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Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (AUB)
NYSE:AUB

Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) AI Stock Analysis

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AUB

Atlantic Union Bankshares

(NYSE:AUB)

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Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$42.00
▲(13.33% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/27/26
The score is held back primarily by weakened 2025 cash flow and higher leverage despite strong revenue growth. Offsetting this, the latest earnings call/guidance was positive with strong adjusted profitability, solid credit quality, and integration progress, while technicals are mildly supportive and valuation/dividend are moderately attractive.
Positive Factors
Accelerating Revenue Growth
Material top-line acceleration reflects successful scale-up from acquisitions and organic loan growth. Durable revenue expansion expands funding of operating costs, funds loan growth targets, and supports capital build, lowering execution risk for the next several quarters.
High Adjusted Operating Profitability
Consistently top‑quartile adjusted returns and a sub‑50% efficiency ratio indicate structural operating discipline and high earnings power. This durability enhances capacity to absorb merger-related noise and supports sustainable shareholder returns and reinvestment over 2–6 months.
Integration Progress & Cost Savings
Completed systems conversion and realized run‑rate savings reduce operational risk and create permanent expense leverage. As additional savings roll in, margins and efficiency should improve structurally, aiding profitability and free cash flow generation beyond one-off merger impacts.
Negative Factors
Material Cash Flow Weakening
A sharp decline in operating and free cash flow materially reduces internally generated liquidity used for capital returns, loan growth, or contingency buffers. Over 2–6 months this raises reliance on external funding and constrains tactical capital deployment if trends persist.
Sharp Increase in Debt
A sizable year‑over‑year rise in debt raises fixed funding obligations and reduces financial flexibility. Even with larger equity, lower ROE indicates returns haven't kept pace, making the franchise more sensitive to rate moves and potential funding stress over the medium term.
Volatile Accretion/Swap Income & Elevated Expenses
Dependence on deal accretion and volatile swap income to boost NII undermines margin predictability as those sources decline. Concurrently rising noninterest expenses and episodic fraud losses raise the expense base, pressuring sustainable net margins and earnings stability.

Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Atlantic Union Bankshares Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAtlantic Union Bankshares Corporation operates as the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank that provides banking and related financial services to consumers and businesses. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, NOW, time deposit, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; and other depository services. It also provides loans for commercial, industrial, residential mortgage, and consumer purposes. In addition, the company offers credit cards, automated teller machine (ATM) services, mobile and internet banking services, and online bill payment services, as well as financial planning, trust, and wealth management services. Further, it provides securities, brokerage, and investment advisory products and services; and originates and sells residential loan products in the secondary market. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 130 branches and approximately 150 ATMs in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. The company was formerly known as Union Bankshares Corporation and changed its name to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation in May 2019. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyAtlantic Union Bankshares generates revenue through several key streams including interest income, fees and commissions, and wealth management services. The majority of its income comes from interest earned on loans and investments, where the bank lends money at higher interest rates than what it pays to depositors. Additionally, the bank charges fees for services such as account maintenance, overdrafts, and transaction services. Wealth management services, which include investment advisory and trust services, also contribute to revenue through fees based on assets under management. Strategic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations enhance customer acquisition and retention, thereby bolstering earnings.

Atlantic Union Bankshares Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 22, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed robust operating performance following the Sandy Spring acquisition: strong loan growth, NIM expansion, top-tier adjusted returns (ROTCE and efficiency), improved asset quality, tangible book growth, and reiterated 2026 guidance. Key negatives were sizable merger-related pretax charges that depressed GAAP results, seasonal deposit outflows in Q4, some elevated noninterest expenses (including episodic fraud losses), and the acknowledged variability of accretion and swap income. Management presented clear integration progress, a path to cost savings, and constructive capital deployment plans (dividend increase and potential buybacks when excess capital criteria are met). Overall the positive operating fundamentals and outlook outweighed the transitory and integration-related headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Q4 Loan Growth and Refilled Pipeline
Loans held for investment rose to $27.8B, up $435M (≈6.3% annualized) in Q4; management reported the loan pipeline was higher at quarter end versus quarter start and reiterated 2026 year-end loan guidance of $29B–$30B.
Net Interest Margin and NII Improvement
Fully tax-equivalent net interest margin increased 13 basis points to 3.96% in Q4; tax-equivalent net interest income was $334.8M for the quarter (up $11.2M vs. Q3). Full‑year NII guidance for 2026 is $1.35B–$1.375B.
Outstanding Adjusted Operating Profitability Metrics
Q4 adjusted operating earnings available to common shareholders were $138.4M ($0.97 EPS) producing adjusted operating ROTCE of 22.1%, adjusted operating ROA of 1.5% and adjusted efficiency ratio of 47.8%; full-year 2025 adjusted ROTCE was 20.4%.
Asset Quality Remains Strong
Q4 annualized net charge-off ratio was 1 basis point and full-year NCOs were 17 basis points (within 15–20 bps guidance); non-performing assets declined to 0.42% of loans (down 7 bps QoQ) and criticized/classified assets stayed low at 4.7%.
Deposit Cost Reduction and Cost of Funds Improvement
Cost of funds decreased 14 basis points to 2.03% in Q4 as management aggressively lowered deposit rates (~$12–$13B repriced), contributing meaningfully to margin expansion.
Integration Progress and Realized/Future Cost Savings
Core systems conversion completed in October; merger-related charge noise expected to decline with only modest residual expenses anticipated in Q1 (~< $5M). Management reiterated $80M targeted run‑rate cost savings, with ~60M annualized already achieved and additional savings coming through.
Capital, Shareholder Returns and Tangible Book Value Growth
Regulatory capital ratios remain comfortably above well-capitalized levels; tangible book value per common share rose ~4% to $19.69 in Q4; common dividend increased 8.8% to $0.37/share and management indicated potential share repurchases when excess capital is available (targeting CET1 >10.5%).
Guidance and 2026 Outlook Reiterated
Management maintained 2026 guidance: year-end deposits $31.5B–$32.5B, allowance-to-loans ~115–120 bps, net charge-offs 10–15 bps, fully tax-equivalent NIM ~3.94% (assumes two 25 bps Fed cuts). Accretion income baseline modeled at $150M–$160M for 2026.
Negative Updates
Material Merger-Related Charges
Merger-related pretax costs materially affected reported results: $38.6M excluded in Q4 and $157.3M excluded for full-year 2025; these items reduced GAAP reported earnings (reported net income available to common was $109M, EPS $0.77 in Q4).
Quarterly Deposit Decline and Seasonality
Total deposits fell to $30.5B, down $193.7M (≈2.5% annualized) QoQ, driven by a $260M decline in demand deposits; management attributes much of the decline to typical year‑end commercial activity though some balances only returned in early Q1.
Higher Noninterest Expense and Episodic Fraud Losses
Adjusted operating noninterest expense increased to $186.9M (up $1.4M QoQ) driven by a $2.4M rise in other expenses including elevated noncredit customer losses (fraud/scam-related), and increased marketing spend; fraud items described as episodic but elevated in Q4.
Volatility and Future Uncertainty in Accretion and Swap Income
Accretion income boosted Q4 results but is expected to decline over time (management models $150M–$160M for 2026); interest-rate swap income is a meaningful contributor but acknowledged as quarter-to-quarter variable (27% of swap income in Q4 from former Sandy Spring customers).
One-Time Items and Prior Quarter Charge-offs
Q3 included two C&I charge-offs that drove a Q3 net charge-off ratio of 56 bps annualized; Q4 benefited from the absence of those but highlights the possible volatility in credit metrics if large events occur.
Earning Asset Yield Slightly Pressured and Margin Risks from Fed Cuts
Earning asset yields decreased modestly (1 basis point QoQ) and management notes future margin pressure is possible if the Fed cuts rates more or faster than modeled, although they plan to offset with lower deposit costs.
Company Guidance
Management reiterated its full‑year 2026 outlook: year‑end loans of $29–$30 billion and deposits of $31.5–$32.5 billion; allowance for credit losses to loans of roughly 115–120 bps with a net charge‑off ratio guided to 10–15 bps; full‑year fully tax‑equivalent net interest income of $1.35–$1.375 billion (inclusive of accretion) and a projected FTE NIM of about 3.94% (assuming two 25‑bp Fed cuts in April and September); purchase‑account accretion modeled at roughly $150–$160 million; noninterest income of $220–$230 million and adjusted operating noninterest expense of $750–$760 million (about $188 million/quarter average, with a modestly higher Q1 due to seasonality); tangible book value per share growth targeted at 12–15% and a goal to be in the top quartile of peers, with excess capital above ~10.5% CET1 available for potential buybacks; management also noted only modest residual merger‑related costs (under ~$5 million) in Q1 and that regulatory capital ratios remain comfortably above well‑capitalized levels.

Atlantic Union Bankshares Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong revenue growth in 2025, but overall quality is mixed: net margins compressed, debt increased sharply year over year, and operating/free cash flow deteriorated materially in 2025 versus 2024, raising near-term funding and sustainability concerns.
Income Statement
74
Positive
Revenue growth has accelerated meaningfully, rising from $1.35B (2024) to $2.02B (2025), following steady growth in prior years. Profitability remains solid, but margins have compressed versus earlier periods: net margin declined to ~13.5% (2025) from ~15.5% (2024) and ~19.3% (2023), signaling less favorable spread/expense dynamics. Overall, AUB shows strong top-line momentum with moderating earnings efficiency.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage looks manageable on the latest year with debt-to-equity of ~0.30 (2025), but debt levels stepped up sharply year over year ($1.50B in 2025 vs. $0.53B in 2024), which reduces flexibility if earnings weaken. Equity has grown substantially (to $5.01B in 2025), providing balance-sheet support, but returns on equity have drifted lower to ~5.5% (2025) from ~6.7% (2024) and ~7.9% (2023), indicating profitability is not keeping pace with the capital base.
Cash Flow
38
Negative
Cash generation weakened materially in 2025: operating cash flow fell to ~$98M from ~$308M in 2024, and free cash flow dropped similarly, with free cash flow growth down ~95.6%. While free cash flow remains roughly in line with net income in the provided data, the sharp year-over-year decline in operating and free cash flow raises questions about sustainability and near-term funding capacity versus recent earnings levels.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.02B1.35B1.05B778.96M711.16M
Gross Profit1.23B767.33M670.27M683.76M730.95M
EBITDA396.52M295.11M280.86M325.39M369.49M
Net Income273.71M209.13M201.82M234.51M263.92M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets37.59B24.59B21.17B20.46B20.06B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.43B2.79B2.60B3.06B4.28B
Total Debt1.50B534.62M1.31B1.71B506.59M
Total Liabilities32.58B21.44B18.61B18.09B17.35B
Stockholders Equity5.01B3.14B2.56B2.37B2.71B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow97.85M301.06M272.94M416.82M328.39M
Operating Cash Flow97.85M308.46M278.05M419.67M337.79M
Investing Cash Flow-268.17M-295.69M-603.28M-1.28B-345.44M
Financing Cash Flow169.61M-36.83M383.42M375.18M316.86M

Atlantic Union Bankshares Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price37.06
Price Trends
50DMA
38.14
Negative
100DMA
35.74
Positive
200DMA
33.88
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.10
Positive
RSI
38.13
Neutral
STOCH
30.35
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AUB, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 37.06 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.89, below the 50-day MA of 38.14, and above the 200-day MA of 33.88, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.10 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 38.13 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 30.35 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for AUB.

Atlantic Union Bankshares Risk Analysis

Atlantic Union Bankshares disclosed 67 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Atlantic Union Bankshares reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Atlantic Union Bankshares Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$4.92B10.9916.75%1.66%-9.31%
73
Outperform
$4.43B17.5013.89%2.42%12.90%16.92%
71
Outperform
$5.27B12.9510.53%1.02%2.20%20.88%
70
Outperform
$5.50B11.6211.28%2.74%-0.78%25.39%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
63
Neutral
$5.28B18.286.72%3.83%43.53%-21.74%
61
Neutral
$5.80B12.648.84%3.77%8.83%15.49%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AUB
Atlantic Union Bankshares
37.06
3.41
10.15%
ABCB
Ameris Bancorp
77.66
14.14
22.27%
AX
Axos Financial
86.82
20.69
31.29%
FFIN
First Financial Bankshares
30.93
-6.01
-16.26%
HWC
Hancock Whitney
65.81
11.11
20.30%
UBSI
United Bankshares
41.30
6.66
19.24%

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Atlantic Union Bankshares Names New Chief Financial Officer
Positive
Feb 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026, Atlantic Union Bankshares announced that Alexander D. Dodd, 49, will become executive vice president and chief financial officer of both the company and Atlantic Union Bank, effective April 13, 2026, succeeding long-serving CFO Robert M. Gorman. Gorman, who is retiring after nearly 14 years, will remain through September 30, 2026 as an executive advisor to support a structured leadership handover and continuity in the finance function.

Dodd joins from TD Bank Group, where over nearly two decades he held senior finance roles including deputy CFO, executive vice president, and interim CFO for TD’s U.S. operations. His extensive experience overseeing line-of-business CFOs, financial planning and analysis and corporate strategy at a large North American institution is expected to strengthen Atlantic Union’s financial leadership as it competes among regional banks and executes its growth strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Buy with a $47.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Atlantic Union Bankshares outlines 2026 strategy and outlook
Neutral
Jan 30, 2026

Atlantic Union Bankshares has released an investor presentation to be used by management in meetings with investors, analysts and other stakeholders during the first quarter of 2026, outlining its strategic priorities, financial outlook for 2026, and expansion plans, including its North Carolina growth strategy and integration of recent acquisitions such as Sandy Spring Bancorp and American National. The materials highlight the company’s expectations and underlying assumptions regarding deposit funding, net interest margin, capital and liquidity, asset quality and commercial real estate exposure, while also emphasizing a wide range of macroeconomic, regulatory, credit, and operational risks that could materially affect actual results, signaling to stakeholders both the potential benefits of its growth and acquisition strategy and the considerable uncertainties surrounding its execution in the current banking environment.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Buy with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Atlantic Union Bankshares Declares Quarterly Common and Preferred Dividends
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

On January 29, 2026, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation announced that its board declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.37 per share, unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2025 but $0.03, or 8.8%, higher than the first quarter of 2025; based on the January 28, 2026 closing price of $38.90, the dividend equates to a yield of about 3.8%, and will be paid on February 27, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 13, 2026. The board also approved a quarterly dividend on its 6.875% Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, of $171.88 per share, or $0.43 per depositary share, payable on March 2, 2026 to holders of record on February 13, 2026, underscoring the company’s continued emphasis on returning capital to both common and preferred shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Hold with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Atlantic Union Bankshares Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings
Positive
Jan 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, Atlantic Union Bankshares reported that for the fourth quarter of 2025 it generated net income available to common shareholders of $109.0 million, or $0.77 per share, and adjusted operating earnings of $138.4 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, reflecting the ongoing impact of merger-related charges tied to its Sandy Spring Bancorp acquisition. For full-year 2025, the company posted net income of $261.8 million, or $2.03 per share, and adjusted operating earnings of $444.8 million, or $3.44 per share, with management highlighting that the strong adjusted results underscore the earnings capacity of the combined franchise and support its strategic targets for profitability and efficiency. Fourth-quarter net interest income rose to $330.2 million, driven by lower deposit costs after Federal Reserve rate cuts and higher loan and investment income, pushing the net interest margin to 3.90% as accretion from the Sandy Spring deal boosted yields. Asset quality remained solid at year-end 2025, with nonperforming assets at 0.42% of loans held for investment, declining from the prior quarter due to fewer new problem credits and resolutions of existing ones, while net charge-offs were negligible at 0.01% of average loans and the allowance for credit losses edged up to $321.3 million, indicating continued conservative credit provisioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Hold with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Atlantic Union Schedules Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Results
Neutral
Dec 30, 2025

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation announced on December 30, 2025, that it will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results before markets open on Thursday, January 22, 2026, followed by a conference call and webcast for investors at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time the same day. The planned release and investor call underscore the company’s ongoing engagement with the investment community, offering stakeholders an opportunity to assess recent financial performance and strategic activities as the regional banking group closes out its 2025 fiscal year.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Hold with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Atlantic Union Bankshares Outlines Strategic Growth Plans
Positive
Dec 10, 2025

On December 10, 2025, Atlantic Union Bankshares hosted an Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange, where the executive management team outlined the company’s strategic priorities and future plans. The presentation included updated financial outlooks for 2025 and 2026, and medium-term financial targets, reflecting the company’s focus on strategic growth and expansion, particularly in North Carolina, and its acquisition of Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

The most recent analyst rating on (AUB) stock is a Buy with a $39.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Atlantic Union Bankshares stock, see the AUB Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026