Hancock Whitney (US:HWC)2025-07-15 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted net income of $118 million or $1.37 per share for the second quarter, compared to $120 million or $1.38 per share in the first quarter [12] - The net interest margin (NIM) expanded by six basis points, reaching 1.37% after adjusting for transaction-related expenses [5][12] - Total loans increased by $364 million or 6% annualized, driven by stronger demand and increased line utilization [5][12] - Total deposits decreased by $148 million, primarily due to a reduction in certificates of deposit (CDs) [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income grew by $4 million or 4%, with trust fees being the primary driver of this growth [12][13] - The efficiency ratio improved to 54.91% from 55.22% in the previous quarter, indicating better cost management [13] - The company added 10 net new bankers during the quarter, contributing to its organic growth strategy [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a solid allowance for credit losses at 1.45%, indicating a strong position to navigate economic challenges [10] - Criticized commercial loans decreased by 4% to $594 million, while nonaccrual loans decreased by 9% to $95 million [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on organic growth, with a guidance of low single-digit loan growth for 2025, inferring mid single-digit growth for the second half of the year [6][12] - The company is optimistic about its growth prospects, particularly in the Dallas market, with plans to open five new financial centers [9] - The acquisition of Sable Trust Company is expected to enhance the company's capabilities and client base [7][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in the company's ample liquidity and strong capital ratios [10] - The management noted that clients have become less sensitive to economic headlines and are returning to making business decisions based on facts [30] - The company expects modest NIM expansion and net interest income (NII) growth of 3-4% for the year [17] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 750,000 shares of common stock during the quarter, reflecting its commitment to returning capital to shareholders [7][19] - The company anticipates two rate cuts of 25 basis points in September and December, which may impact deposit costs and NIM [17][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the target CET1 ratio for buybacks? - Management indicated a comfortable operating range for Tier 1 common capital between 11% and 11.5% and around 8% for TCE [23][24] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth and borrower health? - Management noted that net new loans to new clients are the primary driver for growth, with a positive outlook barring macroeconomic changes [29][30] Question: Can you provide more insight into NIM outlook? - Management expects NIM to continue expanding in the second half of the year, driven by loan growth and reduced deposit costs [41][44] Question: How much of the expense base came from the Sable acquisition? - The increase in expenses related to Sable was approximately $2.5 million for the quarter [50] Question: What is the outlook for criticized loans? - Management reported a decrease in criticized loans and expressed confidence in the portfolio's health moving forward [105][106] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A? - Management reiterated that M&A is not a current focus but remains opportunistic for the future [58][112]