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Relative valuation derived from Financials sector median benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Multiples adjusted for extreme outliers and non-recurring volatility.
Auditing capital efficiency...
Quality Profile Audit
Score: 57.5GRADE C+
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation.
Return on Equity
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
9.9%
Sector: 8.5%
Dividend Analysis audit
No Dividend
This company does not currently pay a dividend.
Analyst Projections
Analyst Consensus
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Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) receives a "Hold" rating with a composite score of 55.4/100, ranked #849 out of 4446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 58/100, Value 72/100, Momentum 56/100. This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast
Company Overview — What Does Ameris Bancorp Do?
Ameris Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Ameris Bank that provides range of banking services to retail and commercial customers primarily in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The company operates through five segments: Banking Division, Retail Mortgage Division, Warehouse Lending Division, SBA Division, and Premium Finance Division. It offers commercial and retail checking, regular interest-bearing savings, money market, individual retirement, and certificates of deposit accounts. The company also provides commercial real estate, residential real estate mortgage, agricultural, and commercial and industrial loans; consumer loans, including motor vehicle, home improvement, and home equity loans, as well as loans secured by savings accounts and small unsecured personal credit lines. In addition, it originates, administers, and services commercial insurance premium loans and small business administration loans. The company operates 165 full service domestic banking offices and 35 mortgage and loan production offices. Ameris Bancorp was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Financials sector, specifically within the Banking industry. The company is led by CEO H. Palmer Proctor and employs approximately 2,850 people, headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia. With a market capitalization of $5.3B, ABCB is one of the notable companies in the Financials sector.
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)
As of April 2026, Ameris Bancorp receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 55.4/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.ABCB ranks #849 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Financials sector, Ameris Bancorp ranks #255 of 891 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Financials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).
ABCB Stock Price and 52-Week Range
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) currently trades at $82.86. The stock lost $0.70 (0.8%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for ABCB is $87.98, which means the stock is currently trading -5.8% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $48.27, putting the stock 71.7% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 380K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.
Is ABCB Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) carries a value factor score of 72/100 in the Blank Capital model, suggesting the stock trades at a meaningful discount to its fundamental earning power. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 13.92x, compared to the Financials sector average of 14.88x — a discount of 6%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.38x, versus the sector average of 1.22x. The price-to-sales ratio is 4.03x, compared to 0.90x for the average Financials stock. On an enterprise value basis, ABCB trades at 10.82x EV/EBITDA, versus 3.26x for the sector.
Based on these multiples, Ameris Bancorp appears attractively valued relative to both its sector peers and the broader market. Value-oriented investors may find the current entry point compelling, particularly if the company's fundamental quality metrics also score well.
Ameris Bancorp Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) earns a quality factor score of 58/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 9.9%, compared to the Financials sector average of 8.5%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 1.5% versus the sector average of 1.2%.
On a margin basis, Ameris Bancorp reports gross margins of 0.0%. The operating margin is 37.2% (sector: 21.8%). Net profit margin stands at 28.9%, versus 17.7% for the average Financials stock. Revenue growth is running at 2.2% on a trailing basis, compared to 9.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.
ABCB Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health
Ameris Bancorp has a debt-to-equity ratio of 575.0%, compared to the Financials sector average of 121.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.17x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $471M. Cash and equivalents stand at $217M.
ABCB has a beta of 0.99, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for Ameris Bancorp is 80/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.
Ameris Bancorp Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend
In TTM 2026, Ameris Bancorp reported revenue of $1.39B and earnings per share (EPS) of $6.02. Net income for the quarter was $403M. Gross margin was 0.0%. Operating income came in at $519M.
In FY 2025, Ameris Bancorp reported revenue of $1.39B and earnings per share (EPS) of $6.02. Net income for the quarter was $412M. Revenue grew 1.2% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $534M.
In Q3 2025, Ameris Bancorp reported revenue of $355M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55. Net income for the quarter was $106M. Revenue grew -0.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $137M.
In Q2 2025, Ameris Bancorp reported revenue of $348M and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.60. Net income for the quarter was $110M. Revenue grew 0.1% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $143M.
Over the past 8 quarters, Ameris Bancorp has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $347M to $1.39B. Investors analyzing ABCB stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.
ABCB Dividend Yield and Income Analysis
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) does not currently pay a dividend. This is common among smaller companies in the Banking industry that prefer to reinvest cash flows into business expansion rather than returning capital to shareholders. Income-focused investors looking for Financials dividend stocks may want to explore other Financials stocks or use the stock screener to filter by dividend yield.
ABCB Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) has a momentum factor score of 56/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 32/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 21/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.
ABCB vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison
Comparing ABCB against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full ABCB vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how Ameris Bancorp stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.
ABCB Next Earnings Date
No upcoming earnings date has been announced for Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.
Should You Buy ABCB? — Investment Thesis Summary
Ameris Bancorp presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 72/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 80/100) reduces downside risk.
In summary, Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 55.4/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on ABCB stock.
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Institutional Research Dossier
Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) Deep Dive Analysis
Published on March 24, 2026
Action RatingHold
Sections
Executive Summary
We maintain a Hold rating on Ameris Bancorp (ABCB). While the company exhibits attractive valuation metrics relative to its peers and demonstrates strong profitability, its comparatively low investment score and reliance on acquisitions for growth present concerns. The current valuation appears to adequately reflect the company's strengths and weaknesses, justifying a neutral stance.
ABCB's superior operating and net margins compared to the sector are noteworthy, suggesting efficient operations. However, its lower revenue growth and high debt-to-equity ratio raise questions about its long-term growth prospects and financial stability. The Hold rating reflects a balanced view, acknowledging the company's value proposition while remaining cautious about its growth strategy and capital structure.
Business Strategy & Overview
Ameris Bancorp operates as a regional bank holding company, primarily serving customers in the Southeastern United States. Its business model is diversified across five segments: Banking Division, Retail Mortgage Division, Warehouse Lending Division, SBA Division, and Premium Finance Division. This diversification aims to mitigate risk and capitalize on various lending opportunities. The core of ABCB's strategy revolves around organic growth supplemented by strategic acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and market share.
The Banking Division provides traditional banking services, including deposit accounts and various loan products. The Retail Mortgage Division focuses on originating and servicing residential mortgages, while the Warehouse Lending Division provides short-term financing to mortgage companies. The SBA Division specializes in originating and servicing Small Business Administration loans, and the Premium Finance Division offers financing for commercial insurance premiums. This multi-faceted approach allows ABCB to cater to a wide range of customer needs and generate revenue from diverse sources.
ABCB's strategic positioning is centered on building strong customer relationships and providing personalized service. The company emphasizes local decision-making and community involvement to differentiate itself from larger national banks. This approach is particularly important in the competitive regional banking landscape, where customer loyalty and reputation are key drivers of success. The company's focus on the Southeastern market allows it to leverage its regional expertise and understanding of local economic conditions.
The company's reliance on acquisitions as a growth strategy presents both opportunities and challenges. While acquisitions can accelerate expansion and increase market share, they also carry integration risks and can strain capital resources. ABCB's ability to successfully integrate acquired banks and realize synergies is crucial to its long-term success. The company's management team has a track record of executing acquisitions, but the competitive landscape for bank acquisitions is becoming increasingly challenging.
Execution Benchmarks audit
Revenue Growth
YOY expansion rate
2.2%
Sector: 9.4%
-76% VS SCTR
Economic Moat Analysis
Ameris Bancorp's economic moat can be classified as Narrow. While the company exhibits some characteristics of a moat, they are not strong enough to create a wide and sustainable competitive advantage. The primary source of ABCB's moat is its established presence and reputation within its regional markets, particularly in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This regional focus allows the bank to build strong customer relationships and benefit from local market knowledge.
Switching costs in the banking industry can be a source of competitive advantage, but they are generally not high enough to create a wide moat. Customers may be reluctant to switch banks due to the hassle of transferring accounts and establishing new relationships, but these costs are not prohibitive. ABCB's focus on personalized service and local decision-making can enhance customer loyalty and increase switching costs to some extent.
Intangible assets, such as brand reputation and regulatory licenses, can also contribute to a moat. ABCB has built a solid reputation in its markets, but its brand is not as widely recognized as those of larger national banks. Regulatory licenses are necessary to operate a bank, but they do not provide a significant competitive advantage, as many banks hold similar licenses.
Cost advantages are another potential source of a moat. ABCB's operating and net margins are higher than the sector average, suggesting efficient operations. However, these cost advantages are not necessarily sustainable in the long run, as other banks can adopt similar efficiency measures. Furthermore, the company's reliance on acquisitions can increase costs and potentially erode its cost advantage.
Efficient scale, which refers to a market that can only support a limited number of competitors, is not a significant factor in ABCB's moat. The banking industry is highly fragmented, with numerous banks competing for customers. While ABCB has a significant presence in its regional markets, it does not have a dominant market share that would prevent new competitors from entering the market.
Overall, ABCB's narrow moat is based on its regional presence, customer relationships, and efficient operations. However, the company faces significant competition from other banks, and its moat is not strong enough to guarantee long-term outperformance. The company's reliance on acquisitions also adds risk and could potentially weaken its moat if acquisitions are not successfully integrated.
Financial Health & Profitability
Ameris Bancorp's financial health presents a mixed picture. The company demonstrates strong profitability, with a net income of $412.15 million and an operating margin of 37.2% for the trailing twelve months (TTM). These figures are significantly higher than the sector averages of 17.8% and 22.0%, respectively, indicating efficient operations and effective cost management. The company's return on equity (ROE) of 9.9% also exceeds the sector average of 8.5%, suggesting that ABCB is effectively utilizing shareholder equity to generate profits.
However, ABCB's revenue growth of 2.2% is significantly lower than the sector average of 9.3%, raising concerns about its ability to generate organic growth. The company's reliance on acquisitions to drive growth may be contributing to this lower revenue growth rate, as acquisitions can sometimes mask underlying organic growth challenges. The quarterly financial history reveals a relatively stable revenue trend, with slight increases over the past few years, but no significant acceleration in growth.
The company's balance sheet exhibits a relatively high level of leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 575.00, significantly higher than the sector average of 115.00. This high level of debt could increase the company's financial risk and make it more vulnerable to economic downturns. However, the company's current ratio of 1.17 indicates that it has sufficient liquid assets to cover its short-term liabilities.
Free cash flow (FCF) is negative at $-221.94 million, which is a concern. While banks often have fluctuating FCF due to the nature of their lending activities, a consistently negative FCF could indicate underlying issues with cash generation. The absence of FCF data in the quarterly history makes it difficult to assess the trend in FCF generation.
Analyzing the quarterly financial history, we observe a consistent improvement in net income and earnings per share (EPS) over the past few years. The operating margin has also shown a steady increase, indicating improved efficiency. However, the revenue growth has remained relatively modest, suggesting that the company's profitability improvements are primarily driven by cost management rather than revenue expansion.
In summary, ABCB's financial health is characterized by strong profitability and efficient operations, but also by low revenue growth and high leverage. The negative free cash flow is a concern, and the company's reliance on acquisitions adds risk to its financial profile. Investors should carefully consider these factors when evaluating ABCB's financial health and future prospects.
Valuation Assessment
Ameris Bancorp's valuation presents an interesting case, appearing relatively attractive compared to its peers in the financial sector based on several key metrics. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.4x is lower than the sector average of 15.5x, suggesting that the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings. Similarly, its enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 2.4x is significantly lower than the sector average of 3.5x, further indicating a potential undervaluation based on its operating performance.
However, it's crucial to consider these valuation metrics in the context of ABCB's growth prospects and financial health. While the lower P/E and EV/EBITDA ratios may suggest a bargain, the company's revenue growth of 2.2% is significantly lower than the sector average of 9.3%. This slower growth rate could justify a lower valuation multiple, as investors may be less willing to pay a premium for a company with limited growth potential.
The absence of free cash flow (FCF) data in the quarterly history makes it difficult to assess the company's FCF yield, which is another important valuation metric. A positive and growing FCF yield would typically indicate a more attractive valuation, but without this data, it's challenging to make a definitive assessment. The TTM FCF is negative, which is a concern and could be weighing on the valuation.
Comparing ABCB's valuation to its historical multiples is also important. Unfortunately, we lack sufficient historical data to conduct a thorough analysis of its historical P/E and EV/EBITDA ratios. However, based on the available data, the current valuation appears to be in line with its recent performance, reflecting the company's strengths and weaknesses.
Considering all these factors, ABCB's valuation appears to be fair, reflecting its strong profitability and efficient operations, but also its low revenue growth and high leverage. The lower P/E and EV/EBITDA ratios may attract value investors, but the company's growth challenges and financial risks should be carefully considered.
In conclusion, while ABCB's valuation may appear attractive at first glance, a deeper analysis reveals a more nuanced picture. The stock is not significantly undervalued or overvalued, but rather fairly priced based on its current performance and future prospects. The Hold rating reflects this balanced view, acknowledging the company's value proposition while remaining cautious about its growth strategy and capital structure.
Risk & Uncertainty
Ameris Bancorp faces several specific risks that could impact its future performance and valuation. One of the most significant risks is its reliance on acquisitions for growth. Acquisitions can be complex and challenging to integrate, and there is no guarantee that future acquisitions will be successful. Integration risks include cultural clashes, operational inefficiencies, and the loss of key personnel. Furthermore, acquisitions can strain capital resources and increase financial leverage, as evidenced by ABCB's high debt-to-equity ratio.
Another risk is the competitive landscape in the regional banking industry. ABCB faces intense competition from other regional banks, as well as larger national banks. This competition could put pressure on the company's margins and limit its ability to grow its loan portfolio and deposit base. The rise of fintech companies also poses a threat to traditional banks, as these companies offer innovative financial products and services that could disrupt the banking industry.
Interest rate risk is also a significant concern for ABCB. Changes in interest rates can impact the company's net interest margin (NIM), which is the difference between the interest income it earns on loans and the interest expense it pays on deposits. A decrease in interest rates could compress NIM and reduce profitability. Conversely, a rapid increase in interest rates could increase borrowing costs and reduce demand for loans.
Credit risk is another important consideration. ABCB's loan portfolio is exposed to the risk of borrowers defaulting on their loans. Economic downturns or industry-specific challenges could increase the likelihood of loan defaults and negatively impact the company's earnings. The company's exposure to commercial real estate loans also adds to its credit risk, as commercial real estate values can be volatile.
Regulatory risk is also a factor. Banks are subject to extensive regulation, and changes in regulations could increase compliance costs and limit their ability to operate profitably. The regulatory environment for banks is constantly evolving, and ABCB must stay abreast of these changes and adapt its operations accordingly.
Bulls Say / Bears Say
The Bull Case
BULL VIEWAmeris Bancorp's superior operating and net margins compared to the sector demonstrate efficient operations and effective cost management, suggesting a strong foundation for future profitability.
BULL VIEWThe company's lower P/E and EV/EBITDA ratios relative to its peers indicate that the stock is undervalued and offers an attractive entry point for value investors.
BULL VIEWABCB's strategic focus on the Southeastern market allows it to leverage its regional expertise and build strong customer relationships, providing a competitive advantage in a growing region.
The Bear Case
BEAR VIEWAmeris Bancorp's low revenue growth compared to the sector raises concerns about its ability to generate organic growth and sustain its profitability in the long run.
BEAR VIEWThe company's high debt-to-equity ratio increases its financial risk and makes it more vulnerable to economic downturns and interest rate fluctuations.
BEAR VIEWABCB's reliance on acquisitions for growth creates integration risks and could strain capital resources, potentially hindering its ability to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.
About the Author
Marques Blank
Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Blank Capital
Marques brings 15 years of institutional finance and investing experience, having overseen financial planning for a $1.6B defense business unit. He developed the proprietary 6-factor quantitative model used to score ABCB and 4,400+ other equities.
Ameris Bancorp exhibits a 147% valuation premium relative to institutional benchmarks. This represents a potential valuation overextension based on current multiples.
Return on Assets
Efficiency of asset utilization
1.5%
Sector: 1.2%
Gross Margin
Pricing power and cost efficiency
0.0%
Sector: 0.0%
Operating Margin
Core business profitability
37.2%
Sector: 21.8%
Net Margin
Bottom-line profitability
28.9%
Sector: 17.7%
Factor Methodology
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior competitive moats and financial resilience through economic cycles.
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