Hancock Whitney Q4 EPS Rises 6.4% to $1.49 on Fee Income, NII Growth
Hancock Whitney’s Q4 EPS rose 6.4% year-over-year to $1.49, beating estimates by $0.01, with net income up 2.9% to $125.6 million driven by a 3% increase in net interest income and 17.5% jump in non-interest income. Loans grew 1.5% to $24 billion and deposits rose 2.2% to $29.3 billion while the efficiency ratio widened to 54.93%.
1. Fourth-Quarter Earnings
Hancock Whitney reported Q4 EPS of $1.49, up 6.4% from the prior year and beating estimates by $0.01. Net income reached $125.6 million, a 2.9% increase, on revenues of $389.3 million, in line with expectations, driven by a 3% rise in net interest income to $284.7 million and a 17.5% increase in non-interest income to $107.1 million.
2. Balance Sheet and Credit Metrics
Total loans climbed 1.5% sequentially to $24 billion, while deposits increased 2.2% to $29.3 billion. Provisions for credit losses rose 10.4% to $13.1 million and net charge-offs rose 2 basis points to 0.22% of loans. Capital ratios dipped, with Tier 1 leverage at 11.17% and CET1 at 13.66%.
3. 2026 Outlook and Strategic Goals
Management forecasts NII growth of 5-6% and modest NIM expansion assuming two 25-bp rate cuts, supported by a recent bond portfolio restructuring expected to add $24 million in NII, 7 bps to NIM and $0.23 to EPS. Loans and deposits are projected to rise mid- to low single digits, non-interest income to increase 4-5%, and expenses to grow 5-6%, maintaining an efficiency ratio near 54-55%. Strategic targets through 2028 include ROA ≥1.50%, tangible common equity of 9-9.5%, and adjusted ROTCE ≥15%.