Is UCB's Q4 2024 EPS decline a concern?

**United Community Banks (UCB) is not expected to experience an EPS decline in Q4 2024.** In fact, the bank is anticipated to show a year-over-year increase in earnings, indicating a robust financial performance for the period.

1. **Analysts' Expectations**: Wall Street expects UCB to report a higher EPS of $0.60 per share for the quarter ended September 2024, which represents a significant year-over-year change of +33.3%. This positive outlook suggests that UCB's Q4 2024 EPS is likely to be higher than the previous year's EPS, reflecting improved financial health and operational efficiency.
2. **Revenue Growth**: Along with the expected increase in EPS, UCB's revenues are also forecasted to grow, with a 1.4% increase projected for the quarter. This revenue growth is a strong indicator of the bank's ability to generate income and supports the notion of a higher EPS in Q4 2024.
3. **Historical Performance**: UCB's historical EPS trends also support the expectation of a positive EPS surprise in Q4 2024. For instance, the bank's Q3 2024 EPS was $0.32, which was lower than the $0.42 reported in Q3 2023. This decline in EPS was primarily due to lower revenue, which does not necessarily translate to a similar trend in Q4 2024, given the expected revenue growth.
4. **Market Sentiment**: The market sentiment around UCB is positive, with recent news highlighting the bank's strong financial performance and strategic initiatives. This positive sentiment is a testament to investor confidence in UCB's ability to deliver strong earnings, including a higher EPS in Q4 2024.

In conclusion, UCB's Q4 2024 EPS is not expected to decline, and the bank is poised to report a higher EPS due to anticipated revenue growth and positive market sentiment.