UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC

Note 1 –Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

United’s accounting and financial reporting policies conform to GAAP and reporting guidelines of banking regulatory authorities. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have not been audited. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. A more detailed description of United’s accounting policies is included in its 2023 10-K.

In management’s opinion, all accounting adjustments necessary to accurately reflect the financial position and results of operations on the accompanying financial statements have been made. These adjustments are normal and recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair and accurate presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any other interim periods. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in United’s 2023 10-K.

Note 2 –Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Standards

Recently Adopted Standards

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 PAM and related disclosures to tax equity investments other than LIHTC, providing certain conditions are met. The election to apply PAM must be made on a tax-credit-program by tax-credit-program basis rather than at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. United adopted this update using a modified retrospective transition method as of January 1, 2024, with no impact to shareholders’ equity; thus, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recorded.

Note 3 –Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The supplemental schedule of significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is as follows.

Note 4 –Acquisitions

Acquisition of First Miami

On July 1, 2023, United acquired all of the outstanding common stock of First Miami in a stock transaction. Information related to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is included in United’s 2023 10-K. During the first quarter of 2024, within theone-year measurement period related to the acquisition of First Miami, United received additional information regarding the lack of realizability of certain tax credits. As a result, the provisional fair value assigned to acquired other assets was adjusted to $18.8 million, other liabilities was adjusted to $16.9 million and goodwill was adjusted to $24.5 million, which represents a decrease of $2.06 million, a decrease of $726,000 and an increase of $1.34 million, respectively.

Pro forma information - Progress

The following table discloses certain pro forma information as if Progress had been acquired on January 1, 2022. These results combine the historical results of the acquired entity with United’s consolidated statement of income. Adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity; however pro forma financial results presented are not necessarily indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions taken place in earlier years.

Merger-related costs related to the Progress acquisition of $7.49 million have been excluded from the three months ended March 31, 2023 pro forma information presented below. The actual results and pro forma information were as follows:

Note 5 –Investment Securities

The amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses and fair value of HTM debt securities as of the dates indicated are as follows.

The amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS debt securities as of the dates indicated are presented below.

Securities with a carrying value of $2.90 billion and $4.12 billion, respectively, were pledged, primarily to secure public deposits at March 31, 2024 and to secure public deposits and provide contingent liquidity through the Bank Term Funding Program at the Federal Reserve Bank, at December 31, 2023. The Bank Term Funding Program was discontinued in the first quarter of 2024.

The following table summarizes HTM debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated.

The following table summarizes AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated.

At March 31, 2024, there were 639 AFS debt securities and 315 HTM debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position. United does not intend to sell nor does it believe it will be required to sell securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses at March 31, 2024 were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, estimated 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 U.S. Government agencies, GSEs, high credit quality municipalities and supranational entities. As a result, no ACL was recorded on the HTM portfolio at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. In addition, based on the assessments performed at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there wasno ACL required related to the AFS portfolio.

The following table presents accrued interest receivable on HTM and AFS debt securities, which was excluded from the estimate of credit losses, for the periods indicated.

The amortized cost and fair value of AFS and HTM debt securities at March 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, are presented in the following table.

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers and borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

Realized gains and losses are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. The following table summarizes AFS securities sales activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Note 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.

Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $67.0 million at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and was reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest receivable was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

At March 31, 2024 and 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 indicated. The gains on these loan sales were included in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, equipment financing receivables included leases of $74.8 million and $68.9 million, respectively. The components of the net investment in leases, which included both sales-type and direct financing, are presented below.

Minimum future lease payments expected to be received from equipment financing lease contracts as of March 31, 2024 were as follows:

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

The following table presents the aging of the amortized cost basis in loans by aging category and accrual status as of the dates indicated. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, United had $55.5 million and $48.5 million, respectively, 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 net realizable value of the collateral relative to the amortized cost of the loan. The majority of these loans are income producing CRE and commercial and industrial loans.

The following table presents nonaccrual loans held for investment by loan class for the periods indicated.

Risk Ratings

United categorizes commercial loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, 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.

Consumer Purpose Loans. United applies a pass / fail grading system to all consumer purpose loans. Under this system, loans that are on nonaccrual status, become past due 90 days, or are in bankruptcy and 30 or more days past due are classified as “fail” and all other loans are classified as “pass”. For reporting purposes, loans in these categories that are 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 and gross charge-offs 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 and additional information regarding the modified terms of loans modified under the terms of a FDM during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the following tables.

(1) Payment delay FDMs in bankruptcy status are excluded from the weighted average payment delay calculation.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, equipment financing FDMs typically consist ofone or more three-month extensions beyond the original maturity date.

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, commercial and industrial payment delay modifications consisted ofone or more three-month periods during which principal payments were deferred but interest payments continued to be paid.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, FDMs categorized as rate reduction and extensions in the residential mortgage and manufactured housing categories resulted in a decrease in the weighted average interest rate on these FDMs of 621 bps and extended the weighted average maturity by 6.5 years.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL for loans represents management’s estimate of life of loan credit losses in the portfolio as of the end of the period. The ACL related to unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

At both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 CRE, owner occupied CRE, multifamily loans (included in income producing CRE) and commercial & industrial loans, at March 31, 2024, the expected default rate was adjusted by a model overlay based on expectations of future performance.

At March 31, 2024, the third party vendor’s baseline forecast was similar to the forecast at December 31, 2023. At March 31, 2024 United applied qualitative adjustments to the model output for the residential mortgage portfolio to account for the ongoing performance stability of the portfolio. 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, 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.

The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the periods indicated.

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

Note 7 –Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The table below presents the fair value of derivative financial instruments, which are included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, as of the dates indicated:

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.

Hedging Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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. 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 caption as the hedged item over the term of the hedge. Over the next twelve months, United expects to reclassify $5.32 million of gains from AOCI into earnings related to these agreements.

Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

United uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to changes in fair value attributable to changes in interest rates on certain of its fixed-rate financial instruments. 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. During the first quarter of 2024, United entered into additional fair value hedges on stated amounts of closed portfolios of loans using the portfolio layer method.

The table below presents the effect of derivatives in hedging relationships, all of which are interest rate contracts, on net interest income for the periods indicated.

(1) Includes premium amortization expense excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of $118,000 and $116,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The table below presents the carrying amount of hedged items and cumulative fair value hedging basis adjustments for the periods presented. All fair value hedges of AFS debt securities and loans at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were designated under the portfolio layer method.

(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.

United also hasthree interest rate swap contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments but are economic hedges of market-linked brokered certificates of deposit. The market-linked brokered certificates of deposit contain embedded derivatives that are bifurcated from the host instruments and are 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 originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. Between the time United enters into an interest-rate lock commitment to originate a residential mortgage loan that is to be held for sale and the time the loan is funded and eventually sold, United is subject to the risk of variability in market prices. United enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments. Fair value adjustments on these derivative instruments are recorded within mortgage loan gains and other related fee income in the consolidated statements of income.

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

Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features

United manages its credit exposure on derivatives 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 provide that 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 would require additional collateral if United’s credit rating were downgraded.

Note 8 –Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets as of the dates indicated is summarized below.

(1) As intangible assets become fully amortized, they are excluded from balances presented.

The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill:

(1)Goodwill balances are shown net of accumulated impairment losses of $306 million incurred prior to 2023.

(2) See Note 4 for further details.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for future periods for finite-lived intangibles is as follows:

Note 9 –Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

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 those assumptions, United uses a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between 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 (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 when 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. The 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 MBS issued by GSEs, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities and supranational entity 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 or models which incorporate unobservable inputs.

Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities

Included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet are assets purchased to provide returns mirroring those promised to participants in the employee deferred compensation plan. These assets are mutual funds classified as Level 1. Deferred compensation liabilities, also classified as Level 1, are carried at the fair value of the obligation to the participant, which mirrors the fair value of the invested assets and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. Deferred compensation plan liabilities are unsecured general obligations of United.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

United has elected the fair value option for most of its newly originated mortgage loans held for sale in order to reduce certain timing differences and better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the value of derivative instruments used to economically hedge them. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted prices for a similar asset, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan, and are classified as Level 2.

Derivative Financial Instruments

United uses derivatives to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is typically determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. United also uses best effort and mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments to hedge risk in its mortgage lending business.

United incorporates 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 when management’s assessment indicates that the CVA is a significant input, the related derivative is disclosed as a Level 3 value. In other cases, derivatives are categorized as Level 3 when there is not an observable forward-rate curve available for the duration of the contract.

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 and SBA/USDA Loans

United recognizes servicing rights upon the sale of residential and SBA/USDA loans sold with servicing retained. Management has elected to carry these assets at fair value. Given the nature of these assets, the key valuation inputs are unobservable and management classifies these assets as Level 3.

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 as of the dates indicated, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the periods indicated for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 values.

The following table presents quantitative information about significant Level 3 inputs for fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated.

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. 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.

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 the lower of the 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 assets that were still held as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during the year-to-date periods presented.

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 specific reserves assigned to them. Nonaccrual loans that are collateral dependent are generally written down to net realizable value, which reflects fair value 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 an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral 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, brokerage network, deferred income taxes, premises and equipment and goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

Off-balance sheet instruments (commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit) for which draws can be reasonably predicted are generally short-term in maturity and are priced at variable rates. Therefore, the estimated fair values associated with these instruments are immaterial.

The carrying amount and fair values as of the dates indicated for other financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows.

Note 10 –Stock-Based Compensation

United has an equity compensation plan that allows for grants of various share-based compensation. The general terms of the plan include a vesting period (usually four years) with an exercise period not to exceedten years. Certain options and restricted stock unit awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plan document). As of March 31, 2024, the plan covered 2.13 million shares that could be issued pursuant to additional awards granted under the plan.

The table below presents restricted stock unit and option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

No compensation expense relating to options was included in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Compensation expense for restricted stock units and performance stock units without market conditions is based on the market value of United’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for performance stock units with market conditions is based on the grant date per share fair value, which was estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. United recognizes the impact of forfeitures as they occur. The value of restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards is amortized into expense over the service period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, expense of $2.22 million and $2.36 million, respectively, was recognized related to restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted to United employees, which was included in salaries and employee benefits expense. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, $183,000 and $122,000, respectively, was recognized in other expense for restricted stock unit awards granted to members of United’s Board of Directors.

A deferred income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense of $614,000 and $634,000 was included in the determination of income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, there was $22.3 million of unrecognized expense related to non-vested restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

Note 11 –Reclassifications Out of AOCI

The following table presents the details regarding amounts reclassified out of AOCI for the periods indicated. Amounts shown in parentheses reduce earnings.

Note 12 –Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated.

At March 31, 2024, United excluded from the computation of earnings per share 984 potentially dilutive shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options because of their antidilutive effect. At March 31, 2023, United hadno potentially dilutive instruments outstanding that were not included in the computation.

Note 13 –Regulatory Matters

As of March 31, 2024, United and the Bank were categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory requirements in effect at that time. To be categorized as well-capitalized, United and the Bank must have exceeded the well-capitalized guideline ratios in effect at the 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 March 31, 2024, and there have been no conditions or events since quarter-end that would change the status of well-capitalized.

Regulatory capital ratios at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, along with the minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be well-capitalized under regulatory requirements in effect at such times, are presented below for United and the Bank:

(1)As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 the additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.50%

Note 14 –Commitments and Contingencies

United is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its 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 balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement United 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.

The following table summarizes the contractual amount of off-balance sheet instruments as of the dates indicated.

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 United’s 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 investment balance, any future funding commitments and the balance of 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 invested by United and any future funding commitments.

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

(1) Starting in 2024, United no longer records future funding commitments related to its renewable energy investments on the balance sheet. Prior to 2024, these commitments were included in other liabilities.

The following table presents a summary of tax credits and amortization expense associated with the United’s tax credit investment activity. Activity related to renewable energy investments was not material to the financials for the period presented.