United Community Banks, Inc. (UCB) has extended its common‑stock repurchase program, authorizing an additional $100 million in buybacks that will remain in effect through December 31, 2026. The Board of Directors approved the extension on December 8, 2025, and the program will allow shares to be repurchased on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or by any other method that complies with securities regulations.
The extension follows a robust 2025 buyback cycle in which UCB repurchased $44 million of shares under the existing program. By adding $100 million, the bank is reinforcing its commitment to returning capital while preserving flexibility to adjust the program in response to market conditions or new investment opportunities. The move is part of a broader capital‑allocation strategy that also includes a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable January 5, 2026, and a strong balance sheet with $28.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025.
UCB’s Q3 2025 earnings provide context for the buyback decision. The bank reported diluted earnings per share of $0.75, beating analyst expectations of $0.70 by $0.05, and revenue of $276.85 million, surpassing estimates of $270.85 million. Net interest margin expanded to 3.58%, up eight basis points from the prior quarter, driven by a lower cost of funds and an improving asset mix. Loans grew by $254 million, or 5.4% annualized, reflecting solid demand in core lending segments. These results demonstrate that UCB’s capital position remains strong, giving management confidence to pursue additional share repurchases.
Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton highlighted the company’s performance, noting that “our teams drove solid loan and deposit growth as well as healthy margin expansion,” and that these actions led to a “meaningful improvement in our return on assets and return on tangible common equity.” Harton’s comments underscore the bank’s belief that its current share price reflects fair value and that the extended buyback program will enhance shareholder value without compromising capital adequacy.
Investors have welcomed the extension, citing UCB’s strong earnings, margin expansion, and disciplined capital management. The program’s flexibility—allowing repurchases in various market conditions—signals management’s confidence in the bank’s valuation and its ability to maintain a robust capital position while returning capital to shareholders.
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