Hancock Whitney (US:HWC)2025-10-14 21:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted net income of nearly $128 million or $1.49 per share, compared to $118 million or $1.37 per share in the previous quarter, reflecting a strong performance [12] - Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 1.46% from 1.32% a year ago, indicating continued profitability improvement [5] - Net interest income (NII) increased by $3 million or 1%, while the efficiency ratio improved to 54.1% from 54.91% in the prior quarter [13][15] - Total loans grew by $135 million or 2% annualized, with a notable increase in loan production of 6% quarter over quarter and 46% year over year [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income totaled $106 million, an increase of 8% from the prior quarter, driven by record highs in investment insurance and annuity fees [5][6] - The company experienced a modest increase in personnel expenses due to investments in revenue producers, contributing to a controlled expense growth of just 1% [6][12] - Criticized commercial loans decreased by $20 million to $549 million, while non-accrual loans increased slightly to $114 million [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits decreased by $387 million, primarily due to seasonal activity in public fund accounts, with interest-bearing transaction balances increasing [8][16] - The company ended the quarter with a tangible common equity (TCE) ratio of 10.01% and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 14.08% [9] - The yield on the bond portfolio increased by six basis points to 2.92%, with expectations for continued yield improvement through reinvestment at higher rates [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open five new locations in the Dallas market, aiming for growth in the region and a target compounded annual balance sheet growth rate [10] - The focus remains on organic growth, with a strategy to hire more bankers to support loan production and maintain profitability [10][29] - The company aspires to become the best bank in the Southeast for privately owned businesses, emphasizing the importance of local access and quality service [105] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic macroeconomic environment, highlighting a strong capital position and solid allowance for credit losses [11] - The company anticipates continued growth and profitability through disciplined execution of its organic growth plan, despite challenges from loan paydowns [10][30] - Future expectations include low single-digit growth in loans and deposits, with a focus on maintaining high-quality deposits [29][100] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $40 million of shares during the quarter, with plans to continue share repurchases at similar levels [18][36] - The company expects to see a reduction in deposit costs following anticipated rate cuts in the fourth quarter [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations and paydowns - Management noted that loan production was strong, with a 6% increase quarter over quarter, but paydowns were higher than expected due to project completions and client sales [21][24] Question: Capital management and M&A opportunities - Management clarified that they are not currently focused on M&A but are open to opportunistic growth, prioritizing organic growth and capital deployment [32][34] Question: Guidance for NII and expenses - Management indicated that NII growth expectations are more modest than previously suggested, with a focus on controlling expenses in the upcoming quarter [54][56] Question: Competitive landscape for deposits - Management reported no significant changes in competitive pressures for deposits, with expectations for continued stability in deposit pricing [99][100] Question: Future branch expansion plans - Management confirmed plans for branch expansions in Dallas and other markets, with a focus on enhancing service quality and client relationships [101][105]