Higher NII & Fee Income to Aid Huntington Bancshares' Q2 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN) is expected to report an increase in quarterly revenues and earnings year over year for the second quarter of 2025, with earnings anticipated to be stable compared to the previous quarter [1][3]. Financial Performance - The bank recorded an earnings surprise of 9.7% in the last reported quarter, driven by improvements in fee income and net interest income (NII), although non-interest expenses increased [1][2]. - Preliminary results indicate earnings of 34 cents per share, reflecting a 13.3% rise from the year-ago figure, despite a 2.9% decline in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past week [3][10]. - Revenues for the quarter are projected to be $1.95 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion, but still representing a year-over-year increase of 9.6% [4][10]. Key Factors Influencing Performance - NII is expected to grow to $1.5 billion, a 3% increase from the prior quarter, supported by steady loan demand and interest rates remaining unchanged by the Federal Reserve [5][10]. - The average total earnings assets are estimated to rise by 1.5% to $191.1 billion, reflecting strong demand for commercial and industrial loans [6]. - Mortgage banking income is projected to increase by 9.5% to $34 million, aided by stable refinancing activities despite fluctuating mortgage rates [7][8]. Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Total non-interest income is expected to decline by 5.4% to $520.6 million, influenced by rising expenses and credit loss reserves [10][12]. - Higher expenses are anticipated due to increased costs from data processing, marketing, and expansion efforts in commercial banking [13][14]. Asset Quality - The bank has increased its allowance for credit losses by $37 million to $2.5 billion, reflecting concerns over potential delinquent loans amid economic uncertainties [14]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total non-accrual loans indicates a 3.5% increase from the prior quarter, suggesting a cautious approach to asset quality [15]. Earnings Expectations - The chances of HBAN beating earnings estimates are considered low due to a negative Earnings ESP of -2.42% [16]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook compared to other stocks [17].