UCB

United Community Banks (UCB) is highlighted as a strong momentum pick with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating and Momentum Style Score of B. The stock has outperformed its industry and the broader market, rising 2.13% weekly, 9.89% monthly, and 24.68% annually. Recent positive earnings estimate revisions support the bullish outlook.

United Community Banks (UCB) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating due to rising earnings estimate revisions. The bank holding company is expected to earn $3.01 per share for fiscal year 2026, with analysts raising consensus estimates by 2.6% over the past three months. The upgrade positions UCB in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for near-term stock price appreciation.

Zacks has added five stocks to its Strong Buy list today: Concrete Pumping Holdings (BBCP) with 11.8% earnings estimate increase, United Community Banks (UCB) with 2.1% increase, Transportadora De Gas (TGS) with 0.7% increase, Seagate Technology (STX) with 0.1% increase, and Immunic (IMUX) with 4.4% increase over the last 60 days.

United Community Banks (UCB), a Southeast-based bank holding company, offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.08% with a current annualized dividend of $1.04, up 6.1% year-over-year. The company has increased dividends 4 times over the last 5 years with an average annual increase of 6.51%. With a conservative 35% payout ratio and expected earnings growth of 10.33% for 2026, UCB is positioned as both a compelling dividend investment and growth opportunity, earning a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

United Community Banks is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 20, with consensus estimates of $0.77 EPS (up 2.7% YoY) and $281.33M in revenues (up 1.6% YoY). However, the stock carries a negative Earnings ESP of -0.65%, indicating recent analyst pessimism. With a mixed track record of beating estimates (only 1 beat in last 4 quarters) and a recent miss of -11.25%, UCB is not considered a compelling earnings-beat candidate despite its Zacks Rank #2 rating.

United Community Banks (UCB), a Greenville-based bank holding company, is highlighted as an attractive dividend investment opportunity. The company offers a dividend yield of 3.12%, above its industry average of 1.97%, with an annualized dividend of $1.04 up 6.1% year-over-year.

UCB has increased dividends 4 times over the last 5 years with an average annual increase of 6.51%. With a conservative 35% payout ratio and expected earnings growth of 9.96% for 2026, the company holds a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), making it a compelling investment for income-focused investors.

Live Oak Bancshares is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $0.68 per share (up 23.6% YoY) with revenues of $167.5 million (up 14.7% YoY) on October 21. However, with an Earnings ESP of 0% and Zacks Rank #3, the stock is not considered a compelling earnings-beat candidate. The company has beaten consensus estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters.