Financial Performance - Net income for 4Q25 was $125.6 million, or $1.49 per diluted share[27, 28] - Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue (PPNR) totaled $174.0 million in 4Q25[27, 28] - Net income for 2025 was $486.1 million, or $5.67 per diluted share[29, 30] - Adjusted Pre-Provision Net Revenue (PPNR) for 2025 totaled $679.9 million, up 6% compared to 2024[29, 30] Balance Sheet - Total assets reached $35.5 billion as of December 31, 2025[10] - Total loans amounted to $24.0 billion, up 6% LQA[10, 28, 34] - Total deposits were $29.3 billion, up 9% LQA[10, 28, 42] - CET1 ratio was estimated at 13.66% at the end of 4Q25[10, 27, 28] Strategic Initiatives and Outlook - The company expects mid-single digit loan growth in 2026[34, 80] - The company anticipates NII to increase by 5%-6% in 2026[80]

Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 was $125.6 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, consistent with Q3 2025[1][4] - The net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, was $486,073,000, compared to $460,815,000 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a 5.4% increase[37] - Net income for Q4 2025 was $125,572,000, compared to $122,074,000 in Q4 2024, reflecting a growth of 2.0% year-over-year[44] - Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was $125,572,000, a decrease of 1.1% from $127,466,000 in the previous quarter[47] Earnings and Revenue - Adjusted EPS increased by 8% year-over-year, with adjusted pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) at $174.0 million, down from $175.6 million in the prior quarter[3][4] - Earnings per share (diluted) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, was $5.67, compared to $5.28 in 2024, showing a 7.4% increase[37] - Earnings per share (diluted) for Q4 2025 was $1.49, an increase from $1.40 in Q4 2024, reflecting a growth of 6.4%[44] Loans and Deposits - Total loans reached $24.0 billion, up $361.9 million, or 2% from Q3 2025, with a linked-quarter annualized growth of 6%[5][6] - Total deposits were $29.3 billion, an increase of $620 million, or 2% from Q3 2025, with noninterest-bearing deposits comprising 35% of total deposits[7][10] - Total loans increased to $23,958,440,000 as of December 31, 2025, from $23,299,447,000 a year earlier, representing a growth of 2.8%[41] - Total deposits as of December 31, 2025, were $29,279,774,000, a slight decrease from $29,492,851,000 a year earlier[37] Interest Income and Expenses - Net interest income for Q4 2025 was $284.7 million, a 1% increase from Q3 2025, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 3.48%[14] - Noninterest income totaled $107.1 million, up 1% from the previous quarter, driven by higher service charges and other income[16][18] - Noninterest expense increased by 2% to $217.9 million, with personnel expenses remaining stable[19] - The average yield on total earning assets (TE) was 5.00% for the three months ended December 31, 2025, down from 5.14% a year earlier[55] Capital Ratios and Efficiency - The CET1 ratio was estimated at 13.66%, down 43 basis points from the prior quarter, while the total risk-based capital ratio was 15.46%, down 46 basis points[21] - The efficiency ratio improved to 54.93% in Q4 2025 from 54.46% in Q4 2024, indicating better cost management[37] - The efficiency ratio improved to 54.93% for the quarter, compared to 54.10% in the prior quarter, indicating better cost management[70] Credit Quality - The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period-end loans was 1.28% as of December 31, 2025, down from 1.37% a year prior[37] - The provision for credit losses was $13,145,000 in Q4 2025, up from $11,912,000 in Q4 2024, indicating a cautious approach to potential loan defaults[44] - Nonaccrual loans increased to $106.87 million in Q4 2025 from $97.34 million in Q4 2024, representing 0.45% of total loans[63] - Net charge-offs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, totaled $52.459 million, an increase from $46.033 million in 2024[63]

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corporation is expected to report strong earnings performance, with anticipated EPS of $1.48 and revenue of approximately $391.9 million for the upcoming quarterly earnings release on January 20, 2026 [1] Financial Performance Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is projected to show a 5.7% increase in EPS year-over-year, supported by a 6.7% increase in revenue, reaching $389 million [2] - Analysts have revised the consensus EPS estimate upward by 1% over the past 30 days, indicating a positive outlook for the company's financial performance [2] Historical Earnings Performance - Hancock Whitney has a history of exceeding earnings expectations, with an average earnings surprise of 3.96% over the last two quarters [3] - In the most recent quarter, the company reported earnings of $1.49 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41 per share [3] Valuation Metrics - The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 12.12, a price-to-sales ratio of about 2.92, and an enterprise value to sales ratio of 3.71, reflecting its valuation relative to sales [4] Financial Health Indicators - Hancock Whitney's earnings yield stands at 8.25%, indicating the percentage of each dollar invested that was earned by the company [5] - The debt-to-equity ratio is 0.47, suggesting a moderate level of debt compared to equity, while the current ratio of 0.48 indicates the company's ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets [5]

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.48 per share, a 5.7% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $389.33 million, reflecting a 6.7% increase compared to the same period last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1% higher over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong relationship between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Key Financial Metrics - The consensus estimate for 'Net interest margin (TE)' is 3.5%, up from 3.4% in the same quarter last year [5]. - Analysts estimate an 'Efficiency Ratio' of 55.0%, compared to 54.5% a year ago [5]. - 'Average Balance - Total interest earning assets' is projected to reach $32.65 billion, up from $32.33 billion year-over-year [5]. Nonperforming Loans and Assets - 'Total nonperforming loans' are forecasted to reach $112.23 million, up from $97.34 million in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Total nonperforming assets' are expected to be $123.73 million, slightly down from $125.13 million a year ago [6]. Noninterest Income - 'Total Noninterest Income' is projected at $103.11 million, compared to $91.21 million in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Net interest income (TE)' is expected to be $289.81 million, up from $276.29 million year-over-year [7]. - 'Bank card and ATM fees' are estimated to reach $21.96 million, compared to $21.40 million last year [8]. - 'Investment and annuity fees and insurance commissions' are projected at $12.81 million, up from $10.90 million year-over-year [8]. Other Income and Service Charges - 'Other income' is expected to be $15.35 million, compared to $14.73 million in the same quarter last year [9]. - 'Service charges on deposit accounts' are projected to reach $25.28 million, up from $23.45 million a year ago [9]. Stock Performance - Shares of Hancock Whitney have returned +1.8% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.1% change, with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) indicating expected performance in line with the overall market [10].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is well-positioned to continue its earnings-beat streak in the upcoming report, particularly given its recent performance in the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry [1]. Earnings Performance - For the last reported quarter, Hancock Whitney achieved earnings of $1.49 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41 per share, resulting in a surprise of 5.67% [2]. - In the previous quarter, the company was expected to report earnings of $1.34 per share but delivered $1.37 per share, yielding a surprise of 2.24% [2]. Earnings Estimates - Recent estimates for Hancock Whitney have been trending upward, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), indicating a strong potential for an earnings beat [5]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests that stocks like Hancock Whitney have a nearly 70% chance of producing a positive surprise [6]. Earnings ESP Analysis - The current Earnings ESP for Hancock Whitney stands at +0.99%, reflecting increased analyst optimism regarding its near-term earnings potential [8]. - The next earnings report for Hancock Whitney is anticipated to be released on January 20, 2026 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corporation is set to announce its Fourth Quarter 2025 financial results and will host a conference call on January 20 [1] Group 1 - The announcement of the financial results is significant for stakeholders and investors monitoring the company's performance [1] - The scheduled conference call will provide an opportunity for analysts and investors to gain insights into the company's financial health and future outlook [1]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1]. Company Overview: Hancock Whitney (HWC) - Hancock Whitney currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [3]. - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook based on historical performance metrics [4]. Price Performance - HWC shares have increased by 0.3% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, which rose by 0.07% [6]. - Over the past month, HWC's price change is 11.52%, significantly higher than the industry's 6.6% [6]. - In the last quarter, HWC shares rose by 5.47%, and over the past year, they gained 20.41%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 3.01% and 17.28%, respectively [7]. Trading Volume - HWC's average 20-day trading volume is 770,509 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, two earnings estimates for HWC have increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $5.70 to $5.71 [10]. - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have moved upwards with no downward revisions, indicating positive earnings momentum [10]. Conclusion - Given the strong momentum characteristics and positive earnings outlook, HWC is positioned as a promising investment opportunity with a Momentum Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [12].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corp. (HWC) shares reached a 52-week high of $67.10, closing at $66.05, with a 23.2% increase over the last six months, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 Index [1][8]. Group 1: Stock Performance - HWC stock has outperformed Bank OZK (OZK) but underperformed F.N.B. Corp (FNB) over the past six months, with FNB and OZK shares increasing by 27.7% and 7.7%, respectively [2]. - The stock's performance indicates a strong upward trend, suggesting potential for further growth despite reaching a new high [4]. Group 2: Revenue and Growth Factors - HWC's total revenues have experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2019 to 2024, with continued growth expected in the first nine months of 2025 [5][8]. - The company announced a multi-year organic growth plan, including hiring additional associates and expanding its presence in Florida and Texas [6]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is projected at $1.51 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 4.7%, while the 2026 estimate is $1.59 billion, indicating a growth of 4.9% [9][10]. Group 3: Financial Metrics - HWC's net interest margin (NIM) is expected to expand due to relatively higher interest rates and stabilizing deposit costs, with the NIM rising to 3.37% in 2024 from 3.34% in 2023 [12][13]. - The company maintains a solid balance sheet with total debt of $2.10 billion and cash and deposits amounting to $1.43 billion as of September 30, 2025 [14]. - HWC has received investment-grade ratings of BBB and Baa3, indicating a strong capital position and ability to meet debt obligations [15]. Group 4: Shareholder Value and Dividends - HWC announced a 12.5% increase in its quarterly dividend to 45 cents per share in January 2025, following a 33.3% hike in 2024 [16]. - A new share repurchase plan was approved to buy back up to 5% of its shares, enhancing shareholder value through efficient capital distributions [17][18]. Group 5: Analyst Sentiments - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWC's 2025 earnings remains at $5.70 per share, with a slight upward revision for 2026 earnings to $5.96, indicating growth rates of 7.1% and 4.6% for 2025 and 2026, respectively [20]. - HWC's current trailing P/E ratio of 11.71X is below the industry average of 12.55, suggesting the stock is undervalued compared to peers [22].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney (HWC) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on an upward trend in earnings estimates, which significantly influences stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a critical factor affecting near-term stock price movements [2][4]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - The upgrade for Hancock Whitney reflects an improvement in the company's underlying business, suggesting that investors may respond positively by driving the stock price higher [5]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Hancock Whitney is expected to earn $5.70 per share, with a 1.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - Hancock Whitney's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corporation has authorized a new stock buyback program allowing the purchase of up to 5% of its outstanding common stock, replacing the previous program that was fully utilized in Q4 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Buyback Program Details - The new Stock Buyback Program is effective from January 1, 2026, and will expire on December 31, 2026 [2]. - The company may repurchase shares through various methods including open market purchases, block purchases, accelerated share repurchase plans, and privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions [2]. - The Board of Directors retains the right to terminate or amend the Stock Buyback Program at any time before the expiration date [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Hancock Whitney has a long-standing history since the late 1800s, emphasizing core values such as Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility [3]. - The company provides a wide range of financial products and services across multiple states, including traditional and online banking, commercial and small business banking, private banking, trust and investment services, healthcare banking, and mortgage services [3]. - Hancock Whitney operates combined loan and deposit production offices in metropolitan areas such as Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia [3].