Regional banking company Ameris Bancorp (NYSE: ABCB) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 2026 as sales rose 2.5% year on year to $320.9 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.73 per share was 3.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy ABCB? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

StockStory’s take

Ameris Bancorp’s third quarter results showed steady growth in earning assets and disciplined expense management, even as total revenue came in below Wall Street expectations. Management attributed profitability to a balanced approach—highlighting a strong net interest margin, diversified loan growth, and efficiency improvements. CEO Palmer Proctor emphasized, “Our focus continues to be on building core franchise value through profitable growth and strong profitability metrics.”

Looking ahead, Ameris Bancorp’s management expects continued mid-single digit loan and deposit growth, with a focus on maintaining profitability as competitive pressures on deposit costs persist. CFO Nicole Stokes noted that while some margin compression is possible, the company will rely on core deposit growth and disciplined lending to support earnings. Management remains cautious about the impact of rising rates and industry competition, with Proctor stating, “Our growth is going to be guided by opportunities in our market and the economic conditions surrounding that.”

Key insights from management’s remarks

Management pointed to disciplined lending, robust asset quality, and core deposit focus as primary drivers of the quarter’s results, while also acknowledging ongoing headwinds from deposit competition and mortgage revenue decline.

• Loan growth diversification: Loan production remained healthy, driven by a mix of commercial & industrial (C&I), residential mortgage, and construction lending, helping offset elevated commercial real estate (CRE) paydowns.
• Core deposit strength: Non-interest-bearing and checking accounts accounted for nearly half of the deposit base, supporting a stable funding profile and helping protect net interest margins from rising funding costs.
• Margin discipline maintained: Management preserved a net interest margin of 3.87%, noting that competitive deposit pricing and slight increases in funding costs were offset by disciplined loan pricing and favorable asset yields.
• Expense management: The adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 49.15%, reflecting both increased revenue and lower expenses, particularly as mortgage-related compensation declined alongside a pullback in mortgage production.
• Asset quality outperformance: Credit metrics remained favorable relative to peers, with low levels of non-performing assets and net charge-offs, and a reserve coverage ratio that management believes positions the bank well against industry risks.

Drivers of future performance

Ameris Bancorp’s outlook is shaped by its focus on profitable, measured growth and the need to navigate deposit competition and macroeconomic uncertainty.

• Deposit cost pressures: Management expects continued upward pressure on deposit costs due to industry competition and potential further rate hikes, which could compress margins in coming quarters if not offset by loan repricing.
• Loan and deposit growth: The bank is targeting mid-single digit growth in both loans and deposits, emphasizing a balanced approach and a willingness to forego unprofitable lending opportunities amid increased market competition.
• Mortgage and efficiency trends: Management anticipates mortgage production and related revenue to remain subdued, with expense levels closely managed to maintain efficiency, especially as seasonally slower periods and limited housing inventory persist.

Catalysts in upcoming quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) whether Ameris Bancorp can sustain mid-single digit loan and deposit growth amid increased competition, (2) the trajectory of net interest margin as funding costs rise, and (3) asset quality trends in the face of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. Additional scrutiny will be placed on the efficiency ratio’s resilience and the effectiveness of share buyback execution.

Ameris Bancorp currently trades at $82.70, in line with $82.37 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

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