Charleston, SC, January 24, 2026
Charleston’s economy is evolving as local innovations intersect with national financial trends. Recent financial reports from United Bankshares and City Holding Company highlight the resilience and adaptability of businesses within the Charleston County economy. The healthcare sector is also witnessing transformation, with CAMC rebranding to Vandalia Health. These developments underline the importance of monitoring national performance indicators for local entrepreneurs and businesses, suggesting pathways for sustained growth in the Lowcountry.
Charleston, SC –
The Lowcountry’s vibrant economic landscape is continuously shaped by both local innovation and broader national trends. Savvy Charleston SC business leaders and aspiring South Carolina entrepreneurs understand the importance of monitoring developments across the national financial and industrial sectors. Recent announcements from prominent financial institutions and a significant healthcare system offer valuable insights into the dynamism of the American economy, underscoring themes of strategic growth, resilience, and adaptability that resonate deeply within the Charleston County economy.
These nationwide reports highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and sound management practices driving success, even as businesses navigate evolving market conditions. For our local community, these developments provide a barometer of the larger economic environment in which Charleston small business owners operate, offering perspectives on capital markets and industry transformations that can influence local strategies for fostering robust Lowcountry economic growth.
United Bankshares Demonstrates Robust Financial Performance with Local Ties
United Bankshares, Inc., a prominent financial services company with a significant footprint, recently announced record earnings for the year 2025, reaching $464.6 million, or $3.27 per diluted share. This impressive performance highlights strong financial stewardship and strategic operational decisions at a nationwide level. The company reported that its net interest income saw a substantial increase of 21% to $1.1 billion, with the net interest margin improving to 3.78% from 3.49% in 2024. Key financial metrics for 2025, including returns on average assets, average equity, and average tangible equity, stood at 1.41%, 8.63%, and 13.95% respectively.
United Bankshares operates an extensive network of over 240 offices across several states, including Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. Importantly for our local community, its subsidiary, United Bank, maintains a strong presence directly within Charleston, SC. Branches are conveniently located on Meeting Street, in West Ashley, and on James Island, alongside a presence in North Charleston. This direct connection means that the national financial strength demonstrated by United Bankshares can translate into enhanced capital availability and robust banking services, directly benefiting Charleston small business owners and contributing to the overall stability of the Charleston County economy.
City Holding Company’s Record Earnings Reflect Broader Banking Sector Health
In another significant financial announcement, City Holding Company, headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, reported record net income of $130.5 million and record diluted earnings of $8.93 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company also achieved a notable return on assets of 1.97% and a return on tangible equity of 21.2% for the same period. City Holding Company conducts its banking operations through offices located in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio.
While City Holding Company does not have a direct branch presence in Charleston, SC, its strong financial performance serves as a powerful indicator of the health and resilience within the broader national banking sector. Such results underscore the success of disciplined management and strategic growth in a competitive environment. These positive trends in the financial industry at large create a more confident lending and investment climate, indirectly benefiting South Carolina entrepreneurs by supporting liquidity and fostering a favorable national economic backdrop essential for sustained Lowcountry economic growth.
CAMC Rebrands to Vandalia Health: A Glimpse into Healthcare Evolution
The healthcare sector is also undergoing significant transformation, exemplified by Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), located in Charleston, West Virginia. CAMC is in the process of officially rebranding its hospitals and facilities to Vandalia Health. New signage featuring the Vandalia Health logo is being installed across CAMC’s hospitals in Charleston, WV, including CAMC General, CAMC Memorial, and CAMC Women and Children’s Hospitals.
This rebranding initiative is a critical step in unifying CAMC with Mon Health System and Davis Health System under the consolidated Vandalia Health brand, a system established through a merger in 2022. For the Lowcountry, this strategic move in West Virginia’s healthcare landscape offers a valuable case study in adaptability and the pursuit of integrated, multi-state health systems. It highlights the importance for local healthcare providers and related Charleston SC business entities to continuously innovate and evolve their services and structures to meet changing patient needs and industry standards, securing the future of healthcare provision and supporting the broader community’s well-being.
Fostering a Pro-Growth Environment for Lowcountry Economic Prosperity
The successes reported by United Bankshares and City Holding, alongside the strategic evolution of CAMC, provide clear examples of how entrepreneurial vision, sound financial management, and adaptability are crucial drivers of economic prosperity. For Charleston SC business and the wider Charleston County economy, these national trends offer important lessons. A business environment characterized by sensible regulatory frameworks and supportive policies allows South Carolina entrepreneurs the freedom to innovate, invest, and expand.
Encouraging private investment and fostering community involvement in economic development are vital for translating national financial stability into sustained Lowcountry economic growth. When businesses are empowered to achieve their potential, it leads to job creation, increased opportunities, and a more resilient local economy. The ability of companies to strategically adapt, whether through expanding financial services or consolidating healthcare operations, showcases the enduring power of market-driven solutions and responsive leadership.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Charleston’s Economic Future
The recent business news, spanning financial triumphs and strategic healthcare transformations, underscores the dynamic nature of the American economy. While originating from various regions, the underlying principles of entrepreneurial innovation, resilience in the face of change, and disciplined management resonate deeply within Charleston, SC. For our city, these national indicators serve as valuable benchmarks and sources of inspiration. Supporting Charleston small business, fostering a climate conducive to private investment, and embracing adaptability are not merely local initiatives but reflections of successful strategies seen across the nation.
We encourage all residents and business owners to remain engaged in the ongoing dialogue about our city’s economic future. By collectively championing local enterprises and advocating for policies that enable growth, we ensure that Lowcountry economic growth continues its upward trajectory, securing prosperity for all in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were United Bankshares’ record earnings for the year 2025?
United Bankshares, Inc. reported record earnings for the year 2025 of $464.6 million, or $3.27 per diluted share.
How did United Bankshares’ net interest income and margin perform in 2025?
The company’s net interest income increased by 21% to $1.1 billion, with net interest margin improving to 3.78% from 3.49% in 2024.
Where is United Bankshares’ subsidiary, United Bank, present in Charleston, SC?
United Bank, a subsidiary of United Bankshares, has a strong presence in Charleston, SC, with branches on Meeting Street, West Ashley, and James Island, as well as in North Charleston.
What were City Holding Company’s record earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025?
City Holding Company, headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, announced record net income of $130.5 million and diluted earnings of $8.93 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025.
What were City Holding Company’s return on assets and tangible equity for 2025?
The company also achieved a notable return on assets of 1.97% and a return on tangible equity of 21.2% for 2025.
What is CAMC rebranding to?
Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), located in Charleston, West Virginia, is officially rebranding its hospitals and facilities to Vandalia Health.
Which CAMC hospitals in Charleston, WV, are adopting the new Vandalia Health branding?
New signage featuring the Vandalia Health logo is being installed across CAMC’s hospitals in Charleston, WV, including CAMC General, CAMC Memorial, and CAMC Women and Children’s Hospitals.
What is the strategic purpose behind CAMC’s rebranding to Vandalia Health?
This rebranding initiative is a critical step in unifying CAMC with Mon Health System and Davis Health System under the consolidated Vandalia Health brand, a system established through a merger in 2022.
Key Features of Recent Business News
| Company/Entity | Key News | Key Metrics/Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Bankshares, Inc. | Reported record earnings for the year 2025. | Net income: $464.6 million; Diluted EPS: $3.27. Net interest income up 21% to $1.1 billion; Net interest margin: 3.78% (from 3.49% in 2024). Returns on average assets, average equity, and average tangible equity for 2025 were 1.41%, 8.63%, and 13.95% respectively. Operates over 240 offices. | Nationwide (with subsidiary United Bank presence in Charleston, SC) |
| City Holding Company | Announced record net income and diluted earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025. | Net income: $130.5 million; Diluted EPS: $8.93. Return on assets: 1.97%; Return on tangible equity: 21.2%. Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, with banking offices in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio. | West Virginia-specific (with regional banking operations) |
| Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) | Rebranding its hospitals and facilities to Vandalia Health. | New signage and branding being installed at CAMC General, Memorial, and Women and Children’s Hospitals in Charleston, West Virginia. Part of unifying CAMC with Mon Health System and Davis Health System under the Vandalia Health brand (established in 2022). | West Virginia-specific |
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