HANCOCK WHITNEY CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 27, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 27, 2025
HWC$71.48+0.1%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.
0000950170-24-022252
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-27.
0000950170-25-028009
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 144 previous paragraphs and 150 current paragraphs.
127 unchanged; 15 reworded; 8 added; 2 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
the current administration may seek to implement a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different than that of the Biden administration, impacting the rulemaking, supervision, examination and enforcement priorities of the federal banking agencies and potentially resulting in uncertainty;
Current report
Our investments in certain tax-advantaged projects may not generate returns as anticipated or at all and may have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Current report
We invest in certain tax-advantaged investments that support qualified affordable housing projects and other community development initiatives. Our investments in these projects rely on the ability of the projects to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits and other tax benefits. We face the risk that tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance with relevant requirements at the project level, may not be able to be realized. The risk of not being able to realize the tax credits and other tax benefits associated with a particular project depends on many factors that are outside of our control. The project’s failure to maintain compliance impacts our ability to realize these tax credits and other tax benefits, which may have a negative impact on our investment, and as a result, on our financial condition and results of operations.
Current report
The development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) presents risks and challenges that may adversely impact our business.
Current report
The Company or its third-party (or fourth-party) vendors, clients or counterparties may develop or incorporate AI technology in certain business processes, services, or products. The development and use of AI presents a number of risks and challenges to the Company’s business. The legal and regulatory environment relating to AI is uncertain and rapidly evolving, both in the U.S. and internationally, and includes regulatory schemes targeted specifically at AI as well as provisions in intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, employment, and other laws applicable to the use of AI. These evolving laws and regulations could require changes in the Company’s implementation of AI technology and increase the Company’s compliance costs and the risk of non-compliance. AI models, particularly generative AI models, may produce output or take action that is incorrect, that reflects biases included in the data on which they are trained, that results in the release of private, confidential, or proprietary information, that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others, or that is otherwise harmful. In addition, the complexity of many AI models makes it difficult to understand why they are generating particular outputs. This limited transparency increases the challenges associated with assessing the proper operation of AI models, understanding and monitoring the capabilities of the AI models, reducing erroneous output, eliminating bias, and complying with regulations that require documentation or explanation of the basis on which decisions are made. Further, the Company may rely on AI models developed by third parties, and, to that extent, would be dependent in part on the manner in which those third parties develop and train their models, including risks arising from the inclusion of any unauthorized material in the training data for their models and the effectiveness of the steps these third parties have taken to limit the risks associated with the output of their models, matters over which the Company may have limited visibility. Any of these risks could expose the Company to liability or adverse legal or regulatory consequences and harm the Company’s reputation and the public perception of its business or the effectiveness of its security measures.
Current report
As a financial institution, we are inherently exposed to risk in the form of theft and other fraudulent activities by customers, employees, or other third parties targeting us or our customers or data. Such activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, social engineering, spoofing, and other dishonest acts. Although we devote substantial resources to maintaining effective policies and internal controls to identify and prevent such incidents, given the increasing sophistication of possible perpetrators, we may experience financial losses or reputational harm as a result of fraud. Further, as a result of the increased sophistication of fraud activity, we continue to invest in systems, resources, and controls to detect and prevent fraud. This will result in continued ongoing investments in the future.
Current report
Natural and man-made disasters could affect our ability to operate.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Previous report
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in the United States. The Inflation Reduction Act includes various tax provisions, including a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the fair value of certain stock repurchases and a corporate alternative minimum tax that generally applies to U.S. corporations with average adjusted financial statement income over a three-year period in excess of $1 billion. Based on the information available to-date, we do not expect the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to have a material impact on our financial results, including on our annual estimated effective tax rate or on our liquidity, absent any further changes in law.
Previous report
Natural and man-made disasters, including those caused or exacerbated by climate change, could affect our ability to operate.
Reworded paragraphs (15)
Previous wording
Volatility in global financial markets, including, but not limited to inflation and governmental responses thereto, recessionary concerns, the conflict in Ukraine, the Israeli-Hamas war and other ongoing conflicts, may continue to have a spillover effect that could ultimately impair the performance of the U.S. economy and, in turn, our results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
Volatility in global financial markets, including, but not limited to inflation and governmental responses thereto, recessionary concerns, wars and other ongoing global conflicts, may continue to have a spillover effect that could ultimately impair the performance of the U.S. economy and, in turn, our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
In addition, loan originations, and potentially loan revenues, could be adversely impacted by sharply rising interest rates. Heightened interest rates have had, and may continue to have adverse impacts on our borrowers and demand for our loan products. Continued heightened market rates of interest rates would increase debt service requirements for some of our borrowers; adversely affect those borrowers’ ability to pay us as contractually obligated; potentially reduce loan demand or result in additional delinquencies or charge-offs; and increase the cost of our deposits, which are a primary source of funding.
Current wording
In addition, loan originations, and potentially loan revenues, could be adversely impacted by sharply rising interest rates. Heightened interest rates have had and may continue to have adverse impacts on our borrowers and demand for our loan products. Continued heightened interest rates would increase debt service requirements for some of our borrowers; adversely affect those borrowers’ ability to pay us as contractually obligated; potentially reduce loan demand or result in additional delinquencies or charge-offs; and increase the cost of our deposits, which are a primary source of funding.
Previous wording
Interest rate changes are dependent on the Federal Reserve’s assessment of economic data as it becomes available. Beginning in early 2022 and continuing into 2023, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively to combat inflation. As a result of the rising interest rate environment, we have and may continue to offer more attractive interest rates to depositors to compete for deposits, or pursue other sources of liquidity, such as wholesale funds. Further, when interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more quickly than interest-earning assets, an increase in interest rates generally results in a decrease in net interest income. Conversely, decreasing interest rates reduce our yield on our variable rate loans and on our new loans, which reduces our net interest income. In addition, lower interest rates may reduce our realized yields on investment securities which would reduce our net interest income and cause downward pressure on net interest margin in future periods. A significant reduction in our net interest income could have a material adverse impact on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Interest rate changes are dependent on the Federal Reserve’s assessment of economic data as it becomes available. Beginning in early 2022 and continuing into 2023, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively to combat inflation. Beginning in the third quarter of 2024, the Federal Reserve began slowly decreasing interest rates, with future interest rate changes, either increases or decreases uncertain, and dependent on the Federal Reserve’s assessment of economic conditions and inflation. As a result of both the rising and sustained elevated interest rate environment compared to recent historical norms, we have and may continue to offer more attractive interest rates to depositors to compete for deposits, or pursue other sources of liquidity, such as wholesale funds. Further, when interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more quickly than interest-earning assets, an increase in interest rates generally results in a decrease in net interest income. Conversely, decreasing interest rates reduce our yield on our variable rate loans and on our new loans, which reduces our net interest income. In addition, lower interest rates may reduce our realized yields on investment securities which would reduce our net interest income and cause downward pressure on net interest margin in future periods. A significant reduction in our net interest income could have a material adverse impact on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Changes to U.S. trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, including trade policies and tariffs affecting other countries, including China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico and retaliatory tariffs by such countries may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that the Company's customers import or export, including among others, agricultural products, could cause the prices of our customers' products to increase, could reduce demand for such products, or reduce our customers' margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results and ability to service debt. Trade restrictions on products include export and import restrictions recently levied against Russia.
Current wording
Changes to U.S. trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, including trade policies and tariffs affecting other countries, including China, the European Union, Canada and Mexico and retaliatory tariffs by such countries may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that the Company’s customers import or export, including among others, agricultural products, could cause the prices of our customers’ products to increase, could reduce demand for such products, or reduce our customers’ margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results and ability to service debt. Trade restrictions on products include export and import restrictions, such as those levied against Russia.
Previous wording
We compete with a number of financial services companies that are not subject to the same degree of regulatory oversight. The impact of the existing regulatory framework and any future changes to it could negatively affect our ability to compete with these institutions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and prospects.
Current wording
We compete with a number of financial services companies that are not subject to the same degree of regulatory oversight. Further, our credit union competitors benefit from competitive advantages, including the credit union exemption from paying federal income tax and can, therefore, more aggressively price many products and services. The impact of the existing regulatory framework and any future changes to it could negatively affect our ability to compete with these institutions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and prospects.
Previous wording
Adverse events or circumstances could impact the recoverability of our intangible assets including significant loss of core deposits, customer relationships acquired in our trust and asset management transaction, losses of acquired credit card accounts and/or balances, increased competition or adverse changes in the economy. To the extent these intangible assets are deemed unrecoverable, a non-cash impairment charge would be recorded. While an impairment charge does not impact regulatory capital, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Current wording
Adverse events or circumstances could impact the recoverability of our intangible assets, including significant loss of core deposits and/or customer relationships acquired in our trust and asset management transaction, and increased competition or adverse changes in the economy related to these products. To the extent these intangible assets are deemed unrecoverable, a non-cash impairment charge would be recorded. While an impairment charge does not impact regulatory capital, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Previous wording
Operating costs must decrease or grow at a slower pace than overall revenue in order to thrive in the competitive banking environment. We have and will continue to implement strategies to grow our loan portfolio and increase noninterest income in order to realize earnings growth and to remain competitive with the other banks in the markets we serve. We are continuously focused on growth initiatives and strategies for expense reductions to increase efficiencies. While we have had success in cost-savings and revenue growth in the past, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will be successful in the future. In addition, while expense control continues to be a top focus for us, management also expects to continue to make strategic investments in technology that are expected to improve our customer experience and support future growth, which will require an increase in expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will ultimately realize the anticipated benefits of our expense reduction and growth strategies, which may impair our earnings growth. Further, we may not be able to realize cost savings or revenue benefits in the time period expected, which could negatively affect our near-term profitability.
Current wording
Operating costs must decrease or grow at a slower pace than overall revenue in order to thrive in the competitive banking environment. We have and will continue to implement strategies to grow our loan portfolio and increase noninterest income in order to realize earnings growth and to remain competitive with the other banks in the markets we serve. We are continuously focused on growth initiatives and strategies for expense reductions to increase efficiencies. While we have had success in cost-savings and revenue growth in the past, there is no guarantee that these initiatives will be successful in the future. In addition, while expense control continues to be a top focus for us, management also expects to continue to make strategic investments in technology that are expected to improve our customer experience and support future growth, which will require an increase in expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will ultimately realize the anticipated benefits of our expense reduction and growth strategies, which may impair our earnings growth. Further, we may not be able to realize cost savings or revenue benefits in the time period expected and/or be able to sustain success in such items at targeted levels, which could negatively affect our near-term profitability.
Previous wording
We may seek to supplement our internal growth through acquisitions. We cannot predict the number, size or timing of acquisitions, or whether any such acquisition will occur at all. Our acquisition efforts have traditionally focused on targeted banking entities in markets in which we currently operate and markets in which we believe we can compete effectively. However, as consolidation of the financial services industry continues, the competition for suitable acquisition candidates may increase and, as the number of appropriate targets decreases, the prices for potential acquisitions could increase which could reduce our potential returns, and reduce the attractiveness of these opportunities to us. We may compete with other financial services companies for acquisition opportunities, and many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and may be able to pay more for an acquisition than we are able or willing to pay.
Current wording
We may seek to supplement our internal growth through acquisitions. We cannot predict the number, size or timing of acquisitions, or whether any such acquisition will occur at all. Our acquisition efforts have traditionally focused on targeted banking entities in markets in which we currently operate and markets in which we believe we can compete effectively. However, as consolidation of the financial services industry continues, the competition for suitable acquisition candidates may increase and, as the number of appropriate targets decreases, the prices for potential acquisitions could increase which could reduce our potential returns and reduce the attractiveness of these opportunities to us. In addition, we have and expect to continue to seek to acquire other businesses or segments of business that may support or add to existing product lines, such as trust and asset management services. We may compete with other financial services companies for acquisition opportunities, and many of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and may be able to pay more for an acquisition than we are able or willing to pay.
Previous wording
In addition, in recent years, a number of judicial decisions have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed “lender liability.” Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has either violated a duty, whether implied or contractual, of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. We have been and in the future could become subject to claims based on this or other evolving legal theories.
Current wording
In addition, in recent years, a number of judicial decisions have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed “lender liability.” Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has either violated a duty, whether implied or contractual, of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. We have been and in the future could become subject to claims based on this or other evolving legal theories. Further, banking institutions are also increasingly the target of class action lawsuits, including claims alleging deceptive practices or violations of account terms in connection with non-sufficient funds or overdraft charges and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). We manage these risks through internal controls, personnel training, insurance, litigation management, our compliance and ethics processes, and other means. However, the commencement, outcome, and magnitude of litigation cannot be predicted or controlled with any certainty.
Previous wording
Our common stock ranks junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness with respect to distributions and liquidation. In addition, future issuances of equity securities, including pursuant to outstanding options, could dilute the interests of our existing shareholders, including you, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Moreover, to the extent that we issue restricted stock units, phantom shares, stock appreciation rights, options or warrants to purchase our common stock in the future and those stock appreciation rights, options or warrants are exercised or as the restricted stock units vest, our shareholders may experience further dilution.
Current wording
Our common stock ranks junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness with respect to distributions and liquidation. In addition, future issuances of equity securities, including pursuant to outstanding share-based payment arrangements, could dilute the interests of our existing shareholders, including you, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Moreover, to the extent that we issue restricted stock units, phantom shares, stock appreciation rights, options or warrants to purchase our common stock in the future and those stock appreciation rights, options or warrants are exercised or as the restricted stock units vest, our shareholders may experience further dilution.
Previous wording
Our market areas are often impacted by hurricanes and flooding. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornados, freezes and other natural and man-made disasters, such as oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico, can disrupt our operations, result in significant damage to our properties or properties and businesses of our borrowers, including property pledged as collateral, interrupt our ability to conduct business, negatively affect the local economies in which we operate, and increase circumstances leading to litigation.
Current wording
Our market areas are often impacted by hurricanes and flooding. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornados, freezes and other natural and man-made disasters, such as oil spills, can disrupt our operations, result in significant damage to our properties or properties and businesses of our borrowers, including property pledged as collateral, interrupt our ability to conduct business, negatively affect the local economies in which we operate, and increase circumstances leading to litigation.
Previous wording
Societal, legislative and regulatory responses to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") concerns, including climate change and "anti ESG" concerns, could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.
Current wording
Societal, legislative and regulatory responses to environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns, and anti ESG concerns, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and anti-DEI concerns, could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.
Previous wording
Our business faces increasing public, investor, activist, legislative and regulatory scrutiny related to ESG and “anti-ESG” developments. We risk damage to our brand and reputation in certain sectors if we fail to act in response to ESG concerns, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, human capital management, support for our local communities, corporate governance and transparency, or fail to consider ESG factors in our business operations.
Current wording
Our business faces increasing public, investor, activist, legislative and regulatory scrutiny related to ESG and anti-ESG, DEI and anti-DEI developments. We risk damage to our brand and reputation in certain sectors if we fail to act in response to ESG concerns, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, human capital management, support for our local communities, corporate governance and transparency, or fail to consider ESG factors in our business operations.
Previous wording
Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will continue to lead to global governmental efforts to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior and operations as a result of these concerns. The Company and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. We and our customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific circumstances, including a significant presence in areas that are vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters that may be exacerbated by climate change, or reliance upon or a role in carbon intensive activities. Among the impacts to the Company could be a drop in demand for our products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, we could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. Our efforts to take these risks into account may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.
Current wording
Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will likely continue to lead to global governmental efforts to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior and operations as a result of these concerns. The Company and its customers may need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. We and our customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific circumstances, including a significant presence in areas that are vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters that may be exacerbated by climate change, or reliance upon or a role in carbon intensive activities. Among the impacts to the Company could be a drop in demand for our products and services, particularly in certain sectors. In addition, we could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. Our efforts to take these risks into account may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.
Previous wording
In response to ESG developments, there are increasing instances of “anti-ESG” legislation, regulation, and litigation that could have unintended impacts on ordinary banking operations and increase litigation risk related to actions we choose to take. If legislatures in the states in which we operate adopt legislation intended to protect certain industries by limiting or prohibiting consideration of business and industry factors in lending activities, certain portions of our lending operations may be impacted.
Current wording
In response to ESG developments (including, in particular DEI initiatives), there are increasing instances of anti-ESG legislation and anti-DEI executive orders, adverse media coverage, regulation, and litigation that could have unintended impacts on ordinary banking operations and increase litigation or reputational risk related to actions we choose to take and impact the results of our operations. If legislatures in the states in which we operate adopt legislation intended to protect certain industries by limiting or prohibiting consideration of business and industry factors in lending activities, certain portions of our lending operations may be impacted.