Hancock Whitney (HWC - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.66 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.49 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.61%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this holding company of Whitney Bank and Hancock Bank would post earnings of $1.55 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.55, delivering no surprise.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.
Hancock Whitney, which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, posted revenues of $420.12 million for the quarter ended September 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.30%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $385.74 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Hancock Whitney shares have added about 13.9% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 12.4%.
What's Next for Hancock Whitney?While Hancock Whitney has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Hancock Whitney was favorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to outperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.74 on $431.65 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $6.45 on $1.54 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - Southeast is currently in the top 28% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. (OPHC - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended September 2026.
This company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.27 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +50%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $17.65 million, up 35.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Analytici očekávají, že Hancock Whitney ve 3. čtvrtletí vykáže zisk na akcii ve výši 1,65 USD, což představuje meziroční nárůst o 10,7 %, při tržbách 418,85 milionu USD.
Wall Street analysts forecast that Hancock Whitney (HWC - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $1.65 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 10.7%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $418.85 million, exhibiting an increase of 8.6% compared to the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone a downward revision of 0.6% in the past 30 days, bringing it to its present level. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.
Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.
Given this perspective, it's time to examine the average forecasts of specific Hancock Whitney metrics that are routinely monitored and predicted by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts forecast 'Net interest margin (TE)' to reach 3.6%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 3.5%.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Efficiency Ratio' should come in at 56.2%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 54.1%.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Average Balance - Total interest earning assets' of $34.61 billion. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $32.21 billion in the same quarter of the previous year.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Total nonperforming loans' reaching $113.74 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $113.55 million.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Total nonperforming assets (Total nonaccrual loans + ORE and foreclosed assets)' should arrive at $126.45 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $124.69 million.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Total Noninterest Income' will reach $110.13 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $106.00 million.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Net interest income (TE)' will reach $310.11 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $282.31 million.
The consensus estimate for 'Net Interest Income' stands at $308.86 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $279.74 million.
Analysts expect 'Secondary mortgage market operations' to come in at $3.78 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $3.48 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Bank card and ATM fees' at $23.36 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $21.81 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
Analysts predict that the 'Investment and annuity fees and insurance commissions' will reach $15.33 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $14.51 million.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Other income' will likely reach $15.41 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $16.77 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Hancock Whitney here>>>
Shares of Hancock Whitney have demonstrated returns of -3.6% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% change. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), HWC is expected to beat the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Hancock Whitney (HWC) vyplácí dividendu ve výši 0,50 USD na jednu akcii s dividendovým výnosem 2,75 %; anualizovaná dividenda meziročně vzrostla o 11,1 %.
Getting big returns from financial portfolios, whether through stocks, bonds, ETFs, other securities, or a combination of all, is an investor's dream. But when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.
Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends make up large portions of long-term returns, and in many cases, dividend contributions surpass one-third of total returns.
Hancock Whitney (HWC - Free Report) is headquartered in Gulfport, and is in the Finance sector. The stock has seen a price change of 14.07% since the start of the year. The holding company of Whitney Bank and Hancock Bank is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.50 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.75%. This compares to the Banks - Southeast industry's yield of 1.94% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.4%.
Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $2.00 is up 11.1% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Hancock Whitney has increased its dividend 3 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 11.55%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Hancock Whitney's current payout ratio is 33%, meaning it paid out 33% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
Earnings growth looks solid for HWC for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $6.45 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 12.76%.
Investors like dividends for many reasons; they greatly improve stock investing profits, decrease overall portfolio risk, and carry tax advantages, among others. However, not all companies offer a quarterly payout.
High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. That said, they can take comfort from the fact that HWC is not only an attractive dividend play, but also represents a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Hancock Whitney je letos zatím o 16,9 % výše díky zlepšujícímu se NIM, silnému kapitálu a expanzi na Floridě a v Texasu prostřednictvím OFB, přidávání bankéřů a širších fee-income schopností. Růst ale brzdí vyšší náklady, slabé hypotéční bankovnictví a vyšší úvěrové náklady.
Key Takeaways Hancock Whitney is up 16.9% YTD, supported by improving NIM, strong capital and market expansion.HWC is expanding in Florida and Texas through OFB, banker additions and broader fee-income capabilities.Rising expenses, weak mortgage banking and higher credit costs could limit HWC's near-term earnings growth. Shares of Hancock Whitney Corp. (HWC - Free Report) have gained 16.9% so far this year, outperforming the industry’s 11.8% growth and the S&P 500 Index’s 11.6% rally.
If we compare the company’s price performance with its close peers like Bank OZK (OZK - Free Report) and F.N.B. Corp (FNB - Free Report) , it appears that the HWC stock has outperformed both. Year to date, FNB and OZK shares have rallied 6.4% and 5.8%, respectively.
YTD Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Does the HWC stock have more upside left despite recent strength in price? Let us find out by looking at its fundamentals and growth prospects.
Key Positives of Hancock WhitneyRevenue Strength: Hancock Whitney’s total revenues (tax-equivalent) have witnessed a 3.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over 2020-2025, supported by robust loan growth (total loans grew at a 1.9% CAGR).
Revenue Trend
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The company has an organic plan to add revenue-generating associates (already hired 42 net new bankers in the first half of 2026 against a full-year goal of 50) and expand in Florida and Texas.
Last month, HWC closed the acquisition of OFB Bancshares, Inc., broadening its presence in Orlando, Jacksonville and the Florida Panhandle. It plans to combine OFB’s local relationships with its broader platform and expanded private banking and fee-income capabilities, supported by the 2025 Sabal Trust acquisition. These initiatives should support sustained revenue growth for HWC and deepen full-relationship banking across higher-growth markets.
We expect total revenues (tax-equivalent) to grow 1.5%, 14.3% and 4.2% in 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Expanding Net Interest Margin (NIM): The company’s NIM has been witnessing an uptrend over the past few years. The metric has improved from 3.26% in 2022 to 3.47% in 2025, with the uptrend continuing in the first half of 2026.
The Federal Reserve’s hawkish monetary policy stance will likely keep supporting Hancock Whitney’s NIM growth. Thus, while higher securities yields, asset repricing and the acquired deposit base will aid growth, the benefit from lower rates on maturing certificates of deposit is expected to diminish.
Assuming a flat-rate environment, management expects modest NIM expansion in the second half of 2026.
Solid Balance Sheet & Capital Position: Hancock Whitney has a strong balance sheet. As of June 30, 2026, it had total debt of $1.76 billion (most of which consisted of short-term borrowings).
The company maintains investment-grade issuer ratings of BBB from S&P, with a positive outlook, and Baa2 from Moody’s, with a stable outlook. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, it had $29.6 billion in deposits, with non-interest-bearing balances representing 35% of total deposits, while brokered deposits were at zero.
HWC’s CET1 ratio was an estimated 13.18%, the total risk-based capital ratio was 14.97%, and the tangible common equity ratio was 9.78%. These levels provide capacity to fund organic growth. Moreover, its solid balance sheet and capital positions help sustain efficient capital distributions.
The company raised its quarterly dividend by 11.1% in January 2026, following increases of 12.5% in 2025 and 33.3% in 2024. In December 2025, its board of directors approved a buyback plan to repurchase up to 4.1 million shares. As of June 30, 2026, approximately 2 million shares remained available under the program.
What’s Hurting HWC’s Growth?Rising Expenses: Hancock Whitney’s expansion strategy continues to raise its cost base. The company has been witnessing a persistent increase in expenses. While total non-interest expenses declined in 2022 and 2024, the metric witnessed a five-year (2020-2025) CAGR of 1.5%, with the uptrend continuing in the first six months of 2026.
Expense Trend
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Though the acquisition of OFB is expected to deliver annual cost savings of $15.8 million, these benefits will not be fully realized until 2027. Execution delays, client attrition or higher conversion costs could reduce expected accretion. Continued investment in bankers, financial centers and technology may also make it harder to keep the efficiency ratio below management’s 55% objective.
Mortgage Segment Performance: Hancock Whitney’s mortgage banking results have been volatile since secondary-market activity slowed in the second half of 2021. Secondary mortgage market operations income recorded a negative 18.2% CAGR over 2020-2025.
The weakness persisted in the first six months of 2026 as elevated mortgage rates continue to limit refinancing, home-purchase demand and gain-on-sale activity. This underscores that mortgage revenues will remain below prior-cycle levels.
Dependence on more cyclical origination volumes could also make fee income growth less consistent if rates remain high or housing activity weakens. We don't expect the metric to touch the levels reached during 2020 and 2021 anytime soon.
Weak Asset Quality: Weakening asset quality is another headwind for Hancock Whitney. Provision for credit losses and net charge-offs (NCOs) declined in 2021, 2022 and 2024, but both increased in 2023 amid concerns about a weaker economic backdrop. In 2025, provisions fell year over year, while NCOs continued to rise.
Again, in the first half of 2026, both provisions and NCOs increased. Commercial loans represented 78.6% of the portfolio as of June 30, 2026, including commercial real estate, construction, healthcare and other economically sensitive categories.
OFB also adds a loan portfolio requiring a gross credit mark of $24.6 million. A deterioration in borrower cash flows, collateral values or regional economic conditions could reverse recent criticized-loan improvement and raise provisioning requirements. We expect provisions to jump 26.8% this year.
Analyst Sentiments for HWCOver the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWC’s 2026 earnings of $6.44 per share has been revised lower. Its 2027 earnings estimate of $7.23 has been unchanged. This indicates that analysts are not very optimistic regarding the company’s earnings growth prospects.
Earnings Estimate Revision
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Final Verdict on Hancock Whitney StockHWC’s solid year-to-date performance reflects several fundamental strengths, including improving NIM, healthy deposit levels, strong capital ratios and continued expansion in attractive Florida and Texas markets. The OFB Bancshares acquisition, ongoing banker additions and efforts to deepen fee-based relationships should further support long-term revenue growth.
However, the stock’s rally so far this year appears to have already captured a meaningful portion of these positives. Rising operating expenses, continued weakness in mortgage banking and signs of deterioration in asset quality could limit near-term earnings momentum.
Further, the downward revision to the 2026 earnings estimate suggests analysts have become somewhat more cautious about the company’s near-term profit outlook.
Therefore, investors should not jump to invest in the stock immediately despite its fundamental strengths. Rather, it is advisable to hold the stock and wait for clearer evidence of stronger earnings growth and successful integration of OFB. Currently, Hancock Whitney carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Hancock Whitney ve 2. čtvrtletí vykázala EPS 1,55 USD v souladu s odhadem a tržby 401,4 mil. USD překonaly očekávání. Akcie za poslední měsíc klesly asi o 0,4 %.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Hancock Whitney (HWC - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 0.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Hancock Whitney due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Hancock Whitney’s Q2 Earnings Match as Higher NII, Fee Income Offset Cost WoesHancock Whitney’s second-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $1.55 matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The bottom line rose 17.4% from the prior-year quarter.
Results were supported by higher NII and non-interest income, along with a decline in provisions. Also, a sequential increase in loans and deposit balances was positive. However, higher expenses were the undermining factor.
Net income available to common shareholders was $127 million, up 11.8% from the prior-year quarter. Our estimate for the metric was $124.6 million.
Revenues Improve, Expenses RiseQuarterly total revenues were $401.4 million, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $396.4 million. The top line also increased 6.9% year over year.
NII (on a tax-equivalent basis) increased 5.6% year over year to $295.2 million. NIM was 3.56%, which expanded seven basis points (bps). Our estimates for NII and NIM were $291.2 million and 3.57%, respectively.
Non-interest income was $108.4 million, up 10% year over year. The rise was driven by an increase in service charges on deposit accounts, trust fees, bank card and ATM fees, and investment and annuity fees and insurance commissions. We had projected non-interest income of $107.1 million.
Total non-interest expenses (GAAP) increased 4.4% to $225.4 million. We had projected expenses of $227.1 million.
The efficiency ratio increased to 55.31% from 54.91% in the year-ago quarter. An increase in the efficiency ratio indicates a deterioration in profitability.
Loans & Deposits Rise SequentiallyAs of June 30, 2026, total loans were $24.6 billion, up 2.5% from the prior quarter. Total deposits were $29.6 billion, up 1.9% from the previous quarter. Our estimates for total loans and deposits were $24.5 billion and $29.2 billion, respectively.
Credit Quality ImprovesThe provision for credit losses was $13.8 million, down 7.7% from the prior-year quarter. Our estimate for provisions was $11.4 million.
NCOs (annualized) were 0.16% of average total loans, down 15 bps from the prior-year quarter.
Capital Ratios Decline, Profitability Ratios IncreaseAs of June 30, 2026, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 10.87%, down from 11.35% at the end of the year-ago quarter. The common equity Tier 1 ratio was 13.18%, down from 13.97% as of June 30, 2025.
At the end of the second quarter of 2026, the return on average assets was 1.42%, up from 1.32% in the year-ago period. The return on average common equity was 11.52%, up from 10.63% in the prior-year quarter.
Share Repurchase UpdateIn the reported quarter, Hancock Whitney repurchased 712,966 shares at an average price of $68.28 per share.
2026 Outlook (Includes the impact of the OFB Deal)Management expects period-end loans to be up low-double-digits. Deposit balances are anticipated to be up in the low double-digit range.
NII (TE) is projected to increase 8-9% year over year. Further, flat to modest NIM expansion is expected in the second half of 2026 (assuming no rate cuts).
Adjusted pre-provision net revenues (PPNR) are expected to rise 7-8% from 2025.
Adjusted non-interest income is expected to increase 6-7%.
Adjusted non-interest expenses are expected to rise 7.5-8.5% from 2025.
Management expects to maintain an efficiency ratio below 55%.
The company expects an effective tax rate of 21-21.5%.
NCOs to average loans are expected to be in the 15-25 bps range.
Corporate Strategic Objectives (To be achieved by the fourth quarter of 2028)Management expects adjusted return on assets to be greater than or equal to 1.50%.
The tangible common equity is expected between 9-9.5%.
The adjusted return on tangible common equity is expected to be more than or equal to 15%.
Management aims for the efficiency ratio to be less than or equal to 55%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates revision have trended downward during the past month.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Hancock Whitney has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Interestingly, Hancock Whitney has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
UMB Financial, Hancock Whitney a East West Bancorp v pátek vystoupily na nová 52týdenní maxima. UMBF těžil z růstu úvěrů, vkladů a poplatkových výnosů, EWBC zvýšil výhled růstu čistého úrokového výnosu (NII) na 7–9 % pro rok 2026.
Key Takeaways UMB Financial hit a new high as loan, deposit and fee-income growth support its expansion.Hancock Whitney's growth strategy targets Florida and Texas while supporting modest NIM expansion.East West Bancorp raised its 2026 NII growth outlook to 7-9% amid robust loan growth. Investors often view a fresh 52-week high as a sign of strong price momentum. When a stock reaches a new yearly peak, it can indicate sustained investor confidence and attract additional market participants looking to capitalize on the upward trend.
U.S. bank stocks have been gaining momentum amid an increasingly supportive macroeconomic backdrop, helping UMB Financial Corporation (UMBF - Free Report) , Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC - Free Report) and East West Bancorp, Inc. (EWBC - Free Report) hit fresh 52-week highs on Friday.
What Cheered Investors?The rally reflects a combination of company-specific strength and improving sentiment toward the broader economy. Recent inflation data have offered some reassurance on the price front. The Consumer Price Index rose just 0.1% in July, whereas annual inflation moderated to 3.4% from 3.5% in June. The easing in underlying inflationary pressures has helped temper concerns about another near-term rate hike.
Meanwhile, the broader economy continues to expand. The U.S. real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, following 2.1% growth in the first quarter, with consumer spending and investment contributing to the expansion. Continued economic growth is generally conducive to healthy loan demand and credit performance, providing another supportive backdrop for lenders.
At its July meeting, the Federal Reserve kept the interest rate steady at 3.50-3.75%, noting that economic activity continued to expand at a solid pace even as inflation remained above its 2% objective. Against this backdrop, moderating inflation, coupled with continued economic growth, has strengthened expectations that policymakers can afford to keep rates steady rather than tighten monetary policy further.
Despite the softer inflation data, longer-term Treasury yields remain elevated. This, alongside relatively stable short-term policy rates, can support asset yields and provide opportunities for banks to improve spreads as funding costs stabilize or reprice more slowly. This, in turn, could offer support to net interest income (NIM) and margins, although the impacts will vary depending on individual banks' balance-sheet and deposit mixes. Together, easing underlying inflation, a steady Fed policy stance, elevated longer-term rates and continued economic expansion have helped improve investor sentiment toward the banking sector.
Against such a constructive industry backdrop, banks like UMBF, HWC and EWBC are worth keeping on the radar. Each of the three stocks has gained more than 30% over the past year.
Price Performance
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With these stocks trading at fresh 52-week highs, the key question is whether they still have room to run. Let us take a closer look at their fundamentals and growth prospects.
UMBF, HWC & EWBC in FocusUMBF Financial provides banking services and asset servicing in the United States. Its banking subsidiary — UMB Bank, National Association — offers banking, asset management, trust, credit card and cash-management services to commercial, retail, government and correspondent-bank customers.
The company continues to benefit from revenue strength, aided by rising loan and deposit balances, along with diversified fee income. In January 2025, the Heartland Financial USA acquisition added $9.8 billion in loans and $14.3 billion in deposits. Management noted that loan and deposit pipelines remain broad-based across markets, which, along with continued realization of integration synergies, is expected to support balance sheet growth going forward. Stabilizing funding costs and healthy loan demand are expected to support net interest income expansion.
UMB Financial has been shifting its business mix toward fee-based revenues to reduce its dependence on spread income. Management noted that pipelines remain active across fund services, corporate trust and private wealth, which is expected to support continued growth in fee-based income.
UMBF enjoys a solid liquidity position. Its cash and interest-bearing due from banks is $6.4 billion and debt (comprising short-term and long-term debt) is $4.1 billion.
At present, UMBF Financial carries a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings indicates growth of 16.4% and 4.6% for 2026 and 2027, respectively. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Earnings Estimates
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UMBF hit a 52-week high, touching $152.48 before closing the session at $152.04 on Friday.
Hancock Whitney is a bank and financial holding company. It operates through 182 full-service bank branches and 226 automated teller machines across Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Texas.
HWC remains focused on a multi-year strategy that combines organic investment with targeted acquisitions. The company’s organic plan includes adding revenue-generating associates (already hired 42 net new bankers in the first half of 2026 against a full-year goal of 50) and expanding in Florida and Texas. In May, the company agreed to acquire OFB Bancshares, Inc., broadening its presence in Orlando, Jacksonville and the Florida Panhandle. Hancock Whitney plans to combine OFB’s local relationships with its broader platform and expanded private banking and fee-income capabilities, supported by the 2025 Sabal Trust acquisition. These initiatives should support sustained revenue growth and deepen full-relationship banking across higher-growth markets.
Higher securities yields, asset repricing and the acquired deposit base should help the company’s NIM, although the benefit from lower rates on maturing certificates of deposit is expected to diminish. Assuming a flat-rate environment, management expects modest NIM expansion in the second half of 2026.
HWC maintains a decent liquidity profile. As of June 30, 2026, Hancock Whitney had total debt of $1.76 billion (most of which consisted of short-term borrowings). At the end of the second quarter of 2026, the company had $29.6 billion in deposits, with non-interest-bearing balances representing 35% of the total deposits, while brokered deposits were at zero.
At present, HWC carries a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings indicates growth of 12.6% and 12.3% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Earnings Estimates
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Hancock Whitney hit a 52-week high, touching $80.13 before closing the session at $79.78 on Friday.
East West Bancorp is the bank holding company for East West Bank. Incorporated in 1998, the company serves as a financial bridge between the United States and China by providing various consumer and commercial banking services to the Asian-American community.
East West Bancorp is focused on its organic growth strategy. Supported by continued loan growth and deposit repricing, the company’s NII is expected to continue to improve. Down-rate protection hedge programs, rising interest-earning assets and a continued focus on acquiring low-cost deposits are expected to offer support. Robust loan growth and hedge programs are expected to aid East West Bancorp’s revenues. Assuming flat rates, management has raised its NII outlook to 7-9% year-over-year growth in 2026 (up from the prior stated 6-8% rally). The company expects period-end loans to increase 6-8% this year.
East West Bancorp’s non-interest income has been consistently improving over the past few years. As management expects steady growth in deposits and loans through sustained client acquisition, the company’s fee income is likely to get a boost via deposit account fees and lending fees.
The company has a solid balance sheet position. As of June 30, 2026, it had total debt (comprising Federal Home Loan Bank advances and long-term debt and finance lease liabilities) of $3.03 billion, while cash and cash equivalents were $5.10 billion.
At present, EWBC carries a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings indicates growth of 11.8% and 6.5% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Earnings Estimates
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EWBC hit a 52-week high, touching $137.31 before closing the session at $136.60 on Friday.
Hancock Whitney dokončila akvizici OFB Bancshares za 377,6 milionu USD a přidává 1,7 miliardy USD v úvěrech a 1,8 miliardy USD v depozitech. Transakce má být okamžitě akreční pro zisk a přinést asi 15,8 milionu USD ročních úspor.
Key Takeaways Hancock Whitney completed the $377.6 million OFB Bancshares acquisition, expanding its Florida footprint.HWC adds $1.7 billion in loans and $1.8 billion in deposits, strengthening its regional presence.Hancock Whitney expects earnings accretion, cost savings, and operational benefits from the integration. Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC - Free Report) completed its previously announced acquisition of OFB Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of One Florida Bank, in an all-cash transaction valued at $377.6 million. It strengthens the company’s presence in Orlando, Jacksonville and the Florida Panhandle.
One Florida Bank adds approximately $1.7 billion in loans and $1.8 billion in deposits. Florida deposits will be 21% of total deposits on a pro forma basis. Hancock Whitney expects to complete the systems conversion in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking the final stage of integrating One Florida Bank into its operations.
Management noted that projected revenue synergies were not included in the transaction model, indicating additional upside potential as Hancock Whitney integrates One Florida Bank into its broader banking platform. The company expects to leverage One Florida Bank's local relationships alongside its commercial banking, private banking, and wealth management capabilities to drive loan growth and expand fee income opportunities over time.
Management expects the acquisition to complement its strong operating outlook for 2026. Period-end loans and deposits are projected to grow in the low double-digit range. Tax-equivalent net interest income is expected to increase 8-9% year over year, while net interest margin is anticipated to remain flat to modestly higher in the second half of 2026, assuming no rate cuts. Additionally, adjusted non-interest income is forecast to rise 6-7%, reflecting continued business momentum. Reflecting this momentum, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales suggests an increase of 1.7% for 2026 and 14.5% for 2027.
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The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Hancock Whitney's earnings, with management projecting high-single-digit earnings growth. Also, the company expects approximately $15.8 million in annual cost savings, while one-time merger-related charges are expected to be $30 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HWC’s 2026 and 2027 earnings reflects the deal benefits. Earnings are projected to grow at the rate of 12.8% and 12.2% for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
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Further, the transaction resulted in a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11.4% at closing. The transaction also met or exceeded Hancock Whitney's minimum return thresholds for IRR and ROIC, highlighting its attractive financial profile.
As per Hancock Whitney’s corporate strategic objectives (to be achieved by the fourth quarter of 2028), adjusted return on assets (ROA) is expected to be greater than or equal to 1.50% and adjusted return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) is expected to be more than or equal to 15%. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, ROA was 1.42%, and ROTCE was 14.84%.
Therefore, HWC is expected to realize operational efficiencies and financial benefits from the acquisition, which will further strengthen its position in one of the fastest-growing markets in the Southeast.
HWC’s Price PerformanceOver the past year, shares of HWC have gained 33.8%, significantly outperforming the industry's 19.1% increase.
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At present, Hancock Whitney carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Business Restructuring Steps Taken by Other Financial FirmsOn Aug. 3, HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC - Free Report) announced the sale of its retail banking businesses in Egypt and Australia as part of its broader simplification and restructuring strategy.
The transactions reflect the bank's focus on streamlining operations, exiting businesses where it lacks sufficient scale, redeploying capital to higher-return opportunities, and strengthening its core corporate and institutional banking, wealth management, and wholesale banking franchises. The moves are expected to support HSBC's target of delivering approximately $1.5 billion in annualized cost savings and achieving at least a 17% return on average tangible equity by 2028.
In the month of July, State Street Corporation (STT - Free Report) agreed to acquire Santander CACEIS Latam Securities Services, a joint venture owned by Santander Group and CACEIS.
The transaction supports STT's long-term growth strategy of expanding its global investment servicing platform, increasing its footprint in key Latin American markets, and enhancing its custody, fund administration, and foreign exchange capabilities for institutional clients.
For the quarter ended June 2026, Hancock Whitney (HWC - Free Report) reported revenue of $401.36 million, up 6.9% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.55, compared to $1.37 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $396.38 million, representing a surprise of +1.26%. The company has not delivered EPS surprise, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.55.
While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Hancock Whitney performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Net interest margin (TE): 3.6% compared to the 3.6% average estimate based on four analysts.Efficiency Ratio: 55.3% compared to the 55.8% average estimate based on four analysts.Total net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans: 0.2% versus the three-analyst average estimate of 0.2%.Average Balance - Total interest earning assets: $33.21 billion versus the three-analyst average estimate of $32.82 billion.Total nonperforming loans: $113.68 million versus $110.97 million estimated by two analysts on average.Total nonperforming assets (Total nonaccrual loans + ORE and foreclosed assets): $126.54 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $124.77 million.Total Noninterest Income: $108.35 million compared to the $106.33 million average estimate based on four analysts.Net interest income (TE): $295.23 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $292.89 million.Net Interest Income: $293.01 million versus $290.15 million estimated by three analysts on average.Secondary mortgage market operations: $4.07 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $3.99 million.Bank card and ATM fees: $23.18 million versus $22.16 million estimated by two analysts on average.Investment and annuity fees and insurance commissions: $14.62 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $12.12 million.View all Key Company Metrics for Hancock Whitney here>>>
Shares of Hancock Whitney have returned +9.2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.6% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Hancock Whitney ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšila EPS o 13 % meziročně a čistý zisk dosáhl 127 milionů USD. Banka také zvýšila celoroční výhled růstu vkladů z nízkého jednociferného tempa na střední jednociferné tempo.
3 Overlooked Dividend Stocks for Choppy Markets in 2026Hancock Whitney NASDAQ: HWC reported what executives described as another strong quarter of profitability, efficiency and shareholder returns in the second quarter of 2026, while also pointing to stronger balance sheet growth and continued improvement in credit trends.
President and CEO John Hairston said earnings per share improved 13% from the same period a year earlier, while pre-provision net revenue rose 6%. He also highlighted 5% loan growth, 2% total deposit growth and a sixth consecutive quarter of improvement in commercial criticized loans.
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Analysts Remain Bullish On These 3 Regional Banks“The second quarter of 2026 was another strong quarter of profitability, efficiency, and return of capital to shareholders,” Hairston said. He added that the company was “pleased to add solid balance sheet growth on both sides of the ledger to an already excellent quarter.”
Profitability Remains Strong as Net Interest Income Rises CFO Mike Achary said net income for the quarter was $127 million, or $1.55 per share, compared with adjusted net income of $125 million, or $1.52 per share, in the first quarter. Pre-provision net revenue increased 3% from the prior quarter to $178 million, which Achary said represented a 1.99% return on average assets.
Net interest income increased 3% from the prior quarter. Hancock Whitney’s net interest margin rose one basis point to 3.56%, as the yield on earning assets increased two basis points and the cost of funds increased one basis point. Achary said the bond portfolio yield rose 12 basis points to 3.35%, reflecting the full-quarter impact of a restructuring transaction completed in the first quarter and reinvestment of principal cash flows.
Loan yields declined two basis points, which Achary attributed mainly to a 12-basis-point quarter-over-quarter drop in new loan rates, partially offset by a $374 million increase in average loans. Deposit costs fell four basis points to 1.43%, mostly because of lower rates on maturing certificates of deposit.
Achary said Hancock Whitney expects deposit costs to increase in the second half of the year, as the benefit from repricing maturing CDs “will largely come to an end.” He said net interest income should continue to grow, though possibly at a slower pace than in the second quarter, and that the margin is expected to be flat to slightly higher.
Loan and Deposit Growth Accelerate On a linked-quarter annualized basis, Hairston said loans grew 10% and deposits grew 8%. Loan production was strong and line utilization improved, with growth across every business line except mortgage. The company reiterated its full-year loan growth guidance of mid-single digits.
Chief Operating Officer Shane Loper said Hancock Whitney produced $1.5 billion in loans during the quarter, up from $1.2 billion in the first quarter. Loan growth totaled $588 million, with strength across business banking, commercial, middle market, consumer and commercial real estate.
Loper said clients generally remain stable and somewhat optimistic, but cautious. He also said the loan market remains competitive, particularly because “there’s a lot of credit supply for a limited demand.”
Deposit growth was driven by a $786 million increase in interest-bearing money market accounts, partially offset by a slight decline in CD balances from maturities. Hancock Whitney raised its full-year deposit guidance from low single-digit growth to mid-single-digit growth.
Achary said the bank’s goal is to fund loan growth with deposit growth, and he described the deposit pricing environment as competitive but rational in the company’s markets. During the quarter, Hancock Whitney expanded certain promotional deposit offerings, including an 11-month CD at 3.85% in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama after previously offering it in Florida and Texas. The company also offered money market promotions at 3.75% for some existing customers and 4% for new customers.
Fee Income, Expenses and Hiring Fee income increased $2.3 million, or 2%, adjusted for the net loss on the bond portfolio restructuring in the prior quarter. Achary said the increase was driven by higher activity in investment and annuity income, insurance and trust, partly offset by lower syndication fees and Small Business Investment Company income, which he said can be unpredictable from quarter to quarter.
Hairston pointed to wealth management as a notable contributor, citing execution across the broker-dealer and trust platforms, as well as some benefit from the Sabal transaction completed last year. He also said card and merchant services continued to perform well, while secondary mortgage was in line with expectations.
Expenses rose 2% from the prior quarter, primarily because of annual merit increases and the impact of new hires during the first half of 2026. Hairston said Hancock Whitney added 15 net new bankers in the second quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 42 against its annual goal of 50.
Loper said new bankers accounted for 26% of the quarter’s growth and that the company remains confident in reaching its hiring target. Achary noted that the company increased its operating expense guidance excluding One Florida Bank, partly reflecting the possibility of adding more employees.
Asset Quality Continues to Improve Hancock Whitney reported continued improvement in criticized commercial loans, which declined $30 million to $492 million. Nonaccrual loans increased $1 million to $114 million. Net charge-offs were 16 basis points, down from 19 basis points in the prior quarter.
Achary said loan loss reserves stood at 1.42% of loans. The company continues to expect net charge-offs to average loans to come in between 15 and 25 basis points for full-year 2026.
In response to an analyst question about changes in CECL assumptions, Achary said the company saw Moody’s baseline scenario become more conservative. He said Hancock Whitney shifted its weighting from 40/60 to 50/50 between the baseline and slow-growth scenarios.
One Florida Deal and Capital Plans Hairston said Hancock Whitney received regulatory and shareholder approval in July for the One Florida Bank transaction and expects the deal to close on August 1. He said the company updated its guidance to show the fiscal 2026 outlook both excluding and including One Florida.
Including One Florida, Achary said Hancock Whitney expects loans and deposits to be up low double digits, net interest income to rise 8% to 9%, fee income to increase 6% to 7%, operating expenses to rise 7.5% to 8.5%, and pre-provision net revenue to grow 7% to 8%. Those expectations do not include meaningful revenue synergies, such as expanding wealth products and services to One Florida clients. Cost savings are expected to be fully realized by the start of 2027.
Hairston said the immediate focus after closing will be welcoming One Florida clients and employees and completing integration, which he expects in mid- to late fourth quarter. He said the company may provide more detail in 2027 on growth expectations in Orlando and other Florida markets.
On capital deployment, Hairston said Hancock Whitney’s priorities remain supporting balance sheet growth, dividends and completing the current 5% share repurchase authorization by year-end. Achary said the company had about 2 million shares remaining under the authorization and intends to exhaust it over the second half of 2026, likely on a roughly pro rata basis between the third and fourth quarters.
Achary said the company is comfortable with tangible common equity around 9% and common equity Tier 1 capital around 12%. He said future repurchase plans for 2027 will be discussed when the company gets there.
About Hancock Whitney (NASDAQ:HWC)Hancock Whitney Corporation NASDAQ: HWC is a regional financial services company headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi. The firm was established in April 2019 through the merger of Hancock Holding Company and Whitney Holding Corporation, each of which traced its roots to the late 19th century. This combination created one of the largest bank holding companies in the Gulf South region, with a network of branches serving both urban and rural communities.
The company's core business activities include commercial banking, retail banking and wealth management services.
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