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Jury awards multimillion damages against Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) in Byrne case

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Ameris Bancorp disclosed that a jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California returned a verdict against its subsidiary Ameris Bank in litigation brought by former executive Patrick Byrne. Byrne, who led the bank’s equipment finance division from December 2021 through June 2024, alleged wrongful termination, whistleblower violations, wage issues, and breach of contract.

On June 12, 2026, the jury found Ameris Bank liable on all counts presented and awarded $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages, plus associated statutory penalties, and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages. The Company disagrees with the verdict, plans to appeal, and is evaluating whether to record an accrual. It warns that the final resolution could have a material adverse effect on results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • Adverse jury verdict with large damages: Jury found Ameris Bank liable on all counts and awarded $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages plus statutory penalties, and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages, creating substantial potential financial exposure.
  • Potential material adverse impact: The Company states that final resolution of the Byrne matter could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity, indicating elevated legal and financial risk.

Insights

Large adverse jury verdict introduces meaningful legal and financial risk for Ameris Bancorp.

The jury awarded Patrick Byrne $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages plus associated statutory penalties, and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages. For a regional banking group, this scale of judgment can be significant relative to earnings and capital, depending on its size and insurance coverage.

Ameris states it disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal, so the ultimate financial impact depends on post-trial motions, potential reductions, settlement, or success on appeal. The company is still assessing whether to record an accrual for financial reporting, and explicitly notes that the final outcome could materially affect results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

The timing of the trial (commencing June 1, 2026) and verdict (June 12, 2026) means the effects should appear in upcoming periodic reports. Subsequent filings may clarify any accrual taken, insurance recoveries if any, and how management plans to manage capital and liquidity in light of this verdict.

Item 8.01 Other Events Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Economic and non-economic damages $16.525 million Jury award in Patrick Byrne v. Ameris Bank
Punitive damages approximately $62.9 million Jury award in Patrick Byrne v. Ameris Bank
Employment period December 2021 through June 2024 Patrick Byrne as CEO of equipment finance division
Trial start date June 1, 2026 Jury trial commencement in Byrne action
Verdict date June 12, 2026 Jury returned verdict in Byrne case
punitive damages financial
"and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages."
Punitive damages are extra money a court orders a company or individual to pay beyond the actual loss, intended to punish particularly wrongful conduct and discourage others from doing the same. For investors, punitive damages can signal reputational and financial risk—like a surprise fine that reduces profits and cash on hand—so they matter because they can affect future dividends, credit ratings, and share price.
whistleblower protection laws regulatory
"violations of whistleblower protection laws, nonpayment of wages and related penalties"
economic and non-economic damages financial
"liable for $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages"
material adverse effect financial
"could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity."
A material adverse effect is a significant negative change or event that substantially reduces a company’s business, financial condition, or future prospects — think of it like a sudden major engine failure that makes a car unreliable. Investors care because such an event can lower expected profits, trigger contract clauses (allowing counterparties to renegotiate or walk away), and prompt swift stock-price reassessment based on the higher risk and uncertainty.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
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false000035156900003515692026-06-122026-06-12

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):June 12, 2026
Ameris Bancorp
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Georgia001-1390158-1456434
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
    
3490 Piedmont Road N.E., Suite 1550
Atlanta,Georgia30305
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(404)639-6500
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
☐    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
ABCB
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
    Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨


Item 8.01    Other Events.

On September 16, 2024, Patrick Byrne filed a complaint against Ameris Bank, the wholly owned banking subsidiary of Ameris Bancorp (together with Ameris Bank, the “Company” ), in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Court”), captioned Patrick Byrne v. Ameris Bank, Case No. 8:24-cv-01989-MWC (JDEx) (the “Action”). The complaint alleged (as amended with leave of the Court during trial), among other things, wrongful termination of Mr. Byrne’s employment, violations of whistleblower protection laws, nonpayment of wages and related penalties, and breach of contract, and sought unspecified damages. Mr. Byrne was employed by Ameris Bank from December 2021 through June 2024 as the chief executive officer of the equipment finance division of Ameris Bank.

A jury trial in the Action commenced on June 1, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Mr. Byrne on all counts presented, finding Ameris Bank liable for $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages, plus associated statutory penalties, and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages. The Company disagrees with the verdict and believes that it is not supported by the facts or applicable law.

The Company intends to appeal the verdict. While the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend its position in this matter, the ultimate outcome of this matter is uncertain. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of the verdict, including whether an accrual is required for financial reporting purposes and the amount thereof. The final resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements, as defined by federal securities laws, including, among other forward-looking statements, certain plans, expectations and goals. Words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K are based on management's opinions only as of the date hereof and are provided to assist in the understanding of potential future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements, including, without limitation, statements related to the Company’s beliefs regarding the verdict and the Company’s intent to appeal the verdict. For a discussion of some of the other risks and other factors that may cause such forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the Company's subsequently filed periodic reports and other filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by law.


SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
AMERIS BANCORP
By:/s/ Nicole S. Stokes
Nicole S. Stokes
Chief Financial Officer


Date: June 12, 2026



Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What litigation did Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) disclose involving Patrick Byrne?

Ameris Bancorp reported a jury verdict in a case brought by Patrick Byrne against Ameris Bank. Byrne alleged wrongful termination, whistleblower violations, wage issues, and breach of contract relating to his role leading the equipment finance division from December 2021 through June 2024.

How much did the jury award against Ameris Bank in the Patrick Byrne case?

The jury awarded Patrick Byrne $16.525 million in economic and non-economic damages plus associated statutory penalties, and approximately $62.9 million in punitive damages. These amounts, if sustained, represent substantial potential financial obligations for Ameris Bank and its parent Ameris Bancorp.

How does Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) plan to respond to the Byrne verdict?

Ameris Bancorp states it disagrees with the jury verdict and believes it is not supported by the facts or law. The Company intends to appeal and will continue to defend its position while evaluating the financial reporting impact, including whether an accrual is required and in what amount.

Could the Patrick Byrne verdict materially affect Ameris Bancorp’s financial condition?

Ameris Bancorp warns that the final resolution of the Byrne matter could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. This reflects the potential impact of the awarded damages, statutory penalties, and any related costs if the verdict is ultimately sustained.

Is Ameris Bancorp (ABCB) recording an accrual for the Byrne litigation verdict?

Ameris Bancorp explains that it is currently evaluating the potential impact of the verdict, including whether an accrual is required for financial reporting purposes and, if so, the amount. Details of any accrual decision are expected to appear in future periodic financial reports.

What court handled the Patrick Byrne v. Ameris Bank case disclosed by Ameris Bancorp?

The case Patrick Byrne v. Ameris Bank, Case No. 8:24-cv-01989-MWC (JDEx), was brought in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. A jury trial began June 1, 2026, and the verdict was returned on June 12, 2026.

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