On its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, held on Oct. 20, 2026, Atlantic Union (NYSE:AUB) highlighted annualized loan growth of 9.6%, disciplined credit management, and strategic market expansion. For long-term investors, the regional bank’s ability to drive organic market share in fast-growing regions while holding net charge-offs near zero demonstrates durable earning power.
Two things management said stand out.
1. North Carolina Expansion Drives Organic Growth
Expanding physical branches and commercial lending teams in high-growth Southeastern markets gives the bank a clear runway for long-term deposit gathering and commercial lending expansion.
Our North Carolina expansion is underway. We began with one branch in the Raleigh region and plan to add seven new branches there, bringing us to eight across the region when complete.
— John C. Asbury, President and CEO
2. Commercial Borrower Strength Keeps Credit Quality Sound
Despite higher borrowing costs across the economy, commercial and industrial (C and I) clients absorb rate pressures without triggering balance sheet stress or elevated defaults.
On the C and I side, even though rates have gone up, the interest rate cost expense to a C and I borrower is a small percent of their overall operating cost.
— Douglas F. Woolley, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
Looking Ahead
Commercial loan pipelines remain active across core markets, balancing elevated financing costs with regional business activity.
Conditions across our markets remain resilient, although we expect certain aspects of the operating environment to become more challenging over time.
— John C. Asbury, President and CEO
Deep regional market knowledge and disciplined capital allocation give the bank structural flexibility to execute its expansion while returning capital through share repurchases.
Healthy loan demand, strong credit performance, and continued earnings and capital generation provide the flexibility to invest in the franchise, return capital to shareholders, and create long-term shareholder value.
— John C. Asbury, President and CEO
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