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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2004

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number 0-21656

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Georgia   58-180-7304

 
 
 
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
63 Highway 515
Blairsville, Georgia
  30512

 
 
 
Address of Principal
Executive Offices
  (Zip Code)

(706 ) 781-2265


(Telephone Number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES x NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

YES x NO o

Common stock, par value $1 per share: 36,246,392 shares
outstanding as of June 30, 2004

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

All financial statements and per share amounts included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been restated to reflect the three-for-two split of United’s common stock effective on April 28, 2004.

 


Table of Contents

INDEX

         
       
       
    2  
    3  
    4  
    5  
    6  
    9  
    26  
    26  
       
    26  
    26  
    26  
    26  
    27  
    27  
 EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE PRESIDENT/CEO
 EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE VICE PRESIDENT/CFO
 EX-32 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE PRES/CEO & VP/CFO

1


Table of Contents

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1 – Financial Statements
UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statement of Income
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
(in thousands, except per share data)
  (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
Interest revenue:
                               
Loans, including fees
  $ 49,326     $ 45,732     $ 96,748     $ 86,838  
Federal funds sold and deposits in banks
    66       99       177       167  
Investment securities:
                               
Taxable
    6,339       6,099       12,408       12,065  
Tax exempt
    545       739       1,111       1,470  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest revenue
    56,276       52,669       110,444       100,540  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits:
                               
Demand
    1,920       2,163       3,714       4,391  
Savings
    93       115       176       205  
Time
    9,773       10,781       19,070       20,889  
Federal funds purchased
    499       146       770       233  
Other borrowings
    5,147       5,262       10,474       10,338  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest expense
    17,432       18,467       34,204       36,056  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest revenue
    38,844       34,202       76,240       64,484  
Provision for loan losses
    1,800       1,500       3,600       3,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest revenue after provision for loan losses
    37,044       32,702       72,640       61,484  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fee revenue:
                               
Service charges and fees
    5,312       4,687       10,335       8,261  
Mortgage loan and other related fees
    1,585       3,335       2,865       5,647  
Consulting fees
    1,402       1,154       2,529       2,274  
Brokerage fees
    515       448       1,223       868  
Securities losses, net
          (3 )     (4 )     (3 )
Other
    833       695       1,977       1,646  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total fee revenue
    9,647       10,316       18,925       18,693  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total revenue
    46,691       43,018       91,565       80,177  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    18,662       17,571       36,788       32,675  
Occupancy
    2,273       2,194       4,555       4,296  
Communications and equipment
    2,677       2,104       5,224       4,004  
Postage, printing and supplies
    1,068       1,172       2,210       2,117  
Professional fees
    795       1,076       1,632       1,971  
Advertising and public relations
    991       967       1,755       1,673  
Amortization of intangibles
    395       328       766       413  
Merger-related charges
    464       668       464       1,508  
Other
    2,502       2,287       4,609       4,467  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total operating expenses
    29,827       28,367       58,003       53,124  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income taxes
    16,864       14,651       33,562       27,053  
Income taxes
    5,815       5,182       11,575       9,520  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 11,049     $ 9,469     $ 21,987     $ 17,533  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 11,048     $ 9,441     $ 21,970     $ 17,488  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ .31     $ .28     $ .62     $ .53  
Diluted
    .30       .27       .60       .51  
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
                               
Basic
    35,633       34,280       35,477       33,060  
Diluted
    36,827       35,387       36,655       34,166  

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Table of Contents

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheet
For the period ended
                         
    June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
($ in thousands)
  (Unaudited)   (Audited)   (Unaudited)
ASSETS
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 147,793     $ 91,819     $ 94,542  
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
    39,186       68,374       41,632  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    186,979       160,193       136,174  
Securities available for sale
    739,667       659,891       660,625  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    18,610       10,756       38,536  
Loans, net of unearned income
    3,338,309       3,015,997       2,861,481  
Less — allowance for loan losses
    42,558       38,655       37,353  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loans, net
    3,295,751       2,977,342       2,824,128  
Premises and equipment, net
    92,497       87,439       82,356  
Interest receivable
    23,150       20,962       22,564  
Intangible assets
    87,657       72,182       65,835  
Other assets
    81,135       80,069       75,711  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 4,525,446     $ 4,068,834     $ 3,905,929  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Liabilities:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Demand
  $ 479,439     $ 412,309     $ 397,043  
Interest-bearing demand
    935,489       846,022       790,518  
Savings
    160,550       140,619       134,223  
Time
    1,764,370       1,458,499       1,549,142  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total deposits
    3,339,848       2,857,449       2,870,926  
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    181,439       102,849       51,990  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    535,343       635,420       585,725  
Other borrowings
    113,877       152,596       87,871  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    24,481       21,147       23,917  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    4,194,988       3,769,461       3,620,429  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Preferred stock, $1 par value; $10 stated value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 48,300, 55,900 and 65,500 shares issued and outstanding
    483       559       655  
Common stock, $1 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 36,620,754, 35,706,573 and 35,706,573 shares issued
    36,621       35,707       35,707  
Capital surplus
    116,129       95,951       97,002  
Retained earnings
    184,572       166,887       149,843  
Treasury stock; 374,362, 417,525 and 739,581 shares, at cost
    (6,393 )     (7,120 )     (11,394 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (954 )     7,389       13,687  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    330,458       299,373       285,500  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,525,446     $ 4,068,834     $ 3,905,929  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Table of Contents

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                         
                                            Accumulated    
                                            Other    
    Preferred   Common   Capital   Retained   Treasury   Comprehensive    
(in thousands)
  Stock
  Stock
  Surplus
  Earnings
  Stock
  Income (Loss)
  Total
Balance, December 31, 2002
  $ 1,726     $ 32,709     $ 51,592     $ 135,709     $ (11,432 )   $ 11,275     $ 221,579  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            17,533                       17,533  
Other comprehensive income:
                                                       
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities, net of deferred tax expense and reclassification adjustment
                                            1,646       1,646  
Unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax expense
                                            766       766  
 
                           
 
             
 
     
 
 
Comprehensive income
                            17,533               2,412       19,945  
Retirement of preferred stock (107,100 shares)
    (1,071 )                                             (1,071 )
Cash dividends declared ($.10 per share)
                            (3,347 )                     (3,347 )
Common stock issued for acquisitions (2,997,687 shares)
            2,998       46,893                               49,891  
Exercise of stock options (350,210 shares)
                    (1,507 )             4,401               2,894  
Tax benefit from options exercised
                    24                               24  
Acquisition of treasury stock (275,813 shares)
                                    (4,363 )             (4,363 )
Dividends declared on preferred stock ($.30 per share)
                            (52 )                     (52 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2003
  $ 655     $ 35,707     $ 97,002     $ 149,843     $ (11,394 )   $ 13,687     $ 285,500  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
  $ 559     $ 35,707     $ 95,951     $ 166,887     $ (7,120 )   $ 7,389     $ 299,373  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            21,987                       21,987  
Other comprehensive loss:
                                                       
Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities, net of deferred tax benefit and reclassification adjustment
                                            (6,057 )     (6,057 )
Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of deferred tax benefit
                                            (2,286 )     (2,286 )
 
                           
 
             
 
     
 
 
Comprehensive income
                            21,987               (8,343 )     13,644  
Redemption of preferred stock (7,600 shares)
    (76 )                                             (76 )
Cash dividends declared ($.12 per share)
                            (4,293 )                     (4,293 )
Redemption of fractional shares (446 shares)
                                                     
Common stock issued for acquisitions (914,627 shares)
            914       20,586                               21,500  
Exercise of stock options (43,163 shares)
                    (232 )             727               495  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
                    16                               16  
Tax benefit from options exercised
                    (192 )                             (192 )
Dividends declared on preferred stock ($.30 per share)
                            (9 )                     (9 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2004
  $ 483     $ 36,621     $ 116,129     $ 184,572     $ (6,393 )   $ (954 )   $ 330,458  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Table of Contents

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
                 
    2004   2003
(in thousands)
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
Operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 21,987     $ 17,533  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
    7,651       6,846  
Provision for loan losses
    3,600       3,000  
Loss on sale of securities available for sale
    4       3  
Gain on sale of other assets
    (125 )      
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Other assets and accrued interest receivable
    (8,072 )     (7,507 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    7,155       8,334  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    (7,854 )     (10,041 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    24,346       18,168  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Investing activities (net of purchase adjustments):
               
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    55,939       28,327  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of securities available for sale
    141,286       116,274  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (254,123 )     (204,424 )
Net increase in loans
    (231,444 )     (171,403 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
    1,216       65  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (8,816 )     (6,297 )
Net cash received from acquisitions
    5,439       28,828  
Cash deposits for life insurance contracts
    (104 )     (20 )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate
    1,222       435  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used by investing activities
    (289,385 )     (208,215 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Financing activities (net of purchase adjustments):
               
Net change in deposits
    306,452       93,720  
Net change in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
    137,993       30,745  
Proceeds from other borrowings
    1,155       13,191  
Repayments of other borrowings
    (45,029 )     (2,031 )
Proceeds from FHLB advances
    675,100       532,600  
Repayments of FHLB advances
    (780,350 )     (442,859 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    495       2,894  
Retirement of preferred stock
    (76 )     (1,071 )
Purchase of treasury stock
          (4,363 )
Cash dividends on common stock
    (3,906 )     (2,898 )
Cash dividends on preferred stock
    (9 )     (52 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    291,825       219,876  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    26,786       29,829  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    160,193       106,345  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 186,979     $ 136,174  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 33,411     $ 34,897  
Income taxes
    13,098       8,395  

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5


Table of Contents

United Community Banks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Accounting Policies

     The accounting and financial reporting policies of United Community Banks, Inc. (“United”) and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general banking industry practices. The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have not been audited. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. A more detailed description of United’s accounting policies is included in the 2003 annual report filed on Form 10-K.

     In management’s opinion, all accounting adjustments necessary to accurately reflect the financial position and results of operations on the accompanying financial statements have been made. These adjustments are considered normal and recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair and accurate presentation. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any other interim periods.

Note 2 — Stock Split

     On April 28, 2004, United had a three-for-two split of its common stock. All financial statements and per share amounts included in the financial statements and accompanying notes have been restated to reflect the change in the number of shares outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest period presented.

Note 3 — Stock-Based Compensation

     United’s stock-based compensation plans are accounted for based on the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Compensation expense for employee stock options is not recognized if the exercise price of the option equals or exceeds the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for restricted share awards is ratably recognized over the period of service, usually the restricted period, based on the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. Had compensation costs been determined based upon the fair value of the options at the grant dates consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, United’s net income and earnings per common share would have reflected the pro forma amounts below (in thousands, except per share data):

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Net income available to common shareholders:
                               
As reported
  $ 11,048     $ 9,441     $ 21,970     $ 17,488  
Pro forma
    10,845       9,311       21,613       17,284  
Basic earnings per common share:
                               
As reported
    .31       .28       .62       .53  
Pro forma
    .30       .27       .61       .52  
Diluted earnings per common share:
                               
As reported
    .30       .27       .60       .51  
Pro forma
    .30       .26       .59       .51  

     The weighted average fair value of options granted in the second quarter of 2004 and 2003 was $5.94 and $3.43, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted in the first six months of 2004 and 2003 was $5.91 and $3.43, respectively. The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 1%; a risk free interest rate ranging from 3.61% to 4.57% in 2004 and 3.48% in 2003; expected volatility of 15%; and, an expected life of 7 years. Since United’s stock trading history dates back only to March of 2002, when United listed on Nasdaq, the Nasdaq Bank Index was used to determine volatility. The fair value of each option granted prior to 2002 was estimated on the date of grant using the minimum value method with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 1%; a risk free interest rate of 5%; and, an expected life of 7 years. Compensation expense, included in the proforma results, was determined based on the fair value of the options at the time of grant, multiplied by the number of options granted, which was then amortized, net of tax, over the vesting period.

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Note 4 — Earnings Per Share

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30.

(in thousands, except per share data)

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
    35,633       34,280       35,477       33,060  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 11,048     $ 9,441     $ 21,970     $ 17,488  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ .31     $ .28     $ .62     $ .53  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
    35,633       34,280       35,477       33,060  
Net effect of the assumed exercise of stock options based on the treasury stock method using average market price for the period
    822       687       806       686  
Effect of conversion of subordinated debt
    372       420       372       420  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total weighted average shares and common stock equivalents outstanding
    36,827       35,387       36,655       34,166  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 11,048     $ 9,441     $ 21,970     $ 17,488  
Income effect of conversion of subordinated debt, net of tax
    21       24       42       49  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income, adjusted for effect of conversion of subordinated debt, net of tax
  $ 11,069     $ 9,465     $ 22,012     $ 17,537  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ .30     $ .27     $ .60     $ .51  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Note 5 — Mergers and Acquisitions

     On June 1, 2004, United acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Fairbanco Holding Company, Inc., a thrift holding company headquartered in Fairburn, Georgia. Fairbanco’s results of operations are included in consolidated financial results from the acquisition date. Fairbanco Holding Company was the parent company of 1st Community Bank, with 5 banking offices serving Atlanta’s southern metropolitan area.

     The aggregate purchase price was $23.6 million including $2.7 million of cash and 914,627 shares of United’s common stock valued at $20.9 million. The value of the common shares issued of $22.91 was determined based on the average market price of United’s common shares over the two-day period before and after the terms of the acquisition were agreed to and announced.

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     The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition in 2004.

         
    Fairbanco
    Holding
    Company
    (June 1)
Assets:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 66,956  
Investment securities
    30,485  
Loans, net
    92,383  
Premises and equipment
    1,255  
Core deposit intangible
    2,820  
Goodwill
    12,836  
Other assets
    5,870  
 
   
 
 
Total assets
  $ 212,605  
 
   
 
 
Liabilities:
       
Deposits
  $ 175,947  
Other borrowed funds
    10,390  
Other liabilities
    2,657  
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities assumed
    188,994  
 
   
 
 
Net assets acquired
  $ 23,611  
 
   
 
 

     Core deposit intangibles are being amortized over a period of 10 years. Goodwill will not be amortized or deductible for tax purposes but will be subject to impairment tests at least annually.

     In connection with the acquisition of Fairbanco Holding Company, United incurred charges of $464,000 during the second quarter. The charges are included in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The table below provides a summary of the merger charges showing the amounts paid during the period and the amounts remaining accrued at June 30, 2004.

                         
    Expensed in   Utilized in    
    Six months ended   Six months ended   Balance at
    June 30, 2004
  June 30, 2004
  June 30, 2004
Professional fees
  $ 325     $ 175     $ 150  
Other conversion costs
    139       96       43  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 464     $ 271     $ 193  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     On August 3, 2004, United announced a definitive agreement to acquire Eagle National Bank with assets of $64 million headquartered in Stockbridge, Georgia. The transaction is valued at approximately $12.5 million and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2004. United will exchange 414,528 shares of its stock and approximately $2.4 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares of Eagle. The acquisition of Eagle National Bank will greatly enhance United’s presence in the southside of the metro Atlanta market.

Note 6 — Reclassification

     Certain amounts for the comparative periods of 2003 have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Form 10-Q, contains forward-looking statements regarding United Community Banks, Inc., including, without limitation, statements relating to United’s expectations with respect to revenue, credit losses, levels of nonperforming assets, expenses, earnings and other measures of financial performance. Words such as “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans”, “targets” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond United’s control). The following factors, among others, could cause United’s financial performance to differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements: (1) business increases, productivity gains and investments are lower than expected or do not occur as quickly as anticipated; (2) competitive pressures among financial services companies increase significantly; (3) the strength of the United States economy in general and/or the strength of the local economies of the states in which United conducts operations changes; (4) trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, change; (5) inflation, interest rates and/or market conditions fluctuate; (6) conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets deteriorate; (7) United fails to develop competitive new products and services and/or new and existing customers do not accept these products and services; (8) financial services laws and regulations change; (9) technology changes and United fails to adapt to those changes; (10) consumer spending and saving habits change; (11) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings occur; and (12) United is unsuccessful at managing the risks involved in its business. Additional information with respect to factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements may also be included in other reports that United files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. United cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. United does not intend to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q.

Overview

     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 and commenced operations in 1988. At June 30, 2004, United had total consolidated assets of $4.5 billion, total loans of $3.3 billion, total deposits of $3.3 billion and stockholders’ equity of $330 million.

     United’s activities are primarily conducted by its wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (which are collectively referred to as the “Banks” in this discussion) and Brintech, Inc., a consulting firm providing professional services to the financial services industry.

     This discussion reflects the three-for-two stock split effective on April 28, 2004 to shareholders of record on April 14, 2004.

Recent Mergers and Acquisitions

     On March 31, 2003, United completed its acquisition of First Central Bancshares, a community bank holding company headquartered in Lenoir City, Tennessee, and its wholly-owned Tennessee bank subsidiary, First Central Bank. On that date, First Central Bank had assets of $196 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 1,231,740 shares of its common stock valued at $20.6 million and approximately $9 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. First Central Bank’s name was changed to United Community Bank Tennessee.

     On May 1, 2003, United completed its acquisition of First Georgia Holding, a community bank holding company headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia, and its wholly-owned Georgia bank subsidiary, First Georgia Bank. At closing, First Georgia Bank had assets of $304 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 1,765,947 shares of its common stock valued at $29.3 million and approximately $12.8 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. First Georgia Bank was merged into United’s Georgia bank subsidiary.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, United acquired three branches in Avery, Mitchell and Graham counties in western North Carolina. The three branches had aggregate deposits and loans of $72 million and $11 million, respectively. These branches complemented United’s existing western North Carolina markets and were a natural extension of the existing franchise. United paid a premium for each branch of between 7% and 11% of average deposits.

     On June 1, 2004, United completed its acquisition of Fairbanco Holding Company, a thrift holding company headquartered in Fairburn, Georgia, and its wholly-owned Georgia subsidiary, 1st Community Bank. On that date, 1st Community Bank had assets of $213 million, including purchase accounting related intangibles. United exchanged 914,627 shares of its common stock valued at $20.9 million and approximately $2.7 million in cash for all of the outstanding shares. 1st Community Bank was merged into United’s Georgia bank subsidiary.

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Critical Accounting Policies

     The accounting and reporting policies of United Community Banks and its subsidiaries are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The more critical accounting and reporting policies include United’s accounting for loans and the allowance for loan losses. In particular, United’s accounting policies relating to the allowance for loan losses involve the use of estimates and require significant judgments to be made by management. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in United’s consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. See “Asset Quality and Risk Elements” herein for a complete discussion of United’s accounting methodologies related to the allowance.

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Table 1 – Financial Highlights

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Selected Financial Information
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

                                                                         
    2004   2003   Second   For the Six    
   
 
  Quarter   Months Ended   YTD
(in thousands, except per share   Second   First   Fourth   Third   Second   2004-2003  
  2004-2003
data; taxable equivalent)
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Change
  2004
  2003
  Change
    (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)        
INCOME SUMMARY
                                                                       
Interest revenue
  $ 56,680     $ 54,587     $ 53,943     $ 53,731     $ 53,261             $ 111,267     $ 101,664          
Interest expense
    17,432       16,772       17,098       17,446       18,467               34,204       36,056          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Net interest revenue
    39,248       37,815       36,845       36,285       34,794       13 %     77,063       65,608       17 %
Provision for loan losses
    1,800       1,800       1,800       1,500       1,500               3,600       3,000          
Fee revenue
    9,647       9,278       9,090       10,401       10,316       (6 )     18,925       18,693       1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total revenue
    47,095       45,293       44,135       45,186       43,610       8       92,388       81,301       14  
Operating expenses (1)
    29,363       28,176       27,572       28,712       27,699       6       57,539       51,616       11  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Income before taxes
    17,732       17,117       16,563       16,474       15,911       11       34,849       29,685       17  
Income taxes
    6,379       6,179       5,959       6,110       6,014               12,558       11,178          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Net operating income
    11,353       10,938       10,604       10,364       9,897       15       22,291       18,507       20  
Merger-related charges, net of tax
    304             383             428               304       974          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Net income
  $ 11,049     $ 10,938     $ 10,221     $ 10,364     $ 9,469       17     $ 21,987     $ 17,533       25  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
OPERATING PERFORMANCE(1)
                                                                       
Earnings per common share:
                                                                       
Basic
  $ .32     $ .31     $ .30     $ .29     $ .29       10     $ .63     $ .56       13  
Diluted
    .31       .30       .29       .29       .28       11       .61       .54       13  
Return on tangible equity (3)
    19.70 %     19.87 %     19.72 %     19.94 %     19.54 %             19.79 %     18.69 %        
Return on assets
    1.07       1.08       1.06       1.06       1.06               1.07       1.06          
Efficiency ratio
    60.05       59.83       59.81       61.34       61.40               59.94       61.23          
Dividend payout ratio
    18.75       19.35       16.67       17.24       17.24               19.05       17.86          
GAAP PERFORMANCE
                                                                       
Per common share:
                                                                       
Basic earnings
  $ .31     $ .31     $ .29     $ .29     $ .28       11     $ .62     $ .53       17  
Diluted earnings
    .30       .30       .28       .29       .27       11       .60       .51       18  
Cash dividends declared
    .06       .06       .05       .05       .05       20       .12       .10       20  
Book value
    9.10       8.80       8.47       8.20       8.15       12       9.10       8.15       12  
Tangible book value (3)
    6.77       6.86       6.52       6.44       6.37       6       6.77       6.37       6  
Key performance ratios:
                                                                       
Return on equity (2)
    14.40 %     14.87 %     14.19 %     14.90 %     14.76 %             14.63 %     15.09 %        
Return on assets
    1.04       1.08       1.02       1.06       1.01               1.06       1.01          
Net interest margin
    3.95       3.99       3.96       3.97       3.99               3.97       4.02          
Dividend payout ratio
    19.35       19.35       17.24       17.24       17.86               19.35       18.87          
Equity to assets
    7.30       7.46       7.41       7.35       7.19               7.38       7.03          
Tangible equity to assets (3)
    5.74       5.88       5.82       5.85       6.03               5.81       6.23          
ASSET QUALITY
                                                                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 42,558     $ 39,820     $ 38,655     $ 37,773     $ 37,353             $ 42,558     $ 37,353          
Non-performing assets
    8,812       7,251       7,589       7,998       8,232               8,812       8,232          
Net charge-offs
    789       635       918       1,080       1,069               1,424       2,099          
Allowance for loan losses to loans
    1.27 %     1.27 %     1.28 %     1.29 %     1.31 %             1.27 %     1.31 %        
Non-performing assets to total assets
    .19       .18       .19       .20       .21               .19       .21          
Net charge-offs to average loans
    .10       .08       .12       .15       .16               .09       .16          
AVERAGE BALANCES
                                                                       
Loans
  $ 3,235,262     $ 3,095,875     $ 2,959,626     $ 2,881,375     $ 2,742,952       18     $ 3,165,569     $ 2,583,632       23  
Investment securities
    715,586       652,867       699,059       664,523       689,384       4       684,226       652,389       5  
Earning assets
    3,991,797       3,808,877       3,695,197       3,629,819       3,497,851       14       3,900,337       3,286,461       19  
Total assets
    4,274,442       4,084,883       3,961,384       3,888,141       3,756,689       14       4,179,664       3,514,432       19  
Deposits
    3,178,776       2,955,726       2,843,600       2,826,900       2,829,986       12       3,067,251       2,649,397       16  
Stockholders’ equity
    311,942       304,926       293,464       285,790       269,972       16       308,434       246,914       25  
Common shares outstanding:
                                                                       
Basic
    35,633       35,319       35,260       35,112       34,280               35,477       33,060          
Diluted
    36,827       36,482       36,391       36,185       35,387               36,655       34,166          
AT PERIOD END
                                                                       
Loans
  $ 3,338,309     $ 3,147,303     $ 3,015,997     $ 2,918,412     $ 2,861,481       17     $ 3,338,309     $ 2,861,481       17  
Investment securities
    739,667       617,787       659,891       634,421       660,625       12       739,667       660,625       12  
Earning assets
    4,172,049       3,851,968       3,796,332       3,676,018       3,642,545       15       4,172,049       3,642,545       15  
Total assets
    4,525,446       4,118,188       4,068,834       3,942,139       3,905,929       16       4,525,446       3,905,929       16  
Deposits
    3,339,848       3,074,193       2,857,449       2,790,331       2,870,926       16       3,339,848       2,870,926       16  
Stockholders’ equity
    330,458       311,247       299,373       289,713       285,500       16       330,458       285,500       16  
Common shares outstanding
    36,246       35,331       35,289       35,232       34,967               36,246       34,967          

(1)   Excludes pre-tax merger-related charges totaling $464,000 or $.01 per diluted common share in the second quarter of 2004, and $580,000 or $.01 per diluted common share, $668,000 or $.01 per diluted common share and $840,000 or $.01 per diluted common share recorded in the fourth, second and first quarters, respectively, of 2003.

(2)   Net income available to common stockholders, which excluded preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income.

(3)   Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization.

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Merger-Related Charges

     During the second quarter of 2004, first quarter of 2003 and second quarter of 2003, United recorded merger-related charges of $464,000, $840,000 and $668,000, respectively, for termination of equipment leases, professional fees and other systems conversion costs in connection with the acquisitions of 1st Community Bank, First Central Bank and First Georgia Bank, respectively. The charges are included in operating expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. These charges have been excluded from the presentation of operating earnings as management believes that excluding merger-related charges as a financial measure provides useful information to investors because it better demonstrates United’s financial performance from its ongoing business operations. A more detailed description of these charges is in footnote 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q and footnote 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

     The table below presents a reconciliation of United’s operating earnings for the second and fourth quarters of 2003 and the second quarter of 2004 to earnings using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). There were no merger-related charges in the third quarter of 2003, or the first quarter of 2004.

Table 2 — Operating Earnings to GAAP Earnings Reconciliation
For the Three and Six Months Ended
(in thousands)

                                         
    2004   2003
  For the Six
Months Ended
    Second   Fourth   Second  
    Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  2004
  2003
Merger charges included in expenses
  $ 464     $ 580     $ 668     $ 464     $ 1,508  
Income tax effect of charges
    160       197       240       160       534  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
After-tax effect of merger-related charges
  $ 304     $ 383     $ 428     $ 304     $ 974  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net Income Reconciliation
                                       
Operating net income
  $ 11,353     $ 10,604     $ 9,897     $ 22,291     $ 18,507  
After-tax effect of merger-related charges
    (304 )     (383 )     (428 )     (304 )     (974 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (GAAP)
  $ 11,049     $ 10,221     $ 9,469     $ 21,987     $ 17,533  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
                                       
Basic operating earnings per share
  $ .32     $ .30     $ .29     $ .63     $ .56  
Per share effect of merger-related charges
    (.01 )     (.01 )     (.01 )     (.01 )     (.03 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share (GAAP)
  $ .31     $ .29     $ .28     $ .62     $ .53  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share Reconciliation
                                       
Diluted operating earnings per share
  $ .31     $ .29     $ .28     $ .61     $ .54  
Per share effect of merger-related charges
    (.01 )     (.01 )     (.01 )     (.01 )     (.03 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)
  $ .30     $ .28     $ .27     $ .60     $ .51  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Results of Operations

     Net operating income was $11.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $1.5 million, or 15%, from the same period in 2003. Diluted operating earnings per share were $.31 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $.28 for the same period in 2003, an increase of 11%. Operating return on tangible equity for the second quarter of 2004 was 19.70%, compared with 19.54% for the second quarter of 2003. Operating return on assets for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 1.07%, compared with 1.06% for the three months ended June 30, 2003.

     Year-to-date as of June 30, net operating income was $22.3 million compared to $18.5 million for the first six months of 2003, an increase of 20%. Diluted operating earnings per share were $.61 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $.54 for the same period in 2003, an increase of 13%. Operating return on tangible equity for the first six months of 2004 was 19.79%, compared with 18.69% for the first six months of 2003. Operating return on assets for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was 1.07%, compared with 1.06% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

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Net Interest Revenue (Taxable Equivalent)

     Net interest revenue (the difference between the interest earned on assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds) is the single largest component of total revenue. United actively manages this revenue source to provide an optimal level of revenue while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risks. Net interest revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $39.2 million, up 13%, over last year. Year-to-date, net interest revenue was $77.1 million, up 17% over the same period in 2003. The main driver of this increase was loan growth. Average loans increased $492 million, or 18%, from the second quarter of last year and year-to-date average loans were up $582 million, or 23% over the first six months of 2003. This loan growth was due to the acquisitions of 1st Community Bank, First Georgia Bank and three North Carolina branches, which added $96 million to the second quarter 2004 average loan balances, and continued high loan demand across all of United’s markets due to the current low rate environment. The quarter-end loan balances increased $477 million since June 30, 2003. Of this increase, $155 million was in the north Georgia markets, $90 million in western North Carolina, $184 million in the metro Atlanta market, $33 million in east Tennessee, and $15 million in the coastal Georgia markets.

     Average interest-earning assets for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 increased $494 million, or 14%, and $614 million, or 19%, respectively, over the same periods in 2003. The increase reflects the acquisitions, loan growth, as well as growth in the investment securities portfolio due to increased leveraging. The majority of the increase in interest-earning assets was funded by interest-bearing sources resulting in increases in average interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter and year-to-date of approximately $397 million and $505 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2003.

     The banking industry uses two ratios to measure relative profitability of net interest revenue. The net interest rate spread measures the difference between the average yield on interest-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 revenue as a percent of average total interest-earning assets and takes into account the positive impact of investing non interest-bearing deposits and capital.

     For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, net interest spread was 3.70% and 3.71%, respectively, while net interest margin was 3.95% and 3.99%, respectively. For the first six months of 2004 and 2003, net interest spread was 3.71% and 3.73%, respectively, while net interest margin was 3.97% and 4.02%, respectively. The net interest spread and the net interest margin were held at a relatively consistent level over the last seven quarters by managing liability mix and pricing to offset the continued decline in loan and securities yields, a result of the low rate environment. Specifically, most of the loan growth over the last year has been prime-based, adjusted daily, which has accounted for most of the decline in loan yields. At June 30, 2004, United had approximately $1.6 billion in loans indexed to the daily Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal compared with $1.1 billion a year ago. At June 30, 2004 and 2003, United had receive-fixed swap contracts with a total notional value of $512 million and $330 million, respectively, that were accounted for as cash flow hedges of prime-based loans. The swap contracts added $1.3 million to loan interest revenue in both the second quarters of 2004 and 2003. This resulted in an increase in the average loan yield of 16 basis points and 19 basis points, respectively, for the second quarters of 2004 and 2003. The effect of declining loan and securities yields was somewhat offset by a slight positive shift in the mix of earning assets. For the second quarter of 2004, loans comprised approximately 81% of interest-earning assets compared with 78% for the second quarter of 2003.

     The average yield on interest-earning assets for the second quarter of 2004 was 5.71%, compared with 6.11% in the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date average yield on interest-earning assets was 5.73%, compared to 6.23% for the first six months of 2003. The main driver of this decrease was loan yields, which were down 56 basis points for the quarter and 62 basis points for the year-to-date, as well as yields on taxable securities, which were down 11 basis points comparing second quarter 2004 to the same period in 2003 and down 20 basis points comparing the first six months of 2004 to the first six months of 2003. The shift toward floating rate loans and the 25 basis point reduction in the Prime Rate on June 25, 2003 contributed to the decline in the average loan yield. On June 30, 2004, the Federal Reserve increased the targeted federal funds rate by 25 basis points. This was immediately reflected in the prime rate being increased to 4.25%. Because the rate increase occurred so late in the quarter, it had no material impact on results.

     The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the second quarter was 2.01%, a decrease of 39 basis points from the same period in 2003. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the first six months of 2004 was 2.02%, a decrease of 48 basis points from the first six months of 2003. The decrease was due to lower rates paid on most sources of funding. United lowered deposit pricing across all of its products reflecting rate reductions initiated by the Federal Reserve in June 2003. Additionally, United continued to experience strong loan growth over the last twelve months that outpaced the growth in core deposits. United increased its reliance on lower cost funding sources such as FHLB advances and brokered time deposits instead of retail certificates of deposit.

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     The following table shows the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Table 3 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands, taxable equivalent)

                                                 
    2004
  2003
    Average           Avg.   Average           Avg.
    Balance
  Interest
  Rate
  Balance
  Interest
  Rate
Assets:
                                               
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Loans, net of unearned income (1)(2)
  $ 3,235,262     $ 49,221       6.12 %   $ 2,742,952     $ 45,652       6.68 %
Taxable securities (3)
    667,027       6,339       3.80       623,585       6,099       3.91  
Tax-exempt securities (1)
    48,559       897       7.39       65,799       1,216       7.39  
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    40,949       223       2.18       65,515       294       1.80  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-earning assets
    3,991,797       56,680       5.71       3,497,851       53,261       6.11  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (41,418 )                     (36,284 )                
Cash and due from banks
    89,759                       76,380                  
Premises and equipment
    89,126                       79,750                  
Other assets
    145,178                       138,992                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,274,442                     $ 3,756,689                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Transaction accounts
  $ 892,809     $ 1,920       .86     $ 789,891     $ 2,163       1.10  
Savings deposits
    153,061       93       .24       127,076       115       .36  
Certificates of deposit
    1,677,161       9,773       2.34       1,555,247       10,781       2.78  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,723,031       11,786       1.74       2,472,214       13,059       2.12  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Federal funds purchased
    132,259       499       1.52       45,895       146       1.28  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    517,744       3,196       2.48       492,619       3,756       3.06  
Long-term debt and other borrowings
    110,421       1,951       7.11       75,678       1,506       7.98  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total borrowed funds
    760,424       5,646       2.99       614,192       5,408       3.53  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,483,455       17,432       2.01       3,086,406       18,467       2.40  
 
           
 
                     
 
         
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing deposits
    455,745                       357,772                  
Other liabilities
    23,300                       42,539                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities
    3,962,500                       3,486,717                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity
    311,942                       269,972                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,274,442                     $ 3,756,689                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Net interest revenue
          $ 39,248                     $ 34,794          
 
           
 
                     
 
         
Net interest-rate spread
                    3.70 %                     3.71 %
 
                   
 
                     
 
 
Net interest margin (4)
                    3.95 %                     3.99 %
 
                   
 
                     
 
 

(1)   Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 39%, reflecting the statutory federal tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.

(2)   Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued.

(3)   Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $3.3 million in 2004 and $14.6 million in 2003 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.

(4)   Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

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     The following table shows the relationship between interest revenue and expense and the average balances of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Table 3 - Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis (continued)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands, taxable equivalent)

                                                 
    2004
  2003
    Average           Avg.   Average           Avg.
    Balance
  Interest
  Rate
  Balance
  Interest
  Rate
Assets:
                                               
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Loans, net of unearned income (1)(2)
  $ 3,165,569     $ 96,602       6.14 %   $ 2,583,632     $ 86,656       6.76 %
Taxable securities (3)
    634,589       12,408       3.91       587,335       12,065       4.11  
Tax-exempt securities (1)
    49,637       1,828       7.37       65,054       2,419       7.44  
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    50,542       429       1.70       50,440       524       2.08  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-earning assets
    3,900,337       111,267       5.73       3,286,461       101,664       6.23  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (40,434 )                     (33,760 )                
Cash and due from banks
    83,968                       71,510                  
Premises and equipment
    88,029                       75,386                  
Other assets
    147,764                       114,835                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,179,664                     $ 3,514,432                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Transaction accounts
  $ 876,072     $ 3,714       .85     $ 759,431     $ 4,391       1.17  
Savings deposits
    147,530       176       .24       115,912       205       .36  
Certificates of deposit
    1,609,089       19,070       2.38       1,446,696       20,889       2.91  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,632,691       22,960       1.75       2,322,039       25,485       2.21  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Federal funds purchased
    138,148       770       1.12       35,167       233       1.34  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    531,783       6,368       2.41       467,736       7,330       3.16  
Long-term debt and other borrowings
    109,574       4,106       7.54       82,085       3,008       7.39  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total borrowed funds
    779,505       11,244       2.90       584,988       10,571       3.64  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,412,196       34,204       2.02       2,907,027       36,056       2.50  
 
           
 
                     
 
         
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing deposits
    434,563                       327,357                  
Other liabilities
    24,471                       33,134                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities
    3,871,230                       3,267,518                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity
    308,434                       246,914                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 4,179,664                     $ 3,514,432                  
 
   
 
                     
 
                 
Net interest revenue
          $ 77,063                     $ 65,608          
 
           
 
                     
 
         
Net interest-rate spread
                    3.71 %                     3.73 %
 
                   
 
                     
 
 
Net interest margin (4)
                    3.97 %                     4.02 %
 
                   
 
                     
 
 

(1)   Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans has been increased to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The rate used was 39%, reflecting the statutory federal tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state tax rate.

(2)   Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued.

(3)   Securities available for sale are shown at amortized cost. Pretax unrealized gains of $7.2 million in 2004 and $14.3 million in 2003 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.

(4)   Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

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     The following table shows the relative impact on net interest revenue for changes in the average outstanding balances (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates earned and paid on such assets and liabilities (rate). 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 4 - Change in Interest Revenue and Expense on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
(in thousands)

                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30, 2004   Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
    Compared to 2003   Compared to 2003
    Increase (decrease)   Increase (decrease)
    due to changes in
  due to changes in
    Volume
  Rate
  Total
  Volume
  Rate
  Total
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Loans
  $ 7,718     $ (4,149 )   $ 3,569     $ 18,262     $ (8,316 )   $ 9,946  
Taxable securities
    416       (176 )     240       1,668       (1,325 )     343  
Tax-exempt securities
    (318 )     (1 )     (319 )     (568 )     (23 )     (591 )
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets
    (125 )     54       (71 )     3       (98 )     (95 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-earning assets
    7,691       (4,272 )     3,419       19,365       (9,762 )     9,603  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Transaction accounts
    259       (502 )     (243 )     609       (1,286 )     (677 )
Savings deposits
    21       (43 )     (22 )     48       (77 )     (29 )
Certificates of deposit
    801       (1,809 )     (1,008 )     2,183       (4,002 )     (1,819 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,081       (2,354 )     (1,273 )     2,840       (5,365 )     (2,525 )
Federal funds purchased
    321       32       353       580       (43 )     537  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    184       (744 )     (560 )     917       (1,879 )     (962 )
Long-term debt and other borrowings
    629       (184 )     445       1,029       69       1,098  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total borrowed funds
    1,134       (896 )     238       2,526       (1,853 )     673  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,215       (3,250 )     (1,035 )     5,366       (7,218 )     (1,852 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Increase in net interest revenue
  $ 5,476     $ (1,022 )   $ 4,454     $ 13,999     $ (2,544 )   $ 11,455  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Provision for Loan Losses

     The provision for loan losses was $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2004, compared with $1.5 million for the same period in 2003. Provision for the first six months of 2004 was $3.6 million, compared with $3.0 million for the first six months of 2003. Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average outstanding loans for the three months ended June 30, 2004 were .10%, as compared with .16% for the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date, net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average outstanding loans was .09%, compared to ..16% for the first six months of 2003. The historic level of charge-offs for the prior two years was 15 basis points and is more reflective of management’s expectation for the balance of 2004.

     The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of losses inherent 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.

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Fee Revenue

     Fee revenue for the second quarter and first six months of 2004, totaled $9.6 million and $18.9 million, respectively, compared with $10.3 million and $18.7 million, for the same periods in 2003. Fee revenue for the first quarter of 2004 was approximately 20% of total revenue, compared with 24% for the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date, fee revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 20%, compared with 23% for the first six months of 2003. United is focused on increasing fee revenue through new products and services. The following table presents the components of fee revenue for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 and 2003.

Table 5 — Fee Revenue
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, taxable equivalent)

                                                 
    Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended    
    June 30,
          June 30,
   
    2004
  2003
  Change
  2004
  2003
  Change
Service charges and fees
  $ 5,312     $ 4,687       13 %   $ 10,335     $ 8,261       25 %
Mortgage loan and related fees
    1,585       3,335       (52 )     2,865       5,647       (49 )
Consulting fees
    1,402       1,154       21       2,529       2,274       11  
Brokerage fees
    515       448       15       1,223       868       41  
Securities (losses) gains, net
          (3 )             (4 )     (3 )        
Other
    833       695       20       1,977       1,646       20  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total
  $ 9,647     $ 10,316       (6 )   $ 18,925     $ 18,693       1  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         

     Earnings for acquired companies are included in consolidated results beginning on their respective acquisition dates. Therefore, comparability between current and prior periods is affected by acquisitions completed over the last 18 months. However, due to timing and the relative sizes of those acquired companies, comparisons between the second quarters of 2004 and 2003 are not significantly influenced by acquisitions. The impact that acquisitions have had on comparisons between the first six months of 2004 and 2003 would mostly have occurred in the first quarter and has been described in management’s discussion and analysis in the first quarter 2004 Form 10-Q. In the following discussion, the impact of acquisitions is discussed only to the extent necessary to understand comparability between periods.

     Service charges on deposit accounts of $5.3 million, were up $625,000, or 13%, over the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date service charges were up $2.1 million, or 25%, over the same period in 2003. The increase in service charges and fees was primarily due to an increase in the number of accounts and transaction activity, resulting from successful internal efforts to increase core deposits and acquisitions.

     Mortgage loan and related fees of $1.6 million for the quarter and $2.9 million for the first six months of 2004, were down $1.8 million, or 52%, and $2.8 million, or 49%, respectively, from the same periods in 2003. Mortgage loan originations of $71 million for the second quarter 2004 were up $16 million from the first quarter of the year, but down $48 million from the second quarter of 2003, as mortgage rates rose from their historically low levels. Substantially all of these originated residential mortgages were sold into the secondary market, including the right to service these loans.

     Consulting fees for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 of $1.4 million and $2.5 million were up $248,000 and $255,000, respectively, from the same periods in 2003. This increase was due to the addition of two new services offered and growth in general consulting revenue.

     Brokerage fees of $515,000 were up $67,000, or 15% from the second quarter of 2003. For the first six months of 2004, brokerage fees of $1.2 million were up $355,000, or 41% over the same period in 2003. This increase was due to a focus on generating new business and renewed customer interest in equity securities resulting from improvements in stock market performance.

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Operating Expenses

     For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, total operating expenses, excluding merger-related charges, were $29.4 million and $57.5 million compared with $27.7 million and $51.6 million for the same periods in 2003. The following table presents the components of operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Table 6 — Operating Expenses
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)

                                                 
    Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended    
    June 30,
          June 30,
   
    2004
  2003
  Change
  2004
  2003
  Change
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 18,662     $ 17,571       6 %   $ 36,788     $ 32,675       13 %
Occupancy
    2,273       2,194       4       4,555       4,296       6  
Communications and equipment
    2,677       2,104       27       5,224       4,004       30  
Postage, printing and supplies
    1,068       1,172       (9 )     2,210       2,117       4  
Professional fees
    795       1,076       (26 )     1,632       1,971       (17 )
Advertising and public relations
    991       967       2       1,755       1,673       5  
Amortization of intangibles
    395       328       20       766       413       85  
Other
    2,502       2,287       9       4,609       4,467       3  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
 
    29,363       27,699       6       57,539       51,616       11  
Merger-related charges
    464       668               464       1,508          
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         
Total
  $ 29,827     $ 28,367       5     $ 58,003     $ 53,124       9  
 
   
 
     
 
             
 
     
 
         

     Salaries and benefits for the second quarter of 2004 totaled $18.7 million, an increase of 6% over the same period in 2003. Year-to-date salaries and benefits of $36.8 million were $4.1 million, or 13% greater than the first six months of 2003. Acquisitions accounted for approximately $800,000 of the second quarter increase, with the remainder due to normal merit increases which were partially offset by lower incentive compensation related to the decline in mortgage refinancing activities.

     Communication and equipment costs of $2.7 million for the second quarter and $5.2 million for the first six months of 2004 were up $573,000, or 27%, and $1.2 million, or 30%, respectively, over the same periods in 2003, primarily due to acquisitions and further investment in technology equipment to support business growth and enhance operating efficiencies.

     The increases of $67,000 for the quarter and $353,000 for the first six months of 2004 in intangible amortization reflect the increase in amortization of core deposit intangibles that were recorded in connection with recent acquisitions.

     The efficiency ratio measures total operating expenses, excluding merger-related charges, as a percentage of total revenue, excluding the provision for loan losses and net securities gains or losses. Based on operating income, which excludes merger-related charges, United’s efficiency ratio for the second quarter was 60.05% compared with 61.40% for the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date, the efficiency ratio was 59.94% compared with 61.23% for the first six months of 2003.

Income Taxes

     Income taxes, excluding taxable equivalent adjustments, were $5.8 million and the effective tax rate for the second quarter was 34.5%, as compared with $5.2 million and an effective tax rate of 35.4% for the second quarter of 2003. For the first six months of 2004, income taxes were $11.6 million, with an effective tax rate of 34.5%, compared to $9.5 million, with an effective tax rate of 35.2%, for the same period in 2003. The effective tax rates were lower than the statutory tax rate primarily due to interest revenue on certain investment securities and loans that are exempt from income taxes and due to tax credits. The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2004 is due to an increase in tax credits related to affordable housing investments made over the last twelve months. Additional information regarding income taxes can be found in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed with United’s 2003 Form 10-K.

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Balance Sheet Review

     Total assets at June 30, 2004 were $4.525 billion, 11% higher than the $4.069 billion at December 31, 2003 and 16% higher than the $3.906 billion at June 30, 2003. Average total assets for the second quarter of 2004 were $4.274 billion, up $518 million from average assets in the second quarter of 2003. Year-to-date, average total assets of $4.179 billion were up 19% compared to $3.514 billion for the same period in 2003.

Loans

     The following table presents a summary of United’s loan portfolio.

Table 7 — Loans Outstanding
(in thousands)

                         
    June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Commercial (commercial and industrial)
  $ 183,941     $ 190,189     $ 185,413  
Commercial (secured by real estate)
    853,956       776,591       714,213  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total commercial
    1,037,897       966,780       899,626  
Construction (secured by real estate)
    1,106,359       927,087       839,193  
Residential mortgage
    1,050,561       981,961       975,392  
Installment
    143,492       140,169       147,270  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loans
  $ 3,338,309     $ 3,015,997     $ 2,861,481  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
As a percentage of total loans:
                       
Commercial (commercial and industrial)
    6 %     6 %     7 %
Commercial (secured by real estate)
    26       26       25  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total commercial
    32       32       32  
Construction (secured by real estate)
    33       31       29  
Residential mortgage
    31       32       34  
Installment
    4       5       5  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     At June 30, 2004, total loans were $3.338 billion, an increase of $477 million, or 17%, from June 2003 and an increase of $322 million, or 11%, from December 31, 2003. The acquisitions of 1st Community Bank, which closed on June 1, 2004, and the three North Carolina branches added $90 million in balances to the loan portfolio. Average total loans for the second quarter and year-to-date 2004 were $3.235 billion and $3.166 billion, respectively, increases of $492 million, or 18%, and $582 million, or 23%, over the same periods in 2003. Over the past year, United has experienced strong loan growth in all markets, with particular strength in loans secured by real estate, both residential and non-residential. Substantially all loans are to customers located in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, the immediate market areas of the Banks. This includes customers who have a seasonal residence in the Banks’ market areas. Approximately $267 million of the increase from a year ago occurred in construction and land development loans. Growth has also been strong in residential real estate loans and commercial loans secured by real estate which grew $75 million and $140 million, respectively from June 30, 2003.

Asset Quality and Risk Elements

     United manages asset quality and controls credit risk through close supervision of the loan portfolio and the application of policies designed to promote sound underwriting and loan monitoring practices. United’s loan administration function is responsible for monitoring asset quality, establishing credit policies and procedures and enforcing the consistent application of these policies and procedures at all of the Banks. Additional information on the loan administration function is included in Item 1 under the heading Loan Review and Non-performing Assets in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     The provision for loan losses charged to earnings is based upon management’s judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level adequate to absorb probable losses. The amount each period is dependent upon many factors including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, 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 the credit administration department through an analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

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     Reviews of non-performing loans, 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 economic conditions and other factors. United also uses external loan review sources as necessary to support the activities of the loan review department and to ensure the independence of the loan review process.

     The following table presents a summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Table 8 — Summary of Loan Loss Experience
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
(in thousands)

                                 
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
  June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Balance beginning of period
  $ 39,820     $ 33,022     $ 38,655     $ 30,914  
Allowance from acquisitions
    1,727       3,900       1,727       5,538  
Loans charged-off
    (1,008 )     (1,497 )     (2,028 )     (2,654 )
Recoveries
    219       428       604       555  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net charge-offs
    (789 )     (1,069 )     (1,424 )     (2,099 )
Provision for loan losses
    1,800       1,500       3,600       3,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance end of period
  $ 42,558     $ 37,353     $ 42,558     $ 37,353  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total loans:
                               
At period end
  $ 3,338,309     $ 2,861,481     $ 3,338,309     $ 2,861,481  
Average
    3,235,262       2,742,952       3,165,569       2,583,632  
As a percentage of average loans (annualized):
                               
Net charge-offs
    .10 %     .16 %     .09 %     .16 %
Provision for loan losses
    .22       .22       .23       .23  
Allowance as a percentage of period end loans
    1.27       1.31       1.27       1.31  
Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans
    593       473       593       473  

     Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2004 is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This assessment involves uncertainty and judgment; 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 adjustments to the provision for loan losses in future periods if, in their opinion, the results of their review warrant such additions.

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Non-performing Assets

     The table below summarizes United’s non-performing assets.

Table 9 — Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands)

                         
    June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2003
Non-accrual loans
  $ 7,169     $ 6,627     $ 7,887  
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
    3             7  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-performing loans
    7,172       6,627       7,894  
Other real estate owned
    1,640       962       338  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-performing assets
  $ 8,812     $ 7,589     $ 8,232  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans
    .21 %     .22 %     .28 %
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
    .19       .19       .21  

     Non-performing loans, which include non-accrual loans and accruing loans past due over 90 days, totaled $7.2 million at June 30, 2004, compared with $6.6 million at December 31, 2003 and $7.9 million at June 30, 2003. At June 30, 2004, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was .21%, compared with .22% at December 31, 2003 and .28% at June 30, 2003. Non-performing assets, which include non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate, totaled $8.8 million at June 30, 2004, compared with $7.6 million at December 31, 2003 and $8.2 million at June 30, 2003.

     United’s policy is 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 or when the loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest previously accrued, but not collected, is reversed against current interest revenue. Depending on management’s evaluation of the borrower and loan collateral, interest revenue on a non-accrual loan may be recognized on a cash basis as payments are received. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to customers whose loans were on non-accrual status at June 30, 2004.

     At June 30, 2004 and 2003, there were $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of loans classified as impaired under the definition outlined in SFAS No. 114. Specific reserves allocated to these impaired loans totaled $281,000 at June 30, 2004, and $641,000 at June 30, 2003. The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, was $125,000 and $2.3 million, respectively. Year-to-date average recorded investment in impaired loans for 2004 and 2003 was $546,000 and $2.6 million, respectively. Interest revenue recognized on loans while they were impaired for the second quarter and first six months of 2004 was $12,000 and $15,000, respectively, compared with $6,000 and $10,000 for the same periods in 2003.

Investment Securities

     The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects United’s investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of revenue. The investment 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 investment securities for the quarter increased 4% from second quarter of 2003, and year-to-date increased 5% over the first six months of 2003, as the investment portfolio was used to help stabilize the interest rate sensitivity and increase net interest revenue.

     The investment securities portfolio consists of U.S. Government and agency securities, municipal securities and U.S. Government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities rely on the underlying pools of mortgage 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. Decreases in interest rates will generally cause an acceleration of prepayment levels. In a declining interest rate environment, United generally will not be able to reinvest the proceeds from these prepayments in assets that have comparable yields.

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Deposits

     Total deposits at June 30, 2004 were $3.340 billion, an increase of $469 million from June 30, 2003, approximately half of which came from the acquisitions of 1st Community Bank on June 1, 2004 and the three North Carolina branches in late 2003. Total non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts increased $82 million and interest-bearing demand and savings accounts increased $171 million. Total time deposits as of June 30, 2004 were $1.764 billion, an increase of $215 million from the second quarter of 2003. Of the increase in time deposits, $129 million were brokered.

     Time deposits of $100,000 and greater totaled $455 million at June 30, 2004, compared with $426 million at June 30, 2003. United utilizes “brokered” time deposits, issued in certificates of less than $100,000, as an alternative source of cost-effective funding. Brokered time deposits outstanding at June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003 were $422 million and $293 million, respectively.

Wholesale Funding

     At June 30, 2004, each of the Banks were shareholders in the Federal Home Loan Bank. Through this affiliation, secured advances totaling $535 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. FHLB advances outstanding at June 30, 2004 had both fixed and floating interest rates ranging from .13% to 7.81%. Additional information regarding FHLB advances, including scheduled maturities, is provided in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in United’s 2003 Form 10-K.

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 revenue 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.

     Net interest revenue is influenced by changes in the level of interest rates. United manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by the Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). ALCO meets regularly and has responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and reviewing United’s interest rate sensitivity.

     One of the tools management utilizes to estimate the sensitivity of net interest revenue to changes in interest rates is an interest rate simulation model. Such estimates are based upon a number of assumptions for various scenarios, including the level of balance sheet growth, deposit repricing characteristics and the rate of prepayments. The simulation model measures the potential change in net interest revenue over a twelve-month period under six interest rate scenarios. The first scenario assumes rates remain flat (“flat rate scenario”) over the next twelve months and is the scenario that all others are compared to in order to measure the change in net interest revenue. The second scenario is a most likely scenario that projects the most likely change in rates over the next twelve months based on the slope of the yield curve. United runs ramp scenarios that assume gradual increases and decreases of 200 basis points each over the next twelve months. United’s policy for net interest revenue simulation is limited to a change from the flat rate scenario of less than 10% for the up or down 200 basis point ramp scenarios over twelve months. At June 30, 2004, United’s simulation model indicated that a 200 basis point increase in rates over the next twelve months would cause an approximate 3% increase in net interest revenue and a 200 basis point decrease in rates over the next twelve months would cause an approximate 6% decrease in net interest revenue.

     In order to manage its interest rate sensitivity, United uses off-balance sheet contracts that are considered derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments can be a cost and capital effective means of modifying the repricing characteristics of on-balance sheet assets and liabilities. At June 30, 2004, United was a party to interest rate swap contracts under which it pays a variable rate and receives a fixed rate.

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     The following table presents the interest rate swap contracts outstanding at June 30, 2004.

Table 10 — Interest Rate Swap Contracts
As of June 30, 2004
(in thousands)

                                 
    Notional   Rate   Rate   Fair
Type/Maturity
  Amount
  Received
  Paid (1)
  Value
Cash Flow Contracts
                               
October 27, 2004
  $ 100,000       4.24 %     4.00 %   $ (140 )
December 23, 2004
    50,000       4.37       4.00       (110 )
December 27, 2004
    100,000       4.39       4.00       (210 )
October 24, 2005
    44,000       5.57       4.00       65  
December 4, 2006
    15,000       5.85       4.00       (150 )
December 17, 2006
    30,000       5.99       4.00       (205 )
April 19, 2007
    15,000       5.85       4.00       (235 )
May 13, 2007
    25,000       6.47       4.00       8  
May 14, 2007
    15,000       6.47       4.00       3  
May 14, 2007
    10,000       6.47       4.00       5  
October 23, 2007
    108,000       6.08       4.00       (240 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total Cash Flow Contracts
  $ 512,000       5.20 %     4.00 %   $ (1,209 )
 
   
                     
 

(1) Based on prime rate at June 30, 2004. On July 1, 2004, the prime rate rose to 4.25%

     All of United’s derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flow hedges. The change in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. Cash flow hedges consist of interest rate swap contracts that are designated as hedges of daily repricing prime based loans. Under these contracts, United receives a fixed interest rate and pays a floating rate based on the Prime Rate as posted in the Wall Street Journal.

     United’s policy requires all derivative financial instruments be used only for asset/liability management through the hedging of specific transactions or positions, and not for trading or speculative purposes. Management believes that the risk associated with using derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk sensitivity is minimal and should not have any material unintended impact on the financial condition or results of operations. In order to mitigate potential credit risk, from time to time United may require the counterparties to derivative contracts to pledge securities as collateral to cover the net exposure.

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 and to take advantage of revenue 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 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 uses 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 $18.6 million at June 30, 2004, and typically turn over every 45 days as the closed loans are sold to investors in the secondary market. Other short-term investments such as federal funds sold are additional sources of liquidity.

     The liability section of the balance sheet provides liquidity through interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposit accounts. Federal funds purchased, FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are additional sources of

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liquidity and represent United’s incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of liquidity are generally short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet other short-term liquidity needs.

     United has available lines of credit at its holding company with other financial institutions totaling $85 million. At June 30, 2004, United had sufficient qualifying collateral to increase FHLB advances by $330 million. United’s internal policy limits brokered deposits to 20% of total deposits, excluding the brokered deposits. At June 30, 2004, United had the capacity to increase brokered deposits by $161 million and still remain within this limit. In addition to these wholesale sources, United has the ability to attract retail deposits at any time by competing more aggressively on pricing.

     As disclosed in United’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, net cash provided by operating activities was $24.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004. The major contributors in this category were net income of $22.0 million, depreciation, amortization and accretion of $7.7 million and an increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $7.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in other assets of $8.1 million and an increase in mortgage loans held for sale of $7.9 million. Net cash used by investing activities of $289.4 million consisted primarily of a net increase in loans totaling $231.4 million and $254.1 million used to purchase investment securities, partially offset by proceeds from sales, maturities and calls of investment securities of $197.2 million. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of a net increase in deposits of $306.5 million, and a net increase in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements of $138.0 million, partially offset by a net decrease in FHLB advances of $105.3 million and a $43.9 million net decrease in other borrowings. In the opinion of management, the liquidity position at June 30, 2004 is sufficient to meet its expected cash flow requirements.

Capital Resources and Dividends

     Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2004 was $330.5 million, an increase of $45.0 million from June 30, 2003. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the calculation of regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Excluding the change in the accumulated other comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity increased $59.6 million, or 22%, from June 30, 2003, of which $21.0 million was the result of shares exchanged for the acquisition of 1st Community Bank. Dividends of $2.2 million, or $.06 per share, were declared on common stock during the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 20% from the amount declared in 2003. On an operating basis, the dividend payout ratios for the second quarters of 2004 and 2003 were 19% and 17%, respectively, while for the first six months of 2004 and 2003, the dividend payout ratios were 19% and 18%, 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.

     United’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock through December 31, 2004. Through June 30, 2004, a total of 1,311,000 shares have been purchased under this program at an average cost of $14.78. No shares were purchased during the first six months of 2004.

     United trades on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol UCBI. The closing price for the period ended June 30, 2004 was $25.18. Below is a quarterly schedule of high and low stock prices for 2004 and 2003.

Table 11 — Stock Price Information

                                 
    2004
  2003
    High
  Low
  High
  Low
First quarter
  $ 24.62     $ 21.37     $ 18.00     $ 14.67  
Second quarter
    25.36       21.89       18.00       15.37  
Third quarter
                    20.02       16.34  
Fourth quarter
                    23.93       18.51  

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     The following table presents the quarterly cash dividends declared in 2004 and 2003 and the respective payout ratios as a percentage of basic operating earnings per share, which excludes merger-related charges.

Table 12 — Dividend Payout Information (based on operating earnings)

                                 
    2004
  2003
    Dividend
  Payout %
  Dividend
  Payout %
First quarter
  $ .06       19     $ .05       19 (1)
Second quarter
    .06       19 (1)     .05       17 (1)
Third quarter
                    .05       17  
Fourth quarter
                    .05       17 (1)

(1)   Dividend payout ratios for the second quarter of 2004, and the first, second and fourth quarters of 2003 were 19%, 20%, 18% and 17%, respectively, when calculated using GAAP earnings per share.

     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 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. To be considered well capitalized under the guidelines, a 10% total risk-based capital ratio is required, of which 6% must be Tier I capital.

     The following table shows United’s capital ratios, as calculated under regulatory guidelines, at June 30, 2004 and 2003.

Table 13 — Capital Ratios
(in thousands)

                                 
    2004
  2003
    Actual   Regulatory   Actual   Regulatory
    Amount
  Minimum
  Amount
  Minimum
Tier I Leverage:
                               
Amount
  $ 287,907     $ 125,698     $ 245,789     $ 110,840  
Ratio
    6.87 %     3.00 %     6.65 %     3.00 %
Tier I Risk Based:
                               
Amount
  $ 287,907     $ 136,936     $ 245,789     $ 116,882  
Ratio
    8.41 %     4.00 %     8.41 %     4.00 %
Total Risk Based:
                               
Amount
  $ 399,601     $ 273,873     $ 332,185     $ 233,765  
Ratio
    11.67 %     8.00 %     11.37 %     8.00 %

     United’s Tier I capital, which excludes other comprehensive income, consists of stockholders’ equity and qualifying capital securities less goodwill and deposit-based intangibles, totaled $288 million at June 30, 2004. Tier II capital components include supplemental capital items 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 $400 million at June 30, 2004. The capital ratios, as calculated under the guidelines, were 8.41% and 11.67% for Tier I and Total Risk-based capital, respectively, at June 30, 2004.

     A minimum leverage ratio is required in addition to the risk-based capital standards and is defined as Tier I capital divided by average assets adjusted for goodwill and deposit-based intangibles. Although a minimum leverage ratio of 3% 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 3% 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 June 30, 2004 and 2003 were 6.87% and 6.65%, respectively.

     The capital ratios of United and the Banks currently exceed the minimum ratios as defined by federal regulators. United monitors these ratios to ensure that United and the Banks remain above regulatory minimum guidelines.

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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 investment 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 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.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

     There have been no material changes in United’s quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of June 30, 2004 from that presented in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. The interest rate sensitivity position at June 30, 2004 is included in management’s discussion and analysis on page 22 of this report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     United’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, supervised and participated in an evaluation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2004. Based on, and as of the date of, that evaluation, United’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective in accumulating and communicating information to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures of that information under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports that are filed or submitted by United under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

     There were no significant changes in the internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     In the ordinary course of operations, United and the Banks are defendants in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, there is no pending or threatened proceeding in which an adverse decision could result in a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of United.

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities – None

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities – None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

    United held its annual meeting of shareholders on April 28, 2004.

    At the annual meeting, the shareholders elected Jimmy C. Tallent, Robert L. Head, Jr., W. C. Nelson, Jr., A. William Bennett, Robert H. Blalock, Guy W. Freeman, Thomas C. Gilliland, Charles E. Hill, Hoyt O. Holloway, Clarence W. Mason, Sr., and Tim Wallis as directors to serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified. The elections were approved by the votes set forth in the following table.

                 
Election of Directors
  Shares Voted in Favor
  Shares Withheld
Jimmy C. Tallent
    17,494,870       151,478  
Robert L. Head, Jr.
    16,477,775       1,168,573  
W. C. Nelson, Jr.
    17,153,863       492,485  
A. William Bennett
    17,135,258       511,090  
Robert H. Blalock
    17,214,412       431,936  
Guy W. Freeman
    17,495,103       151,245  
Thomas C. Gilliland
    17,495,228       151,120  
Charles E. Hill
    17,213,367       432,981  
Hoyt O. Holloway
    17,153,563       492,785  
Clarence W. Mason, Sr.
    17,213,651       432,697  
Tim Wallis
    16,479,031       1,167,317  

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    Shareholders also voted on an amendment to the restated articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000, as well as an amendment to the 2000 Key Employee Stock Option plan. The amendments were approved by the votes set forth in the following table.

                 
Amendment
  Shares Voted in Favor
  Shares Withheld
Restated Articles of Incorporation
    17,052,529       570,109  
Amendment to 2000 Key Employee Stock Option plan
    13,885,643       974,919  

Item 5. Other Information – None

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits

     
31.1
  Certification by Jimmy C. Tallent, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Community Banks, Inc., as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
31.2
  Certification by Rex S. Schuette, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Community Banks, Inc., as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
   
32
  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

    A current report on Form 8-K dated April 20, 2004, was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under item 12 “Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of such form, furnishing materials for the first quarter 2004 earnings announcement conducted by Jimmy C. Tallent, President and Chief Executive Officer and Rex S. Schuette, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Community Banks, Inc. on April 20, 2004.

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Signatures

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
   UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
 
   
  /s/ Jimmy C. Tallent
 
  Jimmy C. Tallent
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
  /s/ Rex S. Schuette
 
  Rex S. Schuette
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
 
   
  /s/ Alan H. Kumler
 
  Alan H. Kumler
  Senior Vice President and
  Controller
  (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
   
  Date: August 6, 2004

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