Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of 2025 saw an 8% year-over-year improvement in EPS, a 6% growth in PP&R, and a 12% increase in tangible book value per share [5] - Fourth quarter earnings were $126 million, or $1.49 per share, compared to $127 million, or $1.49 per share in the third quarter [10] - The efficiency ratio improved to 54.9% for the quarter, down from 55.4% in 2024 [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans grew by $362 million, or 6% annualized, with strong production offsetting an increase in prepayments [7] - Fee income totaled $107 million in the fourth quarter, with growth across all categories driven by higher specialty income [11] - Retail time deposits decreased by $90 million due to maturities, while DDA balances increased by $70 million [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits increased by $620 million, or 9% annualized, largely due to seasonal activity in public fund DBA and interest-bearing accounts [7] - Interest-bearing transaction balances rose by $223 million, driven by competitive products and pricing [8] - The cost of deposits decreased by 7 basis points to 1.57% for the quarter [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to hire up to 50 additional revenue-generating associates in 2026 to support growth targets [5] - A bond portfolio restructuring was completed, expected to benefit NEM by seven basis points and improve EPS by $0.23 per share [6][14] - The company aims for loan growth in 2026 to be mid-single digits compared to the previous year-end [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, highlighting solid capital levels, robust allowance for credit losses, and positive trends in balance sheet growth [9] - The company expects NII to increase by 5% to 6% from 2025, with modest NEM expansion [14] - Management noted that the economic environment is rapidly evolving, impacting projections and strategies [2][3] Other Important Information - The company fully exhausted its share buyback authority last quarter, impacting capital ratios, but a new 5% buyback plan was approved for 2026 [8] - The company maintains strong capital ratios, with TCE over 10% and a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 13.66% [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for loan production versus paydowns - Management indicated that loan production increased for the third consecutive quarter, with expectations for sustained fundings throughout 2026 despite anticipated paydowns in commercial real estate [21][25] Question: Clarification on ROA target and TCE ratio - Management explained that consistent balance sheet growth and reinvestment in the company are key to achieving higher ROA targets while maintaining a strong TCE ratio [27][29] Question: Insights on NIM expansion - Management discussed that NIM improvement is expected from organic balance sheet growth and the bond portfolio restructuring, with a modest expansion anticipated [40][42] Question: Confidence in hiring plans for bankers - Management expressed confidence in hiring 50 new bankers in 2026, citing enhanced hiring processes and strong performance from recently hired bankers [48][50] Question: Fee income growth expectations - Management provided insights into fee income growth, emphasizing the potential for 4%-5% growth in 2026, supported by improvements in various banking segments [56][58] Question: M&A appetite and strategy - Management reiterated a focus on organic growth and described their M&A strategy as opportunistic, with no immediate plans for acquisitions [62][63]

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].