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Verdict
Quantitative factor alignment verified for current market regime.
Quant Score
Rank
#2466
Positioning
Market Dominance
Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate
Banking
$3.8B
Herbert L. Harton
United Community Banks, Inc. provides financial products and services to commercial, retail, government, education, energy, health care, and real estate sectors. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts. It operates through a network of 171 branches in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
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Dates updated upon official exchange announcement.
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X-AXIS: EV/EBITDA (LOWER = CHEAPER) | Y-AXIS: ROE (HIGHER = ELITE) | RED CIRCLE = UCB ANALYSIS TARGET
| Stock | Rating | Score▼ | Quality | Value | Momentum | P/E | EV/EBITDA | ROE | ROA | Gross Mgn | Op Mgn | Net Mgn | Rev Growth | Div Yield | D/E | Mkt Cap | AUDIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$SII SPROTT INC. | 75 | 91 | 87 | 98 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$PUK PRUDENTIAL PLC | 73 | 88 | 97 | 80 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$NMR NOMURA HOLDINGS INC | 72 | 81 | 92 | 87 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$PSLV Sprott Physical Silver Trust | 69 | 82 | 80 | 98 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$UFCS UNITED FIRE GROUP INC | 68 | 81 | 93 | 76 | 5.0x | 3.5x | 13.2% | 4.1% | 99.9% | 14.7% | 11.1% | 9.2% | 2.1% | 16.0x | $775M | VS | |
$SLF SUN LIFE FINANCIAL INC | 68 | 83 | 95 | 63 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$CBOE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | 68 | 75 | 63 | 77 | 21.3x | 15.7x | 24.0% | 13.7% | 41.7% | 32.4% | 26.4% | 8.2% | 1.1% | 30.0x | $25.7B | VS | |
$VTMX Vesta Real Estate Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V. | 67 | 69 | 77 | 80 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$PHYS Sprott Physical Gold Trust | 67 | 64 | 82 | 91 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $0 | VS | |
$GLDM World Gold Trust | 66 | 54 | 85 | 92 | 11.3x | 11.3x | - | 20.9% | 100.0% | 97.1% | 554.8% | -19.0% | 0.0% | - | $32.0B | VS | |
$UCB UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC | 47 | 34 | 54 | 54 | 14.5x | 11.7x | 7.9% | 1.0% | 0.0% | 36.9% | 28.9% | 12.9% | 3.1% | 3.0x | $3.8B | ||
| SECTOR BENCH | - | - | - | - | - | 11.9x | 7.8x | 9.0% | 1.3% | 77.7% | 18.1% | 21.9% | 10.7% | 2.0% | 0.5x | - | REF |
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC (UCB) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 47.1/100. It ranks #2466 out of 7,333 stocks in our coverage universe and carries a 2-star rating. Ratings are driven by a 6-factor quantitative model measuring quality, value, momentum, investment, stability, and short interest.
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In-line with peers — no strong momentum signal
Fair valuation relative to peers
Weak fundamentals — higher risk of value trap
Average volatility — neutral timing signal
Moderate investment profile
Mid-range overall rating
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Relative valuation derived from Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate sector benchmarks. Model weights: EV/EBITDA (40%), P/B (35%), P/S (25%). Re-calculated daily.
Projection based on user-defined inputs. Re-calculated daily against current market data.
Reverse DCF Framework — Mauboussin Methodology
Institutional-grade Reverse DCF analysis. This model identifies the growth hurdles embedded in current market prices. When implied growth is significantly lower than historical or projected rates, a margin of safety may exist. Re-audited daily.
No analyst ratings for UCB.
View All Ratings| Factor | Global | Sector | Tilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROFITABILITY | 34 | 62 | -28DRAG |
| MOMENTUM | 54 | 57 | -3NEUTRAL |
| VALUATION | 54 | 75 | -21DRAG |
| INVESTMENT | 43 | 81 | -38DRAG |
| STABILITY | 49 | 47 | +2NEUTRAL |
| SHORT INT | 31 | 20 | +11ALPHA |
Global = full universe. Sector = relative to industry peers. Positive tilt indicates idiosyncratic strength.
ROE proxy 7.9% (sector 9.0%)
GM 0% vs sector 78%, OM 37% vs sector 18%
Capital turnover N/A
Rev growth 13%, 10yr history
Interest coverage 3.5x, Net debt/EBITDA -0.2x
Composite assessment of profitability, capital efficiency, and financial strength. Top-tier entities demonstrate sustainable cash flow generation and elite competitive moats.
Profit generated per dollar of shareholder equity
Efficiency of asset utilization
Pricing power and cost efficiency
Core business profitability
Bottom-line profitability
The Quality factor evaluates the persistence and magnitude of realized cash flows. Companies with scores >70 exhibit superior pricing power and structural financial resilience through diverse economic regimes.
Our uncertainty rating tracks the predictability of future cash flows and potential for permanent capital loss. Moderate visibility with standard industry cyclicality.
We rate UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC (UCB) as a Reduce with a composite score of 47.1/100 at a current price of $33.09. The quantitative profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting limited upside potential.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC holds a top-quartile position (#0 of 50) within the Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate sector, based on our composite quantitative scoring across quality, value, momentum, and stability factors. The composite score of 47.1/100 places it at rank #2466 in our full universe.
Narrow
Medium
Standard
Fair Value
Stable competitive position in a defensive sector.
Below-average quality raises earnings sustainability concerns.
Vulnerability to macroeconomic shocks and interest rate volatility.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC represents a reduce based on multi-factor quantitative performance.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC receives a Reduce rating from our analysis, with a composite score of 47.1/100 and 2 out of 5 stars, ranking #2466 out of 7,333 stocks. UCB's factor profile shows weakness across multiple dimensions, suggesting the stock may underperform going forward. Existing holders may want to consider trimming positions or tightening stop-losses.
UCB's quality score of 34/100 is below average, suggesting challenges with profitability or capital efficiency. The company reports a return on equity of 7.9% (sector avg: 9.0%), gross margins of 0.0% (sector avg: 77.7%), net margins of 28.9% (sector avg: 21.9%). Investors should examine whether management is actively addressing these weaknesses or if they reflect structural industry headwinds.
UCB's value score of 54/100 indicates the stock is fairly valued based on its current fundamentals. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 14.50x, an EV/EBITDA of 11.66x, a P/B ratio of 1.15x. At this level, neither a clear bargain nor overpriced, the stock's attractiveness depends more on forward growth expectations and qualitative factors.
With an investment score of 43/100, UCB exhibits moderate growth-oriented spending. Key growth metrics include revenue growth of 12.9% vs. a sector average of 10.7% and a return on assets of 1.0% (sector: 1.3%). The company appears to be balancing growth investments with capital returns, though the pace of investment may not be enough to accelerate top-line growth meaningfully.
UCB demonstrates moderate momentum with a score of 54/100, suggesting a neutral price trend without strong directional conviction. Revenue growth stands at 12.9% year-over-year, while a beta of 1.03 reflects its sensitivity to broader market moves. Moderate momentum may indicate the stock is consolidating or transitioning between trends, warranting close monitoring of upcoming catalysts.
With a stability score of 49/100, UCB exhibits average financial resilience. Key stability metrics include a beta of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.00x (sector avg: 0.5x). While the balance sheet is not a major concern, the stock is subject to typical market volatility and may experience sharper drawdowns during risk-off episodes.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC's short interest score of 31/100 reveals significant bearish positioning, suggesting institutional investors are actively betting against the stock. Specific risk factors include elevated leverage (D/E: 3.00x). At $3.8B (mid-cap), UCB carries meaningful risk and is best suited for investors with high risk tolerance who have thoroughly evaluated the bear thesis.
UCB pays a solid dividend yield of 3.1%, contributing an income component to total returns. This compares to a sector average dividend yield of 2.0%. This moderate yield suggests a balance between returning capital to shareholders and retaining earnings for reinvestment — a common profile among quality compounders.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS INC is a mid-cap company in the Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate sector, ranked #0 of 50 in its sector (100th percentile) and #2466 of 7,333 overall (66th percentile). Key comparisons include ROE of 7.9% trailing the 9.0% sector median and operating margins of 36.9% above the 18.1% sector average. This top-quartile standing reflects exceptional competitive strength relative to Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate peers.
While UCB currently exhibits a REDUCE profile, superior opportunities exist within the FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND REAL ESTATE sector. Our model identifies several "Strong Buy" candidates with higher quality scores and more attractive valuations among direct industry competitors.
View Top Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate Alpha →Quant Factor Profile
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Improvement in Short Int. (31) would have the largest impact on the composite score.
EV/EBITDA 50% ABOVE SECTOR MEDIAN
ROE 12% BELOW SECTOR MEDIAN
Gross Margin 100% BELOW SECTOR MEDIAN
This article identifies three income stocks with strong buy ranks for investors to consider: West Bancorporation (WTBA), United Community Banks (UCB), and RELX (RELX). All three companies have seen increases in their Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days and offer competitive dividend yields compared to their industry averages. The article suggests these stocks are ideal for investors seeking income-generating opportunities.
United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB) concluded Q4 2025 with strong financial results, highlighted by 11% year-over-year revenue growth, margin expansion, and a 13% increase in operating EPS. The bank emphasized capital returns to shareholders and strategic balance sheet positioning, noting significant loan growth in C&I and HELOC categories, and record commitment activity in SBA. Despite some credit charge-offs, management anticipates continued growth and efficiency improvements in 2026, though with a limited appetite for M&A outside its established footprint.
StockStory analysts recommend selling United Community Banks (UCB) despite its recent market performance, citing lackluster revenue growth, unimpressive EPS growth, and slim projected tangible book value per share growth as primary concerns. They suggest UCB is fairly valued but lacks strong investment appeal and instead direct investors towards a curated list of high-quality software stocks with significant market-beating returns.
Alan H Kumler, SVP and Chief Accounting Officer at United Community Banks (NASDAQ:UCB), sold 12,043 shares of company stock for a total of $425,805. This transaction, occurring on January 23, 2026, leaves Kumler with 21,096 shares directly owned. The sale follows recent robust Q4 2025 earnings for United Community Banks, which met analyst expectations and led to several investment firms raising their price targets for the bank.
United Community Banks (UCB) has seen its Relative Strength (RS) Rating improve from 69 to 76, indicating strengthening technical performance. This proprietary rating from IBD measures market leadership by tracking a stock's price performance. This upgrade suggests the stock is moving closer to key technical indicators, reflecting increased investor interest and price strength.
Above 50MA
37.18%
Net New Highs
+51081