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GULFPORT, Miss. - Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ:HWC) reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with net income rising to $127.5 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, compared to $115.6 million, or $1.33 per share, in the same period last year. The results surpassed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.43 per share.
The bank’s shares fell 1.7% following the earnings announcement.
The regional bank’s performance was driven by higher net interest income and noninterest income, along with improved operational efficiency. Net interest income increased to $279.7 million in the third quarter, up from $271.8 million in the year-ago period, while noninterest income rose 10.5% YoY to $106 million.
"The third quarter of 2025 results reflect another quarter of exceptionally strong performance," said John M. Hairston, President & CEO. "Our ROA was a remarkable 1.46%, our efficiency ratio improved to 54.10%, and our NIM was stable at 3.49% despite a falling rate environment."
Total loans increased by $134.8 million to $23.6 billion, representing a 2% annualized growth rate from the previous quarter. The bank saw growth across commercial real estate-owner occupied loans, income-producing loans, and equipment finance loans. However, total deposits decreased by $386.9 million to $28.7 billion, primarily due to seasonal outflows and a reduction in public fund balances.
Asset quality metrics showed mixed results, with criticized commercial loans decreasing to $549.2 million, or 3.01% of total commercial loans, down from $569.3 million in the previous quarter. However, nonaccrual loans increased to $113.6 million, representing 0.48% of total loans, compared to $94.9 million, or 0.40%, in the second quarter.
The bank maintained a solid capital position, with its Common Equity Tier 1 ratio estimated at 14.08%, up 11 basis points from the previous quarter. During the third quarter, Hancock Whitney repurchased 662,500 shares of its common stock at an average price of $60.45 per share.
For the full year 2025, management expects low-single digit loan growth and period-end deposit levels to be up low-single digits from December 31, 2024 levels.
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