Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $120 million or $1.38 per share, down from $122 million or $1.40 per share in the previous quarter, but up 10% year-over-year [17] - The return on assets (ROA) was 1.41%, and the net interest margin (NIM) expanded by two basis points to 3.43% [8][18] - Total risk-based capital ended the quarter at 16.39%, with a common equity tier one ratio of 14.51% and a tangible common equity ratio of 10.01% [8][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income is expected to increase by 9% to 10% year-over-year, driven by strong performance across most categories [10][25] - Loans decreased by $201 million due to higher payoffs in large healthcare and commercial non-real estate loans, with expectations for low single-digit loan growth in 2025 [10][11] - Deposits were down $298 million, primarily due to seasonal public fund outflows, but the DDA balance increased [12][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a decrease in interest-bearing transaction accounts due to reduced promotional rates, while the DDA mix remained stable at 36% [12][21] - The overall cost of funds decreased by 14 basis points to 1.59%, with a reduction in deposit costs contributing to this decline [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to pivot to growth through both organic and inorganic means, including the acquisition of Sable Trust Company, expected to close on May 2nd [14][15] - The focus remains on granular, full-relationship loans to achieve favorable loan yields and relationship revenue [11] - The company is optimistic about growth prospects in the second half of the year despite current market volatility [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that client sentiment reflects some apprehension, but there is no immediate fear of a significant recession [46][47] - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic trends and believes it is well-positioned to navigate challenges due to strong capital and liquidity [16][15] - Future guidance reflects expectations for modest NIM expansion and NII growth of 3% to 4% in 2025 [24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 350,000 shares of common stock and increased its common stock dividend to 45 cents per share, a 50% increase from the previous year [13] - The criticized commercial loans decreased, while non-accrual loans increased at a slower pace than in the prior quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why not increase the buyback given the capital accretion and slower loan growth outlook? - Management indicated that they are indeed increasing buybacks and are focused on maintaining or slightly increasing the current level of repurchases [34][36][38] Question: What are the current efforts to assess credit impacts from tariffs? - Management is evaluating various sectors that could be impacted and preparing plans for potential risks [40][41][44] Question: How much of the increase in the PPNR guide is related to Sable versus core performance? - The increase in the PPNR guide is attributed to both the expected contributions from Sable and continued growth in fee income lines [48][50] Question: Update on hiring process and its impact on growth outlook? - The company has added four bankers in Q1 and plans to hire 20 to 30 throughout the year, with a focus on high-growth markets [57][59][61] Question: Thoughts on M&A versus organic growth? - Currently, the focus is on returning capital to shareholders and organic growth, with M&A being considered for the future [69][70] Question: Expected CD maturities and rate benefits? - The company expects about $5.5 billion of CD maturities over the next three quarters, with a projected repricing benefit [124][125] Question: Loan growth expectations and pipeline comfort? - The company anticipates loan growth to be driven by new hires, with a strong pipeline expected for the second half of the year [132][136]

Core Insights - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.28 per share, unchanged from the previous year, with revenues projected at $364.77 million, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has not changed over the past 30 days, indicating analysts have not revised their projections [2] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock price performance [3] Key Financial Metrics - Analysts forecast a 'Net interest margin (TE)' of 3.4%, up from 3.3% a year ago [5] - The 'Efficiency Ratio' is estimated at 56.5%, slightly higher than the previous year's 56.4% [5] - The 'Average Balance - Total interest earning assets' is projected at $32.32 billion, down from $32.56 billion year-over-year [5] Nonperforming Loans and Assets - 'Total nonperforming loans' are expected to reach $105.41 million, compared to $82.08 million last year [6] - 'Total nonperforming assets' are projected at $138.12 million, up from $84.88 million in the same quarter last year [6] Income Estimates - 'Total Noninterest Income' is expected to be $92.10 million, compared to $87.85 million a year ago [7] - 'Net interest income (TE)' is projected at $276.21 million, up from $269 million in the same quarter last year [7] - The consensus for 'Net Interest Income' stands at $272.82 million, compared to $266.17 million last year [7] Fee Income Estimates - 'Bank card and ATM fees' are estimated at $20.92 million, up from $20.62 million last year [8] - 'Investment and annuity fees and insurance commissions' are projected at $12.39 million, compared to $11.84 million a year ago [8] - 'Other income' is expected to be $13.90 million, up from $13.18 million last year [8] Service Charges - 'Service charges on deposit accounts' are projected to reach $23.28 million, compared to $22.24 million in the same quarter last year [9] Stock Performance - Over the past month, HWC shares have returned -0.7%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by -5.3% [10] - HWC currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [10]

Company Overview - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is based in Gulfport and operates in the Finance sector, with a year-to-date share price change of 2.74% [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.4 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.85%, which is higher than the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 2.26% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.54% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of Hancock Whitney is $1.60, reflecting a 6.7% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the last five years, the company has increased its dividend two times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 7.74% [4] - The current payout ratio is 30%, indicating that the company pays out 30% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hancock Whitney's earnings per share for 2025 is $5.48, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 3.01% [5] Investment Appeal - Hancock Whitney is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Financial Performance and Position - As of December 31, 2024, the company's total balance sheet was $35.1 billion, with loans amounting to $23.3 billion and deposits totaling $29.5 billion[26]. - As of December 31, 2024, the trust department managed approximately $34.9 billion in assets, with an expected increase of $3 billion from the acquisition of Sabal Trust Company in 2025[58]. - Brokered deposits totaled $6.9 million at December 31, 2024, and are fully insured by the FDIC, supporting ongoing asset growth[57]. - The bank's investment portfolio primarily consists of U.S. agency debt securities and municipal securities, with a target effective duration of two to five and a half years[50]. - The bank's loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, which are used for working capital, business expansion, and equipment purchases[39]. Growth and Expansion Plans - The pending acquisition of Sabal Trust Company is expected to add approximately $3 billion in assets under management, enhancing the company's trust and asset management business[30]. - The company plans to open five additional financial centers in North Dallas in 2025 and is evaluating further expansion in Florida following the Sabal transaction[30]. - The company added seven new bankers in Q4 2024 to support its multiyear organic growth plan, aligning with anticipated growth rates for 2025[30]. - The company is actively evaluating future acquisition opportunities to increase shareholder value, contingent on economic conditions and capital levels[30]. Revenue Diversification and Strategy - The company aims to diversify its revenue sources from both new and existing clients through investments in new and enhanced products[30]. - The company's primary lending focus includes commercial, consumer, and real estate loans, with a strategy to maintain a balanced approach to loan profitability, growth, and credit quality[32]. - The bank's deposit strategies are influenced by market conditions, economic expectations, and customer confidence, with a focus on maintaining a stable and diversified deposit base[55]. Risk Management and Compliance - The bank employs an independent credit review team to monitor credit quality and compliance with regulations, aiding in early identification of credit problems[38]. - The bank's loan concentration policy includes limits on exposures to specific borrowers, industries, and property types, ensuring alignment with risk tolerance[35]. - The bank's underwriting process requires oversight proportional to the size and complexity of lending relationships, with delegated authority based on credit officer experience[36]. - The company is enhancing its anti-money laundering compliance programs in response to evolving regulatory requirements[130]. - The Company is required to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act regulations, including internal controls over financial reporting[151]. Human Capital and Diversity - The company’s total rewards programs are benchmarked against industry peers to remain competitive, utilizing third-party compensation and benefits surveys[71]. - The company has a pay-for-performance philosophy, with merit-based compensation increases and long-term incentive compensation to attract and retain talent[73]. - Approximately 68% of new hires in 2024 self-identified as female, and 39% as people of color, reflecting the company's commitment to diversity[67]. - The 2024 associate engagement survey indicated that nearly 75% of associates feel a sense of belonging and respect within the company[83]. Economic and Market Conditions - The company operates in an uncertain economic environment, with potential adverse effects on financial condition due to economic stagnation or recession[158]. - Heightened interest rates have adversely affected borrowers, increasing debt service requirements and potentially leading to higher delinquency rates[166]. - Changes in U.S. trade policies and tariffs may negatively impact the business and financial condition of customers, affecting their ability to service debt[173]. - Bank failures in 2023 have diminished public confidence in smaller banks, potentially leading to increased competition for deposits and pressure on net interest margins[176]. Operational and Cybersecurity Risks - Cybersecurity threats have increased, and any significant breach could disrupt operations and lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and client attrition[200]. - The company continuously enhances its security measures, but there is no guarantee that these will prevent all data security breaches or system compromises[200]. - Operational risks arise from reliance on automated systems and third-party providers, which could lead to significant disruptions if not managed properly[192]. - The company relies on third parties for essential services, and failures in these relationships could disrupt operations and adversely affect financial condition[201]. Regulatory Environment - The Company must maintain adequate capital to pay dividends, as per regulatory requirements, which may affect dividend payments[114]. - The Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to consider financial stability when determining dividend levels[115]. - The Company is prohibited from acquiring more than 5% of any class of voting interests of any company engaged in non-permissible activities[99]. - The final rule to modernize CRA regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, with revised data reporting requirements starting January 1, 2027[136].

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, surpassing estimates, driven by growth in non-interest income and net interest income (NII), despite a decline in total loans [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - The fourth-quarter 2024 earnings per share were $1.40, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28 and up from $1.26 in the previous year [2]. - Net income for the quarter was $122.1 million, significantly higher than $50.6 million in the prior-year quarter, and above the estimate of $108.4 million [3]. - Total revenues for the quarter reached $364.8 million, an increase of 18.3% year over year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $361.3 million [4]. Income and Expenses - Non-interest income totaled $91.2 million, driven by increases in trust fees and service charges, exceeding the projected $86.7 million [5]. - Total non-interest expenses decreased by 11.7% to $202.3 million, better than the expected $205.4 million [5]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 54.46% from 55.58% in the previous year, indicating enhanced profitability [6]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $11.9 million, down 29.7% from the prior-year quarter, with net charge-offs at 0.20% of average total loans, a decrease of 7 basis points [7]. Capital Ratios and Profitability - The Tier 1 leverage ratio improved to 11.29% from 10.10% year-over-year, and the common equity Tier 1 ratio rose to 14.14% from 12.33% [8]. - Return on average assets was 1.40%, up from 0.56% in the prior year, while return on average common equity increased to 11.74% from 5.64% [9]. Share Repurchase - In the reported quarter, Hancock Whitney repurchased 0.15 million shares at an average price of $52.50 per share [10]. 2025 Outlook - Management anticipates mid-single-digit growth in loan balances and low single-digit growth in deposits for 2025, with NII projected to increase by 3.5-4.5% year over year [11]. - Adjusted non-interest expenses are expected to rise by 4-5% from $816.1 million in 2024, with plans to hire additional personnel [12]. Strategic Objectives - By the fourth quarter of 2027, management aims for an adjusted return on assets between 1.40% and 1.50%, and an efficiency ratio of less than or equal to 55% [13]. Estimate Trends - There has been an upward trend in estimates, with a consensus estimate shift of 5.53% recently [14]. - Hancock Whitney holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [17]. Industry Performance - Hancock Whitney operates within the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, where Regions Financial reported revenues of $1.82 billion, reflecting a year-over-year change of +0.2% [18].

Company Overview - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is headquartered in Gulfport and has experienced a price change of 10.14% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.4 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.65%, which is higher than the Southeast banking industry's yield of 2.22% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3] Dividend Performance - The annualized dividend of Hancock Whitney is $1.60, reflecting a 6.7% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, the company has increased its dividend two times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 7.74% [4] - The current payout ratio is 30%, indicating that the company pays out 30% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, Hancock Whitney anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $5.43 per share, representing a 2.07% increase from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - Hancock Whitney is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Hancock Whitney Corp. (HWC) has increased its quarterly cash dividend by 12.5% to 45 cents per share, reflecting a commitment to enhancing shareholder value through capital distribution activities [1]. Dividend Information - The new dividend will be paid on March 17, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2025 [1]. - Prior to this increase, HWC raised its dividend by 33.3% to 40 cents per share in April 2024 [1]. - HWC has raised its dividend three times in the past five years, with an average growth rate of 7.5% [1]. - The current dividend payout ratio stands at 30% [1]. - Based on a closing price of $59.74 as of January 31, the forward dividend yield is 3% [2]. Capital Distribution Activities - HWC has an ongoing share repurchase program authorized in December 2024, allowing the buyback of up to 5% of its shares, effective January 1, 2025, and set to expire on December 31, 2026 [3]. - The previous buyback plan, announced in January 2023, allowed for the repurchase of up to 4.3 million shares and expired on December 31, 2024, with approximately 3.6 million shares remaining available under that authorization as of the expiration date [3]. Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, HWC reported total debt of $849.6 million, total loans of $23.3 billion, and total deposits of $29.5 billion [5]. - The common equity Tier-1 capital ratio was 14.14%, and the total capital ratio was 15.93%, both exceeding regulatory requirements [5]. - Given its strong capital and liquidity positions, HWC is expected to maintain its capital distribution activities and continue enhancing shareholder value [6]. Stock Performance - HWC shares have increased by 41.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 32% [6]. - HWC currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [7].

Group 1 - Hancock Whitney's shares have increased by 32% over the past year and are currently near a 52-week high, recovering all losses from the 2023 regional banking crisis [1] - The company has a history of making contrarian bets based on macro views and stock-specific turnaround stories to achieve outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile [1]

Company Overview - Hancock Whitney (HWC) is headquartered in Gulfport and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 7.77% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - Hancock Whitney currently pays a dividend of $0.4 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.71% [3] - The average dividend yield for the Banks - Southeast industry is 2.28%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.49% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $1.60 has increased by 6.7% from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, Hancock Whitney has increased its dividend 2 times year-over-year, with an average annual increase of 7.74% [4] - The current payout ratio is 30%, indicating that the company paid out 30% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hancock Whitney's earnings in 2025 is $5.39 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 1.32% from the previous year [5] Investment Perspective - Hancock Whitney is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Hancock Whitney Corp.’s (HWC) fourth-quarter 2024 earnings per share of $1.40 easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28. The bottom line compared favorably with $1.26 earned in the year-ago quarter.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.The results benefited from the increase in non-interest income and net interest income (NII). Lower expenses and provisions were other positives. However, the decline in total loans was a headwind.Net income was $122.1 million, up fr ...