UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

(in thousands, except share data)

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(in thousands except share data)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(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. 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, Florida and Alabama 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 products and are therefore considered to beone operating 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.

Investments

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 OCI, net of tax.

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.

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.

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 OCI. 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 investments: Equity investments 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 other noninterest income. Those without readily determinable fair values include, among others, FHLB stock, which is held to meet FHLB requirements related to outstanding advances and accounted for using the cost 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 the majority of newly originated 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. As of December 31, 2022, United had certain mortgage loans held for sale that were acquired from Reliant for which the fair value option was not elected; these loans were carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. These loans were subsequently sold in 2023.

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 tax from consideration in these lease contracts.

PCD Loans: 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.

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.

FDMs: As discussed in Note 2, effective January 1, 2023, United adopted ASU No. 2022-02, which updated the guidance on modifications to financing receivables by effectively replacing the concept of TDRs with a new concept, loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. A loan for which the terms have been modified as a result of the borrower experiencing financial difficulty is generally considered to be a FDM. Modified terms that result in a FDM include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, an extension of the term or amortization period, a more than insignificant payment delay or principal forgiveness. The ACL on FDMs is calculated using the same method as other loans held for investment.

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 76% of United’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and is therefore susceptible to changes in real estate valuations.

ACL- Loans

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 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. 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-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 which may be caused by rapidly increasing interest rates or other factors, 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 which may be caused by rapidly increasing interest rates or other factors.

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 which may be caused by rapidly increasing interest rates or other factors affecting demand for residential real estate.

Home equity -Risks common to home equity loans and 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.

Manufactured housing -Risks associated with manufactured housing are similar to those described for residential mortgage loans, including general economic conditions and unemployment rates, as well as appropriate lien priority and the general mobility of the collateral as the majority of loans in this category are secured by chattel.

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.

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 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 (OREO) and Repossessed Assets

Foreclosed property and repossessed assets are initially recorded at fair value, less cost to sell. If the fair value, less cost to sell at the time of foreclosure or repossession 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/repossessed property decreases during the holding period, a valuation allowance is established with a charge to operating expenses. When the foreclosed/repossessed 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.

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 and board members 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 inother assets, and a related lease liability, included inother 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 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. Operating lease costs, variable lease costs and short-term lease costs are included in occupancy expense and communications and equipment expense in the consolidated statement of income.

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.

VIEs

United holds investments in certain legal entities that are considered VIEs. VIEs are legal entities in which equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to independently finance its activities, or as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact its economic performance, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity. Consolidation of a VIE is required if a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

Investments in VIEs are evaluated to determine if United is the primary beneficiary. This evaluation gives appropriate consideration to the design of the entity and the variability that the entity was designed to create and pass along, the relative power of each party, and to United’s obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns of the entity. United has variable interests in certain entities that are not required to be consolidated, including LIHTC, renewable energy and other partnership interests. Refer to Note 23, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional disclosures regarding United’s VIEs.

With the exception of LIHTC partnerships, investments in entities for which United has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financing decisions are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity method investments are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets at cost, adjusted to reflect United’s portion of income, loss, or dividends of the investee. United records its portion of income or loss in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. These investments are periodically evaluated for impairment.

LIHTC investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method of accounting for qualified affordable housing investments, which results in the amortization being reported as a component of income tax expense. Obligations related to unfunded commitments for LIHTC and renewable energy investments are reported in other liabilities. Investment tax credits related to renewable energy are accounted for using the deferral method, such that the investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to the related investment.

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 and caps. 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.

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.

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, in accordance with its election not to offset, reflects gross assets and liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

United is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed-rate financial instruments 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.

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, 2023 and 2022, 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.

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.

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 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 which are entered into as part of an economic hedging strategy to manage exposure related to mortgage loans held for sale. Fair value adjustments on these derivative instruments are recorded within mortgage loan gains and related fees in the consolidated statements of income.

United also has 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 and therefore provide an economic hedge.

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. These 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. These agreements provide for reimbursement of losses resulting from a third party default on the underlying swap. Collateral used to support the credit risk for the underlying lending relationship is also available to offset the risk of the credit risk participation.

Hedge Effectiveness

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 OCI 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).

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 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 adjusting for preferred stock dividends and any discount or premium on preferred shares repurchased 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 50% of the Bank’s net income from the previous year without notifying or seeking approval from the GADBF, provided certain conditions were met.

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 15. 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 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. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method. The update expands the current last-of-layer method to a portfolio layer method which allows multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio and non-prepayable financial assets. In addition, the update specifies that eligible hedging instruments may include spot-starting or forward-starting swaps and that the number of hedged layers corresponds with the number of hedges designated. Finally, the update provides additional guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of hedge basis adjustments. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The update eliminates the previous accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The update also requires that an entity disclose current-period gross charge-offs by year of origination. United adopted this update using a modified retrospective transition method as of January 1, 2023. The quantitative impact of adoption related to the CECL calculation for FDMs was not material; thus, no corresponding cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recorded.

Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted as of December 31, 2023

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The update clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2024 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards, continued

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. The update broadens the application of the proportional amortization method to tax equity investments other than LIHTC, providing certain conditions are met. The election to apply the proportional amortization method must be made on a tax-credit-program by tax-credit-program basis rather than at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. The update also requires certain disclosures related to those investments for which the proportional amortization method has been applied. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2024 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-05, Business Combinations - Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. The update addresses the accounting for contributions made to a joint venture, upon formation, in a joint venture’s separate financial statements. Specifically, a joint venture must apply a new basis of accounting upon formation and will initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value. This guidance is effective prospectively for all joint venture formations dated on or after January 1, 2025. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements - Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. The update clarifies or improves disclosure and presentation requirements for a variety of topics, including cash flows from derivative instruments, methods used in the diluted earnings per share computation and weighted-average interest rates on short term borrowings, This guidance is effective prospectively from the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The update requires enhanced disclosures, primarily about significant segment expenses, and requires that a public entity that has a single reportable segment provide all required disclosures. Adoption of this update as of January 1, 2024 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements; required disclosures will be included in the December 31, 2024 financial statements and interim periods beginning in 2025.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The update requires disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation and information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, the update requires disaggregated disclosure of income taxes paid and income tax expense by jurisdiction. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2024. United does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its 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.

Acquisition of First Miami

On July 1, 2023, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of First Miami in a stock transaction. First Miami operated three branches in the Miami metropolitan area, which facilitated United’s expansion within that market. United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of July 1, 2023.

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).

Goodwill represents the intangible value of First Miami’s business and reputation within the markets it served and isnot expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The First Miami core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.

Acquisition of Progress

On January 3, 2023, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Progress in a stock transaction. Progress operated 13 offices primarily located in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, which facilitated United’s growth into those markets. United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of January 3, 2023.

The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their acquisition date fair values and are summarized in the table below(dollars in thousands).

Goodwill represents the intangible value of Progress’ business and reputation within the markets it served and isnot expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Progress core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.

Reliant

On January 1, 2022, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Reliant in a stock transaction. Reliant operated a 25-branch network primarily located in Middle Tennessee, which facilitated United’s growth into those markets. United’s operating results for the year ended December 31, 2022 include the operating results of the acquired business for the period subsequent to the acquisition date of January 1, 2022. 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).

Goodwill represents the intangible value of Reliant’s business and reputation within the markets it served and isnot expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Reliant core deposit intangible will be amortized over its expected useful life of 10 years using the sum-of-the-years-digits method.

Pro forma information - unaudited

The following table discloses the impact of the mergers with First Miami and Progress in 2023 and Reliant in 2022 since the respective acquisition dates through December 31 of the year of acquisition. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if First Miami and Progress had been acquired on January 1, 2022, Reliant had been acquired on January 1, 2021 and Aquesta and FinTrust had been acquired on January 1, 2020. 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 First Miami and Progress of $11.6 million and $9.81 million, respectively, are reflected in 2022 pro forma information and merger related costs related to the acquisition of Reliant of $15.7 million are reflected in 2021 pro forma information. Merger related costs related to the acquisitions of Aquesta and FinTrust of $9.00 million and $518,000, respectively, were previously reported in 2020 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).

(4)Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The supplemental schedule of cash and noncash activities for the periods indicated is as follows(in thousands). See Note 14, Operating Leases, for information regarding noncash transactions related to ROU assets and lease liabilities.

(1) See Note 3, Acquisitions, for further detail.

(5)Investments

The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of HTM debt securities as of the dates indicated are as follows(in thousands):

During 2022, United transferred AFS debt securities to HTM with a fair value on the transfer date of $1.29 billion, which included unrealized losses recorded in AOCI totaling $87.4 million. Transfer date unrealized losses are amortized and reclassified out of AOCI as a yield adjustment, which is offset by discount accretion of the transferred HTM securities. Amortization of transfer date unrealized losses and discount accretion are recognized over the remaining life of the securities.

The cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS debt securities as of the dates indicated are presented below(in thousands). During 2023, United entered into fair value hedges on stated amounts of a closed portfolio of AFS debt securities using the portfolio layer method, which is further explained in Note 8.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, securities with a carrying value of $4.12 billion and $2.53 billion, respectively, were pledged primarily to secure public deposits and provide contingent liquidity through the Bank Term Funding Program at the Federal Reserve Bank.

The following summarizes HTM debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

The following summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

At December 31, 2023, there were 638 AFS debt securities and 309 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, 2023 and 2022 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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, 2023 and 2022. In addition, based on the assessment performed as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there wasno 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.

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):

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS and HTM debt securities at December 31, 2023, 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.

Equity Investments

The table below reflects the carrying value of certain equity investments, which are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet, as of December 31 (in thousands).

(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):

(1) As of December 31, 2023 certain equipment financing loans are included in fair value hedging relationships using the portfolio layer method. See Note 8 for further detail.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, $2.00 million and $2.04 million, respectively, in overdrawn deposit accounts were reclassified as consumer loans.

Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $67.0 million and $52.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2023, the loan portfolio included certain loans specifically pledged to the Federal Reserve as well as loans covered by a blanket lien on qualifying loan types with the FHLB to secure contingent funding sources.

The following table presents the amortized cost of certain loans held for investment that were sold in the periods presented(in thousands). The gains on these loan sales were included in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, equipment financing assets included leases of $68.9 million and $46.0 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below(in thousands).

Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of December 31, 2023 were as follows(in thousands):

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, 2023 and 2022(in thousands).

The following table presents nonaccrual loans by loan class for the periods indicated(in thousands).

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”.

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).

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The period-end amortized cost of loans modified under the terms of a FDM during the year ended December 31, 2023 are presented in the table below(in thousands).

Equipment financing FDMs typically consist of extensions and/or payment delays in which the borrower receivesone or more three-month payment delays and/or extensions beyond the original maturity. For the remainder of extension FDMs occurring during 2023, the weighted average extension granted was approximately nine months.

Non-equipment financing payment delay FDMs had a weighted average payment delay of approximately three months. $2.79 million of commercial and industrial payment delay FDMs are in bankruptcy status and were excluded from the weighted average payment delay calculation.

Commercial and industrial payment delay and extension FDMs received a weighted average payment delay and extension of approximately eleven months.

Income producing commercial real estate FDMs categorized as rate reduction and extensions resulted in a decrease in weighted average interest rate of 144 basis points and extended the weighted average maturity by approximatelytwo years. Residential loan type rate reduction and extension FDMs resulted in a decrease in weighted average interest rate of 614 basis points and extended the weighted average maturity by approximately 18 years.

Allowance for Credit Losses

For all periods presented, 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 baseline 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 charge-off experience to produce an expected default rate, with the results subject to a floor. In the case of commercial construction, income producing commercial real estate, multifamily loans (included in income producing commercial real estate) and commercial & industrial loans, at December 31, 2023, the expected default rate was adjusted by a model overlay based on expectations of future performance.

At December 31, 2023, the third party vendor’s baseline forecast was slightly better than at December 31, 2022. However, the increase in United’s charge-offs raised the initial expected default rates and thus contributed to a higher ACL level at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, United applied qualitative adjustments to the model output for the residential mortgage and income producing commercial real estate portfolios to account for the ongoing performance stability of these two portfolios. United also applied qualitative adjustments to the equipment finance portfolio due to an elevated default rate that resulted from a higher level of recent charge-offs that was mostly coming from the long-haul trucking equipment segment comprising a small portion of the portfolio deemed not representative of the entire equipment financing portfolio.

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 most collateral types, United reverted to through-the-cycle average default rates using peer data from 2000 to 2017. For loans secured by residential mortgages and manufactured housing, the peer data was adjusted for changes in lending practices designed to mitigate the magnitude of losses observed during the 2008 mortgage crisis.

At December 31, 2023, United had $48.5 million in loans for which repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Estimated credit losses for these loans are based on the fair value of the collateral relative to the amortized cost of the loan. The majority of these loans are income producing commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.

The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the periods indicated(in thousands):

(1) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Progress and First Miami transactions.

(1) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Reliant transaction.

(1) Represents the initial ACL related to PCD loans acquired in the Aquesta transaction.

(7)Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows as of the dates indicated(in thousands):

Depreciation expense was $19.0 million, $17.0 million and $15.7 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

(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):

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.

(8) Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

Hedging Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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. Gains and losses related to changes in fair value are reclassified into earnings in the periods the hedged forecasted transactions occur. Over the next twelve months, United expects to reclassify $5.10 million of gains from AOCI into earnings related to these agreements.

Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

United uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in fair value attributable to changes in interest rates on certain of its fixed-rate financial instruments. During 2023, United entered into fair value hedges on stated amounts of closed portfolios of AFS debt securities and equipment financing loans using the portfolio layer method. During 2022, a hedged brokered deposit and the associated designated interest rate swap matured. The swap involved the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for United making variable rate payments over the life of the agreement.

The table below presents the effect of derivatives in hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of income(in thousands).

(1) Includes $472,000 of premium amortization expense excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for each of the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021, respectively.

The table below presents the carrying amount of hedged items and cumulative fair value hedging basis adjustments for the periods presented(in thousands). All fair value hedges of AFS debt securities and loans at December 31, 2023 were designated under the portfolio layer method. There were no fair value hedges outstanding at December 31, 2022.

(1) Carrying amount for AFS debt securities reflects amortized cost, which excludes the hedge accounting basis adjustment.

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.

(8) Derivatives and Hedging Activities, continued

United also hasthree interest rate swap contracts that are economic hedges of market-linked brokered certificates of deposit, which contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments. The fair value marks on the swaps and the bifurcated embedded derivatives tend to move in opposite directions and therefore provide an economic hedge.

In addition, in connection with residential mortgage loans that are originated with the intention of selling, United enters into commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments.

The table below presents the gains and losses recognized in income on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the periods indicated(in thousands).

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.

(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):

During 2023, as a result of the Progress and First Miami acquisitions, United recorded core deposit intangibles of $40.0 million. and $18.0 million, respectively. See Note 3 for further details. Also during 2023, United reduced its core deposit intangible related to the Reliant acquisition by $656,000 as a result of the sale of core deposits in connection with the disposal of two acquired branches.

(9) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, continued

The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years indicated(in thousands):

(1)Goodwill balances presented are shown net of accumulated impairment losses of $306 million incurred prior to 2021.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for finite lived intangibles is as follows(in thousands):

(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).

The portfolio of SBA/USDA loans serviced for others, which is not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $419 million and $426 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $3.97 million, $4.05 million and $3.90 million, respectively.

(10) Servicing Assets and Liabilities, continued

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):

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).

The portfolio of residential mortgage loans serviced for others, which is not included in the consolidated balance sheets, was $2.92 billion and $2.88 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by United on these servicing rights during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $7.15 million, $7.24 million and $6.48 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):

(10) Servicing Assets and Liabilities, continued

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 $170 million and $125 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The servicing liabilities related to these loans totaled $1.47 million and $1.12 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(11)Time Deposits

At December 31, 2023, the contractual maturities of time deposits, including brokered time deposits, are summarized as follows(in thousands):

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, time deposits, excluding brokered time deposits, that met or exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 totaled $1.18 billion and $454 million, respectively.

(12)Short-term Borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

At December 31, 2023, United hadno short-term borrowings outstanding. As of December 31, 2022, short-term borrowings consisted of repurchase agreements, which are borrowings secured by investment securities. The following table presents the remaining contractual maturity of repurchase agreements by collateral pledged as of December 31, 2022(in thousands).

United is obligated to promptly transfer additional securities if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase agreement price. United manages this risk by maintaining an unpledged securities portfolio that it believes is sufficient to cover a decline in the market value of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At December 31, 2022, repurchase agreements were collateralized by securities with a carrying amount of $163 million.

At December 31, 2023, United hadno FHLB advances outstanding. As of December 31, 2022, United had $550 million of FHLB advances outstanding with maturities in 2023 and interest rates ranging from 4.11% to 4.17%. The FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on owner occupied and income producing commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans.

(13)Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following(in thousands). All debt instruments are obligations of the Holding Company.

• Indicates currently redeemable

(1)Previously set to migrate to 3-month LIBOR plus 3.71% in August of 2025, but will now migrate to 6.00% through the end of the term as 3-month LIBOR ceased to be published effective July 1, 2023.

Interest is currently paid at least semiannually for all senior and subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities. Floating rate debentures are based off 3-month Term SOFR or Prime plus a spread. Interest rates above exclude the effect of any fair value hedges on hedged debt instruments. See Note 8 for further detail.

(14)Operating Leases

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

During 2023, ROU assets obtained in exchange for an increase in the lease liability totaled $18.0 million, including leases assumed as part of the First Miami and Progress transactions of $10.4 million. During 2023, cash payments for amounts related to the lease liability totaled $15.2 million. During 2022, ROU assets obtained in exchange for an increase in the lease liability totaled $23.9 million, including leases assumed as part of the Reliant transaction of $14.3 million. During 2021, ROU assets obtained in exchange for an increase in the lease liability totaled $4.49 million, including leases assumed as part of the FinTrust and Aquesta transactions of $2.87 million.

(14) Operating Leases, continued

The table below presents the operating lease income and expense recognized for the periods indicated(in thousands).

As of December 31, 2023, future minimum lease payments under operating leases were as follows(in thousands):

(15)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.

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 sheet.

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. As of December 31, 2022, United had certain mortgage loans held for sale that were acquired from Reliant for which the fair value option was not elected; these loans were carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. These loans were subsequently sold in 2023.

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 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.

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):

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 and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 values(in thousands):

(1)Certain derivative assets were transferred between Level 2 and 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:

Fair Value Option

United generally 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. In connection with the Reliant acquisition, United acquired mortgage loans held for sale accounted for under the lower of cost or fair value method. These loans are separately disclosed under the heading “Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis” within this footnote. The following tables present the fair value and outstanding principal balance of loans accounted for under the fair value option, as well as the gain or loss recognized from the change in fair value for the periods indicated (in thousands).

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, 2023 and 2022, for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the periods presented(in thousands).

As of December 31, 2022, mortgage loans held for sale that were acquired from Reliant were subject to a nonrecurring fair value adjustment resulting from the application of the lower of the amortized cost or fair value accounting. As of December 31, 2022, these loans were classified as nonrecurring Level 3 because the valuation of these loans was based on indicative bids provided by a broker, not corroborated by market transactions. These loans were subsequently sold during 2023.

Loans held for investment 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 repurchase agreements have short maturities and therefore the carrying value approximates fair value. Due to the short-term settlement of accrued interest receivable and payable, the carrying amount closely approximates fair value.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect the premium or discount on any particular financial instrument that could result from the sale of United’s entire holdings. All estimates are inherently subjective in nature. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the mortgage banking operation, 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.

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):

(16)Common and Preferred Stock

Common Stock

In November of 2023, 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, 2024. 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 2023 and 2022, no shares were repurchased under the program. During 2021,492,744 shares were repurchased. As of December 31, 2023, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $50.0 million of outstanding common stock.

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 2023, 2022 and 2021,11,307,8,941 and 10,081 shares, respectively, were issued under the DRIP.

Preferred Stock

United’s Series I perpetual non-cumulative preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) and corresponding depositary shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in one share of Preferred Stock have a dividend rate of 6.875% per annum. 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, 2023 and 2022, the Preferred Stock had a carrying amount of $88.3 million and $96.4 million, respectively.

(16) Common and Preferred Stock, continued

In May 2023, United’s Board of Directors approved a preferred stock repurchase program, authorizing United to repurchase up to $25.0 million of its outstanding Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock directly or through the repurchase of depositary shares representing 1/1000th of a share of Series I Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock. The program was originally scheduled to expire on the earlier of the repurchase of preferred stock having an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million or December 31, 2023. In November 2023, the Board approved an extension of this program through December 31, 2024. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023,338,350 depositary shares were repurchased. As of December 31, 2023, United had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $18.4 million of outstanding preferred stock under the program.

(17)Equity Compensation Plans

United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of various stock-based compensation. The general terms of the plan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercisable period not to exceedten 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, 2023,2.28 million 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:

Options granted or assumed in 2023, 2022 and 2021 were related to the Progress, Reliant and Aquesta acquisitions, respectively, with the weighted average exercise price of the acquired institution’s fully vested converted options determined pursuant to the purchase agreement. The value of the options was determined using a Black-Scholes model and was included in each acquisition’s purchase price. No compensation expense relating to options was included in earnings for 2023, 2022 or 2021.

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.

In addition to time-based restricted stock unit awards, the Board has also approved performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), which vest based on achieving certain performance and market targets relative to a bank peer group. Achievement of the target-level performance and market criteria for all applicable periods will result in the issuance of 174,130 shares, which are included in the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023 in the table above. The actual number of shares issued related to the vesting of PSUs may be greater or less than target depending on the achievement of the performance and market criteria during any applicable performance period. The grant date per share fair market value of PSUs is estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model.

(17) Equity Compensation Plans, continued

Compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income for employee restricted stock unit awards in 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $8.21 million, $8.17 million and $6.07 million, respectively, which was recognized in salaries and employee benefits expense. In addition, in 2023, 2022 and 2021, $725,000, $540,000 and $489,000, respectively, was recognized in other operating expenses for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of the Board. Deferred income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation expense of $2.28 million, $2.22 million and $1.67 million were included in the determination of income tax expense in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there was $20.7 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 2.6 years.

(18)Reclassifications Out of AOCI

The following presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of AOCI(in thousands). Amounts shown above in parentheses reduce earnings.

(19)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):

At December 31, 2023, United excluded from the computation 1,968 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options because of their antidilutive effect. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, United hadno potentially dilutive instruments outstanding that were not included in the above analysis.

(20)Income Taxes

Income tax expense is as follows for the years indicated(in thousands):

The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% in 2023, 2022 and 2021 to income before income taxes are as follows for the years indicated(in thousands):

(20) 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):

The change in the net DTA in 2023 includes an increase of $19.5 million due to current year merger and acquisition activity.

At December 31, 2023, United had:

•$20.3 million of state net operating loss carryforwards subject to annual limitation under IRC Section 382 that begin to expire in 2026, if not previously utilized.

•$24.8 million of state net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2025, if not previously utilized.

•$48.8 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.

•$3.40 million of state tax credits that begin to expire in 2024, 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, 2023 and 2022, 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

(20) Income Taxes, continued

of $1.04 million and $922,000, 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, 2023 that it was more likely than not that the net DTA of $113 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):

Approximately $2.34 million of the unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2023 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 wereno penalties and interest related to income taxes recorded in the income statement in 2023, 2022 or 2021. No amounts were accrued for interest and penalties on the balance sheet at December 31, 2023 or 2022.

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 generally no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2020.

(21)Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan

United offers a defined contribution safe harbor 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 90 days of service. Under safe harbor provisions, United is required to provide a matching contribution and participants are immediately 100% vested in safe harbor matching contributions.

United’s 401(k) Plan is administered in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Compensation expense related to the 401(k) Plan totaled $10.9 million, $9.60 million and $7.31 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 additional contributions by an employee, with matching contributions by United, for amounts that exceed the allowable amounts under the 401(k) Plan. The deferred compensation plan is an unfunded obligation of United with participants of the plan being general unsecured creditors of United.

(21) Benefit Plans, continued

During 2023, 2022 and 2021, United recognized $85,000, $104,000 and $73,000, 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 2023, 2022 or 2021.

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, 2023 and 2022, United had 620,108 shares and 607,128 shares, respectively, of its common stock that were issuable under the deferred compensation plan.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

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:

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):

(21) Benefit Plans, continued

Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income related to the Modified Retirement Plan are as follows(in thousands):

The following table summarizes the estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the Modified Retirement Plan for the periods indicated(in thousands).

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, United issued 6,676 shares through the ESPP.

(22)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 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.

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 counter-cyclical 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, 2023, 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, 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, 2023, and there have been no conditions or events since year-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.

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.

(22) Regulatory Matters, continued

Regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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):

(1)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 2023 and 2022, the Bank paid dividends to the Holding Company of $198 million and $133 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 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 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.

(23)Commitments and Contingencies

The following table summarizes, as of the dates indicated, the contract amount of certain off-balance sheet instruments(in thousands):

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.

(23) Commitments and Contingencies, continued

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.

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.

Tax Credit and Certain Equity Investments

United invests in certain LIHTC partnerships throughout its market area as a means of supporting local communities, as well as in entities that promote renewable energy sources. United receives tax credits related to these investments. For certain of the investments, United provides financing during the construction and development phase of the related projects and/or permanent financing upon completion of the project. United has concluded that these partnerships are VIEs of which it is not the primary beneficiary because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' financial performance and, therefore, is not required to consolidate these VIEs. United's maximum potential exposure to losses relative to investments in these VIEs is generally limited to the sum of the outstanding balance, future funding commitments and any related loans to the entity. Loans to these entities are underwritten in substantially the same manner as other loans and are generally secured.

United also has investments in and future funding commitments related to fintech fund limited partnerships, other community development entities and certain other equity method investments. United has concluded that these partnerships are VIEs of which it is not the primary beneficiary because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' financial performance and, therefore, is not required to consolidate these VIEs. The risk exposure relating to such commitments is generally limited to the amount of investments and future funding commitments made.

The following table summarizes, as of the dates indicated, tax credit and certain equity method investments(in thousands):

(24)Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Holding Company Only)

Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

Statements of Income

(24) Condensed Financial Statements of United Community Banks, Inc. (Holding Company Only), continued

Statements of Cash Flows

(25)Subsequent Events

Dividends Declared

On February 6, 2024 the Board approved a preferred stock dividend of $429.6875 per preferred share (equivalent to $0.4296875 per depositary share, or 1/1000 interest per share). The preferred stock dividend is payable March 15, 2024, to preferred shareholders of record on February 29, 2024.

On February 22, 2024, the Board approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share payable April 5, 2024, to common shareholders of record on March 15, 2024.