Political shocks do not just move headlines; they can reshape how investors think about risk, regulation, and regional growth. The sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham has brought fresh attention to South Carolina, the U.S. Senate, and the banks that sit closest to the action. For investors watching U.S. regional banks with ties to South Carolina and the broader Southeast, this may be a time to reassess which stocks might gain from higher visibility and which could face new questions. This article examines three stocks that appear to have positive exposure to this news-driven period of uncertainty.

First Community (FCCO)

Overview: First Community is a Lexington, South Carolina based bank holding company that serves small and mid sized businesses, professionals, and individuals with a mix of commercial and retail banking, mortgage lending, and investment advisory services. Alongside traditional deposits and loans, it offers online banking, cash management, credit cards, and non deposit investment and insurance products.

Operations: First Community generates about US$83.0 million in revenue, primarily from Commercial and Retail Banking at roughly US$65.4 million, with additional contributions from Mortgage Banking at US$9.5 million and Investment Advisory and Non Deposit services at US$8.0 million, all within the United States.

Market Cap: US$304.3 million

First Community sits right at the heart of South Carolina’s economy, so any increase in political attention on the state could put its franchise in sharper focus, especially as it already combines a 1.98% dividend with what are described as high quality earnings and profit margins of 24.9%. The stock trades below one cash flow based fair value estimate and recent results show net interest income and net income both ahead of the prior year. Investors still need to weigh a relatively low 9.4% ROE and recent shareholder dilution. In addition, its removal from several Russell indices and a fresh share buyback program mean this is a bank that may be off many radars at the same time its local profile is being emphasized.

First Community’s combination of a 1.98% dividend, 24.9% profit margins, index removal and a new buyback raises big questions about what the market is missing, and the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign could reveal the twist investors are overlooking

South Atlantic Bancshares (SABK)

Overview: South Atlantic Bancshares is a Myrtle Beach headquartered bank holding company that provides a full range of banking, lending, mortgage, and wealth management services to individuals and small businesses across coastal South Carolina communities.

Operations: South Atlantic Bancshares generates about US$61.6 million in revenue from Banking activities, all within the United States.

Market Cap: US$197.7 million

South Atlantic Bancshares gives you focused exposure to South Carolina at a moment when the state is in the political spotlight, and its fundamentals add an extra layer of interest. Earnings grew 51.9% over the past year and are forecast to grow 8.23% per year, with a 28.1% net profit margin and a P/E of 11.4x that sits below both the wider US market and the US Banks sector. At the same time, a 12.5% ROE, a tightly held long tenured board with 0% independent directors, and the stock trading slightly above one cash flow estimate are factors that call for a closer look at how sustainable this momentum really is.

South Atlantic Bancshares has earnings growth running ahead of expectations, but the real question is what the market is still pricing in. Get the full story in the analyst forecasts for South Atlantic Bancshares to see what might be missing.

United Community Banks (UCB)

Overview: United Community Banks is a Greenville, South Carolina headquartered bank holding company that offers a full suite of deposit, lending, wealth management, insurance, and trust services to commercial, retail, government, education, energy, health care, and real estate clients across the United States.

Operations: United Community Banks generates about US$1.05b in revenue from Community Banking activities, all within the United States.

Market Cap: US$4.26b

United Community Banks gives you a way to gain exposure to rising attention on the Southeast through a larger, more diversified regional bank that already has scale, a 2.81% dividend, and a 31.7% net profit margin, while still trading at a P/E below many peers. The sale of Navitas Credit Corp. for US$1.9b and the pending Peach State Bancshares merger show a clear focus on core relationship banking and higher quality capital, even if the Navitas deal brings an expected hit to near term run rate earnings and keeps return on equity at a modest 9.3%. With earnings up 31.2% over the past year but the stock lagging the broader market, the central issue is whether investors are correctly pricing the balance among measured growth, political exposure in the Southeast, and emerging risks in credit quality and integration.

United Community Banks has earnings growth and a 2.81% dividend, yet a lower P/E hints the stock might be pricing in more caution than its story suggests. The analyst forecasts for United Community Banks could show whether the gap between sentiment, Southeast exposure, and future earnings power is narrower than it looks or hiding one crucial twist.

The three banks covered here are only a starting point, as the full U.S. Regional Banks screener surfaced 8 more U.S. regional banks with similar South Carolina and Southeast focused stories that could be just as interesting. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, financial health markers, and regional narratives that matter most to your thesis so you can focus on your highest conviction ideas.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.