You’ve probably seen the ticker ABCB flashing on your screen lately. Honestly, it’s hard to miss. While the big-name Wall Street banks usually hog the spotlight, Ameris Bancorp has been quietly putting up numbers that make even the most cynical traders do a double-take. As of mid-January 2026, the Ameris Bank stock price is hovering around $79.37, having recently kissed an all-time high of $79.56.
It’s been a wild ride. Just a year ago, you could’ve snagged shares in the high 40s. Now? People are wondering if $80 is the floor or the ceiling.
Success isn't accidental. It’s kinda interesting how this regional player, based in Atlanta but rooted deep in the Southeast, has managed to thrive while others are still sweating over interest rate volatility. The bank’s CEO, H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., isn't shy about it either. During recent calls, he's basically been saying that their focus on the "disrupted" Southeastern markets is the secret sauce. When big banks merge or pull out of smaller towns, Ameris moves in.
What’s Actually Moving the Ameris Bank Stock Price?
If you’re looking at the charts, the momentum is undeniable. The stock is up about 33% over the last year. That’s not just a "lucky month"—it's a sustained climb. But why?
Money talks. Specifically, net interest margin (NIM). Ameris recently reported a NIM of roughly 3.80%, which is—to put it bluntly—way better than most of its peers. They’ve managed to keep their cost of deposits low (around 1.98%) while the interest they earn on loans keeps ticking up.
It’s about the balance sheet.
About 30% of their deposits are non-interest-bearing.
That’s free money for the bank.
Then you’ve got the buybacks. In late 2025, the board authorized a $200 million share repurchase program. When a company tells you they’re willing to spend a couple hundred million bucks to buy back their own stock, they’re sending a massive signal of confidence to the market. It basically puts a "safety net" under the Ameris Bank stock price by reducing the number of shares floating around.
The Analyst Outlook for 2026
Wall Street analysts are currently playing a game of catch-up. Truist recently bumped their price target to $83. Other shops like DA Davidson are even more bullish, throwing around numbers like $87.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Some folks are worried about "margin compression." That’s just a fancy way of saying they think the bank won’t be able to keep its profit margins this high forever. If they have to start paying more to keep depositors from moving their cash to high-yield savings accounts elsewhere, those margins will shrink.
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Also, keep an eye on January 29, 2026. That’s the next big earnings date. If they beat estimates again—which they’ve done for the last several quarters—expect another leg up. If they miss? Well, the stock has "priced in" a lot of perfection lately, so any stumble could lead to a quick correction.
Is It Still a Bargain?
You’ve got two camps here.
The "Value Camp" looks at the P/E ratio, which is sitting around 13.5. Compared to the broader S&P 500, that looks cheap. But compared to other regional banks (the industry average is closer to 11.9), Ameris is actually trading at a bit of a premium.
The "Growth Camp" doesn't care about the premium. They see a bank with $27 billion in assets that is growing loans at a mid-single-digit clip. They see the "Good" financial health score and the dividend that’s been paid out for 12 straight years. For them, you’re paying for quality.
Specific Risks to Watch
- Real Estate Exposure: Like many regional banks, Ameris has a lot of skin in the game in the Southeast. If the Florida or Georgia property markets cool off, the stock will feel it.
- Deposit Competition: If local credit unions start offering 5% on checking accounts, Ameris might have to follow suit, which eats into profits.
- Loan Quality: So far, charge-offs (loans that won't be paid back) are low, around 0.18%. If that number spikes, the party is over.
Honestly, the Ameris Bank stock price is a bit of a bellwether for the "New South" economy. As long as people keep moving to the Sunbelt and starting businesses there, Ameris has a tailwind that’s hard to ignore.
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Actionable Next Steps for Investors
If you’re holding or looking to jump in, don’t just watch the daily price flutters. Here is what actually matters right now:
- Mark January 29 on your calendar. This is the Q4 2025 earnings release. Watch the "Net Interest Margin" specifically. If it stays above 3.75%, the bull case is alive and well.
- Check the 10-K filing. When it drops in February, look at the "provision for credit losses." This tells you if the bank is getting worried about people defaulting on loans.
- Watch the $76 level. Historically, this has acted as a support line. If the price drops below $76, it might indicate a shift in the short-term trend from "Buy" to "Hold."
- Evaluate the dividend. The current yield is about 1.01%. It’s not a huge income play, but it’s a sign of stability. If they announce a dividend hike in early 2026, it’s a massive green flag.
The market is currently betting that Ameris can keep its "Southeast Magic" going. It’s a high-conviction play in a sector that often feels boring. Just remember: in banking, everything looks great until the tide goes out. Keep your eyes on those deposit costs.