Here is one stock with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, Jan.16:United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB) : This bank holding company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 0.7% over the last 60 days.United Community Banks’ shares gained 14.1% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 4.3%. The company possesses a Momentum Score  of A.See the full list of top ranked stocks hereLearn ...

United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB) reported in-line earnings for the fourth quarter on Wednesday.The company posted quarterly earnings of 71 cents per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. The company reported quarterly sales of $278.388 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $273.533 million.Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton stated, “The fourth quarter marks a great ending to a rewarding year. Our teams delivered healthy loan growth for all of 2025, leading to improvement in our earning a ...

Core Viewpoint - United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB) demonstrates strong financial performance with significant revenue growth, despite slightly missing earnings per share estimates [2][6]. Financial Performance - UCB reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.71 for Q4 2025, slightly below the estimated $0.73 [2][6]. - The company generated revenue of approximately $278.4 million, surpassing estimates of $269.3 million, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year [2]. - UCB's net income for Q4 2025 was $86.5 million, with a full-year net income of $328 million, up from $252 million in 2024 [3][6]. Financial Metrics - UCB has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 12.38 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 3.13, indicating a strong valuation [4][6]. - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 8.70, reflecting the company's cash flow valuation [4]. - UCB maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.056, suggesting a conservative approach to leveraging [4][6]. Liquidity and Stability - The company's current ratio of approximately 47.49 indicates strong liquidity, allowing it to cover short-term liabilities multiple times over [5]. - This financial stability, combined with revenue growth and positive operating leverage, positions UCB well in the competitive banking sector [5].

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Group 1 - United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB) is a small banking network operating in the Southeastern region of the United States [1] - The article highlights the expertise of Quad 7 Capital, a team of analysts with nearly 12 years of experience in identifying investment opportunities [1] - Quad 7 Capital has a proven track record, being 95% long and 5% short on average since May 2020, indicating a strong focus on market trends [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the benefits of BAD BEAT Investing, which include learning market dynamics, executing well-researched trade ideas, and access to extensive trading tools [1] - The focus is on teaching investors to become proficient traders through a structured approach, rather than just providing trades [1] - The company aims to save time for investors by offering in-depth research with clear entry and exit targets [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the Q4 earnings of United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB), a small banking network operating in the Southeastern region of the United States [1] - The analysis highlights the expertise of the BAD BEAT Investing team, which has been providing investment opportunities for nearly 12 years, focusing on both long and short trades [1] - The team emphasizes teaching investors to become proficient traders through their research and trading strategies, aiming to save time by providing high-quality research with clear entry and exit targets [1] Group 2 - The article mentions the benefits of BAD BEAT Investing, including learning market dynamics, executing well-researched trade ideas, and access to various trading tools and resources [1]

Core Insights - United Community Banks reported a solid end to 2025 with significant revenue growth, margin expansion, and improving profitability metrics [5][4][3] Financial Performance - Operating earnings per share increased 18% to $2.71 from $2.30 year-over-year, with annual revenue surpassing $1 billion, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth [3] - Fourth quarter revenue rose 11% year-over-year, driven by net interest margin expansion and a 4.4% annualized loan growth [4] - Operating earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.71, up 13% year-over-year, with a return on assets of 1.22% and return on tangible common equity of 13.3% [4] Loan and Deposit Growth - Loan growth continued at a 4.4% annualized pace, primarily in the commercial and industrial (C&I) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) categories [2] - Novitas equipment finance achieved over $1 billion in originations for the first time, with loans representing 9.5% of total loans [1] - Deposits grew 1% for the year, with a notable increase of $293 million in public funds during the fourth quarter [6][7] Net Interest Margin and Balance Sheet - Net interest margin increased four basis points to 3.62%, with a loan-to-deposit ratio rising to 82% [8][11] - The cost of deposits improved by 21 basis points to 1.76%, and cumulative total deposit beta increased to 40% [6] Credit Quality and Expenses - Net charge-offs were reported at 34 basis points, with expectations for the loss rate to fall in the 20 to 25 basis point range for 2026 [14] - Operating expenses rose to $151.4 million, attributed mainly to higher health insurance costs, with management targeting 3% to 3.5% expense growth in 2026 [13] Capital Actions and M&A Strategy - The bank increased its dividend to an annualized rate of $1 per share and repurchased 1 million shares in the fourth quarter [15] - Management expressed a preference for its current footprint and is not actively seeking geographic expansion, identifying fewer than 10 potential M&A targets [16] Outlook for 2026 - Management is optimistic about continued growth and improvement, citing strong market economies and ongoing investments in talent and systems [17]

Core Insights - United Community Banks (UCB) reported revenue of $278.39 million for Q4 2025, marking an 11% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $273.8 million by 1.68% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same quarter was $0.71, up from $0.63 a year ago, although it fell short of the consensus estimate of $0.73 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net interest margin (FTE) stood at 3.6%, aligning with the average estimate from three analysts [4] - The efficiency ratio (Operating) was reported at 54.2%, slightly above the average estimate of 53.8% from three analysts [4] - Total nonperforming assets were $93.5 million, better than the average estimate of $100.61 million from two analysts [4] - Average balance of total interest-earning assets (FTE) was $26.19 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $26.27 billion from two analysts [4] - Net charge-offs to average loans were 0.3%, higher than the average estimate of 0.2% from two analysts [4] - Total nonaccrual loans were reported at $91.1 million, compared to the average estimate of $98.88 million from two analysts [4] - Net interest revenue was $237.93 million, exceeding the average estimate of $234.87 million from three analysts [4] - Total noninterest income reached $40.46 million, slightly above the average estimate of $40.17 million from three analysts [4] - Net interest revenue (FTE) was $239.03 million, surpassing the average estimate of $235.98 million from two analysts [4] Stock Performance - Shares of United Community Banks have returned +0.6% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +2.1% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 11% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, with operating earnings per share increasing by 13% to $0.71 [4] - For the full year, operating earnings per share grew by 18%, from $2.30 to $2.71, and revenue topped $1 billion with a 12% year-over-year growth [4][5] - Return on assets improved to 1.22%, and return on tangible common equity reached 13.3% for the year [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail and small business lending efforts surpassed $1 billion in annual production for the first time, alongside Novitas equipment finance team achieving the same milestone [5] - The loan portfolio grew at an annualized pace of 4.4%, primarily driven by C&I and HELOC categories [10] - Non-interest income was reported at $40.5 million, down from the previous quarter, with growth in wealth management and treasury management offset by a seasonal decline in mortgage [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a positive seasonality in public funds, with an increase of $293 million in deposits [9] - The cost of deposits improved by 21 basis points to 1.76%, while cumulative total deposit beta increased from 37% to 40% [9] - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 82%, reflecting a trend towards higher loan growth relative to deposits [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving the durability of earnings through reduced securities duration and investments in talent and systems for interest rate risk management [7] - Expansion efforts included the successful conversion of American National Bank and Fort Lauderdale to the company's systems, along with new office openings in North Carolina and Florida [8] - The company plans to be more assertive in share buybacks, given strong capital build and credit quality [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for continued growth in 2026, citing a strong economy in their markets [15] - The competitive landscape remains robust, with a focus on client service and employee culture to attract talent [36] - Management does not foresee significant impacts from tariffs on credit quality, indicating stability in asset quality [68] Other Important Information - The company was recognized for retail client satisfaction and as one of the top banks to work for, highlighting its commitment to culture and community engagement [6] - The efficiency ratio improved by 264 basis points, with expectations for further improvements in 2026 [11][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance sheet growth expectations for 2026 - Management expects balance sheet growth to depend on deposit growth, modeling it a couple hundred basis points below loan growth [19] Question: Anticipated loan growth and asset class focus - Management highlighted C&I and HELOC as focus areas, with Florida leading production due to recent acquisitions [20] Question: Future share repurchase strategy - Management intends to be more assertive with buybacks in 2026, given strong capital and credit quality [24] Question: Outlook on efficiency ratio and expense growth - Management is budgeting for operating leverage improvement in 2026, targeting a 3% to 3.5% growth rate in expenses [39] Question: Competitive landscape and hiring opportunities - Management noted increased competition but emphasized a focus on culture and client service to attract talent [36] Question: M&A opportunities and strategy - Management is focused on organic growth and sees limited M&A opportunities, preferring quality targets [41][77]