Why It's Wise To Hold Hancock Holding (HBHC) Stock For Now

We issued an updated research report on Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ:HBHC) on Nov 21. The company has been undertaking strategic initiatives, witnessing an increase in its loan and deposit balances, and enhancing shareholder value through regular dividend payments. The likelihood of lesser regulations and an improving rate environment are also among the factors that will continue to support profitability.

However, rising operating expenses remains a concern for the company. Also, Hancock Holding’s exposure to risky loan portfolios makes us apprehensive.

Shares of Hancock Holdings have gained 18.6% over the past 12 months, outperforming 6.7% growth recorded by the industry.

Further, the company’s earnings estimates have inched up for the current year, over the last 30 days. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Hancock Holding remains focused on its organic growth strategy. Revenues have seen a CAGR of 2.3% over the past three years (2014-2016), with the trend continuing in 2017. We remain optimistic about future revenue growth, given the implementation of initiatives to enhance its core revenues. Also, branch acquisitions in early 2017 should support growth. Going ahead, strategic investments in growth markets are not only expected to be accretive, but should also bolster the bank’s presence in such areas.

Further, total loans (net of unearned income) increased at a five-year (2012-2016) CAGR of 9.7%, with the trend continuing in 2017. Additionally, the company has been witnessing a consistent rise in non-interest-bearing deposits. Such deposits lower the funding cost for the company, and the capital generated from these deposits can be meaningfully employed with economic recovery.

On the flip side, mounting operating expenses remain a major concern for Hancock Holding. The company’s total non-interest expenses (excluding non-operating expenses) have increased at a three-year (2014-2016) CAGR of 2.2%. The trend is lasting in 2017. The primary reasons for persistently higher costs are increase in personnel costs, and deposit insurance and regulatory fees. Also, as the company has been expanding inorganically and hiring additional workforce, costs are expected to remain on a higher level going forward.

Moreover, the company has significant exposure to residential mortgage, construction and land development as well as commercial real estate loans. The company’s exposure to these loan portfolios constitute over 34% of total loans. Any deterioration in real estate prices will pose a risk to the company. As such exposure calls for higher provisions, it may strain the company’s near-term profitability.

Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FBNC) , Republic Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBCAA) and Summit Financial Group (NASDAQ:SMMF) , each carrying a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

For First Bancorp, over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has been revised 8.6% upward for 2017. Its share price has increased 48.2% in a year.

Republic Bancorp has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 4.7% for 2017, over the last 30 days. Over the past 12 months, its share price has gone up 8.8%.

Summit Financial has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 3.7% for 2017, over the last 30 days. Its share price has risen 7% over the past 12 months.

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