<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
___
Filed by the Registrant |_x_|
___
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |___|
Check the appropriate box:
___
|___| Preliminary Proxy Statement
___
|___| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)
___
|_x_| Definitive Proxy Statement
___
|___| Definitive Additional Materials
___
|___| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
----------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
----------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
___
|_x_| No fee required.
___
|___| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)(4)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
_______________________________________________________________
(2) Aggregate number of class of securities to which transaction
applies:
_______________________________________________________________
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how
it was determined):
___
|___| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule O-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the
offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing
by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the
date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
_______________________________________________________________
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
_______________________________________________________________
3) Filing Party:
_______________________________________________________________
4) Date Filed:
_______________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
U N I T E D
_________________
COMMUNITY BANKS
_________________
NOTICE OF 1999 ANNUAL MEETING
_________________
PROXY STATEMENT
_________________
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS....................... 1
PROXY STATEMENT................................................ 2
Security Holdings of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management........................................... 3
Nomination and Election of Directors....................... 5
Information About Nominees for Director.................... 5
Executive Compensation..................................... 7
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.... 9
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation............................................ 9
Joint Report on Executive Compensation..................... 10
Shareholder Return Performance Graph....................... 12
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors.......... 13
Information Concerning United's Accountants................ 13
Shareholder Proposals...................................... 13
Other Matters that May Come Before the Meeting............. 13
APPENDIX: ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS............................
General Description of the Business/Forward
Looking Information...................................... A-1
Selected Financial Data.................................... A-2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations...................... A-3
Market and Dividend Data................................... A-29
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants......... A-30
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1997... A-31
Consolidated Statements of Income - For the Years
Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996................... A-32
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - For
the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996......... A-33
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity - For the Years Ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996............................................ A-34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Years
Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996A-35 Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements........................ A-36
<PAGE>
March 17, 1999
Dear Shareholder:
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 1999 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders of United Community Banks, Inc. which will be held
April 15, 1999 at The Brasstown Valley Resort, Trackrock Amphitheater,
Highway 515, Young Harris, Georgia at 2:30 p.m. The accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe
the items of business which will be discussed during the meeting. A
report to shareholders, containing certain financial information, is
included as an appendix to the Proxy Statement.
TO BE SURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED, WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY
REVIEW THE PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTE YOUR CHOICES ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you wish to attend the meeting, any
ballot that you submit at the meeting will supersede your proxy.
On behalf of the management, employees and directors of United
Community Banks, Inc., I want to thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent
Jimmy C. Tallent,
President and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
59 HIGHWAY 515
P.O. BOX 398
BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA 30512
___________________________________________________
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
___________________________________________________
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15, 1999
The annual meeting of shareholders of United Community Banks, Inc.
("United") will be held on April 15, 1999 at 2:30 p.m. at The
Brasstown Valley Resort, Trackrock Amphitheater, Highway 515, Young
Harris, Georgia, for the purposes of considering and voting upon:
1. The election of twelve directors to constitute the Board of
Directors to serve until the next annual meeting and until
their successors are elected and qualified;
2. Such other matters as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1,
1999 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any
adjournment thereof.
A Proxy Statement and a Proxy solicited by the Board of Directors
are enclosed herewith. Please sign, date and return the Proxy
promptly in the enclosed business reply envelope. If you attend the
meeting you may, if you wish, withdraw your Proxy and vote in person.
Also enclosed as an appendix to the Proxy Statement is a report to
shareholders, including United's audited annual financial statements,
management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations, selected financial data, market and dividend
data and certain other matters.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/Jimmy C. Tallent
Jimmy C. Tallent,
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 17, 1999
_______________________________________________________________
| |
| PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY SO |
| THAT YOUR VOTE MAY BE RECORDED AT THE MEETING IF YOU DO NOT |
| ATTEND PERSONALLY. |
|_______________________________________________________________|
-1-
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
59 Highway 515
P.O. Box 398
Blairsville, Georgia 30512
_____________________
PROXY STATEMENT
_____________________
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of Proxies by the Board of Directors of United Community
Banks, Inc. ("United") for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of United to be held on April 15, 1999, and any adjournment thereof,
for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice of the meeting.
The expenses of this solicitation, including the cost of preparing and
mailing this Proxy Statement, will be paid by United. Copies of
solicitation materials may be furnished to banks, brokerage houses and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding to
beneficial owners of shares of United's common stock, and normal
handling charges may be paid for such forwarding services. In
addition to solicitations by mail, directors and regular employees of
United may solicit Proxies in person or by telephone. It is
anticipated that this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy will
first be mailed to shareholders on approximately March 22, 1999.
At the meeting, shareholders will elect twelve directors that will
serve a one-year term that will expire at the next annual meeting when
their successors are elected and qualified.
The record of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
was taken as of the close of business on March 1, 1999. On that date,
United had outstanding and entitled to vote 7,393,605 shares of common
stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock").
Any Proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by any
shareholder who attends the meeting and gives oral notice of his or
her election to vote in person, without compliance with any other
formalities. In addition, any Proxy given pursuant to this
solicitation may be revoked before the meeting by delivering an
instrument revoking it or a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date
to the Secretary of United. If the Proxy is properly completed and
returned by the shareholder and is not revoked, it will be voted at
the meeting in the manner specified thereon. If the Proxy is returned
but no choice is specified thereon, it will be voted for all the
persons named below under the caption "Information About Nominees For
Director".
The percentages outstanding of Common Stock are based on 7,686,609
shares of Common Stock, including 140,000 shares deemed outstanding
pursuant to United's prime plus 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Payable-
in-Kind Debentures due December 31, 2006 ("2006 Debentures") and
presently exercisable options to acquire 153,004 shares.
UNITED WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE
"SEC") FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, INCLUDING
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES, TO ANY SHAREHOLDER OF RECORD OR
ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER OF ITS COMMON STOCK AS OF MARCH 1, 1999 WHO
REQUESTS A COPY OF SUCH REPORT. ANY REQUEST FOR THE FORM 10-K SHOULD
BE IN WRITING AND ADDRESSED TO:
LOIS JONES
59 HIGHWAY 515
P.O. BOX 398
BLAIRSVILLE, GEORGIA 30512
-2-<PAGE>
SECURITY HOLDINGS OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of February 15, 1999 beneficial
ownership of United's Common Stock by, by each director or
nominee, by each named executive officer and by all directors and
officers as a group. As of February 15, 1999, there were no
"persons" (as that term is defined by the SEC) known by United to
be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of United's Common Stock
other than indicated in the table below.
NUMBER OF SHARES
OWNED PERCENT OF
DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES BENEFICIALLY CLASS
---------------------- ---------------- -----------
Jimmy C. Tallent 159,886 <F1> 2.1%
Billy M. Decker 141,287 <F2> 1.8%
Thomas C. Gilliland 177,581 <F3> 2.3%
Robert L. Head, Jr. 672,743 <F4> 8.8%
Charles E. Hill 170,563 <F5> 2.2%
Hoyt O. Holloway 48,085 <F6> *
P. Deral Horne 30,000 <F7> *
John R. Martin 51,529 *
Clarence W. Mason, Sr. 47,340 <F8> *
Zell B. Miller 1,000 *
W.C. Nelson, Jr. 686,728 <F9> 8.9%
Charles E. Parks 102,109 <F10) 1.3%
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
------------------------
Christopher J. Bledsoe .......... 23,422 <F12> *
Guy W. Freeman .................. 34,918 <F11> *
ALL DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS AS A GROUP (22 PERSONS) 2,420,844 <F13> 31.5%
-3-
<PAGE>
[FN]
* Less than one percent.
<F1> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Tallent
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and 28,250 shares
beneficially owned by Mr. Tallent pursuant to currently-
exercisable options.
<F2> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Decker
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and 10,900 shares
beneficially owned by Mr. Decker pursuant to currently-
exercisable options. Does not include 9,613 shares
owned by Mr. Decker's wife, for which he disclaims
beneficial ownership.
<F3> Includes 6,270 shares beneficially owned by Mr.
Gilliland as custodian for his children, 10,000 shares
beneficially owned pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and
16,950 shares beneficially owned pursuant to currently
exercisable stock options.
<F4> Includes 96,555 shares beneficially owned by a trust
over which Mr. Head has voting power and 10,000 shares
owned pursuant to the 2006 Debentures. Does not include
16,965 shares owned by Mr. Head's wife, for which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
<F5> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Hill
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures. Does not include
89,175 shares owned by Mr. Hill's wife, for which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
<F6> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned pursuant to
the 2006 Debentures and 35,565 beneficially owned by
Holloway Motors, Inc., a company 100% owned by Mr.
Holloway. Does not include 485 shares owned by Mr.
Holloway's wife, for which he disclaims beneficial
ownership.
<F7> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Horne
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures.
<F8> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Mason
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures.
<F9> Includes 11,250 shares beneficially owned by a trust
over which Mr. Nelson has voting power and 10,000 shares
owned pursuant to the 2006 Debentures; does not include
12,035 shares owned by Mr. Nelson's wife, for which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
<F10> Includes 10,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Parks
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures.
<F11> Includes 6,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Freeman
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and 15,400 shares
beneficially owned by Mr. Freeman pursuant to currently-
exercisable options.
<F12> Includes 6,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bledsoe
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures and 11,300 shares
beneficially owned by Mr. Bledsoe pursuant to currently-
exercisable options.
<F13> Includes currently exerciseable options to acquire
116,902 shares and 116,000 shares beneficially owned
pursuant to the 2006 Debentures.
</FN>
-4-
<PAGE>
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal 1)
The Bylaws of United provide that the number of directors may range
from eight to fourteen directors. The board of Directors of United
has set the number of directors at twelve. The number of directors
may be increased or decreased from the foregoing from time to time by
the Board of Directors by amendment of the Bylaws, but no decrease
shall have the effect of shortening the term of an incumbent director.
The terms of office for directors continue until the next annual
meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified.
Each Proxy executed and returned by a shareholder will be voted as
specified thereon by the shareholder. If no specification is made,
the Proxy will be voted for the election of the nominees named below
to constitute the entire Board of Directors. In the event that any
nominee withdraws or for any reason is not able to serve as a
director, the Proxy will be voted for such other person as may be
designated by the Board of Directors as a substitute nominee, but in
no event will the Proxy be voted for more than twelve nominees.
Management of United has no reason to believe that any nominee will
not serve if elected. All of the nominees are currently directors of
United.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the
holders of the shares entitled to vote in an election at a meeting at
which a quorum is present. A quorum is present when the holders of a
majority of the shares outstanding on the record date are present at a
meeting in person or by proxy. An abstention and a broker non-vote
would be included in determining whether a quorum is present at a
meeting, but would not have an effect on the outcome of a vote.
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
The following information as of December 31, 1998 has been
furnished by the respective nominees for director. Except as
otherwise indicated, each nominee has been or was engaged in his
present or last principal employment, in the same or a similar
position, for more than five years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INFORMATION DIRECTOR OF
NAME (AGE) ABOUT NOMINEE UNITED SINCE
---------- ------------- ------------
<S> <S> <C>
Jimmy C. Tallent.......... President and Chief Executive Officer of United 1987
(46)
Billy M. Decker Senior Vice President and Secretary of United 1988
(55)
Thomas C. Gilliland....... Executive Vice President of United and President 1992
(50) of Peoples Bank of Fannin County
Robert L. Head, Jr........ Chairman of the Board of Directors of United; 1988
(59) Owner of Head Construction Company, Head-
Westgate Corp., and Mountain Building
Supply in Blairsville, Georgia
Charles E. Hill Director of United; Retired Director of 1988
(61) Pharmacy at Union General Hospital in
Blairsville, Georgia.
-5-<PAGE>
Hoyt O. Holloway.......... Director of United; owner of H&H Farms, a 1993
(58) poultry farm in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
P. Deral Horne............ Director of United; owner of Mountain and 1992
(71) Valley Properties, a land development and
sales business in Murphy, North Carolina.
John R. Martin............ Director of United; Owner of John Martin 1997
(48) Construction and of several mini-warehouse
facilities in northeast Georgia and western
South Carolina; registered pharmacist.
Clarence W. Mason, Sr. ... Director of United; Owner of Mason Tractor, in 1992
(61) Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Zell B. Miller............ Director of United; Governor of Georgia from 1999
(67) 1991 to 1998.
W. C. Nelson, Jr.......... Vice Chairman of the Board of United; Owner 1988
(55) of Nelson Tractor Company in Blairsville,
Georgia.
Charles E. Parks.......... Director of United; Former Owner of Parks 1997
(69) Lumber Co, Murrayville, Georgia.
</TABLE>
___________________________________________________________________________
There are no family relationships between any director, executive
officer or nominee for director of United or any of its subsidiaries.
___________________________________________________________________________
-6-<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below sets forth the annual and other compensation paid
by United and its bank subsidiaries to the following persons who
served in the designated offices during 1998: Jimmy C. Tallent,
President and Chief Executive Officer of United and UCB, Billy M.
Decker, Senior Vice President and Secretary of United, Guy Freeman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina and Senior Vice
President of United, Thomas C. Gilliland, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Peoples and Executive Vice President of United,
Christopher J. Bledsoe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of United and UCB (individually a "Named Executive Officer,
collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------
Securities All
Name and Principal Offices Underlying Other
Held During 1998 Year Salary Bonus Other Options Compensation
-------------------------- ------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jimmy C. Tallent.................... 1998 $231,125 $100,000 $36,900 <F1> 8,750 $29,118 <F2>
President and Chief Executive 1997 $215,000 $ 90,000 $32,875 <F1> 8,750 $27,058
Officer of United and UCB 1996 $188,650 $ 65,000 $10,000 <F1> 8,750 $23,781
Thomas C. Gilliland................. 1998 $165,000 $ 45,000 $ 5,400 <F1> 5,250 $ 8,250 <F3>
President and Chief Executive 1997 $157,500 $ 42,500 $ 5,400 <F1> 5,250 $13,388
Officer of Peoples; Executive 1996 $142,188 $ 35,000 $ 6,400 <F1> 5,250 $12,086
Vice President of United
Billy M. Decker..................... 1998 $121,450 $ 30,000 $18,600 <F1> 2,500 $14,817 <F3>
Senior Vice President and 1997 $117,700 $ 30,000 $18,600 <F1> 3,500 $14,359
Secretary of United 1996 $107,500 $ 35,500 $10,000 <F1> 3,500 $13,115
Guy W. Freeman...................... 1998 $158,550 $ 50,000 $ 7,300 <F1> 4,000 $19,343 <F3>
President and Chief Executive 1997 $138,200 $ 40,000 $ 7,000 <F1> 10,000 $16,982
Officer of Carolina; Senior Vice 1996 $117,500 $ 20,000 $ 3,850 <F1> 3,500 $14,335
President of United
Christopher J. Bledsoe.............. 1998 $116,250 $27,500 -- 3,500 $14,183 <F3>
Senior Vice President and Chief 1997 $102,500 $25,000 -- 3,500 $12,505
Financial Officer of United and UCB 1996 $ 91,500 $20,500 -- 3,500 $11,163
</TABLE>
__________________________________
[FN]
<F1> Directors' fees for service on United's bank subsidiaries'
boards of directors. Other perquisites do not meet the
Securities and Exchange Commission threshold for disclosure,
is the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total salary and
bonus for any named executive.
<F2> Represents a contribution by United of $28,197 on behalf of
Mr. Tallent to United's Profit Sharing Plan and insurance
premiums of $921 paid by UCB on behalf of Mr. Tallent on a
life insurance policy.
<F3> Represents United's contribution on behalf of the named
individual to United's Profit Sharing Plan.
</FN>
United has never granted restricted stock, stock appreciation
rights or similar awards to any of its present or past executive
officers, other than awards of stock options under the United
Community Banks Key Employee Stock Option Plan.
Directors of United, other than a President or Vice President of a
bank subsidiary who serves on United's Board of Directors, received
$1,250 per board meeting attended during 1998. Certain members of
United's Board of Directors also serve as members of one or more of
the Boards of Directors of United's bank subsidiaries, for which they
are compensated by the bank subsidiaries.
-7-
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options
granted to the Named Executive Officers under the Plan during fiscal
year 1998 and the projected value of those options at assumed annual
rates of appreciation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
| |
| Potential Realizable |
| Value |
Individual Grants | at Assumed Annual Rates |
| of Stock Price |
| Appreciation |
| for Option |
| Term <F2> |
________________________________________________________________________________|_____________________________|
| | | | | | | |
| | Number of | | | | | |
| | Securities | Percent of Total | | | | |
| | Underlying | Options Granted | | | | |
| | Options | to Employees in | Expiration | | | |
| Name | Granted <F1> | Fiscal Year | Date | | 5% | 10% |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
| <S> | <C> | <C> | <C> | | <C> | <C> |
| Jimmy C. Tallent | 8,750 | 16% | 1/1/08 | | $165,085 | $418,357 |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
| | | | | | | |
| Thomas C. Gilliland | 5,250 | 9% | 1/1/08 | | $ 99,051 | $251,014 |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
| | | | | | | |
| Billy M. Decker | 2,500 | 5% | 1/1/08 | | $ 47,167 | $119,531 |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
| | | | | | | |
| Guy W. Freeman | 4,000 | 7% | 1/1/08 | | $ 75,467 | $191,249 |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
| | | | | | | |
| Christopher J. Bledsoe | 3,500 | 6% | 1/1/08 | | $ 66,034 | $167,343 |
|__________________________|________________|____________________|______________|_|___________|_______________|
</TABLE>
__________________________
[FN]
<F1> 20% of the options were vested at the date of grant and an
additional 20% vest at each of the first four anniversaries of the
date of grant. Exercise price of the options is $30.00 per share,
the fair market value on the date of grant of the options.
<F2> "Potential Realizable Value" is disclosed in response to SEC
regulations that require such disclosure for illustration only.
The values disclosed are not intended to be, and should not be
interpreted as, representations or projections of the future value
of United's Common Stock or of the stock price. Amounts are
calculated at 5% and 10% assumed appreciation of the value of the
Common Stock (compounded annually over the option term) and are not
intended to forecast actual expected future appreciation, if any,
of the Common Stock. The potential realizable value to the
optionee is the difference between the exercise price and the
appreciated stock price at the assumed annual rates of appreciation
multiplied by the number of shares underlying the options.
</FN>
-8-
<PAGE>
OPTION FISCAL YEAR-END VALUES
Shown below is information with respect to unexercised options to
purchase the Common Stock granted under the Plan to the Named
Executive Officers and held by them at December 31, 1998. No options
were exercised during 1998 by a Named Executive Officer.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
___________________________________________________________________________________________
| |
| Fiscal Year-End Option Values |
|__________________________________________________________________________________________|
____________________________________________________________________________________________
| | | |
| | | Value of Unexercised in |
| | Number of Unexercised | the Money Options at |
| | Options at Fiscal Year End | Fiscal Year End ($)<F1> |
| Name | Exercisable/Unexercisable (#) | Exercisable/Unexercisable |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
| <S> | <C> | <C> |
| Jimmy C. Tallent | 23,000/15,750 | $571,000/241,500 |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
| | | |
| Thomas C. Gilliland | 13,800/9,540 | $342,600/144,900 |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
| | | |
| Billy M. Decker | 9,000/5,500 | $226,400/88,600 |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
| | | |
| Guy W. Freeman | 11,900/10,600 | $276,200/170,800 |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
| | | |
| Christopher J. Bledsoe | 9,200/6,300 | $228,400/96,600 |
|_________________________|__________________________________|_____________________________|
</TABLE>
___________________
[FN]
<F1> Based on $40.00 per share, the last sale price known to United
during 1998. United's Common Stock is not publicly traded.
</FN>
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") requires United's executive officers, directors and
persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of United's Common Stock
to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") reports of
ownership and changes in ownership. Based solely on its review of
the forms filed with the SEC and representations of reporting persons,
United believes that everyone who was an executive officer, director
or greater than 10% beneficial owner at any time during 1998 complied
with all filing requirements applicable to them during 1998.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Board of Directors of United reviewed the compensation of
Messrs. Tallent, Gilliland, Freeman, Decker and Bledsoe and of
United's other executive officers for the 1998 fiscal year. Although
all members of the Board of Directors participated in deliberations
regarding the salaries of executive officers, none of such officers
participated in any decisions regarding his own compensation as an
executive officer.
Mr. Robert L. Head, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of
United, is the owner of a construction company that United and two of
its bank subsidiaries engaged during the course of the year to perform
various construction projects totaling approximately $2.0 million.
The Banks have had, and expect to have in the future, banking
transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors and
officers of United and their associates, including corporations in
which such officers or directors are shareholders, directors and/or
officers, on the same terms (including interest rates and collateral)
-9-<PAGE>
as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions have not involved more
than the normal risk of collectability or presented other unfavorable
features.
JOINT REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
GENERAL
Under rules established by the SEC, United is required to provide
certain information with respect to compensation provided to United's
President and Chief Executive Officer and to United's other executive
officers. The SEC regulations require a report setting forth a
description of United's executive compensation policy in general and
the considerations that led to the compensation decisions affecting
Messrs. Tallent, Gilliland, Decker, Freeman and Bledsoe. In
fulfillment of this requirement, the Board of Directors and
Compensation Committee has prepared the following report for inclusion
in this Proxy Statement.
The fundamental policy of United's compensation program is to offer
competitive compensation and benefits for all employees, including the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the other officers of
United, in order to compete for and retain talented personnel who will
lead United in achieving levels of financial performance which enhance
shareholder value. United's executive compensation package
historically has consisted of salary, annual incentive compensation,
matching profit sharing contributions and other customary fringe
benefits. The grant of stock options under the Plan is also a part of
United's compensation package for certain executive officers,
including the Named Executive Officers.
SALARY
All members of the Board of Directors of United participated in
deliberation regarding salaries of executive officers. Although
subjective in nature, factors considered by the Board in setting the
salaries of executive officers (other than Mr. Tallent) were Mr.
Tallent's recommendations, compensation paid by comparable banks to
their executive officers (although such information was obtained
informally and United did not attempt to pay any certain percentage of
salary for comparable positions with other banks), each executive
officer's performance, contribution to United, tenure in his or her
position, and internal comparability considerations. The Board of
Directors set the salary of Mr. Tallent based on Mr. Tallent's salary
during the preceding fiscal year, his tenure, the salaries of chief
executive officers of comparable banks (although such information was
obtained informally and United did not attempt to pay any certain
percentage of salary for a comparable position with other banks) and
the increase in earnings of United in recent years. The Board did not
assign relative weights to the factors considered in setting salaries
of executive officers, including Mr. Tallent.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Annual incentive compensation for 1998, paid in the form of a cash
bonus during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, was based on
annual financial results of United's bank subsidiaries, including
general targets with respect to net income and return on average
assets. Cash bonuses were granted by the Board to Mr. Tallent, and
the Board set a range of bonuses (based on a percentage of salary) for
all employees other than Mr. Tallent, within which range Mr. Tallent
determined each officer's bonus, based on individual performance.
-10-<PAGE>
KEY EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Options to acquire 55,500 shares of Common Stock were awarded under
the Plan in fiscal 1998, including options to acquire 24,000 shares of
Common Stock awarded to the Named Executive Officers by the Compensation
Committee.
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jimmy C. Tallent P. Deral Horne
Billy M. Decker John R. Martin
Thomas C. Gilliland Clarence W. Mason, Sr.
Robert L. Head, Jr. Zell B. Miller
Charles E. Hill W. C. Nelson, Jr.
Hoyt O. Holloway Charles E. Parks
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert L. Head, Jr. John R. Martin
Charles E. Hill Clarence W. Mason, Sr.
Hoyt O. Holloway Zell B. Miller
P. Deral Horne W. C. Nelson, Jr.
Charles E. Parks
-11-<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage
change in the cumulative total shareholder return on United's Common
Stock against the cumulative total return on The Nasdaq Stock Market
(U.S. Companies) Index and The Nasdaq Bank Stocks Index for the period
of five fiscal years commencing January 1, 1994 and ending on December
31, 1998. This graph was prepared at United's request by Research
Data Group, San Francisco, California. United's Common Stock is not
publicly traded; therefore, the total shareholder return is based on
stock trades known to United during the periods presented.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE
TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX
AND THE NASDAQ BANK INDEX
_______________________________________
GRAPHICS APPEARS HERE
_______________________________________
* $100 INVESTED ON 12/31/93 IN STOCK OR INDEX -
INCLUDING REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
| | | |
| | | CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN |
|__________________________________|__|_____________________________________________________|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | 12/93 | 12/94 | 12/95 | 12/96 | 12/97 | 12/98 |
|__________________________________|__|________|________|________|________|________|________|
| <S> | | <C> | <C> | <C> | <C> | <C> | <C> |
| UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. | | 100 | 157 | 253 | 333 | 479 | 641 |
|__________________________________|__|________|________|________|________|________|________|
| | | | | | | | |
| NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) | | 100 | 98 | 138 | 170 | 209 | 293 |
|__________________________________|__|________|________|________|________|________|________|
| | | | | | | | |
| NASDAQ BANK | | 100 | 100 | 148 | 196 | 328 | 325 |
|__________________________________|__|________|________|________|________|________|________|
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE>
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The United Board of Directors held four meetings during 1998.
All of the directors attended at least seventy- five percent (75%) of
the meetings of the Board and meetings of the committees of the Board
on which they sat that were held during their tenure as directors.
The Board of Directors does not have a standing audit or nominating
committee. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors is
comprised of all members of the Board who are not employees of the
bank subsidiaries of United. The compensation committee makes
compensation decisions for executive officers and key employees and
administers the Plan.
INFORMATION CONCERNING UNITED'S ACCOUNTANTS
Porter Keadle Moore, LLP ("Porter Keadle") was the principal
independent public accountant for United during the year ended
December 31, 1998. Representatives of Porter Keadle are expected to
be present at the annual meeting and will have the opportunity to make
a statement if they desire to do so and to respond to appropriate
questions. United anticipates that Porter Keadle will be United's
accountants for the current fiscal year.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at United's 2000
annual meeting must be received by December 12, 1999 and otherwise
must comply with United's bylaws in order to be eligible for
inclusion in United's Proxy Statement and Proxy for that meeting.
OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Management of United knows of no matters other than those stated
above that are to be brought before the meeting. If any other matters
should be presented for consideration and voting, however, it is the
intention of the persons named as proxies in the enclosed Proxy to
vote in accordance with their judgment as to what is in the best
interest of United.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Jimmy C. Tallent
Jimmy C. Tallent
President and Chief Executive Officer
-13-<PAGE>
COMMON STOCK
OF UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS FOR THE 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.
This undersigned hereby appoints Jimmy C. Tallent or Robert
L. Head, Jr. the proxy of the undersigned to vote the Common Stock of
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of UNITED
COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. to be held on April 15, 1999, and any
adjournment thereof.
__
1. |__| FOR all nominees for director listed below (except as
indicated to the contrary):
JIMMY C. TALLENT; BILLY M. DECKER; THOMAS C. GILLILAND; ROBERT L.
HEAD, JR.; CHARLES E. HILL; HOYT O. HOLLOWAY; P. DERAL HORNE; JOHN R.
MARTIN; CLARENCE W. MASON, SR.; ZELL B. MILLER; W. C. NELSON, JR.;
CHARLES E. PARKS
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW)
_________________________________________________________________________
__
2. |__| WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed above.
In accordance with their best judgment with respect to any other
matters that may properly come before the meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FAVORS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
OF THE PERSONS NAMED IN THE PROXY AND UNLESS INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
CONTRARY ARE INDICATED IN THE SPACE PROVIDED, THIS PROXY WILL BE SO
VOTED.
________________________________________
Please sign this Proxy exactly as name
appears on the Proxy.
Note: When signing as an attorney,
trustee, administrator or guardian,
please give your title as such. In the
case of joint tenants, each joint owner
must sign.
Date: __________________________________
<PAGE>
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
United Community Banks, Inc. ("United") was incorporated under
the laws of Georgia in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988 by
acquiring 100% of the outstanding shares of Union County Bank, now
known as United Community Bank ("UCB"). United is a bank holding
company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. All of
United's activities are currently conducted by its wholly-owned
subsidiaries: UCB, which was organized as a Georgia banking
corporation in 1950; Carolina Community Bank, Murphy, North Carolina
("Carolina"), which United acquired in 1990; Peoples Bank of Fannin
County, Blue Ridge, Georgia ("Peoples"), which United acquired in
1992; Towns County Bank, Hiawassee, Georgia ("Towns"), which United
also acquired in 1992; White County Bank, Cleveland, Georgia
("White"), which United acquired in 1995; and First Clayton Bank and
Trust ("First Clayton"), which United acquired in 1997. UCB,
Carolina, Peoples, Towns, White and First Clayton are collectively
referred to in this report as the "Banks". United also operates two
consumer finance companies - United Family Finance Co., which operates
two offices in Georgia, and United Family Finance Co. of North
Carolina, which operates two offices in North Carolina. In this
report, both United Family Finance Co. and United Family Finance Co.
of North Carolina are collectively referred to as ("Finance").
The Banks are community-oriented, and offer a full range of
retail and corporate banking services, including checking, savings and
time deposit accounts, secured and unsecured loans, wire transfers,
trust services and rental of safe deposit boxes. As of December 31,
1998, the Banks operated a total of 27 locations. In order to
emphasize the commitment to community banking, both UCB and Peoples
operate branches under trade names that are closely identified with
the communities in which they are located. UCB operates two branches
in Lumpkin County, Georgia, under the trade name "United Community
Bank of Lumpkin County" and two branches in Habersham County, Georgia,
under the trade name "First Bank of Habersham." Peoples operates one
branch in Gilmer County, Georgia, under the trade name of "United
Community Bank of Gilmer County." The operation of bank branches
under trade names is permissible under current state and federal
banking regulations and requires certain customer disclosures, which
both UCB and Peoples provide.
The Mortgage People Company ("MPC"), a division of UCB, is a
full-service retail mortgage lending operation approved as a
seller/servicer for Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal
Home Mortgage Corporation. MPC was organized to provide fixed and
adjustable-rate mortgages. During 1998, MPC originated $145 million
of residential mortgage loans for the purchase of homes and to
refinance existing mortgage debt, of which substantially all were
sold into the secondary market with no recourse to MPC.
On January 21, 1999, United entered into a definitive agreement
to acquire the stock of Adairsville Bancshares, Inc. ("Adairsville")
in Bartow County, Georgia. This acquisition was closed on March 15,
1999 and was accounted for as a purchase transaction. As of December
31, 1998, Adairsville had $37.1 million of total assets and $4.0
million of total equity.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis contains
forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Although
United believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking
statements contained in the discussion are reasonable, any of the
assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, no assurance can be
made that any of the forward-looking statements included in this<PAGE>
discussion will be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results
to differ from results discussed in forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to: economic conditions (both generally
and in the markets where United operates); competition from other
providers of financial services offered by United; government
regulation and legislation; changes in interest rates; material
unforeseen changes in the financial stability and liquidity of
United's credit customers; material unforeseen complications related
to the Year 2000 issues for United, its suppliers, customers and
governmental agencies; and other risks detailed in United's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are
difficult to predict and which may be beyond the control of United.
United undertakes no obligation to revise forward-looking statements
to reflect events or changes after the date of this discussion or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
A-1
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share data and ratios)
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE YEAR
Net interest income $ 52,499 43,232 33,815 25,015 20,067
Provision for loan losses 2,372 2,634 1,597 1,116 998
Non-interest income 8,711 6,980 5,666 4,523 3,962
Non-interest expense 41,098 32,077 24,843 19,204 15,125
Income taxes 5,588 4,766 4,114 2,549 2,205
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927 6,669 5,701
PER COMMON SHARE
Net income - basic $ 1.64 1.47 1.29 1.03 0.91
Net income - diluted 1.62 1.46 1.26 1.01 0.89
Cash dividends declared 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.09
Book value $ 11.73 10.17 8.14 7.09 5.56
AT YEAR END
Loans $ 999,871 823,324 634,574 474,857 354,521
Earning assets 1,386,977 1,049,159 824,476 659,548 458,446
Assets 1,498,599 1,153,367 886,103 712,298 496,527
Deposits 1,163,124 977,079 773,300 637,832 427,998
Stockholders' equity $ 86,750 75,113 57,675 49,207 34,871
Common shares outstanding 7,385 7,085 6,945 6,275
AVERAGE BALANCES
Loans $ 899,957 733,551 545,449 423,953 332,793
Earning assets 1,181,635 960,346 723,994 565,523 429,152
Assets 1,272,994 1,024,730 783,509 607,877 464,767
Deposits 1,077,605 894,200 695,391 538,518 408,645
Stockholders' equity $ 80,180 66,333 53,472 42,110 32,463
Weighted average shares outstanding 7,392 7,301 6,919 6,499 6,275
KEY PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets 0.95% 1.05% 1.14% 1.10% 1.23%
Return on average stockholders' equity 15.16% 16.18% 16.69% 15.84% 17.56%
Net interest margin, taxable equivalent 4.58% 4.64% 4.85% 4.64% 4.93%
Efficiency ratio 68.04% 64.84% 62.93% 65.01% 62.92%
Dividend payout ratio 9.13% 6.51% 7.58% 8.82% 9.89%
Average equity to average assets 6.30% 6.47% 6.82% 6.93% 6.98%
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
United is a bank holding company registered under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956 and was incorporated under the laws of the
state of Georgia in 1987. All of United's activities are currently
conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiaries: UCB, which was organized
as a Georgia banking corporation in 1950; Carolina, which United
acquired in 1990; Peoples, which United acquired in 1992; Towns, which
United also acquired in 1992; White which United acquired in 1995; and
First Clayton, which United acquired in 1997. Collectively, these
banking institutions are referred to in this report as the "Banks."
In addition, United owns two consumer finance companies: United Family
Finance Co. and United Family Finance Co. of North Carolina
(collectively, "Finance").
At December 31, 1998, United had total consolidated assets of
$1.50 billion, total loans of $996 million, total deposits of $1.16
billion and stockholders' equity of $86.8 million. United's net
income for 1998 was $12.2 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or
13.2%, from 1997. Diluted income per common share increased to $1.62
in 1998, from $1.46 in 1997.
The following discussion is intended to provide insight into the
financial condition and results of operations of United and should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes.
Expansions since December 31, 1997
On January 21, 1999, United entered into a definitive agreement
to acquire the stock of Adairsville Bancshares, Inc. ("Adairsville")
in Bartow County, Georgia. This acquisition was closed on March 15,
1999 and was accounted for as a purchase transaction. As of December 31,
1998, Adairsville had $37.1 million of total assets and $4.0 million
of total equity.
Effective January 30, 1998, Peoples assumed deposits totaling
$23.4 million and purchased certain assets totaling $3.7 million of a
branch bank located in Ellijay, Georgia. This office is operated
under the trade name of United Community Bank of Gilmer County.
Three de novo branch offices of the Banks were opened for
business during 1998. Carolina opened offices in Etowah and Cherokee,
North Carolina, and UCB opened a branch in Clarkesville, Georgia,
which is operated under the trade name of First Bank of Habersham.
Management intends to evaluate opportunities for de novo
expansion into new markets and in the current market area of the
Banks. A new branch office of UCB located in Murrayville, Georgia, is
scheduled to open during the third quarter of 1999 and will be
operated under the trade name of United Community Bank of Hall County.
Subsequent to December 31, 1998, Carolina acquired a bank facility in
Brevard, North Carolina, and filed for necessary regulatory approvals
to commence operation of a full-service branch office. In addition,
Peoples has filed for regulatory approval to open a second branch in
Ellijay, Georgia.
Expansions prior to December 31, 1997
Effective September 12, 1997, United completed the acquisition of
First Clayton Bank and Trust in Clayton, Georgia. United issued
646,257 shares of its common stock and paid approximately $7,000 for<PAGE>
fractional shares in connection with this acquisition. The
acquisition was accounted for as a pooling of interests.
In addition to the purchase of First Clayton, United expanded its
market area during 1997 and 1996, primarily through de novo branching
and purchasing of existing branch bank offices. Carolina created de
novo branch offices in the Western North Carolina cities of Brevard
during 1997 and Bryson City and Cashiers in 1996.
A-3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Effective July 1, 1996, the Georgia bank branching laws were
amended to permit subsidiary banks of Georgia bank holding companies
to branch in an aggregate of three additional locations prior to July
1, 1998, after which time statewide branching is permitted. On July
1, 1996, UCB changed its name from Union County Bank to United
Community Bank and established a branch office in Dahlonega, Lumpkin
County, Georgia. UCB simultaneously filed for a trade name permitting
it to conduct its operations in Union County, Georgia under the trade
name Union County Bank. On September 28, 1996, UCB assumed deposits
of $23.7 million and purchased assets of $21.1 million in Cornelia,
Habersham County, Georgia, from a banking institution that sold its
operations in the county. In Habersham County, UCB operates under the
trade name of First Bank of Habersham, and in Lumpkin County, UCB does
business as United Community Bank of Lumpkin County.
Income Statement Review
Net income was $12.2 million in 1998, an increase of 13.2% from
the $10.7 million earned in 1997. Diluted income per common share was
$1.62 for 1998, compared with $1.46 reported for 1997, an increase of
11.0%. Return on average assets and return on average equity for 1998
were 0.95% and 15.16%, respectively, compared with 1.05% and 16.18%,
respectively, for 1997.
The following table summarizes the components of income and
expense and the changes in those components for the past three years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table 1 - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31
(In thousands)
Change Change
1998 Amount % 1997 Amount % 1996
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $ 109,139 19,359 21.6% 89,780 21,874 32.2% 67,906
Interest expense 56,640 10,092 21.7% 46,548 12,457 36.5% 34,091
----------------------- ------------------- ------
Net interest income 52,499 9,267 21.4% 43,232 9,417 27.8% 33,815
Provision for loan losses 2,372 (262) -9.9% 2,634 1,037 64.9% 1,597
----------------------- ------------------- ------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses 50,127 9,529 23.5% 40,598 8,380 26.0% 32,218
Non-interest income 8,711 1,731 24.8% 6,980 1,314 23.2% 5,666
Non-interest expense 41,098 9,021 28.1% 32,077 7,234 29.1% 24,843
----------------------- ------------------- ------
Income before income taxes 17,740 2,239 14.4% 15,501 2,460 18.9% 13,041
Income tax expense 5,588 822 17.2% 4,766 652 15.8% 4,114
----------------------- ------------------- ------
Net income $ 12,152 1,417 13.2% 10,735 1,808 20.3% 8,927
======================= =================== ======
</TABLE>
The individual components of income and expense are discussed in
further detail below.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income (the difference between the interest earned
on assets and the interest paid on deposits and liabilities) is the
single largest component of United's operating income. United
actively manages this income source to provide an optimal level of
income while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risks. Net
interest income totaled $52.5 million in 1998, an increase of $9.3
million, or 21.4%, from the level recorded in 1997 and an increase of
$18.7 million from 1996. On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net
interest income was $54.2 million in 1998, compared with $44.6 million
in 1997 and $35.1 million in 1996.
Average interest earning assets increased $221.2 million, or
23.0%, over the 1997 amount. This increase was primarily due to the
increased volume of loans. Average loans outstanding for 1998 were
$905.3 million, compared with $737.9 million in 1997. Average
interest bearing liabilities for 1998 increased $200.5 million, or
23.4%, over the 1997 average balance. This increase was primarily due
to an increase in the level of average interest bearing deposits of
$151.1 million, or 18.9%, and an increase in borrowed funds of $49.4
million, or 86.4%. The majority of new borrowings were fixed and
floating rate advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) that
A-4<PAGE>
were at a funding cost competitive with the Banks' current certificate
of deposit rates. Additional information regarding the FHLB advances
is provided in note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.
The banking industry uses two key ratios to measure relative
profitability of net interest income. The net interest rate sprea
measures the difference between the average yield on earning assets
and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. The
interest rate spread eliminates the impact of non-interest bearing
deposits and gives a direct perspective on the effect of market
interest rate movements. The net interest margin is defined as net
interest income as a percent of average total earning assets and takes
into account the positive impact of investing non-interest bearing
deposits.
The net interest spread was 4.02% in 1998, 4.05% in 1997 and
4.33% in 1996, while the net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent
basis) was 4.58% in 1998, 4.64% in 1997 and 4.85% in 1996. The
decrease in the margin and spread are primarily due to competitive
pressures on loan pricing, which produced a 12 basis point decline in
the average rate from 1997 to 1998. The average cost of interest
bearing liabilities for 1998 was 5.36%, a decrease of 8 basis points
from 1997. Core deposits, which include transaction accounts, savings
accounts and certificates of deposit less than $100 thousand,
represented approximately 82.5% of total deposits in 1998, a decrease
from 84.0% in 1997.
The following table shows, for the past three years, the
relationship between interest income and expense and the average
balances of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.
A-5
<PAGE>
Table 2 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest
For the Years Ended December 31
Fully tax-equivalent basis
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
----------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------
Average Interest Avg. Average Interest Avg. Average Interest Avg.
Balance <F1> Rate Balance <F1> Rate Balance <F1> Rate
------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ------ ------- -------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income <F2> $ 905,268 93,202 10.30% 737,889 76,860 10.42% 551,043 58,227 10.57%
Taxable investments 184,305 11,283 6.12% 148,390 9,097 6.13% 115,480 6,735 5.83%
Tax-exempt investments 65,930 4,808 7.29% 44,326 3,514 7.93% 36,250 3,022 8.34%
Federal funds sold
and other interest income 26,132 1,518 5.81% 29,741 1,642 5.52% 21,221 1,198 5.65%
---------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total interest-earning assets /
interest income 1,181,635 110,811 9.38% 960,346 91,113 9.49% 723,994 69,182 9.56%
---------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses (11,095) (9,304) (7,530)
Cash and due from banks 41,705 28,542 21,396
Premises and equipment 33,098 23,194 18,097
Other assets 27,651 21,952 27,552
----------- --------- -------
Total assets $ 1,272,994 1,024,730 783,509
=========== ========= =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
Transaction accounts $ 235,362 9,353 3.97% 176,054 6,712 3.81% 169,811 5,445 3.21%
Savings deposits 52,585 1,478 2.81% 43,286 1,190 2.75% 41,834 1,147 2.74%
Certificates of deposit 661,894 39,343 5.94% 579,398 34,966 6.03% 410,656 25,569 6.23%
---------------------- ------------------ -----------------
Total interest-bearing deposits 949,841 50,174 5.28% 798,738 42,868 5.37% 622,301 32,161 5.17%
---------------------- ------------------ -----------------
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 83,627 4,615 5.52% 39,615 2,382 6.01% 17,237 981 5.69%
Long-term debt and other
borrowings <F3> 22,922 1,851 8.08% 17,532 1,298 7.40% 12,238 949 7.75%
---------------------- ------------------ ----------------
Total borrowed funds 106,549 6,466 6.07% 57,147 3,680 6.44% 29,475 1,930 6.55%
---------------------- ------------------ ----------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities/
interest expense 1,056,390 56,640 5.36% 855,885 46,548 5.44% 651,776 34,091 5.23%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits 127,764 95,462 73,090
Other liabilities 8,660 7,050 5,171
----------- --------- -------
Total liabilities 1,192,814 958,397 730,037
----------- --------- -------
Stockholders' equity 80,180 66,333 53,472
----------- --------- -------
Total liabilities
and stockholders' equity $ 1,272,994 1,024,730 783,509
=========== ========= =======
Net interest-rate spread 4.02% 4.05% 4.33%
Impact of non-interest bearing
sources and other changes in
balance sheet composition 0.56% 0.59% 0.52%
------- ------ ------
Net interest income /
margin on interest-earning assets <F4> 54,171 4.58% 44,565 4.64% 35,091 4.85%
=================== ================ ==============
<FN>
<F1> Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased
by 50% to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities.
<F2> For computational purposes, includes non-accrual loans and mortgage
loans held for sale.
<F3> Includes Trust Preferred Securities.
<F4> Tax equivalent net interest income as a percentage of average
earning assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>
A-6
<PAGE>
The following table shows the relative impact on net interest
income of changes in the average outstanding balances (volume) of
earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the rates earned
and paid by United on such assets and liabilities. Variances
resulting from a combination of changes in rate and volume are
allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change
in each category.
Table 3 - Change in Interest Income and Expense on a Tax Equivalent Basis
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 Compared to 1997 1997 Compared to 1996
Increase (decrease) Increase (decrease)
in interest income and expense in interest income and expense
due to changes in: due to changes in:
Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS:
Loans $ 17,242 (900) 16,342 19,743 (1,110) 18,633
Taxable investments 2,199 (13) 2,186 1,919 443 2,362
Tax-exempt investments 1,595 (301) 1,294 673 (181) 492
Federal funds sold
and other interest income (207) 83 (124) 481 (37) 444
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Total interest-earning assets 20,829 (1,131) 19,698 22,816 (885) 21,931
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES:
Transaction accounts 2,346 295 2,641 200 1,067 1,267
Savings deposits 261 27 288 40 3 43
Certificates of deposit 4,911 (534) 4,377 10,507 (1,110) 9,397
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Total interest-bearing deposits 7,518 (212) 7,306 10,747 (40) 10,707
FHLB advances 2,444 (211) 2,233 1,274 127 1,401
Long-term debt and other borrowings 427 126 553 411 (62) 349
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Total borrowed funds 2,871 (85) 2,786 1,685 65 1,750
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities 10,389 (297) 10,092 12,432 25 12,457
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Increase (decrease)
in net interest income $ 10,440 (834) 9,606 10,384 (910) 9,474
================================ ==================================
</TABLE>
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses in 1998 was $2.4 million, compared
with $2.6 million in 1997 and $1.6 million in 1996. As a percentage of
average outstanding loans, the provisions recorded for 1998, 1997 and
1996 were .26%, .36% and .29%, respectively. Net loan charge-offs as
a percentage of average outstanding loans for 1998 were .09%, compared
with .06% for 1997 and .07% for 1996.
The provision for loan losses is based on management's evaluation
of inherent risks in the loan portfolio and the corresponding analysis
of the allowance for loan losses. Additional discussion on loan
quality and the allowance for loan losses is included in the Asset
Quality section of this report.
A-7<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Non-interest Income
Total non-interest income for 1998 was $8.7 million, compared
with $7.0 million in 1997 and $5.7 million in 1996. The following
table presents the components of non-interest income for 1998, 1997
and 1996.
Table 4 - Non-interest Income
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 % Change 1997 % Change 1996
---- -------- ---- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Service charges on deposit accounts $ 3,962 13% 3,505 17% 2,990
Mortgage loan and related fees 1,822 57% 1,157 (26)% 1,566
ATM fees 312 37% 227 47% 154
Insurance commissions 617 161% 236 22% 194
Trust and brokerage revenue 378 105% 184 175% 67
Gains (losses) on securities sales, net 800 8% 742 (5,808)% (13)
Safe deposit box rental 162 17% 139 10% 126
Other 658 (17)% 790 36% 582
------- ----- -----
Total $ 8,711 25% 6,980 23% 5,666
======= ===== =====
</TABLE>
The primary source of non-interest income for United is service
charges and fees on deposit accounts held by the Banks. Total deposit
service charges and fees for 1998 were $4.0 million, or 45% of total
non-interest income, compared with $3.5 million, or 50% of total non-
interest income in 1997. The growth of deposit service charge and fee
revenue for 1998 and 1997 was primarily due to the increase in the
number of deposit accounts resulting from the opening of new branch
bank locations.
Net gains on the sale of securities totaled $800 thousand for
1998, compared with $742 thousand for 1997. The gains were primarily
the result of a general decline in interest rates coupled with
management's decision to shift a portion of the balance of the
securities portfolios of the Banks to higher yielding mortgage
securities.
Mortgage loan and related fees for 1998 were $1.8 million, an
increase of 57% compared with 1997. This increase was primarily due
to the low interest rate environment during 1998 that encouraged
individuals to refinance existing mortgage debt. Substantially all of
the mortgage loan and related fees recorded during 1998 were received
as the result of originating approximately $145 million of residential
mortgages that were subsequently sold into the secondary market.
These loans were all sold with the right to service the loans (the
servicing asset) released to the purchaser for a fee. The increase in
mortgage loan and related fees for 1998 also includes the effect of
recognizing $243 thousand in additional amortization of mortgage
servicing rights in 1998 compared with 1997. This additional
amortization was recognized in response to increased prepayment levels
within the serviced loan portfolio.
Trust and brokerage revenue for 1998 was $378 thousand, an
increase of 105% compared with 1997. This increase is primarily
attributed to management's continued focus on personal trust business
opportunities within the current customer base of the Banks. Total
trust assets under management at December 31, 1998 were $63.2 million,
compared with $37.8 million at December 31, 1997.
Insurance commissions increased 161% during 1998, to $617
thousand, compared with 1997. This increase is primarily attributed
to loan growth at Finance of $2.7 million, or 101%, during 1998.
A-8
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Non-interest Expense
Total non-interest expense for 1998 was $41.1 million, compared
with $32.1 million in 1997 and $24.8 million in 1996. The following
table presents the components of non-interest expense for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Table 5 - Non-interest Expense
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
1998 % Change 1997 % Change 1996
---- -------- ---- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries $ 18,101 29% 14,052 32% 10,677
Employee benefits 4,786 31% 3,643 35% 2,696
Occupancy 2,547 33% 1,921 28% 1,502
Furniture and equipment 2,975 41% 2,108 35% 1,562
Communications 1,154 66% 697 38% 506
Advertising and public relations 2,006 (2)% 2,038 36% 1,498
Postage, printing and supplies 2,183 32% 1,660 11% 1,492
Professional fees 1,384 29% 1,076 26% 852
Amortization of intangibles 509 23% 414 0% 414
Other expense 5,453 22% 4,468 23% 3,644
------- ------ ------
Total $ 41,098 28% 32,077 29% 24,843
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
Total salaries and benefits for 1998 increased by 29% over the
1997 levels, primarily due to staff additions for new branch bank
offices, staffing increases at existing branches that experienced
growth and the addition of several senior management positions at the
holding company level. United had 638 full-time equivalent employees
at December 31, 1998, compared with 569 at year-end 1997.
Total occupancy expense and furniture and equipment expense for
1998 increased by 33% and 41%, respectively, compared with 1997.
These increases are primarily attributed to the opening of new branch
bank offices located in the primary market areas of United.
Postage, printing and supply expense for 1998 increased by 32%
compared with 1997. This increase is a direct result of increases in
the number of deposit, loan and trust customers during the year.
Advertising and public relations expense for 1998 decreased 2%
compared with 1997. The primary reason for this decline was the
decrease in marketing expenditures related to opening of new bank
facilities in 1998 compared with 1997.
Amortization of intangible assets in 1998 increased 23% compared
with 1997. This increase is attributed to the amortization of the
core deposit intangible asset related to the January, 1998 acquisition
of $23.4 million of deposits from a bank located in Ellijay, Georgia.
Information regarding United's accounting policy for goodwill and
deposit-based intangible assets is included in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements.
The efficiency ratio measures a bank's total operating expenses
as a percentage of net interest income (before provision for loan
losses) and non-interest income, excluding net gains or losses on the
sale of securities. United's efficiency ratio for 1998 was 68.04%,<PAGE>
compared with 64.84% in 1997 and 62.93% in 1996. This increase was
primarily attributed to the new branch expansions during 1997 and 1998
that added immediate "fully loaded" operating expenses without
immediate offsetting revenue streams. Management expects the
efficiency ratio trend to decline in 1999 and beyond as the revenue
for new locations grows and the pace of new facility construction
declines.
A-9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
During the fourth quarter of 1998, management initiated a plan to
centralize many operational functions that were currently being
performed at individual bank offices, including wire transfers,
accounts payable and deposit operations. Although no staff reductions
were incurred in conjunction with this project, management expects to
realize operational efficiency improvements in the future by limiting
the need to increase operational support staffing at the same rate as
overall growth of the Banks. The centralization project is expected
to be substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 1999.
Income Taxes
United had income tax expense of $5.6 million in 1998, compared
with $4.8 million in 1997 and $4.1 million in 1996. United's
effective tax rates (as a percentage of pre-tax net income) for 1998,
1997 and 1996 were 31.5%, 30.7% and 31.5%, respectively. These
effective rates are lower than the statutory Federal tax rate
primarily because of interest income on certain investment securities
and loans that is exempt from income taxes. Additional information
regarding United's income taxes can be found in note 11 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets at December 31, 1998 were $1.50 billion, an increase
of $345.2 million, or 29.9%, from December 31, 1997. On an average
basis, total assets increased $248.3 million, or 24.2%, from 1997 to
1998. Average interest earning assets for 1998 were $1.18 billion,
compared with $960.3 million for 1997, an increase of 23.0%.
Loans
Total loans averaged $905.3 million in 1998, compared with $737.9
million in 1997, an increase of 22.7%. At December 31, 1998, total
loans were $999.9 million, an increase of $176.5 million, or 21.4%,
from December 31, 1997. Over the past five years, United has
experienced strong loan growth in all markets, with particular
strength in loans secured by real estate, both residential and non-
residential. The following table presents a summary of the loan
portfolio by category over that period.
Table 6 - Loans Outstanding
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial $ 89,779 105,462 100,538 64,727 65,521
Real estate - construction 116,481 78,699 51,425 30,065 20,274
Real estate - mortgage 673,631 523,629 380,681 294,724 203,270
Consumer 119,980 115,534 101,930 85,341 65,456
----------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total loans $ 999,871 823,324 634,574 474,857 354,521
=========== ======= ======= ======= =======
As a percentage of total loans:
Commercial 9.0% 12.8% 15.8% 13.6% 18.5%
Real estate - construction 11.6% 9.6% 8.1% 6.3% 5.7%
Real estate - mortgage 67.4% 63.6% 60.0% 62.1% 57.3%
Consumer 12.0% 14.0% 16.1% 18.0% 18.5%
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
A-10
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Substantially all of United's loans are to customers located in
Georgia and North Carolina, in the immediate market areas of the
Banks. The following table indicates United's loans by specific
collateral type or loan purpose as of December 31, 1998:
Table 7 - Loans by Collateral Type or Purpose
(in thousands)
Percent of
Secured by real estate: Total Loans
-----------
Residential first liens $ 360,326 36.0%
Residential second liens 17,346 1.7%
Home equity lines of credit 18,057 1.8%
Construction and land development 116,481 11.7%
Non-farm, non-residential 263,794 26.4%
Farmland 7,665 0.8%
Multi-family residential 6,443 0.6%
------------- ----------
Total real estate 790,112 79.0%
------------- ----------
Other loans:
Commercial and industrial 72,491 7.3%
Agricultural production 10,512 1.1%
States and municpalities 6,776 0.7%
Consumer installment loans 112,670 11.2%
Credit cards and other revolving credit 7,310 0.7%
------------- ----------
Total other loans 209,759 21.0%
------------- ----------
Total loans $ 999,871 100.0%
============= ==========
As of December 31, 1998, United's 20 largest credit relationships
consisted of loans and loan commitments ranging from $2.5 to $11.0
million, with an aggregate total credit exposure of $83 million. All
of these credits have been underwritten in a prudent manner and
structured in order to minimize United's potential exposure to loss.
The deterioration of the financial condition of one or more of these
borrowers or a significant decline in real estate values in United's
markets could, however, result in an increase in the provision for
loan losses and charge-offs.
The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of real
estate construction and commercial loans, including the interest rate
sensitivity for loans maturing in greater than one year, as of December 31,
1998. United's loan policy does not permit automatic roll-over of
matured loans.
Table 8 - Loan Portfolio Maturity
(in thousands)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rate Structure for Loans
Maturity Maturing Over One Year
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One Year One through Over Five Fixed Floating
or Less Five Years Years Total Rate Rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial $ 48,988 30,982 9,809 89,779 18,469 22,322
Real estate - construction 97,080 19,401 - 116,481 14,005 5,396
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 146,068 50,383 9,809 206,260 32,474 27,718
=======================================================================================
</TABLE>
A-11
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Asset Quality and Risk Elements
United manages asset quality and controls credit risk through
diversification of the loan portfolio and the application of policies
designed to foster sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices.
United's loan administration function is charged with monitoring asset
quality, establishing credit policies and procedures, and enforcing
the consistent application of these policies and procedures at all of
the Banks.
The provision for loan losses is the annual cost of providing an
adequate allowance for anticipated potential future losses on loans.
The amount each year is dependent upon many factors including loan
growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan
portfolio, delinquencies, management's assessment of loan portfolio
quality, the value of collateral, and economic factors and trends.
The evaluation of these factors is performed by United's credit
administration department through an analysis of the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses.
Reviews of non-performing, past due loans and larger credits,
designed to identify potential charges to the allowance for loan
losses, as well as determine the adequacy of the allowance, are
conducted on a regular basis during the year. These reviews are
performed by the responsible lending officers, as well as a separate
loan review department, and consider such factors as the financial
strength of borrowers, the value of the applicable collateral, past
loan loss experience, anticipated loan losses, growth in the loan
portfolio, prevailing and anticipated economic conditions and other
factors.
United does not currently allocate the allowance for loan losses
to the various loan categories and there were no significant changes
is the estimation methods and assumptions used to determine the
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses during 1998. Management
does not expect the level of net loan charge-offs for 1999 to be
significantly different from the amount recorded in 1998.
A-12
<PAGE>
The following table presents a summary of changes in the
allowance for loan losses for each of the past five years.
Table 9 - Summary of Loan Loss Experience
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance beginning of period $ 10,352 8,125 6,884 4,231 3,465
Provision for loan losses 2,372 2,634 1,597 1,116 998
Allowance for loan losses acquired
from subsidiary at acquisition date - - - 1,813 -
Amounts charged-off:
Commercial 438 73 329 148 27
Real estate - construction - - - 24 -
Real estate - residential mortgage 175 99 13 337 49
Consumer 675 625 353 192 262
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total loans charged-off 1,288 797 695 701 338
-----------------------------------------------------------
Recoveries of charged-off loans:
Commercial 271 22 251 157 6
Real estate - construction - - - - -
Real estate - residential mortgage 36 224 39 188 1
Consumer 186 144 49 80 99
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total recoveries 493 390 339 425 106
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net charge-offs 795 407 356 276 232
-----------------------------------------------------------
Balance end of period $ 11,929 10,352 8,125 6,884 4,231
===========================================================
Total loans:
At year-end $ 999,871 823,324 634,574 474,857 354,521
Average $ 899,957 733,551 545,449 423,953 332,793
As a percentage of average loans:
Net charge-offs 0.09% 0.06% 0.07% 0.07% 0.07%
Provision for loan losses 0.26% 0.36% 0.29% 0.26% 0.30%
Allowance as a percentage of year-end loans 1.19% 1.26% 1.28% 1.45% 1.19%
Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans 1215% 985% 552% 298% 631%
</TABLE>
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at
December 31, 1998 is sufficient to absorb losses inherent in the loan
portfolio as of that date based on the best information available,
including the credit risks related to the Year 2000 issue described in
detail later in this discussion. This assessment involves uncertainty
and judgement; therefore, the adequacy of the allowance for loan
losses cannot be determined with precision and may be subject to
change in future periods. In addition, bank regulatory authorities,
as part of their periodic examination of the Banks, may require
additional charges to the provision for loan losses in future periods
if the results of their review warrant.
A-13
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Non-performing Assets
Non-performing loans, which included non-accrual loans and
accruing loans past due over 90 days, totaled $982 thousand at year-
end 1998, compared with $1.05 million at December 31, 1997. At
December 31, 1998, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans
was .10%, compared with .13% at year-end 1997. Non-performing assets,
which include non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate, totaled
$1.36 million at December 31, 1998, compared with $1.44 million at
year-end 1997.
It is the general policy of the Banks to place loans on non-
accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the principal and
interest on a loan is not likely to be repaid in accordance with the
loan terms. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest
previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current
interest income. Depending on management's evaluation of the borrower
and loan collateral, interest on a non-accrual loan may be recognized
on a cash basis as payments are received. Loans made by the Banks to
facilitate the sale of other real estate are made on terms comparable
to loans of similar risk.
There were no commitments to lend additional funds to loans on
non-accrual status at December 31, 1998. The table below summarizes
United's non-performing assets for each of the last five years.
Table 10 - Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Non-accrual loans $ 518 515 984 2,017 569
Loans past due 90 days or more
and still accruing 464 536 487 291 102
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total non-performing loans 982 1,051 1,471 2,308 671
Other real estate owned 376 386 210 65 -
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total non-performing assets $ 1,358 1,437 1,681 2,373 671
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total non-performing loans as a
percentage of total loans 0.10% 0.13% 0.23% 0.49% 0.19%
Total non-performing assets as a
percentage of total assets 0.09% 0.12% 0.19% 0.33% 0.14%
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, United had $4.3 million of loans which were
not classified as non-performing but for which known information about
the borrowers' financial condition caused management to have concern
about the ability of the borrowers to comply with the repayment terms
of the loans. These loans were identified through the loan review
process described in the Asset Quality and Risk Elements section of
this discussion above that provides for assignment of a risk rating
based on an eight-grade scale to all commercial and commercial real
estate loans. Based on the evaluation of current market conditions,
loan collateral, other secondary sources of repayment and cash flow
generation, management does not anticipate any significant losses
related to these loans. These loans are subject to continuing
management attention and are considered in the determination of the
allowance for loan losses.
A-14<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Investment Securities
The composition of the securities portfolio reflects United's
investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity
while providing a relatively stable source of income. The securities
portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit
risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a
vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity,
and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain
deposits.
Total average securities increased 29.8% during 1998 and 27.0%
during 1997. The following table shows the carrying value of
United's securities, by security type, as of December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996.
Table 11 - Carrying Value of Securities
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury $ - 500 2,368
U.S. Government agencies 1,885 22,361 34,804
State and political subdivisions 53,386 42,330 33,036
Mortgage-backed securities 2,122 4,368 7,118
--------------------------------
Total securites held to maturity 57,393 69,559 77,326
--------------------------------
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury 33,080 46,945 12,841
U.S. Government agencies 41,029 45,552 38,953
State and political subdivisions 20,512 11,860 6,833
Mortgage-backed securities 209,216 33,347 18,635
Other securities 10,557 6,190 4,002
--------------------------------
Total securities available for sale 314,394 143,894 81,264
--------------------------------
Total securities $ 371,787 213,453 158,590
================================
</TABLE>
Carrying Value of Investments
The December 31, 1998, market value of securities held to
maturity, as a percentage of amortized cost was 103%, up from 102% at
December 31, 1997. The market value of the portfolio of securities
held to maturity will change as interest rates change and such
unrealized gains or losses will not flow through the financial
statements unless the related securities are called at prices
different from the carrying value at the time of call. On January 1,
1999, United adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
("SFAS No. 133"). As permitted by SFAS No. 133, United transferred
all securities classified as held to maturity at January 1, 1999 to
available for sale. This transfer resulted in an increase in
stockholders' equity of $1.1 million, which represents the amount of
the unrealized gain on those securities, net of tax, as of January 1,
1999.<PAGE>
United's investment portfolio consists principally of U.S.
Government and agency securities, municipal securities, various equity
securities and U.S. Government sponsored agency mortgage-backed
securities. A mortgage-backed security relies on the underlying
mortgage pools of loans to provide a cash flow of principal and
interest. The actual maturities of these securities will differ from
the contractual maturities because the loans underlying the security
may prepay with or without prepayment penalties. Decreases in
interest rates will generally cause an increase in prepayment levels.
A-15<PAGE>
<PAGE>
In a declining interest rate environment, United may not be able to
reinvest the proceeds from these prepayments in assets that have
comparable yields. However, because the majority of the mortgage-
backed securities have adjustable rates, the negative effects of
changes in interest rates on income and the carrying values of these
securities are somewhat mitigated.
During the fourth quarter of 1998, management initiated a
leverage program designed to make optimal utilization of United's
assets and capital. This program provides for using borrowed funds
(principally FHLB advances) secured by mortgage loans and securities
of the Banks to purchase additional securities. The securities
purchased in conjunction with the leverage program are primarily
mortgage backed pass-through and other mortgage backed securities,
including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"). As of
December 31, 1998, the leverage program at United added $75 million in
total borrowings and earning assets. Management expects the leverage
program to add additional earning assets and related borrowings of
between 10% and 15% of total consolidated assets by the end of 1999.
At December 31, 1998, United had 35% of its total investment
portfolio in mortgage backed pass-through securities, all of which are
issued or backed by Federal agencies, compared with 18% at December
31, 1997. United did not have securities of any issuer in excess of
10% of equity at year-end 1998 or 1997. Other mortgage-backed
securities, including CMOs, represented 19% of the total securities
portfolio at December 31, 1998, compared with 0% at year-end 1997.
Approximately 87% of the other mortgage-backed securities portfolio
was collateralized by mortgage-backed securities issued or backed by
Federal agencies as of December 31, 1998.
Deposits
Total average deposits for 1998 were $1.08 billion, an increase
of $183.4 million, or 20.5% from 1997. Average non-interest bearing
demand deposit accounts increased $32.3 million, or 33.8%, and average
interest bearing transaction accounts increased $59.3 million, or
33.7%, from 1997. Average time deposits for 1998 were $661.9, an
increase of 14.2% from 1997. The lower rate of time deposit growth
experienced by the Banks during 1998 was primarily due to stricter
deposit pricing and an increased reliance on wholesale funding
sources, including advances from the FHLB, that were more cost-
effective.
Time deposits of $100 thousand and greater totaled $208.1 million
at December 31, 1998, compared with $156.8 million at year-end 1997.
Total interest paid on time deposits of $100 thousand and greater
during 1998 was $11.4 million. The Banks did not hold any material
amount of brokered certificates of deposit of $100 thousand and
greater at December 31, 1998 or 1997. The following table sets forth
the scheduled maturities of time deposits of $100 thousand and greater
at December 31, 1998.
Table 12 - Maturities of Time Deposits of $100 Thousand and Greater
(in thousands)
Three months or less $ 81,427
Over three through six months 60,638
Over six through twelve months 40,426
Over one year 25,629
--------------
Total $ 208,120
==============
A-16<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Short-term Borrowings
At December 31, 1998, all of the Banks were shareholders in the
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. Through this affiliation, secured
advances totaling $176.9 million were outstanding at rates competitive
with time deposits of like maturities. United anticipates continued
utilization of this short and long term source of funds to minimize
interest rate risk and to provide funding for the leverage program
described above. The FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 1998
had both fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 4.29% to
7.81%. Approximately 19% of the FHLB advances mature prior to
December 31, 1999. Additional information regarding FHLB advances is
provided in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
Interest Rate Sensitivity Management
The absolute level and volatility of interest rates can have a
significant impact on United's profitability. The objective of
interest rate risk management is to identify and manage the
sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates, in
order to achieve United's overall financial goals. Based on economic
conditions, asset quality and various other considerations, management
establishes tolerance ranges for interest rate sensitivity and manages
within these ranges.
United uses income simulation modeling as the primary tool in
measuring interest rate risk and managing interest rate sensitivity.
Simulation modeling considers not only the impact of changing market
rates of interest on future net interest income, but also such other
potential causes of variability as earning asset volume, mix, yield
curve relationships, customer preferences and general market
conditions.
Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing
characteristics of United's portfolio of assets and liabilities.
These repricing characteristics are the time frames within which the
interest bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in
interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity during the
life of the instruments. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses
on the maturity structure of assets and liabilities and their
repricing characteristics during periods of changes in market interest
rates. Effective interest rate sensitivity management seeks to ensure
that both assets and liabilities respond to changes in interest rates
within an acceptable timeframe, thereby minimizing the impact of
interest rate changes on net interest income. Interest rate
sensitivity is measured as the difference between the volumes of
assets and liabilities in United's current portfolio that are subject
to repricing at various time horizons: immediate; one to three months;
four to twelve months; one to five years; over five years, and on a
cumulative basis. The differences are known as interest sensitivity
gaps. The following table shows interest sensitivity gaps for these
different intervals as of December 31, 1998.
A-17
<PAGE>
Table 13 - Interest Rate Gap Sensitivity
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
One Four One Over Five
Through Through Through Years and
Three Twelve Five Non-rate
Immediate Months Months Years Sensitive Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest earning assets:
Federal funds sold $ 7,190 - - - - 7,190
Securities - 18,334 23,190 105,513 224,750 371,787
Mortgage loans held for sale - 8,129 - - - 8,129
Loans - 231,227 405,104 257,973 105,567 999,871
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest earning assets 7,190 257,690 428,294 363,486 330,317 1,386,977
-------------------------------------------------------------
Interest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits - 270,532 - - - 270,532
Savings deposits - - 59,340 - - 59,340
Time deposits - 235,030 347,944 107,126 - 690,100
Fed funds purchased/repurchase agreements 26,520 - - - - 26,520
FHLB advances 4,000 19,725 11,000 104,798 37,331 176,854
Notes payable - 400 877 - - 1,277
Convertible subordinated debentures - - - - 3,500 3,500
Trust preferred securities - - - - 21,000 21,000
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total interest bearing liabilities 30,520 525,687 419,161 211,924 61,831 1,249,123
-------------------------------------------------------------
Non-interest bearing sources of funds 143,152 143,152
-------------------------------------------------------------
Interest sensitivity gap (23,330) (267,997) 9,133 151,562 125,334 (5,298)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative sensitivity gap $ (23,330) (291,327) (282,194)(130,632) (5,298) -
=============================================================
</TABLE>
As seen in the preceding table, during the first year 78% of
interest bearing liabilities will reprice compared with 50% of all
interest earning assets. Changes in the mix of earning assets or
supporting liabilities can either increase or decrease the net
interest margin without affecting interest rate sensitivity. In
addition, the interest rate spread between an asset and its supporting
liability can vary significantly while the timing of repricing for
both the asset and the liability remains the same, thus impacting net
interest income. This characteristic is referred to as basis risk and
generally relates to the possibility that the repricing
characteristics of short-term assets tied to United's prime lending
rate are different from those of short-term funding sources such as
certificates of deposit.
Varying interest rate environments can create unexpected changes
in prepayment levels of assets and liabilities that are not reflected
in the interest rate sensitivity analysis. These prepayments may have
significant impact on United's net interest margin. Because of these
factors, an interest sensitivity gap analysis may not provide an
accurate assessment of United's exposure to changes in interest rates.
Table 13 indicates United is in a liability sensitive or negative
gap position for the first twelve months. This liability sensitive
position would generally indicate that United's net interest income
would decrease should interest rates rise and would increase should
interest rates fall. Due to the factors cited previously, current
simulation results indicate only minimal sensitivity to parallel<PAGE>
shifts in interest rates; however, no assurance can be given that
United is not at risk from interest rate increases or decreases.
Management also evaluates the condition of the economy, the pattern of
market interest rates and other economic data to determine the
appropriate mix and repricing characteristics of assets and
liabilities necessary to optimize the net interest margin.
A-18
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table presents the expected maturity of the total
securities by maturity date and average yields based on amortized cost
(for all obligations on a fully taxable basis, assuming a 34% tax
rate) at December 31, 1998. The composition and maturity/repricing
distribution of the securities portfolio is subject to change
depending on rate sensitivity, capital and liquidity needs.
Table 14 - Expected Maturity of Securities
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Over One Over Five
Year Years
One Year Through Through Over
or Less Five Years Ten Years Ten Years Total
---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Securities held to maturity:
U.S. Treasury - - - - -
U.S. Government agencies <F1> 49 2,290 85 1,583 4,007
State and political subdivisions 2,125 20,594 22,071 8,596 53,386
Other securities - - - - -
--------------------------------------------------
Total securites held to maturity 2,174 22,884 22,156 10,179 57,393
--------------------------------------------------
Percent of total 3.8% 39.9% 38.6% 17.7% 100.0%
Weighted average yield <F2> 7.04% 6.81% 7.54% 7.80% 7.28%
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury 5,100 26,990 - - 32,090
U.S. Government agencies <F1> 2,450 36,334 10,988 173,985 223,757
State and political subdivisions 860 5,280 4,991 9,080 20,211
Other securities <F3> - - - 36,189 36,189
--------------------------------------------------
Total securities available for sale 8,410 68,604 15,979 219,254 312,247
Percent of total 2.7% 22.0% 5.1% 70.2% 100.0%
Weighted average yield <F2> 6.55% 6.19% 6.45% 6.00% 6.08%
Total securities 10,584 91,488 38,135 229,433 369,640
Percent of total 2.9% 24.7% 10.3% 62.1% 100.0%
Weighted average yield <F2> 6.65% 6.34% 7.08% 6.08% 6.26%
<FN>
<F1>Includes mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S Government
sponsored agencies.
<F2>Based on amortized cost.
<F3>Includes privately issued mortgage-backed securities.
</FN>
</TABLE>
In order to assist in achieving a desired level of interest rate
sensitivity, United has entered into off-balance sheet contracts that
are considered derivative financial instruments during 1998, 1997 and
1996. Derivative financial instruments can be a cost and capital
effective means of modifying the repricing characteristics of on-
balance sheet assets and liabilities. These contracts include
interest rate swaps under which United pays a variable rate and
receives a fixed rate and interest rate cap contracts for which United
pays an up-front premium in exchange for a variable cash flow if
interest rates exceed the cap rate. At December 31, 1998, United had
one outstanding swap contract with a notional amount of $10 million.
A-19<PAGE>
This contract provides for United to pay a variable rate in exchange
for receiving a fixed rate on the notional amount and it matured on
January 2, 1999. In addition, United had two cap contracts as of
December 31, 1998 with a combined notional amount of $20 million that
provide for United to receive payments if the 3 month LIBOR exceeds
the contract rates. The cost of the cap contracts is included in
other assets in the consolidated balance sheet and is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over the five year term of the contracts. At
December 31, 1998, the cap contracts had an aggregate book value of
$437 thousand and an aggregate fair market value of $448 thousand.
In order to minimize the credit risk of derivative financial
instruments, United requires all contract counterparties to have an
investment grade or better credit rating. Under current accounting
guidelines, the fair value of derivative financial instruments is not
included on the balance sheet; however, SFAS No. 133 requires all
derivative financial instruments be included and recorded at fair
value on the balance sheet. United adopted SFAS No. 133 effective
January 1, 1999 and management expects all derivative financial
instruments utilized to qualify as effective cash flow hedges, which
will allow any gain or loss in value to be recorded as a component of
other comprehensive income.
Liquidity Management
The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that
sufficient funding is available, at reasonable cost, to meet the
ongoing operational cash needs of United and to take advantage of
income producing opportunities as they arise. While the desired level
of liquidity will vary depending upon a variety of factors, it is the
primary goal of United to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity in
all expected economic environments. Liquidity is defined as the
ability of a bank to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents
without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing
liabilities. Liquidity management involves maintaining United's
ability to meet the daily cash flow requirements of the Banks'
customers, both depositors and borrowers.
The primary objectives of asset/liability management are to
provide for adequate liquidity in order to meet the needs of customers
and to maintain an optimal balance between interest-sensitive assets
and interest-sensitive liabilities, so that United can also meet the
investment requirements of its shareholders as market interest rates
change. Daily monitoring of the sources and use of funds is
necessary to maintain a position that meets both requirements.
The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity
primarily through loan principal repayments and the maturities and
sales of securities. Mortgage loans held for sale totaled $8.1
million at December 31, 1998, and typically turn over every 45 days as
the closed loans are sold to investors in the secondary market. Real
estate-construction and commercial loans that mature in one year or
less amounted to $146.1 million, or 15%, of the total loan portfolio
at December 31, 1998. Other short-term investments such as federal
funds sold are additional sources of liquidity.
The liability section of the balance sheet provides liquidity
through depositors' interest bearing and non-interest bearing deposit
accounts. Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances and securities sold
under agreements to repurchase are additional sources of liquidity and
represent United's incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of
liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund
asset growth and meet other short-term liquidity needs.
<PAGE>
As disclosed in United's consolidated statements of cash flows
included in the consolidated financial statements, net cash provided
by operating activities was $11.2 million during 1998. The major
sources of cash provided by operating activities are net income
partially offset by funding of mortgage loans held for sale and
changes in other assets and other liabilities. Net cash used in
investing activities of $321.4 million consisted primarily of a net
increase in loans of $174.1 million and securities purchases of $271.9
million funded largely by sales, maturities and paydowns of securities
of $126.8 million and additional net borrowings from the FHLB of
$133.5 million. Net cash provided by financing activities provided
the remainder of funding sources for 1998. The $297.0 million of net
cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of a $162.6
million net increase in deposits, a net increase in FHLB advances of
$133.5 million and $21.0 million from the issuance of the Trust
Preferred Securities.
In the opinion of management, United's liquidity position at
December 31,1998, is sufficient to meet its expected cash flow
requirements. Information regarding the unique liquidity risk
associated with the Year 2000 issue is contained in the Year 2000
section of this discussion. Reference should be made to the
consolidated statements of cash flows appearing in the consolidated
financial statements for a three-year analysis of the changes in cash
and cash equivalents resulting from operating, investing and financing
activities.
A-20
<PAGE>
Capital Resources and Dividends
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 1998 was $86.8 million, an
increase of $11.6 million, or 15.5%, from December 31, 1997.
Dividends of $1.1 million, or $.15 per share, were declared on common
stock in 1998, an increase of 50% per share from the amount declared
per share in 1997. The dividend payout ratios for 1998 and 1997 were
9.13% and 6.51%, respectively. United has historically retained the
majority of its earnings in order to provide a cost-effective source
of capital for continued growth and expansion. However, in
recognition that cash dividends are an important component of
shareholder value, management has instituted a dividend program that
provides for increased cash dividends when earnings and capital levels
permit.
In July 1998, a statutory business trust ("United Community
Capital Trust") was created by United which in July 1998, issued
guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in United's junior
subordinated deferrable interest debentures ("Trust Preferred
Securities") to institutional investors in the amount of $21 million.
This issuance represented the guaranteed preferred beneficial
interests in $21.7 million in junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures ("Subordinated Debentures") issued by United to United
Community Capital Trust. For regulatory purposes, the Trust Preferred
Securities will be treated as Tier I capital of United. The
subordinated debentures are the sole assets of United Community
Capital Trust and bear an interest rate of 8.125% with a maturity date
of July 15, 2028, which may be shortened to a date not earlier than
July 15, 2018. If the subordinated debentures are redeemed in part or
in whole prior to July 15, 2008, the redemption price of the
Subordinated Debentures and the Trust Preferred Securities will
include a premium ranging from 4.06% in 2008 to .41% in 2018.
In March 1997, United completed an offering to the public of
300,000 shares of United common stock registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, pursuant to which $6.5 million in additional capital was
raised after deducting certain issuance costs. United used the
proceeds of the offering primarily to invest additional capital in
UCB, Carolina and Towns to support the asset growth that the banks
were experiencing.
On December 31, 1996, United completed a private placement of
convertible subordinated payable-in-kind debentures due December 31,
2006 (the "2006 Debentures"). The 2006 Debentures bear interest at
the rate of one quarter of one percentage point over the prime rate
per annum as quoted in the Wall Street Journal, payable on a
quarterly basis.
The 2006 Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part, from time
to time on or after January 1, 1998, at the option of United upon at
least 20 days and not more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures to be redeemed
plus interest accrued and unpaid as of the date of redemption. The
holders of the 2006 Debentures have the right, excercisable at any
time up to December 31, 2006, to convert such debentures at the
principal amount thereof into shares of Common Stock of United at the
conversion price of $25 per share, subject to adjustment for stock
splits and stock dividends.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has issued
guidelines for the implementation of risk-based capital requirements
by U.S. banks and bank holding companies. These risk-based capital
guidelines take into consideration risk factors, as defined by
regulators, associated with various categories of assets, both on and<PAGE>
off balance sheet. Under the guidelines, capital strength is measured
in two tiers which are used in conjunction with risk adjusted assets
to determine the risk based capital ratios. The guidelines require an
8% total risk-based capital ratio, of which 4% must be Tier I capital.
United's Tier I capital, which consists of stockholders' equity and
qualifying trust preferred securities less other comprehensive income,
goodwill and deposit-based intangibles, totaled to $99.2 million at
December 31, 1998. Tier II capital components include supplemental
capital components such as a qualifying allowance for loan losses and
qualifying subordinated debt. Tier I capital plus Tier II capital
components is referred to as Total Risk-based Capital and was $114.6
million at December 31, 1998. The percentage ratios, as calculated
under the guidelines, were 9.52 % and 11.00% for Tier I and Total
Risk-based Capital, respectively, at December 31, 1998.
A-21<PAGE>
A minimum leverage ratio is required in addition to the risk-based
capital standards and is defined as period end stockholders' equity
and qualifying trust preferred securities, less other comprehensive
income, goodwill and deposit-based intangibles divided by average
assets adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles. Although
a minimum leverage ratio of 4% is required for the highest-rated bank
holding companies which are not undertaking significant expansion
programs, the Federal Reserve Board requires a bank holding company to
maintain a leverage ratio greater than 4% if it is experiencing or
anticipating significant growth or is operating with less than well-
diversified risks in the opinion of the Federal Reserve Board. The
Federal Reserve Board uses the leverage and risk-based capital ratios
to assess capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies.
United's leverage ratios at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were 7.06 % and
5.76%, respectively.
The primary reason for improvement of the leverage ratio during 1998
was issuance of $21 million of Trust Preferred Securities discussed
above and the retention of approximately 91% of the net income for the
year.
All three of the capital ratios of United and the Banks currently
exceed the minimum ratios required in 1998 as defined by federal
regulators. United monitors these ratios to ensure that the United
and the Banks remain within regulatory guidelines. Further
information regarding the actual and required capital ratios of United
and the Banks is provided in note 13 to the consolidated financial
statements.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
A bank's asset and liability structure is substantially different
from that of an industrial firm in that primarily all assets and
liabilities of a bank are monetary in nature, with relatively little
investments in fixed assets or inventories. Inflation has an
important impact on the growth of total assets and the resulting need
to increase equity capital at higher than normal rates in order to
maintain an appropriate equity to assets ratio.
United's management believes the impact of inflation on financial
results depends on United's ability to react to changes in interest
rates and, by such reaction, reduce the inflationary impact on
performance. United has an asset/liability management program which
attempts to manage United's interest rate sensitivity position. In
addition, periodic reviews of banking services and products are
conducted to adjust pricing in view of current and expected costs.
Year 2000
Overview
The "Year 2000" issue refers to potential problems that may
result from the improper processing of dates and date-dependent
calculations by computers and other microchip-embedded technology
(like an alarm or telephone system). In simple terms, problems with
Year 2000 can result from a computer's inability to recognize a two-
digit date field (00) as representing Year 2000 and, incorrectly,
recognize the year as 1900. Failure to identify and correct this
problem could result in system processing errors that would disrupt
United's normal business operations. In recognition of the
seriousness of this issue, and in accordance with directives on Year
2000 issued by banking regulatory agencies, United established a Year
2000 Committee in January 1998. The committee is chaired by United's
Chief Information Officer and reports directly to United's board of
directors on a quarterly basis.
A-22
<PAGE>
State of Readiness
United has adopted a seven-phase action plan to address Year 2000
issues and expects to address all aspects of the action plan in a
timely manner and to be prepared for the impact Year 2000 will have on
United, its systems, vendors and customers. The seven phases are:
1. Awareness - TheYear 2000 committee and committee chairman were
appointed and authorized to develop an overall strategy for
addressing the Year 2000 issue. An on-going awareness program
has been developed to keep directors, employees and customers
informed about the Year 2000 issue and apprised of United's
progress in addressing it.
2. Inventory - Entails completion of a specific, detailed inventory
of all hardware, software and other microchip-embedded
products used by United. Procedures are established to ensure
that any new purchases are properly analyzed for Year 2000
compliance and then inventoried. Vendors and suppliers are
contacted to ascertain Year 2000 compliance status and efforts
to remediate potential problems.
3. Assessment - Mission critical areas are identified and tested to
address potential problem areas. Budgets are developed for
expected expenses and other resources needed to adequately
address potential problems. The potential risk exposure posed
by credit customers and large depositors is also evaluated.
4. Renovation/Analysis - Vendors that supply system applications
are requested to provide certification that their product used
by United is Year 2000 compliant. Non-compliant systems are
renovated or replaced.
5. Testing - All replaced or upgraded systems are tested to ensure
full correction of any Year 2000 issues and then reviewed by a
third party for validation of corrective action. Contingency
plans are tested for effectiveness.
6. Implementation - A final review of all systems after the
renovation of problematic areas is completed. Management and
system users will carefully assess the status of corrective
action.
7. Post-Implementation - Utilizing the contingency plans, the Year
2000 committee will continue to refine backup processes and
procedures to be used in a worst-case scenario.
This seven-phase program applies to both information technology
("IT") and non-information technology ("non-IT") systems that are
affected by Year 2000 that have been designated by the Year 2000
Committee as "mission critical." For purposes of the Year 2000
project, mission critical systems are defined as any technology
element that, if not able to function properly, could result in
financial liability, loss of revenue, significant customer
service/support problems and damage to United's reputation.
The following table identifies some, but not all, IT and non-IT
mission critical systems and elements:
IT Non-IT
--- ------
Mainframe hardware Security systems
Mainframe software HVAC systems
ATMs Vault doors
PC network hardware Printed forms
PC network software Phone systems
A-23<PAGE>
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)
issued a statement entitled "Year 2000 Project Management Awareness"
in May, 1997. This statement established key milestones that banks
and other financial institutions must meet with regard to Year 2000
testing and remediation. The following table sets forth each deadline
contained in this statement and where United stands, as of December 31,
1998, with respect to meeting each deadline.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Date Task United's Status
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
June 30, 1998 Complete development of all Completed
written testing strategies, plans
and policies; due diligence to
determine Year 2000 risk posed
by customers implemented.
September 1, 1998 Commence testing of internal Completed
mission-critical systems; assessment
of customers' Year 2000 preparedness
and potential impact on the institution
substantially complete.
December 31, 1998 Testing of internal mission-critical Completed
systems substantially complete.
March 31, 1999 External testing with material third Scheduled for completion by
parties begins. March 31, 1999
June 30, 1999 Testing of all mission-critical systems Scheduled for completion by
completed and corrective actions June 30, 1999
substantively completed.
</TABLE>
The FFIEC has, under its bank supervisory authority, developed a
multi-phase examination process to determine if banks are complying
with the provisions of the awareness statement described above. United
intends to comply with all regulatory requirements established by
banking regulatory agencies.
As is the case with many financial institutions, United is
dependent on third parties to provide systems used in daily
operations. Examples include, but are not limited to, firms that
provided both mainframe and desktop computer hardware, bank processing
software that tracks loans and deposits, telecommunications services,
check clearing and electrical utilities. Even though many providers
of these products have advised that they are Year 2000 compliant,
United is performing an independent testing and validation that will
confirm that this is the case for each product as it is installed and
used in United's operations. Generally speaking, United utilizes
hardware and software providers that are registered under the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; the Commission filings for each
provider are being reviewed by management to determine if any
significant disclosures with regard to the Year 2000 are made. In
addition, United has requested all providers of hardware, software,
processing services and other systems that are date-sensitive to
provide written certification of the Year 2000 status for their
product or service. The following table sets forth United's
significant material relationships with third parties that, in the
opinion of management, could potentially result in business
interruption if the product or service provided is not Year 2000
compliant. This table is not intended to itemize all relationships
with third-party service providers.
A-24<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Product/Service Year 2000 Assessment Status
-------------------------- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Bank processing system Certified compliant by manufacturer; being
tested internally
Mainframe In final phase of internal testing
Telecommunications services Testing scheduled for first quarter of 1999
Wire transfers Certified compliant by service provider
Check clearing Certified compliant by service provider
</TABLE>
Expected Costs Associated with Addressing Year 2000
As part of United's initiative to assess its state of readiness
with regard to Year 2000, a budget was developed by the Year 2000
Committee. The budget is divided into five distinct categories:
Consulting - costs incurred with the engagement
of third-party consultants and solution
providers assisting management with the
Year 2000 project, to review and
negotiate contracts and insurance coverage
and to perform audits of United's state
of readiness for the Year 2000.
Inventory - costs associated with the initial inventory
and review of all of United's systems,
including hardware, software and any
other micro-chip embedded products.
Testing - costs associated with running tests on
United's systems, both individually and
collectively, to determine if processing
is affected by any of the potential
problem dates associated with the Year
2000 and documenting the results of the
tests. These costs may also include
costs to upgrade United's computer
systems to provide sufficient system
resources to perform the tests.
Remediation - costs incurred to repair, upgrade or
replace hardware, software or other
micro-chip embedded technology
that is not Year 2000 compliant.
Resources - costs associated with staff training
and customer awareness with regard to
the Year 2000 issue. Examples of this
type of cost are fees for an employee to
attend a seminar on Year 2000 or costs to
produce a pamphlet on Year 2000 for
United's customers.
A-25
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth United's budget for the Year 2000
issue and actual amounts expended as of December 31, 1998. All
amounts shown are pre-tax. In addition, the table indicates the
percentage of each budget line item (as described above) that is
expected to be recognized as current period expense and the percentage
that is expected to be recorded as a new asset with expense recognized
over the useful life of the asset through charges to depreciation
expense.
Year 2000 Budget
(in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Acutal Costs % of Budget
% of Total Incurred as of Expended as of % of Cost to Be
Budget Budget 31-Dec-98 31-Dec-98 Expensed Amortized
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consulting $ 175 9% 29 17% 100% 0%
Inventory 70 4% 60 86% 100% 0%
Testing 82 4% 28 34% 100% 0%
Remediation 1,520 80% 1,344 88% 15% 85%
Resouces 53 3% 18 34% 100% 0%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Total $ 1,900 100% 1,479 78% 12% 88%
======================================================== ======================
</TABLE>
In accordance with recently issued accounting guidelines on how
Year 2000 costs should be recognized for financial statement purposes,
United intends to recognize as current period expense all costs
associated with the consulting, inventory, testing and resources
components of the Year 2000 budget. The costs associated with
remediation, which comprise approximately 80% of the Year 2000 budget,
are primarily related to the installation of a new wide-area desktop
computer network (WAN) that will replace virtually all of the desktop
computers, file servers and peripheral equipment currently in use. In
addition to being Year 2000 compliant, the new WAN will provide United
with a uniform standard desktop computer configuration, internal and
external e-mail capability, internet access and savings on telephone
communication costs through utilization of the WAN communications
backbone for voice communication. United intends to leverage this new
WAN technology to increase the levels of employee productivity and
improve operating efficiency. The costs of the WAN component of the
Year 2000 remediation budget will be recognized over a useful life of
three years at a cost of approximately $450,000 per year starting in
the first quarter of 1999. This annual cost does not include any of
the anticipated savings that the United expects to achieve through
improved operating efficiency and reduced telecommunications costs
over the next three years.
United expects to fund the costs associated with preparing for
Year 2000 out of its normal operating cash flows. No major
information technology initiatives have been postponed as a result of
Year 2000 preparation that would have a material impact on United's
financial condition or results of operations.
<PAGE>
Material Risks Associated with United's Year 2000 Issues
Credit Risk - United, in the conduct of its ordinary operations,
extends credit to individuals, partnerships and corporations. The
extension of credit to businesses is based upon an evaluation of the
borrower's ability to generate cash flows from operations sufficient
to repay principal and interest, in addition to meeting the operating
needs of the business. Failure of one of United's business borrowers
to adequately prepare for the impact a Year 2000 failure could
potentially impair its ability to repay the loan. An example of this
would be a loan to a building supply store that has computer
accounting systems that fail to recognize Year 2000 and, consequently,
are unable to calculate and bill accounts receivable in January 2000.
This failure would most likely have a negative impact on the
customer's cash flow and, consequently, their ability to repay the
loan in accordance with its original terms. United's exposure to Year
2000 credit risk is somewhat mitigated by the fact that only 9% of the
$1 billion in outstanding loans are to commercial enterprises.
A-26
<PAGE>
In order to assess the Year 2000 risk within the loan portfolio,
United's credit administration department developed a risk
determination process to determine if any borrower with total debt of
$100 thousand or more is dependent upon computer technology.
Specifically, this process selectively identified business borrowers
(including self-employed individuals) that rely on computer technology
or use a supply chain that includes vendors that rely on computer
technology. After these borrowers were identified, the loan officer
responsible for each account completed a survey that includes 30
questions that examine four key components of Year 2000 preparedness:
Project Planning; Staffing and Resources; Budget; and Contingency
Planning. Based on the results of the survey questions the account
officer rated each borrower as a "low," "medium" or "high" risk for
Year 2000. The completed surveys and ratings were then independently
reviewed by United's Loan Review Department, which had authority to
request additional information from the borrower and, if necessary,
change the Year 2000 risk rating. As of December 31, 1998, the
survey, rating and review process was substantially completed. The
survey results and indicated that approximately 45%, 48% and 6% of the
total aggregate credit exposure for surveyed borrowers were rated low,
medium and high Year 2000 risks, respectively.
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at
December 31, 1998 is sufficient to absorb losses inherent in the loan
portfolio, including losses related to failure of borrowers to
adequately prepare the direct and indirect impact a Year 2000 computer
failure may have on their business. However, additional charges to the
provision for loan loss will be made if, in the estimation of
management, the increased risk for loan loss related to Year 2000 is
not adequately provided for in the allowance for loan losses as of any
balance sheet date.
Liquidity Risk - is the risk to United's earnings and capital
arising from an inability to raise sufficient cash to meet obligations
as they come due. This risk is a very significant one for United since
its primary business is banking, which involves taking deposits that
are generally due upon demand. Since United uses these deposits to
fund loans and purchase investment securities, a dramatic increase in
deposit withdrawals because of Year 2000 problems specific to United
or of a more general nature could have an adverse impact on United.
Specifically, United could be forced to liquidate investments under
adverse market conditions (that is, to sell at a loss) in order to
fund a significantly higher level of deposit withdrawal activity.
United is assessing its liquidity risk by running various scenarios of
deposit withdrawals coincident with the turn of the century, ranging
from normal activity to what could be reasonably expected in a panic
situation. As of December 31, 1998, the Banks had available federal
funds lines of credit totaling approximately $19 million and secured
borrowing availability at the FHLB and The Federal Reserve Discount
Window totaling $261 million. In addition, United has a $15 million
line of credit. Although estimates of deposit withdrawals related to
Year 2000 vary widely, management expects liquidity sources to be
sufficient to cover deposit withdrawal activity in a variety of
scenarios.
Transaction Risk - is the risk to United's income and capital
resulting from failure to deliver one of its products or services in a
acceptable manner. An example of transaction risk related to Year
2000 is the ability of United's computer system to properly bill
customers for loan payments due and account for the payments when
received or the ability of a customer to perform a deposit or
withdrawal at an ATM. In both of these examples, the individual
customer is directly affected and United is impacted by the collective
impact of all incorrectly processed customer transactions. Since all
<PAGE>
of United's products and services are processed in some manner by
computer systems, all aspects of product design, delivery and support
are being carefully evaluated in order to determine potential
transaction risks.
United's Year 2000 policy also addresses other risks related to
the Year 2000 issue which include, but are not limited to, strategic
risk (adverse impact on business decisions or the implementation of
business decisions, such as acquisitions); reputational risk (impact
of bad publicity on customers and United value); and, legal risk (risk
of litigation related to adverse impact of Year 2000 issues on
United).
A-27<PAGE>
Contingency Planning For Year 2000
United's Year 2000 committee has presented the board of directors
with a written Business Remediation and Business Resumption
Contingency Policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that
United is prepared to address any crisis situation(s) that could
result from failure of any of United's systems or third-party vendors
and suppliers to recognize Year 2000 critical dates. United's Year
2000 contingency policy is modeled after the FFIEC Interagency
Statement on Contingency Planning in Connection with Year 2000 issued
in May, 1997 and is comprised of four key phases:
1. Organizational Planning - identification of core business
processes and establishment of a timeline for a Year
2000 contingency plan.
2. Business Impact Analysis - determination of Year 2000
failure risks for all core business processes and
identification of failure scenarios. The minimal level
of acceptable service in the event of failure is also
determined.
3. Development of Contingency Plans - identification and
selection of the most reasonable and cost-effective
contingency strategy for each core business process in
the event of failure.
4. Contingency Plan Validation - validation of each plan by a
qualified independent party and final approval by senior
management and the board of directors.
A core business process is, for the purposes of United's Year
2000 contingency planning, defined as a group of interrelated tasks
performed as a basic and integral part of United's daily operation.
Examples of core business processes include posting of payments on
loans and processing of checks, both which require a complex
infrastructure of hardware, software, communications and power. Core
business processes are further defined by potential impact on United
and its operations. "Mission Critical" core business processes are
those which, if not functioning properly because of failure to
recognize Year 2000, will most likely cause an immediate loss of
revenue and crisis-level customer service problems that could damage
United's reputation. United's Year 2000 Committee is currently in the
process of developing specific contingency plans that detail precisely
how the "most likely worst-case scenarios" resulting from system
failure will be handled. The objective of contingency planning is not
to duplicate the complete functionality of failed systems, but, rather
to identify the most economical means of resuming a minimally
acceptable level of service in as short a time as possible.
A-28
<PAGE>
MARKET AND DIVIDEND DATA
Stock. There is no established public trading market for
United's Common Stock. At December 31, 1998, there were 2,874
shareholders of record.
Dividends. United declared cash dividends of $.15 per common
share in 1998 and $.10 per common share in 1997. Federal and state
laws and regulations impose restrictions on the ability of United and
the Banks to pay dividends. Additional information regarding this
item is included in note 16 to the consolidated financial statements
and under the heading of "Supervision and Regulation" in Part I of
this report.
A-29
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
United Community Banks, Inc.
Blairsville, Georgia
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of United Community
Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the
related statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of United Community Banks, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 26, 1999
A-30
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Assets
------
1998 1997
---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements
of $17,978 and $11,000 $ 48,510 60,414
Federal funds sold 7,190 8,420
------------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents 55,700 68,834
Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value of $59,106 and $70,845) 57,393 69,559
Securities available for sale 314,394 143,894
Mortgage loans held for sale 8,129 3,962
Loans 999,871 823,324
Less allowance for loan losses 11,929 10,352
------------- ---------
Loans, net 987,942 812,972
------------- ---------
Premises and equipment, net 38,538 27,737
Accrued interest receivable 13,332 10,985
Other assets 23,171 15,424
------------- ---------
Total assets $ 1,498,599 1,153,367
============= =========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Demand $ 143,152 109,210
Interest-bearing demand 270,532 189,280
Savings 59,340 45,280
Time 690,100 633,309
------------- ---------
Total deposits 1,163,124 977,079
------------- ---------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 19,574 7,274
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 26,520 33,011
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 176,854 43,321
Long-term debt and other borrowings 1,277 14,069
Convertible subordinated debentures 3,500 3,500
Guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in company's junior
subordinated debentures (Trust Preferred Securities) 21,000 -
------------- ---------
Total liabilities 1,411,849 1,078,254
Commitments
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - -
Common stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
7,393,605 and 7,385,105 shares issued and outstanding 7,394 7,385
Capital surplus 24,808 24,699
Retained earnings 53,240 42,198
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,308 831
------------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity 86,750 75,113
------------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,498,599 1,153,367
============= =========
(/TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
A-31
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans $ 93,133 76,722 57,978
Interest on federal funds sold 1,518 1,642 1,096
Interest on investment securities:
Taxable 11,283 9,097 6,837
Tax exempt 3,205 2,319 1,995
-------- -------- --------
Total interest income 109,139 89,780 67,906
-------- -------- --------
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand 9,353 6,712 5,445
Savings 1,478 1,190 1,147
Time 39,343 34,966 25,569
-------- -------- --------
50,174 42,868 32,161
Other borrowings 6,466 3,680 1,930
-------- -------- --------
Total interest expense 56,640 46,548 34,091
-------- -------- --------
Net interest income 52,499 43,232 33,815
Provision for loan losses 2,372 2,634 1,597
-------- -------- --------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 50,127 40,598 32,218
-------- -------- --------
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees 3,962 3,505 2,990
Securities gain (loss), net 800 742 (13)
Mortgage loan and other related fees 1,822 1,157 1,566
Other non-interest income 2,127 1,576 1,123
-------- -------- --------
Total non-interest income 8,711 6,980 5,666
-------- -------- --------
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits 22,887 17,695 13,373
Occupancy 6,676 4,726 3,570
Other non-interest expense 11,535 9,656 7,900
-------- -------- --------
Total non-interest expense 41,098 32,077 24,843
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 17,740 15,501 13,041
Income taxes 5,588 4,766 4,114
-------- -------- --------
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
======== ======== ========
Basic income per share $ 1.64 1.47 1.29
======== ======== ========
Diluted income per share $ 1.62 1.46 1.26
======== ======== ========
(/TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
A - 32<PAGE>
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities
available for sale 1,569 2,224 (606)
Less reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on
sales of investment securities available for sale 800 742 (13)
-------- ------ -------
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes 769 1,482 (593)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive
income:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities
available for sale 596 845 (230)
Less reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) on
sales of investment securities available for sale 304 282 (5)
-------- ------ -------
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to other
comprehensive income 292 563 (225)
-------- ------ -------
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 477 919 (368)
-------- ------ -------
Total comprehensive income $ 12,629 11,654 8,559
======== ====== =======
(/TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
A - 33
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Accumulated
Common Stock Other
------------ Capital Retained Comprehensive
Shares Amount Surplus Earnings Income Total
------ ------ ------- -------- ------ -----
(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995 6,944,783 $ 6,945 18,064 23,912 280 49,201
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on securities available for sale,
net of tax - - - - (368) (368)
Cash dividends declared, ($.10 per share) - - - (677) - (677)
Common stock issued in conversion of
debentures 178,568 179 821 - - 1,000
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock
of pooled entity (38,730) (39) (369) - - (408)
Net income - - - 8,927 - 8,927
--------- ------- ------ ------ ----- ------
Balance, December 31, 1996 7,084,621 7,085 18,516 32,162 (88) 57,675
Change in unrealized gain (loss)
on securities available for sale,
net of tax - - - - 919 919
Cash dividends declared, ($.10 per share) - - - (699) - (699)
Net income - - - 10,735 - 10,735
Proceeds from common stock offering,
net of offering cost 300,000 300 6,177 - - 6,477
Proceeds from resale of treasury stock
of pooled entity 484 - 6 - - 6
--------- ------- ------ ------ ----- ------
Balance, December 31, 1997 7,385,105 7,385 24,699 42,198 831 75,113
Change in unrealized gain on securities
available for sale, net of tax - - - - 477 477
Cash dividends declared, ($.15 per share) - - - (1,110) - (1,110)
Net income - - - 12,152 - 12,152
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 8,500 9 109 - - 118
--------- ------- ------ ------ ----- ------
Balance, December 31, 1998 7,393,605 $ 7,394 24,808 53,240 1,308 86,750
========= ======= ====== ====== ===== ======
(/TABLE>
A - 34
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> (c) <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 2,846 2,448 2,347
Provision for loan losses 2,372 2,634 1,597
Provision for deferred income tax expense (benefit) (766) (404) 82
(Gain) loss on sale of securities available for sale (800) (742) 13
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of purchase
acquisitions:
Other assets and accrued interest receivable (256) (4,729) (1,439)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (142) 681 1,326
Mortgage loans held for sale (4,167) 2,765 5,321
---------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 11,239 13,388 18,174
---------- --------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities, net of effects of purchase
acquisitions:
Cash acquired from acquisitions and branch purchases 20,282 - 2,650
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities held to maturity 25,439 18,009 21,920
Purchases of securities held to maturity (13,321) (10,418) (13,762)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale 33,002 32,704 18,065
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale 68,363 22,470 32,652
Purchases of securities available for sale (258,550) (115,501) (62,631)
Net increase in loans (174,124) (189,157) (140,507)
Purchases of premises and equipment (13,385) (9,702) (3,143)
Purchases of life insurance contracts (8,117) - -
Transaction costs associated with Trust Preferred Securities (959) - -
--------- --------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (321,370) (251,595) (144,756)
---------- --------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities, net of effects of purchase
acquisitions:
Net change in demand and savings deposits 105,856 52,297 49,312
Net change in time deposits 56,790 151,482 62,394
Net change in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements (6,491) 33,011 -
Proceeds from convertible subordinated debentures - - 3,500
Proceeds from notes payable - 4,747 -
Proceeds from FHLB advances 212,249 15,636 29,375
Proceeds from Trust Preferred Securities 21,000 - -
Repayments of notes payable (12,792) (1,131) (856)
Repayments of FHLB advances (78,716) (7,389) (3,302)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 118 - -
Proceeds from sale of common stock - 6,477 -
Purchase of treasury stock of pooled entity - - (408)
Proceeds from resale of treasury stock of pooled entity - 6 -
Cash paid for dividends (1,017) (765) (677)
---------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 296,997 254,371 139,338
---------- --------- --------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (13,134) 16,164 12,756
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 68,834 52,670 39,914
---------- --------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 55,700 68,834 52,670
========== ========= ========
(/TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
A - 35
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounting principles followed by United Community Banks, Inc.
("United") and its subsidiaries and the methods of applying these
principles conform with generally accepted accounting principles
and with general practices within the banking industry. The
following is a description of the more significant of those
policies.
Organization and Basis of Presentation
--------------------------------------
United is a six bank holding company whose business is conducted by
its wholly-owned bank subsidiaries. United is subject to regulation
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. The consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of United Community
Banks, Inc. and its wholly-owned commercial bank subsidiaries,
United Community Bank, Blairsville, Georgia ("UCB"), Carolina
Community Bank, Murphy, North Carolina ("Carolina"), Peoples Bank
of Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia ("Peoples"), Towns County
Bank, Hiawassee, Georgia ("Towns"), White County Bank, Cleveland,
Georgia ("White"), First Clayton Bank and Trust, Clayton, Georgia
("Clayton") (collectively, the "Banks") and United Family Finance
Company, Inc. ("Finance"), a finance company subsidiary. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in prior years'
financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the
current financial statement presentations.
The Banks are commercial banks which serve markets throughout North
Georgia and Western North Carolina and provide a full range of
customary banking services. The Banks are insured and subject to
the regulation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC").
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and
revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ
significantly from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant
change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses
and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with
foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with these
valuations, management obtains independent appraisals for
significant properties.
A substantial portion of United's loans are secured by real estate
located in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Accordingly,
the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of United's
loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in the real estate market
conditions of this market area.
Investment Securities
---------------------
United classifies its securities in one of three categories: held
to maturity, available for sale, or trading. Trading securities are
bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the
near term. United does not have investments classified in the
trading category. Held to maturity securities are those securities
for which United has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.
All other securities are classified as available for sale.
Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held to
maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the
amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Unrealized
holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on
securities available for sale are excluded from income and are
reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity until
realized. 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 held to
maturity to available for sale are recorded as a separate component
of stockholders' equity. The unrealized holding gains or losses
included in the separate component of stockholders' equity for
securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity
are maintained and amortized into income over the remaining life of
the security as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with
the amortization or accretion of premium or discount on the
associated security.
A - 36
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
Investment Securities, continued
----------------------
A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to
maturity investment below cost that is deemed other than temporary
is charged to income and establishes a new cost basis for the
security.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of
the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains
and losses for securities classified as available for sale and held
to maturity are included in income and are derived using the
specific identification method for determining the cost of
securities sold.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
----------------------------
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate
cost or market value. The amount by which cost exceeds market value
is accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation
allowance are included in the determination of net income of the
period in which the change occurs. No market valuation allowances
were required at December 31, 1998 or 1997.
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
-----------------------------------
All loans are stated at principal amount outstanding. Interest on
loans is primarily calculated by using the simple interest method
on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.
Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management
believes, after considering economic and business conditions and
collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is such
that collection of interest is doubtful. When a loan is placed on
nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is
charged to interest income on loans. Generally, payments on
nonaccrual loans are applied to principal.
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events,
it is probable that all amounts due, according to the contractual
terms of the loan, will not be collected. Impaired loans are
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows,
discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the loan's
observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the
loan is collateral dependent. Interest income on impaired loans is
recognized using the cash-basis method of accounting during the
time within the period in which the loans were impaired. The Banks
had no material amounts of impaired loans at December 31, 1998 or
1997.
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision
for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the
allowance for loan losses when management believes that the
collectibility of the principal is unlikely. The allowance
represents an amount which, in management's judgment, will be
adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may
become uncollectible.
<PAGE>
Management's judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance
is based on evaluations of the collectibility of loans. These
evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the
nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic
conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to pay, overall
portfolio quality, and review of specific problem loans. In
determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses,
management uses a loan grading system that rates loans in eight
different categories. Grades five through eight are assigned
allocations of loss based on the standard regulatory loss
percentages set forth in the FDIC Interagency Policy Statement on
the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses issued in 1993. Loans
graded one through four are allocated loss ranges based on
historical loss experience for the previous five years. The
combination of these results are compared quarterly to the recorded
allowance for loan losses and material deficiencies are adjusted by
increasing the provision for loan losses. Management has a devoted
internal loan review department that is independent of the lending
function to challenge and corroborate the loan grading system and
provide additional analysis in determining the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses and the future provisions for estimated
loan losses.
A - 37
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, continued
------------------------------------
Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on
loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on
changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory
agencies, as an integral part of their examination process,
periodically review United's allowance for loan losses. Such
agencies may require United to recognize additions to the allowance
based on their judgments of information available to them at the
time of their examination.
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
currently. The range of estimated useful lives for buildings and
improvements is 15 to 40 years, and for furniture and equipment, 3
to 10 years.
Goodwill and Deposit-Based Intangibles
--------------------------------------
Goodwill, arising from the excess cost over the fair value of net
assets acquired of purchased bank subsidiaries, is amortized on a
straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 25 years. Deposit
assumption premiums paid in connection with the branch bank
purchases are being amortized over 15 years, the estimated life of
the deposit base acquired. On an ongoing basis, management reviews
the valuation and amortization periods of goodwill and the deposit
assumption premiums to determine if events and circumstances
require the remaining lives to be reduced.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
-------------------------
United's mortgage banking division accounts for mortgage servicing
rights as a separate asset regardless of whether the servicing
rights are acquired through purchase or origination. United's
mortgage servicing rights represent the unamortized cost of
purchased and originated contractual rights to service mortgages
for others in exchange for a servicing fee and ancillary loan
administration income. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized over
the period of estimated net servicing income and are periodically
adjusted for actual and anticipated prepayments of the underlying
mortgage loans. Impairment analysis is performed quarterly after
stratifying the rights by interest rate. Impairment, defined as the
excess of the asset's carrying value over its current fair value,
is recognized through a valuation allowance. At December 31, 1998
and 1997, no valuation allowances were required for United's
mortgage servicing rights.
United recognized approximately $15,000 and $137,000 in servicing
assets during 1997 and 1996, respectively, and recognized
amortization expense relating to servicing assets of approximately
$387,000, $144,000 and $267,000 during 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. During 1996, United sold mortgage loan servicing
rights with a net book value of approximately $1,254,000. No such
sales occurred during 1998 or 1997. <PAGE>
Income Taxes
------------
Deferred tax assets and liabilities 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, such as net
operating loss carryforwards, are recognized to the extent that
realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities 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 on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax
rates is recognized in income tax expense in 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 United's assets and
liabilities results in deferred tax assets, 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 deferred tax asset when it is more likely than
not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be
realized. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax
assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred
tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning
strategies.
A - 38
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
Interest Rate Risk Management
-----------------------------
As part of United's overall interest rate risk management, interest
rate swaps, floors and caps are utilized. These contracts are
designated by United as hedges of interest rate exposures, and
interest income or expense derived from these contracts is recorded
over the life of the contract as an adjustment to interest income
or expense of the instruments hedged.
Other
-----
Property (other than cash deposits) held by the Banks in a
fiduciary or agency capacity for customers is not included in the
consolidated balance sheets since such items are not assets of the
Banks.
Comprehensive Income
--------------------
In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income". SFAS No. 130 established standards for the
reporting and presentation of comprehensive income and its
components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.
United has elected to present comprehensive income in a separate
consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Accumulated other
comprehensive income is solely related to the net of tax effect of
unrealized gains on securities available for sale.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
--------------------------------
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities". SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting
standards for hedging activities and for derivative instruments
including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. It
requires the fair value recognition of derivatives as assets or
liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the
changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended
use of the derivative instrument at inception. Instruments used as
fair value hedges account for the change in fair value in the
income of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair
value change of the item being hedged. Cash flow hedges account for
the change in fair value of the effective portion in comprehensive
income rather than income, and foreign currency hedges are
accounted for in comprehensive income as part of the translation
adjustment. Derivative instruments that are not intended as a hedge
account for the change in fair value in the income of the period of
the change. SFAS No. 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of
all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, but initial
application of the statement must be made as of the beginning of
the quarter. At the date of initial application, an entity may
transfer any held to maturity security into the available for sale
or trading categories without calling into question the entity's
intent to hold other securities to maturity in the future. United
adopted SFAS No. 133 as of January 1, 1999, and transferred all
held to maturity securities to available for sale which increased
stockholders' equity by $1.1 million for the net of tax effect for
the unrealized gains.
A - 39<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
Income Per Share
----------------
United is required to report income per common share with and
without the dilutive effects of potential common stock issuances
from instruments such as options, convertible securities and
warrants to be presented on the face of the statements of income.
Basic income per common share is based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period while the
effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period
are included in diluted income per common share. Additionally,
United must reconcile the amounts used in the computation of both
basic income per share and diluted income per share. Income per
common share amounts for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 are as follows (dollars and shares in thousands, except
for per share data):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
Weighted
Average Common
Net Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------ ------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic income per share $ 12,152 7,392 $ 1.64
====
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options - 86
Convertible debentures 187 140
------ -----
Diluted income per share $ 12,339 7,618 $ 1.62
====== ===== ====
(/TABLE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
Weighted
Average Common
Net Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------ ------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic income per share $ 10,735 7,301 $ 1.47
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options - 47
Convertible debentures 189 140
------ -----
Diluted income per share $ 10,924 7,488 $ 1.46
====== ===== ====
(/TABLE>
A - 40
<PAGE>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
Income Per Share, continued
----------------
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
Weighted
Average Common
Net Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- ------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic income per share $ 8,927 6,919 $ 1.29
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options - 30
Convertible debentures 56 161
----- -----
Diluted income per share $ 8,983 7,110 $ 1.26
===== ===== ====
</TABLE>
(1) Mergers and Acquisitions
On January 21, 1999, United entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire the stock of Adairsville Bancshares, Inc. ("Adairsville"),
a bank located in Bartow County, Georgia. As of December 31,
1998, Adairsville had $37.1 million of total assets and $4.0
million of total equity. This acquisition is expected to close
during the first quarter of 1999 and will be accounted for as a
purchase transaction.
On January 30, 1998, Peoples assumed deposits of $23.4 million and
purchased certain assets totaling $3.7 million of a branch in
Ellijay, Georgia.
Effective September 12, 1997, United acquired, for 646,257 shares
of its $1 par value common stock and approximately $7,000 paid for
fractional shares, all of the outstanding common stock of First
Clayton Bancshares, Inc., a $73 million one bank holding company,
located in Clayton, Georgia. The acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling of interests.
On September 28, 1996, UCB assumed deposits of $23.7 million and
purchased certain assets totaling $21.1 million of a branch in
Cornelia, Georgia.
(2) Cash Flows
United paid approximately $56 million, $45 million and $34 million
in interest on deposits and other liabilities during 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Schedule of noncash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
Conversion of subordinated debentures into 178,568 shares
of common stock $ - - 1,000
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale,
net of tax $ 477 919 (368)
Change in dividends payable $ 93 (66) -
Deposit liabilities assumed in branch acquisition $ 23,399 - 23,762
Assets acquired in branch acquisition, other than cash and
cash equivalents $ 3,246 - 21,115
Investment securities purchase obligations $ 10,645 - -
(/TABLE>
A - 41
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(3) Investment Securities
Investment securities at December 31, 1998 and 1997, are as follows
(in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1998
-----------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Securities Available for Sale
U.S. Treasuries $ 32,090 990 - 33,080
U.S. Government agencies 40,559 479 9 41,029
State and political subdivisions 20,211 365 64 20,512
Mortgage-backed securities 208,772 924 480 209,216
Other 10,615 1 59 10,557
-------- ------ --- -------
Total $ 312,247 2,759 612 314,394
======== ====== === =======
Securities Held to Maturity:
U.S. Government agencies $ 1,885 9 4 1,890
State and political subdivisions 53,386 1,691 33 55,044
Mortgage-backed securities 2,122 55 5 2,172
-------- ------ --- -------
Total $ 57,393 1,755 42 59,106
======== ====== === =======
December 31, 1997
-----------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Securities Available for Sale: Cost Gains Losses Value
---- ----- ------ -----
U.S. Treasuries $ 46,304 642 1 46,945
U.S. Government agencies 45,317 268 33 45,552
State and political subdivisions 11,675 189 4 11,860
Mortgage-backed securities 32,970 387 10 33,347
Other 6,256 - 66 6,190
-------- ------ --- -------
Total $ 142,522 1,486 114 143,894
======== ====== ==== =======
Securities Held to Maturity:
U.S. Treasuries $ 500 6 - 506
U.S. Government agencies 22,361 35 57 22,339
State and political subdivisions 42,330 1,211 8 43,533
Mortgage-backed securities 4,368 109 10 4,467
-------- ------ --- -------
Total $ 69,559 1,361 75 70,845
======== ====== === =======
(/TABLE>
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities portfolio
at December 31, 1998, by contractual maturity, is presented in the
following table. Expected maturities may differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.
A - 42<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(3) Investment Securities, continued
Securities Held Securities Available
to Maturity for Sale
Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated
Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value
---- ---------- ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasuries:
Within 1 year $ - - 5,113 5,173
1 to 5 years - - 26,977 27,907
------- ------ ------ ------
$ - - 32,090 33,080
======= ====== ====== ======
U.S. Government agencies:
Within 1 year $ 800 805 4,015 4,033
1 to 5 years 999 998 31,349 31,789
5 to 10 years 86 87 5,000 5,013
More than 10 years - - 195 194
------- ------ ------ ------
$ 1,885 1,890 40,559 41,029
======= ====== ====== ======
State and political subdivisions:
Within 1 year $ 3,378 3,398 877 888
1 to 5years 24,909 25,535 6,091 6,202
5 to 10 years 19,204 20,010 6,851 6,980
More than 10 years 5,895 6,101 6,392 6,442
------- ------ ------ ------
$ 53,386 55,044 20,211 20,512
Other:
More than 10 years $ - - 10,615 10,557
======== ======= ====== ======
Total securities other than mortgage-backed
securities:
Within 1 year $ 4,178 4,203 10,005 10,094
1 to 5 years 25,908 26,533 64,417 65,898
5 to 10 years 19,290 20,097 11,851 11,993
More than 10 years 5,895 6,101 17,202 17,193
Mortgage-backed securities 2,122 2,172 208,772 209,216
------- ------ ------- -------
$ 57,393 59,106 312,247 314,394
======= ====== ======= =======
(/TABLE>
There were no sales of securities held to maturity during 1998,
1997 and 1996. Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $33 million, $33 million and $18
million, respectively. Gross gains of $803,000, $767,000 and
$53,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, along with gross
losses of $3,000, $25,000 and $66,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, were realized on those sales. Income tax expense
(benefit) recognized on these gains and losses was $312,000,
$289,000 and ($5,000) in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Securities with a carrying value of $89 million and $65 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were pledged to secure
public deposits as required by law.
A - 43<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(4) Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
Major classifications of loans at December 31, 1998 and 1997, are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997
---- ----
Commercial, financial and agricultural $ 89,779 105,462
Real estate - construction 116,481 78,699
Real estate - mortgage 673,631 523,629
Consumer 119,980 115,534
------- -------
Total loans 999,871 823,324
Less allowance for loan losses 11,929 10,352
------- -------
Loans, net $ 987,942 812,972
======= =======
The Banks grant loans and extensions of credit to individuals and
a variety of firms and corporations located primarily in counties
in northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Although the Banks
have diversified loan portfolios, a substantial portion of the loan
portfolios is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate
and is dependent upon the real estate market.
During 1998 and 1997, certain executive officers and directors of
United and its Banks, including their immediate families and
companies with which they are associated, maintained a variety of
banking relationships with the Banks. Total loans outstanding to
these persons at December 31, 1998 and 1997 amounted to $20,222,000
and $15,811,000, respectively. The change from December 31, 1997 to
December 31, 1998 reflects payments amounting to $9,526,000 and
advances of $13,937,000. Such loans are made in the ordinary course
of business at normal credit terms, including interest rate and
collateral requirements, and do not represent more than normal
credit risk.
Changes in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as follows
(in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year $ 10,352 8,125 6,884
Provisions charged to income 2,372 2,634 1,597
Loans charged off (1,288) (797) (695)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off 493 390 339
------ ------ -----
Balance at end of year $ 11,929 10,352 8,125
====== ====== =====
(/TABLE>
United serviced approximately $73.6 and $103.5 million of mortgage loans
for others at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
A - 44
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(5) Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment at December 31, 1998 and 1997, are summarized
as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997
---- ----
Land and land improvements $ 7,509 6,102
Building and improvements 17,678 14,001
Furniture and equipment 19,642 15,018
Construction in progress 5,907 2,919
-------- -------
50,736 38,040
Less accumulated depreciation 12,198 10,303
-------- -------
$ 38,538 27,737
======== =======
Depreciation expense was approximately $2.6 million, $2.1 million
and $1.6 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(6) Time Deposits
The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts with a minimum
denomination of $100,000 was approximately $208,120,000 and
$156,803,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
At December 31, 1998, contractual maturities of time deposits are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
Maturing In:
------------
1999 $ 582,722
2000 75,360
2001 17,759
2002 11,677
2003 2,582
---------
$ 690,100
=========
(7) Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
The Banks have advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB")
with monthly interest payments and principal payments due at
various maturity dates and interest rates ranging from 4.29% to
7.81% at December 31, 1998. The FHLB advances are collateralized
by first mortgage loans and FHLB stock.
Advances from FHLB outstanding at December 31, 1998 mature as
follows (in thousands):
Year
----
1999 $33,083
2000 5,807
2001 27,307
2002 26,432
2003 47,671
2004 and thereafter 36,554
--------
$ 176,854
========
A - 45<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(8) Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings
Long-term debt and other borrowings at December 31, 1998 and 1997
consisted of the following (in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Line of credit borrowings, due in quarterly installments of $321,455 during 1997,
plus interest, through January 2005, secured by common stock of the Bank Subsidiaries.
Interest is variable based on the prime rate less 1.25%. The loan agreement, which expires
in 2005, contains covenants and restrictions pertaining to the maintenance of certain financial
ratios, limitations on the incurrence of additional debt, and the declaration of dividends or
other capital transactions and provides for borrowings up to $15 million. $ - 12,722
Commercial paper of Finance, due at maturity during 1999 and unsecured.
Interest is from 7.00% to 7.25% and is payable monthly. 1,277 1,347
----- ------
$ 1,277 14,069
===== ======
(/TABLE>
(9) Convertible Subordinated Debentures
On December 31, 1996, the holders of convertible debentures of
United due July 1, 2000 (the "2000 Debentures"), which bore
interest at a fixed rate of 9% per annum, converted the 2000
Debentures into an aggregate of 178,568 shares of common stock in
accordance with their terms and pursuant to an additional six month
period for conversion extended by United in order to comply with
certain obligations of United to provide the holders with notice of
the conversion termination date.
On December 31, 1996, United also completed a private placement of
convertible subordinated debentures due December 31, 2006 (the
"2006 Debentures"). The 2006 Debentures bear interest at the rate
of one quarter of one percentage point over the prime rate per
annum, payable in quarterly installments commencing on April 1,
1997. The 2006 Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on
or after January 1, 1998, at the option of United upon at least 20
days and not more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price equal
to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed
plus interest accrued and unpaid as of the date of redemption. The
holders of the 2006 Debentures not called for redemption will have
the right, exercisable at any time up to December 31, 2006, to
convert such Debenture at the principal amount thereof into shares
of common stock of United at the conversion price of $25 per share,
subject to adjustment for stock splits and stock dividends.
Certain directors and executive officers of United held convertible
debentures totaling $2,875,000 and $3,025,000 at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
(10) Trust Preferred Securities
In July, 1998, United formed a wholly owned Delaware statutory
business trust, United Community Capital Trust ("United Trust"),
which issued $21 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial
interests in United's junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures that qualify as Tier 1 capital under Federal Reserve
Board guidelines. All of the common securities of United Trust are<PAGE>
owned by United. The proceeds from the issuance of the Common
Securities and the Trust Preferred Securities were used by United
Trust to purchase $21.7 million of junior subordinated debentures
of United which carry a fixed interest rate of 8.125 percent. The
proceeds received by United from the sale of the junior
subordinated debentures were used to prepay line of credit
borrowings of approximately $11.8 million and for further
investments in the Banks. The debentures represent the sole asset
of United Trust. The debentures and related income statement
effects are eliminated in United's financial statements.
The Trust Preferred Securities accrue and pay distributions
semiannually at a fixed rate of 8.125 percent per annum of the
stated liquidation value of $1,000 per capital security. United
has entered into contractual arrangements which, taken
collectively, fully and unconditionally guarantee payment of: (i)
accrued and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the Trust
Preferred Securities; (ii) the redemption price with respect to
any Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption by United
Trust, and (iii) payments due upon a voluntary or involuntary
dissolution, winding up or liquidation of United Trust.
A - 46
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(10) Trust Preferred Securities, continued
The Trust Preferred Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon
maturity of the debentures on July 15, 2028, or upon earlier
redemption as provided in the indenture. United has the right to
redeem the debentures purchased by United Trust: (i) in whole or
in part, on or after July 15, 2008, and (ii) in whole (but not in
part) at any time within 90 days following the occurrence and
during the continuation of a tax event, investment company event
or capital treatment time (as defined in the offering circular).
As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed
prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal
amount, any accrued but unpaid interest, plus a premium ranging
from 4.06 percent in 2008 to 0.41 percent in 2017.
(11) Income Taxes
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, United made income tax payments of
approximately $6.1 million, $5.5 million and $4.0 million,
respectively.
The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current $ 6,354 5,170 4,032
Deferred (reduction) (766) (404) 82
----- ----- -----
$ 5,588 4,766 4,114
===== ===== =====
(/TABLE>
The differences between the provision for income taxes and the
amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (34
percent) to income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pretax income at statutory rates $ 6,032 5,270 4,434
Add (deduct):
Tax-exempt interest income (1,142) (878) (828)
Nondeductible interest expense 224 147 127
Other 474 227 381
------ ----- -----
$ 5,588 4,766 4,114
======= ===== =====
(/TABLE><PAGE>
The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of
future taxable deductions (income) which comprise the net deferred
tax asset at December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses $ 4,654 3,531
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards - 42
Other 122 32
------ ------
Gross deferred tax assets 4,776 3,605
Deferred tax liabilities: ------ ------
Premises and equipment (1,567) (1,326)
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale (866) (541)
Other (229) (65)
------ ------
Gross deferred tax liabilities (2,662) (1,932)
------- ------
Net deferred tax asset $ 2,114 1,673
======= ======
(/TABLE>
A - 47
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(12) Employee Benefit Plans
United has contributory employee benefit plans covering
substantially all employees, subject to certain minimum service
requirements. United's contribution to the plans is determined
annually by the Board of Directors and amounted to approximately
$1,025,000, $803,000 and $583,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. In December 1998, the Banks purchased life insurance
contracts totaling $8.1 million. These contracts are to provide
income and increase in asset value from which benefits will be paid
to certain officers under a salary continuation program anticipated
to be completed during 1999.
(13) Regulatory Matters
United and the Banks 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 the Banks' financial statements. Under capital adequacy
guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective
action, the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that
involve quantitative measures of the Banks' assets, liabilities,
and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory
accounting practices. The Banks' capital amounts and
classification are also subject to qualitative judgements by the
regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital
adequacy require the Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios
of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets
(as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets
(as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 1998, that
the Banks meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are
subject.
Minimum ratios required by the Banks to ensure capital adequacy
are 8% for total capital to risk weighted assets and 4% each for
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and Tier 1 capital to
average assets. Minimum ratios required by the Banks to be well
capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions are 10% for
total capital to risk weighted assets, 6% for Tier 1 capital to
risk weighted assets and 5% for Tier 1 capital to average assets.
Minimum amounts required for capital adequacy purposes and to be
well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions are
presented below for United and its most significant subsidiaries
(in thousands). Prompt corrective action provisions do not apply
to bank holding companies.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Minimum Minimum Minimum
Total Risk Based Tier 1 Risk Based Tier 1 Leverage
---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Prompt Prompt Prompt
Capital Corrective Capital Corrective Capital Corrective
1998 Adequacy Action Adequacy Action Adequacy Action
---- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated $ 83,357 N/A 41,678 N/A 56,221 N/A
UCB 27,819 34,774 13,910 20,864 18,811 23,514
Carolina 22,814 28,517 11,407 17,110 16,965 21,207
<PAGE>
1997
----
Consolidated $ 63,520 N/A 31,777 N/A 47,374 N/A
UCB 24,391 30,488 12,195 18,293 15,503 19,379
Carolina 17,213 21,516 8,606 12,910 12,980 16,226
(/TABLE>
A - 48
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(13) Regulatory Matters, continued
Actual capital amounts and ratios for United and its most significant
Banks as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, are as follows (in
thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Actual Actual Actual
Total Risk Based Tier 1 Risk Based Tier 1 Leverage
----------------- ----------------- ---------------
Actual Actual Actual
1998 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
---- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated $ 114,637 11.00% 99,209 9.52% 99,209 7.06%
UCB 39,272 11.29% 35,209 10.13% 35,209 7.49%
Carolina 30,374 10.65% 26,808 9.40% 26,808 6.32%
1997
----
Consolidated $ 81,614 10.28% 68,184 8.59% 68,184 5.76%
UCB 33,303 10.92% 29,733 9.75% 29,733 7.67%
Carolina 23,260 10.81% 20,566 9.56% 20,566 6.34%
(/TABLE>
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the most recent notification
from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized each of
the Banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for
prompt corrective action.
(14) Commitments
The Banks are parties to financial instruments with off-balance-
sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing
needs of their customers. These financial instruments include
commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and financial
guarantees. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements
of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance
sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the
extent of involvement the Banks have 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 and financial guarantees written is
represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The
Banks use the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional obligations as for on-balance-sheet instruments. In
most cases collateral or other security is required to support
financial instruments with credit risk.
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
the contract or notional amount of off-balance sheet instruments
(in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit
risk:
Commitments to extend credit $ 129,111 106,040
Standby letters of credit $ 8,632 2,520
Interest rate contracts:
Swap agreements $ 10,000 35,000
Floors purchased $ - 50,000
Rate cap agreements $ 20,000 -
(/TABLE>
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 upon, the total
commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash
requirements. The Banks evaluate each customer's creditworthiness on a
case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed
necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management's credit
evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include unimproved and
improved real estate, certificates of deposit, personal property or
other acceptable collateral.
A - 49
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(14) Commitments, continued
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are
conditional commitments issued by the Banks to guarantee the
performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are
primarily issued to local businesses. The credit risk involved in
issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved
in extending loan facilities to customers. The Banks hold real
estate, certificates of deposit, equipment and automobiles as
collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is
deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for those
commitments varies.
Derivative financial instruments include forwards, futures, swaps,
options, and other instruments with similar characteristics. In
general terms, derivative instruments are contracts or agreements
whose value can be derived from interest rates, currency exchange
rates and financial indices. The Banks use interest rate contracts
in balance sheet management activities, the objective of which is
to minimize the risk inherent in the asset and liability interest
rate structure. The Banks do not use derivative financial
instruments for trading purposes. Interest rate contracts include
an agreement with a counterparty to exchange cash flow based on the
movement of an underlying interest rate included such as the prime
rate or the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR). A swap
agreement involves the exchanges of a series of interest payments,
either at a fixed or variable rate, based on a notional amount
without the exchange of the underlying principal. An interest rate
floor contract allows a party, for a purchase premium, to receive
income if a predetermined interest rate falls below a predetermined
level. Rate cap agreements are legal contracts that allow the
purchaser to place a maximum level on a floating index, and for a
one-time, up-front fee, the purchaser has purchased the right to
receive income if a predetermined interest rate rises above a
predetermined level. Income or expense on interest rate contracts
used by the Banks to manage interest rate exposure is recorded on
an accrual basis as an adjustment to the yield of the related
interest earning asset or interest bearing liability over the
period covered by the contracts. Amounts accrued relating to such
contracts are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities
and amounts prepaid are included in other assets as of the balance
sheet date.
The Banks' exposure from these interest rate contracts results from
the possibility that one party may default on its contractual
obligation (credit risk) or from the movement of interest rates
(market risk). Credit risk is limited to the positive market value of
the derivative, which is significantly less than its notional value
since the notional amount only represents the basis for determining
the exchange of the cash flows. Credit risk is minimized by performing
credit reviews of the counterparties to the contract or by conducting
activities through organized exchanges.
(15) Preferred Stock
United may issue preferred stock in one or more series as
established by resolution of the Board of Directors, up to a maximum
of 10,000,000 shares. Each resolution shall include the number of
shares issued, preferences, special rights and limitations as
determined by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 1998 and 1997,
there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding.
<PAGE>
(16) Stockholders' Equity
Dividends paid by the Banks are the primary source of funds
available to United for payment of dividends to its stockholders and
other needs. Applicable federal and state statutes and regulations
impose restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be declared by
the Banks. At December 31, 1998, approximately $17.2 million of the
Banks' net assets were available for payment of dividends without
prior approval from the regulatory authorities. In addition to the
formal statutes and regulations, regulatory authorities also consider
the adequacy of each Bank's total capital in relation to its assets,
deposits and other such items. Capital adequacy considerations could
further limit the availability of dividends from the Banks.
During 1997, United issued 300,000 shares of common stock for
approximately $6,477,000, net of offering costs. The proceeds from
this sale of stock were used to inject capital into the Banks and for
general corporate purposes.
During 1995, the Board of Directors adopted the Key Employee Stock
Option Plan. Under this plan, options can be granted for up to 300,000
shares of United's common stock at a price equal to the fair market
value at the date of grant. At December 31, 1998, 76,296 shares were
available for grant under this plan.
A - 50
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(16) Stockholders' Equity, continued
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," ("SFAS No.
123") became effective for United on January 1, 1996. This
statement encourages, but does not require, entities to compute the
fair value of options at the date of grant and to recognize such
costs as compensation expense immediately if there is no vesting
period or ratably over the vesting period of the options. United
has chosen not to adopt the cost recognition principles of this
statement and accounts for stock options under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and its related interpretations. No
compensation expense has been recognized in 1998, 1997 or 1996
related to the stock option plan. Had compensation cost been
determined based upon the fair value of the options at the grant
dates consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, United's income
and income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma
amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share data):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income As reported $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
Pro forma $ 11,991 10,526 8,893
Basic income per share As reported $ 1.64 1.47 1 .29
Pro forma $ 1.62 1.44 1 .29
Diluted income per share As reported $ 1.62 1.46 1 .26
Pro forma $ 1.60 1.43 1 .25
(/TABLE>
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of
grant using the minimum value method with the following weighted
average assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996: dividend
yield of 1%, risk free interest rate of 6% and an expected life of 10
years.
A summary of activity in United's stock option plan is presented
below:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average Range
Option Option Price of Price
Shares Per Share Per Share
------ --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at December 31, 1995 50,000 $ 10.00 $ 10.00
Options granted in 1996 42,000 $ 18.00 $ 18.00
--------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1996 92,000 $ 13.65 $ 10.00 - 18.00
Options granted in 1997 79,704 $ 22.15 $ 22.00 - 22.51
--------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1997 171,704 $ 17.60 $ 10.00 - 22.51
Options granted in 1998 55,500 $ 30.05 $ 30.00 - 32.50
Options exercised in 1998 (8,500) $ 13.95 $ 10.00 - 22.00
Options forfeited in 1998 (3,500) $ 20.40 $ 18.00 - 22.00
--------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998 215,204 $ 20.91 $ 10.00 - 32.50
========
<PAGE>
Options on 124,404, 102,104 and 58,400 shares were exercisable at
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The weighted
average grant-date fair value of options granted in 1998, 1997 and
1996 was $10.63, $7.93 and $6.45, respectively. Such options have a
weighted average remaining contractual life of approximately 8
years as of December 31, 1998.
(17) Supplemental Financial Data
Components of other non-interest expenses in excess of 1% of total
interest and non-interest income for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Stationery and supplies $1,002 831 1,152
Advertising $1,381 1,486 704
A - 51
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(18) United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Financial
Information
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998 and 1997
1998 1997
---- ----
(In Thousands)
Assets
------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash $ 424 281
Investment in subsidiaries 102,695 82,902
Other assets 8,981 8,995
------- ------
$ 112,100 92,178
======= ======
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
------------------------------------
Other liabilities $ 200 843
Notes payable - 12,722
Convertible subordinated debentures 3,500 3,500
Junior subordinated debentures 21,650 -
Stockholders' equity 86,750 75,113
------- ------
$ 112,100 92,178
======= ======
<CAPTION>
Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income:
Dividends from Banks $ 3,855 1,150 5,361
Other 2,868 730 87
----- ----- -----
Total income 6,723 1,880 5,448
----- ----- -----
Expenses:
Interest 1,560 1,045 882
Other 5,638 2,097 1,266
----- ----- -----
Total expense 7,198 3,142 2,148
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed
income of subsidiaries (475) (1,262) 3,300
Income tax benefit 1,410 823 739
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 935 (439) 4,039
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 11,217 11,174 4,888
------ ----- -----
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
====== ====== =====
(/TABLE>
A - 52<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(18) United Community Banks, Inc. (Parent Company Only)
Financial Information, continued
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 12,152 10,735 8,927
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed income of the subsidiaries (11,217) (11,174) (4,888)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 387 300 203
Change in:
Other assets 1,600 (2,567) (33)
Accrued interest payable 574 27 (39)
Other liabilities (1,310) (54) (263)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,186 (2,733) 3,907
-------- ------- ------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of premises and equipment (2,173) (1,273) -
Capital contributions to the subsidiaries (7,899) (5,250) (4,275)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities (10,072) (6,523) (4,275)
-------- ------- ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from convertible subordinated debentures - - 3,500
Proceeds from junior subordinated debentures 21,650 - -
Proceeds from notes payable - 3,400 -
Repayments of notes payable (12,722) (1,131) (856)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 118 - -
Proceeds from sale of common stock - 6,477 -
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock of pooled entity - - (408)
Proceeds from resale of treasury stock of pooled entity - 6 -
Dividends paid (1,017) (765) (677)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by financing activities 8,029 7,987 1,559
-------- ------- ------
Net change in cash 143 (1,269) 1,191
Cash at beginning of year 281 1,550 359
-------- ------- ------
Cash at end of year $ 424 281 1,550
======== ======= ======
(/TABLE>
A - 53
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(19) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments," requires disclosure of fair value information about
financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the
balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of
United's financial instruments are detailed below. Where quoted
prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using
discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of
discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the
assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be
considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of United or its
Banks, but rather a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease
in value of financial instruments held by United since purchase,
origination, or issuance.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
-------------------------
For cash, due from banks and federal funds sold the carrying
amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Securities Held to Maturity and Securities Available for Sale
-------------------------------------------------------------
Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market
prices.
Loans and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
--------------------------------------
The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting
the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar
loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For
variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate
of fair value.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
--------------------------------------
The carrying value of cash surrender value of life insurance is a
reasonable estimate of fair value.
Deposits
--------
The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain
money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the
reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of
deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using
the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining
maturities.
Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements
-------------------------------------------------
The carrying amount of federal funds purchased and repurchase
agreements is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
-------------------------------
The fair value of United's fixed rate borrowings are estimated
using discounted cash flows, based on United's current
incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing
arrangements. For variable rate borrowings the carrying amount is
a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Long-Term Debt and Convertible Subordinated Debentures
------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt and convertible subordinated debentures are made
using variable rates, thus, the carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value.
Trust Preferred Securities
--------------------------
The fair value of United's trust preferred securities are
estimated using discounted cash flows, based on United's current
incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing
arrangements.
Interest Rate Swaps, Floors and Caps
------------------------------------
The fair value of interest rate swaps, floors and caps is
obtained from dealer quotes. These values represent the estimated
amount United would receive to terminate the contracts or
agreements, taking into account current interest rates and, when
appropriate, the current creditworthiness of the counterparties.
Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and
Financial Guarantees Written
----------------------------
Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of
credit are made using variable rates, the contract value is a
reasonable estimate of fair value.
A - 54
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, continued
(19) Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued
Limitations
-----------
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 any premium
or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time
United's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.
Because no market exists for a significant portion of United's
financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many
judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore
cannot be determined with precision. 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.
The carrying amount and estimated fair values of United's
financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows
(in thousands):
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997
----------------- -----------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 55,700 55,700 68,834 68,834
Securities held to maturity 57,393 59,106 69,559 70,845
Securities available for sale 314,394 314,394 143,894 143,894
Mortgage loans held for sale 8,129 8,129 3,962 3,962
Loans, net 987,942 990,708 812,972 814,855
Cash surrender value of life insurance 8,130 8,130 - -
Liabilities:
Deposits 1,163,124 1,164,801 977,079 981,580
Federal funds purchased and
repurchase agreements 26,520 26,520 33,011 33,011
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 176,854 172,485 43,321 43,087
Long-term debt and other borrowings 1,277 1,277 14,069 14,070
Convertible subordinated debentures 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500
Trust Preferred Securities 21,000 19,336 - -
Unrecognized financial instruments:
Commitments to extend credit 129,111 129,111 106,040 106,040
Standby letters of credit 8,632 8,632 2,520 2,520
Swap agreements - - 12 156
Floors purchased - - 3 -
Rate cap agreements $ 437 448 - -
(/TABLE>
A - 55
</TABLE>
