Hancock Whitney: Q2 Leaves Growth Questions Unanswered (Rating Downgrade)

  • Hancock Whitney's Q1 results were in line, with expansion efforts slow to accelerate growth and deposit costs improving due to a better funding mix. Loan growth outpaced expectations, driven by commercial real estate, but I remain cautious about further CRE exposure given sector risks. Capital position remains excellent, supporting a secure dividend and potential for M&A, but near-term upside is limited as growth initiatives take time.