UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC Buys New Position in United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ:UCB)

UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC bought a new position in shares of United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ:UCB - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 275,094 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $8,888,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC owned 0.23% of United Community Banks at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in United Community Banks during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $80,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Community Banks during the fourth quarter worth $3,050,000. Swiss National Bank bought a new stake in shares of United Community Banks in the fourth quarter valued at about $7,573,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Community Banks in the fourth quarter valued at about $273,000. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Community Banks in the fourth quarter valued at about $498,000. Institutional investors own 82.29% of the company's stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have commented on UCB shares. DA Davidson reduced their target price on shares of United Community Banks from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Stephens reiterated an "overweight" rating and issued a $36.00 target price on shares of United Community Banks in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on shares of United Community Banks from $35.00 to $32.00 and set a "market perform" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Hovde Group upgraded shares of United Community Banks from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $32.00 to $31.00 in a report on Monday, April 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $33.14.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Sally Pope Davis bought 1,800 shares of the company's stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 11th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $28.19 per share, for a total transaction of $50,742.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,264 shares in the company, valued at approximately $92,012.16. This represents a 122.95% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.54% of the company's stock.

United Community Banks Stock Down 0.6%

Shares of UCB traded down $0.16 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $28.68. 668,956 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 660,252. United Community Banks, Inc. has a 1-year low of $22.93 and a 1-year high of $35.38. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The company has a market capitalization of $3.48 billion, a PE ratio of 14.06 and a beta of 0.78. The business has a 50 day moving average of $27.22 and a 200 day moving average of $30.34.

United Community Banks Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Sunday, June 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 13th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.35%. United Community Banks's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.50%.

About United Community Banks

United Community Banks, Inc operates as the financial holding company for United Community Bank that provides financial products and services to commercial, retail, government, education, energy, health care, and real estate sectors. It accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts.