Ameris Bancorp hikes dividend by 33.3%

Ameris Bancorp (ABCB), the parent company of Ameris Bank, has announced a significant 33.3% increase in its quarterly dividend. The Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.20 per share, a $0.05 increase from the previous quarterly payout of $0.15. This marks the first dividend hike by the company since 2019.

The dividend will be payable on January 6, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2024. At a stock price of $62, the new dividend provides a yield of approximately 1.2%.

Company Overview

Ameris Bancorp, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operates 164 financial centers across the Southeast and manages $26.4 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024. Through its banking and lending platforms, Ameris serves both consumer and business customers, offering products and services such as treasury and cash management, insurance premium financing, and mortgage refinancing.

Strategic Context

This dividend increase highlights Ameris Bancorp’s confidence in its financial health and its commitment to enhancing shareholder returns. Coming after a five-year hiatus in dividend growth, the significant hike demonstrates a strategic shift toward rewarding shareholders amidst a stable operational backdrop.

Conclusion

Ameris Bancorp’s robust dividend increase reflects its strong capital position and ability to generate consistent shareholder value. The 1.2% yield may appeal to income-focused investors seeking a reliable payout from a regional banking leader.