is the lessee, which include leases for land, buildings, and equipment. At lease commencement, United records the ROU asset and related lease liability based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Absent a readily determinable interest rate in the lease agreement, United utilizes the Bank’s incremental borrowing rate for secured borrowings as the discount rate used in the present value calculation. Payments related to these leases consist primarily of base rent and, in the case of building leases, additional operating costs associated with the leased property such as common area maintenance and utilities. In most cases these operating costs vary over the term of the lease, and therefore are classified as variable lease costs, which are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statement of income. In addition, certain operating leases include costs such as property taxes and insurance, which are recognized as incurred in the consolidated statement of
78
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
income. Many of United’s operating leases contain renewal options, which are included in the measurement of the ROU asset and lease liability to the extent they are reasonably certain to be exercised. United also subleases and leases certain real estate properties to third parties under operating leases. United does not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset on the consolidated balance sheet related to short-term leases with a term of less than one year. Lease payments for short-term leases are recognized as expense over the lease term.
 
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments
Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In addition to lending and related activities, United offers various services to customers that generate revenue, certain of which are governed by ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. United’s services that fall within the scope of this topic are presented within noninterest income and include service charges and fees, wealth management fees, and other transaction-based fees. Revenue is recognized when the transactions occur or as services are performed over primarily monthly or quarterly periods. Payment is typically received in the period the transactions occur. Fees may be fixed or, where applicable, based on a percentage of transaction size.

Income Taxes
DTAs and DTLs are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. DTAs and DTLs are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on DTAs and DTLs is recognized in income tax expense during the period that includes the enactment date.
 
In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities results in DTAs, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the DTA when it is more likely than not that some or all of the DTA will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of the DTAs, management considers the scheduled reversals of DTLs, projected future taxable earnings and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Management weighs both the positive and negative evidence, giving more weight to evidence that can be objectively verified.
 
The income tax benefit or expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in DTAs and DTLs.
 
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.
 
United recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
United’s interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize fluctuations in net income that are caused by interest rate volatility. The objective is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that net interest revenue and certain interest sensitive components of noninterest revenue are not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements in interest rates. United views this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate risk, such that net income is not exposed to undue risk presented by changes in interest rates. In carrying out this part of its interest rate risk management strategy, management uses derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed- and variable-rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date. United has also occasionally used interest rate caps to serve as an economic macro hedge of exposure to rising interest rates.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
United originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, the Company is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments which are entered into as part of an economic hedging strategy to manage exposure related to mortgage loans held for sale.

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

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

United assesses hedge effectiveness at inception and over the life of the hedge. Management documents, at inception, its analysis of actual and expected hedge effectiveness. This analysis includes techniques such as regression analysis and hypothetical derivatives to demonstrate that the hedge is expected to be highly effective in offsetting corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. At least quarterly thereafter, the terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item are assessed to determine whether a material change has occurred relating to the hedge relationship. If it is determined that a change has occurred, a quantitative analysis as described will occur to determine whether the hedge is expected to be highly effective in offsetting future corresponding changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. For a qualifying fair value hedge, the changes in the value of derivatives are recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. For a qualifying cash flow hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives that have been highly effective are recognized in other comprehensive income until the related cash flows from the hedged item are recognized in earnings. 

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

By using derivative instruments, United is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is represented by the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this situation generally indicates that the counterparty is obligated to pay United, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for United. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, United is obligated to pay the counterparty and, therefore, has no repayment risk. United minimizes the credit risk in non-customer derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by management. United also requires non-customer counterparties to pledge cash as collateral to cover the net exposure. All new non-customer derivatives that can be cleared are cleared through a central clearinghouse, which reduces counterparty exposure. 

Derivative activities are monitored by the ALCO as part its oversight of asset/liability and treasury functions. The ALCO is responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through its analysis of data from financial simulation
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are then incorporated into the overall interest-rate risk management process.

Acquisition Activities
United accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured and recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets. If the fair value of net assets purchased exceeds the fair value of consideration paid, a bargain purchase gain is recognized at the date of acquisition. Conversely, if the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, goodwill is recognized at the acquisition date. Fair values are subject to refinement for a period not to exceed one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

Fair values for acquired loans are generally based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers credit loss expectations, market interest rates and other market factors such as liquidity from the perspective of a market participant. Loans are grouped together according to similar characteristics and are generally treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. The probability of default, loss given default and prepayment assumptions are the key factors driving credit losses which are embedded into the estimated cash flows. These assumptions are informed by internal data on loan characteristics, historical loss experience, and current and forecasted economic conditions. The interest and liquidity component of the estimate is determined by discounting interest and principal cash flows through the expected life of each loan. The discount rates used for loans are based on current market rates for new originations of comparable loans and include adjustments for liquidity. The discount rate does not include a factor for credit losses as that has been included as a reduction to the estimated cash flows. For additional information about the accounting for purchased loans see PCD Loans (CECL) under the Loans and Leases section of this footnote.

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

Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Additionally, shares issuable to participants in United’s deferred compensation plan are considered to be participating securities for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Accordingly, net income available to common shareholders is calculated pursuant to the two-class method, whereby net income after subtracting preferred stock dividends is allocated between common shareholders and participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential shares of common stock issuable under stock options, unvested restricted stock units without nonforfeitable rights to dividends, warrants and securities convertible into common stock. 

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

Dividend Restrictions
Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company or by the Holding Company to shareholders. As a South Carolina state-chartered bank, the Bank is permitted to pay a dividend of up to 100% of its current year earnings without requesting approval of the SCBFI, provided certain conditions are met. Prior to July 1, 2021, as a Georgia state-chartered bank, the Board could declare dividends from the Bank to the Holding Company out of retained earnings of up to fifty percent of the Bank’s net income from the previous year without notifying or seeking approval from the GADBF, provided certain conditions were met. 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions as more fully disclosed in Note 14. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. 

Stock-Based Compensation
United uses the fair value method of recognizing expense for stock-based compensation based on the fair value of option and restricted stock unit awards at the date of grant. United accounts for forfeitures as they occur. 

(2) Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards

Recently Adopted Standards

In August 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-06, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Financial Services - Depository and Lending (Topic 942) and Financial Services - Investment Companies (Topic 946): August 2021 Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10786, Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses, and No. 33-10835, Update of Statistical Disclosures for Bank and Savings and Loan Registrants. Among other things, this update eliminates redundancies for items covered elsewhere in GAAP, such as loan category presentation. United adopted this update immediately, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements. In addition to consolidating existing disclosure guidance into a single codification section to reduce the likelihood of a required disclosure being missed, this update clarifies the application of select guidance in cases where the original guidance may have been unclear. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. This update clarifies that an entity should reevaluate whether a callable debt security meets the criteria to adjust the amortization period of any related premium at each reporting period. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This update clarifies whether an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative and how to account for certain forward contracts and purchased options to purchase securities. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This update removes several exceptions related to intraperiod tax allocation when there is a loss from continuing operations and income from other items, foreign subsidiaries becoming equity method investments and vice versa, and calculating income taxes in an interim period when a year-to-date loss exceeds the anticipated loss for the year. The guidance also amends requirements related to franchise tax that is partially based on income, a step up in the tax basis of goodwill, allocation of consolidated tax expense to a legal entity not subject to tax in its separate financial statements, the effects of enacted changes in tax laws and other minor codification improvements regarding employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The update removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies specific requirements of disclosures, and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. United adopted this update as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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

Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2021
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from contracts with Customers. The update requires that an acquiring entity apply the guidance from Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination, rather than fair value. For public entities, this guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted, and requires prospective application. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments. The update amends the lease classification requirements for lessors to align them with practice under the former lease accounting standard. Specifically, lessors should classify a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or rate as an operating lease if certain criteria are met. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2022 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

(3)    Acquisitions

The following note details acquisitions accounted for as business combinations during the periods covered by this Report. Accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are presented at fair value as of the acquisition date. The determination of fair value requires management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. Goodwill is established when the fair value of consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair values are considered preliminary for a period not to exceed one year after the acquisition date and are subject to refinement as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

FinTrust
On July 6, 2021, United completed the acquisition of FinTrust, an investment advisory firm headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, with additional locations in Anderson, South Carolina, and Athens and Macon, Georgia. The firm provides wealth and investment management services to individuals and institutions within its markets. United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021 include FinTrust’s operating results for the period subsequent to the acquisition date.

FinTrust shareholders received $21.7 million in total consideration, which consisted of $4.40 million (132,299 shares) of United common stock, $9.62 million in cash paid at closing, $4.40 million in cash payable due on the first anniversary of the acquisition date and $3.30 million of contingent consideration. The contingent consideration represents an earn-out payment due to the sellers of FinTrust on the second anniversary of the acquisition date. The earn-out payment is subject to the achievement of defined target revenue ratios during the two-year period following the acquisition date, which are expected to be fully achieved.

At acquisition, United recognized $22.8 million of assets and $1.10 million of liabilities. Assets recorded as a result of the acquisition included goodwill of $14.2 million and a customer relationship intangible of $7.53 million. Goodwill reflects the value of FinTrust’s broad array of products and services, which enhances United’s existing wealth management business. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. United is amortizing the related customer relationship intangible using the straight-line method over 15 years, which represents the expected useful life of the asset. In addition, United recognized right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities totaling $822,000 for FinTrust’s leased locations.
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(3)    Acquisitions, continued

Aquesta
On October 1, 2021, United completed the acquisition of Aquesta, a bank headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina, which operated a network of branches primarily located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of October 1, 2021.

The following table presents purchased assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their acquisition date fair values and consideration transferred as well as supplementary information related to the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date (in thousands). 
Aquesta
Fair Value Recorded by United
October 1, 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$153,091 
Debt securities60,762 
Loans498,312 
Premises and equipment18,112 
BOLI12,540 
Accrued interest receivable1,419 
Net deferred tax asset2,129 
Core deposit intangible2,030 
Other assets7,553 
Total assets acquired755,948 
Liabilities
Deposits657,724 
FHLB advances24,509 
Other liabilities12,084 
Total liabilities assumed694,317 
Total identifiable net assets61,631 
Consideration transferred
Cash40,542 
Common stock issued (2,731,435 shares)
89,646 
Option and warrant equity instruments converted1,478 
Total fair value of consideration transferred131,666 
Goodwill$70,035 
Supplementary Information on Acquired Loans
October 1, 2021
PCD loans:
Par Value$75,579 
ACL at acquisition(3,544)
Non-credit discount(692)
Purchase price$71,343 
Non-PCD loans:
Fair value$426,969 
Gross contractual amounts receivable482,737 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected3,399 

Goodwill represents the intangible value of Aquesta’s business and reputation within the markets it served and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Aquesta core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method. 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(3)    Acquisitions, continued

Three Shores
On July 1, 2020, United completed the acquisition of Three Shores, including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Seaside, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Seaside operated a 14-branch network located in key Florida metropolitan markets.

The following table presents purchased assets and assumed liabilities recorded at their acquisition date fair values and consideration transferred as well as supplementary information related to the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date (in thousands)
Three Shores
Fair Value Recorded by United
July 1, 2020
Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents$219,807 
Debt securities381,740 
Loans1,427,966 
Premises and equipment1,584 
Accrued interest receivable7,681 
Derivative assets11,800 
Net deferred tax asset15,061 
Core deposit intangible3,360 
Other assets65,340 
Total assets acquired2,134,339 
Liabilities
Deposits1,802,694 
FHLB advances and long-term debt144,121 
Derivative liabilities12,165 
Other liabilities28,046 
Total liabilities assumed1,987,026 
Total identifiable net assets147,313 
Consideration transferred
Cash24,108 
Common stock issued (8,130,633 shares)
163,589 
Total fair value of consideration transferred187,697 
Goodwill$40,384 
Supplementary Information on Acquired Loans
July 1, 2020
PCD loans: 
Par Value$283,137 
ACL at acquisition(11,152)
Non-credit discount(8,694)
Purchase price$263,291 
 
Non-PCD loans:
Fair value$1,164,675 
Gross contractual amounts receivable1,358,793 
Estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected76,503 

Goodwill represents the intangible value of Three Shores’ business and reputation within the markets it served and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Three Shores core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, within the one-year measurement period, United received additional information regarding acquisition date money market fund balances held by third party investment brokers and accrued interest receivable on certain debt securities and loans. As a result, the provisional fair values assigned to acquired cash and cash equivalents and accrued
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(3)    Acquisitions, continued

interest receivable increased by $1.09 million and $116,000, respectively. As a result of these adjustments, goodwill was reduced by $1.21 million. These adjustments are reflected in the fair values presented in the table above.

Pro forma information - unaudited
 
The following table discloses the impact of the mergers with Aquesta, FinTrust, Three Shores and the 2019 acquisition of FMBT since the respective acquisition dates through December 31 of the year of acquisition. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if Aquesta and FinTrust had been acquired on January 1, 2020, Three Shores had been acquired January 1, 2019 and FMBT had been acquired on January 1, 2018. These results combine the historical results of the acquired entities with United’s consolidated statements of income and, while adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place in earlier years.

For purposes of pro forma information, merger-related costs incurred in the year of acquisition are excluded from the actual acquisition year results and included in the pro forma acquisition year results. As a result, merger-related costs related to the acquisitions of Aquesta and FinTrust of $9.00 million and $518,000, respectively, are reflected in 2020 pro forma information and merger-related costs related to the acquisition of Three Shores of $5.04 million are reflected in 2019 pro forma information. Merger-related costs related to the acquisition of FMBT of $2.02 million were previously reported in 2018 pro forma information, which is not presented in the following table.

The following table presents the actual results and pro forma information for the periods indicated (in thousands).
(Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
 RevenueNet Income
2021  
Actual Aquesta results included in statement of income since acquisition date$2,122 $(282)
Actual FinTrust results included in statement of income since acquisition date4,326 (26)
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Aquesta and FinTrust had been acquired January 1, 2020771,289 279,568 
2020
Actual Three Shores results included in statement of income since acquisition date$24,541 $6,800 
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Aquesta and FinTrust had been acquired January 1, 2020 and Three Shores had been acquired January 1, 2019622,848 164,284 
2019
Actual FMBT results included in statement of income since acquisition date$7,525 $4,053 
Supplemental consolidated pro forma as if Three Shores had been acquired on January 1, 2019 and FMBT had been acquired January 1, 2018636,079 210,232 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(4) Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The supplemental schedule of cash and noncash activities for the periods indicated is as follows (in thousands).

202120202019
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest$32,000 $59,967 $85,973 
Income taxes paid55,754 36,536 33,776 
Significant non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Transfers of loans to foreclosed properties1,849 822 1,173 
Unsettled sales of government guaranteed loans— — 8,194 
Acquisitions:
Assets acquired848,806 2,174,723 264,937 
Liabilities assumed695,420 1,987,026 212,844 
Net assets acquired153,386 187,697 52,093 
Value of common stock issued94,046 163,589 — 
Other non-cash consideration (1)
9,178 — — 
(1) See Note 3, Acquisitions, for further detail.

(5) Investment Securities

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, securities with a carrying value of $1.46 billion and $1.11 billion, respectively, were pledged primarily to secure deposits.
 
The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of HTM debt securities as of the dates indicated are as follows (in thousands): 
 Amortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
As of December 31, 2021
U.S. Treasuries$19,803 $20 $— $19,823 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs70,180 — 1,121 69,059 
State and political subdivisions257,688 4,341 4,080 257,949 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE381,641 2,021 3,687 379,975 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE411,786 4,106 8,915 406,977 
Supranational entities15,000 21 — 15,021 
Total$1,156,098 $10,509 $17,803 $1,148,804 
As of December 31, 2020
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs$10,575 $26 $11 $10,590 
State and political subdivisions197,723 7,658 242 205,139 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE113,400 4,774 1 118,173 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE98,663 4,874 246 103,291 
Total$420,361 $17,332 $500 $437,193 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(5) Investment Securities, continued

The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS debt securities as of the dates indicated are as follows (in thousands):
 Amortized CostGross Unrealized GainsGross Unrealized LossesFair Value
As of December 31, 2021
U.S. Treasuries$218,027 $1,661 $2,168 $217,520 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs189,855 605 3,428 187,032 
State and political subdivisions263,269 15,237 2,662 275,844 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE2,079,700 9,785 28,521 2,060,964 
Residential MBS, Non-agency81,925 2,249 4 84,170 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE870,563 2,974 16,156 857,381 
Commercial MBS, Non-agency15,202 1,268 — 16,470 
Corporate bonds194,164 814 1,812 193,166 
Asset-backed securities603,824 2,000 1,547 604,277 
Total$4,516,529 $36,593 $56,298 $4,496,824 
As of December 31, 2020
U.S. Treasuries$123,677 $4,395 $— $128,072 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs152,596 701 325 152,972 
State and political subdivisions253,630 20,891 49 274,472 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE1,275,551 29,107 766 1,303,892 
Residential MBS, Non-agency174,322 7,499 128 181,693 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE524,852 8,013 597 532,268 
Commercial MBS, Non-agency15,350 1,513 — 16,863 
Corporate bonds70,057 1,711 1 71,767 
Asset-backed securities562,076 1,278 632 562,722 
Total$3,152,111 $75,108 $2,498 $3,224,721 
 
At year-end 2021 and 2020, there were no holdings of debt obligations of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.
 
The following summarizes HTM debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 Less than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss		Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss		Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss
As of December 31, 2021
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs$64,658 $888 $4,401 $233 $69,059 $1,121 
State and political subdivisions131,128 3,590 9,006 490 140,134 4,080 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE289,132 3,687 — — 289,132 3,687 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE314,049 8,540 10,384 375 324,433 8,915 
Total unrealized loss position$798,967 $16,705 $23,791 $1,098 $822,758 $17,803 
As of December 31, 2020
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs$4,677 $11 $— $— $4,677 $11 
State and political subdivisions14,870 242 — — 14,870 242 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE999 1 — — 999 1 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE24,956 236 1,352 10 26,308 246 
Total unrealized loss position$45,502 $490 $1,352 $10 $46,854 $500 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(5) Investment Securities, continued

The following summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 Less than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss		Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss		Fair ValueUnrealized
Loss
As of December 31, 2021
U.S. Treasuries$111,606 $2,168 $— $— $111,606 $2,168 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs132,893 2,591 20,093 837 152,986 3,428 
State and political subdivisions69,302 2,581 3,148 81 72,450 2,662 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE1,534,744 25,799 74,481 2,722 1,609,225 28,521 
Residential MBS, Non-agency12,608 4 — — 12,608 4 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE582,235 13,098 66,014 3,058 648,249 16,156 
Corporate bonds149,246 1,811 16 1 149,262 1,812 
Asset-backed securities195,164 1,546 571 1 195,735 1,547 
Total unrealized loss position$2,787,798 $49,598 $164,323 $6,700 $2,952,121 $56,298 
As of December 31, 2020
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs$27,952 $324 $607 $1 $28,559 $325 
State and political subdivisions9,402 49 — — 9,402 49 
Residential MBS, Agency & GSE232,199 766 — — 232,199 766 
Residential MBS, Non-agency2,331 128 — — 2,331 128 
Commercial MBS, Agency & GSE89,918 597 — — 89,918 597 
Corporate bonds1,410 1 — — 1,410 1 
Asset-backed securities87,305 28 53,587 604 140,892 632 
Total unrealized loss position$450,517 $1,893 $54,194 $605 $504,711 $2,498 
 
At December 31, 2021, there were 408 AFS debt securities and 94 HTM debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position. Management does not intend to sell nor believes it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at December 31, 2021 and 2020 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, calculated credit losses and, thus, the related ACL on HTM debt securities were de minimis due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which included securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies, GSEs, high credit quality municipalities and supranational entities. As a result, no ACL was recorded on the HTM portfolio at December 31, 2021 and 2020. In addition, based on the assessment performed as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no ACL required related to the AFS portfolio. See Note 1 for additional details on the ACL as it relates to the securities portfolio.

The following table presents accrued interest receivable for the periods indicated on HTM and AFS debt securities (in thousands), which was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Accrued Interest Receivable
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
HTM$3,596 $1,784 
AFS9,868 9,114 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(5) Investment Securities, continued

 
Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of the securities sold. The following summarizes securities sales activities for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 
 202120202019
Proceeds from sales$288,986 $40,625 $352,106 
Gross gains on sales$2,346 $748 $1,843 
Gross losses on sales(2,263)— (2,864)
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities$83 $748 $(1,021)
Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to sales$(46)$191 $(247)

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS and HTM debt securities at December 31, 2021, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. 
AFSHTM
Amortized CostFair ValueAmortized CostFair Value
Within 1 year:
U.S. Treasuries$54,974 $55,418 $— $— 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs87 87 — — 
State and political subdivisions15,008 15,247 5,200 5,324 
Corporate bonds2,657 2,657 — — 
72,726 73,409 5,200 5,324 
1 to 5 years:
U.S. Treasuries74,101 74,800 — — 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs22,946 22,798 — — 
State and political subdivisions33,290 34,711 8,762 9,548 
Corporate bonds100,553 99,958 — — 
230,890 232,267 8,762 9,548 
5 to 10 years:
U.S. Treasuries88,952 $87,302 $19,803 $19,823 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs79,812 77,606 31,962 31,578 
State and political subdivisions135,265 140,348 38,188 38,784 
Corporate bonds90,169 89,657 — — 
Supranational entities— — 15,000 15,021 
394,198 394,913 104,953 105,206 
More than 10 years:
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs87,010 86,541 38,218 37,481 
State and political subdivisions79,706 85,538 205,538 204,293 
Corporate bonds785 894 — — 
167,501 172,973 243,756 241,774 
Debt securities not due at a single maturity:
Asset-backed securities603,824 604,277 — — 
Residential MBS2,161,625 2,145,134 381,641 379,975 
Commercial MBS885,765 873,851 411,786 406,977 
Total$4,516,529 $4,496,824 $1,156,098 $1,148,804 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(6)    Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses

Major classifications of the loan and lease portfolio (collectively referred to as the “loan portfolio” or “loans”) are summarized as of the dates indicated as follows (in thousands):
 December 31,
 20212020
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,321,685 $2,090,443 
Income producing commercial real estate2,600,858 2,540,750 
Commercial & industrial(1)
1,910,162 2,498,560 
Commercial construction1,014,830 967,305 
Equipment financing1,083,021 863,830 
Total commercial8,930,556 8,960,888 
Residential mortgage1,637,885 1,284,920 
HELOC694,034 697,117 
Residential construction359,815 281,430 
Consumer138,056 146,460 
Total loans11,760,346 11,370,815 
Less ACL - loans(102,532)(137,010)
Loans, net$11,657,814 $11,233,805 
(1) Commercial and industrial loans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 included $88.3 million and $646 million of PPP loans, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $1.01 million and $2.18 million, respectively, in overdrawn deposit accounts were reclassified as consumer loans.

Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $28.5 million and $35.5 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2021, the loan portfolio was subject to blanket pledges on certain qualifying loan types with the FHLB to secure contingent funding sources.

The following table presents loans held for investment that were sold in the periods presented (in thousands). The gains and losses on these loan sales were included in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.
Loans Sold
202120202019
Guaranteed portion of SBA/USDA loans$90,903 $48,385 $81,158 
Equipment financing receivables59,097 27,018 30,952 
Indirect auto loans— — 102,789 
Total$150,000 $75,403 $214,899 

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, equipment financing assets included leases of $37.7 million and $36.8 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below (in thousands). 
December 31,
 20212020
Minimum future lease payments receivable$39,962 $38,934 
Estimated residual value of leased equipment3,216 3,263 
Initial direct costs669 672 
Security deposits(687)(727)
Purchase accounting premium— 117 
Unearned income(5,432)(5,457)
Net investment in leases$37,728 $36,802 
 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands): 
Year 
2022$15,667 
202311,601 
20247,100 
20254,136 
20261,369 
Thereafter89 
Total$39,962 

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
The following table presents the amortized cost basis in loans by aging category and accrual status as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands). Loans with active COVID-19 deferrals are not reported as past due to the extent they are in compliance with the deferral terms.
Accruing
 Loans Past Due  
Current Loans30 - 59 Days60 - 89 Days> 90 DaysNonaccrual LoansTotal Loans
As of December 31, 2021
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,318,944 $27 $— $— $2,714 $2,321,685 
Income producing commercial real estate2,593,124 146 — — 7,588 2,600,858 
Commercial & industrial1,903,730 584 419 — 5,429 1,910,162 
Commercial construction1,014,211 — 276 — 343 1,014,830 
Equipment financing1,079,180 1,415 685 — 1,741 1,083,021 
Total commercial8,909,189 2,172 1,380 — 17,815 8,930,556 
Residential mortgage1,622,754 1,583 235 — 13,313 1,637,885 
HELOC691,814 920 88 — 1,212 694,034 
Residential construction358,741 654 — — 420 359,815 
Consumer137,564 421 19 — 52 138,056 
Total loans$11,720,062 $5,750 $1,722 $— $32,812 $11,760,346 
As of December 31, 2020
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,079,845 $2,013 $3 $— $8,582 $2,090,443 
Income producing commercial real estate2,522,743 1,608 1,250 — 15,149 2,540,750 
Commercial & industrial2,480,483 1,176 267 — 16,634 2,498,560 
Commercial construction964,947 231 382 — 1,745 967,305 
Equipment financing856,985 2,431 1,009 — 3,405 863,830 
Total commercial8,905,003 7,459 2,911 — 45,515 8,960,888 
Residential mortgage1,265,019 5,549 1,494 — 12,858 1,284,920 
HELOC692,504 1,942 184 — 2,487 697,117 
Residential construction280,551 365 — — 514 281,430 
Consumer145,770 429 36 — 225 146,460 
Total loans$11,288,847 $15,744 $4,625 $— $61,599 $11,370,815 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

The following table presents nonaccrual loans by loan class for the periods indicated (in thousands). 
Nonaccrual loans
 December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
With no allowanceWith an allowanceTotalWith no allowanceWith an allowanceTotal
Owner occupied commercial real estate$2,141 $573 $2,714 $6,614 $1,968 $8,582 
Income producing commercial real estate6,873 715 7,588 10,008 5,141 15,149 
Commercial & industrial3,715 1,714 5,429 2,004 14,630 16,634 
Commercial construction— 343 343 1,339 406 1,745 
Equipment financing— 1,741 1,741 156 3,249 3,405 
Total commercial12,729 5,086 17,815 20,121 25,394 45,515 
Residential mortgage3,126 10,187 13,313 1,855 11,003 12,858 
HELOC219 993 1,212 1,329 1,158 2,487 
Residential construction280 140 420 274 240 514 
Consumer6 46 52 181 44 225 
Total$16,360 $16,452 $32,812 $23,760 $37,839 $61,599 

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

Pass. Loans in this category are considered to have a low probability of default and do not meet the criteria of the risk categories below.

Special Mention. Loans in this category are presently protected from apparent loss, however weaknesses exist that could cause future impairment, including the deterioration of financial ratios, past due status and questionable management capabilities. These loans require more than the ordinary amount of supervision. Collateral values generally afford adequate coverage, but may not be immediately marketable.
 
Substandard. These loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged. Specific and well-defined weaknesses exist that may include poor liquidity and deterioration of financial ratios. The loan may be past due and related deposit accounts experiencing overdrafts. There is the distinct possibility that United will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. If possible, immediate corrective action is taken.

Doubtful. Specific weaknesses characterized as Substandard that are severe enough to make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. There is no reliable secondary source of full repayment.
 
Loss. Loans categorized as Loss have the same characteristics as Doubtful; however probability of loss is certain. Loans classified as Loss are charged off.
 
Equipment Financing Receivables and Consumer Purpose Loans. United applies a pass / fail grading system to all equipment financing receivables and consumer purpose loans. Under this system, loans that are on nonaccrual status, become past due 90 days or are in bankruptcy are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, loans classified as “fail” are reported as “substandard” and all other loans are reported as “pass”.
 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
The following tables present the risk category of term loans by vintage year, which is the year of origination or most recent renewal, as of the date indicated (in thousands).
Term LoansRevolversRevolvers converted to term loansTotal
As of December 31, 202120212020201920182017Prior
Pass
Owner occupied commercial real estate$643,151 $674,124 $278,702 $153,233 $139,584 $267,460 $68,354 $17,150 $2,241,758 
Income producing commercial real estate668,322 678,487 333,911 221,218 165,563 219,459 41,157 11,830 2,339,947 
Commercial & industrial638,567 270,150 178,944 136,281 50,567 72,904 514,750 4,361 1,866,524 
Commercial construction378,695 303,154 149,740 40,625 22,983 13,206 12,628 1,673 922,704 
Equipment financing563,618 271,913 167,904 63,254 13,145 903 — — 1,080,737 
Total commercial2,892,353 2,197,828 1,109,201 614,611 391,842 573,932 636,889 35,014 8,451,670 
Residential mortgage781,007 370,092 108,091 64,346 71,552 221,131 9 3,915 1,620,143 
HELOC— — — — — — 676,545 14,994 691,539 
Residential construction325,111 16,301 2,802 2,278 3,144 9,352 — 33 359,021 
Consumer57,530 29,218 10,757 5,137 1,439 1,355 32,312 111 137,859 
4,056,001 2,613,439 1,230,851 686,372 467,977 805,770 1,345,755 54,067 11,260,232 
Special Mention
Owner occupied commercial real estate7,772 2,979 16,639 4,374 6,007 2,641 248 286 40,946 
Income producing commercial real estate64,139 27,875 21,875 22,292 18,415 21,880 — — 176,476 
Commercial & industrial1,037 1,831 2,740 597 273 303 2,242 — 9,023 
Commercial construction14,283 16,237 13,149 22,479 11,766 52 — — 77,966 
Equipment financing— — — — — — — — — 
Total commercial87,231 48,922 54,403 49,742 36,461 24,876 2,490 286 304,411 
Residential mortgage— — — — — — — — — 
HELOC— — — — — — — — — 
Residential construction— — — — — — — — — 
Consumer— — — — — — — — — 
87,231 48,922 54,403 49,742 36,461 24,876 2,490 286 304,411 
Substandard
Owner occupied commercial real estate11,987 1,049 4,216 3,712 5,829 11,088 — 1,100 38,981 
Income producing commercial real estate15,485 12,618 3,779 29,212 6,726 16,531 — 84 84,435 
Commercial & industrial2,741 1,615 5,284 12,685 1,232 5,863 4,326 869 34,615 
Commercial construction3,464 157 272 11 9,750 255 — 251 14,160 
Equipment financing428 590 676 503 84 3 — — 2,284 
Total commercial34,105 16,029 14,227 46,123 23,621 33,740 4,326 2,304 174,475 
Residential mortgage3,339 1,585 2,813 3,229 1,205 4,744 — 827 17,742 
HELOC— — — — — — 329 2,166 2,495 
Residential construction407 — 30 51 — 306 — — 794 
Consumer37 16 22 26 22 50 3 21 197 
37,888 17,630 17,092 49,429 24,848 38,840 4,658 5,318 195,703 
Total$4,181,120 $2,679,991 $1,302,346 $785,543 $529,286 $869,486 $1,352,903 $59,671 $11,760,346 

94
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued

Term LoansRevolversRevolvers converted to term loansTotal
As of December 31, 202020202019201820172016Prior
Pass
Owner occupied commercial real estate$707,501 $368,615 $231,316 $197,778 $201,362 $229,667 $56,273 $9,072 $2,001,584 
Income producing commercial real estate815,799 376,911 361,539 277,769 206,068 198,080 28,542 12,128 2,276,836 
Commercial & industrial1,092,767 287,857 263,439 115,790 92,968 58,359 515,593 3,777 2,430,550 
Commercial construction314,154 217,643 226,308 53,708 30,812 21,985 20,278 3,947 888,835 
Equipment financing413,653 270,664 125,869 39,982 9,404 445 — — 860,017 
Total commercial3,343,874 1,521,690 1,208,471 685,027 540,614 508,536 620,686 28,924 8,457,822 
Residential mortgage468,945 195,213 125,492 120,944 122,013 230,771 18 5,393 1,268,789 
HELOC— — — — — — 675,878 17,581 693,459 
Residential construction225,727 30,646 4,026 4,544 3,172 12,546 — 64 280,725 
Consumer54,997 25,528 14,206 4,531 3,595 1,677 41,445 76 146,055 
4,093,543 1,773,077 1,352,195 815,046 669,394 753,530 1,338,027 52,038 10,846,850 
Special Mention
Owner occupied commercial real estate8,759 4,088 4,221 10,025 11,138 4,728 100 — 43,059 
Income producing commercial real estate35,471 42,831 39,954 13,238 24,164 11,337 — 1,681 168,676 
Commercial & industrial1,451 16,315 2,176 630 459 17 6,464 — 27,512 
Commercial construction21,366 272 816 23,292 11,775 477 — — 57,998 
Equipment financing— — — — — — — — — 
Total commercial67,047 63,506 47,167 47,185 47,536 16,559 6,564 1,681 297,245 
Residential mortgage— — — — — — — — — 
HELOC— — — — — — — — — 
Residential construction— — — — — — — — — 
Consumer— — — — — — — — — 
67,047 63,506 47,167 47,185 47,536 16,559 6,564 1,681 297,245 
Substandard
Owner occupied commercial real estate6,586 10,473 7,596 3,717 6,753 8,473 1,528 674 45,800 
Income producing commercial real estate45,125 8,940 2,179 5,034 31,211 2,652 — 97 95,238 
Commercial & industrial1,545 5,536 6,193 1,684 1,292 1,485 22,170 593 40,498 
Commercial construction2,466 735 13,741 340 1,931 250 — 1,009 20,472 
Equipment financing631 1,392 1,371 306 96 17 — — 3,813 
Total commercial56,353 27,076 31,080 11,081 41,283 12,877 23,698 2,373 205,821 
Residential mortgage2,049 2,106 3,174 1,369 679 5,860 — 894 16,131 
HELOC— — — — — — 265 3,393 3,658 
Residential construction106 37 54 4 124 380 — — 705 
Consumer— 97 49 60 78 98 — 23 405 
58,508 29,316 34,357 12,514 42,164 19,215 23,963 6,683 226,720 
Total$4,219,098 $1,865,899 $1,433,719 $874,745 $759,094 $789,304 $1,368,554 $60,402 $11,370,815 
95
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings and Other Modifications
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, United had TDRs totaling $52.4 million and $61.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, United had remaining short-term deferrals related to the COVID-19 crisis of approximately $2.55 million and $70.7 million, respectively, which generally represented payment deferrals for up to 90 days. To the extent that these deferrals qualified under either the CARES Act or interagency guidance, they were not considered new TDRs.

Loans modified under the terms of a TDR during the years ended December 31 are presented in the table below. In addition, the following table presents loans modified under the terms of a TDR that defaulted (became 90 days or more delinquent) during the years ended December 31 that were initially restructured within one year prior to default (dollars in thousands):
 New TDRs
  Number of
Contracts		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
by Type of Modification		TDRs Modified Within the Year That Have Subsequently Defaulted
Year Ended December 31, 2021Rate
Reduction		StructureOtherTotalNumber of ContractsRecorded
Investment
Owner occupied commercial real estate2 $— $731 $— $731 1 $99 
Income producing commercial real estate3 — — 1,697 1,697 — — 
Commercial & industrial8 — 597 103 700 2 76 
Commercial construction1 — 309 — 309 — — 
Equipment financing62 — 4,689 — 4,689 15 375 
Total commercial76 — 6,326 1,800 8,126 18 550 
Residential mortgage16 — 1,528 57 1,585 4 593 
HELOC— — — — — 2 92 
Residential construction— — — — — — — 
Consumer— — — — — — — 
Total92 $— $7,854 $1,857 $9,711 24 $1,235 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Owner occupied commercial real estate8 $— $833 $1,536 $2,369 — $— 
Income producing commercial real estate7 — 4,856 6,699 11,555 1 5,998 
Commercial & industrial4 — 586 15 601 3 819 
Commercial construction7 — 832 70 902 — — 
Equipment financing172 — 5,821 5,821 22 944 
Total commercial198 — 12,928 8,320 21,248 26 7,761 
Residential mortgage40 — 4,359 3 4,362 2 145 
HELOC4 — 164 — 164 1 60 
Residential construction3 — 123 — 123 — — 
Consumer7 — 11 24 35 1 3 
Total252 $— $17,585 $8,347 $25,932 30 $7,969 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Owner occupied commercial real estate4 $— $1,739 $— $1,739 — $— 
Income producing commercial real estate3 — 9,013 — 9,013 — — 
Commercial & industrial2 — 75 7 82 — — 
Commercial construction— — — — — — — 
Equipment financing9 — 1,071 — 1,071 — — 
Total commercial18 — 11,898 7 11,905 — — 
Residential mortgage15 — 2,057 — 2,057 1 135 
HELOC1 — 50 — 50 — — 
Residential construction1 — — 21 21 1 13 
Consumer5 — — 45 45 — — 
Indirect auto15 — — 262 262 — — 
Total55 $— $14,005 $335 $14,340 2 $148 
 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the periods indicated (in thousands): 
CECL
Year Ended December 31, 2021Beginning
Balance
Initial ACL- PCD loans(1)
Charge-OffsRecoveriesProvisionEnding
Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate$20,673 $280 $(1,640)$1,324 $(6,355)$14,282 
Income producing commercial real estate41,737 982 (267)496 (18,792)24,156 
Commercial & industrial22,019 312 (4,776)7,275 (8,238)16,592 
Commercial construction10,952 1,969 (334)1,081 (3,712)9,956 
Equipment financing16,820 — (5,724)2,619 2,575 16,290 
Residential mortgage15,341 — (344)564 (3,171)12,390 
HELOC8,417 1 (112)517 (2,255)6,568 
Residential construction764 — (10)157 936 1,847 
Consumer287 — (2,066)1,202 1,028 451 
ACL - loans137,010 3,544 (15,273)15,235 (37,984)102,532 
ACL - unfunded commitments10,558 — — — 434 10,992 
Total ACL$147,568 $3,544 $(15,273)$15,235 $(37,550)$113,524 
(1) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Aquesta transaction.
Year Ended December 31, 2020Dec. 31, 2019Adoption of CECLJan. 1, 2020
Initial ACL- PCD loans(1)
Charge-OffsRecoveriesProvisionEnding
Balance
Owner occupied commercial
  real estate		$11,404 $(1,616)$9,788 $1,779 $(70)$2,565 $6,611 $20,673 
Income producing commercial
  real estate		12,306 (30)12,276 1,208 (8,430)3,546 33,137 41,737 
Commercial & industrial5,266 4,012 9,278 7,680 (10,707)1,371 14,397 22,019 
Commercial construction9,668 (2,583)7,085 74 (726)1,045 3,474 10,952 
Equipment financing7,384 5,871 13,255 — (8,764)2,004 10,325 16,820 
Residential mortgage8,081 1,569 9,650 195 (398)455 5,439 15,341 
HELOC4,575 1,919 6,494 209 (221)677 1,258 8,417 
Residential construction2,504 (1,771)733 — (93)156 (32)764 
Consumer901 (491)410 7 (2,985)2,259 596 287 
ACL - loans62,089 6,880 68,969 11,152 (32,394)14,078 75,205 137,010 
ACL - unfunded commitments3,458 1,871 5,329 — — — 5,229 10,558 
Total ACL$65,547 $8,751 $74,298 $11,152 $(32,394)$14,078 $80,434 $147,568 
(1) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Three Shores transaction.
Incurred Loss
Year Ended December 31, 2019Beginning
Balance		Charge-OffsRecoveriesProvisionEnding
Balance
Owner occupied commercial real estate$12,207 $(5)$375 $(1,173)$11,404 
Income producing commercial real estate11,073 (1,227)283 2,177 12,306 
Commercial & industrial4,802 (5,849)852 5,461 5,266 
Commercial construction10,337 (290)1,165 (1,544)9,668 
Equipment financing5,452 (5,675)781 6,826 7,384 
Residential mortgage8,295 (616)481 (79)8,081 
HELOC4,752 (996)610 209 4,575 
Residential construction2,433 (306)157 220 2,504 
Consumer853 (2,390)911 1,527 901 
Indirect auto999 (663)186 (522)— 
ACL - loans61,203 (18,017)5,801 13,102 62,089 
ACL - unfunded commitments3,410 — — 48 3,458 
Total ACL$64,613 $(18,017)$5,801 $13,150 $65,547 

At both December 31, 2021 and 2020, United used a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period. Expected credit losses were estimated using a regression model for each segment based on historical data from peer banks combined with a third party vendor’s economic forecast to predict the change in credit losses. These estimates were then combined with a starting value that was based on United’s recent default experience, with the results subject to a floor. At December 31, 2021, the third party
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(6) Loans and Leases and Allowance for Credit Losses, continued
vendor’s forecast, which was representative of a baseline scenario, improved significantly from December 31, 2020, including the unemployment rate which has a significant impact on our models and led to the negative provision for loan losses in 2021. At December 31, 2021, United applied qualitative factors to the model output for income producing commercial real estate and equipment finance portfolios. With regard to income producing commercial real estate, the qualitative factors reflected continued credit concerns related to the senior care portfolio, elevated criticized loans relative to the pre-pandemic period and inflationary concerns related to the impact of rising rates on commercial real estate values. Qualitative factors for the equipment finance portfolio reflected management’s approximation of long-term loss rates.

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

PPP loans were considered low risk assets due to the related 100% guarantee by the SBA and were therefore excluded from the calculation.

(7)    Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows as of the dates indicated (in thousands): 
 December 31,
 20212020
Land and land improvements$95,029 $82,816 
Buildings and improvements189,339 173,497 
Furniture and equipment100,205 96,157 
Construction in progress10,088 7,590 
 394,661 360,060 
Less accumulated depreciation(149,365)(141,571)
Premises and equipment, net$245,296 $218,489 
 
Depreciation expense was $15.7 million, $15.6 million and $15.3 million for 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(8) Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The table below presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments as of the dates indicated as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Notional AmountFair ValueNotional AmountFair Value
Derivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesDerivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow hedge of subordinated debt$100,000 $6,389 $— $100,000 $3,378 $— 
Cash flow hedge of trust preferred securities20,000 — — 20,000 — — 
Fair value hedge of brokered CDs10,000 — — 20,000 — — 
Total130,000 6,389 — 140,000 3,378 — 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Customer derivative positions1,206,145 28,656 10,663 1,329,271 72,508 17 
Dealer offsets to customer derivative positions1,230,885 974 9,232 1,329,271 1 24,614 
Risk participations69,385 16 7 48,843 28 12 
Mortgage banking - loan commitment110,897 3,450 — 253,243 10,751 — 
Mortgage banking - forward sales commitment201,419 67 202 325,145 — 1,964 
Bifurcated embedded derivatives51,935 2,928 — 51,935 — 1,449 
Dealer offsets to bifurcated embedded derivatives51,935 — 5,041 51,935 — 947 
Total2,922,601 36,091 25,145 3,389,643 83,288 29,003 
Total derivatives$3,052,601 $42,480 $25,145 $3,529,643 $86,666 $29,003 
Total gross derivative instruments$42,480 $25,145 $86,666 $29,003 
Less: Amounts subject to master netting agreements(694)(694)(114)(114)
Less: Cash collateral received/pledged(6,620)(14,148)(3,200)(27,092)
Net amount$35,166 $10,303 $83,352 $1,797 

United clears certain derivatives centrally through the CME. CME rules legally characterize variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives as settlements of the derivatives’ exposure rather than as collateral. As a result, the variation margin payment and the related derivative instruments are considered a single unit of account for accounting purposes. Variation margin, as determined by the CME, is settled daily. As a result, derivative contracts that clear through the CME have an estimated fair value of zero.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(8) Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

Hedging Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
United enters into cash flow hedges to mitigate exposure to the variability of future cash flows or other forecasted transactions. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, United utilized interest rate caps and swaps to hedge the variability of cash flows due to changes in interest rates on certain of its variable-rate subordinated debt and trust preferred securities. United considers these derivatives to be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to changes in interest rates. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized in OCI. Gains and losses related to changes in fair value are reclassified into earnings in the periods the hedged forecasted transactions occur. Losses representing amortization of the premium recorded on cash flow hedges, which is a component excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, are recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis in the same financial statement line as the hedged item over the term of the hedge. Over the next twelve months United expects to reclassify $523,000 of losses from AOCI into earnings related to these agreements.

During 2019 United amortized the remaining balance of losses on de-designated cash flow hedges from AOCI. This was the only effect of cash flow hedges on the consolidated statements of income for the year December 31, 2019. See Note 17 for further detail.
 
Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
United is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed-rate obligations due to changes in interest rates. United uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value on these instruments attributable to changes in interest rates. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. United includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same income statement line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives.

At December 31, 2021 and 2020, United had interest rate swaps that were designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate brokered time deposits. The swaps involved the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for United making variable rate payments over the life of the agreements.
 
In certain cases, the estate of deceased brokered certificate of deposit holders may put the certificate of deposit back to United at par upon the death of the holder. When these events occur (estate puts), a gain or loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the par amount of the deposits put back. The change in the fair value of brokered time deposits that are being hedged in fair value hedging relationships reported in the table below includes gains and losses from estate puts.

The table below presents the effect of derivatives in hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income (in thousands).
Year Ended December 31,
202120202019
Total interest expense presented in the consolidated statements of income$(29,760)$(56,237)$(83,312)
Effect of hedging relationships on interest expense:
Net income (expense) recognized on fair value hedges210 281 (360)
Net expense recognized on cash flow hedges (1) (2)
(608)(359)— 
(1) Excludes 2019 amortization of losses related to de-designated cash flow hedges. See Note 17 for further detail.
(2) Includes $472,000 and $329,000 of premium amortization expense excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(8) Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

The table below presents the carrying amount of hedged fixed-rate brokered time deposits and cumulative fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged liability for the periods presented (in thousands).
December 31,
20212020
Balance Sheet LocationCarrying amount of Assets (Liabilities)Hedge Accounting Basis AdjustmentCarrying amount of Assets (Liabilities)Hedge Accounting Basis Adjustment
Deposits$(10,026)$(28)$(20,216)$(235)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Customer derivative positions include swaps, caps, and collars between United and certain commercial loan customers with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back program. In addition, United occasionally enters into credit risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to accept or transfer a portion of the credit risk related to interest rate swaps. The agreements, which are typically executed in conjunction with a participation in a loan with the same customer, allow customers to execute an interest rate swap with one bank while allowing for the distribution of the credit risk among participating members.

United also has three interest rate swap contracts that are economic hedges of market-linked brokered certificates of deposit, but are not designated as hedging instruments. The market-linked brokered certificates of deposit contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments and marked to market through earnings. The fair value marks on the market linked swaps and the bifurcated embedded derivatives tend to move in opposite directions with changes in 90-day LIBOR and therefore provide an economic hedge.

In addition, United originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, United is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United also enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments. Fair value adjustments on these derivative instruments are recorded within mortgage loan gains and related fees in the consolidated statements of income.

The table below presents the gains and losses recognized in income on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the periods indicated (in thousands). 
 Income Statement LocationYear Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Customer derivatives and dealer offsetsOther noninterest income$3,302 $6,732 $2,878 
Bifurcated embedded derivatives and dealer offsetsOther noninterest income433 (63)212 
De-designated hedgesOther noninterest income— — (193)
Mortgage banking derivativesMortgage loan revenue(1,805)(7,873)(1,797)
Risk participationsOther noninterest income(90)(340)(3)
Total gains and losses $1,840 $(1,544)$1,097 
 
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
United manages its credit exposure on derivative transactions by entering into a bilateral credit support agreement with each non-customer counterparty. The credit support agreements require collateralization of exposures beyond specified minimum threshold amounts. The details of these agreements, including the minimum thresholds, vary by counterparty.
 
United’s agreements with each of its derivative counterparties contain a provision where if either party defaults on any of its indebtedness, then it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The agreements with derivative counterparties also include provisions that if not met, could result in United being declared in default. United has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that provide that if United fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution or is subject to a prompt corrective action directive, the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and United would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements. Derivatives that are centrally cleared do not have credit-risk-related features that require additional collateral if United’s credit rating were downgraded.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(9)    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets is summarized below as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 December 31,
 20212020
Core deposit intangible$38,192 $36,162 
Less: accumulated amortization(25,870)(22,148)
Net core deposit intangible12,322 14,014 
Customer relationship intangible8,400 — 
Less: accumulated amortization(322)— 
Net customer relationship intangible8,078 — 
Total intangibles subject to amortization, net20,400 14,014 
Goodwill452,007 367,809 
Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net$472,407 $381,823 

In addition to the FinTrust customer relationship intangible discussed in Note 3, during 2021 United purchased the customer lists of two financial advisory firms for an aggregate purchase price of $870,000. All consideration paid was allocated to a customer relationship intangible.
 
The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years indicated (in thousands):
Goodwill (1)
December 31, 2019$327,425 
Acquisition of Three Shores40,384 
December 31, 2020367,809 
Acquisition of FinTrust14,163 
Acquisition of Aquesta70,035 
December 31, 2021$452,007 

(1) Goodwill balances presented are shown net of accumulated impairment losses of $306 million incurred prior to 2019. Gross goodwill for December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 totaled $758 million, $673 million and $633 million, respectively.
 
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for finite lived intangibles is as follows (in thousands): 
Year 
2022$4,081 
20233,447 
20242,849 
20252,169 
20261,709 
Thereafter6,145 
Total$20,400 

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(10) Servicing Assets and Liabilities

Servicing Rights for SBA/USDA Loans
United accounts for servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans at fair value. The following table summarizes the changes in SBA/USDA servicing rights for the years indicated (in thousands).
 202120202019
Beginning of period$6,462 $6,794 $7,510 
Acquired servicing rights581 — — 
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans2,005 1,114 1,835 
Disposals(1,430)(624)(1,258)
Changes in fair value due to change in inputs or assumptions used in the valuation(1,105)(822)(1,293)
End of period$6,513 $6,462 $6,794 

The portfolio of SBA/USDA loans serviced for others, which is not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $428 million and $402 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and 2020. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $3.90 million, $3.77 million and $3.82 million, respectively.
 
A summary of the key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used in the discounted cash flow method utilized to estimate the fair value of the servicing asset for SBA/USDA loans and the sensitivity of the fair values to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions are shown in the table below as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
 December 31,
 20212020
Fair value of retained servicing assets$6,513 $6,462 
Prepayment rate assumption:
Weighted average16.3 %17.8 %
Range
3.2% - 31.3%
2.7% - 33.6%
10% adverse change$(309)$(358)
20% adverse change(591)(680)
Discount rate:
Weighted average10.3 %8.9 %
Range
0.0% - 45.4%
1.6% - 44.1%
100 bps adverse change$(166)$(171)
200 bps adverse change(323)(333)
 
The above sensitivities are hypothetical and changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.
 
Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights
United accounts for residential mortgage servicing rights at fair value. The following table summarizes the changes in residential mortgage servicing rights for the years indicated (in thousands).
 202120202019
Beginning of period$16,216 $13,565 $11,877 
Originated servicing rights capitalized upon sale of loans12,510 11,911 5,783 
Disposals(4,275)(2,868)(1,098)
Changes in fair value due to change in inputs or assumptions used in the valuation710 (6,392)(2,997)
End of period$25,161 $16,216 $13,565 

The portfolio of residential mortgage loans serviced for others, which is not included in the consolidated balance sheets, was $2.82 billion and $2.31 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and 2020. The amount of contractually specified servicing
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(10) Servicing Assets and Liabilities, continued

fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $6.48 million, $4.82 million and $3.67 million, respectively.
 
A summary of the key characteristics, inputs, and economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the servicing asset for residential mortgage loans and the sensitivity of the fair values to immediate adverse changes in those assumptions are shown in the table below as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 December 31,
 20212020
Fair value of retained servicing assets$25,161 $16,216 
Prepayment rate assumption:
Weighted average12.6 %17.7 %
Range
7.0% - 77.6%
8.7% - 19.5%
10% adverse change$(1,229)$(999)
20% adverse change(2,367)(1,912)
Discount rate:
Weighted average9.5 %10.0 %
Range
9.5% - 10.5%
10.0% - 11.0%
100 bps adverse change$(877)$(518)
200 bps adverse change(1,693)(1,001)
 
The above sensitivities are hypothetical and changes in fair value based on variations in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

Servicing Liabilities for Equipment Financing Loans
United accounts for servicing liabilities associated with sold equipment finance loans using the amortization method. The portfolio of equipment financing loans serviced for others, which is not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $78.8 million and $45.5 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The servicing liabilities related to these loans totaled $675,000 and $357,000 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(11)    Time Deposits

At December 31, 2021, the contractual maturities of time deposits, including brokered time deposits, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
2022$1,237,100 
2023142,305 
202435,497 
202521,479 
202619,810 
Thereafter50,260 
Total time deposits$1,506,451 
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, time deposits, excluding brokered time deposits, that met or exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 totaled $269 million and $317 million, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(12) Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
 December 31,Issue DateStated Maturity DateEarliest Call Date 
 20212020Interest Rate
Obligations of the Bank:
2026 subordinated debentures$— $15,000 201620262021
5.875% through August 2021, 3-month LIBOR plus 4.70% thereafter
— 15,000 
Obligations of the Holding Company:
2022 senior debentures— 50,000 201520222020
5.000% through August 2020, 3-month LIBOR plus 3.814% thereafter
2027 senior debentures35,000 35,000 201520272025
5.500% through August 2025, 3-month LIBOR plus 3.71% thereafter
2030 senior debentures100,000 100,000 202020302025
5.00% through June 2025, 3-month SOFR plus 4.87% thereafter
Total senior debentures135,000 185,000 
2028 subordinated debentures100,000 100,000 201820282023
4.500% through January 2023, 3-month LIBOR plus 2.12% thereafter
2025 subordinated debentures— 11,250 201520252020
6.250%
Total subordinated debentures100,000 111,250 
Southern Bancorp Capital Trust I— 4,382 200420342009
Prime + 1.00%
Tidelands Statutory Trust I8,248 8,248 200620362011
3-month LIBOR plus 1.38%
Four Oaks Statutory Trust I12,372 12,372 200620362011
3-month LIBOR plus 1.35%
Total trust preferred securities20,620 25,002 
Less net discount(8,260)(9,296)
Total long-term debt$247,360 $326,956 
 
Interest is currently paid at least semiannually for all senior and subordinated debentures, and trust preferred securities.

(13) Operating Leases

The following table presents the balances of the ROU asset and corresponding operating lease liability as of the dates indicated (in thousands).

December 31,
Balance Sheet Location20212020
ROU assetOther assets$29,421 $31,398 
Operating lease liabilityOther liabilities31,072 33,095 

During 2021, United obtained building and office space ROU assets resulting in an increase in its operating lease liability of $4.49 million. Leases assumed as part of the FinTrust and Aquesta transactions accounted for $2.87 million of the increase. During 2020, United obtained building and office space ROU assets resulting in an increase in its operating lease liability of $17.4 million. Leases assumed as part of the Three Shores transaction accounted for $15.1 million of the increase.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(13) Operating Leases, continued
The table below presents the operating lease income and expense recognized for the periods indicated (in thousands).

Income Statement Location202120202019
Operating lease costOccupancy expense$8,186 $6,449 $5,067 
Variable lease costOccupancy expense1,066 757 449 
Short-term lease costOccupancy expense85 100 136 
Total lease cost$9,337 $7,306 $5,652 
Sublease income and rental income from owned properties under operating leasesOther noninterest income$976 $1,022 $1,160 
Weighted average remaining lease term5.40 years5.74 years5.33 years
Weighted average discount rate1.58 %1.79 %2.79 %

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum lease payments under operating leases were as follows (in thousands):
Year
2022$8,197 
20238,080 
20244,222 
20252,933 
20262,756 
Thereafter6,242 
Total32,430 
Less discount(1,358)
Present value of lease liability$31,072 


(14)    Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, United uses a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). United has processes in place to review the significant valuation inputs and to reassess how the instruments are classified in the valuation framework.
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
Level 1 Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that United has the ability to access.
 
Level 2 Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
 
Level 3 Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity.
 
In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. United’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(14) Fair Value Measurements, continued


The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.
Investment Securities
AFS debt securities and equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and asset-backed securities and are valued based on observable inputs that include: quoted market prices for similar assets, quoted market prices that are not in an active market or other inputs that are observable in the market and can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include those traded in less liquid markets and are valued based on estimates obtained from broker-dealers that are not directly observable.

Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities
Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets are assets related to employee deferred compensation plans. The assets associated with these plans are invested in mutual funds and classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the employee, which mirrors the fair value of the invested assets and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
United has elected the fair value option for newly originated mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan and are classified as Level 2.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
United uses derivatives to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is typically determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. United also uses best effort and mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments to hedge risk in its mortgage lending business.
 
United incorporates credit valuation adjustments (“CVAs”) as necessary to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, United has considered the effect of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds and guarantees.
 
Management has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, the CVAs associated with these derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. Generally, management’s assessment of the significance of the CVAs has indicated that they are not a significant input to the overall valuation of the derivatives. In cases where management’s assessment indicates that the CVA is a significant input, the related derivative is disclosed as a Level 3 value.

Other derivatives classified as Level 3 include structured derivatives for which broker quotes, used as a key valuation input, were not observable. Risk participation agreements are classified as Level 3 instruments due to the incorporation of significant Level 3 inputs used to evaluate the probability of funding and the likelihood of customer default. Interest rate lock commitments, which relate to mortgage loan commitments, are categorized as Level 3 instruments as the fair value of these instruments is based on unobservable inputs for commitments that United does not expect to fund.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(14) Fair Value Measurements, continued

Servicing Rights for Residential Mortgage and SBA/USDA Loans
United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential mortgage and SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. Management has elected to carry these assets at fair value. Given the nature of the assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management considers these Level 3 assets. For disclosure regarding the fair value of servicing rights, see Note 10.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents United’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (in thousands):
December 31, 2021Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:    
AFS debt securities:    
U.S. Treasuries$217,520 $— $— $217,520 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs— 187,032 — 187,032 
State and political subdivisions— 275,844 — 275,844 
Residential MBS— 2,145,134 — 2,145,134 
Commercial MBS— 873,851 — 873,851 
Corporate bonds— 190,771 2,395 193,166 
Asset-backed securities— 604,277 — 604,277 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values— 1,302 — 1,302 
Mortgage loans held for sale— 44,109 — 44,109 
Deferred compensation plan assets11,769 — — 11,769 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans— — 6,513 6,513 
Residential mortgage servicing rights— — 25,161 25,161 
Derivative financial instruments— 35,722 6,758 42,480 
Total assets$229,289 $4,358,042 $40,827 $4,628,158 
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability$11,795 $— $— $11,795 
Derivative financial instruments— 20,097 5,048 25,145 
Total liabilities$11,795 $20,097 $5,048 $36,940 

December 31, 2020Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:    
AFS debt securities:    
U.S. Treasuries$128,072 $— $— $128,072 
U.S. Government agencies & GSEs— 152,972 — 152,972 
State and political subdivisions— 274,472 — 274,472 
Residential MBS— 1,485,585 — 1,485,585 
Commercial MBS— 549,131 — 549,131 
Corporate bonds— 70,017 1,750 71,767 
Asset-backed securities— 562,722 — 562,722 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values774 913 — 1,687 
Mortgage loans held for sale— 105,433 — 105,433 
Deferred compensation plan assets9,584 — — 9,584 
Servicing rights for SBA/USDA loans— — 6,462 6,462 
Residential mortgage servicing rights— — 16,216 16,216 
Derivative financial instruments— 75,887 10,779 86,666 
Total assets$138,430 $3,277,132 $35,207 $3,450,769 
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liability$9,590 $— $— $9,590 
Derivative financial instruments— 26,595 2,408 29,003 
Total liabilities$9,590 $26,595 $2,408 $38,593 
 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(14) Fair Value Measurements, continued

For disclosure regarding the fair value of servicing rights, see Note 10. The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all other assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 values (in thousands):
 Derivative
Asset		Derivative
Liability		Corporate Bonds
December 31, 2018$11,841 $15,732 $995 
Sales and settlements(1,135)(2,330)— 
Fair value adjustments included in OCI— — 3 
Fair value adjustments included in earnings (3,468)(4,843)— 
December 31, 20197,238 8,559 998 
Transfers into Level 3 (1)
583 — — 
Additions368 — 1,750 
Sales and settlements— — (1,000)
Fair value adjustments included in OCI— — 2 
Fair value adjustments included in earnings2,590 (6,151)— 
December 31, 202010,779 2,408 1,750 
Transfers into Level 3 (1)
74 — — 
Additions261 170 500 
Fair value adjustments included in OCI— — 145 
Fair value adjustments included in earnings(4,356)2,470 — 
December 31, 2021$6,758 $5,048 $2,395 
(1) Certain derivative assets were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy due to a change in the assessment of significance of the CVA.

The following table presents quantitative information about recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, excluding servicing rights which are detailed in Note 10 (in thousands): 
Level 3 Assets and LiabilitiesValuation Technique December 31,
Significant Unobservable Inputs20212020
RangeWeighted AverageRangeWeighted Average
Derivative assets - mortgageInternal modelPull through rate
45.9% - 100%
87.2%
65.6% - 100%
83.9%
Derivative assets - customer derivative positionsInternal modelEstimated loss rate
33.4 - 44.0
36.0
100 - 100
100
Derivative assets & liabilities - otherDealer pricedDealer pricedN/AN/AN/AN/A
Corporate bondsIndicative bid provided by a brokerMultiple factors, including but not limited to, current operations, financial condition, cash flows, and similar financing transactions executed in the marketN/AN/A
Discounted cash flowDiscount rate
3.6 - 3.8
3.6 
 
Fair Value Option
United records mortgage loans held for sale at fair value under the fair value option. Interest income on these loans is calculated based on the note rate of the loan and is recorded in interest revenue. The following tables present the fair value and outstanding principal balance of these loans, as well as the gain or loss recognized resulting from the change in fair value for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
December 31,
20212020
Outstanding principal balance$42,581 $99,746 
Fair value44,109 105,433 
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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(14) Fair Value Measurements, continued

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Location202120202019
 Mortgage loan gains and other related fees$(4,159)$3,815 $1,177 

Changes in fair value were mostly offset by hedging activities. An immaterial portion of these amounts was attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
United may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of amortized cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets due to impairment.

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and carrying value of all assets that were still held as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the periods presented (in thousands).
December 31, 2021Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Loans$— $— $2,536 $2,536 
December 31, 2020
Loans$— $— $29,404 $29,404 
 
Loans that are reported above as being measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are generally impaired loans that have either been partially charged off or have been assigned a specific reserve. Nonaccrual loans that are collateral dependent are generally written down to net realizable value, which reflects fair values less the estimated costs to sell. Specific reserves that are established based on appraised value of collateral are considered nonrecurring fair value adjustments as well. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, United records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
For financial instruments that have quoted market prices, those quotes are used to determine fair value. Financial instruments that have no defined maturity, have a remaining maturity of 180 days or less, or reprice frequently to a market rate are assumed to have a fair value that approximates reported book value, after taking into consideration any applicable credit risk. If no market quotes are available, financial instruments are valued by discounting the expected cash flows using an estimated current market interest rate for the financial instrument. For off-balance sheet derivative instruments, fair value is estimated as the amount that United would receive or pay to terminate the contracts at the reporting date, taking into account the current unrealized gains or losses on open contracts.

Cash and cash equivalents and have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. Due to the short-term settlement of accrued interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount closely approximates fair value.
  
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect the premium or discount on any particular financial instrument that could result from the sale of United’s entire holdings. All estimates are inherently subjective in nature. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the mortgage banking operation, wealth management 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.
 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(14) Fair Value Measurements, continued

Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) for which draws can be reasonably predicted are generally short-term and at variable rates. Therefore, both the carrying amount and the estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.
 
The carrying amount and fair values for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in United’s consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):
 Carrying AmountFair Value Level
December 31, 2021Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:     
HTM debt securities $1,156,098 $— $1,148,804 $— $1,148,804 
Loans, net11,657,814 — — 11,607,821 11,607,821 
Liabilities:
Deposits18,241,179 — 18,239,934 — 18,239,934 
Long-term debt247,360 — — 267,064 267,064 
December 31, 2020
Assets:
HTM debt securities$420,361 $— $437,193 $— $437,193 
Loans, net11,233,805 — — 11,209,717 11,209,717 
Liabilities:
Deposits15,232,358 — 15,232,274 — 15,232,274 
Long-term debt326,956 — — 336,763 336,763 
 
(15) Common and Preferred Stock

Common Stock
During the second quarter of 2021, United’s shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 150 million to 200 million shares.

In November of 2021, United’s Board re-authorized its common stock repurchase program to permit the repurchase of up to $50 million of its common stock. The program is scheduled to expire on the earlier of United’s repurchase of its common stock having an aggregate purchase price of $50 million or December 31, 2022. Under the program, shares may be repurchased in open market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, subject to market conditions. During 2021, 2020 and 2019 492,744, 826,482 and 500,495 shares were repurchased under the program, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $50.0 million of outstanding common stock under the program.

United sponsors a DRIP that allows participants who already own United’s common stock to purchase additional shares directly from the Company. The DRIP also allows participants to automatically reinvest their quarterly dividends in additional shares of common stock without a commission. In 2021, 2020 and 2019, 10,081, 38,107 and 62,629 shares, respectively, were issued under the DRIP.

Preferred Stock
During 2020, United issued $100 million, or 4,000 shares, of Series I perpetual non-cumulative preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) with a dividend rate of 6.875% per annum for net proceeds of $96.4 million and corresponding depositary shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in one share of Preferred Stock. If declared, dividends are payable quarterly in arrears. The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and redemption is solely at the option of United in whole, but not in part, upon the occurrence of a regulatory capital treatment event, as defined. In addition, the Preferred Stock may be redeemed on or after September 15, 2025 at a cash redemption price equal to $25,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Preferred Stock had a carrying amount of $96.4 million.

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UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(16) Equity Compensation Plans

United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of various stock-based compensation. Options granted under the plan can have an exercise price no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The general terms of the plan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercisable period not to exceed ten years. Certain options and restricted stock unit awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of United or certain other conditions are met (as defined in the plan document). As of December 31, 2021, 600,106 additional awards could be granted under the plan.
 
Restricted stock units and options outstanding and activity for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:
 Restricted Stock UnitsOptions
SharesWeighted Average Grant Date Fair ValueAggregate
Intrinsic
Value (000’s)		SharesWeighted Average Exercise PriceWeighted Average Remaining Term (Yrs.)Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000’s)
December 31, 2018759,746 $27.66 47,139 $27.07 
Granted315,827 26.74 — — 
Vested / Exercised(216,138)25.38 (13,000)16.34 
Expired— (30,243)31.43 
Cancelled(51,011)27.18 (2,396)29.68 
December 31, 2019808,424 27.94 1,500 27.95 
Granted446,512 19.15 — — 
Vested / Exercised(324,697)26.42 — — 
Expired— (1,500)27.95 
Cancelled(36,808)25.73 — — 
December 31, 2020893,431 23.75 — — 
Granted302,701 30.34 62,743 8.30 
Vested / Exercised(330,598)26.13 $10,855 (27,283)8.20 $765 
Cancelled(57,060)25.15 — — 
December 31, 2021808,474 25.15 29,057 35,460 8.38 2.01977 
Vested / Exercisable
at December 31, 2021— — 35,460 8.38 2.01977 

Options granted in 2021 were related to the Aquesta acquisition, with the weighted average exercise price of Aquesta’s fully vested converted options determined pursuant to the purchase agreement. The value of the Aquesta options was determined using a Black-Scholes model and was included in the purchase price for the acquisition. Because the options were deep in the money and had very short remaining terms, the values were not materially different from the intrinsic value of the options. No compensation expense relating to options was included in earnings for 2021, 2020 or 2019.

Compensation expense for restricted stock units without market conditions is based on the market value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. United recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. The value of restricted stock unit awards is amortized into expense over the service period. 

Compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income for employee restricted stock unit awards in 2021 and 2020 was $6.07 million and $7.40 million, respectively, which was recognized in salaries and employee benefits expense. In 2019, compensation expense for employee restricted stock awards was $8.98 million, of which $1.38 million related to the modification of existing awards resulting from an acceleration of vesting of awards due to retirement and $740,000 related to awards granted in conjunction with an acquisition, both of which were recognized in merger-related and other charges in the consolidated statement of income. The remaining 2019 expense of $6.86 million was recognized in salaries and employee benefits expense. In addition, in 2021, 2020, and 2019, $489,000, $484,000 and $379,000, respectively, was recognized in other operating expenses for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of the Board.
 
During 2021, 2020, and 2019, in addition to time-based restricted stock unit awards, the Board approved PSUs. The PSUs vest based on achieving, during the applicable calendar-year performance periods, certain performance and market targets relative to a
112
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(16) Equity Compensation Plans, continued

bank peer group. Achievement of the base-level performance and market targets for all applicable periods will result in the issuance of 174,713 shares, which are included in the outstanding balance in the table above. Additional shares may be issued if more stringent performance and market hurdles are met. The grant date per share fair market value of these PSUs was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model.

Deferred income tax benefits related to compensation expense for options and restricted stock units of $1.67 million, $2.01 million and $2.39 million were included in the determination of income tax expense in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there was $15.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted under the plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
 
(17)    Reclassifications Out of AOCI

The following presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of AOCI (in thousands). 
 Amounts Reclassified from AOCI For the Years Ended December 31, 
Details about AOCI ComponentsAffected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented
202120202019
Realized gains (losses) on AFS securities:  
 $83 $748 $(1,021)Securities gains (losses), net
 46 (191)247 Income tax (expense) benefit
 $129 $557 $(774)Net of tax
Amortization of losses included in net income on AFS securities transferred to HTM:
 $— $(723)$(383)Investment securities interest revenue
 — 173 92 Income tax benefit
 $— $(550)$(291)Net of tax
Reclassifications related to derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges: 
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions$— $— $(235)Other expense
Amortization of losses on de-designated positions— — (102)Deposit interest expense
Interest rate contracts(608)(359)— Long-term debt interest expense
 (608)(359)(337)Total before tax
 156 91 86 Income tax benefit
 $(452)$(268)$(251)Net of tax
Reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plan activity: 
Prior service cost$(469)$(531)$(640)Salaries and employee benefits expense
Actuarial losses(575)(326)(59)Other expense
Termination of Funded Plan— — (1,558)Merger-related and other
 (1,044)(857)(2,257)Total before tax
 267 219 576 Income tax benefit
 $(777)$(638)$(1,681)Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period$(1,100)$(899)$(2,997)Net of tax
Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings  

113
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

(18) Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Net income$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 
Earnings allocated to participating securities(1,657)(1,287)(1,375)
Dividends on preferred stock(6,875)(3,533)— 
Net income available to common stockholders$261,269 $159,269 $184,346 
Net income per common share:
Basic$2.97 $1.91 $2.31 
Diluted2.97 1.91 2.31 
Weighted average common shares:
Basic87,940 83,184 79,700 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options9 — 1 
Restricted stock units148 64 7 
Diluted88,097 83,248 79,708 
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, United had no potentially dilutive instruments outstanding that were not included in the above analysis.
 
At December 31, 2019, United had the following potentially dilutive instruments outstanding: 1,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $30.45 and 183,168 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards.

(19) Income Taxes

Income tax expense is as follows for the years indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Current$57,175 $42,688 $38,082 
Deferred20,787 2,668 14,909 
Total income tax expense$77,962 $45,356 $52,991 
 
The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2021, 2020 and 2019 to income before income taxes are as follows for the years indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 202120202019
Income tax expense on pretax income at statutory rates$73,030 $43,983 $50,130 
Add (deduct):
State taxes, net of federal benefit9,188 5,928 7,168 
BOLI earnings(745)(1,052)(1,127)
Adjustment to reserve for uncertain tax positions153 (1,212)84 
Tax-exempt interest revenue(2,520)(2,169)(1,827)
Equity compensation(891)(174)(375)
Transaction costs117 217 16 
Tax credit investments(598)(930)(464)
Other228 765 (614)
Total income tax expense$77,962 $45,356 $52,991 
114
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(19) Income Taxes, continued


The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions (revenue) which comprise the net DTA as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 December 31,
 20212020
DTAs:  
ACL$24,349 $33,213 
Net operating loss carryforwards16,656 22,277 
Deferred compensation11,011 10,012 
Loan purchase accounting adjustments4,227 8,567 
Nonqualified share based compensation1,374 1,833 
Accrued expenses7,936 6,865 
Unamortized pension actuarial losses and prior service cost1,442 1,981 
Unrealized losses on AFS securities5,808 — 
Deferred gains on SBA/USDA loan sales2,217 2,060 
Lease liability7,501 8,055 
Other1,107 2,062 
Total DTAs83,628 96,925 
DTLs:
Unrealized gains on AFS securities— 17,439 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges1,189 54 
Acquired intangible assets2,412 2,576 
Premises and equipment5,179 4,241 
Loan origination costs6,466 4,857 
True tax leases5,984 7,846 
Servicing assets6,779 4,816 
Derivatives1,309 2,250 
ROU asset7,102 7,642 
Securities purchase accounting adjustments2,644 3,146 
Uncertain tax positions1,945 1,813 
Other386 230 
Total DTLs41,395 56,910 
Less valuation allowance911 1,604 
Net DTA$41,322 $38,411 
 
The change in the net DTA includes an increase of $2.12 million due to current year merger and acquisition activity.
 
At December 31, 2021, United had:

•$32.9 million of state net operating loss carryforwards subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382 that begin to expire in 2025, if not previously utilized.

•$51.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2031, if not previously utilized.

•$51.2 million in federal net operating loss carryforwards subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382 that begin to expire in 2027, if not previously utilized.

•$3.41 million of state tax credits that begin to expire in 2022, if not previously utilized.
 
Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against DTAs at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for DTAs is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all the positive and negative evidence. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their DTAs based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.
 
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, based on the assessment of all the positive and negative evidence, management concluded that it is more likely than not that nearly all of the net DTA will be realized based upon future taxable income. The valuation allowance
115
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(19) Income Taxes, continued

of $911,000 and $1.60 million, respectively, was related to specific state income tax credits that have short carryforward periods and certain acquired state net operating losses, both of which are expected to expire unused.

The valuation allowance could fluctuate in future periods based on the assessment of the positive and negative evidence. Management’s conclusion at December 31, 2021 that it was more likely than not that the net DTA of $41.3 million will be realized is based on management’s estimate of future taxable income. Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal forecasts which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to significant judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, the valuation allowance may need to be increased for some or all of the net DTA.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions is as follows for the years indicated (in thousands):
 202120202019
Balance at beginning of year$2,163 $3,370 $3,264 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year634 421 481 
Decreases resulting from a lapse in the applicable statute of limitations(441)(1,628)(375)
Balance at end of year$2,356 $2,163 $3,370 
 
Approximately $1.86 million of the unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2021 would increase income from continuing operations, and thus affect United’s effective tax rate, if ultimately recognized into income.
 
It is United’s policy to recognize interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in their respective federal or state income taxes accounts. There were no penalties and interest related to income taxes recorded in the income statement in 2021, 2020 or 2019. No amounts were accrued for interest and penalties on the balance sheet at December 31, 2021 or 2020. 

United and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as various state returns in the states where it operates. United’s federal and state income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2018.

(20) Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Benefit Plans
401(k) Plan
United offers a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all employees meeting certain minimum service requirements. The 401(k) Plan allows employees to make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) Plan and, United matches 100% of employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Employees begin to receive matching contributions after completing one year of service.

Effective January 1, 2020, United amended the 401(k) Plan to be a safe harbor plan. Under safe harbor provisions, United is required to provide a matching contribution and participants are immediately 100% vested in safe harbor matching contributions. Under the safe harbor amendment the Company will continue to match 100% of participant deferral contributions up to 5% of the participant’s annual base salary and commissions for those who have completed at least one year of service. Prior to January 1, 2020, matching contributions vested after three years of service.

United’s 401(k) Plan is administered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Compensation expense from continuing operations related to the 401(k) Plan totaled $7.31 million, $6.16 million and $5.30 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan
United also sponsors a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for its executive officers, certain other key employees and members of the Board and its community banks’ advisory boards of directors. The deferred compensation plan provides for the pre-tax deferral of compensation, fees and other specified benefits. Specifically, the deferred compensation plan permits each employee participant to elect to defer a portion of base salary, bonus or vested restricted stock units and permits each eligible director participant to elect to defer all or a portion of director’s fees. Further, the deferred compensation plan allows for
116
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(20) Benefit Plans, continued

additional contributions by an employee, with matching contributions by United, for amounts that exceed the allowable amounts under the 401(k) Plan.

During 2021, 2020 and 2019, United recognized $73,000, $49,000 and $162,000, respectively, in matching contributions for this provision of the deferred compensation plan. The Board may also elect to make a discretionary contribution to any or all participants. No discretionary contributions were made in 2021, 2020 or 2019.

In addition to common stock related to elected deferrals of vested restricted stock units, United offers its common stock as an investment option for cash contributions to the deferred compensation plan. The common stock component is accounted for as an equity instrument and is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as common stock issuable. The deferred compensation plan does not allow for diversification once an election is made to invest in United stock and settlement must be accomplished in shares at the time the deferral period is completed. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, United had 595,705 shares and 600,834 shares, respectively, of its common stock that were issuable under the deferred compensation plan.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
United has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, or the Modified Retirement Plan, that covers certain executive officers and other key employees. The Modified Retirement Plan provides a fixed annual retirement benefit to plan participants.
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the pension benefit obligation of the Modified Retirement Plan at year end and net periodic pension cost are shown in the table below:
 20212020
Discount rate for disclosures2.90 %2.55 %
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost2.55 %3.25 %
Measurement date12/31/202112/31/2020
 
The Modified Retirement Plan discount rates are determined in consultation with the third-party actuary and are set by matching the projected benefit cash flow to a notional yield curve developed by reference to high-quality fixed income investments. The discount rates are determined as the rate which would provide the same present value as the plan cash flows discounted to the measurement date using the full series of spot rates along the notional yield curve as of the measurement date.

United recognizes the unfunded status of the Modified Retirement Plan as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. Information about changes in obligations and plan assets follows (in thousands): 
Modified Retirement Plan
 20212020
Accumulated benefit obligation:  
Accumulated benefit obligation - beginning of year$27,099 $25,105 
Service cost659 588 
Interest cost676 795 
Actuarial (gains) losses(1,066)1,804 
Benefits paid(1,107)(1,193)
Accumulated benefit obligation - end of year26,261 27,099 
Change in plan assets, at fair value:
Beginning plan assets— — 
Employer contribution1,107 1,193 
Benefits paid(1,107)(1,193)
Plan assets - end of year— — 
Funded status - end of year (plan assets less benefit obligations)$(26,261)$(27,099)
 
117
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(20) Benefit Plans, continued

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands): 
 202120202019
Modified
Retirement
Plan		Modified
Retirement
Plan		Modified
Retirement
Plan		Funded
Plan
Service cost$659 $588 $392 $— 
Interest cost676 795 931 166 
Expected return on plan assets— — — (106)
Amortization of prior service cost469 531 635 — 
Amortization of net actuarial losses576 326 59 — 
Net periodic benefit cost$2,380 $2,240 $2,017 $60 
 
The following table summarizes the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the Modified Retirement Plan for the periods indicated (in thousands).
2022$1,191 
20231,185 
20241,179 
20251,192 
20261,213 
2027-20318,276 
 
United acquired Palmetto on September 1, 2015, including its funded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, or the Funded Plan, which covered all full-time Palmetto employees who had fulfilled at least 12 months of continuous service and attained age 21 by December 31, 2007. Benefits under the Funded Plan were no longer accrued for service subsequent to 2007. During 2019, United settled the liabilities of its Funded Plan. Participants elected to receive either lump sum distributions or annuity contracts purchased from a third-party insurance company that provided for the payment of vested benefits. United contributed $4.90 million to the Funded Plan in the third quarter 2019 to fund its liquidation.

As a result of the pension termination, unrecognized losses of $1.56 million, which were previously recorded in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets, were recognized as expense and an additional pension plan settlement loss of $1.38 million was recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Including both charges, the total Funded Plan settlement loss was $2.94 million, which was included in merger-related and other charges for the year ended December 31, 2019.
 
Other United sponsored benefit plans
United's Employee Stock Purchase Program (“ESPP”), which was terminated during 2021, allowed eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a discount (10%), with no commission charges. During 2021, 2020 and 2019 United issued 6,676, 34,423 shares and 20,928 shares, respectively, through the ESPP.

(21) Regulatory Matters

Capital Requirements
United and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary action by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on United. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, United and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures (as defined) established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require United and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total capital, Tier 1 capital, and CET1 to RWAs, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets.

118
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(21) Regulatory Matters, continued

United and the Bank are also subject to a “capital conservation buffer,” which is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking organizations with a ratio of CET1 to RWAs above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus compensation based on the amount of the shortfall.

As of December 31, 2021, United and the Bank were categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action in effect at such time. To be categorized as well-capitalized at December 31, 2021, United and the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at such time, as set forth in the table below and have met certain other requirements. Management believes that United and the Bank exceeded all well-capitalized requirements at December 31, 2021, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.

Pursuant to the CARES Act, United has adopted relief provided by federal banking regulatory agencies for the delay of the adverse capital impact of CECL. This optional two-year delay, which ended December 31, 2021, is followed by an optional three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay. Under the transition provision, the amount of aggregate capital benefit is phased out by 25% each year with the full impact of adoption completely recognized by 2025.
 
Regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2021 and 2020, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions in effect at such times are presented below for United and the Bank (dollars in thousands):
 
 Basel III GuidelinesUnited Community Banks, Inc.
(consolidated)		United Community Bank
Minimum (1)
Well
Capitalized		2021202020212020
Risk-based ratios:      
CET1 capital4.5 %6.5 %12.46 %12.31 %12.87 %13.31 %
Tier 1 capital6.0 8.0 13.17 13.10 12.87 13.31 
Total capital8.0 10.0 14.65 15.15 13.46 14.28 
Tier 1 leverage ratio4.0 5.0 8.75 9.28 8.53 9.42 
CET1 capital$1,688,176 $1,506,750 $1,738,557 $1,625,292 
Tier 1 capital1,784,598 1,603,172 1,738,557 1,625,292 
Total capital1,984,376 1,854,368 1,818,335 1,743,045 
RWAs13,548,534 12,240,440 13,512,405 12,207,940 
Average total assets20,402,842 17,276,853 20,377,319 17,246,878 
(1) As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.50%.
 
Cash, Dividend, Loan and Other Restrictions
Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company. During 2021 and 2020, the Bank paid cash dividends to the Holding Company of $217 million and $150 million, respectively.
 
The Federal Reserve Act requires that extensions of credit by the Bank to certain affiliates, including the Holding Company, be secured by specific collateral, that the extension of credit to any one affiliate be limited to 10% of capital and surplus (as defined), and that extensions of credit to all such affiliates be limited to 20% of capital and surplus.
 
The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.
 
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. United uses the same
119
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(21) Regulatory Matters, continued

credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it uses for underwriting on-balance sheet instruments. In most cases, collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk.

(22) Commitments and Contingencies

The following table summarizes, as of the dates indicated, the contract amount of off-balance sheet instruments (in thousands):
December 31,
 20212020
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:  
Commitments to extend credit$3,591,975 $3,052,657 
Letters of credit29,312 31,748 
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn on, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
 
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by United and could result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party or upon the non-performance of the customer. Those guarantees are primarily issued to local businesses and government agencies. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. In most cases, the Bank holds real estate, certificates of deposit, and other acceptable collateral as security supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those commitments varies.

United maintains an ACL for these unfunded commitments, which is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The ACL for unfunded loan commitments is determined as part of the quarterly ACL analysis. See Note 1 for further detail.
 
The Bank holds minor investments in certain limited partnerships for CRA and tax purposes. As of December 31, 2021, the Bank had a recorded investment of $52.7 million in these limited partnerships, which is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2021, for certain of these investments, the Bank had commitments to fund an additional $13.7 million related to future capital calls that has not been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, the Holding Company also had $10.0 million in commitments for future capital calls to a fintech fund limited partnership that has not been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
United, in the normal course of business, is subject to various pending and threatened lawsuits in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, or the range of any possible loss, management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising from these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on financial position or results of operations.


120
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(23)    Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Holding Company Only)
 
Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020
(in thousands)
 20212020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$298,316 $289,243 
Investment in Bank2,150,683 2,028,965 
Investment in other subsidiaries23,194 752 
Other assets46,432 34,661 
Total assets$2,518,625 $2,353,621 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Long-term debt$247,360 $311,956 
Other liabilities49,020 34,135 
Total liabilities296,380 346,091 
Shareholders’ equity2,222,245 2,007,530 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$2,518,625 $2,353,621 


Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands)
 202120202019
Dividends from Bank$217,000 $150,000 $— 
Dividends from other subsidiaries— — 4,651 
Shared service fees from subsidiaries12,402 13,020 14,721 
Other3,167 1,436 1,468 
Total income232,569 164,456 20,840 
Interest expense14,324 13,994 11,573 
Other expense16,417 16,473 18,965 
Total expenses30,741 30,467 30,538 
Income tax benefit6,908 2,681 8,711 
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries208,736 136,670 (987)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries61,065 27,419 186,708 
Net income$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 

121
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(23) Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Holding Company Only), continued
 
Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands)
202120202019
Operating activities:   
Net income$269,801 $164,089 $185,721 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of the subsidiaries(61,065)(27,419)(186,708)
Stock-based compensation6,554 7,887 9,360 
Change in assets and liabilities:
Other assets(7,800)(3,662)(3,022)
Other liabilities6,353 5,261 2,080 
Net cash provided by operating activities213,843 146,156 7,431 
Investing activities:
Net cash (paid) received for acquisition(47,785)3,397 (52,093)
Purchases of premises and equipment(30)— — 
Purchases of debt securities available-for-sale and equity securities(1,500)(2,750)(3,000)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available-for-sale and equity securities1,253 — 83 
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment728 — — 
Other investing inflows132 — — 
Other investing outflows(600)— — 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(47,802)647 (55,010)
Financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt(65,632)— (250)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs— 98,552 — 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs— 96,422 — 
Cash paid for shares withheld to cover payroll taxes related to equity instruments(3,182)(3,119)(1,686)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment and employee benefit plans506 1,317 2,193 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants231 — 212 
Repurchase of common stock(15,101)(20,782)(13,020)
Cash dividends on preferred stock(6,876)(3,533)— 
Cash dividends on common stock(66,914)(58,912)(53,044)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(156,968)109,945 (65,595)
Net change in cash9,073 256,748 (113,174)
Cash at beginning of year289,243 32,495 145,669 
Cash at end of year$298,316 $289,243 $32,495 
 
(24) Subsequent Events

Dividends Declared
On February 17, 2022, the Board approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share and a preferred stock dividend of $429.6875 per preferred share (equivalent to $0.4296875 per depositary share, or 1/1000 interest per share). The common stock dividend is payable April 5, 2022, to common shareholders of record on March 15, 2022. The preferred stock dividend is payable March 15, 2022, to preferred shareholders of record on February 28, 2022.

Acquisition of Reliant
Subsequent to year-end, on January 1, 2022, United completed the acquisition of Reliant Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliant Bank, collectively referred to as “Reliant”. Reliant is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee. Reliant operates a 25 branch network in Tennessee, located primarily in the Nashville, Clarksville and
122
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Chattanooga metropolitan areas. It also has a manufactured housing finance group based in Knoxville. As of December 31, 2021, Reliant reported total assets of $3.00 billion, total loans of $2.38 billion, and total deposits of $2.50 billion.

Reliant shareholders received $597 million in total consideration, of which $596 million was United common stock (16.6 million shares), $624,000 was cash and $795,000 was converted stock options. The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination. Due to the timing of the acquisition, United is currently in the process of completing the purchase accounting and has not made all of the remaining required disclosures, such as the fair value of assets acquired and supplemental pro forma information, which will be disclosed in subsequent filings.

123

 
ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of December 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the fourth quarter of 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, United’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.”
 
Our independent auditors have issued an audit report on management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting. This report is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 

ITEM 9C.        DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.
124

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
    (a) Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers. Information required by this Item 10 regarding our directors and director nominees contained under the caption “Director Nominees for Election” under the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this Item 10 regarding our executive officers contained under the heading “Executive Officers” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)  Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. If applicable, information required by this Item 10 regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act contained under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” under the heading “Security Ownership” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(c)  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  We have adopted a Corporate Code of Ethics (“Code”). This Code is posted on the “Corporate Governance” section of our Internet website at www.ucbi.com. If we choose to no longer post such Code, we will provide a free copy to any person upon written request to Corporate Secretary, United Community Banks, Inc., 2 West Washington Street, Suite 700, Greenville, South Carolina 29601. We intend to provide any required disclosure of any amendment to or waiver from such Code that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, on our Internet website located at www.ucbi.com promptly following the amendment or waiver. We may elect to disclose any such amendment or waiver in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC either in addition to or in lieu of the website disclosure. The information contained on or connected to our Internet website is not incorporated by reference into this Report and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.

(d)  Procedures for Shareholders to Recommend Director Nominees. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board.
 
(e)  Audit Committee Information. Information required by this Item 10 regarding our Audit Committee and our audit committee financial experts is contained under the captions “Board Committees” and “Audit Committee Financial Expert,” in each case under the heading “Corporate Governance” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information required by this Item 11 regarding director and executive officer compensation, the Compensation Committee Report, the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for employees, pay ratio disclosure, and compensation committee interlocks and insider participation contained under the headers “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation ” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information contained under the heading “Security Ownership” and under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” under the heading “Executive Compensation” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.  

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Information required by this Item 13 regarding certain relationships and related transactions contained under the heading “Transactions With Management and Others” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this Item 13 regarding director independence contained under the caption “Director Independence” under the heading “Corporate Governance” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by Item 14 regarding fees we paid to our principal accountant and the pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee of our Board contained under the heading “Fees Paid to Auditors” in the 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
125

PART IV
 
ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)1.
Financial Statements.
  The following consolidated financial statements are located in Item 8 of this report:
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  
Consolidated Statements of Income - Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
  
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2021 and 2020
  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Financial Statement Schedules.
Schedules to the consolidated financial statements are omitted, as the required information is not applicable.
3.
Exhibits.
The exhibits required to be filed with this Report by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Exhibit Index below:
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Exhibit  
126

--Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A), other instruments that define the rights of holders of the long-term indebtedness of United Community Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries that does not exceed 10% of United’s consolidated assets have not been filed; however, United agrees to furnish a copy of any such agreement to the SEC upon request.
127

128

101.INS**Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH**Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**Inline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB**Inline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

#    Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**    Indicates filed or furnished herewith.
 
ITEM 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY
 
Not applicable.
 
129

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, United has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 25th day of February, 2022.
 
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
(Registrant)
 
/s/ H. Lynn Harton /s/ Jefferson L. Harralson
H. Lynn Harton Jefferson L. Harralson
President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) (Principal Financial Officer)
   
/s/ Alan H. Kumler  
Alan H. Kumler  
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer  
(Principal Accounting Officer)  
 
130

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
 
Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints H. Lynn Harton and Thomas A. Richlovsky, or either of them, as attorney-in-fact, with each having the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United and in the capacities set forth and on the 17th day of February, 2022.
/s/ H. Lynn Harton /s/ Kenneth L. Daniels
H. Lynn Harton Kenneth L. Daniels
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Director
(Principal Executive Officer)  
   
/s/ Jefferson L. Harralson /s/ Lance F. Drummond
Jefferson L. Harralson Lance F. Drummond
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Director
(Principal Financial Officer)  
  
/s/ Alan H. Kumler /s/ Jennifer Mann
Alan H. Kumler Jennifer Mann
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer Director
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
  
/s/ Thomas A. Richlovsky /s/ David C. Shaver
Thomas A. Richlovsky David C. Shaver
Lead Independent Director Director
   
/s/ Jennifer M. Bazante /s/ Tim Wallis
Jennifer M. Bazante Tim Wallis
Director Director
  
/s/ Robert Blalock /s/ David H. Wilkins
Robert Blalock David H. Wilkins
Director Director
/s/ James P. Clements
James P. Clements
Director

131
Document
Exhibit 10.29
SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

    THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is dated as of the 27th day of June, 2021 by and between UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC., a Georgia corporation (the “Borrower”), and SYNOVUS BANK, as Lender (the “Lender”).

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of January 7, 2014 (as amended by the First Amendment defined below, the Second Amendment defined below, the Third Amendment defined below, the Fourth Amendment defined below, the Fifth Amendment defined below, and as in effect prior to the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender previously entered into that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2015, extending the Maturity Date to June 30, 2018 (the “First Amendment”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender previously entered into that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016, extending the Maturity Date to June 30, 2019 (the “Second Amendment”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender previously entered into that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2017, reducing the pricing on the terms and conditions set forth therein (the “Third Amendment”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender previously entered into that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2018, extending the Maturity Date to June 30, 2020 and updating LIBOR provisions on the terms and conditions set forth therein (the “Fourth Amendment”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Lender previously entered into that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 18, 2020, extending the Maturity Date to June 30, 2022 and amending the definition of Revolving Commitment (the “Fifth Amendment”);

WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lender amend the Credit Agreement to extend the Maturity Date of the Credit Agreement to June 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Lender is willing to amend the Credit Agreement to extend the Maturity Date to June 30, 2024.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

    Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given such terms in the Credit Agreement.
Section 2. Specific Amendments. At the request of the Borrower, but subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 below, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows with such amendments being effective as of the date hereof:

(a)    The Credit Agreement is amended by restating the definition of “Maturity Date” set forth in Section 1.1 thereof in its entirety as follows:



“‘Maturity Date’ shall mean June 30, 2024, or such earlier date as the Revolving Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 2.5(b) or Section 8.1.”

(b)    The Credit Agreement is amended by restating Section 2.16 in its entirety as follows:

“Section 2.16 Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.

(a)    Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, the Lender may amend this Agreement to replace LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement. Any such amendment will become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the Lender has provided such proposed amendment to the Borrower without any further action or consent of the Borrower, so long as the Lender has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from the Borrower. No replacement of LIBOR with a Benchmark Replacement pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” will occur prior to the applicable Benchmark Transition Start Date.

(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Lender will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of the Borrower.

(c) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Lender will promptly notify the Borrower of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date and Benchmark Transition Start Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and (iv) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Lender pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event,” including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in the Lender’s sole discretion and without consent from the Borrower, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.”

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(d) Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Eurodollar Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period, the component of Base Rate based upon LIBOR will not be used in any determination of Base Rate.

(e) Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event”:

“Benchmark Replacement” means the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate (which may include Term SOFR) that has been selected by the Lender giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest as a replacement to LIBOR for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that, if the Benchmark Replacement as so determined would be less than zero, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of LIBOR with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for each applicable Interest Period, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Lender giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of LIBOR with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time.

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters) that the Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the
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administration thereof by the Lender in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Lender decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Lender determines that no market practice for the administration of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement).

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earlier to occur of the following events with respect to LIBOR: (1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of LIBOR permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide LIBOR; or (2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein.

“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to LIBOR: (1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of LIBOR announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR; (2) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR, the U.S. Federal Reserve System, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for LIBOR or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for LIBOR, which states that the administrator of LIBOR has ceased or will cease to provide LIBOR permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide LIBOR; or (3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of LIBOR announcing that LIBOR is no longer representative.

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“Benchmark Transition Start Date” means (a) in the case of a Benchmark Transition Event, the earlier of (i) the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and (ii) if such Benchmark Transition Event is a public statement or publication of information of a prospective event, the 90th day prior to the expected date of such event as of such public statement or publication of information (or if the expected date of such prospective event is fewer than 90 days after such statement or publication, the date of such statement or publication) and (b) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the date specified by the Lender by notice to the Borrower, so long as the Lender has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such amendment from the Borrower.

“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBOR and solely to the extent that LIBOR has not been replaced with a Benchmark Replacement, the period (x) beginning at the time that such Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes hereunder in accordance with the Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event” and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced LIBOR for all purposes hereunder pursuant to the Section titled “Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.”

“Early Opt-in Election” means the occurrence of: (1) a determination by the Lender that at least five currently outstanding U.S. dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) as a benchmark interest rate, in lieu of LIBOR, a new benchmark interest rate to replace LIBOR, and (2) the election by the Lender to declare that an Early Opt-in Election has occurred and the provision by the Lender of written notice of such election to the Borrower.

“Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.

“SOFR” with respect to any day means the secured overnight financing rate published for such day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the benchmark, (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Website.

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“Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.”

Section 3. Other Documents. All other Loan Documents executed and delivered in connection with the Credit Agreement are hereby amended solely to the extent necessary to conform to this Amendment.

Section 4. Conditions. The effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

(a)    The Lender shall have received a counterpart of this Amendment duly executed by the Borrower and the Lender;

(b)    The Lender shall have received an executed copy of that certain letter agreement dated as of the date hereof by and between the Borrower and the Lender (the “Fee Letter”);

        (c)     The Lender shall have received certificates of good standing or existence, as may be available, from the Secretary of State of the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Borrower and United Community Bank;

        (d)    The Lender shall have received a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Borrower attaching and certifying copies of its bylaws and of the resolutions of its board of directors, authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

        (e)    The Borrower shall have paid all fees and expenses contemplated by (i) Section 7 hereof and (ii) the Fee Letter; and

        (f)    The Lender shall have received such other documents, instruments and agreements as the Lender may reasonably request relating to the transactions contemplated herein.

Section 5. Representations and Warranties. To induce the Lender to enter into this Amendment, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that:

(a)    Authorization. The Borrower has the right and corporate power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to execute and deliver this Amendment and the Fee Letter and to perform its obligations hereunder, under the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, under the Fee Letter and under the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms. This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower and each of this Amendment, the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, and the Fee Letter is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

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(b)    Compliance with Laws. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Amendment and the performance by the Borrower of this Amendment, the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, and the Fee Letter in accordance with their respective terms, do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise: (i) require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any action by, any Governmental Authority (except those as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect); (ii) violate any applicable law or regulation or the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Borrower or any order of any Governmental Authority binding upon the Borrower; (iii) violate or result in a default under any indenture, material agreement or other material instrument binding on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary; or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

(c)    No Default. As of the date hereof, no Default or Event of Default shall exist.

Section 6.     Reaffirmation of Representations. The Borrower hereby represents, repeats and reaffirms all representations and warranties made by the Borrower in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents on and as of the date hereof with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties were set forth in this Amendment in full (except to the extent that any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case, the Borrower hereby represents, repeats and reaffirms such representation and warranty as of such date).

Section 7. Payment of Expenses. The Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse the Lender, upon demand, for its reasonable out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and the other documents and agreements executed and delivered in connection herewith.

Section 8. Effect; Ratification.

(a) Except as expressly herein amended, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain unchanged and continue to be in full force and effect. The amendments contained herein shall be deemed to have prospective application only, unless otherwise specifically stated herein. The Credit Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. Each reference to the Credit Agreement in any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed to be a reference to the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment.

(b) Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of compliance with any term or condition contained in the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or constitute a course of conduct or dealing among the parties. The Lender reserves all rights, privileges and remedies under the Loan Documents.

(c) This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Amendment shall for all purposes be deemed to be a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement and entitled to the benefits thereof.

Section 9. Further Assurances. The Borrower agrees to take all further actions and execute such other documents and instruments as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request to
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carry out the transactions contemplated by this Amendment, the Loan Documents and all other agreements executed and delivered in connection herewith.

Section 10. Binding Effect. This Amendment shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

Section 11. RELEASE. IN CONSIDERATION OF THE AMENDMENT CONTAINED HEREIN, THE SUFFICIENCY OF WHICH IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED, THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES THE LENDER AND EACH OF ITS RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, SUBSIDIARIES, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES AND ATTORNEYS (EACH, A “RELEASED PERSON”) OF AND FROM ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, ACTIONS AND CAUSES OF ACTION WHATSOEVER WHICH THE BORROWER MAY NOW HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ON AND AS OF THE DATE HEREOF AGAINST ANY RELEASED PERSON, WHETHER PRESENTLY KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, LIQUIDATED OR UNLIQUIDATED, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, CONTINGENT OR NON-CONTINGENT, AND OF EVERY NATURE AND EXTENT WHATSOEVER (COLLECTIVELY, “CLAIMS”) OTHER THAN ANY CLAIM ARISING SOLELY OUT OF THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH RELEASED PERSON. THE BORROWER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO THE LENDER THAT IT HAS NOT GRANTED OR PURPORTED TO GRANT TO ANY OTHER PERSON ANY INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN ANY CLAIM, AS SECURITY OR OTHERWISE. THE BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH RELEASED PERSON FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS AND ANY LOSS, COST, LIABILITY, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND EXPENSES) INCURRED BY ANY RELEASED PERSON IN INVESTIGATING, PREPARING FOR, DEFENDING AGAINST, PROVIDING EVIDENCE OR PRODUCING DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH OR TAKING OTHER ACTION IN RESPECT OF ANY COMMENCED OR THREATENED CLAIM.

Section 12. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and shall be binding upon all parties, their successors and assigns. The exchange of copies of this Amendment and of signature pages by facsimile or .pdf via email transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties.

Section 13. Severability; Headings. Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability, without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. The section and subsection headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction hereof or to be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

Section 14. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF) OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA.


[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.,
as the Borrower
By:/s/ Jefferson Harralson
Name:Jefferson Harralson
Title:Chief Financial Officer
SYNOVUS BANK,
as the Lender
By:/s/ Michael Sawicki
Name:Michael Sawicki
Title:Director


                        
                        
[Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

Document

EXHIBIT 21
 
Subsidiaries of United Community Banks, Inc. as of December 31, 2021.
 
SubsidiaryState of Organization
  
United Community BankSouth Carolina
 
Navitas Credit Corp.Florida
 
NLFC Reinsurance Corp.Tennessee
 
United Community Insurance Services, Inc.Georgia
 
UCB Investments, Inc.North Carolina
 
UCB Funding Corp.Georgia
 
United Community Development CorporationGeorgia
 
UCB Real Estate Investments, Inc.Georgia
 
UCBI Georgia Credits LLCGeorgia
 
Seaside Insurance, Inc. Florida
Seaside Capital Management, Inc.Florida
 
United Community Payment Systems, LLC (50% owned by United Community Bank)Delaware
Broadstreet Title, LLC (50% owned by United Community Bank)South Carolina
TFG Holdings, LLCDelaware
FinTrust Capital Partners, LLCSouth Carolina
FinTrust Brokerage Services, LLCNorth Carolina
FinTrust Capital Benefits Group, LLCGeorgia
FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLCGeorgia
Tidelands Statutory Trust IDelaware
 
Four Oaks Statutory Trust IDelaware
 
HCSB Financial Trust IDelaware

Document

EXHIBIT 23
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-197026) and S-8 (Nos. 333-256260, 333-256263, 333-99849, 333-120623, 333-125017, 333-145029, 333-167185, 333-181675, and 333-183768) of United Community Banks, Inc. of our report dated February 25, 2022 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2022



Document

EXHIBIT 31.1
 
I, H. Lynn Harton, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United Community Banks, Inc. (the “Registrant”);
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15d - 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
By:/s/ H. Lynn Harton 
 H. Lynn Harton 
 President and Chief Executive Officer 
   
Date:February 25, 2022 
   
 


Document

EXHIBIT 31.2
 
I, Jefferson L. Harralson, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of United Community Banks, Inc. (the “Registrant”);
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15d - 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:
 
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
By:/s/ Jefferson L. Harralson 
 Jefferson L. Harralson 
 Executive Vice President and 
 Chief Financial Officer 
   
Date:February 25, 2022 
   
 

Document

EXHIBIT 32
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Annual Report of United Community Banks, Inc. (“United”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, H. Lynn Harton, President and Chief Executive Officer of United, and I, Jefferson L. Harralson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of United.
By:/s/ H. Lynn Harton 
 H. Lynn Harton 
 President and Chief Executive Officer 
   
By:/s/ Jefferson L. Harralson 
 Jefferson L. Harralson 
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
   
 Date:  February 25, 2022