United Bankshares Achieves Record Earnings and Celebrates 52 Years of Dividend Increases!

At the recent Annual Meeting of Shareholders held at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, executive chairman Richard M. Adams announced that United Bankshares Inc. achieved remarkable growth in 2025, reporting record earnings of $465 million, translating to an increase in earnings per share from $2.75 to $3.27. This impressive performance positioned the company significantly ahead of its peers, showcasing a return on average assets of 1.4%, compared to the peer median of 1.1%.

Strong Financial Growth and Shareholder Rewards

United Bankshares not only excelled in earnings but also experienced robust loan and deposit growth, each expanding by approximately $1 billion in 2025, excluding the contributions from their recent merger with Piedmont Bancorp Inc. Additionally, shareholders received good news with a total return of 6.5% in 2025, which equaled the performance of the KBW Regional Banking Index. As of 2026, the company’s total return surged to 11.8% with a 'buy' recommendation and a price target of $50.

A Legacy of Consistent Dividends

As a testimony to its unwavering commitment to its shareholders, United Bankshares announced a slight increase in dividends, raising them from $1.48 to $1.49. This achievement marks the 52nd consecutive year of dividend increases, a feat matched by only one other major banking institution in the nation, underscoring the company's resilience and reliability even amid fluctuating market conditions.

Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions

In addition to its stellar financial performance, United Bankshares successfully closed its 34th acquisition by merging with Piedmont Bancorp Inc. This strategic move not only enhanced their presence in one of the country's leading banking markets but was also noted for being highly accretive to earnings per share.

Reflecting on these achievements, Adams acknowledged the collective efforts of the United team, stating: “Every day, we make a positive difference in the lives of our team members, our customers, our shareholders, and our communities.” This sentiment encapsulates the company’s mission to create lasting impacts through their financial services.