Hancock Whitney Stock Earnings Reports

Hancock Whitney reported a solid start to FY2026 with improved profitability metrics (adjusted ROA 1.43%, ROTCE 14.64%, adjusted EPS $1.52, >10% increase vs. prior year quarter). Net interest margin expanded 7 bps to 3.55%, helped by a bond portfolio restructuring and lower cost of funds; management expects the restructuring to contribute roughly 7 bps to NIM on an annual basis (full-quarter impact later in the year). Loan production was strong ($1.2B), but net loan growth was modest (+$33M) due to seasonal paydowns and planned credit payoffs; management maintained mid-single-digit loan growth guidance for 2026 and emphasized a pipeline supported by 27 net new bankers (with a goal of ~50 hires for the year). Deposits declined seasonally (public funds outflows), but core DDA mix is healthy at 36% and management still expects deposits up low single digits year-over-year. Credit metrics remain stable: criticized commercial loans improved, nonaccruals were modestly higher, net charge-offs were 19 bps, and the loan loss reserve stayed at 1.43% of loans. Capital deployment was active — 1.4M shares repurchased, an 11% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.50, and the bond restructuring — while capital ratios remain strong (TCE ~9.93%, CET1 13.3%). Management reiterated prior guidance ranges, is assuming no Fed rate cuts in 2026 (with limited NII/NIM impact), expects NIM expansion for the year (12–15 bps target from Q4 ’25 to Q4 ’26) and is comfortable with ending capital targets (TCE ~9–9.5%, CET1 ~12–12.5% by end of 2028). Management emphasized continued focus on hiring revenue producers, controlled expenses, fee income growth (wealth/treasury), and returning capital to shareholders while prioritizing organic balance sheet growth.