UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K (Mark One) [ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] For the transition period from __________________ to ______________________ Commission file number 0-13089 -------

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 0-13089

Hancock Holding Company - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Mississippi 64-0693170 - -------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) incorporation or organization) One Hancock Plaza, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 - ------------------------------------------ ------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (228) 868-4727 -------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of Each Exchange on Title of Each Class Which Registered ------------------- ------------------------- NONE NONE

Mississippi

64-0693170

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

One Hancock Plaza, Gulfport, Mississippi

39501

(228) 868-4727

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

COMMON STOCK, $3.33 PAR VALUE

The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

(Title of Class)

(Name of Exchange on Which Registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:          COMMON STOCK, $3.33 PAR VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Title of Class) NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes Xx No ------ ------ o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes oNo X ------ ------ Continued

Page 1 of 54

x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes Xx No ------ ------ o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant'sregistrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ------ Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated“accelerated filer and large accelerated filer"filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One): Large accelerated filer X Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer ------ ------ ------

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes oNo X ------ ------

x

The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliatesnonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 28, 2006June 30, 2008 was approximately $1,088,719,828 (based on an average$1,016,381,401 based upon the closing market price on NASDAQ as of $44.66).such date. For purposes of this calculation only, shares held by non-affiliatesnonaffiliates are deemed to consist of (a) shares held by all shareholders other than directors and executive officers of the registrant plus (b) shares held by directors and officers as to which beneficial ownership has been disclaimed.

On December 31, 2005,February 2, 2009, the registrant had outstanding 32,301,12331,802,848 shares of common stock for financial statement purposes.




DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 20052008 are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part II of this report.

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 30, 2006, filed by the Registrant on March 3, 2006,26, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

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Hancock Holding Company
Form 10-K
Index

PART I

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

1

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

12

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

16

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

16

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

16

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

16

PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

17

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

20

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

23

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

47

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

48

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

93

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

93

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

94

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

94

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

94

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

95

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

95

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

95

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

95




                                                               CONTENTS



PART I Item 1. Business 4 Item 1A. Risk Factors 32 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 36 Item 2. Properties 37 Item 3. Legal Proceedings 38 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 38 PART II Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters 38 Item 6. Selected Financial Data 39 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 39 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 44 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 44 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 44 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 45 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 46 Item 11. Executive Compensation 48 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 48 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 49 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 49 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 49

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PART I

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS

BACKGROUND

ITEM 1:

BUSINESS

ORGANIZATION AND CURRENT OPERATIONS


Background

General:RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Hancock Holding Company (the Company), organized in 1984 as a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, is headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi. In 2002, the Company qualified as a financial holding company giving it broader powers. At December 31, 2005,2008, the Company operated 100more than 157 banking and financial services offices and more than 120137 automated teller machines (ATMs) in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and FloridaAlabama through threefour wholly-owned bank subsidiaries, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi (Hancock Bank MS), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Hancock Bank LA) and, Hancock Bank of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida (Hancock Bank FL). and Hancock Bank MS also operates a loan production office in the State of Alabama.Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Hancock Bank AL). Hancock Bank MS, Hancock Bank LA, Hancock Bank FL and Hancock Bank FLAL are referred to collectively as the “Banks”.

The Banks are community oriented and focus primarily on offering commercial, consumer and mortgage loans and deposit services to individuals and small to middle market businesses in their respective market areas. The Company’s operating strategy is to provide its customers with the financial sophistication and breadth of products of a regional bank, while successfully retaining the local appeal and level of service of a community bank. At December 31, 2005,2008, the Company had total assets of $5.95$7.2 billion and employed1,952 employees on a full-time equivalent basis 1,203 persons in Mississippi, 495 persons in Louisiana and 37 persons in Florida.basis.

Hancock Bank MS was originally chartered as Hancock County Bank in 1899. Since its organization, the strategy of Hancock Bank MS has been to achieve a dominant market share on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Prior to a series of acquisitions begun in 1985, growth was primarily internal and was accomplished by branch expansions in areas of population growth where no dominant financial institution previously served the market area. Economic expansion on the Mississippi Gulf Coast has resulted primarily from growth of military and government-related facilities, tourism, port facility activities, industrial complexes and the gaming industry. Based on the most current available published data, Hancock Bank MS has the largest deposit market share in each of the following fourfive counties: Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Lamar and Pearl River. In addition, Hancock Bank MS has a significant presence in the following counties: Lamar, Forrest and Jefferson Davis. With assets of $3.6 billion atAt December 31, 2005,2008, Hancock Bank MS was ranked the third largest bank in Mississippi.had total assets of $3.8 billion and 1,279 employees on a full-time equivalent basis.

In August 1990, the Company formed Hancock Bank LA to assume the deposit liabilities and acquire the consumer loan portfolio, corporate credit card portfolio and non-adversely classified securities portfolio of American Bank and Trust, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, (AmBank), from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Economic expansion in East Baton Rouge Parish has resulted from growth in state government and related service industries, educational and medical complexes, petrochemical industries, port facility activities and transportation and related industries. With the purchase of two Dryades Savings Bank, F.S.B. branches in 2003 and the 2007 opening of a new financial center in New Orleans’ Central Business District, Hancock Bank LA established a long-awaited presence in the Greater New Orleans area. At December 31, 2008, Hancock Bank LA had total assets of $2.2$3.0 billion and 573 employees on a full-time equivalent basis.

          Hancock Bank FL was formed in March 2004 with the acquisition of Tallahassee’s Guaranty National Bank. In addition to the five branches acquired in the Tallahassee area in 2004, Hancock Bank FL has since opened two more branches in the Pensacola market. Hancock Bank FL had total assets of $367.1 million and 58 employees on a full-time equivalent basis at December 31, 2005,2008.

          In February 2007, Hancock Bank LAAL was rankedincorporated in Mobile, AL. During 2007 and 2008, five branches have been opened to serve the fourth largest bank in Louisiana.

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Natural Disaster Affecting Hancock in 2005:

Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the coasts of MississippiMobile area and Louisiana on August 29, 2005 and significantly impacted the operating region of the Company. Specifically, the storm caused widespread damage in the Company’s primary operating region in the Coastal Mississippi counties of Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Jackson. While Louisiana also suffered widespread damage from the storm, the Company’s base of operation in Louisiana is primarily in the Baton Rouge region, Central Louisiana, the communities on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain and Jefferson Parish (suburb of New Orleans). Due to the Company’s limited footprint in the more severely affected areas of Louisiana, damage to the Company’s facilities there was limited.

The Company implemented its disaster response plan as Hurricane Katrina approached the coast line. This plan consisted of alerting and readying key personnel to be transported to the Company’s disaster recovery site in Chicago, Illinois. Additional personnel were moved to Company-owned sites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Tallahassee, Florida. The Company continued to operate in a disaster recovery mode until such time it was safe and practical to resume full operations in the Gulfport, Mississippi area. As ofAlabama’s Eastern Shore. At December 31, 2005, essentially all disaster recovery operations have ceased and the Company2008, Hancock Bank AL had resumed full operations in the Gulfport, Mississippi area. See analysistotal assets of allowance for loan losses in Item 1, Item 2 and Item 7 for further discussion.

Recent Acquisition Activity:

On July 1, 2005, Hancock Insurance Agency acquired 100% of the stock of J Everett Eaves, Inc., a well-known commercial insurance agency operating in the New Orleans, Louisiana market. The transaction resulted in recording intangibles of approximately $4.7 million. Upon completion of an intangibles valuation to be performed by an independent third party, the intangibles will be reallocated among goodwill (its current classification), value of insurance expirations and non-compete agreements. The latter two categories are amortizable intangibles and will be assigned appropriate lives based on valuations.

An intangibles valuation relating to the intangibles recorded in the acquisition of Ross King Walker, Inc. in late 2004 was completed during 2005. The reallocation of intangibles resulted in the recording of three separate categories of intangible assets: value of insurance expirations, $1.1 million; non-compete agreements, $0.2$155.9 million and goodwill of $1.3 million. The value of insurance expirations and non-compete agreement assets are being amortized over 10 year and 5 year lives, respectively,43 employees on an accelerateda full-time equivalent basis.



During March 2004, the Company acquired the majority of loans, securities and deposits of the former Guaranty National Bank (GNB) of Tallahassee, Florida. The Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) closed all locations of GNB on March 12, 2004. With the transaction, the Company acquired five locations with approximately $40.0 million in performing loans and approximately $69.0 million in deposits from the FDIC for a premium of $12.6 million, or 18% of acquired deposits. The Company acquired $77.4 million in assets, net of related deposit liabilities. In accounting for the transaction, management considered it to be an “acquisition of business” and, accordingly, accounted for it under the purchase method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141. Final allocations of asset and liability fair values have been recorded based on an analysis performed by an independent third party, of deposit balances acquired in this transaction. In addition to adjustments to properly allocate asset fair values, an adjustment to reduce goodwill by approximately $1.1 million was recorded in association with the sale of a building acquired through a subsequent settlement activity related to this transaction.CURRENT OPERATIONS

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Current Operations

Loan Production and Credit Review:Review

The Banks’ primary lending focus is to provide commercial, consumer, commercial leasing and real estate loans to consumers and to small and middle market businesses in their respective market areas. The Banks have no significant concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or industries or loans to any foreign entities. Each loan officer has Board approved loan limits on the principal amount of secured and unsecured loans that can be approved for a single borrower without prior approval of a loan committee.one or more Regional Credit Officers. All loans, however, must meet the credit underwriting standards and loan policies of the Banks.

All loans over an individual loan officer’s Board approved lending authority must be approved by one of the Bank’s centralized loan committee, the region’s loan committeeunderwriting units, by a senior lender or by another loan officer with greater lending authority. Both the regional loan committee and the Bank’s senior loan committee must review and approve any loan for a borrower whose total indebtedness exceeds the region’s approved limit.one or more Regional Credit Officers. Each loan file is reviewed by the Bank’s loan operations quality assurance function, a component of its loan review system, to ensure proper documentation and asset quality.

Loan Review and Asset Quality:Quality

Each Bank’s portfolio of loan relationships aggregating $500,000 or more is reviewed every 12 to 18 months by the respective BankBank’s Loan Review staff to identify any deficiencies and report them to management to take corrective actions as necessary. Periodically, selected loan relationships aggregating less than $500,000 are also reviewed. As a result of such reviews, each Bank places on its WatchlistWatch list loans requiring close or frequent review. All loans over $100,000 classified by a regulatory auditor are also placed on the Watchlist.Watch list. All WatchlistWatch list and past due loans are reviewed monthly by the Banks’ senior lending officersofficers. All Watch list loans are reviewed monthly by the Bank’s Asset Quality Committee and quarterly by the Banks’ Board of Directors.Directors’ Loan Oversight Committee.

In addition, in the approval process, all loans to a particular borrower are considered, regardless of classification, each time such borrower requests a renewal or extension of any loan or requests a new loan. All lines of credit are reviewed annually before renewal. The Banks currently have mechanisms in place that allow for at least anrequire borrowers to submit annual review of the financial statements, and the financial condition of all borrowers, except borrowers with secured installment and residential mortgage loans.

Consumer loans which become 6030 days delinquent are reviewed regularly by management. Generally, a consumer loan, which is delinquent 120 days, is in process of collection through repossession and liquidation of collateral or has been deemed currently uncollectible. Loans deemed currently uncollectible are charged-off. As a matter of policy, loans are placed on a nonaccrualnon-accrual status when the loan is 1) maintained on a cash basis due to the deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower, 2) payments,(1) payment in full, of principal or interest areis not expected or 3)(2) the principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.

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The Banks follow the standard FDIC loan classification system. This system provides management with (1) a general view of the quality of the overall loan portfolio (each branch’sBank’s loan portfolio and each commercial loan officer’s loan portfolio) and (2) information on specific loans that may need individual attention.

The Bank’s nonperforming assets, consisting of real property, vehicles and other items held for resale, which were acquired generally through the process of foreclosure. At December 31, 2005,2008, the book value of real estatethose assets held for resale was approximately $1.8$5.2 million.

Securities Portfolio:Portfolio

The Banks maintain portfolios of securities consisting primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency issues, agency mortgage-backed securities, agency CMOs and tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions. The portfolios are designed to enhanceprovide liquidity to fund loan growth and deposit outflows while providing acceptable rates of return.maximizing interest income within pre-defined risk parameters. Therefore, the Banks invest only in high quality securities of investment grade quality and with a target effective duration, for the overall portfolio, generally between two to five years.



The Banks’ policies limit investments to securities having a rating of no less than “Baa”, or its equivalent by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agency, except for certain obligations of Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida or FloridaAlabama counties, parishes and municipalities.

Deposits:

Deposits

The Banks have several programs designed to attract depository accounts offered to consumers and to small and middle market businesses at interest rates generally consistent with market conditions. Additionally, the Banks offer 120 ATMs:operate more than 130 ATMs at the Company’s banking offices andas well as free-standing ATMs at other locations. As members of regional and international ATM networks such as “STAR”, “PLUS” and “CIRRUS”, the Banks offer customers access to their depository accounts from regional, national and international ATM facilities. Deposit flows are controlled by the Banks primarily through pricing, and to a certain extent, through promotional activities. Management believes that the rates it offers, which are posted weekly on deposit accounts, are generally competitive with other financial institutions in the Banks’ respective market areas.

Trust Services:Services

The Banks, through their respective Trust Departments, offer a full range of trust services on a fee basis. The Banks act as executor, administrator or guardian in administering estates. Also provided are investment custodial services for individuals, businesses and charitable and religious organizations. In their trust capacities, the Banks provide investment management services on an agency basis and act as trustee for pension plans, profit sharing plans, corporate and municipal bond issues, living trusts, life insurance trusts and various other types of trusts created by or for individuals, businesses and charitable and religious organizations. As of December 31, 2005,2008, the Trust Departments of the Banks had approximately $5.5$7.7 billion of assets under administration compared to $5.1$8.3 billion as of December 31, 2004.2007. As of December 31, 2005, $3.32008, $4.2 billion of administered assets were corporate trust accounts and the remaining balances were personal, employee benefit, estate and other trust accounts.

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Operating Efficiency Strategy:Strategy

The primary focus of the Company’s operating strategy is to increase operating income and to reduce operating expense. A Company’s operating efficiency ratio indicates the percentage of each dollar of net revenue that is used to fund operating expensesexpenses. Net revenue for a financial institution is the total of net interest income plus non-interest income, excluding securities transactions gains or losses. Operating expenses exclude the amortization of intangibles.

Other Activities:Activities

Hancock Bank MS has 6 subsidiaries through which it engages in the following activities: providing consumer financing services; mortgage lending; owning, managing and maintaining certain real property; providing general insurance agency services; holding investment securities; marketing credit life insurance; and providing discount investment brokerage services. The income of these subsidiaries generally accounts for less than 10% of the Company’s total net earnings.

In 1994, the Company began offering alternative investments through a third party vendor. The investment centers are now located in several branch locations in Mississippi and Louisiana to accommodate the investment needs of customers whose financial portfolio requirements fall outside the traditional commercial bank product line. During 1999, the investment sales force was internalized and the management structure reorganized in order to align sales activity with Company objectives.

During 2001, the Company began servicing mortgage loans for the Federal National Mortgage Association. At that time the loans serviced were originated and closed by the Company’s mortgage subsidiary. The servicing activity was also performed by this same subsidiary. In the middle of 2003, however, the Company modified its strategy and reverted to selling the majority of its conforming loans with servicing released. In December 2004, the Company’s mortgage subsidiary merged with Hancock Bank MS, its parent. Currently all mortgage activity is being reported by Hancock Bank (MS),MS, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida and Hancock Bank of Florida.Alabama.

In July 2003, Hancock Bank MS opened a loan production office in Mobile, Alabama. Until September 2005, no deposits were accepted at this location. Subsequent to Hurricane Katrina the State of Alabama granted the Company an emergency temporary charter The Company is evaluating the possibility of requesting that the temporary charter be changed to permanent status.

Hancock Bank MS also owns approximately 3,700 acres of timberland in Hancock County, Mississippi, most of which was acquired through foreclosure in the 1930‘s.1930’s. Timber sales and oil and gas leases on this acreage generate less than 1% of the Company’s annual net income.

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Competition:

Competition

The deregulation of the financial services industry, the elimination of many previous distinctions between commercial banks and other financial institutions andas well as legislation enacted in Mississippi, Louisiana and other states allowing state-wide branching, multi-bank holding companies and regional interstate banking has createdhave all served to foster a highly competitive environment for commercial banking in the Company’sour market area. The principal competitive factors in the markets for deposits and loans are interest rates paid and charged. The Companyfee structures associated with the various products offered. We also competescompete through the efficiency, quality, range of services and products it provides, as well as the convenience provided by an extensive network of officecustomer access channels including local branch offices, ATM’s, online banking, and ATMtelebanking centers. Access to the bank’s extensive network of customer access points is further enhanced by convenient hours including Saturday banking at selected branch locations and office hours.through the bank’s telebanking service center.

In attracting deposits and in itsour lending activities, the Company competeswe generally compete with other commercial banks, savings associations, credit unions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies and other financial institutions. Many of these institutions have greater available resources than the Company.

Available Information

The Company maintains          We maintain an internet website at www.hancockbank.com. The Company makesWe make available free of charge on the website itsour annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’sOur Annual Report to Stockholders is also available on the Company’sour website. These reports are made available on the Company’sour website as soon as reasonably practical after the reports are filed with the Commission. Information on the Company’sour website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K or the Company’sour other securities filings and is not part of them.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION


Bank Holding Company Regulation

General:

General

The Company is subject to extensive regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the Bank Holding Company Act). On January 26, 2002 the Company qualified as a financial holding company, giving it broader powers as discussed below. To date, the Company has exercised its powers as a financial holding company to acquire a non-controlling interest in a third party service provider for insurance companies and, in December 2003, acquired Magna Insurance Company. The Company also is required to file certain reports with, and otherwise complies with the rules and regulations of, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under federal securities laws.

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Federal Regulation:Regulation

The Bank Holding Company Act generally prohibits a corporation owning a bank from engaging in activities other than banking, managing or controlling banks or other permissible subsidiaries. Acquiring or obtaining control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in activities other than those activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be so closely related to banking, managing or controlling banks as to be proper incident thereto is also prohibited. In determining whether a particular activity is permissible, the Federal Reserve considers whether the performance of the activity can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public that outweigh possible adverse effects. For example: making, acquiring or servicing loans; leasing personal property; providing certain investment or financial advice; performing certain data processing services; acting as agent or broker in selling credit life insurance, and performing certain insurance underwriting activities have all been determined by regulations of the Federal Reserve to be permissible activities. The Bank Holding Company Act does not place territorial limitations on permissible bank-related activities of bank holding companies. Despite prior approval, however, the Federal Reserve has the power to order a holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or its control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that continuation of such activity or control of such subsidiary constitutes a serious risk to



the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that holding company.

The Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve: (1) before it may acquire ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after such acquisition, such bank holding company will own or control more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank, (2) before it or any of its subsidiaries other than a bank may acquire all of the assets of a bank, (3) before it may merge with any other bank holding company, or (4) before it may engage in permissible non-banking activities. In reviewing a proposed acquisition, the Federal Reserve considers financial, managerial and competitive aspects. The future prospects of the companies and banks concerned and the convenience and needs of the community to be served must also be considered. The Federal Reserve also reviews the indebtedness to be incurred by a bank holding company in connection with the proposed acquisition to ensure that the holding company can service such indebtedness without adversely affecting the capital requirements of the holding company or its subsidiaries. The Bank Holding Company Act further requires that consummation of approved bank holding company or bank acquisitions or mergers must be delayed for a period of not less than 15 noror more than 30 days following the date of approval. During such 15 to 30-day period, complaining parties may obtain a review of the Federal Reserve’s order granting its approval by filing a petition in the appropriate United States Court of Appeals petitioning that the order be set aside.

On November 12, 1999, President Clinton signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “Financial Services Modernization Act”). The Financial Services Modernization Act repeals the two affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act: Section 20, which restricted the affiliation of Federal Reserve Member Banks with firms “engaged principally” in specified securities activities; and Section 32, which restricts officer, director, or employee interlocks between a member bank and any company or person “primarily engaged” in specified securities activities. In addition, the Financial Services Modernization Act also contains provisions that expressly preempt any state law restricting the establishment of financial affiliations, primarily related to insurance. The general effect of the law is to establish a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among qualified bank holding companies, commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other financial service providers by revising and expanding the Bank Holding Company Act framework to permit a holding company system to engage in a full range of financial activities through a new entity known as a Financial Holding Company. “Financial activities” is broadly defined to include not only banking, insurance, and securities activities, but also merchant banking and additional activities that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature, incidental to such financial activities, or complementary activities that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.

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          Generally, the Financial Services Modernization Act:

          •  Repeals historical restrictions on, and eliminates many federal and state law barriers to, affiliations among banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial service providers;

          •  Provides a uniform framework for the functional regulation of the activities of banks, savings institutions, and their holding companies;

          •  Broadens the activities that may be conducted by national banks, banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies, and their financial subsidiaries;

          •  Provides an enhanced framework for protecting the privacy of consumer information;

          •  Adopts a number of provisions related to the capitalization, membership, corporate governance, and other measures designed to modernize the Federal Home Loan Bank system;

          •  Modifies the laws governing the implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"(“CRA”); and

          •  Addresses a variety of other legal and regulatory issues affecting both day-to-day operations and long-term activities of financial institutions.

The Financial Services Modernization Act requires that each bank subsidiary of a financial holding company be well capitalized and well managed as determined by the subsidiary bank’s principal regulator.



To be considered well managed, the bank must have received at least a satisfactory composite rating and a satisfactory management rating at its last examination. To be well capitalized, the bank must have a leverage capital ratio of 5%, a Tier 1 Risk-based capital ratio of 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10%. These ratios are discussed further below. In the event a financial holding company becomes aware that a subsidiary bank ceases to be well capitalized or well managed, it must notify the Federal Reserve and enter into an agreement to cure such condition. The consequences of a failure to cure such condition are that the Federal Reserve Board may order divestiture of the bank. Alternatively, a financial holding company may comply with such order by ceasing to engage in the financial holding company activities that are unrelated to banking or otherwise impermissible for a bank holding company.

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The Federal Reserve has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for use in its examination and regulation of bank holding companies and financial holding companies. The regulatory capital of a bank holding company or financial holding company under applicable federal capital adequacy guidelines is particularly important in the Federal Reserve’s evaluation of a holding company and any applications by the bank holding company to the Federal Reserve. If regulatory capital falls below minimum guideline levels, a financial holding company may lose its status as a financial holding company and a bank holding company or bank may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses or to open additional facilities. In addition, a financial institution’s failure to meet minimum regulatory capital standards can lead to other penalties, including termination of deposit insurance or appointment of a conservator or receiver for the financial institution. There are two measures of regulatory capital presently applicable to bank holding companies,companies: (1) risk-based capital and (2) leverage capital ratios.

The Federal Reserve rates bank holding companies by a component and composite 1-5 rating system. This system is designed to help identify institutions, which require special attention. Financial institutions are assigned ratings based on evaluation and rating of their financial condition and operations. Components reviewed include capital adequacy, asset quality, management capability, the quality and level of earnings, the adequacy of liquidity and sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations.

The leverage ratios adopted by the Federal Reserve require all but the most highly rated bank holding companies to maintain Tier 1 Capital at 4% of total assets. Certain bank holding companies having a composite 1 rating and not experiencing or anticipating significant growth may satisfy the Federal Reserve guidelines by maintaining Tier 1 Capital of at least 3% of total assets. Tier 1 Capital for bank holding companies includes: stockholders’ equity, minority interest in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries and qualifying perpetual preferred stock. In addition, Tier 1 Capital excludes goodwill and other disallowed intangibles. The Company’s leverage capital ratio at December 31, 20052008 was 7.85%8.06% and 8.97%8.51% at December 31, 2004.2007.

The risk-based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposure and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under the risk-based capital guidelines, assets are assigned to one of four risk categories: 0%, 20% 50% and 100%. As an example, U.S. Treasury securities are assigned to the 0% risk category while most categories of loans are assigned to the 100% risk category. A two-step process determines the risk weight of off-balance sheet items such as standby letters of credit. First, the amount of the off-balance sheet item is multiplied by a credit conversion factor of either 0%, 20%, 50% or 100%. The result is then assigned to one of the four risk categories. At December 31, 2005,2008, the Company’s off-balance sheet items aggregated $608.4$998.4 million; however, after the credit conversion these items represented $191.5$292.3 million of balance sheet equivalents.

The primary component of risk-based capital is Tier 1 Capital, which for the Company is essentially equal to common stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and other intangibles. Tier 2 Capital, which consists primarily of the excess of any perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and general allowances for loan losses, is a secondary component of risk-based capital. The risk-weighted asset base is equal to the sum of the aggregate dollar values of assets and off-balance sheet items in each risk category, multiplied by the weight assigned to that category. A ratio of Tier 1 Capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and a ratio of Total Capital (Tier 1 and Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8% must be maintained by bank holding companies. At December 31, 2005,2008, the Company’s Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios were 11.47%10.09% and 12.73%11.22%, respectively. At December 31, 2004,2007, the Company’s Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios were 12.39%11.03% and 13.58%12.07%, respectively.

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The prior approval of the Federal Reserve must be obtained before the Company may acquire substantially all the assets of any bank, or ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank, if, after such acquisition, it would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares of such bank. In no case, however, may the Federal Reserve approve an acquisition of any bank located outside Mississippi unless such acquisition is specifically authorized by the laws of the state in which the bank to be acquired is located. The banking laws of Mississippi presently permit out-of-state banking organizations to acquire Mississippi banking organizations, provided the out-of-stateMississippi banking organization’s home state grants similar privileges to banking organizations in Mississippi.organization has been operating for at least five years. In addition, Mississippi banking organizations were granted similar powers to acquire certain out-of-state financial institutions pursuant to the Interstate Bank Branching Act, which was adopted in 1996.1994.

With the passage of The Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, adequately capitalized and managed bank holding companies are permitted to acquire control of banks in any state, subject to federal regulatory approval, without regard to whether such a transaction is prohibited by the laws of any state. Beginning June 1, 1997, federal banking regulators may approve merger transactions involving banks located in different states, without regard to laws of any state prohibiting such transactions; except that, mergers may not be approved with respect to banks located in states that, before June 1, 1997, enacted legislation prohibiting mergers by banks located in such state with out-of-state institutions. Federal banking regulators may permit an out-of-state bank to open new branches in another state if such state has enacted legislation permitting interstate branching. The legislation further provides that a bank holding company may not, following an interstate acquisition, control more than 10% of nationwide insured deposits or 30% of deposits in the relevant state. States have the right to adopt legislation to lower the 30% limit. Additional provisions require that interstate activities conform to the Community Reinvestment Act.

The Company is required to give the Federal Reserve prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve may disapprove such a transaction if it determines that the proposal constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice, would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve order or directive or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve.

In November 1985, the Federal Reserve adopted its Policy Statement on Cash Dividends Not Fully Covered by Earnings (the Policy Statement). The Policy Statement sets forth various guidelines that the Federal Reserve believes that a bank holding company should follow in establishing its dividend policy. In general, the Federal Reserve stated that bank holding companies should pay dividends only out of current earnings. It also stated that dividends should not be paid unless the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Banks. There are various restrictions that limit the ability of the Banks to finance, pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to the Company or other affiliates. In addition, subsidiary banks of holding companies are subject to certain restrictions on any extension of credit to the bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries, on investments in the stock or other securities thereof and on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. Further, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with extensions of credit, or leases or sales of property or furnishing of services.

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Bank Regulation

The operations of the Banks are subject to state and federal statutes applicable to state banks and the regulations of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC,FDIC. The operation of the Banks may also be subject to applicable OCC regulation, to the extent states banks are granted parity with national banks. Such statutes and regulations relate to, among other things, required reserves, investments, loans, mergers and consolidations, issuance of securities, payment of dividends, establishment of branches and other aspects of the Banks’ operations.

Hancock Bank MS is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by the FDIC and the State of Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance. Hancock Bank LA is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by the FDIC and the Office of Financial Institutions, State of Louisiana. Hancock Bank FL is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by the FDIC and the Florida Department of Financial Services.



Hancock Bank AL is subject to regulation and periodic examinations by the FDIC and the Alabama State Banking Department. These regulatory authorities examine such areas as reserves, loan and investment quality, management policies, procedures and practices and other aspects of operations. These examinations are designed for the protection of the Banks’ depositors, rather than their stockholders. In addition to these regular examinations, the Company and the Banks must furnish periodic reports to their respective regulatory authorities containing a full and accurate statement of their affairs.

As a result of the enactment of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), a financial institution insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (1) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured financial institution or (2) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled financial institution in danger of default.

The Banks are members of the FDIC, and their deposits are insured as provided by law by the BankDeposit Insurance Fund (BIF)(DIF). On December 19, 1991, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) was enacted. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended by Section 302 of FDICIA, calls for risk-related deposit insurance assessment rates. The risk classification of an institution will determine its deposit insurance premium. Assignment to oneThe Federal Deposit Insurance Reform act of three capital groups, coupled with assignment to one of three supervisory sub-groups, determines which of2005 created a new risk differentiation system and established a new base assessment rate schedule, effective January 1, 2007. The final rule consolidates the existing nine risk classifications is appropriate for an institution.

Effective incategories into four and names them Risk Categories I, II, III, and IV. Risk Category I replaces the first quarter of 1996, the FDIC lowered banks’ deposit insurance premiums1A risk category. The annual rates (in basis points) are now from 45 cents to 31 cents per hundred dollars in insured deposits to a rate of 0 to 27 cents. The Banks have received a risk classification of 1A for assessment purposes. In 1997 an assessment for the Financing Corporation’s debt service was added to the FDIC quarterly premium payment. That assessment averaged 3.4643 cents per hundred dollars of insured deposits, during 2005 and 3.30 (annualized)with category I rates having a range of 5 cents to 7 cents per hundred dollars of insured deposits. In 2007, the Banks received a risk classification of I for the first quarter of 2006.assessment purposes. Total FICO assessments paid to the FDIC amounted to $516 thousand$0.6 million in 2005.2008 and $0.6 million in 2007.

          Under the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, Hancock Bank MS and Hancock Bank LA received a one-time FDIC assessment credit of $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to be used against deposit insurance assessments beginning January 1, 2007. $1.8 million of this credit offset the entire FDIC assessment for 2007 and the remaining $1.4 million offset the 2008 assessment. FDIC insurance expense totaled $1.2 million in 2008.

          In October 2008, in an effort to restore capitalization levels and to ensure the DIF will adequately cover projected losses from future bank failures, the FDIC proposed a rule to alter the way in which it differentiates for risk in the risk-based assessment system and to revise deposit insurance assessment rates, including base assessment rates. For Risk Category 1 institutions that have long-term debt issuer ratings, the year endedFDIC proposes (i) to determine the initial base assessment rate using a combination of weighted-average CAMELS component ratings, long-term debt issuer ratings (converted to numbers and averaged) and the financial ratios method assessment rate (as defined), each equally weighted and (ii) to revise the uniform amount and the pricing multipliers. The FDIC also proposes to introduce three adjustments that could be made to an institution’s initial base assessment rate, including (i) a potential decrease of up to 2 basis points for long-term unsecured debt, including senior and subordinated debt, (ii) a potential increase for secured liabilities in excess of 15% of domestic deposits and (iii) for non-Risk Category 1 institutions, a potential increase for brokered deposits in excess of 10% of domestic deposits. In addition, the FDIC proposed raising the current rates uniformly by 7 basis points for the assessment for the first quarter of 2009 resulting in annualized assessment rates for Risk Category 1 institutions ranging from 12 to 14 basis points. The proposal for first quarter 2009 assessment rates was adopted as a final rule in December 31, 2005, premiums on OAKAR deposits2008. The FDIC also proposed, effective April 1, 2009, initial base assessment rates for Risk Category 1 institutions of 10 to 14 basis points. After the effect of potential baserate adjustments, the annualized assessment rate for Risk Category 1 institutions would range from 8 to 21 basis points. A final rule related to this proposal is expected to be issued during the acquisitionsfirst quarter of Peoples Federal Savings Association, Lamar Bank, two Dryades Savings Bank branches and Guaranty National Bank totaled $24 thousand.2009. The Company cannot provide any assurance as to the amount of any proposed increase in its deposit insurance premium rate, should such an increase occur, as such changes are dependent upon a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control.

In general, FDICIA subjects banks and bank holding companies to significantly increased regulation and supervision. FDICIA increased the borrowing authority of the FDIC in order to recapitalize the BIF,DIF, and the future borrowings are to be repaid by increased assessments on FDIC member banks. Other significant provisions of FDICIA require a new regulatory emphasis linking supervision to bank capital levels.



 Also, federal banking regulators are required to take prompt regulatory action with respect to depository institutions that fall below specified capital levels and to draft non-capital regulatory measures to assure bank safety.

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FDICIA contains a “prompt corrective action” section intended to resolve problem institutions at the least possible long-term cost to the deposit insurance funds. Pursuant to this section, the federal banking agencies are required to prescribe a leverage limit and a risk-based capital requirement indicating levels at which institutions will be deemed to be “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” In the case of a depository institution that is “critically undercapitalized” (a term defined to include institutions which still have positive net worth),; the federal banking regulators are generally required to appoint a conservator or receiver.

FDICIA further requires regulators to perform annual on-site bank examinations, places limits on real estate lending and tightens audit requirements. The new legislation eliminated the “too big to fail” doctrine, which protects uninsured deposits of large banks, and restricts the ability of undercapitalized banks to obtain extended loans from the Federal Reserve Board discount window. FDICIA also imposes new disclosure requirements relating to fees charged and interest paid on checking and deposit accounts. Most of the significant changes brought about by FDICIA required new regulations.

In addition to regulating capital, the FDIC has broad authority to prevent the development or continuance of unsafe or unsound banking practices. Pursuant to this authority, the FDIC has adopted regulations that restrict preferential loans and loan amounts to “affiliates” and “insiders” of banks, require banks to keep information on loans to major stockholders and executive officers and bar certain director and officer interlocks between financial institutions. The FDIC is also authorized to approve mergers, consolidations and assumption of deposit liability transactions between insured banks and between insured banks and uninsured banks or institutions to prevent capital or surplus diminution in such transactions where the resulting, continuing or assumed bank is an insured nonmember state bank, like Hancock Bank MS(MS,) Hancock Bank of LA, Hancock Bank of FL and Hancock Bank LA.of AL.

Although Hancock Bank MS,(MS,) Hancock Bank of LA, Hancock Bank of FL and Hancock Bank FLof AL are not members of the Federal Reserve System, they are subject to Federal Reserve regulations that require the Banks to maintain reserves against transaction accounts (primarily checking accounts). Because reserves generally must be maintained in cash or in noninterest-bearing accounts, the effect of the reserve requirements is to increase the cost of funds for the Banks. The Federal Reserve regulations currently require that reserves be maintained against net transaction accounts in the amount of 3% of the aggregate of such accounts up to $40.5$34.1 million, or, if the aggregate of such accounts exceeds $40.5$34.1 million, $1.215$1.023 million plus 10% of the total in excess of $40.5$34.1 million. This regulation is subject to an exemption from reserve requirements on a limited amount of an institution’s transaction accounts.

The Financial Services Modernization Act also permits national banks, and through state parity statutes, state banks, to engage in expanded activities through the formation of financial subsidiaries. A state bank may have a subsidiary engaged in any activity authorized for state banks directly or any financial activity, except for insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development, or merchant banking, which may only be conducted through a subsidiary of a Financial Holding Company. Financial activities include all activities permitted under new sections of the Bank Holding Company Act or permitted by regulation.

A state bank seeking to have a financial subsidiary, and each of its depository institution affiliates, must be “well-capitalized” and “well-managed.” The total assets of all financial subsidiaries may not exceed the lesser of 45% of a bank’s total assets, or $50 billion. A state bank must exclude from its assets and equity all equity investments, including retained earnings, in a financial subsidiary. The assets of the subsidiary may not be consolidated with the bank’s assets. The bank must also have policies and procedures to assess financial subsidiary risk and protect the bank from such risks and potential liabilities.

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The Financial Services Modernization Act also includes a new section of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act governing subsidiaries of state banks that engage in “activities as principal that would only be permissible” for a national bank to conduct in a financial subsidiary. It expressly preserves the ability of a state bank to retain all existing subsidiaries. Because Mississippi permits commercial banks chartered by the state to engage in any activity permissible for national banks, the Bank will be permitted to form subsidiaries to engage in the



activities authorized by the Financial Services Modernization Act. In order to form a financial subsidiary, a state bank must be well-capitalized, and the state bank would be subject to the same capital deduction, risk management and affiliate transaction rules as applicable to national banks.

          In 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA Patriot Act) was signed into law. The USA Patriot Act broadened the application of anti-money laundering regulations to apply to additional types of financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and strengthened the ability of the U.S. Government to detect and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The principal provisions of Title III of the USA Patriot Act require that regulated financial institutions, including state member banks: (i) establish an anti-money laundering program that includes training and audit components; (ii) comply with regulations regarding the verification of the identity of any person seeking to open an account; (iii) take additional required precautions with non-U.S. owned accounts; and (iv) perform certain verification and certification of money laundering risk for their foreign correspondent banking relationships. The USA Patriot Act also expanded the conditions under which funds in a U.S. interbank account may be subject to forfeiture and increased the penalties for violation of anti-money laundering regulations. Failure of a financial institution to comply with the USA Patriot Act’s requirements could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution. The Bank has adopted policies, procedures and controls to address compliance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act under the existing regulations and will continue to revise and update its policies, procedures and controls to reflect changes required by the USA Patriot Act and implementing regulations.

In July 2002, Congress enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires the Company to include in its Annual Report, a report stating management’s responsibility to establish and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting and management’s conclusion on the effectiveness of the internal controls at year end. Additionally, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to and report on management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting.

Summary:

          In October 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was enacted. For more information on EESA, see below under Recent Developments.

Summary

The foregoing is a brief summary of certain statutes, rules and regulations affecting the Company and the Banks. It is not intended to be an exhaustive discussion of all the statutes and regulations having an impact on the operations of such entities.

The Company’s management has exercised its powers as a financial holding company to acquire a non-controlling interest in a third party service company for the insurance industry and, in December 2003, acquired Magna Insurance Company. Management continues to examine its strategic business plan to determine whether, based on market conditions, the relative financial conditions of the Banks, regulatory capital requirements, general economic conditions, and other factors, the Company or Banks desire to further utilize any of their expanded powers provided in the Financial Services Modernization Act.

The Company does          We do not believe that the Financial Services Modernization Act will have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour operations in the near-term. However, to the extent that it permits holding companies, banks, securities firms, and insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry may experience further consolidation. The Financial Services Modernization Act is intended to grant to community banks certain powers as a matter of right that larger institutions have accumulated on an ad hoc basis. Nevertheless, this act may have the result of increasing the amount of competition that the Company and the Banks face from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products, some of which may have substantially more financial resources than us.

          It is not known whether EESA will have any effect on the Company and the Banks.Company’s operations.

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Finally, additional bills may be introduced in the future in the United States Congress and state legislatures to alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationships of financial institutions. It cannot be predicted whether and what form any of these proposals will be adopted or the extent to which the business of the Company and the Banks may be affected thereby.



Recent Developments

          The Congress, Treasury Department and the federal banking regulators, including the FDIC, have taken broad action since early September, 2008 to address volatility in the U.S. banking system.

          In October 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was enacted. The EESA authorizes the Treasury Department to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies in a troubled asset relief program (“TARP”). The purpose of TARP is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other. The Treasury Department has allocated $250 billion towards the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). Under the CPP, Treasury will purchase debt or equity securities from participating institutions. The TARP also will include direct purchases or guarantees of troubled assets of financial institutions. Participants in the CPP are subject to executive compensation limits and are encouraged to expand their lending and mortgage loan modifications. On November 13, 2008, following a thorough evaluation and analysis, the Company announced it would decline the Treasury’s invitation to participate in the CPP.

          EESA also increased FDIC deposit insurance on most accounts from $100,000 to $250,000. This increase is in place until the end of 2009 and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.

          Following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC established a Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) on October 14, 2008. The TLGP includes the Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”), which provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically checking accounts) and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts. Institutions participating in the TAGP pay a 10 basis points fee (annualized) on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000, while the extra deposit insurance is in place. The TLGP also includes the Debt Guarantee Program (“DGP”), under which the FDIC guarantees certain senior unsecured debt of FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies. The unsecured debt must be issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than June 30, 2009, and the guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012. The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity’s eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009 or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of their liabilities as of September 30, 2008. Depending on the term of the debt maturity, the nonrefundable DGP fee ranges from 50 to 100 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012. The TAGP and DGP are in effect for all eligible entities, unless the entity opted out on or before December 5, 2008. The Company will participate in the TAGP but has opted out of the DGP.

          It is not clear at this time what impact the EESA, the TARP Capital Purchase Program, the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, other liquidity and funding initiatives of the Federal Reserve and other agencies that have been previously announced, and any additional programs that may be initiated in the future, will have on the Company or the U.S. and global financial markets.

Effect of Governmental Policies:Policies

The difference between the interest rate paid on deposits and other borrowings and the interest rate received on loans and securities comprise most of a bank’s earnings. In order to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in the industry, the banking business is becoming increasingly dependent on the generation of fee and service charge revenue.

The earnings and growth of a bank will be affected by both general economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policy of the United States Government and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve sets national monetary policy such as seeking to curb inflation and combat recession. This is accomplished by its open-market operations in United States government securities, adjustments in the amount of reserves that financial institutions are required to maintain and adjustments to the discount rates on borrowings and target rates for federal funds transactions. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates on loans and deposits. The nature and timing of any future changes in monetary policies and their potential impact on the Company cannot be predicted.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

The following tables and other material present certain statistical information regarding the Company. This information is not audited and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity and Interest Rates and Differentials:

Net interest income, the difference between interest income and interest expense, is the most significant component of the Banks’ earnings. For internal analytical purposes, management adjusts net interest income to a “taxable equivalent” basis using a 35% federal tax rate on tax exempt items (primarily interest on municipal securities and loans).

Another significant statistic in the analysis of net interest income is the effective interest differential (also referred to as the net interest margin), which is the average of net interest earned, net interest income (te) less net interest expense, on the Company’s average earning assets. The difference between the average yield on earning assets and the effective rate paid for all deposits and borrowed funds, non-interest-bearing as well as interest-bearing, is the net interest spread. Since a portion of the Bank’s deposits does not bear interest, such as demand accounts, the rate paid for all funds is lower than the rate on interest-bearing liabilities alone. The net interest margin (te) for the years 2005 and 2004 was 4.40% and 4.44%, respectively.

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Recognizing the importance of interest differential to total earnings, management places great emphasis on managing interest rate spreads. Although interest differential is affected by national, regional, and area economic conditions, including the level of loan demand and interest rates, there are opportunities to influence interest differential through appropriate loan and investment policies. These policies are designed to maximize interest differential while maintaining sufficient liquidity and availability of funds for purposes of meeting existing commitments and for investment in loans and other investment opportunities that may arise.

“Table 11 - Summary of Average Balance Sheets, Net Interest Income (te) & Interest Rates” included under the caption “Results of Operations” on pages 62 and 63 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table is a summary of average balance sheets that reflects average taxable and non-taxable investment income.

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SUMMARY  OF  AVERAGE  BALANCE  SHEETS
NET  INTEREST  INCOME  (te)*  &  INTEREST  RATES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                                  2005                          2004                          2003
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Average                       Average                      Average
                                            Balance   Interest   Rate     Balance    Interest   Rate   Balance     Interest   Rate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
EARNING ASSETS
  Loans** (te)                            $2,883,020  $201,446   6.99%   $2,599,561  $172,868  6.65% $2,238,245   $161,850   7.23%
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  Investments:
     Taxable                               1,279,001    54,181   4.24%    1,178,810    48,921  4.15%  1,277,108     49,440   3.87%
     Tax-exempt *                            155,414    10,822   6.96%      166,540    11,874  7.13%    189,048     13,393   7.08%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total investment in securities      1,434,415    65,003   4.53%    1,345,350    60,795  4.52%  1,466,156     62,833   4.29%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Federal funds sold and
    short-term investments                   129,629     4,479   3.46%       27,670       310  1.12%     51,850        597   1.15%
  Interest bearing deposits with
    other banks                                8,192        80   0.98%        7,241        74  1.02%      6,136         40   0.65%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total earning assets (te)           4,455,256   271,008   6.08%    3,979,822   234,047  5.88%  3,762,387    225,320   5.99%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-EARNING ASSETS
  Other assets                               525,881                        482,629                     384,953
  Allowance for loan losses                  (50,107)                       (38,117)                    (35,391)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total assets                       $4,931,030                     $4,424,334                  $4,111,949
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
  Interest-bearing transaction deposits   $1,384,605     9,203   0.66%   $1,360,198     8,191  0.60% $1,303,441     10,461   0.80%
  Time deposits                            1,149,239    40,654   3.54%    1,018,165    35,056  3.44%    980,703     34,429   3.51%
  Public funds                               644,849    17,724   2.75%      574,266     9,323  1.62%    518,613      9,301   1.79%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total interest-bearing deposits     3,178,693    67,581   2.13%    2,952,629    52,570  1.78%  2,802,757     54,191   1.93%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Customer repurchase agreements             224,842     4,351   1.94%      195,470     1,909  0.98%    177,535      1,446   0.81%
  Other interest-bearing liabilities          69,057     2,887   4.18%       69,960     2,791  3.99%     56,672      2,324   4.10%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total interest-bearing liabilities  3,472,592    74,819   2.15%    3,218,059    57,270  1.78%  3,036,964     57,961   1.91%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Demand deposits                            822,733                        650,106                     604,448
  Other liabilities                          160,004                        106,545                      37,434
  Preferred stockholders' equity                   -                          2,240                      37,069
  Common stockholders' equity                475,701                        447,384                     396,034
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total liabilities, preferred stock &
        common stockholders' equity       $4,931,030                     $4,424,334                  $4,111,949
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Net interest income and margin (te)            $196,189   4.40%              $176,777   4.44%               $167,359   4.45%
       Net earning assets and spread        $982,664             3.93%     $761,763            4.10%   $725,423               4.08%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 *Tax-equivalent and tax-effected (te) amounts are calculated using a marginal federal tax income tax rate of 35%.
**Loan interest income includes loan fees of $9.2 million, $11.1 million and $9.5 million for each of the three years ended
  December 31, 2004. Non-accrual  loans in average balances and income on such loans, if recognized, is recorded on a cash basis.

Information regarding the changes in interest income on interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities relating to rate and volume variances is included in “Table 12 - Summary of Changes in Net Interest Income (te)” under the caption “Results of Operations” on pages 62 through 64 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Interest Rate Sensitivity:

To control interest rate risk, management regularly monitors the volume of interest sensitive assets compared with interest sensitive liabilities over specific time intervals. The Company’s interest rate risk management policy is designed to reduce the exposure to changes in its net interest margin in periods of interest rate fluctuations. Interest rate risk is monitored, quantified and managed to produce an acceptable impact on short-term earnings.

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The interest sensitivity gap is the difference between total interest sensitive assets and liabilities that reprice within a given time period. At December 31, 2005, the Company’s cumulative repricing gap in the one year interval was 0% or relatively evenly gapped. The neutral position represents a balance between the Company’s floating rate loan portfolio, securities portfolio cash flows and the level of short-term deposits at year end. Management believes it is well positioned for the current rate environment.

The following tables set forth the scheduled re-pricing or maturity of the Company’s assets and liabilities at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The assumed prepayment of investments and loans were based on the Company’s assessment of current market conditions on such dates. Estimates have been made for the re-pricing of savings, NOW and money market accounts. Actual prepayments and deposit withdrawals will differ from the following analysis due to variable economic circumstances and consumer behavior. Although assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or re-pricing periods, reactions will vary as to timing and degree of interest rate change.

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                                                     Analysis of Interest Sensitivity at December 31, 2005

                                                       Within       6 months         1 to 3        > 3     Non-Sensitive
                                       Overnight      6 months      to 1 year        years        years       Balance      Total
                                       -----------  -----------  ---------------- -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                   (amounts in thousands)
Assets
     Securities                          $      -  $  321,224         $ 396,374    $  544,557   $  685,504   $  11,602   $1,959,261
     Federal funds sold & short-term
       investments                        402,968           -             7,258             -            -           -      410,226
     Loans                                 43,145   1,413,210           240,200       634,416      583,657           -    2,914,628
     Other assets                               -           -                 -             -            -     666,072      666,072
                                       ----------- -----------    --------------   -----------  -----------  ---------- ------------
               Total Assets              $446,113  $1,734,434          $643,832    $1,178,973   $1,269,161    $677,674   $5,950,187
                                       =========== ===========    ==============   ===========  ===========  ========== ============
Liabilities
     Interest bearing transaction
       deposits                         $       -  $  776,515         $ 309,737    $  923,166    $ 155,417    $      -   $2,164,835
     Time deposits                              -     410,815           495,558       452,356      141,318           -    1,500,047
     Non-interest bearing deposits              -     425,444           159,876       533,352      206,266           -    1,324,938
     Federal funds purchased                1,475           -                 -             -            -           -        1,475
     Borrowings                           250,807           9                 3            21       50,233           -      301,073
     Other liabilities                          -           -                 -             -            -     180,404      180,404
     Shareholders' Equity                       -           -                 -             -            -     477,415      477,415
                                       ----------- -----------    --------------   -----------  -----------  ---------- ------------
        Total Liabilities & Equity      $ 252,282  $1,612,783         $ 965,174    $1,908,895    $ 553,234    $657,819   $5,950,187
                                       =========== ===========    ==============   ===========  ===========  ========== ============
Interest sensitivity gap                $ 193,831  $  121,651         $(321,342)   $ (729,922)   $ 715,927    $ 19,855
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity
  gap                                   $ 193,831  $  315,482         $  (5,860)   $ (735,782)   $ (19,855)   $      -
Cumulative interest rate
     sensitivity gap as a percentage
     of total earning assets                 4.0%        6.0%             (0.1)%       (14.0)%       (0.4)%




                                                     Analysis of Interest Sensitivity at December 31, 2004

                                                       Within       6 months         1 to 3        > 3     Non-Sensitive
                                       Overnight      6 months      to 1 year        years        years       Balance      Total
                                       -----------  -----------  ---------------- -----------  -----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                   (amounts in thousands)
Assets
     Securities                         $       -  $  216,564         $ 130,944    $  371,665   $  583,196   $       -   $1,302,369
     Federal funds sold & short-term
       investments                        142,135           -             8,126             -            -           -      150,261
     Loans                                 39,370   1,327,083           214,990       583,394      543,041           -    2,707,878
     Other assets                               -           -                 -             -            -     504,218      504,218
                                       ----------- -----------    --------------   -----------  -----------  ---------- -----------
               Total Assets             $ 181,505  $1,543,647         $ 354,060    $  955,059   $1,126,237   $ 504,218   $4,664,726
                                       =========== ===========    ==============   ===========  ===========  ========== ===========
Liabilities
     Interest bearing transaction
       deposits                         $       -  $  867,682         $ 249,596    $  703,988   $   68,429   $       -   $1,889,695
     Time deposits                              -     418,642           116,162       436,094      239,999           -    1,210,897
     Non-interest bearing deposits              -           -                 -             -      697,353           -      697,353
     Federal funds purchased                  800           -                 -             -            -           -          800
     Borrowings                           200,036           3                 3            17       50,250           -      250,309
     Other liabilities                          -           -                 -             -            -     151,090      151,090
     Shareholders' Equity                       -           -                 -             -            -     464,582      464,582
                                       ----------- -----------    --------------   -----------  -----------  ---------- -----------
        Total Liabilities & Equity      $ 200,836  $1,286,327         $ 365,761    $1,140,099   $1,056,031   $ 615,672   $4,664,726
                                       =========== ===========    ==============   ===========  ===========  ========== ===========
Interest sensitivity gap                $ (19,331) $  257,320         $ (11,701)   $ (185,040)  $   70,206   $(111,454)
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity
  gap                                   $ (19,331) $  237,989         $ 226,288    $   41,248   $  111,454   $       -
Cumulative interest rate
     sensitivity gap as a percentage
     of total earning assets                 0.0%        6.0%              5.0%          1.0%         3.0%
Page 21 of 54

Income Taxes:

Income tax expense was $18.9 million in 2005, $26.6 million in 2004 and $24.6 million in 2003. Income tax expense decreased because of the lower level of pretax income in 2005. The effective income tax rate of the Company continues to be less than the statutory rate of 35%, due primarily to tax-exempt interest income. The effective tax rates for 2005, 2004 and 2003 were 26%, 30% and 31%, respectively. The 4% decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate was due to a variety of factors including an increase in tax exempt income as a percentage of pre-tax income to 17% in 2005 from 13% in 2004, Hurricane Katrina tax credits available in 2005 and relief of a tax contingency reserve for non-taxable income primarily related to bank owned life insurance. The Company expects its effective tax rate to be approximately 29% for the year 2006.

Performance and Equity Ratios:

Information regarding performance and equity ratios is as follows:


                                                                        December 31,
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      2005         2004         2003         2002         2001
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Return on average assets                               1.10%        1.39%        1.34%        1.32%        1.15%
Return on average common equity                       11.36%       13.79%       13.88%       13.13%       10.93%
Dividend payout ratio                                 43.11%       30.37%       25.88%       25.97%       31.78%
Average common equity to average
  assets ratio                                         9.65%       10.11%        9.63%       10.08%       10.51%

Additional performance ratios are contained in the “Financial Highlights” on pages 14 and 15 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Portfolio:

The Company’s general investment objective is to purchase securities that provide stable cash flows for liquidity purposes while limiting the amount of prepayment risk. Securities have been classified into one of two categories: held to maturity or available for sale.

Securities classified as held-to-maturity are carried at amortized cost.

Certain securities have been classified as available for sale based on Management’s internal assessment of the portfolio after considering the Company’s liquidity requirements and the portfolio’s exposure to changes in market interest rates, portfolio prepayment activity and balance sheet strategy. The fair value of the available-for-sale portfolio balance was approximately $2.0 billion at December 31, 2005.

Page 22 of 54

The amortized costs of securities classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, were as follows (in thousands):


                                                       December 31,
                                 ----------------------------------------------------
                                       2005              2004               2003
                                 ---------------   ----------------   ---------------
U.S. Treasury                       $    50,883        $     9,985       $     9,966
U.S. government agencies              1,029,656            413,419           346,836
Municipal obligations                   165,180             60,956            70,070
Mortgage-backed securities              484,131            352,510           348,266
CMOs                                    194,899            263,471           321,324
Other debt securities                    48,476              7,056             7,219
Equity securities                         7,520             11,225            11,723
                                 ---------------   ----------------   ---------------
                                    $ 1,980,745        $ 1,118,622       $ 1,115,404
                                 ===============   ================   ===============


The amortized cost, yield and fair value of debt securities classified as available-for-sale at December 31, 2005, by contractual maturity, were as follows (amounts in thousands):


                                                Over One      Over Five
                                One Year          Year          Years         Over                                      Weighted
                                   or            Through       Through        Ten                           Fair         Average
                                  Less         Five Years     Ten Years      Years          Total           Value         Yield
                              --------------  ------------  ------------ ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------
U.S. Treasury                     $  49,563     $     497     $     823     $      -     $    50,883     $    50,870        4.34%
U.S. government agencies            568,433       323,876       136,193        1,154       1,029,656       1,019,260        4.41%
Municipal obligations                31,763       101,936        29,713        1,768         165,180         168,207        4.44%
Other debt securities                   148         9,240        26,481       12,607          48,476          47,211        5.74%
                              --------------  ------------  ------------ ------------  -------------   --------------
                                  $ 649,907     $ 435,549     $ 193,210     $ 15,529     $ 1,294,195     $ 1,285,548        4.46%
                              ==============  ============  ============ ============  ==============  ==============

Fair Value                        $ 648,929     $ 432,026     $ 189,475     $ 15,118     $ 1,285,548
                              ==============  ============  ============ ============  ==============

Weighted Average Yield                4.63%         4.11%         4.62%        5.60%           4.46%

Mortgage-backed securities & CMOs                                                         $  679,030     $   665,616        4.76%
                                                                                       ==============  ==============


During 2005, securities classified as held to maturity in the portfolio of one of the Company’s subsidiaries were sold. A determination was made that this action tainted the investment portfolio of the entire Company. As a result of this action and determination, all securities held by the Company have been classified to available for sale and the carrying value of those securities are adjusted to market as prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

The amortized cost of securities classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were as follows (in thousands):


                                                  December 31,
                                       -----------------------------------
                                            2004               2003
                                       ----------------   ----------------
U.S. Treasury                                $   1,057          $     574
U.S. government agencies                        13,160             14,737
Municipal obligations                          103,914            117,484
Mortgage-backed securities                      23,058             18,727
CMOs                                               602              1,403
Other debt securities                           46,110              7,058
                                       ----------------   ----------------
                                             $ 187,901          $ 159,983
                                       ================   ================


Page 23 of 54

Loan Portfolio:

The Banks’ primary lending focus is to provide commercial, consumer and real estate loans to consumers and to small and middle market businesses in their respective market areas. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of reducing the risks associated with economic fluctuations. The Banks have no significant concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or loans to any foreign entities.

Loan underwriting standards reduces the impact of credit risk to the Company. Loans are underwritten on the basis of cash flow capacity and collateral fair value. Generally, real estate mortgage loans are made when the borrower produces sufficient cash flow capacity and equity in the property to offset historical market devaluations. The loan loss allowance adequacy is tested quarterly based on historical losses through different economic cycles and anticipated losses specifically identified.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the composition of the loan portfolio of the Company:


                                                                           Loan Portfolio
                                                                        ------------------

                                                                           December 31,
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 2005             2004            2003              2002             2001
                                        ------------------ --------------- ----------------  --------------- ----------------
                                                                           (in thousands)

Real estate:
   Residential mortgages 1-4 family           $   703,769     $   713,266      $   645,123      $   539,808      $   458,372
   Residential mortgages multifamily               40,678          25,544           22,803           20,305           21,875
   Home equity lines/loans                        133,823         134,405          110,634           86,609           56,887
   Construction and development                   391,194         296,114          235,049          197,166          184,750
   Nonresidential                                 609,647         595,013          536,389          445,733          398,704
Commercial, industrial and other                  546,635         437,670          395,678          346,808          308,306
Consumer                                          512,549         496,926          463,642          434,407          435,205
Lease financing and depository
  Institutions                                     48,007          44,357           34,388           29,565           23,632
Credit cards and other revolving credit            14,316          16,970           15,437           14,085           12,333
                                        ------------------ --------------- ----------------  --------------- ----------------
                                                3,000,618       2,760,265        2,459,143        2,114,486        1,900,064
  Less, unearned income                            11,432          11,705           10,499            9,504           10,025
                                        ------------------ --------------- ----------------  --------------- ----------------
  Net loans                                   $ 2,989,186     $ 2,748,560      $ 2,448,644      $ 2,104,982      $ 1,890,039
                                        ================== =============== ================  =============== ================


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the approximate contractual maturity by type of the loan portfolio of the Company:


                                                                    Loan Maturity Schedule

                                                 December 31, 2005                              December 31, 2004
                            ----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
                                                  Maturity Range                                 Maturity Range
                            ----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
                                              After One                                        After One
                               Within          Through    After Five                Within      Through    After Five
                              One Year       Five Years     Years        Total     One Year    Five Years     Years       Total
                            -------------- ------------- ----------  ------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- -------------
                                                                          (in thousands)

Commercial, industrial and
  other                         $ 258,333   $   247,378  $  40,924   $   546,635   $ 196,348  $   209,179  $  32,143    $   437,670
Real estate - construction        252,395       120,933     17,866       391,194     168,631      114,805     12,678        296,114
All other loans                   218,950     1,170,336    673,502     2,062,789     211,409    1,114,048    701,024      2,026,481
                            -------------- ------------- ----------  ------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- -------------

Total loans                     $ 729,679   $ 1,538,647  $ 732,292   $ 3,000,618   $ 576,388  $ 1,438,032  $ 745,845    $ 2,760,265
                            ============== ============= ==========  ============ =========== ============ ========== =============


Page 24 of 54

The sensitivity to interest rate changes of that portion of the Company’s loan portfolio that matures after one year is shown below:

Loan Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

                                                                                  December 31,
                                                                    ----------------------------------------
                                                                           2005                 2004
                                                                    -------------------   ------------------
                                                                                 (in thousands)
Commercial, industrial, and real estate construction
  maturing after one year:
    Fixed rate                                                             $   332,032          $   233,589
    Floating rate                                                              126,213              135,216
Other loans maturing after one year:
    Fixed rate                                                               1,320,456            1,258,394
    Floating rate                                                              492,238              556,678
                                                                    -------------------   ------------------

Total                                                                      $ 2,270,939          $ 2,183,877
                                                                    ===================   ==================


Nonperforming Assets:

The following table sets forth nonperforming assets by type for the periods indicated, consisting of nonaccrual loans, restructured loans and real estate owned. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are also disclosed.


                                                                                  December 31,
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       2005            2004           2003            2002           2001
                                                   -------------   -------------  -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                            (Amounts in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans:
  Real estate                                          $  9,433        $  6,945       $ 10,031        $ 10,521       $ 14,358
  Commercial, industrial and other                        1,185             535          2,088           1,276          2,877
  Consumer, credit card and other
     revolving credit                                         -               -             42              73             93
                                                   -------------   -------------  -------------   -------------  -------------
Total nonperforming loans                                10,617           7,480         12,161          11,870         17,328
Acquired other real estate                                    -               -              -               -          1,330
Foreclosed assets                                         1,898           3,513          5,809           5,936          1,673
                                                   -------------   -------------  -------------   -------------  -------------
Total nonperforming assets                             $ 12,515        $ 10,993       $ 17,970        $ 17,806       $ 20,331
                                                   =============   =============  =============   =============  =============

Loans 90+ days past due and still accruing             $ 25,622        $  5,160       $  3,682        $  6,407       $ 12,591
                                                   =============   =============  =============   =============  =============
Ratios (%):
  Nonperforming loans to net loans                        0.36%           0.27%          0.50%           0.56%          0.92%
  Nonperforming assets to net loans and
    foreclosed assets                                     0.42%           0.40%          0.73%           0.84%          1.07%
  Nonperforming loans to average net loans                0.37%           0.29%          0.54%           0.61%          0.97%
  Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
   loans                                                   702%            544%           302%            293%           199%


The amount of interest that would have been recorded on nonaccrual loans had the loans not been classified as “nonaccrual” was $747,000, $574,000, $762,000, $662,000 and $735,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Interest actually received on nonaccrual loans was not material. The amount of interest recorded on restructured loans did not differ significantly from the interest that would have been recorded under the original terms of those loans.

Page 25 of 54

Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses:

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation account available to absorb losses on loans. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan losses when the loss actually occurs or when a determination is made that a loss is likely to occur; recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses at the time of receipt. Periodically, management estimates the probable level of losses to determine whether the allowance is adequate to absorb reasonably foreseeable, anticipated losses in the existing portfolio based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, and the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. All commercial loans in lending relationships with an aggregate balance of $500,000 or more are risk rated and evaluated on an individual basis, as well as, all consumer and mortgage real estate loans with a balance of $100,000 or more. All consumer and mortgage real estate loans under $100,000 are risk rated as pools of homogeneous loans and classified according to past due status. Commercial loans are reviewed for impairment at the time a loan is no longer current or at the time management is made aware of a degradation in a borrower’s financial status or a deficiency in collateral. Loss factors, indicative of the Banks’ inherent loss, are applied to loans graded by standard loan classifications in determining a general allowance. Unclassified loans are categorized and reserved for at the greater of a five-year average net charge-off ratio or a minimum threshold stated as a percentage of loans outstanding. The allowance for loan loss stated as a percentage of period end loans, used in conjunction with the evaluation of current and anticipated economic conditions, composition of the Company’s present loan portfolio, and trends in both delinquencies and nonaccruals, is a measurement standard utilized by management in determining the adequacy of the allowance. The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses is available to compensate for uncertainties in the process of estimating inherent losses.

During 2005, the Company’s management was presented with the challenge of developing estimates for the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Company’s credit quality. The Company’s Chief Credit Policy Officer undertook a detailed process to review the impact of the storm on its credit customers and to develop a process to estimate the Company’s credit losses. In establishing the special allowance for the loss exposure created by Hurricane Katrina, commercial and direct installment loans were segmented by division and loss factors applied based on the estimated percentage of loans affected by the storm. The result of the aforementioned credit review process was that, on September 30, 2005, the Company established a $35.2 million specific allowance for estimated credit losses related to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on its loan portfolio. The Company is continuously reviewing the adequacy of the special storm-related allowance and views the current level to be adequate and, as such, expects no material deviations once all storm-related net charge-offs are known. Net charge-offs amounted to $8.8 million in 2005, as compared to $12.6 million in 2004. The $3.8 million decrease in net charge-offs from 2004 was related to decreases in each net charge-off category. The Company recorded storm-related net charge-offs of $2.4 million that were charged directly against the storm-related allowance of $35.2 million. As a result, the storm-related allowance was reduced by $2.4 million and as of December 31, 2005 stands at $32.9 million. Overall, the allowance for loan losses was 196% of non-performing loans and accruing loans 90 days past due at year-end 2005, compared to 252% at year-end 2004. Management utilizes several quantitative methodologies for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and is of the opinion that the allowance at December 31, 2005 is adequate.

Page 26 of 54

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, average net loans outstanding, allowance for loan losses, amounts charged-off and recoveries of loans previously charged-off:


                                                                        At and For The Years Ended December 31,
                                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        2005            2004            2003             2002            2001
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
                                                                                    (in thousands)

Net loans outstanding at end of period                 $2,989,186      $2,748,560      $2,448,644       $2,104,982      $1,890,039
                                                   =============== ===============  ==============  =============== ===============

Average net loans outstanding                          $2,883,020      $2,599,561      $2,238,245       $1,961,299      $1,792,559
                                                   =============== ===============  ==============  =============== ===============

Balance of allowance for loan losses
  at beginning of period                               $   40,682      $   36,750      $   34,740       $   34,417      $   28,604
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
Loans charged-off:
  Real estate                                                 226             403             291              109              45
  Commercial                                                4,001           5,381           4,868            9,143           6,386
  Consumer, credit cards and other
    revolving credit                                       11,537          14,383          14,311           14,291           9,853
  Lease financing                                              47             261              73               10              14
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
  Total charge-offs                                        15,811          20,428          19,543           23,553          16,298
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
Recoveries of loans previously
  charged-off:
  Real estate                                                  33             179             180                7               2
  Commercial                                                2,757           1,957           1,112              639             319
  Consumer, credit cards and other
    revolving credit                                        4,258           5,687           5,103            5,135           4,365
  Lease financing                                               4               -               4                -               1
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
  Total recoveries                                          7,052           7,823           6,399            5,781           4,687
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
  Net charge-offs                                           8,759          12,605          13,144           17,772          11,611
  Provision for loan losses                                42,635          16,537          15,154           18,495           9,082
  Balance acquired through acquisition & other                  -               -               -             (400)          8,342
                                                   --------------- ---------------  --------------  --------------- ---------------
  Balance of allowance for loan losses
    at end of period                                   $   74,558      $   40,682      $   36,750       $   34,740      $   34,417
                                                   =============== ===============  ==============  =============== ===============


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain ratios related to the Company’s charge-offs, allowance for loan losses and outstanding loans:


                                                                        At and For The Years Ended December 31,
                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           2005           2004          2003           2002           2001
                                                        ------------   -----------   ------------   ------------   -----------
Ratios:
  Net charge-offs to average net loans                        0.30%         0.48%          0.59%          0.91%         0.65%
  Net charge-offs to period-end net loans                     0.29%         0.46%          0.54%          0.84%         0.61%
  Allowance for loan losses to average net loans              2.59%         1.56%          1.64%          1.77%         1.92%
  Allowance for loan losses to period-end net loans           2.49%         1.48%          1.50%          1.65%         1.82%
  Net charge-offs to loan loss allowance                     11.75%        30.98%         35.77%         51.16%        33.74%
  Loan loss provision to net charge-offs                    486.75%       131.19%        115.29%        104.07%        78.22%


Page 27 of 54

An allocation of the loan loss allowance by major loan category is set forth in the following table. There were no relevant variations in loan concentrations, quality or terms, except for an increase in the outstanding loan portfolio balance and a decrease in the unallocated amount. The unallocated portion of the allowance is necessary given the estimates which are inherently a part of this process and is available to address inherent loss which has been previously identified. The allocation is not necessarily indicative of the category of future losses, and the full allowance at December 31, 2005 is available to absorb losses occurring in any category of loans.


                                                                   December 31,
                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    2005               2004               2003               2002               2001
                          ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
                          Allowance  % of   Allowance  % of    Allowance  % of    Allowance  % of    Allowance  % of
                            for     Loans     for      Loans     for      Loans     for      Loans     for      Loans
                           Loan     to Total  Loan    to Total   Loan    to Total   Loan    to Total   Loan    to Total
                          Losses    Loans    Losses    Loans    Losses    Loans    Losses    Loans    Losses    Loans
                          --------  ------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
                                                              (amounts in thousands)

Real estate               $23,042    62.86   $11,253    64.19   $ 9,711    63.30   $ 7,664    61.26   $ 6,701    59.29
Commercial, industrial
  and other                34,128    19.74    14,974    17.37    15,311    17.41    11,610    17.72    14,380    17.56
Consumer and other
   revolving credit        15,812    17.40    11,453    18.44    10,718    19.29    10,174    21.02     9,848    23.15
Unallocated                 1,576        -     3,002        -     1,010        -     5,292        -     3,488        -
                          --------  ------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------

                          $74,558   100.00   $40,682   100.00   $36,750   100.00   $34,740   100.00   $34,417   100.00
                          ========  ======= ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ========


Deposits and Other Debt Instruments:

The following table sets forth the distribution of the average deposit accounts for the periods indicated and the weighted average interest rate paid on each category of deposits:


                                                2005                              2004                             2003
                               ---------------------------------  -------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                               Percent                           Percent                          Percent
                                 Average         of       Rate      Average        of       Rate     Average        of        Rate
                                 Balance      Deposits     (%)      Balance     Deposits    (%)      Balance      Deposits     (%)
                               -------------  ---------- -------  ------------  --------- -------  ------------- ----------  ------
                                                                   (amounts in thousands)

Non-interest bearing accounts   $   822,733     20.56       -    $   650,106       18.04       -    $   604,448      17.74        -
NOW accounts                        893,521     22.33    1.55        798,286       22.16    1.01        694,681      20.39     1.14
Money market and other
    savings accounts                966,636     24.16    0.83      1,007,366       27.96    0.75        984,667      28.90     0.99
Time deposits                     1,318,536     32.95    3.47      1,146,976       31.84    3.23      1,123,409      32.97     3.25
                               -------------  --------          -------------  ----------          ------------- ----------

                                $ 4,001,426    100.00            $ 3,602,734      100.00            $ 3,407,205     100.00
                               =============  ========          =============  ==========          ============= ==========


The Banks traditionally price their deposits to position themselves competitively with the local market. The Banks’ policy is not to accept brokered deposits.

Page 28 of 54

Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 and greater at December 31, 2005 had maturities as follows:


                                                  December 31, 2005
                                                  -----------------
                                                   (in thousands)

Three months or less                                    $ 150,900
Over three through six months                              75,311
Over six months through one year                          195,381
Over one year                                             212,033
                                                   ---------------
Total                                                   $ 633,625
                                                   ===============
Short-Term Borrowings:

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company’s short-term borrowings, which consist of federal funds purchased and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances as well as securities sold under agreements to repurchase.


                                                                       Years Ended December 31,
                                                            ---------------------------------------------
                                                                2005            2004            2003
                                                            -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                                       (amounts in thousands)
Federal funds purchased and FHLB advances:
  Amount outstanding at period-end                                $1,475            $800              $0
  Weighted average interest at period-end                          3.95%           2.15%           0.00%
  Maximum amount at any month-end during period                  $55,120         $41,852         $37,000
  Average amount outstanding during period                       $10,262         $14,181          $5,335
  Weighted average interest rate during period                     3.27%           1.64%           1.19%

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
  Amount outstanding at period-end                              $250,807        $195,478        $150,096
  Weighted average interest at period-end                          4.29%           1.13%           0.80%
  Maximum amount at any month end during-period                 $258,508        $243,101        $105,641
  Average amount outstanding during period                      $224,842        $195,470        $177,535
  Weighted average interest rate during period                     1.94%           0.98%           0.81%

Liquidity:

Liquidity management encompasses the Company’s ability to ensure that funds are available to meet the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers, while also ensuring that the Company has adequate cash flow to meet it’s various needs, including operating, strategic and capital. Without proper liquidity management, the Company would not be able to perform the primary function of a financial intermediary and would not be able to meet the needs of the communities in which it has a presence and serves. In addition, the parent holding company’s principal source of liquidity is dividends from its subsidiary banks. Liquidity is required at the parent holding company level for the purpose of paying dividends to stockholders, servicing of any debt the Company may have, business combinations as well as general corporate expenses.

The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments, maturities of investment securities and occasional sales of various assets. Short-term investments such as federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and maturing interest-bearing deposits with other banks are additional sources of liquidity funding. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, free securities stood at 41.8% or $819.0 million and 28.0% or $362.8 million, respectively.

Page 29 of 54

The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through various customers’ interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposit accounts. Purchases of federal funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings are additional sources of liquidity and represent the Company’s incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet short-term liquidity needs. The Company’s short-term borrowing capacity includes an approved line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of $323 million and borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window in excess of $100 million. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company’s core deposits were $4.304 billion and $3.050 billion, respectively, and Net Wholesale Funding stood at $514.0 million and $480.1 million, respectively.

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (included on page 24 and 25 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference), provide an analysis of cash from operating, investing, and financing activities for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Cash flows from operations are a significant part of liquidity management, contributing significant levels of funds in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Cash flows from operations decreased to $70.5 million in 2005 from $153.2 million in 2004 primarily due to activity related to Magna Insurance Company and lower net earnings (as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina). Net cash used by investing activities increased to $1,171.8 million in 2005 from $511.8 million in 2004 due to securities transactions, the increase in federal funds sold and sales/purchase of branches. In 2005, securities transaction activity resulted in a net use of funds, while in 2004 proceeds from the sales and maturities of securities were greater than purchases of securities. Federal funds sold increased to $260.8 million during 2005 and increased $136.4 million during 2004. The Company paid approximately $3.9 million in connection with the acquisition of a business combination in 2005 and paid approximately $29.4 million in connection with sale/purchase transactions in 2004. Cash flows from financing activities increased to $1,216.6 million in 2005 from $336.4 million in 2004 primarily due to deposit growth.

Cash flows from operations increased to $153.3 million in 2004 from $86.8 million in 2003. Net cash used by investing activities increased to $511.8 million in 2004 from $172.8 million in 2003 due to securities transactions. In 2004, securities transaction activity resulted in a net use of funds, while in 2003 proceeds from the sales and maturities of securities exceeded purchases of securities. During 2003, the Company experienced increased loan growth, which resulted in an increase in cash used by investing activities when comparing 2004 to 2003. Cash flows from financing activities increased to $336.4 million in 2004 from $76.3 million in 2003 primarily due to a net increase in deposits.

More information on liquidity can be found under the caption “Liquidity” - Table 6. Liquidity Ratios on pages 57 and 58 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Page 30 of 54

Capital Resources:

The information under the caption “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”, Note 12 - Common Stockholders’ Equity on pages 38 and 39 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Impact of Inflation:Inflation

The Company’s non-interest          Our noninterest income and expenses can be affected by increasing rates of inflation; however, unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions such as the Banks are primarily monetary in nature. Interest rates, therefore, have a more significant impact on the Banks’ performance than the effect of general levels of inflation on the price of goods and services.

Forward Looking Statements

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 in an effort to encourage corporations to provide information about a company’s anticipated future financial performance. This act provides a safe harbor for such disclosure, which protects the companies from unwarranted litigation, if actual results are different from management expectations. In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements and information, which are based on management’s beliefs, plans, expectations and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements and information presented reflects management’s views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial results. The words “may”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “continue”, “believe”, “seek”, “estimate” and similar expressions used in this report do not relate to historical facts and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this report, including, but not limited to, statements found in Item 1 “Business” and in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”. All phases of the Company’s operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties discussed in this report, including, without limitation, the portions referenced above, and the uncertainties set forth from time to time in the Company’s other public reports and filings and public statements, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, and any of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect the results of the Company’s operations and whether forward-looking statements made by the Company ultimately prove accurate.

Page 31 of 54

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS

Making or continuing an investment in securities issued by the Company,us, including the Company'sour common stock, involves certain risks that you should carefully consider. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks that may have a material adverse effect on the Company.us. Additional risks and uncertainties also could adversely affect the Company’sour business and results of operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’sour business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, the market price for your securities could decline, and you could lose all or a part of your investment. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the Company’sour actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.us.

The CompanyWe may be vulnerable to certain sectors of the economy.economy.

A portion of the Company’sour loan portfolio is secured by real estate. If the economy deteriorated and depressed real estate values beyond a certain point, that collateral value of the portfolio and the revenue stream from those loans could come under stress and possibly require additional provision to the allowance for loan losses. The Company’sOur ability to dispose of foreclosed real estate at prices above the respective carrying values could also be impinged, causing additional losses.

General economic

Difficult market conditions have adversely affected the industry in which we operate.

          The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than twelve months. In recent months, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. Dramatic declines in the housing market over the past year, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures, unemployment and under-employment, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities as well as major commercial and investment banks. These write-downs have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets generally and the strength of counterparties, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers, including to other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally. We do not expect that the difficult conditions in the areas wherefinancial markets are likely to improve in the Company's operationsnear future. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial institution industry. In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:

We may expect to face increased regulation of our industry, including as a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA). Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

Market developments and the resulting economic pressure on consumers may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause increases in delinquencies and default rates, which, among other effects, could affect our charge-offs and provision for loan losses.



Competition in the industry could intensify as a result of the increasing consolidation of financial services companies in connection with current market conditions.

The current market disruptions make valuation even more difficult and subjective, and our ability to measure the fair value of our assets could be adversely affected. If we determine that a significant portion of our assets have values that are significantly below their recorded carrying value, we could recognize a material charge to earnings in the quarter during which such determination was made, our capital ratios would be adversely affected and a rating agency might downgrade our credit rating or put us on credit watch.

There can be no assurance that the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 will help stabilize the U.S. Financial System.

          On Oct. 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) in response to the current crisis in the financial sector. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and banking regulators are implementing a number of programs under this legislation to address capital and liquidity issues in the banking system. There can be no assurance, however, as to the actual impact that the EESA will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility and limited credit availability currently being experienced. The failure of the EESA to help stabilize the financial markets and a continuation or loans are concentrated mayworsening of current financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our customers' ability to meet their obligations.

A sudden or severe downturn in the economy in the geographic markets served by the Company in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida may affect the ability of the Company’s customers to meet loan payment obligations on a timely basis. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on the Company’s commercial, real estate, and construction loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing such loans. Changes resulting in adverse economic conditions of the Company’s market areas could negatively impact thebusiness, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the Company’s banking operations and its profitability. Additionally, adverse economic changes may cause customers to withdraw deposit balances, thereby causing a strain on the Company’s liquidity.trading price of our common stock.

The Company is

We are subject to a risk of rapid and significant changes in market interest rates.

The Company’s          Our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature, and as a result, the Company iswe are subject to significant risks tied to changes in interest rates. The Company’sOur ability to operate profitably is largely dependent upon net interest income. In 2008, net interest income made up 64% of our revenue. Unexpected movement in interest rates markedly changing the slope of the current yield curve could cause the Company’sour net interest margins to decrease, subsequently decreasing net interest income. In addition, such changes could adversely affect the valuation of the Company’sour assets and liabilities.

At present the Company’sour one-year interest rate sensitivity position is effectively neutral,asset sensitive, such that a gradual increase in interest rates during the next twelve months should not have a significant impact on net interest income during that period. However, as with most financial institutions, the Company’sour results of operations are affected by changes in interest rates and the Company’sour ability to manage this risk. The difference between interest rates charged on interest-earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities may be affected by changes in market interest rates, changes in relationships between interest rate indices, and/or changes in the relationships between long-term and short-term market interest rates. A change in this difference might result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest income, or a decrease in the Company’sour interest rate spread. More detailed discussion of this risk may be found under the caption “Interest Rate Sensitivity” at “Item 1. Business” above.

Page 32 of 54

Certain changes in interest rates, inflation, deflation, or the financial markets could affect demand for the Company’sour products and the Company’sour ability to deliver products efficiently.

Loan originations, and potentially loan revenues, could be adversely impacted by sharply rising interest rates. Conversely, sharply falling rates could increase prepayments within the Company’sour securities portfolio lowering interest earnings from those investments. An underperforming stock market could reduce brokerage transactions, therefore reducing investment brokerage revenues; in addition, wealth management fees associated with managed securities portfolios could also be adversely affected. An unanticipated increase in inflation could cause the Company’sour operating costs related to salaries & benefits, technology, &and supplies to increase at a faster pace than revenues.

The fair market value of the Company’sour securities portfolio and the investment income from these securities also fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. In addition, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations.



Changes in the policies of monetary authorities and other government action could adversely affect the Company'sour profitability.

The results of operations of the Company are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve Board. The instruments of monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve Board include open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate or the federal funds rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, particularly in light of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks and the current military operations in the Middle East, we cannot predict possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or the Company’sour business and earnings. Furthermore, the actions of the United States government and other governments in responding to such terrorist attacks or the military operations in the Middle East may result in currency fluctuations, exchange controls, market disruption and other adverse effects.

Natural disasters could affect the Company'sour ability to operateoperate.

The Company’s          Our market areas are susceptible to hurricanes. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can disrupt the Company’sour operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in which the Company operates.we operate.

On August 29, 2005, the Company realized such a risk when Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana and significantly impacted the operating region of the Company. The pretax negative impact of the storm on 2005 earnings was $32.4 million. The $32.4 million net pretax negative impact included the following items: $35.2 million (pretax) to establish a storm-related provision for credit losses, a $7.6 million charge (pretax) related to direct expenses incurred, and approximately $3.8 million (pretax) of fees and service charges that were waived to assist affected individuals and businesses. Also included in the $32.4 million impact was a pretax gain of $14.1 million on net property and casualty insurance proceeds, which had either been received or where their receipt was considered substantially assured.

Page 33 of 54

The Company          We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage caused by future hurricanes will affect the Company’sour operations or the economies in the Company’sour market areas, but such weather events could cause a decline in loan originations, a decline in the value or destruction of properties securing the loans and an increase in the risk of delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses.

Insurance.

          With the less severe hurricane seasons in 2007 and 2008, Hancock Bank has been able to place its property insurance at limits sufficient to protect it from its maximum probable loss and secure more favorable terms and conditions. Due to Hancock Bank’s favorable financial performance, the cost of the Financial Institution Insurance program has continued to be written with favorable terms and conditions. The long term relationship Hancock Bank has with Chubb Insurance Company provides stability and security and should serve the bank well over the coming years.

Greater loan losses than expected may adversely affect the Company'sour earnings.

The Company          We, as lender islenders, are exposed to the risk that itsour customers will be unable to repay their loans in accordance with their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans may not be sufficient to assure repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour operating results. The Company’sOur credit risk with respect to itsour real estate and construction loan portfolio will relate principally to the creditworthiness of corporations and the value of the real estate serving as security for the repayment of loans. The Company’sOur credit risk with respect to itsour commercial and consumer loan portfolio will relate principally to the general creditworthiness of businesses and individuals within the Company’sour local markets.

The Company makes          We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of itsour loan portfolio and provide an allowance for estimated loan losses based on a number of factors. The Company believesWe believe that itsour current allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, if the Company’sour assumptions or judgments prove to be incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses. The CompanyWe may have to increase itsour allowance in the future in response to the request of one of itsour primary banking regulators, to adjust for changing conditions and assumptions, or as a result of any deterioration in the quality of the Company’sour loan portfolio. The actual amount of future provisions for loan losses cannot be determined at this time and may vary from the amounts of past provisions.

The projected benefit obligations of the Company'sour pension plan exceed the fair market value of its assetsthe Plan’s assets.

Investments in the portfolio of the Company’sour pension plan may not provide adequate returns to fully fund benefits as they come due, thus causing higher annual plan expenses and requiring additional contributions by the Company.us.

The Company


We may need to rely on the financial markets to provide needed capitalcapital.

The Company’s          Our stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ National Market System.Global Select. Although the Company anticipateswe anticipate that itsour capital resources will be adequate for the foreseeable future to meet itsour capital requirements, at times the Companywe may depend on the liquidity of the NASDAQ market to raise equity capital. If the market should fail to operate, or if conditions in the capital markets are adverse, the Companywe may be constrained in raising capital. The Company maintainsWe maintain a consistent analyst following; therefore, downgrades in the Company’sour prospects by an analyst(s) may cause the Company’sour stock price to fall and significantly limit the Company’sour ability to access the markets for additional capital requirements. Should these risks materialize, the Company’sour ability to further expand itsour operations through internal growth may be limited.

Page 34 of 54
The Company is

We are subject to regulation by various Federal and State entitiesentities.

The Company is          We are subject to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, , the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the Alabama Banking Department and the Mississippi Department of Insurance. New regulations issued by these agencies may adversely affect the Company’sour ability to carry on itsour business activities. The Company isWe are subject to various Federal and State laws and certain changes in these laws and regulations may adversely affect the Company’sour operations. Noncompliance with certain of these regulations may impact the Company'sour business plans, including ability to branch, offer certain products, or execute existing or planned business strategies.

The Company is          We are also subject to the accounting rules and regulations of the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Changes in accounting rules could adversely affect the reported financial statements or our results of operations of the Company and may also require extraordinary efforts or additional costs to implement.

Any of these laws or regulations may be modified or changed from time to time, and the Companywe cannot be assured that such modifications or changes will not adversely affect the Company. The Company’s regulatory status is discussed in more detail under “Item 1. Business. Supervision and Regulation” above.us.

The Company engages

We engage in acquisitions of other businesses from time to time.

On occasion, the Companywe will engage in acquisitions of other businesses. Inability to successfully integrate acquired businesses can pose varied risks to the Company,us, including customer and employee turnover, thus increasing the cost of operating the new businesses. The acquired companies may also have legal contingencies, beyond those that the Company iswe are aware of, that could result in unexpected costs. Moreover, there can be no assurance that acquired businesses will achieve prior or planned results of operations.

The Company is

We are subject to industry competition which may have an impact upon itsour success.

The          Our profitability of the Company depends on itsour ability to compete successfully. The Company operatesWe operate in a highly competitive financial services environment. Certain competitors are larger and may have more resources than the Company does. The Company faceswe do. We face competition in itsour regional market areas from other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, internet banks, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking firms, and other financial intermediaries that offer similar services. Some of the Company’sour nonbank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern the Companyus or the Bank and may have greater flexibility in competing for business.

Another competitive factor is that the financial services market, including banking services, is undergoing rapid changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The Company’sOur future success may depend, in part, on itsour ability to use technology competitively to provide products and services that provide convenience to customers and create additional efficiencies in the Company’sour operations.

Page 35 of 54

Future issuances of additional securities could result in dilution of shareholders'shareholders’ ownership.

The Company          We may determine from time to time to issue additional securities to raise additional capital, support growth, or to make acquisitions. Further, the Companywe may issue stock options or other stock grants to retain and motivate the Company’sour employees. Such issuances of Companyour securities will dilute the ownership interests of the Company’sour shareholders.



Anti-takeover laws and certain agreements and charter provisions may adversely affect share value.

Certain provisions of state and federal law and the Company’sour articles of incorporation may make it more difficult for someone to acquire control of the Company.us. Under federal law, subject to certain exemptions, a person, entity, or group must notify the federal banking agencies before acquiring 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a bank holding company, including the Company’sour shares. Banking agencies review the acquisition to determine if it will result in a change of control. The banking agencies have 60 days to act on the notice, and take into account several factors, including the resources of the acquirer and the antitrust effects of the acquisition. There also are Mississippi statutory provisions and provisions in the Company’sour articles of incorporation that may be used to delay or block a takeover attempt. As a result, these statutory provisions and provisions in the Company’sour articles of incorporation could result in the Companyour being less attractive to a potential acquirer.

Securities issued by the Company,us, including the Company'sour common stock, are not FDIC insured.

Securities issued by the Company,us, including the Company’sour common stock, are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank and are not insured by the FDIC, the Bank Insurance Fund, or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, or any private insurer, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.

ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Page 36 of 54

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

The Company’s          Our main offices areoffice is located at One Hancock Plaza, in Gulfport, Mississippi. The building has fourteen stories,

          We operate 157 banking and financial services offices and 137 automated teller machines across south Mississippi, Louisiana, south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. We lease 68 of which seven are utilized by the Company. The remaining seven stories are presently leased to outside parties.

Title to157 locations with the following banking offices in Mississippi and Louisiana is owned in fee (number of locations shown in parenthesis):


Albany, LA                         (1)                 Mandeville, LA                (1)
Alexandria, LA                     (2)                 Metairie, LA                  (2)
Baker, LA                          (1)                 Moss Point, MS                (1)
Baton Rouge, LA                   (13)                 Ocean Springs, MS             (2)
Bay St. Louis, MS                  (2)                 Opelousas, LA                 (1)
Biloxi, MS                         (4)                 Pascagoula, MS                (2)
Bogalusa, LA                       (1)                 Pass Christian, MS            (1)
Covington, LA                      (1)                 Petal, MS                     (1)
Denham Springs, LA                 (3)                 Picayune, MS                  (1)
D'Iberville, MS                    (1)                 Pineville, LA                 (1)
Escatawpa, MS                      (1)                 Poplarville, MS               (1)
Eunice, LA                         (1)                 Prentiss, MS                  (1)
Franklinton, LA                    (1)                 Purvis, MS                    (2)
Gautier, MS                        (1)                 St. Francisville, LA          (1)
Gonzales, LA                       (1)                 Sumrall, MS                   (1)
Gulfport, MS                       (5)                 Tallahassee, FL               (4)
Hammond, LA                        (3)                 Vancleave, MS                 (1)
Hattiesburg, MS                    (3)                 Ville Platte, LA              (1)
Independence, LA                   (1)                 Walker, LA                    (1)
Long Beach, MS                     (1)                 Waveland, MS                  (1)
Loranger, LA                       (1)                 Zachary, LA                   (1)
Lyman, MS                          (1)


The following banking offices in Mississippi and Louisiana are leased under agreements with unexpired terms from four to forty-nine years including renewal options (number of locations shown in parenthesis):


Baton Rouge, LA              (4)       Pascagoula, MS           (2)
Bay St. Louis, MS            (3)       Picayune, MS             (2)
Diamondhead, MS              (1)       Ponchatoula, LA          (1)
Gulfport, MS                 (5)       Saucier, MS              (1)
Kiln, MS                     (1)       Slidell, LA              (1)
Kenner, LA                   (1)       Springfield, LA          (1)
Long Beach, MS               (1)       Tallahassee, FL          (1)


remainder being owned. In addition, to the above, Hancock Bank MS owns land and other properties acquired through foreclosures of loan collateral. The major item is approximately 3,700 acres of timber land in Hancock County, Mississippi, which Hancock Bank MS acquired by foreclosure in the 1930‘s.1930’s.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Hurricane Katrina inflicted significant damage to many of the Company’s facilities. Of the Company’s 104 branch facilities, 40 sustained at least some damage. There were 9 branches that sustained damage between 50 and 90 percent, while an additional 7 branches were essentially 100% damaged. In addition, the Company’s main headquarters building in Gulfport, Mississippi sustained significant damage and will be uninhabitable until repairs          We are complete in late summer 2006. Management has identified specific fixed asset impairment costs due to the storm totaling $8.8 million through December 31, 2005.

Page 37 of 54

The Company is very well insured against property and casualty and other related losses associated with natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Through property and casualty, flood, business interruption and other forms of insurance, the Company filed insurance claims with its various providers totaling $44.0 million. Based on management’s best estimate of claims for which collection was received or substantially assured, a receivable related to insurance proceeds of $23.5 million was booked on September 30, 2005. Additional insurance proceeds are considered contingent upon reaching further agreement on claims and may be recognized as gains upon their receipt.

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, all such matters areeach matter is adequately covered by insurance or, if not so covered, areis not expected to have a material adverse effect on theour financial statements of the Company.statements.

ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 31, 2005.2008.



PART II


ITEM 5 -5.      MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'SREGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK

ANDEQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

          Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Split:Market under the symbol “HBHC” and is quoted in publications under “HancHd.” The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market. These prices do not reflect retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High
Sale

 

Low
Sale

 

Cash
Dividends
Paid

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th quarter

 

$

56.45

 

$

34.20

 

$

0.240

 

 

3rd quarter

 

 

68.42

 

 

33.34

 

 

0.240

 

 

2nd quarter

 

 

45.68

 

 

38.38

 

 

0.240

 

 

1st quarter

 

 

44.29

 

 

33.45

 

 

0.240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th quarter

 

$

43.47

 

$

33.35

 

$

0.240

 

 

3rd quarter

 

 

43.90

 

 

32.78

 

 

0.240

 

 

2nd quarter

 

 

44.37

 

 

37.50

 

 

0.240

 

 

1st quarter

 

 

54.09

 

 

41.88

 

 

0.240

 

          There were 5,855 registered holders and approximately 10,277 unregistered holders of common stock of the Company at February 2, 2008 and 31,802,848 shares issued. On February 26, 2004,2, 2008, the high and low sale prices of the Company’s Boardcommon stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market were $27.88 and $27.00, respectively. The principal source of Directors declaredfunds to the Company to pay cash dividends is the dividends received from Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, and Hancock Bank of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida. Consequently, dividends are dependent upon earnings, capital needs, regulatory policies and statutory limitations affecting the banks. Federal and state banking laws and regulations restrict the amount of dividends and loans a two-for-onebank may make to its parent company. Dividends paid to the Company by Hancock Bank are subject to approval by the Commissioner of Banking and Consumer Finance of the State of Mississippi and those paid by Hancock Bank of Louisiana are subject to approval by the Commissioner for Financial Institutions of the State of Louisiana. Dividends paid by Hancock Bank of Florida are subject to approval by the Florida Department of Financial Services. The Company’s management does not expect regulatory restrictions to affect its policy of paying cash dividends. Although no assurance can be given that Hancock Holding Company will continue to declare and pay regular quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, splitthe Company has paid regular cash dividends since 1937.



Stock Performance Graph

          The following is a line graph presentation comparing cumulative, five-year shareholder returns on an indexed basis with a performance indicator of the overall stock market and an index of peer companies selected by us. The broad market index used in the formgraph is the NASDAQ Market Index. The peer group index is a group of 100% common stock dividend.financial institutions in the southeast that are similar in asset size and business strategy; a list of the Companies included in the index follows the graph.

COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG HANCOCK HOLDING CO.,
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX

ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DEC. 31, 2003
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 2008

BANK OF THE OZARKS INC

IBERIABANK CORP

STERLING BANCSHARES

BANKATLANTIC BANCORP

PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS

SUPERIOR BANCORP

FNB CORPORATION FL

RENASANT CORP

TRUSTMARK CORP

GREEN BANKSHARES INC

REPUBLIC BANCORP INC CLA

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS



Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

          The additional shares were payable March 18, 2004following table provides information with respect to stockholderspurchases made by the issuer or any affiliated purchaser of record at the closeissuer’s equity securities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)


Total number
of shares or
units purchased

 

(b)



Average price
paid per share

 

(c)
Total number of
shares purchased
as a part of publicly
announced plans
or programs (1)

 

(d)
Maximum number
of shares
that may yet be
purchased under
plans or programs

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Oct. 1, 2008 - Oct. 31, 2008

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

2,989,158

 

Nov. 1, 2008 - Nov. 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,989,158

 

Dec.1, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008

 

 

6,458

 

 

40.26

 

 

6,458

 

 

2,982,700

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

6,458

 

$

40.26

 

 

6,458

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 


(1) The Company publicly announced its stock buy-back program on November 13, 2007.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

 

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column (a))
(c)

 









Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

$

1,268,150

 

$

26.98

 

$

4,572,802

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









Total

 

$

1,268,150

 

$

26.98

 

$

4,572,802

 



ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

          The following tables set forth certain selected historical consolidated financial data and should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of businessFinancial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The following information may not be deemed indicative of our future operating results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At and For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

Period-End Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

$

1,681,957

 

$

1,670,208

 

$

1,895,157

 

$

1,953,245

 

$

1,294,697

 

Short-term investments

 

 

549,416

 

 

126,281

 

 

222,439

 

 

410,226

 

 

150,261

 

Loans held for sale

 

 

22,115

 

 

18,957

 

 

16,946

 

 

24,219

 

 

30,129

 

Loans, net of unearned income

 

 

4,249,465

 

 

3,596,557

 

 

3,249,638

 

 

2,964,967

 

 

2,718,431

 

Total earning assets

 

 

6,502,953

 

 

5,412,003

 

 

5,384,180

 

 

5,352,657

 

 

4,193,519

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

61,725

 

 

47,123

 

 

46,772

 

 

74,558

 

 

40,682

 

Total assets

 

 

7,167,254

 

 

6,055,979

 

 

5,964,565

 

 

5,950,187

 

 

4,664,726

 

Total deposits

 

 

5,930,937

 

 

5,009,534

 

 

5,030,991

 

 

4,989,820

 

 

3,797,945

 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

 

609,499

 

 

554,187

 

 

558,410

 

 

477,415

 

 

464,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

$

1,743,998

 

$

1,726,714

 

$

2,222,114

 

$

1,426,461

 

$

1,337,324

 

Short-term investments

 

 

175,891

 

 

117,158

 

 

211,511

 

 

137,821

 

 

34,911

 

Loans, net of unearned income

 

 

3,873,908

 

 

3,428,009

 

 

3,062,222

 

 

2,883,020

 

 

2,599,561

 

Total earning assets

 

 

5,793,797

 

 

5,271,881

 

 

5,495,847

 

 

4,447,302

 

 

3,971,796

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

53,354

 

 

46,443

 

 

64,285

 

 

50,107

 

 

38,117

 

Total assets

 

 

6,426,389

 

 

5,851,889

 

 

6,031,800

 

 

4,931,030

 

 

4,424,334

 

Total deposits

 

 

5,182,407

 

 

4,929,176

 

 

5,069,427

 

 

4,001,426

 

 

3,602,734

 

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

 

584,805

 

 

562,383

 

 

513,656

 

 

475,701

 

 

447,384

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At and For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

Key Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on average assets

 

 

1.02

%

 

1.26

%

 

1.69

%

 

1.10

%

 

1.39

%

Return on average common equity

 

 

11.18

%

 

13.14

%

 

19.82

%

 

11.36

%

 

13.79

%

Net interest margin (te)*

 

 

3.80

%

 

4.08

%

 

4.23

%

 

4.40

%

 

4.44

%

Average loans to average deposits

 

 

74.75

%

 

69.55

%

 

60.41

%

 

72.05

%

 

72.16

%

Noninterest income excluding storm-related insurance gain, gain on sale of branches and credit card merchant, and securities transactions, as a percent of total revenue (te)

 

 

35.86

%

 

35.89

%

 

31.44

%

 

32.38

%

 

33.78

%

Noninterest expense as a percent of total revenue (te) before amortization of purchased intangibles, storm-related insurance gain, gains on sale of branches and credit card merchant, and securities transactions

 

 

61.84

%

 

64.13

%

 

59.28

%

 

59.08

%

 

59.27

%

Allowance for loan losses to period-end loans

 

 

1.45

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.44

%

 

2.51

%

 

1.50

%

Non-performing assets to loans plus other real estate

 

 

0.83

%

 

0.43

%

 

0.13

%

 

0.42

%

 

0.40

%

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans and accruing loans 90 days past due

 

 

133.16

%

 

241.43

%

 

694.67

%

 

195.50

%

 

251.85

%

Net charge-offs to average loans

 

 

0.57

%

 

0.21

%

 

0.23

%

 

0.30

%

 

0.48

%

FTE employees (period-end)

 

 

1,952

 

 

1,888

 

 

1,848

 

 

1,735

 

 

1,767

 

Common stockholders’ equity to total assets

 

 

8.50

%

 

9.15

%

 

9.36

%

 

8.02

%

 

9.96

%

Tangible common equity to total assets

 

 

7.62

%

 

8.08

%

 

8.24

%

 

6.89

%

 

8.58

%

Tier 1 leverage

 

 

8.06

%

 

8.51

%

 

8.63

%

 

7.85

%

 

8.97

%

Tier 1 risk-based

 

 

10.09

%

 

11.03

%

 

12.46

%

 

11.47

%

 

12.39

%

Total risk-based

 

 

11.22

%

 

12.07

%

 

13.60

%

 

12.73

%

 

13.58

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

335,437

 

$

345,697

 

$

344,063

 

$

263,378

 

$

226,622

 

Interest expense

 

 

126,002

 

 

140,236

 

 

119,863

 

 

74,819

 

 

57,270

 

Net interest income

 

 

209,435

 

 

205,461

 

 

224,200

 

 

188,559

 

 

169,352

 

Net interest income (te)

 

 

219,889

 

 

215,000

 

 

232,463

 

 

195,936

 

 

176,626

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

36,785

 

 

7,593

 

 

(20,762

)

 

42,635

 

 

16,537

 

Noninterest income excluding storm-related insurance gain, gains on sale of branches and credit card merchant and securities transactions

 

 

122,953

 

 

120,378

 

 

106,585

 

 

93,840

 

 

90,116

 

Net storm-related items

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,084

 

 

6,584

 

 

 

Gains/(losses) on sales of securities, net

 

 

4,825

 

 

308

 

 

(5,169

)

 

(53

)

 

163

 

Gains on sales of branches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,258

 

Gain on sale of credit card merchant services business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,000

 

Noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangibles

 

 

212,011

 

 

215,092

 

 

200,991

 

 

171,197

 

 

158,109

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

1,432

 

 

1,651

 

 

2,125

 

 

2,194

 

 

1,945

 

Net income before income taxes

 

 

86,985

 

 

101,811

 

 

148,346

 

 

72,903

 

 

88,297

 

Net income

 

 

65,366

 

 

73,892

 

 

101,802

 

 

54,032

 

 

61,704

 

Net income available to common stockholders

 

 

65,366

 

 

73,892

 

 

101,802

 

 

54,032

 

 

61,704

 

* Tax Equivalent (te) amounts are calculated using a marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At and For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

Per Common Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

2.08

 

$

2.31

 

$

3.13

 

$

1.67

 

$

1.91

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

2.05

 

$

2.27

 

$

3.06

 

$

1.64

 

$

1.87

 

Cash dividends paid

 

$

0.960

 

$

0.960

 

$

0.895

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.58

 

Book value

 

$

19.18

 

$

17.71

 

$

17.09

 

$

14.78

 

$

14.32

 

Dividend payout ratio

 

 

46.15

%

 

41.56

%

 

28.59

%

 

43.11

%

 

30.37

%

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

31,491

 

 

32,000

 

 

32,534

 

 

32,365

 

 

32,390

 

Diluted

 

 

31,883

 

 

32,545

 

 

33,304

 

 

32,966

 

 

33,052

 

Number of shares outstanding (period end)

 

 

31,770

 

 

31,295

 

 

32,666

 

 

32,301

 

 

32,440

 

Market data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High closing price

 

$

68.42

 

$

54.09

 

$

57.19

 

$

39.90

 

$

34.83

 

Low closing price

 

$

33.34

 

$

32.78

 

$

37.75

 

$

28.25

 

$

25.00

 

Period-end closing price

 

$

45.46

 

$

38.20

 

$

52.84

 

$

37.81

 

$

33.46

 

Trading volume

 

 

73,843

 

 

48,169

 

 

27,275

 

 

22,404

 

 

11,572

 



ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to focus on March 8, 2004.

All balancessignificant changes and events in the financial condition and results of operations of Hancock Holding Company and our subsidiaries (Hancock) during 2008 and selected prior periods. This discussion and analysis is intended to highlight and supplement data and information concerningpresented elsewhere in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Certain information relating to prior years has been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 in an effort to encourage corporations to provide information about a company’s anticipated future financial performance. This act provides a safe harbor for such disclosure, which protects us from unwarranted litigation, if actual results are different from management expectations. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and reflects management’s current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results and expectations, expressed in such forward-looking statements.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

          Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $65.4 million, a decrease of $8.5 million, or 11.5%, from 2007’s net income of $73.9 million. Diluted earnings per share dividendswere $2.05, a decrease of $0.22 from 2007’s diluted earnings per share of $2.27. Our return on average assets for 2008 was 1.02% compared to 1.26% for 2007.

          Our year-end results were heavily impacted by the continuing financial crisis and on-going national economic recession. Weaknesses in residential development and rising unemployment levels in our market areas also impacted earnings which had a significant impact on our net charge-off levels and resulted in a higher allowance for loan losses in 2008. As a result of these difficult national and regional issues, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $36.8 million, which represents an increase of $29.2 million compared to 2007. Of the $36.8 million provision, $17.1 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of the ongoing recession, the continued rise in unemployment levels, and an increase in non-performing loans and higher past dues. Net charge-offs for 2008 were $22.2 million, or 0.57% of average loans and were up $14.9 million compared to 2007. Of the $22.2 million in net charge-offs in 2008, $12.6 million of that was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 and was primarily related to the construction and land development segments as the housing market continued to struggle. The construction and land development loan segment represents approximately 13.7% of Hancock’s total loan portfolio, or about $585.4 million at year end 2008. These weakening economic conditions also impacted our allowance for loan losses, which increased to 1.45% of period-end loans at December 31, 2008 from the 1.31% recorded at December 31, 2007.

          Our balance sheet showed strong growth during 2008. At year end, our total asset level reached $7.2 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 18.4%, from December 31, 2007. We experienced strong growth in loans in 2008. Period-end loans were up $652.9 million, or 18.2%, from December 31, 2007. Loan growth increased across our loan categories of commercial/ real estate, direct consumer, indirect consumer, and finance company loans. All of the growth in assets was organic growth as we did not record any acquisitions in the past year. We also experienced strong growth in deposits over the past year. Period-end deposits at December 31, 2008 were $5.9 billion, up $921.4 million, or 18.4%, from December 31, 2007. Our growth was related to deposit rate campaigns in growing markets in addition to customers seeking a safe and secure bank for their money as some other banks experienced capital concerns in 2008. We continue to remain well capitalized with total equity of $609.5 million at December 31, 2008, up $55.3 million, or 10.0%, from December 31, 2007.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

          Net interest income (te) is the primary component of our earnings and represents the difference, or spread, between revenue generated from interest-earning assets and the interest expense related to funding those assets. For internal analytical purposes, management adjusts net interest income to a “taxable equivalent” basis using a 35% federal tax rate on tax exempt items (primarily interest on municipal securities and loans). Fluctuations in interest rates, as well as volume and mix changes in earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities can materially impact net interest income (te).

          Another significant statistic in the analysis of net interest income is the effective interest differential (also referred to as the net interest margin), which is the ratio of net interest income (te) to our average earning assets. The difference between the average yield on earning assets and the effective rate paid for all deposits and borrowed funds, non-interest-bearing as well as interest-bearing is the net interest spread. Since a portion of the Bank’s deposits does not bear interest, such as demand accounts, the rate paid for all funds is lower than the rate on interest-bearing liabilities alone. The net interest margin (te) for the years 2008, 2007, and 2006 was 3.80%, 4.08%, and 4.23%, respectively.

          Net interest income (te) of $219.9 million was recorded for the year 2008, an increase of $4.9 million, or 2.3%, from 2007. We experienced a decrease of $17.5 million, or 8%, from 2007 to 2006. The factors contributing to the changes in net interest income (te) for 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 is an analysis of the components of average balance sheets, levels of interest income and expense and the resulting earning asset yields and liability rates. Table 2 details the overall changes in the level of net interest income into rate and volume.

          The increase of $4.9 million in net interest income (te) in 2008 from 2007 was caused by an increase in average earnings assets of $521.9 million, or 9.9%. In 2008, our average loan growth increased $445.9 million, or 13%, from 2007 along with a slight increase in average securities of $17.3 million. With short-term interest rates down significantly from last year, our loan yield fell 107 basis points, pushing the yield on average earnings assets down 77 basis points. There was also an unfavorable change in 2008 in our average funding mix with most new deposits more heavily weighted to mostly time deposits of $304.2 million and lower levels of non-interest bearing transaction deposits of $51 million.

          When comparing 2007 to 2006, the primary driver of the $17.5 million, or 8% decrease, in net interest income (te) was a $223.9 million, or 4%, decrease in average earning assets. In 2008, our average loan growth increased $366 million offset by a decrease in average securities of $495 million. There was an unfavorable change in 2007 in our average funding mix with higher levels of more costly time deposits of $233 million and lower levels of transaction deposits of $205 million. The impact of this change on net interest margin was managed by reducing rates paid on the interest bearing deposits.

          Recognizing the importance of interest differential to total earnings, management places great emphasis on managing interest rate spreads. Although interest differential is affected by national, regional, and area economics our loan and investment policies are designed to maximize interest differential while maintain sufficient liquidity and availability of funds for purposes of meeting existing commitments and for investment in loans and other investment opportunities that may arise.

          The following table is a summary of average balance sheets that reflects average interest earned, average interest paid, average yield and average rate:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 1. Summary of Average Balance Sheets (w/Net Interest Income (te) & Interest Rates)

 

 

 





























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 




 

 

Average
Balance

 

Interest

 

Rate

 

Average
Balance

 

Interest

 

Rate

 

Average
Balance

 

Interest

 

Rate

 

 

 



















 

 

(In thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-Earnings Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans* (te)

 

$

3,873,908

 

$

254,347

 

 

6.57

%

$

3,428,009

 

$

261,944

 

 

7.64

%

$

3,062,222

 

$

235,067

 

 

7.68

%

U.S. Treasury securities

 

 

11,366

 

 

296

 

 

2.60

%

 

29,095

 

 

1,379

 

 

4.74

%

 

63,668

 

 

3,018

 

 

4.74

%

U.S. agency securities

 

 

349,931

 

 

16,000

 

 

4.57

%

 

810,299

 

 

41,111

 

 

5.07

%

 

1,270,128

 

 

60,701

 

 

4.78

%

CMOs

 

 

150,692

 

 

7,465

 

 

4.95

%

 

94,731

 

 

3,997

 

 

4.22

%

 

154,673

 

 

6,142

 

 

3.97

%

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

1,012,274

 

 

52,564

 

 

5.19

%

 

534,893

 

 

27,190

 

 

5.08

%

 

491,130

 

 

23,313

 

 

4.75

%

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

taxable

 

 

52,070

 

 

1,661

 

 

3.19

%

 

50,944

 

 

1,189

 

 

2.33

%

 

20,205

 

 

350

 

 

1.73

%

nontaxable (te)

 

 

120,237

 

 

7,659

 

 

6.37

%

 

146,060

 

 

9,590

 

 

6.57

%

 

151,681

 

 

10,416

 

 

6.87

%

Other corporate securities

 

 

47,428

 

 

2,061

 

 

4.34

%

 

60,692

 

 

3,223

 

 

5.31

%

 

70,629

 

 

3,559

 

 

5.04

%

Total investment in securities

 

 

1,743,998

 

 

87,706

 

 

5.03

%

 

1,726,714

 

 

87,679

 

 

5.08

%

 

2,222,114

 

 

107,499

 

 

4.84

%

Federal funds sold and short-term investments

 

 

175,891

 

 

3,838

 

 

2.18

%

 

117,158

 

 

5,613

 

 

4.79

%

 

211,511

 

 

9,760

 

 

4.61

%

 

 




























Total interest-earning assets (te)

 

 

5,793,797

 

 

345,891

 

 

5.97

%

 

5,271,881

 

 

355,236

 

 

6.74

%

 

5,495,847

 

 

352,326

 

 

6.41

%

 

 




























Non-earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

685,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

626,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

600,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

(53,354

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(46,443

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(64,285

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

6,426,389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

5,851,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

6,031,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing transaction deposits

 

$

1,415,288

 

 

13,751

 

 

0.97

%

$

1,419,077

 

 

18,135

 

 

1.28

%

$

1,623,597

 

 

14,931

 

 

0.92

%

Time deposits

 

 

1,843,966

 

 

70,659

 

 

3.83

%

 

1,778,854

 

 

81,223

 

 

4.57

%

 

1,545,834

 

 

62,807

 

 

4.06

%

Public funds

 

 

1,046,484

 

 

26,642

 

 

2.55

%

 

803,589

 

 

33,561

 

 

4.18

%

 

771,146

 

 

32,354

 

 

4.20

%

 

 




























Total interest-bearing deposits

 

 

4,305,738

 

 

111,052

 

 

2.58

%

 

4,001,520

 

 

132,919

 

 

3.32

%

 

3,940,577

 

 

110,092

 

 

2.79

%

 

 




























Customer repurchase agreements

 

 

524,712

 

 

14,491

 

 

2.76

%

 

216,730

 

 

8,023

 

 

3.70

%

 

250,603

 

 

9,060

 

 

3.62

%

Other interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

30,186

 

 

536

 

 

1.78

%

 

11,280

 

 

289

 

 

2.56

%

 

30,580

 

 

1,517

 

 

4.96

%

Capitalized Interest

 

 

 

 

(77

)

 

0.00

%

 

 

 

(995

)

 

0.00

%

 

 

 

(806

)

 

0.00

%

 

 




























Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

4,860,636

 

 

126,002

 

 

2.59

%

 

4,229,530

 

 

140,236

 

 

3.32

%

 

4,221,760

 

 

119,863

 

 

2.84

%

 

 




























Non-interest bearing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposits

 

 

876,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

927,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,128,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

104,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

132,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

167,534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

584,805

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

562,383

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

513,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




























Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity

 

$

6,426,389

 

 

 

 

 

2.17

%

$

5,851,889

 

 

 

 

 

2.66

%

$

6,031,800

 

 

 

 

 

2.18

%

 

 



 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 



 

Net interest income and margin (te)

 

 

 

 

$

219,889

 

 

3.80

%

 

 

 

$

215,000

 

 

4.08

%

 

 

 

$

232,463

 

 

4.23

%

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Net earning assets and spread

 

$

933,161

 

 

 

 

 

3.38

%

$

1,042,349

 

 

 

 

 

3.42

%

$

1,280,795

 

 

 

 

 

3.57

%

 

 



 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 



 


*Loan interest income includes loan fees of $483,000, $1.3 million and $9.0 million for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Non-accrual loans in average balances and income on such loans, if recognized, is recorded on a cash basis. Tax equivalent (te) amounts are calculated using a marginal federal income tax rate of 35%.



          The following table presents the change in interest income and the change in interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 2. Summary of Changes in Net Interest Income (te)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008 Compared to 2007

 

2007 Compared to 2006

 

 

 





 

 

Due to
Change in

 

Total
Increase
(Decrease)

 

Due to
Change in

 

Total
Increase
(Decrease)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

 

Volume

 

Rate

 

 

 

 













 

 

(In thousands)

 

Interest Income (te)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

 

$

31,558

 

($

39,155

)

($

7,597

)

 $

30,204

 

($

3,327

)

 $

26,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

 

 

(622

)

 

(461

)

 

(1,083

)

 

(1,639

)

 

 

 

(1,639

)

U.S. agency securities

 

 

(21,386

)

 

(3,725

)

 

(25,111

)

 

(17,270

)

 

(2,320

)

 

(19,590

)

CMOs

 

 

2,678

 

 

790

 

 

3,468

 

 

(1,902

)

 

(243

)

 

(2,145

)

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

24,777

 

 

597

 

 

25,374

 

 

2,157

 

 

1,720

 

 

3,877

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable

 

 

25

 

 

447

 

 

472

 

 

684

 

 

155

 

 

839

 

Nontaxable (te)

 

 

(1,365

)

 

(566

)

 

(1,931

)

 

(528

)

 

(298

)

 

(826

)

FHLB stock and other corporate securities

 

 

(634

)

 

(528

)

 

(1,162

)

 

(336

)

 

 

 

(336

)

Total investment in securities

 

 

3,473

 

 

(3,446

)

 

27

 

 

(18,834

)

 

(986

)

 

(19,820

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds and short-term investments

 

 

2,080

 

 

(3,855

)

 

(1,775

)

 

(4,507

)

 

360

 

 

(4,147

)

 

 



















Total interest income (te)

 

$

37,111

 

($

46,456

)

($

9,345

)

 $

6,863

 

($

3,953

)

 $

2,910

 

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing transaction deposits

 

$

48

 

 $

4,336

 

 $

4,384

 

 $

2,060

 

($

5,264

)

($

3,204

)

Time deposits

 

 

(2,884

)

 

13,448

 

 

10,564

 

 

(10,112

)

 

(8,304

)

 

(18,416

)

Public funds

 

 

(8,416

)

 

15,335

 

 

6,919

 

 

(1,356

)

 

149

 

 

(1,207

)

 

 



















Total interest-bearing deposits

 

 

(11,252

)

 

33,119

 

 

21,867

 

 

(9,408

)

 

(13,419

)

 

(22,827

)

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

 

 

(8,945

)

 

2,477

 

 

(6,468

)

 

1,250

 

 

(213

)

 

1,037

 

Other interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

(22

)

 

(1,143

)

 

(1,165

)

 

1,095

 

 

322

 

 

1,417

 

 

 



















Total interest expense

 

 

(20,219

)

 

34,453

 

 

14,234

 

 

(7,063

)

 

(13,310

)

 

(20,373

)

 

 



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net interest income (te)

 

$

16,892

 

($

12,003

)

 $

4,889

 

($

200

)

($

17,263

)

($

17,463

)

 

 



















Provision for Loan Losses

          Weaknesses in residential development and rising unemployment levels in our market areas had a significant impact on our net charge-off levels and resulted in a higher allowance for loan losses in 2008 than 2007. Net charge-offs were $22.2 million, an increase of $14.9 million, or 206.3%, from 2007 to 2008. The increase was primarily reflected in our construction and land development loan segment. The construction and land development loan segment represents approximately 13.7% of Hancock’s total loan portfolio, or about $585.4 million at year end 2008. The provision for loan losses was $36.8 million in 2008, an increase of $29.2 million, or 384.5% from 2007. Major drivers of the overall higher level of the provision for loan losses were an increase in period-end loans of $652.9 million, or 18.2%, from December 31, 2007, continued weakness in the local and national economies, and increases in nonperforming loans and higher past dues. The provision for loan losses reflects management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The amount of provision for each period is dependent on many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, identified loan impairment, management’s assessment of the loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, as well as, overall economic factors. Our allowance for loan losses as a percent of period-end loans was 1.45% at December 31, 2008, an increase of 14 basis points from 1.31% at December 31, 2007.

          Net charge-offs were $7.2 million for 2007, an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.1%, from 2006 to 2007. The provision for loan losses in 2007 was $7.6 million. In 2006, we reversed $20.8 million of the allowance for loan losses through the provision primarily due to better than expected loss experience with Hurricane Katrina storm impacted credits. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of period-end loans was 1.31% in 2007, a decrease of 12 basis points from 1.44% in 2006.



Noninterest Income

          Table 3 presents a three-year analysis of the components of noninterest income. Overall, noninterest income of $127.8 million was reported in 2008, as compared to $120.7 million for 2007 and $106.5 million for 2006. This represents an increase of $7.1 million, or 6%, from 2007 to 2008 and an increase of $14.2 million, or 13%, from 2006 to 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 3. Noninterest Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

% Change

 

2007

 

% Change

 

2006

 

 

 











 

 

(In thousands)

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

$

44,243

 

 

6

%

$

41,929

 

 

16

%

 $

36,228

 

Trust fees

 

 

16,858

 

 

6

%

 

15,902

 

 

20

%

 

13,286

 

Insurance commissions and fees

 

 

16,554

 

 

-14

%

 

19,229

 

 

0

%

 

19,248

 

Investment and annuity fees

 

 

10,807

 

 

24

%

 

8,746

 

 

46

%

 

5,970

 

Debit card and merchant fees

 

 

11,082

 

 

9

%

 

10,126

 

 

8

%

 

9,365

 

ATM fees

 

 

6,856

 

 

15

%

 

5,983

 

 

12

%

 

5,338

 

Secondary mortgage market operations

 

 

2,977

 

 

-20

%

 

3,723

 

 

6

%

 

3,528

 

Other fees and income

 

 

13,576

 

 

-8

%

 

14,740

 

 

8

%

 

13,622

 

Net storm-related gains

 

 

 

 

N/M

*

 

 

 

N/M

*

 

5,084

 

Securities gains/(losses)

 

 

4,825

 

 

N/M

*

 

308

 

 

N/M

*

 

(5,169

)

 

 
















Total non-interest income

 

$

127,778

 

 

6

%

$

120,686

 

 

13

%

$

106,500

 

 

 
















*Not meaningful

          Noninterest income increased $7.1 million, or 6%, when comparing 2008 to 2007. Increases were experienced in service charges on deposit accounts, trust fees, investment and annuity fees, debit card and merchant fees, ATM fees, and securities gains/(losses). Service charges on deposit accounts increased $2.3 million, or 6%, when compared to 2007, due to a $1.3 million increase in overdraft fees as a result of an increase in rate per item, effective January 1, 2008, in addition to the increase in period-end deposits of $921 million in 2008. Trust fee income increased $1.0 million, or 6%, when compared to the previous year. Investment and annuity fees increased $2.1 million, or 24%, from 2007 to 2008 due to an increase in annuity sales to customers from our subsidiary, Hancock Investment Services. Debit card and merchant fees increased $1.0 million or 9% and ATM fees increased $0.9 million or 15% due to an increase in customers. Securities gains increased $4.5 million in 2008. For additional information on securities activity, see Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Insurance commissions and fees decreased $2.7 million or 14%, mainly due to our subsidiary Magna Insurance Company’s reduction of the annuity business which was accelerated with the 1035 exchange program promoted in the fourth quarter of 2007. Other fees and income decreased $1.2 million, or 8%, and secondary mortgage market operations decreased $0.7 million, or 20%.

          Increases in noninterest income, when comparing 2007 to 2006, were experienced in service charges on deposit accounts, trust fees, investment and annuity fees, insurance commissions and fees, debit card and merchant fees, ATM fees, secondary mortgage market operations, and other fees and income. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $5.7 million, or 16%, when compared to 2006. This was caused by service charge fee increases in 2007 on consumer and business accounts and an increase in accounts from the expanding Alabama market. Trust fee income increased $2.6 million, or 20%, when compared to the previous year as a result of increases in assets under care (either managed or in custody). Investment and annuity fees increased $2.8 million, or 46%, from 2006 to 2007 and there were higher levels of other fees and income (up $1.1 million or 8%).



Noninterest Expense

          Table 4 presents an analysis of the components of noninterest expense for the years 2008, 2007 and 2006. The level of operating expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 2%, from 2007 to 2008 and increased $13.6 million, or 7%, from 2006 to 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 4. Noninterest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

% Change

 

2007

 

% Change

 

2006

 

 

 
















 

 

(In thousands)

 

Employee compensation

 

$

88,670

 

 

5

%

$

84,654

 

 

0

%

$

84,569

 

Employee benefits

 

 

21,103

 

 

-5

%

 

22,305

 

 

16

%

 

19,184

 

 

 
















Total personnel expense

 

 

109,773

 

 

3

%

 

106,959

 

 

3

%

 

103,753

 

Equipment and data processing expense

 

 

29,424

 

 

5

%

 

28,050

 

 

13

%

 

24,729

 

Net occupancy expense

 

 

19,538

 

 

1

%

 

19,435

 

 

46

%

 

13,350

 

Postage and communications

 

 

9,454

 

 

-10

%

 

10,453

 

 

8

%

 

9,649

 

Ad valorem and franchise taxes

 

 

3,532

 

 

1

%

 

3,514

 

 

5

%

 

3,346

 

Legal and professional services

 

 

12,718

 

 

-17

%

 

15,234

 

 

9

%

 

13,968

 

Printing and supplies

 

 

1,833

 

 

-19

%

 

2,252

 

 

13

%

 

1,997

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

1,432

 

 

-13

%

 

1,651

 

 

-22

%

 

2,125

 

Advertising

 

 

6,917

 

 

-2

%

 

7,032

 

 

6

%

 

6,642

 

Deposit insurance and regulatory fees

 

 

2,851

 

 

174

%

 

1,039

 

 

10

%

 

946

 

Training expenses

 

 

655

 

 

0

%

 

656

 

 

16

%

 

564

 

Other real estate owned expense/(income)

 

 

917

 

 

285

%

 

(497

)

 

27

%

 

(390

)

Other expense

 

 

14,399

 

 

-31

%

 

20,965

 

 

-7

%

 

22,437

 

 

 
















Total noninterest expense

 

$

213,443

 

 

-2

%

$

216,743

 

 

7

%

$

203,116

 

 

 
















          In 2008, operating expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 2%, over 2007. The significant factors driving the decrease in operating expenses from 2007 to 2008 include a decrease in legal and professional services ($2.5 million, or 17%) caused primarily by the decrease in commissions for Magna with the reduction of the annuity business, postage and communications ($1.0 million, or 10%), printing and supplies expense ($0.4 million, or 19%), amortization of intangible assets ($0.2 million, or 13%). Other expense also decreased $6.6 million, or 31% over 2007, mainly due to our VISA litigation entries, accruing $2.5 million in 2007 and reversing $1.5 million in 2008, and our subsidiary Magna Insurance Company’s reduction of the annuity business which was accelerated with the 1035 exchange program. These decreases were offset primarily by increases in equipment and data processing expense ($1.4 million, or 5%) due to increases in personnel support to grow deposits and loans; total personnel expense ($2.8 million, or 3%) increased to grow deposits and loans; deposit and regulatory fees ($1.8 million, or 174%) due to changes in FDIC insurance assessment rates that became effective in 2007, where the 2007 assessment was offset by a one-time credit from the FDIC; and other real estate owned expense ($1.4 million, or 285%) due to an increase in maintenance for the growth in foreclosed assets in 2008 caused by the ongoing recession.

          In 2007, operating expenses increased $13.6 million, or 7%, over 2006. Increases were reflected in net occupancy expense ($6.1 million, or 46%) due to reoccupying One Hancock Plaza, our corporate headquarters, in 2007, the opening of our data center and the opening of new branches, legal and professional services ($1.3 million, or 9%), personnel expense ($3.2 million, or 3%) and equipment and data processing expense ($3.3 million, or 13%).

Income Taxes

           Income tax expense was $21.6 million in 2008, $27.9 million in 2007 and $46.5 million in 2006. Income tax expense decreased due to a lower level of pretax income in 2008. Our effective income tax rate continues to be less than the statutory rate of 35%, due primarily to tax-exempt interest income and tax credits. The effective tax rates for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were 25%, 27% and 31%, respectively. The 2% decrease in our effective tax rate was due primarily to the increase in the percentage of tax-exempt income as it relates to pre-tax book income.



SEGMENT REPORTING

          See Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Securities Available for Sale

          Our investment in securities was $1.68 billion at December 31, 2008, compared to $1.67 billion at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008, 99.87% of the portfolio was comprised of securities classified as available for sale, 0.13% of the securities were classified as trading while none were classified as held to maturity. At December 31, 2007, 88.18% of the portfolio was comprised of securities classified as available for sale, 11.82% of the securities were classified as trading while none were classified as held to maturity. Average investment securities were $1.74 billion for 2008 as compared to $1.73 billion for 2007.

          The vast majority of securities in our portfolio are fixed rate and there were no investments in securities of a single issuer, other than U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities and mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2008, the average maturity of the portfolio was 1.56 years with an effective duration of 5.03 and an average yield of 2.74%.

          Our securities portfolio is an important source of liquidity and earnings for us. A stated objective in managing the securities portfolio is to provide consistent liquidity to support balance sheet growth but also to provide a safe and consistent stream of earnings. To that end, management is open to opportunities that present themselves which enables us to improve the structure and earnings potential of the securities portfolio.

          The amortized costs of securities classified as available for sale and trading at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 5. Securities by Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Available for sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

11,250

 

$

11,353

 

$

60,231

 

U.S. government agencies

 

 

224,803

 

 

431,772

 

 

1,016,811

 

Municipal obligations

 

 

151,706

 

 

197,596

 

 

200,891

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

1,041,805

 

 

637,578

 

 

443,410

 

CMOs

 

 

195,771

 

 

143,639

 

 

116,161

 

Other debt securities

 

 

25,117

 

 

49,653

 

 

44,664

 

Equity securities

 

 

1,047

 

 

959

 

 

26,176

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

1,651,499

 

$

1,472,550

 

$

1,908,344

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Trading securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies

 

 

 

 

69,793

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

125,387

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

 

2,201

 

 

2,245

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

2,201

 

$

197,425

 

$

 

 

 



 



 



 



          The amortized cost, yield and fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, were as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 6. Securities Maturities by Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Year
or
Less

 

Over One
Year
Through
Five Years

 

Over Five
Years
Through
Ten Years

 

Over
Ten
Years

 

Total

 

Fair
Value

 

Weighted
Average
Yield

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Available for sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

10,328

 

$

613

 

$

309

 

$

 

$

11,250

 

$

11,442

 

 

1.82

%

U.S. government agencies

 

 

20,192

 

 

54,300

 

 

150,260

 

 

51

 

 

224,803

 

 

226,610

 

 

4.45

%

Municipal obligations

 

 

16,805

 

 

62,265

 

 

46,059

 

 

26,577

 

 

151,706

 

 

152,470

 

 

4.67

%

Other debt securities

 

 

1,410

 

 

12,480

 

 

8,810

 

 

2,417

 

 

25,117

 

 

22,272

 

 

4.97

%

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

$

48,735

 

$

129,658

 

$

205,438

 

$

29,045

 

$

412,876

 

$

412,794

 

 

4.50

%

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

$

49,190

 

$

132,290

 

$

204,412

 

$

26,902

 

$

412,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Yield

 

 

2.94

%

 

4.15

%

 

5.04

%

 

4.82

%

 

4.50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,047

 

$

1,379

 

 

N/A

 

Mortgage-backed securities & CMOs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,237,576

 

 

1,265,583

 

 

5.21

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total available for sale securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,651,499

 

$

1,679,756

 

 

5.03

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Trading securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,201

 

$

2,201

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Federal Funds Sold and Short-term Investments

          The Company held $175.2 million in federal funds sold in 2008, an increase of $57.4 million from 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company purchased a total of $365 million in agency discount notes that all mature in 2009. The Company did this primarily for liquidity and to use these investments as collateral for public fund deposit and customer repos.

Loan Portfolio

          We experienced an increase in loan growth during 2008 as our efforts to generate loan volume continue. Average loans were $3.9 billion in 2008, an increase of $445.9 million, or 13.0%, over 2007. As indicated by Table 7, commercial and real estate loans increased $317.4 million, or 15.3%, from 2007. Included in this category are commercial real estate loans, which are secured by properties, used in commercial or industrial operations. We originate commercial and real estate loans to a wide variety of customers in many different industries and, as such, no single industry concentrations existed at December 31, 2008.

          Mortgage loans of $418.1 million were $32.6 million, or 8.5%, lower than in 2007. We originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans. Certain types of mortgage loans are sold in the secondary mortgage market, while Hancock retains other types. We also originate home equity loans. This product offers customers the opportunity to leverage rising home values and equity, when the market allows, to obtain tax-advantaged consumer financing.

          Direct consumer loans, which include loans and revolving lines of credit made directly to consumers, were up $48.6 million, or 9.9%, from 2007. We also originate indirect consumer loans, which consist primarily of consumer loans originated through third parties such as automobile dealers or other point-of-sale channels.

          Indirect consumer loans of $406.0 million for 2008 were up $36.8 million, or 10.0%, from 2007. We own a finance company subsidiary, which originates both direct and indirect consumer loans. Finance company loans increased approximately $10.5 million, or 10.0%, at December 31, 2008, compared to the subsidiary’s outstanding loans on December 31, 2007. The loan growth in the finance company was mainly due to continued growth in direct consumer loans.



          The following table shows average loan growth for the three-year period ended December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 7. Average Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 







 

 

Balance

 

TE Yield

 

Mix

 

Balance

 

TE Yield

 

Mix

 

Balance

 

TE Yield

 

Mix

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial & R.E. Loans

 

$

2,393,856

 

 

6.00

%

 

61.8

%

$

2,076,429

 

 

7.37

%

 

60.6

%

$

1,747,816

 

 

7.21

%

 

57.0

%

Mortgage loans

 

 

418,133

 

 

5.93

%

 

10.8

%

 

385,568

 

 

5.90

%

 

11.2

%

 

418,273

 

 

5.93

%

 

13.7

%

Direct consumer loans

 

 

540,885

 

 

6.73

%

 

13.9

%

 

492,298

 

 

8.03

%

 

14.4

%

 

470,942

 

 

8.17

%

 

15.4

%

Indirect consumer loans

 

 

405,964

 

 

6.81

%

 

10.5

%

 

369,147

 

 

6.68

%

 

10.8

%

 

349,518

 

 

6.21

%

 

11.4

%

Finance company loans

 

 

115,070

 

 

18.53

%

 

3.0

%

 

104,567

 

 

19.89

%

 

3.0

%

 

75,673

 

 

19.98

%

 

2.5

%

 

 




























Total average loans (net of unearned)

 

$

3,873,908

 

 

6.57

%

 

100.0

%

$

3,428,009

 

 

7.64

%

 

100.0

%

$

3,062,222

 

 

7.68

%

 

100.0

%

 

 




























          The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the composition of our loan portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 8. Loans Outstanding by Type

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Portfolio

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgages 1-4 family

 

$

772,170

 

$

705,566

 

$

702,772

 

$

685,681

 

$

701,913

 

Residential mortgages multifamily

 

 

65,979

 

 

53,442

 

 

69,296

 

 

40,678

 

 

25,544

 

Home equity lines/loans

 

 

312,598

 

 

214,528

 

 

133,540

 

 

133,823

 

 

134,405

 

Construction and development

 

 

586,830

 

 

628,037

 

 

534,460

 

 

391,194

 

 

296,114

 

Nonresidential

 

 

943,105

 

 

731,318

 

 

666,593

 

 

609,647

 

 

595,013

 

Commercial, industrial and other

 

 

884,102

 

 

627,015

 

 

551,484

 

 

546,635

 

 

437,670

 

Consumer

 

 

611,036

 

 

564,869

 

 

525,164

 

 

506,418

 

 

478,150

 

Lease financing and depository institutions

 

 

72,571

 

 

72,717

 

 

69,487

 

 

48,007

 

 

44,357

 

Credit cards and other revolving credit

 

 

15,933

 

 

15,391

 

 

14,262

 

 

14,316

 

 

16,970

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

4,264,324

 

 

3,612,883

 

 

3,267,058

 

 

2,976,399

 

 

2,730,136

 

Less, unearned income

 

 

14,859

 

 

16,326

 

 

17,420

 

 

11,432

 

 

11,705

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net loans

 

$

4,249,465

 

$

3,596,557

 

$

3,249,638

 

$

2,964,967

 

$

2,718,431

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

          The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the approximate contractual maturity by type of the loan portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 9. Loans Maturities by Type

 

 

 

 

 

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008
Maturity Range

 

 

 

Within
One Year

 

After One
Through
Five Years

 

After Five
Years

 

Total

 

 

 








 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial, industrial and other

 

$

352,770

 

$

271,343

 

$

257,037

 

$

881,150

 

Real estate - construction

 

 

324,705

 

 

222,952

 

 

44,077

 

 

591,734

 

All other loans

 

 

333,536

 

 

1,290,795

 

 

1,167,109

 

 

2,791,440

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loans

 

$

1,011,011

 

$

1,785,090

 

$

1,468,223

 

$

4,264,324

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



          The sensitivity to interest rate changes of that portion of our loan portfolio that matures after one year is shown below:

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 10. Loans Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial, industrial, and real estate construction maturing after one year:

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

669,196

 

Floating rate

 

 

126,213

 

Other loans maturing after one year:

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

 

1,837,284

 

Floating rate

 

 

620,620

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

3,253,313

 

 

 



 

Non-performing Assets

          The following table sets forth non-performing assets by type for the periods indicated, consisting of non-accrual loans, restructured loans and real estate owned. Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are also disclosed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          TABLE 11. Non-performing Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 



 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 











 

 

(In thousands)

 

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis

 

$

29,976

 

$

13,067

 

$

3,500

 

$

10,617

 

$

7,480

 

Restructured loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
















Total non-performing loans

 

 

29,976

 

 

13,067

 

 

3,500

 

 

10,617

 

 

7,480

 

Foreclosed assets

 

 

5,360

 

 

2,297

 

 

681

 

 

1,898

 

 

3,513

 

 

 
















Total non-performing assets

 

$

35,336

 

$

15,364

 

$

4,181

 

$

12,515

 

$

10,993

 

 

 
















Loans 90 days past due still accruing

 

$

11,005

 

$

4,154

 

$

2,552

 

$

25,622

 

$

5,160

 

 

 
















Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing assets to loans plus other real estate

 

 

0.83

%

 

0.43

%

 

0.13

%

 

0.42

%

 

0.40

%

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans and accruing loans 90 days past due

 

 

133.16

%

 

241.43

%

 

694.67

%

 

195.50

%

 

251.85

%

Loans 90 days past due still accruing to loans

 

 

0.26

%

 

0.11

%

 

0.08

%

 

0.86

%

 

0.19

%

          The amount of interest that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans had the loans not been classified as “non-accrual” was $1.1 million, $.05 million, $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Interest actually received on non-accrual loans was not material.

          Non-performing assets consist of loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis, restructured loans and foreclosed assets. Table 11 presents information related to non-performing assets for the five years ended December 31, 2008. Total non-performing assets at December 31, 2008 were $35.3 million, an increase of $20.0 million, or 130%, from December 31, 2007. Loans that are over 90 days past due but still accruing were $11.0 million at December 31, 2008. This compares to $4.2 million at December 31, 2007. The increase in non-performing loans, foreclosed assets, and loans past due are due to the effects of the on-going national recession, weakness in residential development, and higher unemployment levels across all of our markets. The loans contributing to the increase have been identified, and appropriate write-downs or allowances have been made based on underlying collateral values and those relationships have been placed in the hands of special asset personnel for handling. Management believes that the loans included in the non-performing assets total are being handled appropriately.



Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

          Management and the Audit Committee are responsible for maintaining an effective loan review system, and internal controls, which include an effective risk rating system that identifies, monitors, and addresses asset quality problems in an accurate and timely manner. The allowance is evaluated for adequacy on at least a quarterly basis.

          The Company’s loan loss reserve methodology is established and maintained at an amount sufficient to cover the estimated credit loss associated with the loan and lease portfolios of the Bank as of the date of determination. Credit losses arise not only from credit risk, but also from other risks inherent in the lending process including, but not limited to, collateral risk, operational risk, concentration risk, and economic risk. As such, all related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (ALLL).

          The methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses involves significant judgment. Therefore, the Company has established a methodology for measuring the adequacy of the ALLL, which is systematic and consistently applied each quarter. The analysis and methodology include three primary segments: (1) a specific reserve analysis for those loans considered impaired under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114; (2) a pool analysis of groups of loans within the portfolio that have similar characteristics; and (3) qualitative risk factors and general economic conditions.

          A SFAS No. 114 reserve analysis is completed on all loans that have been determined to be impaired by Management. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the amount of that impairment must be measured by either the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of the collateral of the loan, less liquidation costs, if it is collateral dependent, or by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. If the value of the impaired loan is less than the current balance of the loan, the Company must recognize the impairment by creating a specific reserve allowance for the shortfall.

          The second reserve segment, the pool analysis methodology is governed by SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. A historical loss rate is calculated for each loan type over the 12 prior quarters to determine the 3 year average loss rate. As circumstances dictate, Management will make adjustments to the loss history to reflect significant changes in the Company’s loss history.

          The third segment relates to risks not captured elsewhere. Adjustments are made to historical loss rates to cover risks associated with trends in delinquencies, non-accruals, current economic conditions, credit administration/ underwriting practices, and borrower concentrations.

          At December 31, 2008, the allowance for loan losses was $61.7 million, or 1.45%, of year-end loans, compared to $47.1 million, or 1.31%, of year-end loans for 2007. Net charge-offs increased significantly to $22.2 million in 2008, as compared to $7.2 million in 2007. Overall, the allowance for loan losses was 133.2% of non-performing loans and accruing loans 90 days past due at year-end 2008 compared to 241.4% at year-end 2007. We utilize quantitative methodologies and modeling to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses and are of the opinion that the allowance at December 31, 2008 is adequate.



          The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, average net loans outstanding, allowance for loan losses, amounts charged-off and recoveries of loans previously charged-off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 12. Summary of Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At and For The Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 















 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loans outstanding at end of period

 

$

4,249,465

 

$

3,596,557

 

$

3,249,638

 

$

2,964,967

 

$

2,718,431

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average net loans outstanding

 

$

3,873,908

 

$

3,428,009

 

$

3,062,222

 

$

2,883,020

 

$

2,599,561

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

 

$

47,123

 

$

46,772

 

$

74,558

 

$

40,682

 

$

36,750

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Loans charged-off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

1,360

 

 

530

 

 

758

 

 

226

 

 

403

 

Commercial

 

 

12,974

 

 

2,597

 

 

3,676

 

 

4,001

 

 

5,381

 

Consumer, credit cards and other revolving credit

 

 

13,051

 

 

11,159

 

 

14,712

 

 

11,537

 

 

14,383

 

Lease financing

 

 

22

 

 

166

 

 

369

 

 

47

 

 

261

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total charge-offs

 

 

27,407

 

 

14,452

 

 

19,515

 

 

15,811

 

 

20,428

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Recoveries of loans previously
charged-off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

 

162

 

 

188

 

 

263

 

 

33

 

 

179

 

Commercial

 

 

1,036

 

 

2,774

 

 

4,729

 

 

2,757

 

 

1,957

 

Consumer, credit cards and other revolving credit

 

 

4,026

 

 

4,205

 

 

7,489

 

 

4,258

 

 

5,687

 

Lease financing

 

 

 

 

43

 

 

10

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total recoveries

 

 

5,224

 

 

7,210

 

 

12,491

 

 

7,052

 

 

7,823

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Net charge-offs

 

 

22,183

 

 

7,242

 

 

7,024

 

 

8,759

 

 

12,605

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

36,785

 

 

7,593

 

 

(20,762

)

 

42,635

 

 

16,537

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance of allowance for loan losses at end of period

 

$

61,725

 

$

47,123

 

$

46,772

 

$

74,558

 

$

40,682

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross charge-offs to average loans

 

 

0.71

%

 

0.42

%

 

0.64

%

 

0.55

%

 

0.79

%

Recoveries to average loans

 

 

0.13

%

 

0.21

%

 

0.41

%

 

0.24

%

 

0.30

%

Net charge-offs to average loans

 

 

0.57

%

 

0.21

%

 

0.23

%

 

0.30

%

 

0.48

%

Allowance for loan losses to year end loans

 

 

1.45

%

 

1.31

%

 

1.44

%

 

2.51

%

 

1.50

%

Net charge-offs to period-end net loans

 

 

0.52

%

 

0.20

%

 

0.22

%

 

0.30

%

 

0.46

%

Allowance for loan losses to average net loans

 

 

1.59

%

 

1.37

%

 

1.53

%

 

2.59

%

 

1.56

%

Net charge-offs to loan loss allowance

 

 

35.94

%

 

15.37

%

 

15.02

%

 

11.75

%

 

30.98

%

          An allocation of the loan loss allowance by major loan category is set forth in the following table. There were no relevant variations in loan concentrations, quality or terms, except for an increase in the outstanding loan portfolio balance. The unallocated portion of the allowance represents supportable estimates of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio but not specifically related to one category of the portfolio. The allocation is not necessarily indicative of the category of incurred losses, and the full allowance at December 31, 2008 is available to absorb losses occurring in category of loans.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 13. Allocation of Loan Loss by Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

































 

 

 

For Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

Allowance
for
Loan
Losses (1)

 

% of
Loans
to Total
Loans (2)

 

Allowance
for
Loan
Losses (1)

 

% of
Loans
to Total
Loans (2)

 

Allowance
for
Loan
Losses (1)

 

% of
Loans
to Total
Loans (2)

 

Allowance
for
Loan
Losses (1)

 

% of
Loans
to Total
Loans (2)

 

Allowance
for
Loan
Losses (1)

 

% of
Loans
to Total
Loans (2)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

 

$

5,315

 

 

63.08

 

$

1,998

 

 

64.85

 

$

1,697

 

 

64.84

 

$

23,042

 

 

62.86

 

$

11,253

 

 

64.19

 

Commercial, industrial and other

 

 

36,448

 

 

22.35

 

 

27,546

 

 

19.15

 

 

27,838

 

 

18.77

 

 

34,128

 

 

19.74

 

 

14,974

 

 

17.37

 

Consumer and other revolving credit

 

 

19,063

 

 

14.57

 

 

16,111

 

 

16.00

 

 

15,363

 

 

16.39

 

 

15,812

 

 

17.40

 

 

11,453

 

 

18.44

 

Unallocated

 

 

899

 

 

 

 

1,468

 

 

 

 

1,874

 

 

 

 

1,576

 

 

 

 

3,002

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

61,725

 

 

100.00

 

$

47,123

 

 

100.00

 

$

46,772

 

 

100.00

 

$

74,558

 

 

100.00

 

$

40,682

 

 

100.00

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


(1)

Loans used in the calculation of “allowance for loan losses” are grouped according to loan purpose.

(2)

Loans used in the calculation of “% of loans to total loans” are grouped by collateral type.

Deposits

          Total average deposits increased by $253.2 million, or 5.1%, from $4.9 billion at December 31, 2007 to $5.2 billion at December 31, 2008. The increase occurred primarily in time deposits which grew $151.5 million, or 7.7%, to $2.1 billion in 2008. We experienced a slight decrease in non-interest bearing demand deposits of $51.0 million.

          Over the course of 2008, we continued our focus on multiple accounts, core deposit relationships and strategic placement of time deposit campaigns to stimulate overall deposit growth. In addition, we keep as our highest priority, continued customer demand for safety and liquidity of deposit products. The composition of our deposit mix continued to change during 2008, and ended with a slightly less favorable funding mix than in 2007. As a percent of our average deposit mix, time deposits increased to 41% from 40% while low cost interest bearing transaction accounts and demand deposits decreased from 19% to 17%. The Banks traditionally price their deposits to position themselves competitively with the local market.

          Table 14 shows average deposits for a three-year period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 14. Average Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 







 

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

Mix

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

Mix

 

Balance

 

Rate

 

Mix

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

 

$

876,669

 

 

0.00

%

 

17

%

$

927,655

 

 

0.00

%

 

19

%

$

1,128,850

 

 

0.00

%

 

22

%

NOW account deposits

 

 

1,195,900

 

 

1.65

%

 

23

%

 

1,067,775

 

 

2.52

%

 

22

%

 

1,167,047

 

 

2.45

%

 

23

%

Money market deposits

 

 

612,510

 

 

1.91

%

 

12

%

 

529,976

 

 

2.50

%

 

11

%

 

517,542

 

 

1.74

%

 

10

%

Savings deposits

 

 

370,705

 

 

0.26

%

 

7

%

 

428,599

 

 

0.61

%

 

8

%

 

564,177

 

 

0.63

%

 

11

%

Time deposits (including Public Funds CDs)

 

 

2,126,623

 

 

3.70

%

 

41

%

 

1,975,171

 

 

4.56

%

 

40

%

 

1,691,811

 

 

4.08

%

 

34

%

 

 









 









 









 

Total average deposits

 

$

5,182,407

 

 

 

 

 

100

%

$

4,929,176

 

 

 

 

 

100

%

$

5,069,427

 

 

 

 

 

100

%

 

 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 



 



Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 and greater at December 31, 2008 had maturities as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 15. Maturity of Time Deposits greater than or equal to $100,000

 

 

 

 






 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months

 

$

382,551

 

Over three through six months

 

 

166,597

 

Over six months through one year

 

 

94,554

 

Over one year

 

 

413,648

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

1,057,350

 

 

 



 

Short-Term Borrowings

          The following table sets forth certain information concerning our short-term borrowings, which consist of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 16. Short-Term Borrowings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount outstanding at period-end

 

$

 

$

4,100

 

$

3,800

 

Weighted average interest at period-end

 

 

 

 

4.02

%

 

4.95

%

Maximum amount at any month-end during period

 

$

33,775

 

$

4,100

 

$

49,160

 

Average amount outstanding during period

 

$

16,003

 

$

4,174

 

$

11,557

 

Weighted average interest rate during period

 

 

2.20

%

 

4.99

%

 

5.38

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount outstanding at period-end

 

$

505,932

 

$

371,604

 

$

218,591

 

Weighted average interest at period-end

 

 

2.10

%

 

3.63

%

 

3.72

%

Maximum amount at any month end during-period

 

$

621,424

 

$

371,604

 

$

425,753

 

Average amount outstanding during period

 

$

524,712

 

$

216,730

 

$

250,603

 

Weighted average interest rate during period

 

 

2.76

%

 

3.70

%

 

3.62

%

Return on Equity and Assets

          Information regarding performance and equity ratios is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 17. Return on Equity and Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Return on average assets

 

 

1.02

%

 

1.26

%

 

1.69

%

Return on average common equity

 

 

11.18

%

 

13.14

%

 

19.82

%

Dividend payout ratio

 

 

46.15

%

 

41.56

%

 

28.59

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common equity to average assets ratio

 

 

9.10

%

 

9.61

%

 

8.52

%



COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Loan Commitments and Letters of Credit

          In the normal course of business, we enter into financial instruments, such as commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, to meet the financing needs of our customers. Such instruments are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements until they are funded and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party on whose behalf the instrument has been issued. We undertake the same credit evaluation in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments and may require collateral or other credit support for off-balance-sheet financial instruments.

          At December 31, 2008, we had $885.2 million in unused loan commitments outstanding, of which approximately $610.4 million were at variable rates and the remainder was at fixed rates. A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as the conditions established in the agreement have been satisfied. A commitment to extend credit generally has a fixed expiration date or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee by the borrower. Since commitments often expire without being fully drawn, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent our future cash requirements. We continually evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. Occasionally, a credit evaluation of a customer requesting a commitment to extend credit results in our obtaining collateral to support the obligation.

          Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing a letter of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending a loan. At December 31, 2008, we had $113.3 million in letters of credit issued and outstanding.

          The following table shows the commitments to extend credit and letters of credit at December 31, 2008 and 2007 according to expiration date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 18. Commitments and Letters of Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

885,156

 

$

527,118

 

$

43,454

 

$

66,348

 

$

248,236

 

Letters of credit

 

 

113,274

 

 

51,366

 

 

11,003

 

 

50,905

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

998,430

 

$

578,484

 

$

54,457

 

$

117,253

 

$

248,236

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expiration Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

1,110,935

 

$

744,412

 

$

46,759

 

$

69,008

 

$

250,756

 

Letters of credit

 

 

86,969

 

 

25,225

 

 

48,983

 

 

12,761

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

1,197,904

 

$

769,637

 

$

95,742

 

$

81,769

 

$

250,756

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Visa IPO and Litigation

          In the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a $2.5 million pretax charge pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN No. 45”) for liabilities related to VISA USA’s antitrust settlement with American Express and other pending VISA litigation (reflecting our share as a VISA member.) In the first quarter of 2008 as part of VISA’s initial public offering, VISA redeemed 37.5% of shares held by us resulting in proceeds of $2.8 million in a realized security gain. The remaining 62.5% of the Class B shares are restricted and must be held for the longer period of 3 years or until all settlements are complete. At that time, we can keep the Class B shares or convert them to Class A publicly tradeable shares at a conversion rate to be determined.



These shares are recorded at historical cost. The realized securities gain is included in the securities gain line of the noninterest income section of the Consolidated Statements of Income and the cash received is recorded in cash and due from banks in the assets section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, VISA lowered its estimate of pending litigation settlements. Consequently, $1.3 million of the $2.5 million FIN No. 45 liability that was recorded in the fourth quarter was reversed in the first quarter of 2008. The reduction in the litigation liability is recorded in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the reduction in litigation expense is recorded in the other expense line of the noninterest expense section of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

          In the fourth quarter of 2008, VISA, Discover Financial Services Inc., and MasterCard Inc. announced that they have settled the antitrust lawsuit and that they are working on the specific terms on the settlement. On December 22, 2008, VISA, Inc. announced that it had deposited $1.1 billion into the litigation escrow account as settlement for the Discover case. Under terms of the plan, Hancock Bank as a member bank bore its portion of the expense via a reduction in share count of Class B shares. There was no cash outlay required of us. Based on the funding and settlement with Discover, we reversed as of December 31, 2008, the portion of the VISA contingency reserve related to Discover of $0.3 million. The reduction in the litigation liability is recorded in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the reduction in litigation expense is recorded in the other expense line of the noninterest expense section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. The settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. As of December 31, 2008, $0.9 million of the initial $2.5 million FIN No. 45 liability remained in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Credit Risk

          The Banks’ primary lending focus is to provide commercial, consumer and real estate loans to consumers and to small and middle market businesses in their respective market areas. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of reducing the risks associated with economic fluctuations. The Banks have no significant concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or loans to any foreign entities. There have been increases in some categories of loans – home equity, real estate construction/term and C&I loans are examples. These are principally within and in support of the markets that are continuing to rebuild and repair since Hurricane Katrina. Loan demand continues to be strong within those markets. Loan underwriting standards reduce the impact of credit risk to us. Loans are underwritten on the basis of repayment ability and collateral value. Generally, real estate mortgage loans are made when the borrower produces evidence of repayment ability along with equity in the property to offset historical market devaluations.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

          The allowance for loan and lease losses “ALLL” is a valuation account available to absorb losses on loans. The ALLL is established and maintained at an amount sufficient to cover the estimated credit loss associated with the loan and lease portfolios as of the date of the determination. Credit losses arise not only from credit risk, but also from other risks inherent in the lending process including, but not limited to, collateral risk, operational risk, concentration risk, and economic risk. As such, all related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses. Quarterly, we estimate the probable level of losses to determine whether the allowance is adequate to absorb reasonably foreseeable, anticipated losses in the existing portfolio based on our past loan loss and delinquency experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, and the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. The analysis and methodology include three primary segments. These segments include a pool analysis of various retail loans based upon loss history, a pool analysis of commercial and commercial real estate loans based upon loss history by loan type, and a specific reserve analysis for those loans considered impaired under SFAS No. 114. All commercial and commercial real estate loans with an outstanding balance of $100,000 or greater are individually reviewed for impairment; substandard mortgage loans with balances of $100,000 or greater are also included in the analysis. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses when the loss actually occurs or when a determination is made that a loss is likely to occur; recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses at the time of receipt.



          Commercial loans are considered impaired when it is probable (the future event or events are likely to occur) that the bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (including principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In order to ensure consideration of all possible impairments, for purposes of the model the Banks consider all loans that are risk rated substandard as impaired. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the amount of that impairment must be measured by either the loan’s observable market price, the fair value of the collateral of the loan (less liquidation costs) if it is collateral dependent, or by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. If the value of the impaired loan is less than the current balance of the loan, the impairment is recognized by creating a specific reserve allowance for the shortfall. If the value is greater or equal to the loan balance, then no reserve allocation may be made for the loan. In addition, any loans included in the impairment review are not incorporated into the pool analysis to avoid double counting.

          Pool analysis is applied for all retail loans. The retail loans are subdivided into three groups, which currently include: mortgage real estate, indirect loans and direct consumer loans. A historical loss rate is calculated for each group over the twelve prior quarters to determine the three year average loss rate. As circumstances dictate, management will make adjustments to the loss history to reflect significant changes in our loss history. Adjustments will also be made to historical loss rates to cover risks associated with trends in delinquencies, non-accruals, current economic conditions and credit administration/ underwriting practices and policies.

          A historical loss ratio is applied to all commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and leases grouped by product type for which SFAS No. 5 exposure can best be evaluated collectively due to similar attributes. A historical loss rate is calculated for each group over the twelve prior quarters to determine the three year average loss rate. As circumstances dictate, we will make adjustments to the loss history to reflect significant changes in our loss history. Adjustments will also be made to historical loss rates to cover risks associated with trends in delinquencies, non-accruals, current economic conditions and credit administration/ underwriting practices and policies and borrower concentrations.

Asset/Liability Management

          Our asset liability management (ALM) process consists of quantifying, analyzing and controlling interest rate risk (IRR) to maintain stability in net interest income (NII) under varying interest rate environments. The principal objective of ALM is to maximize net interest income while operating within acceptable limits established for interest rate risk and maintaining adequate levels of liquidity. Our net earnings are dependent on our net interest income. Net interest income is susceptible to IRR to the degree that interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice on a different basis and timing than interest-earning assets. This timing difference represents a potential risk to our future earnings. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market rates of interest and the subsequent impact on customer behavior could adversely affect NII. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates and changes in customer behavior could result in a decrease in NII.

          Management and the Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) direct our IRR management through a Risk Management policy that is designed to produce a stable net interest margin (NIM) in periods of interest rate fluctuation. In adjusting our asset/liability position, the board of directors and management attempt to direct our IRR while enhancing the NIM. At times, depending on the general level of interest rates, the relationship between long-term and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, we may determine strategies that could add to the level of IRR in order to increase its NIM. Not withstanding our IRR management activities, the potential for changing interest rates is an uncertainty that can have an adverse effect on net earnings.

          To control interest rate risk, we regularly monitor the volume of interest sensitive assets compared with interest sensitive liabilities over specific time intervals. Interest-sensitive assets and liabilities are those that are subject to maturity or repricing within a given time period. We also administer this sensitivity through the development and implementation of investment, lending, funding and pricing strategies designed to achieve NII performance goals while minimizing the potential negative variations in NII under different interest rate scenarios. Investment strategies, including portfolio durations and cash flows, are formulated and continually adjusted during the implementation to assure attainment of objectives in the most effective manner. Loan and deposit pricing are adjusted weekly to reflect current interest rate and competitive market environments, with duration targets on both reviewed monthly.



          The static gap report shown in Table 19 measures the net amounts of assets and liabilities that reprice within a given time period over the remaining lives of those instruments. At December 31, 2008, our cumulative repricing gap in the one year interval was 9.0%. The asset sensitive position represents a significant security portfolio cash flow within one year. The earning asset position is strategically managed with a balance in our loan growth (fixed versus floating and duration targets) and securities portfolio cash flows. We believe we are well positioned for the current rate environment.

          To further control IRR, we structure our loan portfolio to provide appropriate investment opportunities while minimizing potential volatility in earnings from extension risk. Deposit strategies continue to emphasize a mix of non-certificate of deposit core accounts and consumer time deposits. However, the 2008 yield curve environment has created more demand on consumer time deposits with maturities less than one year.

          The following table sets forth the scheduled re-pricing or maturity of our assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The assumed prepayment of investments and loans was based on our assessment of current market conditions on such dates. Estimates have been made for the re-pricing of savings, NOW and money market accounts. Actual prepayments and deposit withdrawals will differ from the following analysis due to variable economic circumstances and consumer behavior. Although assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or repricing periods, reactions will vary as to timing and degree of interest rate change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 19. Analysis of Interest Sensitivity


 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 

Overnight

 

Within
6 months

 

6 months
to 1 year

 

1 to 3
years

 

> 3
years

 

Non-Sensitive
Balance

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

$

1,666

 

$

743,616

 

$

283,566

 

$

300,332

 

$

349,755

 

$

3,022

 

$

1,681,957

 

Federal funds sold & short-term investments

 

 

 

 

376,499

 

 

172,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

549,416

 

Loans

 

 

 

 

1,912,989

 

 

324,287

 

 

947,141

 

 

1,025,438

 

 

 

 

4,209,855

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

726,026

 

 

726,026

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

1,666

 

$

3,033,104

 

$

780,770

 

$

1,247,473

 

$

1,375,193

 

$

729,048

 

$

7,167,254

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing transaction deposits

 

$

 

$

1,289,545

 

$

353,995

 

$

856,040

 

$

196,735

 

$

 

$

2,696,315

 

Time deposits

 

 

 

 

1,064,269

 

 

256,781

 

 

737,807

 

 

212,879

 

 

 

 

2,271,736

 

Non-interest bearing deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48,144

 

 

914,742

 

 

 

 

962,886

 

Federal funds purchased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

 

255,932

 

 

9,427

 

 

 

 

131,978

 

 

119,920

 

 

 

 

517,257

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

109,561

 

 

109,561

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

609,499

 

 

609,499

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Liabilities & Equity

 

$

255,932

 

$

2,363,241

 

$

610,776

 

$

1,773,969

 

$

1,444,276

 

$

719,060

 

$

7,167,254

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Interest sensitivity gap

 

$

(254,266

)

$

669,863

 

$

169,994

 

$

(526,496

)

$

(69,083

)

$

9,988

 

 

 

 

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap

 

$

(254,266

)

$

415,597

 

$

585,591

 

$

59,095

 

$

(9,988

)

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total earning assets

 

 

(3.9

)%

 

6.4

%

 

9.0

%

 

0.9

%

 

(0.2

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 19. Analysis of Interest Sensitivity (continued)
























 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Overnight

 

Within
6 months

 

6 months
to 1 year

 

1 to 3
years

 

> 3
years

 

Non-Sensitive
Balance

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

$

2,003

 

$

513,981

 

$

188,854

 

$

412,428

 

$

530,680

 

$

29,675

 

$

1,677,621

 

Federal funds sold & short-term investments

 

 

126,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126,281

 

Loans

 

 

 

 

1,811,351

 

 

289,337

 

 

745,239

 

 

722,464

 

 

 

 

3,568,391

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

683,686

 

 

683,686

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

128,284

 

$

2,325,332

 

$

478,191

 

$

1,157,667

 

$

1,253,144

 

$

713,361

 

$

6,055,979

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing transaction deposits

 

$

 

$

652,915

 

$

299,590

 

$

875,616

 

$

139,795

 

$

 

$

1,967,916

 

Time deposits

 

 

 

 

1,414,005

 

 

511,260

 

 

144,284

 

 

64,195

 

 

 

 

2,133,744

 

Non-interest bearing deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,402

 

 

862,472

 

 

 

 

907,874

 

Federal funds purchased

 

 

4,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,100

 

Borrowings

 

 

371,604

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

30

 

 

10,518

 

 

 

 

382,163

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

105,995

 

 

105,995

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

554,187

 

 

554,187

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Total Liabilities & Equity

 

$

375,704

 

$

2,066,931

 

$

810,850

 

$

1,065,332

 

$

1,076,980

 

$

660,182

 

$

6,055,979

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Interest sensitivity gap

 

$

(247,420

)

$

258,401

 

$

(332,659

)

$

92,335

 

$

176,164

 

$

53,179

 

 

 

 

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap

 

$

(247,420

)

$

10,981

 

$

(321,678

)

$

(229,343

)

$

(53,179

)

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total earning assets

 

 

(4.6

)%

 

0.2

%

 

(5.9

)%

 

(4.2

)%

 

(1.0

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Interest Income at Risk

          NII at risk measures the risk of a decline in earnings due to changes in interest rates. Table 20 presents an analysis of our IRR as measured by the estimated changes in NII resulting from an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in the yield curve at December 31, 2008. Shifts are measured in 100 basis point increments (+ 300 through - 100 basis points) from base case. Base case encompasses key assumptions for asset/liability mix, loan and deposit growth, pricing, prepayment speeds, deposit decay rates, securities portfolio cash flows and reinvestment strategy, and the market value of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios. The base case scenario assumes that the current interest rate environment is held constant throughout the forecast period; the instantaneous shocks are performed against that yield curve.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 20. Net Interest Income (te) at Risk






 

Change in
Interest
Rates

 

Estimated Increase
(Decrease) in NII
December 31, 2008


 


(basis points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-100

 

 

-8.5

%

Stable

 

 

0.0

%

+  100

 

 

7.2

%

+  200

 

 

11.4

%

+  300

 

 

12.3

%

 

Most Likely

 

 

2.0

%






          Additionally, we have forecasted a Most Likely NII scenario based on its conservative projection of yield curve changes for the coming 12 month period. This scenario utilizes all base case assumptions, applying those assumptions against a yield curve forecast that incorporates the current interest rate environment and projects certain strategic pricing changes over the forecast period. Table 20 indicates that our level of NII significantly increases under rising rates and declines under falling rates. It should be noted that -100 is only presented as interest rates are at historic lows with Fed Funds target at 0.25% at December 31, 2008. The most likely scenario for interest rates projects a modest 2.0% increase in net interest income to base case indicating that the



balance sheet is appropriately structured for the current rate environment.

          The increasing rate scenarios show significant increase to levels of net interest income while the down 100 scenario shows lower levels of NII. These scenarios are instantaneous shocks that assume balance sheet management will mirror base case. Should the yield curve begin to rise or fall, management has several strategies available to maximize earnings opportunities or offset the negative impact to earnings. For example, in a rising rate environment, deposit pricing strategies could be adjusted to offer more competitive rates on long and medium-term CDs and less competitive rates on short-term CDs. Another opportunity at the start of such a cycle would be reinvesting the securities portfolio cash flows into short-term or floating-rate securities. On the loan side the company can make more floating-rate loans that tie to index that re-price more frequently, such as LIBOR (London interbank offered rate) and make fewer fixed-rate loans. Finally, there are a number of shares outstandinghedge strategies by which management could use derivatives, including swaps and purchased ceilings, to lock in net interest margin protection; to date, we have not entered into any hedge transactions for the purpose of earnings protection.

          Even if interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance that our assets and liabilities would perform as anticipated. Additionally, a change in the U.S. Treasury rates in the designated amounts accompanied by a change in the shape of the U.S. Treasury yield curve would cause significantly different changes to NII than indicated above. Strategic management of our balance sheet and earnings is fluid and would be adjusted to accommodate these movements. As with any method of measuring IRR, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methods of analysis presented above. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Certain assets such as adjustable-rate loans have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Also, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all of these factors in monitoring its exposure to interest rate risk.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity Management

          Liquidity management encompasses our ability to ensure that funds are available to meet the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers, while also ensuring that we have adequate cash flow to meet our various needs, including operating, strategic and capital. Without proper liquidity management, we would not be able to perform the primary function of a financial intermediary and would not be able to meet the needs of the communities in which we have a presence and serve. In addition, the parent holding company’s principal source of liquidity is dividends from its subsidiary banks. Liquidity is required at the parent holding company level for the purpose of paying dividends to stockholders, servicing of any debt we may have, business combinations as well as general corporate expenses.

          The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily through loan principal repayments, maturities of investment securities and occasional sales of various assets. Short-term investments such as federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and maturing interest-bearing deposits with other banks are additional sources of liquidity funding. As shown in Table 21 below, our liquidity ratios as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 for free securities stood at 22.5% or $378.4 million and 17.1% or $286.9 million, respectively.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 21. Liquidity Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 





 

 

(In thousands)

 

Free securities

 

 

22.50

%

 

17.10

%

Free securities-net wholesale funds/core deposits

 

 

-5.25

%

 

-7.40

%

 

 







Wholesale funding diversification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate of deposits > $100,000 (excluding public funds)

 

 

11.57

%

 

11.10

%

Brokered certificate of deposits

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.00

%

Public fund certificate of deposits

 

$

168,388

 

$

220,942

 

 

 







Net wholesale funding maturity concentrations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overnight

 

 

0.00

%

 

0.10

%

Up to 3 months

 

 

6.92

%

 

6.00

%

Up to 6 months

 

 

1.64

%

 

3.80

%

Over 6 months

 

 

9.94

%

 

7.30

%

 

 







Net wholesale funds

 

$

1,325,274

 

$

1,037,475

 

Core deposits

 

$

4,474,625

 

$

4,158,189

 

 

 







          The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through various customers’ interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposit accounts. Purchases of federal funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings are additional sources of liquidity and represent our incremental borrowing capacity. These sources of liquidity are short-term in nature and are used as necessary to fund asset growth and meet short-term liquidity needs. Our short-term borrowing capacity includes an approved line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of $359.8 million and borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window in excess of $100 million. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, our core deposits were $4.5 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively, and Net Wholesale Funding stood at $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively.

          The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows provide an analysis of cash from operating, investing, and financing activities for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Cash flows from operations are a significant part of liquidity management, contributing significant levels of funds in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

          Cash flows from operations increased to $94.4 million in 2008 from $56.1 million in 2007. Net cash used by investing activities increased to $1.11 billion in 2008 from $107.3 million in 2007. Federal funds sold increased $57.4 million during 2008 and decreased $94.5 million during 2007. Cash flows provided by financing activities were $1.03 billion in 2008, primarily from the increase in deposits compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $43.7 million in 2007.

Contractual Obligations

          We have contractual obligations to make future payments on certain debt and lease agreements. Table 22 summarizes all significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2008, according to payments due by period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 22. Contractual Obligations


 

 

 

Payment due by period

 

 

 



 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 











 

 

(In thousands)

 

Certificates of deposit

 

$

2,271,736

 

$

1,321,050

 

$

737,807

 

$

212,879

 

$

 

Short-term debt obligations

 

 

516,619

 

 

265,359

 

 

131,978

 

 

119,282

 

 

 

Long-term debt obligations

 

 

236

 

 

14

 

 

35

 

 

49

 

 

138

 

Capital lease obligations

 

 

402

 

 

152

 

 

107

 

 

60

 

 

83

 

Operating lease obligations

 

 

32,583

 

 

4,563

 

 

6,677

 

 

4,152

 

 

17,191

 

 

 
















Total

 

$

2,821,576

 

$

1,591,138

 

$

876,604

 

$

336,422

 

$

17,412

 

 

 


















CAPITAL RESOURCES

          A strong capital position, which is vital to continued profitability, also promotes depositor and investor confidence and provides a solid foundation for future growth. Composite ratings by the respective regulatory authorities of the Company and the Banks establish minimum capital levels. Currently, we are required to maintain minimum Tier 1 leverage ratios of at least 3%, subject to an increase up to 5%, depending on the composite rating. At December 31, 2008, our capital balances were in excess of current regulatory minimum requirements. As indicated in Table 23 below, our regulatory capital ratios far exceed the minimum required ratios, and we have been adjustedcategorized as “well capitalized” in the most recent notice received from their regulators.

          We remain very well capitalized. As of December 31, 2008, our Leverage (tier one) Ratio stands at 8.06%, while the Tangible Equity Ratio is 7.62% (see below in Table 23). While we remain very well capitalized, so that we maintain flexibility for future capital needs, including acquisitions, we may consider raising additional capital at some point in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 23. Risk-Based Capital and Capital Ratios


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 











 

 

(In thousands)

 

Tier 1 regulatory capital

 

$

550,216

 

$

498,731

 

$

510,639

 

$

420,283

 

$

399,320

 

Tier 2 regulatory capital

 

 

61,874

 

 

47,447

 

 

46,583

 

 

46,218

 

 

38,161

 

 

 
















Total regulatory capital

 

$

612,090

 

$

546,178

 

$

557,222

 

$

466,501

 

$

437,481

 

 

 
















Risk-weighted assets

 

$

5,452,992

 

$

4,523,479

 

$

4,097,400

 

$

3,665,722

 

$

3,222,554

 

 

 
















Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leverage (Tier 1 capital to average assets)

 

 

8.06

%

 

8.51

%

 

8.63

%

 

7.85

%

 

8.97

%

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

 

10.09

%

 

11.03

%

 

12.46

%

 

11.47

%

 

12.39

%

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

 

11.22

%

 

12.07

%

 

13.60

%

 

12.73

%

 

13.58

%

Common stockholders’ equity to total assets

 

 

8.50

%

 

9.15

%

 

9.36

%

 

8.02

%

 

9.96

%

Tangible common equity to total assets

 

 

7.62

%

 

8.08

%

 

8.24

%

 

6.89

%

 

8.58

%

 

 
















          During 2008, we purchased a total of 6,458 shares of common stock at an aggregate price of $260,000, or $40.26 per share. During 2007, we purchased a total of 1,556,220 shares of common stock at an aggregate price of $60.4 million, or approximately $38.84 per share.

          In November 2007, the board of directors approved the 2007 Stock Repurchase Plan, authorizing the repurchase of 3,000,000 shares, or approximately 10% of our outstanding common stock. Subject to give effectmarket conditions, repurchases will be conducted solely through a Rule 10b-1 repurchase plan. Shares repurchased under this plan will be held in treasury and used for general corporate purposes as determined by our board of directors. In 2007, we purchased 10,842 shares of common stock under this plan at an aggregate price of $421,000, or approximately $38.84 per share.

          During 2007, we completed the July 2000 common stock buyback program, which provided for the repurchase of 3,320,000 shares or 10% of the outstanding common stock at that time. In 2007, we purchased the remaining 1,545,378 shares of common stock available to be repurchased under this split.plan at an aggregate price of $60.0 million, or approximately $38.84 per share.



Table 24 summarizes our unaudited quarterly financial results for 2008 and 2007.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 24. Summary of Quarterly Results


 

 

 

2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Interest income (te)

 

$

87,227

 

$

84,164

 

$

86,774

 

$

87,726

 

Interest expense

 

 

(34,345

)

 

(29,573

)

 

(29,357

)

 

(32,727

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net interest income (te)

 

 

52,882

 

 

54,591

 

 

57,417

 

 

54,999

 

Provision for loan losses

 

 

(8,818

)

 

(2,787

)

 

(8,064

)

 

(17,116

)

Noninterest income

 

 

36,421

 

 

31,838

 

 

30,115

 

 

29,404

 

Noninterest expense

 

 

(50,134

)

 

(52,189

)

 

(55,483

)

 

(55,637

)

Taxable equivalent adjustment

 

 

(2,455

)

 

(2,432

)

 

(2,642

)

 

(2,925

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

27,896

 

 

29,021

 

 

21,343

 

 

8,725

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(7,839

)

 

(8,037

)

 

(5,338

)

 

(405

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

20,057

 

$

20,984

 

$

16,005

 

$

8,320

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.26

 

Diluted

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.50

 

$

0.26

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 


 

 

 

First

 

Second

 

Third

 

Fourth

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Interest income (te)

 

$

88,077

 

$

87,162

 

$

89,982

 

$

90,015

 

Interest expense

 

 

(34,308

)

 

(33,394

)

 

(36,467

)

 

(36,067

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net interest income (te)

 

 

53,769

 

 

53,768

 

 

53,515

 

 

53,948

 

Provision for loan losses

 

 

(1,211

)

 

(1,238

)

 

(1,554

)

 

(3,590

)

Noninterest income

 

 

26,510

 

 

30,786

 

 

31,232

 

 

32,158

 

Noninterest expense

 

 

(49,708

)

 

(52,374

)

 

(55,857

)

 

(58,804

)

Taxable equivalent adjustment

 

 

(2,416

)

 

(2,267

)

 

(2,373

)

 

(2,483

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

26,944

 

 

28,675

 

 

24,963

 

 

21,229

 

Income tax expense

 

 

(7,715

)

 

(8,352

)

 

(7,224

)

 

(4,628

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

19,229

 

$

20,323

 

$

17,739

 

$

16,601

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.63

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.53

 

Diluted

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.55

 

$

0.53

 

Net interest income (te) is the primary component of earnings and represents the difference, or spread, between revenue generated from interest-earning assets and the interest expense related to funding those assets.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

          The accounting principles we follow and the methods for applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and assumptions are based on our best estimates and judgments. We evaluate estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, rising unemployment levels and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Certain critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Loan Losses

          Our most critical accounting policy relates to our allowance for loan losses, which reflects the estimated losses resulting from the inability of our borrowers to make loan payments. If the financial condition of its borrowers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, the estimates of the allowance would be updated, and additional provisions for loan losses may be required.

          The allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) is a valuation account available to absorb losses on loans. The ALLL is established and maintained at an amount sufficient to cover the estimated credit loss associated with the loan and lease portfolios of the Banks as of the date of the determination. Credit losses arise not only from credit risk, but also from other risks inherent in the lending process including, but not limited to, collateral risk, operational risk, concentration risk, and economic risk. As such, all related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses. Quarterly, management estimates the probable level of losses to determine whether the allowance is adequate to absorb reasonably foreseeable, anticipated losses in the existing portfolio based on our past loan loss and delinquency experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, and the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. The analysis and methodology include three primary segments. These segments include a pool analysis of various retail loans based upon loss history, a pool analysis of commercial and commercial real estate loans based upon loss history by loan type, and a specific reserve analysis for those loans considered impaired under SFAS No. 114. All commercial and commercial real estate loans with an outstanding balance of $100,000 or greater are individually reviewed for impairment; substandard mortgage loans with balances of $100,000 or greater are also included in the analysis. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses when the loss actually occurs or when a determination is made that a loss is likely to occur; recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses at the time of receipt.

Retirement Employee Benefit Plans

          Retirement and employee benefit plan assets, liabilities and pension costs are determined utilizing actuarially determined present value calculations. The valuation of the benefit obligation and net periodic expense is considered critical, as it requires management and its actuaries to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected cash outflows including assumptions about mortality, expected service periods, rate of compensation increases and the long-term return on plan assets. Note 9 – Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans, included in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, provides further discussion on the accounting for Hancock’s retirement and employee benefit plans and the estimates used in determining the actuarial present value of the benefit obligations and the net periodic benefit expense.

Fair Value Accounting Estimates

          Generally accepted accounting principles require the use of fair values in determining the carrying values of certain assets and liabilities, as well as for specific disclosures. The most significant include securities, loans held for sale, mortgage servicing rights and net assets acquired in business combinations. Certain of these assets do not have a readily available market to determine fair value and require an estimate based on specific parameters. When market prices are unavailable, we determine fair values utilizing parameters, which are constantly changing, including interest rates, duration, prepayment speeds and other specific conditions.



 In most cases, these specific parameters require a significant amount of judgment by management.

          The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), on January 1, 2008.SFAS No. 157establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to these valuation techniques used to measure fair value giving preference to quoted prices in active markets (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs such as a reporting entity’s own data (level 3). Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, observable inputs other than quoted prices, such as interest rates and yield curves, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Available for sale securities classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy include U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored agencies, and other debt and equity securities. Level 2 classified available for sale securities include mortgage-backed debt securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and state and municipal bonds.

          In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That is Not Active, which clarifies the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, in an inactive market. Application issues clarified include: how management’s internal assumptions should be considered when measuring fair value when relevant observable data do not exist; how observable market information in a market that is not active should be considered when measuring fair value; and how the use of market quotes should be considered when assessing the relevance of observable and unobservable data available to measure fair value. FSP 157-3 was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

           The Company adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment SFAS No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”), on January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect to fair value any additional items under SFAS No. 159. The Company, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2 “The Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, will defer application of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until January 1, 2009.

Income Taxes

          We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Determination of the deferred and current provision requires analysis by management of certain transactions and the related tax laws and regulations. Management exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets. Those judgments and estimates are re-evaluated on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

          See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information underrequired for this item is included in the caption “Market Information” on page 16 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the caption “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”, Note 15 - Employee Stock Plans on pages 44 through 46 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Page 38 of 54

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The information under the caption “Financial Highlights” on pages 14 and 15 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The information under the captionsection entitled “Asset/Liability Management” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” that appears in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and is incorporated here by reference.



ITEM 8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule

Page


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

49

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

50

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

51

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

52

Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2008

53

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008

54

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2008

55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

57



MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING


          The management of Hancock Holding Company has prepared the consolidated financial statements and other information in our Annual Report in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and is responsible for its accuracy. The financial statements necessarily include amounts that are based on Pages 52 through 66management’s best estimates and judgments.

          In meeting its responsibility, management relies on internal accounting and related control systems. The internal control systems are designed to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in the Company’s financial records and to safeguard the Company’s assets from material loss or misuse. Such assurance cannot be absolute because of inherent limitations in any internal control system.

          The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13(a) – 15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s principal executive officers and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management also conducted an assessment of requirements pertaining to Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). This section relates to management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, including controls over the preparation of the schedules equivalent to the basic financial statements and compliance with laws and regulations. Our evaluation included a review of the documentation of controls, evaluations of the design of the internal control system and tests of the effectiveness of internal controls.

          Based on the Company’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

Carl J. Chaney

John M. Hairston

Michael M. Achary

President &

Chief Executive Officer &

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

February 27, 2009

February 27, 2009

February 27, 2009



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hancock Holding Company:

We have audited Hancock Holding Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Hancock Holding Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Hancock Holding Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because management’s assessment and our audit were conducted to also meet the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA), management’s assessment and our audit of Hancock Holding Company’s internal control over financial reporting included controls over the preparation of the schedules equivalent to the basic financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9 C). A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Hancock Holding Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statement referring to compliance with laws and regulations.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Hancock Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
February 27, 2009



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Hancock Holding Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hancock Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hancock Holding Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Hancock Holding Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for defined benefit pension postretirement benefit plans effective December 31, 2006.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
February 27, 2009



Hancock Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks (non-interest bearing)

 

$

199,775

 

$

182,615

 

Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks

 

 

11,355

 

 

8,560

 

Federal funds sold

 

 

175,166

 

 

117,721

 

Other short-term investments

 

 

362,895

 

 

 

Trading securities

 

 

2,201

 

 

197,425

 

Securities available for sale, at fair value
(amortized cost of $1,651,499 and $1,472,550)

 

 

1,679,756

 

 

1,472,783

 

Loans held for sale

 

 

22,115

 

 

18,957

 

Loans

 

 

4,264,324

 

 

3,612,883

 

Less: Allowance for loan losses

 

 

(61,725

)

 

(47,123

)

Unearned income

 

 

(14,859

)

 

(16,326

)

 

 



 



 

Loans, net

 

 

4,187,740

 

 

3,549,434

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $101,050 and $87,160

 

 

205,912

 

 

200,566

 

Other real estate, net

 

 

5,195

 

 

2,172

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

33,067

 

 

35,117

 

Goodwill

 

 

62,277

 

 

62,277

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

6,363

 

 

8,298

 

Life insurance contracts

 

 

144,959

 

 

139,421

 

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 

5,819

 

 

3,976

 

Other assets

 

 

62,659

 

 

56,657

 

 

 



 



 

Total assets

 

$

7,167,254

 

$

6,055,979

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing demand

 

$

962,886

 

$

907,874

 

Interest-bearing savings, NOW, money market and time

 

 

4,968,051

 

 

4,101,660

 

 

 



 



 

Total deposits

 

 

5,930,937

 

 

5,009,534

 

Federal funds purchased

 

 

 

 

4,100

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

505,932

 

 

371,604

 

Long-term notes

 

 

638

 

 

793

 

Other liabilities

 

 

120,248

 

 

115,761

 

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

6,557,755

 

 

5,501,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock-$3.33 par value per share; 350,000,000 shares authorized, 31,769,679 and 31,294,607 issued and outstanding, respectively

 

 

105,793

 

 

104,211

 

Capital surplus

 

 

101,210

 

 

87,122

 

Retained earnings

 

 

411,579

 

 

377,481

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 

 

(9,083

)

 

(14,627

)

 

 



 



 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

609,499

 

 

554,187

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

7,167,254

 

$

6,055,979

 

 

 



 



 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



Hancock Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans, including fees

 

$

246,573

 

$

255,761

 

$

230,450

 

Securities-taxable

 

 

80,048

 

 

78,089

 

 

97,084

 

Securities-tax exempt

 

 

4,978

 

 

6,234

 

 

6,770

 

Federal funds sold

 

 

1,858

 

 

5,458

 

 

9,657

 

Other investments

 

 

1,980

 

 

155

 

 

102

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total interest income

 

 

335,437

 

 

345,697

 

 

344,063

 

 

 



 



 



 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

111,052

 

 

132,920

 

 

110,092

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements
to repurchase

 

 

14,843

 

 

8,231

 

 

9,682

 

Long-term notes and other interest expense

 

 

184

 

 

80

 

 

895

 

Capitalized interest

 

 

(77

)

 

(995

)

 

(806

)

 

 



 



 



 

Total interest expense

 

 

126,002

 

 

140,236

 

 

119,863

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net interest income

 

 

209,435

 

 

205,461

 

 

224,200

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

36,785

 

 

7,593

 

 

(20,762

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

172,650

 

 

197,868

 

 

244,962

 

 

 



 



 



 

Noninterest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

 

44,243

 

 

41,929

 

 

36,228

 

Trust fees

 

 

16,858

 

 

15,902

 

 

13,286

 

Insurance commissions and fees

 

 

16,554

 

 

19,229

 

 

19,248

 

Investment and annuity fees

 

 

10,807

 

 

8,746

 

 

5,970

 

Debit card and merchant fees

 

 

11,082

 

 

10,126

 

 

9,365

 

ATM fees

 

 

6,856

 

 

5,983

 

 

5,338

 

Secondary mortgage market operations

 

 

2,977

 

 

3,723

 

 

3,528

 

Securities gains (losses), net

 

 

4,825

 

 

308

 

 

(5,169

)

Net storm-related gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,084

 

Other income

 

 

13,576

 

 

14,740

 

 

13,622

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total noninterest income

 

 

127,778

 

 

120,686

 

 

106,500

 

 

 



 



 



 

Noninterest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

109,773

 

 

106,959

 

 

103,753

 

Net occupancy expense

 

 

19,538

 

 

19,435

 

 

13,350

 

Equipment rentals, depreciation and maintenance

 

 

10,992

 

 

10,465

 

 

10,796

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

1,432

 

 

1,651

 

 

2,125

 

Other expense

 

 

71,708

 

 

78,233

 

 

73,092

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total noninterest expense

 

 

213,443

 

 

216,743

 

 

203,116

 

 

 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

86,985

 

 

101,811

 

 

148,346

 

Income taxes

 

 

21,619

 

 

27,919

 

 

46,544

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

65,366

 

$

73,892

 

$

101,802

 

 

 



 



 



 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

2.08

 

$

2.31

 

$

3.13

 

 

 



 



 



 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

2.05

 

$

2.27

 

$

3.06

 

 

 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



Hancock Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Capital

 

Retained

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

Unearned

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Surplus

 

Earnings

 

Loss, net

 

Compensation

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2006

 

32,301,123

 

$

107,563

 

$

129,222

 

$

262,055

 

$

(22,066

)

$

(2,343

)

$

474,431

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per consolidated statements of income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,802

 

Net change in fair value of securities available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,940

 

 

 

 

4,940

 

Net change in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,057

 

 

 

 

1,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

107,799

 

Adoption of SFAS No. 158, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,944

)

 

 

 

(7,944

)

Cash dividends paid ($0.895 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(29,311

)

 

 

 

 

 

(29,311

)

Common stock issued, long - term incentive plan, including excess income tax benefit of $3,493

 

398,338

 

 

1,326

 

 

10,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,495

 

Compensation expense, long - term incentive plan

 

 

 

 

 

3,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,690

 

SFAS No. 123(R) reclass of unearned compensation

 

 

 

 

 

(2,343

)

 

 

 

 

 

2,343

 

 

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(33,409

)

 

(111

)

 

(1,639

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,750

)

 

 


 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, December 31, 2006

 

32,666,052

 

 

108,778

 

 

139,099

 

 

334,546

 

 

(24,013

)

 

 

 

558,410

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per consolidated statements of income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

73,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

73,892

 

Net change in fair value of securities available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,846

 

 

 

 

8,846

 

Net change in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

540

 

 

 

 

540

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83,278

 

Cash dividends paid ($0.96 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30,957

)

 

 

 

 

 

(30,957

)

Common stock issued, long - term incentive plan, including excess income tax benefit of $345

 

184,775

 

 

615

 

 

2,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,749

 

Compensation expense, long - term incentive plan

 

 

 

 

 

1,155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,155

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(1,556,220

)

 

(5,182

)

 

(55,266

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(60,448

)

 

 


 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, December 31, 2007

 

31,294,607

 

$

104,211

 

$

87,122

 

$

377,481

 

$

(14,627

)

$

 

$

554,187

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per consolidated statements of income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,366

 

Net change in unfunded accumulated benefit obligation, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,095

)

 

 

 

(12,095

)

Net change in fair value of securities available for sale, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,639

 

 

 

 

17,639

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70,910

 

SFAS No. 158, change in measurement date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(815

)

 

 

 

 

 

(815

)

Cash dividends declared ($0.96 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30,453

)

 

 

 

 

 

(30,453

)

Common stock issued, long-term incentive plan, including excess income tax benefit of $4,512

 

481,530

 

 

1,604

 

 

11,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,124

 

Compensation expense, long-term incentive plan

 

 

 

 

 

2,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,806

 

Purchase of common stock

 

(6,458

)

 

(22

)

 

(238

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(260

)

 

 


 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Balance, December 31, 2008

 

31,769,679

 

$

105,793

 

$

101,210

 

$

411,579

 

$

(9,083

)

$

 

$

609,499

 

 

 


 



 



 



 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



Hancock Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

65,366

 

$

73,892

 

$

101,802

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

15,761

 

 

14,041

 

 

10,443

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses, net

 

 

36,785

 

 

7,593

 

 

(20,762

)

(Gains) losses on other real estate owned

 

 

230

 

 

(732

)

 

79

 

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(5,012

)

 

7,560

 

 

24,599

 

Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts

 

 

(5,538

)

 

(5,397

)

 

(4,090

)

(Gain) loss on sales/paydowns of securities available for sale, net

 

 

(1,950

)

 

(273

)

 

5,169

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of other assets

 

 

(602

)

 

193

 

 

 

Gain on involuntary conversion of assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,084

)

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

 

 

(427

)

 

(583

)

 

(564

)

(Gain) loss on trading securities

 

 

(2,875

)

 

114

 

 

 

Purchase of trading securities, net

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

Proceeds from paydowns of securities held for trading

 

 

7,635

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization (accretion) of securities premium/discount, net

 

 

2,012

 

 

(1,773

)

 

(11,300

)

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

 

 

210

 

 

345

 

 

549

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

1,432

 

 

1,651

 

 

2,125

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

2,806

 

 

1,155

 

 

3,690

 

(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable

 

 

2,050

 

 

(1,417

)

 

1,346

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

 

 

2,624

 

 

(12,197

)

 

(30,133

)

Increase in other liabilities

 

 

2,309

 

 

4,430

 

 

2,636

 

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

 

 

(2,785

)

 

883

 

 

2,341

 

Decrease in policy reserves and liabilities

 

 

(12,051

)

 

(35,180

)

 

(11,699

)

Decrease in reinsurance receivables

 

 

8,060

 

 

3,215

 

 

11,410

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

 

(14,062

)

 

274

 

 

308

 

Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale

 

 

192,838

 

 

251,684

 

 

238,045

 

Originations of loans held for sale

 

 

(195,569

)

 

(253,112

)

 

(230,208

)

Excess tax benefit from share based payments

 

 

(4,512

)

 

(345

)

 

(3,493

)

Other, net

 

 

(367

)

 

60

 

 

(2,790

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

94,368

 

 

56,071

 

 

84,419

 

 

 



 



 



 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



Hancock Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (increase) decrease in interest-bearing time deposits

 

$

(2,795

)

$

1,637

 

$

(2,939

)

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

 

 

213,814

 

 

9,222

 

 

157,300

 

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

 

 

938,939

 

 

1,270,294

 

 

1,083,845

 

Purchases of securities available for sale

 

 

(1,140,901

)

 

(1,038,175

)

 

(1,169,592

)

Purchase of short-term investments

 

 

(362,895

)

 

 

 

 

Net (increase) decrease in federal funds sold

 

 

(57,445

)

 

94,521

 

 

190,726

 

Net increase in loans

 

 

(684,528

)

 

(356,787

)

 

(293,117

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(23,618

)

 

(70,267

)

 

(76,943

)

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

 

 

2,150

 

 

497

 

 

4,097

 

Premiums paid on life insurance contracts

 

 

 

 

(20,000

)

 

(20,000

)

Proceeds from sales of other real estate

 

 

6,184

 

 

1,753

 

 

1,749

 

Proceeds from insurance settlements

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,469

 

Purchase of interest in unconsolidated joint venture

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,710

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(1,111,095

)

 

(107,305

)

 

(107,115

)

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

 

 

921,403

 

 

(21,457

)

 

41,171

 

Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

130,228

 

 

153,313

 

 

(29,891

)

(Proceeds) repayments of long-term notes

 

 

(155

)

 

535

 

 

(50,008

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(30,453

)

 

(30,957

)

 

(29,311

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

8,612

 

 

2,404

 

 

8,002

 

Repurchase/retirement of common stock

 

 

(260

)

 

(60,448

)

 

(1,750

)

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

 

 

4,512

 

 

345

 

 

3,493

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

1,033,887

 

 

43,735

 

 

(58,294

)

 

 



 



 



 

Increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks

 

 

17,160

 

 

(7,499

)

 

(80,990

)

Cash and due from banks at beginning of year

 

 

182,615

 

 

190,114

 

 

271,104

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash and due from banks at end of year

 

$

199,775

 

$

182,615

 

$

190,114

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

19,413

 

$

29,209

 

$

55,503

 

Interest paid, including capitalized interest of $77, $995,and $806, respectively

 

 

128,787

 

 

139,353

 

 

112,447

 

Restricted stock issued to employees of Hancock

 

 

3,045

 

 

2,495

 

 

2,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information for Non-Cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers from loans to other real estate

 

$

10,671

 

$

2,694

 

$

1,304

 

Financed sales of foreclosed property

 

 

1,234

 

 

339

 

 

741

 

Transfers from trading securities to available for sale securities

 

 

190,802

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

          Hancock Holding Company “the Company” or “Hancock” is a financial holding company headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi operating in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. Hancock Holding Company, the Parent Company operates through four wholly-owned bank subsidiaries, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida and Hancock Bank of Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (“the Banks.”) The Banks are community oriented and focus primarily on offering commercial, consumer and mortgage loans and deposit services to individuals and small to middle market businesses in their respective market areas. The Company’s operating strategy is to provide its customers with the financial sophistication and breadth of products of a regional bank, while successfully retaining the local appeal and level of service of a community bank.

Consolidation

          The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. Significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

          The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The accounting principles we follow and the methods for applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry which requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for loan losses, intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes, pension and postretirement benefit plans and contingent liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on our best estimates and judgments. We evaluate estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, rising unemployment levels and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, and goodwill are potentially subject to material changes in the near term. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Reclassifications

          Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. For the periods presented, these reclassifications include the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), that has been reclassified from investment securities to other assets since these equity securities are restricted and do not have a readily determinable fair value. The balance of FHLB stock as of December 31, 2007, was $2.3 million. The Company also reclassified its investment in an equity method investment from investment securities into other assets. The balance of the equity method investment as of December 31, 2007, was $5.0 million. The dividend income on the FHLB stock has also been reclassified from other investments to other income. The dividend on FHLB stock for the years ended 2007 and 2006 was $16,621 and $7,958, respectively. In addition, the Company reclassified debit card, merchant, and ATM charges from non-interest income to non-interest expense. Debit card, merchant, and ATM charges were $2.4 million in 2007 and $2.4 million in 2006.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Securities

          Securities have been classified into one of two categories: available for sale or trading. Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates this classification periodically.

          Available for sale securities are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Trading securities are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in results of operations.

          The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available for sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security using the constant-yield method. The prepayment speed chosen to determine the estimated life of a mortgage-backed security is the security’s historical 3-month prepayment speed. When prepayment speeds are faster than expected, the average life of the mortgage-backed security is shorter than the original estimate. Amortization, accretion and accrued interest are included in interest income on securities. Realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, are included in net securities gains and losses. Gains and losses on the sales of securities available for sale are determined using the specific-identification method. Using this basis results in the most accurate reporting of gains and losses realized on these sales, as well as the appropriate adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. A decline in the fair value of securities below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Gains and losses on the sales of trading securities are also determined using the specific-identification method with the gain or loss reported in the results of operations.

Short-term Investments

          Short-term investments represent U.S. government agency discount notes that all mature in less than one year, but with maturities greater than 90 days. These investments were purchased for liquidity purposes..

Loans

          Loans are reported at the principal balance outstanding. Non-refundable loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are recognized as an adjustment to the yield on the related loan. Interest on loans is recorded to income as earned.

          The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. When accrual of interest is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed and payments subsequently received are applied first to principal. Interest income is recorded after principal has been satisfied and as payments are received. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest contractually due are brought current and future amounts are reasonably assured.

          Generally, loans of all types which become 90 days delinquent are reviewed relative to collectability. Unless such loans are in the process of terms revision to bring to a current status, collection through repossession or foreclosure, those loans deemed uncollectible are charged off against the allowance account.

          Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or market on the consolidated balance sheets. These loans are originated on a best-efforts basis, whereby a commitment by a third party to purchase the loan has been received concurrent with the Banks’ commitment to the borrower to originate the loan.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses

          The allowance for loan and lease losses “ALLL” is a valuation account available to absorb losses on loans. The ALLL is established and maintained at an amount sufficient to cover the estimated credit loss associated with the loan and lease portfolios of the Company as of the date of the determination. Credit losses arise not only from credit risk, , but also from other risks inherent in the lending process including, but not limited to, collateral risk, operational risk, concentration risk, and economic risk. As such, all related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses. Quarterly, management estimates the probable level of losses to determine whether the allowance is adequate to absorb reasonably foreseeable, anticipated losses in the existing portfolio based on the Company’s past loan loss and delinquency experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, and the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. The analysis and methodology include three primary segments. These segments include a pool analysis of various retail loans based upon loss history, a pool analysis of commercial and commercial real estate loans based upon loss history by loan type, and a specific reserve analysis for those loans considered impaired under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. All commercial and commercial real estate loans with an outstanding balance of $100,000 or greater are individually reviewed for impairment; substandard mortgage loans with balances of $100,000 or greater are also included in the analysis. All losses are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses when the loss actually occurs or when a determination is made that a loss is likely to occur; recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses at the time of receipt.

          The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company’s impaired loans include troubled debt restructurings, and performing and non-performing major loans for which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. Categories of non-major homogeneous loans, which are evaluated on an overall basis, generally include all loans under $500,000. The Company determines an allowance required for impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of its collateral. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value, a valuation allowance is required as a component of the allowance for loan losses.

Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to expense over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are up to 39 years for buildings and three to seven years for furniture and equipment. Amortization expense for software is charged over 3 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. In cases where Hancock has the right to renew the lease for additional periods, the lease term for the purpose of calculating amortization of the capitalized cost of the leasehold improvements is extended when Hancock is “reasonably assured” that it will renew the lease. Depreciation and amortization expenses are computed using a straight-line basis for assets acquired after January 1, 2006 and the double declining balance basis for assets acquired prior to January 1, 2006. Hancock continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate that such long-lived assets have been impaired. Measurement of any impairment of such long-lived assets is based on those assets’ fair values. There were no impairment losses on property and equipment recorded during 2008, 2007, or 2006.

Other Real Estate

          Other real estate owned includes assets that have been acquired in satisfaction of debt through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is reported in other assets and is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less the estimated cost of disposition. Valuation adjustments required at foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, losses on the periodic revaluation of the property are



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

charged to net income as other expense. Costs of operating and maintaining the properties are included in other noninterest expenses, while gains (losses) on their disposition are charged to other income as incurred. Improvements made to properties are capitalized if the expenditures are expected to be recovered upon the sale of the properties.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

          Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of the net assets of an acquired business, is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment.

          Identifiable intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or legal rights or because the assets are capable of being sold or exchanged either on their own on in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. Hancock’s identifiable intangible assets primarily relate to core deposits, insurance customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade name. These intangibles, which have definite useful lives, are amortized based on the sum-of-the-years-digits method over their estimated useful lives for assets acquired prior to January 1, 2006 and on a straight-line basis for assets acquired subsequent to January 1, 2006. In addition, these intangibles are evaluated annually for impairment or whenever events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be reevaluated.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

          The Company adopted SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets on January 1, 2007 without material impact. SFAS No. 156 requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and permits an entity to subsequently measure those servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value. Under SFAS. No. 156, the Company decided to continue to use the amortization method instead of adopting the fair value method. Management has determined that it has one class of servicing rights which is based on the type of loan. The risk characteristics of the underlying financial assets used to stratify servicing assets for purposes of measuring impairment are interest rate, type of product (fixed versus variable), duration and asset quality. The book value of mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Reinsurance Receivables

          Certain premiums and losses are assumed from and ceded to other insurance companies under various reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums, loss reimbursement, and reserves related to reinsurance business are accounted for on a basis consistent with that used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contract. The Company may receive a ceding commission in connection with ceded reinsurance. If so, the ceding commission is earned on a monthly pro rata basis in the same manner as the premium and is recorded as a reduction of other operating expenses.

Derivative Instruments

          The Company has certain Interest Rate Lock Commitments “IRLC’s” that are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reported in statements of income. The Company also has interest rate swaps which are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets at fair value as required by SFAS No. 133. These interest rate swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting under the guidelines of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging.  Gains and losses related to the change in fair value are recognized in earnings during the period of change in fair value as other non-interest income.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes

          Hancock accounts for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of Hancock’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled.

Pension Accounting

          The Company has accounted for its defined benefit pension plan using the actuarial model required by SFAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions. The compensation cost of an employee’s pension benefit is recognized on the projected unit credit method over the employee’s approximate service period. The aggregate cost method is utilized for funding purposes. The Company also sponsors two defined benefit postretirement plans, which provide medical benefits and life insurance benefits. The Company has accounted for these plans using the actuarial computations required by SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions as amended by SFAS No. 132. The cost of the defined benefit postretirement plan has been recognized on the projected unit credit method over the employee’s approximate service period. Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R); which required the recognition of the over funded or under funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. In 2008, the Company changed the measurement date of the funded status of the plan from September 30 to December 31.

Policy Reserves and Liabilities

          Unearned premium reserves are based on the assumption that the portion of the original premium applicable to the remaining term and amount of insurance will be adequate to pay future benefits. The reserve is calculated by multiplying the original gross premium times an unearned premium factor. Factors are developed which represent the proportion of the remaining coverage compared to the total coverage provided over the entire term of insurance.

          Policy reserves for future life and health claims not yet incurred are based on assumed mortality and interest rates. For disability, the reserves are based upon unearned premium, which is the portion of the original premium applicable to the remaining term and amount of insurance that will be adequate to pay future benefits. Present value of amounts not yet due is an amount for disability claims already reported and incurred and represents the present value of all the future benefits using actuarial disability tables. IBNR “Incurred But Not Reported” is an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported, and is based upon historical analysis of claims payments.

Stock-Based Compensation

          In recognizing stock-based compensation, Hancock follows the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This statement establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for stock awards and requires the application of a fair value based measurement method in accounting for compensation cost, which is recognized over the requisite service period.

Revenue Recognition

          The largest source of revenue for Hancock is interest revenue. Interest revenue is recognized on an accrual basis driven by written contracts, such as loan agreements or securities contracts. Credit-related fees, including letter of credit fees, are recognized in non-interest income when earned. Hancock recognizes commission revenue and brokerage, exchange and clearance fess on a trade-date basis. Other types of non-interest revenue such as service charges on deposits and trust revenues, are accrued and recognized into income as services are provided and the amount of fees earned are reasonably determinable.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Earnings Per Share

          Basic earnings per share “EPS” excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income, adjusted for the effect of potentially dilutive stock options outstanding during the period by the weighted-average stock outstanding.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards

          In December 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets, which provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The objectives of the disclosures are to provide users of financial statements with an understanding of how investment allocation decisions are made; the major categories of plan assets; the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of plan assets; the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period; and significant concentrations on risk within plan assets. FSP No. 132(R)-1 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company is assessing the impact of adopting FSP No. 132(R)-1, but does not expect the impact to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market That is Not Active, which clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, in an inactive market. Application issues clarified include: how management’s internal assumptions should be considered when measuring fair value when relevant observable data do not exist; how observable market information in a market that is not active should be considered when measuring fair value; and how the use of market quotes should be considered when assessing the relevance of observable and unobservable data available to measure fair value. FSP No. 157-3 was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          In November 2008, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No 08-10, Selected Statement 160 Implementation Questions, which clarifies how an entity should account for the transfer of an interest in a subsidiary that is in-substance real estate; how an entity should account for the transfer of an interest in a subsidiary to an equity method investee that results in deconsolidation of the subsidiary; and how an entity should account for the transfer of an interest in a subsidiary in exchange for a joint venture interest that results in deconsolidation of the subsidiary. The Company will adopt the provisions of EITF No. 08-10 in the first quarter of 2009, as required, and the impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations is dependent on the extent of future business combinations.

          In September 2008, the FASB issued EITF No 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations, which clarifies how the initial carrying value of an equity method investment should be determined; how the difference between the investor’s carrying value and the investor’s share of the underlying equity of the investee should be allocated to the underlying assets and liabilities of the investee; how an impairment assessment of an underlying indefinite-lived intangible asset of an equity method investment should be performed; how an equity method investee’s issuance of shares should be accounted for; and how to account for a change in an investment from the equity method to the cost method. The Company will adopt the provisions of EITF No. 08-6 in the first quarter of 2009, as required, and the impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations is dependent on the extent of future business combinations.

          In June 2008, the FASB issued EITF No. 03-6-1, which provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and should be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. EITF No. 03-6-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. Upon adoption, a company is required to



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

retrospectively adjust its earnings per share data including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data. The Company is assessing the impact of adopting EITF No. 03-6-1, but does not expect the impact to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Principles which is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for nongovernmental entities. SFAS No. 162 will be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 162, when required, but does not expect the impact to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Asset, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of the FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141R and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is assessing the impact of FSP No. 142-3, but does not expect the impact to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an Amendment of FASB 133, which enhances required disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities, including enhanced disclosures regarding how: (a) an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounting for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting forDerivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; and (c) derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is assessing the impact of SFAS No. 161, but does not expect the impact to be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

          SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51, was issued in December 2007. This standard that is effective for 2009 governs the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. The Company currently has no such partially owned consolidated subsidiaries.

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations which applies to all business combinations. The statement requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at “full fair value.” All business combinations will be accounted for by applying the acquisition method (previously referred to as the purchase method.) Companies will have to identify the acquirer; determine the acquisition date and purchase price; recognize at their acquisition-date fair values the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, and recognize goodwill or, in the case of a bargain purchase, a gain. SFAS No. 141R is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and early adoption is prohibited. It will be applied to business combinations occurring after the effective date. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 141R in the first quarter of 2009, as required, and the impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations is dependent on the extent of future business combinations.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2008

          In November 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings, SAB No. 109 rescinds SAB No. 105’s prohibition on inclusion of expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. SAB No. 109 applies to any loan commitments for which fair value accounting is elected under SFAS No. 159. SAB No. 109 is effective prospectively for derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. The adoption of SAB No. 109 during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

          In June 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Award. The objective of this issue is to determine the accounting for the income tax benefits of dividend or dividend equivalents when the dividends or dividend equivalents are: (a) linked to equity-classified nonvested shares or share units or equity-classified outstanding share options and (b) charged to retained earnings under SFAS Statement No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. The Task Force reached a consensus that EITF No. 06-11 should be applied prospectively to the income tax benefits of dividends on equity-classified employee share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF No. 06-11 during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

          In March 2007, the FASB ratified EITF No. 06-10, Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements. One objective of EITF No. 06-10 is to determine whether a liability for future benefits under a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement that provides a benefit to an employee that extends into postretirement periods should be recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 106 or APB Opinion 12, as appropriate, based on the substantive agreement with the employee. Another objective of EITF No. 06-10 is to determine how the asset arising from a collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangement should be recognized and measured. EITF No. 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF No. 06-10 during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

          In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment SFAS No. 115 which permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions in SFAS No. 159 are elective; however, the amendment to FASB Statement No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings (or another performance indicator if the business entity does not report earnings) at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option: (a) may be applied instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as investments otherwise accounted for by the equity method; (b) is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and (c) is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

          Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R); which required the recognition of the over funded or under funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. In 2008, the Company changed the measurement date of the funded status of the plan from September 30 to December 31.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies to other accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. At the November 14, 2007 Board meeting, the Board decided to defer the effective date for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of SFAS No. 157 during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Note 2. Securities

          The amortized cost and fair value of securities classified as available for sale follow (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

11,250

 

$

192

 

$

 

$

11,442

 

$

11,353

 

$

41

 

$

 

$

11,394

 

U.S. government agencies

 

 

224,803

 

 

1,836

 

 

29

 

 

226,610

 

 

431,772

 

 

1,999

 

 

107

 

 

433,664

 

Municipal obligations

 

 

151,706

 

 

3,182

 

 

2,418

 

 

152,470

 

 

197,596

 

 

2,347

 

 

1,361

 

 

198,582

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

1,041,805

 

 

25,703

 

 

387

 

 

1,067,121

 

 

637,578

 

 

3,519

 

 

4,717

 

 

636,380

 

CMOs

 

 

195,771

 

 

2,692

 

 

1

 

 

198,462

 

 

143,639

 

 

392

 

 

1,219

 

 

142,812

 

Other debt securities

 

 

25,117

 

 

5

 

 

2,850

 

 

22,272

 

 

49,653

 

 

342

 

 

1,597

 

 

48,398

 

Other equity securities

 

 

1,047

 

 

462

 

 

130

 

 

1,379

 

 

959

 

 

613

 

 

19

 

 

1,553

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

1,651,499

 

$

34,072

 

$

5,815

 

$

1,679,756

 

$

1,472,550

 

$

9,253

 

$

9,020

 

$

1,472,783

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

          The amortized cost and fair value of securities classified as available for sale at December 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, (expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because of rights to call or repay obligations with or without penalties), and the amortized cost and fair value of trading securities were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 

Due in one year or less

 

$

48,735

 

$

49,190

 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

129,658

 

 

132,290

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

205,438

 

 

204,412

 

Due after ten years

 

 

29,045

 

 

26,902

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

412,876

 

 

412,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities & CMOs

 

 

1,237,576

 

 

1,265,583

 

Equity securities

 

 

1,047

 

 

1,379

 

 

 



 



 

Total available for sale securities

 

$

1,651,499

 

$

1,679,756

 

 

 



 



 

          The Company held no securities classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2008 or 2007.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Securities (continued)

          The details concerning securities classified as available for sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2008 follow (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses < 12 months

 

Losses 12 months or >

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 




 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

U.S. government agencies

 

$

 

$

 

$

20,077

 

$

29

 

$

20,077

 

$

29

 

Municipal obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,610

 

 

2,418

 

 

38,610

 

 

2,418

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,385

 

 

387

 

 

20,385

 

 

387

 

CMOs

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,442

 

 

1

 

 

4,442

 

 

1

 

Other debt securities

 

 

1,029

 

 

25

 

 

22,077

 

 

2,825

 

 

23,106

 

 

2,850

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

135

 

 

130

 

 

135

 

 

130

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

1,029

 

$

25

 

$

105,726

 

$

5,790

 

$

106,755

 

$

5,815

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

          The details concerning securities classified as available for sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Losses < 12 months

 

Losses 12 months or >

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 




 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

U.S. government agencies

 

$

29,893

 

$

107

 

$

 

$

 

$

29,893

 

$

107

 

Municipal obligations

 

 

4,946

 

 

17

 

 

37,327

 

 

1,344

 

 

42,273

 

 

1,361

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

206,894

 

 

4,717

 

 

206,894

 

 

4,717

 

CMOs

 

 

 

 

 

 

117,489

 

 

1,219

 

 

117,489

 

 

1,219

 

Other debt securities

 

 

4,177

 

 

147

 

 

23,230

 

 

1,450

 

 

27,407

 

 

1,597

 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

 

19

 

 

17

 

 

19

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

39,016

 

$

271

 

$

384,957

 

$

8,749

 

$

423,973

 

$

9,020

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

          The unrealized losses relate to fixed-rate debt securities that have incurred fair value reductions due to higher market interest rates since the respective purchase date. The unrealized losses are not likely to reverse unless and until market interest rates decline to the levels that existed when the securities were purchased. Since none of the unrealized losses relate to the marketability of the securities or the issuer’s ability to honor redemption obligations, none of the securities are deemed to be other than temporarily impaired.

          As of December 31, 2008, the securities portfolio totaled $1.68 billion. Of the total portfolio, $106.8 million of securities were in an unrealized loss position of $5.8 million. Management and the Asset/Liability Committee continually monitor the securities portfolio and management is able to effectively measure and monitor the unrealized loss position on these securities. The Company has adequate liquidity and therefore has the ability and additionally the intent to hold these securities to recovery. Accordingly, the unrealized loss of these securities has been determined to be temporary.

          The Company’s securities portfolio is an important source of liquidity and earnings for the Company. A stated objective in managing the securities portfolio is to provide consistent liquidity to support balance sheet growth but also to provide a safe and consistent stream of earnings. To that end, management is open to opportunities that present themselves which enables the Company to improve the structure and earnings potential of the securities portfolio.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Securities (continued)

Available for Sale Securities

          Proceeds from sales and pay downs of available for sale securities were approximately $213.8 million in 2008, $9.2 million in 2007 and $157.3 million in 2006. Gross gains of $6.0 million in 2008, $0.4 million in 2007 and $0.3 million in 2006 and gross losses of $4.1 million in 2008, $0.1 million in 2007 and $5.5 million in 2006 were realized on such sales and pay downs.

          Securities with an amortized cost of approximately $1.49 billion at December 31, 2008 and $1.15 billion at December 31, 2007, were pledged primarily to secure public deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Company has approximately $4.8 million and $6.4 million of securities pledged with various state regulatory authorities to secure reinsurance receivables as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Trading Securities

          The Company recognized $2.9 million in net gains, including a net gain of $3.2 million on a portfolio of trading securities which were subsequently transferred to available for sale. There were no trading gains or losses in 2007.

Note 3. Loans

          Loans, net of unearned income, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 




 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Real estate loans

 

$

2,680,682

 

$

2,332,891

 

Commercial and industrial loans

 

 

420,981

 

 

359,519

 

Loans to individuals for household, family and other consumer expenditures

 

 

619,115

 

 

571,349

 

Leases and other loans

 

 

528,687

 

 

332,798

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

4,249,465

 

$

3,596,557

 

 

 



 



 

          The Company generally makes loans in its market areas of South Mississippi, South Alabama, South and Central Louisiana and Northwest Florida. Loans are made in the normal course of business to its directors, executive officers and their associates on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons. Such loans did not involve more than normal risk of collectibility. Balances of loans to the Company’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were approximately $31.6 million and $13.1 million, respectively. New loans, repayments and changes of directors and executive officers and their affiliates on these loans for 2008 were $20.7 million, $4.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. New loans, repayments and changes of directors and executive officers and their affiliates on these loans for 2007 were $3.7 million, $1.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3. Loans (continued)

          Changes in the allowance for loan losses follow (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Balance at January 1

 

$

47,123

 

$

46,772

 

$

74,558

 

Recoveries

 

 

5,224

 

 

7,210

 

 

12,491

 

Loans charged off

 

 

(27,407

)

 

(14,452

)

 

(19,515

)

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

36,785

 

 

7,593

 

 

(20,762

)

 

 



 



 



 

Balance at December 31

 

$

61,725

 

$

47,123

 

$

46,772

 

 

 



 



 



 

          In 2005, Annual Reportthe Company established a $35.2 million specific allowance for estimated credit losses related to Stockholdersthe impact of Hurricane Katrina on its loan portfolio. In 2005, the Company reduced the allowance by $2.4 million for storm-related net charge-offs. Of this remaining amount, the Company reversed $20.0 million of the allowance to income in 2006 based on its review of the asset quality of significant credits included in the original $35.2 million storm-related allowance.

          In some instances, loans are placed on non-accrual status. All accrued but uncollected interest related to the loan is incorporated hereindeducted from income in the period the loan is assigned a non-accrual status. For such period as a loan is in non-accrual status, any cash receipts are applied first to principal, second to expenses incurred to cause payment to be made and lastly to the recovery of any reversed interest income and interest that would be due and owing subsequent to the loan being placed on non-accrual status.

          The Company’s investments in impaired loans at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were $22.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively. Non-accrual and renegotiated loans amounted to approximately 0.71% and 0.36% of total loans at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Accruing loans 90 days past due as a percent of loans was 0.26% and 0.12% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The average amounts of impaired loans carried on the Company’s books for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $19.3 million, $7.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively. The amount of interest that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans had the loans not been classified as non-accrual in 2008, 2007 or 2006, was $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The amount of interest actually collected was immaterial in 2008, 2007, and 2006.

          The following table presents the makeup of allowance for loan losses by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Balance of allowance for loan losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-impaired

 

$

54,408

 

$

43,070

 

Impaired

 

 

7,317

 

 

4,053

 

 

 



 



 

Total allowance for loan losses

 

$

61,725

 

$

47,123

 

 

 



 



 

          As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $24.1 million and $18.8 million, respectively, in loans carried at fair value. The Company held $22.1 million and $19.0 million in loans held for sale at December 31, 2008 and 2007 carried at lower of cost or market. These loans are originated on a best-efforts basis, whereby a commitment by reference.a third party to purchase the loan has been received concurrent with the Banks’ commitment to the borrower to originate the loan.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Land and land improvements

 

$

38,090

 

$

32,679

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

 

178,374

 

 

156,666

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

 

61,525

 

 

59,837

 

Construction in progress

 

 

4,111

 

 

14,836

 

Software

 

 

24,862

 

 

23,708

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

306,962

 

 

287,726

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(101,050

)

 

(87,160

)

 

 



 



 

Property and equipment, net

 

$

205,912

 

$

200,566

 

 

 



 



 

          Depreciation and amortization expense was $15.8 million, $14.0 million and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Capitalized interest was $77,000, $1.0 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

          Goodwill represents costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with purchase business combinations. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, the Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually. No impairment charges were recognized during 2008, 2007, or 2006. The carrying amount of goodwill was $62.3 million at both December 31, 2008 and 2007.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)

          The following tables present information regarding the components of the Company’s other intangible assets, and related amortization for the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying
Amount

 

 

 



 



 



 

Core deposit intangibles

 

$

14,137

 

$

9,613

 

$

4,524

 

Value of insurance business acquired

 

 

2,752

 

 

1,289

 

 

1,463

 

Non-compete agreements

 

 

322

 

 

280

 

 

42

 

Trade name

 

 

100

 

 

70

 

 

30

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

17,311

 

$

11,252

 

$

6,059

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

 

Net Carrying
Amount

 

 

 



 



 



 

Core deposit intangibles

 

$

14,137

 

$

8,500

 

$

5,637

 

Value of insurance business acquired

 

 

3,757

 

 

1,807

 

 

1,950

 

Non-compete agreements

 

 

368

 

 

252

 

 

116

 

Trade name

 

 

100

 

 

50

 

 

50

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

18,362

 

$

10,609

 

$

7,753

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Aggregate amortization expense for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core deposit intangibles

 

$

1,113

 

$

1,210

 

$

1,366

 

Value of insurance business acquired

 

 

271

 

 

348

 

 

626

 

Non-compete agreements

 

 

28

 

 

73

 

 

103

 

Trade name

 

 

20

 

 

20

 

 

30

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

1,432

 

$

1,651

 

$

2,125

 

 

 



 



 



 

          The amortization period used for core deposit intangibles and value of insurance business acquired is 10 years. The amortization period used for non-compete agreements and trade name intangibles is 5 years. The following table shows estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets for the five succeeding years and thereafter, calculated based on current amortization schedules (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

$

1,417

 

2010

 

 

1,382

 

2011

 

 

1,143

 

2012

 

 

928

 

2013

 

 

757

 

Thereafter

 

 

432

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

6,059

 

 

 



 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6. Deposits

          The maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2008 follow (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

$

1,321,052

 

2010

 

 

632,621

 

2011

 

 

105,184

 

2012

 

 

126,621

 

2013

 

 

24,716

 

thereafter

 

 

61,542

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

2,271,736

 

 

 



 

          Time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled approximately $1.1 billion and $935.3 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Note 7. Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings

          The following table presents information concerning federal funds purchased and sold and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Federal funds sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount outstanding at period-end

 

$

175,166

 

$

117,721

 

Weighted average interest rate at period-end

 

 

0.11

%

 

4.32

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount outstanding at period-end

 

$

 

$

4,100

 

Weighted average interest rate at period-end

 

 

 

 

4.02

%

Weighted average interest rate during the year

 

 

2.20

%

 

4.99

%

Average daily balance during the year

 

$

16,003

 

$

4,174

 

Maximum month end balance during the year

 

$

33,775

 

$

4,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount outstanding at period-end

 

$

505,932

 

$

371,604

 

Weighted average interest rate at period-end

 

 

2.10

%

 

3.63

%

Weighted average interest rate during the year

 

 

2.76

%

 

3.70

%

Average daily balance during the year

 

$

524,712

 

$

216,730

 

Maximum month end balance during the year

 

$

621,424

 

$

371,604

 

          The contractual maturity of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase is demand or due overnight.

          Specific U. S. Treasury and U. S. Government agencies with carrying values of $504.8 million at December 31, 2008 and $371.6 million at December 31, 2007 collateralized the retail and wholesale repurchase agreements. The fair value of this collateral approximated $513.3 million at December 31, 2008 and $375.6 million at December 31, 2007. In addition, there was cash collateral in the amount of $12.1 million for the wholesale repurchase agreements at December 31, 2008 and $750,000 in cash collateral at December 31, 2007.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7. Borrowings (continued)

Long-Term Borrowings

          As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $250.0 million in long-term borrowings classified as securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Combined with short-term borrowings of $255.9 million, the Company’s total position in securities sold under agreements to repurchase was $505.9 million. The Company has an approved line of credit with the FHLB of approximately $308.5 million, which is secured by a blanket pledge of certain residential mortgage loans. This line of credit had no outstanding balances at December 31, 2008 and 2007, however, four letters of credit totaling $200 million have been issued to use as collateral for public deposits.

Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity

Regulatory Capital

          Common stockholders’ equity of the Company includes the undistributed earnings of the bank subsidiaries. Dividends are payable only out of undivided profits or current earnings. Moreover, dividends to the Company’s stockholders can generally be paid only from dividends paid to the Company by the Banks. Consequently, dividends are dependent upon earnings, capital needs, regulatory policies and statutory limitations affecting the Banks. Federal and state banking laws and regulations restrict the amount of dividends and loans a bank may make to its parent company. Dividends paid by Hancock Bank are subject to approval by the Commissioner of Banking and Consumer Finance of the State of Mississippi and those paid by Hancock Bank of Louisiana are subject to approval by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the State of Louisiana. Dividends paid by Hancock Bank of Florida are subject to approval by the Florida Department of Financial Services and those paid by Hancock Bank of Alabama are subject to approval by Alabama State Banking Department. The amount of capital of the subsidiary banks available for dividends at December 31, 2008 was approximately $43.6 million.

          Risk-based capital requirements are intended to make regulatory capital more sensitive to risk elements of the Company. Currently, the Company and its bank subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum risk-based capital ratios of 8.0%, with not less than 4.0% in Tier 1 capital. In addition, the Company and its bank subsidiaries must maintain minimum Tier 1 leverage ratios (Tier 1 capital to total average assets) of at least 3.0% based upon the regulators latest composite rating of the institution.

          The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) required each federal banking agency to implement prompt corrective actions for institutions that it regulates. The rules provide that an institution is “well capitalized” if its total risk-based capital ratio is 10.0% or greater, its Tier 1 risked-based capital ratio is 6.0% or greater, its leverage ratio is 5.0% or greater and the institution is not subject to a capital directive. Under this regulation, all of the subsidiary banks were deemed to be “well capitalized” as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 based upon the most recent notifications from their regulators. There are no conditions or events since those notifications that management believes would change these classifications.

          The Company and its bank subsidiaries are required to maintain certain minimum capital levels. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company and the Banks were in compliance with their respective statutory minimum capital requirements.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

          Following is a summary of the actual capital levels at December 31, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actual

 

Required for
Minimum Capital
Adequacy

 

To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

Amount

 

Ratio %

 

Amount

 

Ratio %

 

Amount

 

Ratio %

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

At December 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

612,090

 

 

11.22

 

$

436,239

 

 

8.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

293,110

 

 

10.91

 

 

214,846

 

 

8.00

 

 

268,558

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

243,117

 

 

10.48

 

 

185,635

 

 

8.00

 

 

232,043

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

40,173

 

 

12.23

 

 

26,278

 

 

8.00

 

 

32,848

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

15,673

 

 

10.45

 

 

12,000

 

 

8.00

 

 

15,000

 

 

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

550,216

 

 

10.09

 

$

218,120

 

 

4.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

261,726

 

 

9.75

 

 

107,423

 

 

4.00

 

 

161,135

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

217,186

 

 

9.36

 

 

92,817

 

 

4.00

 

 

139,226

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

37,144

 

 

11.31

 

 

13,139

 

 

4.00

 

 

19,709

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

14,250

 

 

9.50

 

 

6,000

 

 

4.00

 

 

9,000

 

 

6.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 leverage capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

550,216

 

 

8.06

 

$

204,680

 

 

3.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

261,726

 

 

7.08

 

 

110,878

 

 

3.00

 

 

184,797

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

217,186

 

 

7.48

 

 

87,099

 

 

3.00

 

 

145,165

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

37,144

 

 

12.78

 

 

8,717

 

 

3.00

 

 

14,528

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

14,250

 

 

10.11

 

 

4,230

 

 

3.00

 

 

7,050

 

 

5.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

546,178

 

 

12.07

 

$

361,878

 

 

8.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

286,646

 

 

12.26

 

 

187,098

 

 

8.00

 

 

233,873

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

208,285

 

 

10.46

 

 

159,317

 

 

8.00

 

 

199,147

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

26,928

 

 

18.08

 

 

11,912

 

 

8.00

 

 

14,890

 

 

10.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

9,571

 

 

19.90

 

 

3,848

 

 

8.00

 

 

4,810

 

 

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

498,731

 

 

11.03

 

$

180,939

 

 

4.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

260,240

 

 

11.13

 

 

93,549

 

 

4.00

 

 

140,324

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

189,324

 

 

9.51

 

 

79,659

 

 

4.00

 

 

119,488

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

25,384

 

 

17.05

 

 

5,956

 

 

4.00

 

 

8,934

 

 

6.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

9,209

 

 

19.15

 

 

1,924

 

 

4.00

 

 

2,886

 

 

6.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier 1 leverage capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

$

498,731

 

 

8.51

 

$

175,801

 

 

3.00

 

$

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Hancock Bank

 

 

260,240

 

 

7.97

 

 

97,968

 

 

3.00

 

 

163,281

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Louisiana

 

 

189,324

 

 

7.55

 

 

75,225

 

 

3.00

 

 

125,374

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Florida

 

 

25,384

 

 

16.79

 

 

4,536

 

 

3.00

 

 

7,560

 

 

5.00

 

Hancock Bank of Alabama

 

 

9,209

 

 

25.33

 

 

1,091

 

 

3.00

 

 

1,818

 

 

5.00

 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans

          At December 31, 2008, the Company had a pension plan and two postretirement plans for employees, which are described more fully below. The Company has accounted for its defined benefit pension plan using the actuarial model required by SFAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions. The compensation cost of an employee’s pension benefit has been recognized on the projected unit credit method over the employee’s approximate service period. The aggregate cost method has been utilized for funding purposes. The Company also sponsors two defined benefit postretirement plans, which provide medical benefits and life insurance benefits. The Company has accounted for these plans using the actuarial computations required by SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions as amended by SFAS No. 132. The cost of the defined benefit postretirement plan has been recognized on the projected unit credit method over the employee’s approximate service period.

          Effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted certain requirements of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). Under SFAS No. 158, the Company is required to recognize the over funded or under funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability on its balance sheet. This pronouncement also requires the Company to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income effective for years ending after December 15, 2006. In addition, this statement requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. With the adoption of the change in measurement date of SFAS No. 158, the Company recorded an $815,107 adjustment to beginning 2008 retained earnings. Results for prior periods have not been restated.

Defined Benefit Plan - Pension

          The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering employees who have been employed by the Company one year and who have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours during the calendar year. The Company’s current policy is to contribute annually the minimum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. The benefits are based upon years of service and the employee’s compensation during the last five years of employment.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

          The measurement date for the pension plan is December 31, 2008. Data relative to the pension plan is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008*

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Change in benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, beginning of year

 

$

73,203

 

$

68,293

 

Service cost

 

 

3,283

 

 

2,656

 

Interest cost

 

 

5,646

 

 

3,834

 

Actuarial loss

 

 

4,999

 

 

1,331

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(4,269

)

 

(2,911

)

 

 



 



 

Benefit obligation, end of year

 

 

82,862

 

 

73,203

 

 

 



 



 

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

 

 

59,741

 

 

51,935

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

(11,757

)

 

6,275

 

Employer contributions

 

 

7,467

 

 

4,695

 

Benefit payments

 

 

(4,269

)

 

(2,911

)

Expenses

 

 

(181

)

 

(253

)

 

 



 



 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

 

 

51,001

 

 

59,741

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year - net liability

 

$

(31,861

)

$

(13,462

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized loss at beginning of year

 

$

18,699

 

$

20,307

 

Amount of (loss)/gain recognized during the year

 

 

(1,184

)

 

(1,122

)

Net actuarial loss/(gain)

 

 

22,975

 

 

(486

)

 

 



 



 

Unrecognized loss at end of year

 

$

40,490

 

$

18,699

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* 2008 amounts are for the 15 month period October 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008.

 

          Net periodic expense is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

2,626

 

$

2,656

 

$

2,304

 

Interest cost

 

 

4,517

 

 

3,834

 

 

3,499

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(4,830

)

 

(4,206

)

 

(3,867

)

Recognized net amortization and deferral

 

 

947

 

 

1,122

 

 

1,062

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net pension benefit cost

 

 

3,260

 

 

3,406

 

 

2,998

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss)/gain recognized during the year

 

 

(1,184

)

 

(1,122

)

 

1,062

 

Net actuarial loss/(gain)

 

 

22,975

 

 

(486

)

 

(623

)

 

 



 



 



 

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

 

 

21,791

 

 

(1,608

)

 

439

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

 

$

25,051

 

$

1,798

 

$

3,437

 

 

 



 



 



 

Weighted average assumptions as of measurement date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate for benefit obligations

 

 

5.96

%

 

6.31

%

 

5.75

%

Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost

 

 

6.31

%

 

5.75

%

 

5.50

%

Expected long-term return on plan assets

 

 

7.50

%

 

8.00

%

 

8.00

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

 

4.00

%

 

4.00

%

 

4.00

%



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

          The long term rate of return is determined by using the weighted-average of historical real returns for major asset classes based on target asset allocations. The result is then adjusted for inflation. The Company changed to the Citigroup Discount Pension Curve in 2007 from the Aa Seasoned Moody Twenty Year Bond Rate which was used in 2006. The Company used the Citigroup Discount Pension Curve discount rate at December 31, 2008. This curve had a duration of 15.53 years.

          The Company has been making the contributions required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company’s contributions to this plan were $4.8 million in 2008, $4.6 million in 2007 and $4.7 million in 2006. The Company expects to contribute approximately $6.6 million to the pension plan in 2009. The following pension plan benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be made (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

$

3,265

 

2010

 

 

3,386

 

2011

 

 

3,534

 

2012

 

 

4,039

 

2013

 

 

4,175

 

2014 - 2018

 

 

23,720

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

42,119

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

          The expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2008.

          The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations and target allocations at December 31, 2008 and 2007, by asset category, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Assets
at December 31,

 

Target Allocation
at December 31,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

 

49%

 

 

51%

 

 

40-70%

 

 

30-60%

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

47%

 

 

44%

 

 

30-60%

 

 

40-70%

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

4%

 

 

5%

 

 

0-10%

 

 

0-10%

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          The investment strategy of the pension plan is to emphasize a balanced return of current income and growth of principal while accepting a moderate level of risk. The investment goal of the plan is to meet or exceed the return of balanced market index comprised of 50% of the S&P 500 Index and 50% Barclays Intermediate Aggregate Index. The pension plan investment committee meets periodically to review the policy, strategy and performance of the plan. The pension plan’s assets do not include any of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2008 or 2007.

Defined Benefit Plan - Postretirement

          The Company sponsors two defined benefit postretirement plans, other than the pension plan, that cover full-time employees who have reached 55 years of age with fifteen years of service, age 62 with twelve years of service or age 65 with ten years of service. One plan provides medical benefits and the other provides life insurance benefits. The postretirement health care plan is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually and subject to certain employer contribution maximums; the life insurance plan is noncontributory.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

          The measurement date for the plans is December 31, 2008. The Company used a 6.00% and 6.40% discount rate for the determination of the projected postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The discount rate is based on the Citigroup Discount Pension Curve.

Data relative to these postretirement benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Change in postretirement benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected postretirement benefit obligation, beginning of year

 

$

8,481

 

$

7,438

 

Service cost

 

 

174

 

 

168

 

Interest cost

 

 

505

 

 

485

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 

304

 

 

286

 

Actuarial loss

 

 

269

 

 

1,012

 

Benefit payments

 

 

(1,006

)

 

(908

)

 

 



 



 

Projected postretirement benefit obligation, end of year

 

 

8,727

 

 

8,481

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan assets, beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

Employer contributions

 

 

702

 

 

622

 

Plan participants’ contributions

 

 

304

 

 

286

 

Benefit payments

 

 

(1,006

)

 

(908

)

 

 



 



 

Plan assets, end of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year - net liability

 

$

(8,727

)

$

(8,481

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

2,568

 

$

2,476

 

Prior service cost

 

 

(208

)

 

(261

)

Net obligation

 

 

15

 

 

21

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

2,375

 

$

2,236

 

 

 



 



 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

The following table shows the composition of net period postretirement benefit cost (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

174

 

$

168

 

$

315

 

Interest costs

 

 

505

 

 

485

 

 

393

 

Amortization of net loss

 

 

177

 

 

249

 

 

116

 

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

(5

)

 

(5

)

 

(5

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

53

 

 

53

 

 

53

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost

 

 

904

 

 

950

 

 

872

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of loss recognized during the year

 

 

(177

)

 

(249

)

 

(115

)

Net actuarial (gain)/loss

 

 

269

 

 

1,012

 

 

(426

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

(53

)

 

(53

)

 

(53

)

 

 



 



 



 

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss

 

 

44

 

 

715

 

 

(589

)

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

 

$

948

 

$

1,665

 

$

283

 

 

 



 



 



 

          For measurement purposes in 2008, a 7.0% annual rate of increase in the over age 65 per capita costs of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2009. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% over 2 years and remain at that level thereafter. In 2007, an 8.0% annual rate of increase in the over age 65 per capita costs of covered health care benefits was assumed. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% over 3 years and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts reported. The following table illustrates the effect on the postretirement benefit obligation of a 1% increase or 1% decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1% Decrease
in Rates

 

Assumed
Rates

 

1% Increase
in Rates

 

 

 


 


 


 

Aggregated service and interest cost

 

$

609

 

$

679

 

$

764

 

Postretirement benefit obligation

 

 

7,935

 

 

8,727

 

 

9,684

 

          The Company expects to contribute $0.7 million to the plans in 2009. Expected benefits to be paid over the next ten years and are reflected the following table (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

$

728

 

2010

 

 

754

 

2011

 

 

764

 

2012

 

 

645

 

2013

 

 

603

 

2014 - 2018

 

 

2,424

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

5,918

 

 

 



 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (continued)

          The following table shows the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that the Company expects to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost during the year ending December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service cost

 

$

(53

)

Net transition obligation

 

 

5

 

Net loss

 

 

170

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

122

 

 

 



 

Defined Contribution Plan – 401(k)

          The Company has a 401(k) retirement plan covering substantially all employees who have been employed 90 days excluding on call, temporary, and seasonal employees and meet certain other requirements. Under this plan, employees can contribute a portion of their salary within limits provided by the Internal Revenue Code into the plan. The Company’s contributions to this plan were $1.7 million in 2008, $1.5 million in 2007 and $1.4 million in 2006.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

          The Company has one nonqualified deferred compensation plan covering key employees who have met certain requirements. The Company’s contributions to this plan were $1.0 million in 2008. Contributions to this plan were $0.5 million in 2007 and $0.4 million in 2006.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

          The Company has an employee stock purchase plan that is designed to provide the employees of the Company a convenient means of purchasing common stock of the Company. Substantially all salaried, full time employees, who have been employed by the Company 90 days excluding on call, temporary, and seasonal employees, are eligible to participate. The Company makes no contribution to each participant’s contribution. The numbers of shares purchased under this plan were 9,864 in 2008, 11,623 in 2007 and 7,213 in 2006.

          The postretirement plans relating to health care payments and life insurance are not guaranteed and are subject to immediate cancellation and/or amendment. These plans are predicated on future Company profit levels that will justify their continuance. Overall health care costs are also a factor in the level of benefits provided and continuance of these post-retirement plans. There are no vested rights under the postretirement health or life insurance plans.

Note 10. Stock-Based Payment Arrangements

          At December 31, 2008, the Company had two share-based payment plans for employees, which are described below. The Company follows the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 total compensation cost for share-based compensation recognized in income was $2.8 million, $1.2 million, and $3.7 million, respectively. The total recognized tax benefit related to the share-based compensation was $0.7 million, $0.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, for years 2008, 2007 and 2006.

          Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company presented all tax benefits of deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. SFAS 123(R) requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. The excess tax benefit classified as a financing cash inflow and classified as an operating cash outflow for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $4.5 million, $0.3 million, and $3.5 million, respectively.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10. Stock-Based Payment Arrangements (continued)

Stock Option Plans

          The 1996 Hancock Holding Company Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) that was approved by the Company’s shareholders in 1996 was designed to provide annual incentive stock awards. Awards as defined in the 1996 Plan include, with limitations, stock options (including restricted stock options), restricted and performance shares, and performance stock awards, all on a stand-alone, combination or tandem basis. A total of fifteen million (15,000,000) common shares can be granted under the 1996 Plan with an annual grant maximum of two percent (2%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock as reported for the fiscal year ending immediately prior to such plan year. Grants of restricted stock awards are limited to one-third of the grant totals.

          The exercise price is equal to the closing market price on the date immediately preceding the date of grant, except for certain of those granted to major stockholders where the option price is 110 percent of the market price. Option awards generally vest based on five years of continuous service and have ten-year contractual terms. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares upon share option exercise and issue treasury shares upon restricted stock award vesting. The 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan expired in 2006.

          In March of 2005, the stockholders of the Company approved Hancock Holding Company’s 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) as the successor plan to the 1996 LTIP. The 2005 Plan is designed to enable employees and directors to obtain a proprietary interest in the Company and to attract and retain outstanding personnel.

          The 2005 Plan provides that awards for up to an aggregate of five million (5,000,000) shares of the Company’s common stock may be granted during the term of the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan limits the number of shares for which awards may be granted during any calendar year to two percent (2%) of the outstanding Company’s common stock as reported for the fiscal year ending immediately prior to such plan year.

          The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on the Company’s stock, historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Expected volatility

 

29.02% - 35.33%

 

29.02% - 30.89%

 

29.87%

 

Expected dividends

 

2.31% - 2.60%

 

2.47% - 2.52%

 

1.61% - 1.96%

 

Expected term (in years)

 

5.6 - 8.7

 

5.6 - 9

 

5 - 8

 

Risk-free rates

 

2.07% - 3.71%

 

3.87% - 5.10%

 

4.30% - 4.54%

 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10. Stock-Based Payment Arrangements (continued)

A summary of option activity and changes under the plans for 2008 is presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Number of
Shares

 

Average
Exercise
Price ($)

 

Contractual
Term
(Years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value ($000)

 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

 

1,345,333

 

$

29.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

154,261

 

$

41.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(469,985

)

$

22.67

 

 

 

 

$

12,591

 

Forfeited or expired

 

 

(15,932

)

$

37.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

 

 

1,013,677

 

$

33.75

 

 

6.4

 

$

11,865

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

 

 

622,244

 

$

29.18

 

 

5.0

 

$

10,131

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Share options expected to vest

 

 

391,433

 

$

41.03

 

 

8.6

 

$

1,734

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

          The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2008, 2007, and 2006 were $13.19, $12.14, and $14.21, respectively, per optioned share. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $12.6 million, $5.2 million, and $8.2 million, respectively.

          A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of December 31, 2008, and changes during 2008, is presented below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value ($)

 

 

 


 


 

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2008

 

589,290

 

$

21.82

 

Granted

 

230,184

 

$

22.24

 

Vested

 

(161,022

)

$

18.41

 

Forfeited

 

(12,189

)

$

23.33

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

 

646,263

 

$

22.79

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

          As of December 31, 2008, there was $10.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.9 years. The total fair value of shares which vested during 2008 and 2007 was $3.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

          The Company adopted Statement of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, on January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework, and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to these valuation techniques used to measure fair value giving preference to quoted prices in active markets (level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs such as a reporting entity’s own data (level 3). Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, observable inputs other than quoted prices, such as interest rates and yield curves, and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Available for sale securities classified as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy include U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored agencies, and other debt and equity securities. Level 2 classified available for sale securities include mortgage-backed debt securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and state and municipal bonds.

          The Company adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment SFAS No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”), on January 1, 2008. The Company did not elect to fair value any additional items under SFAS No. 159. The Company, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2 “The Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, will defer application of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until January 1, 2009.

Off-Balance Sheet RiskFair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

          The following table presents for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value (in thousands) on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Net Balance

 









Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale securities

 

$

290,374

 

$

1,389,382

 

$

1,679,756

 

Trading securities

 

 

2,201

 

 

 

 

2,201

 

Short-term investments

 

 

362,895

 

 

 

 

362,895

 

Interest rate lock commitments

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

10

 

Swaps

 

 

 

 

(4,123

)

 

(4,123

)

Loans carried at fair value

 

 

 

 

24,125

 

 

24,125

 












Total assets

 

$

655,470

 

$

1,409,394

 

$

2,064,864

 












Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

          Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and therefore are not included in the table above. Impaired loans are level 2 assets measured using appraisals from external parties of the collateral less any prior liens. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of impaired loans was $14.8 million.

          The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:

Cash, Short-Term Investments and Federal Funds Sold - For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

Securities - Estimated fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on market prices of comparable instruments.

Loans, Net of Unearned Income - The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates for similar loans with the same remaining maturities.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Accrued Interest Payable– The carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of their fair values.

Deposits – SFAS No. 107 requires that the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking and savings accounts, be assigned fair values equal to amounts payable upon demand (carrying amounts). The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Federal Funds Purchased - For these short-term liabilities, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase and Federal Funds Purchased – For these short-term liabilities, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Long-Term Notes - Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt. The fair value is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using current market rates at which similar Notes over the same remaining term could be obtained.

Commitments - The fair value of loan commitments and letters of credit approximate the fees currently charged for similar agreements or the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle similar obligations. The fees associated with these financial instruments, or the estimated cost to terminate, as applicable are immaterial.

          The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, interest-bearing deposits, federal funds sold, and short-term investments

 

$

749,191

 

$

749,191

 

$

308,896

 

$

308,896

 

Securities

 

 

1,681,957

 

 

1,681,957

 

 

1,670,208

 

 

1,670,208

 

Loans, net of unearned income

 

 

4,271,580

 

 

4,625,130

 

 

3,615,514

 

 

3,828,989

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

33,067

 

 

33,067

 

 

35,117

 

 

35,117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

$

5,930,937

 

$

5,990,883

 

$

5,009,534

 

$

5,026,639

 

Federal funds purchased

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,100

 

 

4,100

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

505,932

 

 

505,932

 

 

371,604

 

 

371,604

 

Long-term notes

 

 

638

 

 

638

 

 

793

 

 

793

 

Accrued interest payable

 

 

6,322

 

 

6,322

 

 

9,105

 

 

9,105

 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

Lending Related

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into financial instruments, such as commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, to meet the financing needs of its customers. Such instruments are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements until they are funded and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party on whose behalf the instrument has been issued. The Company undertakes the same credit evaluation in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheeton-balance sheet instruments and may require collateral or other credit support for off-balance-sheetoff-balance sheet financial instruments. These obligations are summarized below (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

885,156

 

$

1,110,935

 

Letters of credit

 

 

113,274

 

 

86,969

 

At          Approximately $610.4 million and $524.7 million of commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2005 the Company had $550.9 million in unused loan commitments outstanding, of which approximately $348.9 million2008 and 2007, respectively, were at variable rates and the remainder was at fixed rates. A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as the conditions established in the agreement have been satisfied. A commitment to extend credit generally has a fixed expiration date or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee by the borrower. Since commitments often expire without being fully drawn, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Company. The Company continually evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. Occasionally, a credit evaluation of a customer requesting a commitment to extend credit results in the Company obtaining collateral to support the obligation.

Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing a letter of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending a loan. The Company accounts for these commitments under the provisions of the FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. The liability associated with letters of credit is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Letters of credit are supported by collateral or borrower guarantee sufficient to cover any draw on the letter that would result in an outstanding loan.

Visa Litigation

          In the fourth quarter of 2007, we recorded a $2.5 million pretax charge pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN No. 45”) for liabilities related to VISA USA’s antitrust settlement with American Express and other pending VISA litigation (reflecting our share as a VISA member.) In the first quarter of 2008 as part of VISA’s initial public offering, VISA redeemed 37.5% of shares held by us resulting in proceeds of $2.8 million in a realized security gain. The remaining 62.5% of the Class B shares are restricted and must be held for the longer period of 3 years or until all settlements are complete. At that time, we can keep the Class B shares or convert them to Class A publicly tradeable shares at a conversion rate to be determined. These shares are recorded at historical cost. The realized securities gain is included in the securities gain line of the noninterest income section of the Consolidated Statements of Income and the cash received is recorded in cash and due from banks in the assets section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, VISA lowered its estimate of pending litigation settlements. Consequently, $1.3 million of the $2.5 million FIN No. 45 liability that was recorded in the fourth quarter was reversed in the first quarter of 2008. The reduction in the litigation liability is recorded in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the reduction in litigation expense is recorded in the other expense line of the noninterest expense section of the Consolidated Statements of Income.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

          In the fourth quarter of 2008, VISA, Discover Financial Services Inc., and MasterCard Inc. announced that they have settled the antitrust lawsuit and that they are working on the specific terms on the settlement. On December 22, 2008, VISA, Inc. announced that it had deposited $1.1 billion into the litigation escrow account as settlement for the Discover case. Under terms of the plan, Hancock Bank as a member bank bore its portion of the expense via a reduction in share count of Class B shares. There was no cash outlay required of Hancock Bank. Based on the funding and settlement with Discover, Hancock Bank reversed as of December 31, 2008, the portion of the VISA contingency reserve related to Discover of $0.3 million. The reduction in the litigation liability is recorded in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the reduction in litigation expense is recorded in the other expense line of the noninterest expense section of the Consolidated Statements of Income. The settlement did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. As of December 31, 2008, $0.9 million of the initial $2.5 million FIN No. 45 liability remained in the other liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Legal Proceedings

          The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, each matter is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial statements of the Company.

Lease Commitments

          Hancock currently has capital and operating leases for buildings and equipment that expire from 2009 to 2048. It is expected that certain leases will be renewed or equipment replaced as leases expire. Certain of these leases have escalation clauses that are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease as required by SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases. Future minimum lease payments for all non-cancelable capital and operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at December 31, 2008 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captial Leases

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 


 


 

2009

 

$

152

 

$

4,563

 

2010

 

 

81

 

 

3,890

 

2011

 

 

26

 

 

2,787

 

2012

 

 

28

 

 

2,324

 

2013

 

 

31

 

 

1,828

 

Thereafter

 

 

83

 

 

17,191

 

 

 



 



 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

401

 

$

32,583

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Amounts representing interest

 

 

110

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$

291

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

         Rental expense approximated $5.7 million, $6.4 million, and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Rental expense is included in net occupancy expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13. Other Noninterest Income and Other Noninterest Expense

          The components of other noninterest income and other noninterest expense are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Other noninterest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from bank owned life insurance

 

$

5,906

 

$

4,912

 

$

4,091

 

Outsourced check income

 

 

284

 

 

2,288

 

 

2,801

 

Income on real estate option

 

 

 

 

 

 

859

 

Safety deposit box income

 

 

821

 

 

794

 

 

842

 

Appraisal fee income

 

 

1,001

 

 

926

 

 

852

 

Other

 

 

5,564

 

 

5,820

 

 

4,177

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total other noninterest income

 

$

13,576

 

$

14,740

 

$

13,622

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other noninterest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postage

 

$

3,902

 

$

3,851

 

$

3,731

 

Communication

 

 

5,552

 

 

6,602

 

 

5,918

 

Data processing

 

 

18,432

 

 

17,585

 

 

13,933

 

Legal and professional services

 

 

12,718

 

 

15,234

 

 

13,968

 

Ad valorem and franchise taxes

 

 

3,532

 

 

3,514

 

 

3,346

 

Printing and supplies

 

 

1,833

 

 

2,252

 

 

1,997

 

Advertising

 

 

6,917

 

 

7,032

 

 

6,642

 

Regulatory and other fees

 

 

6,935

 

 

4,433

 

 

5,513

 

Miscellaneous expense

 

 

3,705

 

 

10,522

 

 

9,927

 

Other expense

 

 

8,182

 

 

7,208

 

 

8,117

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total other noninterest expense

 

$

71,708

 

$

78,233

 

$

73,092

 

 

 



 



 



 

Note 14. Income Taxes

          Income taxes consisted of the following components (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Current federal

 

$

24,603

 

$

19,150

 

$

19,879

 

Current state

 

 

2,028

 

 

1,209

 

 

2,066

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total current provision

 

 

26,631

 

 

20,359

 

 

21,945

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred federal

 

 

(4,675

)

 

6,264

 

 

22,641

 

Deferred state

 

 

(337

)

 

1,296

 

 

1,958

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total deferred provision

 

 

(5,012

)

 

7,560

 

 

24,599

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total tax expense

 

$

21,619

 

$

27,919

 

$

46,544

 

 

 



 



 



 

          Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14. Income Taxes (continued)

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum pension liability

 

$

16,004

 

$

8,787

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

22,792

 

 

17,420

 

Compensation

 

 

8,740

 

 

7,960

 

Capital loss

 

 

1,405

 

 

 

Net operating loss

 

 

182

 

 

182

 

Other

 

 

1,496

 

 

1,405

 

 

 



 



 

Gross deferred tax assets

 

 

50,619

 

 

35,754

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(85

)

 

(85

)

 

 



 



 

Net deferred tax assets

 

 

50,534

 

 

35,669

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets & intangibles

 

 

(26,432

)

 

(25,842

)

Unrealized gain on securities available for sale

 

 

(10,479

)

 

(94

)

Other

 

 

(7,804

)

 

(5,757

)

 

 



 



 

Gross deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(44,715

)

 

(31,693

)

 

 



 



 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$

5,819

 

$

3,976

 

 

 



 



 

At December 31, 20052008, Magna Insurance Company had a deferred tax asset net of a valuation allowance, $1.5 million, related to a federal net operating loss carryforward and capital loss carryforward. This net operating loss carryforward will expire in 2011 and the capital loss carryforward will expire in 2013. Also, the deferred tax assets above are net of an immaterial valuation allowance due to miscellaneous state net operating losses. Other than these items, no valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets has been recorded on December 31, 2008 and 2007, as management believes it is more than not that the remaining deferred tax assets will be fully utilized.

          The reason for differences in income taxes reported compared to amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate of 35% to earnings before income taxes were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Taxes computed at statutory rate

 

$

30,445

 

 

35%

 

$

35,634

 

 

35%

 

$

51,921

 

 

35%

 

Increases (decreases) in taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

 

 

1,099

 

 

1%

 

 

1,628

 

 

2%

 

 

2,616

 

 

2%

 

Tax-exempt interest

 

 

(5,827

)

 

-7%

 

 

(5,072

)

 

-5%

 

 

(4,311

)

 

-3%

 

Bank owned life insurance

 

 

(2,159

)

 

-2%

 

 

(1,807

)

 

-2%

 

 

(1,417

)

 

-1%

 

Tax credits

 

 

(3,514

)

 

-4%

 

 

(3,510

)

 

-3%

 

 

(2,357

)

 

-2%

 

Other, net

 

 

1,575

 

 

2%

 

 

1,046

 

 

1%

 

 

92

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Income tax expense

 

$

21,619

 

 

25%

 

$

27,919

 

 

28%

 

$

46,544

 

 

31%

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14. Income Taxes (continued)

    ��     Due to recent tax legislation following Hurricane Katrina, tax credits available to the Company had $57.4 millionfor the 2008 and 2007 tax years include the Worker’s Opportunity Tax Credit and the Gulf Tax Credit.

FIN 48

          The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in lettersIncome Taxes, An Interpretation of credit issuedFASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007 and outstanding.

The following table showsdetermined that no adjustment was required to retained earnings due to the commitments to extend credit and lettersadoption of creditthis Interpretation. There were no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2005 according2008. The Company does not expect that unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.

          It is the Company’s policy to expiration date.

Page 39recognize interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of 54


                                                                        Expiration Date
                                                        ---------------------------------------------
(dollarsDecember 31, 2008, the interest accrued is considered immaterial to the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

          The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, as well as filing various returns in thousands) Less than 1-3 3-5 More than Total 1 yearthe states where its banking offices are located. Its filed income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years years 5 years -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Commitments to extend credit $ 550,948 $ 284,249 $ 34,999 $ 25,815 $ 205,885 Lettersbefore 2005.

Note 15. Earnings Per Share

          Following is a summary of credit 57,427 34,261 1,287 21,397 483 -------------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Total $ 608,375 $ 318,510 $ 36,286 $ 47,212 $ 206,368 ============== ============== ============= ============== =============

the information used in the computation of earnings per common share (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net income available to common stockholders - used in computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share

 

$

65,366

 

$

73,892

 

$

101,802

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - used in computation of basic earnings per common share

 

 

31,491

 

 

32,000

 

 

32,534

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 

392

 

 

545

 

 

770

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus effect of dilutive securities - used in computation of diluted earnings per common share

 

 

31,883

 

 

32,545

 

 

33,304

 

 

 



 



 



 

          The Company had no shares of anti-dilutive options in 2008 and no shares of anti-dilutive options in 2007. There were 55,398 anti-dilutive options in 2006.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16. Segment Reporting

The Company’s primary segments are geographically divided into the Mississippi (MS), Louisiana (LA), Florida (FL) and Florida (FL)Alabama (AL) markets. Each segment offers the same products and services but is managed separately due to different pricing, product demand and consumer markets. Each segment offersThe four segments offer commercial, consumer and mortgage loans and deposit services. In the followingall tables, the column “Other” includes additional consolidated subsidiaries of the Company: Hancock Mortgage Corporation, Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc., Harrison Finance Company, Magna Insurance Company and three real estate corporations owning land and buildings that house bank branches and other facilities. Following is selected information for the Company’s segments:segments (in thousands):

Page 40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2008

 

 

 


 

 

 

MS

 

LA

 

FL

 

AL

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Interest income

 

$

158,288

 

$

145,546

 

$

9,717

 

$

5,088

 

$

26,574

 

$

(9,776

)

$

335,437

 

Interest expense

 

 

73,477

 

 

48,813

 

 

5,355

 

 

2,508

 

 

5,164

 

 

(9,315

)

 

126,002

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net interest income

 

 

84,811

 

 

96,733

 

 

4,362

 

 

2,580

 

 

21,410

 

 

(461

)

 

209,435

 

Provision for loan losses

 

 

11,922

 

 

15,715

 

 

2,419

 

 

1,393

 

 

5,336

 

 

 

 

36,785

 

Noninterest income

 

 

55,640

 

 

46,231

 

 

1,633

 

 

702

 

 

23,606

 

 

(34

)

 

127,778

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

10,778

 

 

3,555

 

 

484

 

 

377

 

 

567

 

 

 

 

15,761

 

Other noninterest expense

 

 

87,318

 

 

68,340

 

 

6,894

 

 

4,634

 

 

30,613

 

 

(117

)

 

197,682

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

30,433

 

 

55,354

 

 

(3,802

)

 

(3,122

)

 

8,500

 

 

(378

)

 

86,985

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

6,627

 

 

14,854

 

 

(1,953

)

 

(1,163

)

 

3,254

 

 

 

 

21,619

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net income (loss)

 

$

23,806

 

$

40,500

 

$

(1,849

)

$

(1,959

)

$

5,246

 

$

(378

)

$

65,366

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

3,795,890

 

$

3,008,320

 

$

367,134

 

$

155,862

 

$

871,758

 

$

(1,031,710

)

$

7,167,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from affiliates

 

$

9,754

 

$

8

 

$

14

 

$

 

$

 

$

(9,776

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from external customers

 

$

148,534

 

$

145,538

 

$

9,703

 

$

5,088

 

$

26,574

 

$

 

$

335,437

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2007

 

 

 


 

 

 

MS

 

LA

 

FL

 

AL

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Interest income

 

$

179,775

 

$

148,708

 

$

9,583

 

$

1,238

 

$

25,769

 

$

(19,376

)

$

345,697

 

Interest expense

 

 

79,189

 

 

66,699

 

 

5,023

 

 

462

 

 

7,779

 

 

(18,916

)

 

140,236

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net interest income

 

 

100,586

 

 

82,009

 

 

4,560

 

 

776

 

 

17,990

 

 

(460

)

 

205,461

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

(22

)

 

3,744

 

 

427

 

 

400

 

 

3,044

 

 

 

 

7,593

 

Noninterest income

 

 

53,787

 

 

37,035

 

 

883

 

 

56

 

 

28,967

 

 

(42

)

 

120,686

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

9,665

 

 

3,323

 

 

452

 

 

54

 

 

545

 

 

 

 

14,039

 

Other noninterest expense

 

 

89,626

 

 

70,984

 

 

5,610

 

 

1,567

 

 

36,511

 

 

(1,594

)

 

202,704

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

55,104

 

 

40,993

 

 

(1,046

)

 

(1,189

)

 

6,857

 

 

1,092

 

 

101,811

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

15,788

 

 

10,458

 

 

(603

)

 

(399

)

 

2,675

 

 

 

 

27,919

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net income (loss)

 

$

39,316

 

$

30,535

 

$

(443

)

$

(790

)

$

4,182

 

$

1,092

 

$

73,892

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

3,351,986

 

$

2,512,200

 

$

168,790

 

$

48,619

 

$

815,011

 

$

(840,627

)

$

6,055,979

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from affiliates

 

$

19,327

 

$

 

$

 

$

49

 

$

 

$

(19,376

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from external customers

 

$

160,448

 

$

148,708

 

$

9,583

 

$

1,189

 

$

25,769

 

$

 

$

345,697

 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16. Segment Reporting (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2006

 

 

 


 

 

 

MS

 

LA

 

FL

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Interest income

 

$

193,461

 

$

136,814

 

$

8,108

 

$

20,270

 

$

(14,590

)

$

344,063

 

Interest expense

 

 

72,154

 

 

52,833

 

 

2,934

 

 

6,103

 

 

(14,161

)

 

119,863

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net interest income

 

 

121,307

 

 

83,981

 

 

5,174

 

 

14,167

 

 

(429

)

 

224,200

 

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses

 

 

(19,811

)

 

(4,446

)

 

834

 

 

2,661

 

 

 

 

(20,762

)

Noninterest income

 

 

50,260

 

 

29,995

 

 

384

 

 

25,966

 

 

(105

)

 

106,500

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

6,986

 

 

2,611

 

 

319

 

 

527

 

 

 

 

10,443

 

Other noninterest expense

 

 

92,156

 

 

61,872

 

 

5,210

 

 

33,479

 

 

(44

)

 

192,673

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

92,236

 

 

53,939

 

 

(805

)

 

3,466

 

 

(490

)

 

148,346

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

23,074

 

 

24,035

 

 

(603

)

 

(796

)

 

834

 

 

46,544

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Net income (loss)

 

$

69,162

 

$

29,904

 

$

(202

)

$

4,262

 

$

(1,324

)

$

101,802

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

3,454,274

 

$

2,365,422

 

$

158,836

 

$

807,912

 

$

(821,879

)

$

5,964,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from affiliates

 

$

13,895

 

$

6

 

$

260

 

$

 

$

(14,161

)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest income from external customers

 

$

179,566

 

$

136,808

 

$

7,848

 

$

20,270

 

$

(429

)

$

344,063

 

          The Company allocated administrative charges among its Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Other segments and its Mississippi segment and the Parent Company. This allocation was based on an analysis of 54



                                                                            Year ended
(amountscosts for 2008. The administrative charges allocated to the Louisiana segment were $18.9 million in thousands)2008, $18.0 million in 2007, and $11.8 million in 2006. The Florida segment received $0.3 million in allocated administrative charges in 2008, $0.2 million in 2007, and $0.2 million in 2006. The administrative charges allocated to the Alabama segment were $0.05 million in 2008 and $0 in 2007. The Other segment’s allocated charges were $1.2 million in 2008, $1.0 million in 2007 and $0.7 million in 2006. The aforementioned administrative charges were allocated from the Mississippi segment ($20.3 million in 2008, $19.2 million in 2007, and $12.7 million in 2006). Subsidiaries of the Mississippi segment were included in the cost allocation process beginning in 2004. Administrative charges allocated from the Parent Company were $0.1 million in 2008, $0.1 million in 2007 and $0.3 million in 2006.

          Goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Mississippi segment totaled approximately $13.1 million, of which $12.1 million represented goodwill and $1.0 million represented core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2005 MS LA FL Other Eliminations Consolidated ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Interest income $ 140,583 $ 109,248 $ 6,563 $ 13,136 $ (5,899) $ 263,631 Interest expense 45,392 33,184 1,796 - (5,553) 74,819 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net interest income 95,191 76,064 4,767 13,136 (346) 188,812 Provision for loan losses 24,744 14,836 493 2,562 - 42,635 Non-interest income 46,197 28,061 476 23,670 (135) 98,269 Depreciation and amortization 5,299 2,467 454 497 - 8,717 Other non-interest expense 73,725 56,065 4,349 28,820 (133) 162,826 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Earnings before income taxes 37,620 30,757 (53) 4,927 (348) 72,903 Income tax expense 16,673 (191) 170 2,260 (41) 18,871 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net earnings $ 20,947 $ 30,948 $ (223) $ 2,667 $ (307) $ 54,032 ============ ============ ============ =============== =============== =============== Year ended (amounts in thousands)2008. At December 31, 2004 MS LA FL Other Eliminations Consolidated ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Interest income $ 120,197 $ 91,148 $ 3,089 $ 14,673 $ (2,333) $ 226,774 Interest expense 37,953 20,385 922 65 (2,055) 57,270 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net interest income 82,244 70,763 2,167 14,608 (278) 169,504 Provision for loan losses 5,564 6,429 928 3,616 - 16,537 Non-interest income 39,894 33,255 445 19,084 (2,397) 90,281 Depreciation2007, goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Mississippi segment totaled approximately $13.5 million, of which $12.1 million represented goodwill and $1.4 million represented core deposit intangibles. The related core deposit amortization 5,879 2,648 67 563 - 9,157 Other non-interest expense 67,370 51,348 3,047 24,157 (128) 145,794 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Earnings before income taxes 43,325 43,593 (1,430) 5,356 (2,547) 88,297 Income tax expense 12,808 13,213 (547) 1,913 (794) 26,593 ------------ ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net earnings $ 30,517 $ 30,380 $ (883) $ 3,443 $ (1,753) $ 61,704 ============ ============ ============ =============== =============== =============== Year ended (amountswas approximately $0.4 million in thousands)2008, $0.4 million in 2007, and $0.4 million in 2006.

          Goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Louisiana segment totaled approximately $36.7 million, of which $33.8 million represented goodwill and $2.9 million represented core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2003 MS LA FL2008. Goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Louisiana segment totaled approximately $37.3 million, of which $33.8 million represented goodwill and $3.5 million represented core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2007. The related core deposit amortization was approximately $0.6 million in 2008, $0.7 million in 2007, and $0.8 million in 2006.

          Goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Florida segment totaled approximately $11.9 million, of which $11.3 million represented goodwill and $0.6 million represented core deposit intangibles, at December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2007, goodwill and other intangible assets assigned to the Florida segment totaled approximately $12.0 million, of which $11.3 million represented goodwill and $0.7 million represented core deposit intangibles. The related core deposit amortization was approximately $0.1 million in 2008, $0.1 million in 2007 and $0.1 million in 2006.



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16. Segment Reporting (continued)

          Other Eliminations Consolidated ------------- ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Interest income $ 121,664 $ 83,368 $ - $ 13,648 $ (531) $ 218,149 Interest expense 38,982 19,301 - (2) (320) 57,961 ------------- ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net interest income 82,682 64,067 - 13,650 (211) 160,188 Provision for loan losses 7,385 5,720 - 2,049 - 15,154 Non-interest income 37,497 26,725 - 10,563 (29) 74,756 Depreciationintangible assets are also assigned to subsidiaries that are included in the “Other” category in the table above and amortization 6,335 3,053 - 494 - 9,882 Other non-interest expense 64,358 51,493 - 14,504 (29) 130,326 ------------- ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Earnings before income taxes 42,101 30,526 - 7,166 (211) 79,582 Income tax expense 12,780 9,226 - 2,621 - 24,627 ------------- ------------ ------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- Net earnings $ 29,321 $ 21,300 $ - $ 4,545 $ (211) $ 54,955 ============= ============ ============ =============== =============== ===============

Page 41totaled $6.7 million at December 31, 2008 and $7.2 million at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008, those intangibles consist of 54

Issuer Purchasesgoodwill, $5.1 million; value of Equity Securitiesinsurance expirations, approximately $1.5 million; non-compete agreements, approximately $0.04 million and trade name of $0.03 million.

          The Company performed a fair value based impairment test of goodwill and determined that the fair values of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values at December 2008, 2007 and 2006. No impairment loss, therefore, was recorded.

Note 17. Condensed Parent Company Information

The following table providescondensed financial information with respect to purchases made byreflects the issuer or any affiliated purchaseraccounts and transactions of Hancock Holding Company (parent company only) for the issuer’s equity securities.dates indicated (in thousands):


                                          (a)                     (b)                    (c)                      (d)
                                                                                   Total number of          Maximum number
                                                                                   shares purchased            of shares
                                      Total number                                as a part of publicly     that may yet be
                                      of shares or           Average Price            announced plans       purchased under
                                       units purchased       Paid per Share         or programs (1)        Plans or Programs
                                   --------------------   --------------------  ---------------------    --------------------

Jan. 1, 2005 - Mar. 31, 2005                    44,413 (2)     $ 31.6290                    40,009                681,301
Apr. 1, 2005 - Jun. 30, 2005                   189,508 (3)       31.7650                    96,100                585,201
Jul. 1, 2005 - Sep. 30, 2005                    28,929 (4)       32.3294                    11,800                573,401
Oct. 1, 2005 - Dec. 31, 2005                    32,999 (5)       39.0339                         -                573,401
                                   -------------------    --------------------   ---------------------
Total as of Dec. 31, 2005                      295,849         $ 26.0194                   147,909
                                   ===================    ====================   =====================

 (1)  The

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 


 


 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

4,053

 

$

3,843

 

Investment in bank subsidiaries

 

 

592,275

 

 

540,071

 

Investment in non-bank subsidiaries

 

 

12,807

 

 

10,552

 

Due from subsidiaries and other assets

 

 

1,115

 

 

1,616

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

610,250

 

$

556,082

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to subsidiaries

 

$

198

 

$

1,281

 

Other liabilities

 

 

553

 

 

614

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

609,499

 

 

554,187

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

610,250

 

$

556,082

 

 

 



 



 



HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17. Condensed Parent Company publicly announced its stock buy-back program on July 18, 2000. (2) 4,404 shares were purchased on the open market from January through March in order to satisfy obligations pursuant to the Company's long term incentive plan that was established in 1996. (3) 93,408 shares were purchased on the open market from April through June in order to satisfy obligations pursuant to the Company's long term incentive plan that was established in 1996. (4) 17,129 shares were purchased on the open market from July through September in order to satisfy obligations pursuant to the Company's long term incentive plan that was established in 1996. (5) 32,999 shares were purchased on the open market from October through December in order to satisfy obligations pursuant to the Company's long term incentive plan that was established in 1996.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issued Statement of Accounting Position (SOP) 03-03, which addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities (loans) acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. This SOP prohibits “carry over” or creation of valuation allowances in the initial accounting of all loans acquired in a transfer that are within the scope of this SOP. The prohibition of the valuation allowance carryover applies to the purchase of an individual loan, a pool of loans, a group of loans, and loans acquired in a purchase business combination. The Company adopted this SOP during the first quarter of 2005 as required and its effect on the consolidated financial statements, to date, has not been material.

Page 42 of 54

The guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 03-1,The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, was originally effective for other-than-temporary impairment evaluations made in reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. However, the guidance contained in paragraphs 10-20 of the Issue was delayed by FASB Staff Position (FSP) EITF Issue 03-1-1,The Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, posted on September 30, 2004. The disclosure requirements continue to be effective and have been implemented by the Company. In November 2005, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1,The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, which amends SFAS No. 115,Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and No. 124,Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not for Profit Organizations and APB Opinion No. 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. This FSP addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments. The guidance in this FSP is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the adoption of FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 will have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.Information (continued)

On December 16, 2004, the FASB published SFAS No. 123(R),Share-Based Payments. This Statement is a revision of SFAS No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. It will provide investors and other users of financial statements with more complete and neutral financial information by requiring that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Company will adopt SFAS No.123(R) effective January 1, 2006. The estimated effect on 2006 earnings is an increase in compensation expense of $900,000, or a reduction in diluted earnings per share of $0.03.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154,Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. This Statement is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20,Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3,Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine period-specific effects of an accounting change on one or more individual prior periods presented. Then the new accounting principle is applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings for that period rather that being reported in an income statement. Further, the accounting principle is to be applied prospectively from the earliest date when it is impracticable to determine the effect to all prior periods. This Statement is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2006. Adoption of this statement could have an impact if there are future voluntary accounting changes and correction of errors.

Page 43 of 54

ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information under the caption “Asset/Liability Management” on pages 58 through 60 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following consolidated financial information of the Company and subsidiaries, and the report of independent registered public accounting firm, appearing on Pages 14 through 66 of the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference:


        Financial Highlights on Pages 14 and 15
        Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Market Information on Page 16
        Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting on Page 17
        Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Pages 18 and 19
        Consolidated Balance Sheets on Page 20
        ConsolidatedCondensed Statements of Earnings on Page 21
        Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity on Page 22
        Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings on Page 23
        ConsolidatedIncome

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Operating Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends received from bank subsidiaries

 

$

43,700

 

$

90,400

 

$

19,416

 

Dividends received from non-bank subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

537

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries greater than (less than) dividends received

 

 

21,646

 

 

(18,214

)

 

80,523

 

 

 



 



 



 

Total operating income

 

 

65,346

 

 

72,186

 

 

100,476

 

Other (expense) income

 

 

(19

)

 

1,473

 

 

(407

)

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

 

(39

)

 

(233

)

 

(1,733

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

65,366

 

$

73,892

 

$

101,802

 

 

 



 



 



 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows on Page 24 and 25 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on Pages 26 through 51 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition And Results of Operations on Pages 52 through 66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


 


 


 

Cash flows from operating activities - principally dividends received from subsidiaries

 

$

35,493

 

$

93,886

 

$

26,567

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash flows from investing activities - principally contribution of capital to subsidiary

 

 

(20,500

)

 

(10,000

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

 

(20,500

)

 

(10,000

)

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid to stockholders

 

 

(30,453

)

 

(30,957

)

 

(29,311

)

Stock transactions, net

 

 

15,670

 

 

(55,755

)

 

6,252

 

 

 



 



 



 

Net cash used by financing activities

 

 

(14,783

)

 

(86,712

)

 

(23,059

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

210

 

 

(2,826

)

 

3,508

 

Cash, beginning of year

 

 

3,843

 

 

6,669

 

 

3,161

 

 

 



 



 



 

Cash, end of year

 

$

4,053

 

$

3,843

 

$

6,669

 

 

 



 



 



 



ITEM 9 -9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

On          Effective as of January 20, 2004 the Company dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP as its independent auditors, after Deloitte & Touche LLP completed its audit of the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The Audit Committee of1, 2009, the Board of Directors of Hancock Holding Company (“the Company approved the decision to change auditors.

During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the interim period from January 1, 2004 to January 20, 2004, there were no disagreements between the Company and Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matterCompany”) has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers, a firm of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to Deloitte & Touche LLP’s satisfaction, would have caused Deloitte & Touche LLP to make a reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in their reports on the financial statements for such years.

During the two most recent fiscal years prior to the dismissal of Deloitte & Touche, LLP and the interim period from January 1, 2004 to January 20, 2004, Deloitte & Touche LLP’s reports on the financial statements of the Company did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

Page 44 of 54

During the two most recent fiscal years and the interim period from January 1, 2006 to February 23, 2006, the Company did not consult with Deloitte & Touche LLP regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

On January 20, 2004, the Board of Directors appointed KPMG LLP, an independent registeredcertified public accounting firm,accountants, as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004,2009, and until their successors are selected. The decision to change auditors was approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the decision to change auditors.during its December, 2008 meeting.

The Company has been advised that neither KPMG LLPthe firm nor any of its partners has any direct or any material indirect financial interest in the securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except as auditors and consultants on accounting procedures and tax matters.

          Additionally, during the two fiscal years ended December 31, 20032008 and 2002,2007, there were no consultations between the Company and KPMG LLP regardingPricewaterhouseCoopers regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be issuedrendered on the Company’s financial statements and either a written report was provided to the Company or onoral advice was provided that the new accountant concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement under Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or a reportable event under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K; or (iii) any other matter.

Although not required to do so, the Company’s Board of Directors chosehas chosen to submit its appointment of KPMG LLPPricewaterhouseCoopers for ratification by the Company’s shareholders. This matter wasis being submitted to the Company’s shareholders for ratification during the Company’s annual meeting to be held on FebruaryMarch 26, 2004.2009 as more fully described in the Company’s proxy statement to be filed with the Commission.

No Adverse Opinion or Disagreement

           The audit reports of KPMG LLP on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainity, audit scope or accounting principles, except as follows:  KPMG LLP’s report on the consolidated financial statements of Hancock Holding Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, contained a separate paragraph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for defined benefit pension postretirement benefit plans effective December 31, 2006”, and additionally as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, contained a separate paragrph stating that “As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for share based payments and evaluating prior year misstatements effective January 1, 2006”. The audit reports of KPMG LLP on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

        In connection with the audits of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the subsequent period and through the current period, there were no:  (1) disagreements with KPMG LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to their satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement, or (2) reportable events.

ITEM 9A -9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c), a company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.


As of December 31, 2005,2008, (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company’sour Chief Executive OfficerOfficers and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’sour disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Exchange Act Rules. Based on their evaluation, the Company’sour Chief Executive OfficerOfficers and Chief Financial Officer have concluded the Company’sHancock’s disclosure controls and procedures are sufficiently effective to ensure that material information relating to the Companyus and required to be disclosed by the Companyus in the reports that it fileswe file or submitssubmit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Hancock Holding Company has prepared the consolidated financial statements and other information in our Annual Report in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and is responsible for its accuracy. The financial statements necessarily include amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

In meeting its responsibility, management relies on internal accounting and related control systems. The internal control systems are designed to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and recorded in the Company’sour financial records and to safeguard the Company’sour assets from material loss or misuse. Such assurance cannot be absolute because of inherent limitations in any internal control system.

Page 45 of 54

The Company’s management

          Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining the adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13(a) -13 – 15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’sour principal executive officerofficers and principal financial officer, the Companywe conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework inInternal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management also conducted an assessment of requirements pertaining to Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). This section relates to management’s evaluation of internal control over financial reporting including controls over the preparation of the schedules equivalent to the basic financial statements and compliance with laws and regulations. Our evaluation included a review of the documentation of controls, evaluations of the design of the internal control system and tests of the effectiveness of internal controls.

Based on the Company’sour evaluation under the framework inInternal Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005. Management’s2008. KPMG, under Auditing Standard No. 5, does not express an opinion on management’s assessment as occurred under Auditing Standard No. 2. Under Auditing Standard No. 5 management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. KPMG’s responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 has been audited by KPMG, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated inbased on their report which is incorporated herein by reference.audit.

ITEM 9B.     OTHER INFORMATION

          None

PART III


ITEM 10 -10.      DIRECTORS, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

For          Pursuant to General Instruction G (3), information concerningon directors who are not alsoand executive officers of the registrant, see “Directors of HHC” (page 9) inRegistrant will be incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information concerning executive officers of the registrant is listed below.

Leo W. Seal, Jr.

Director of the Company since 1984. President, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi from 1963 to 1990; President of Hancock Holding Company since 1984, Chief Executive Officer from 1984 to 2000, Advisory Director, Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1993. Mr. Seal has been employed with Hancock Bank since 1947. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Hancock Bank in 1961 and named President in 1963 and in 1977 he was named Chief Executive Officer.

George A. Schloegel

Director of the Company since 1984. President, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, since 1990, Vice Chairman of the Board of Hancock Holding Company since 1984 and named Chief Executive Officer, Hancock Holding Company 2000; Director of Hancock Bank of Louisiana, since 1990 and named President in July 2003; Director of Mississippi Power Company, Gulfport, Mississippi. Mr. Schloegel was employed part-time with Hancock Bank from 1956-1959 and began full-time employment in 1962. He served in various capacities until being named President in 1990.

Page 46 of 54

Alfred G. Rath

Chief Credit Officer, Hancock Holding Company since October 2002; Executive Vice President, Hancock Holding Company since February 2003; Mr. Rath has been employed with Hancock Bank since 1969. He served in various capacities until being named Chief Credit Officer in October 2002.

Robert E. Easterly

Executive Vice President, Hancock Bank of Louisiana since 1995; President and Chief Executive Officer, First National Bank of Denham Springs from 1981-1996; Chairman of the Board, First National Bank of Denham Springs from 1993-1996; Director, Hancock Bank since 1995.

Carl J. Chaney

Chief Financial Officer, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank since 1998; Executive Vice President, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank since 2001; Senior Vice President, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank from 1999 to 2001. Prior to Mr. Chaney joining Hancock, he was Director and Shareholder of the law firm, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A., Jackson Mississippi from 1995 to 1998, where he specialized in Investment Banking and Merger and Acquisitions in the Banking Industry.

John M. Hairston

Chief Operating Officer, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank since 1997; Executive Vice President, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank since 2001; Senior Vice President, Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank from 1996 to 2001; Vice President, Hancock Bank from 1994 to 1995; Senior Operations Officer, Hancock Holding Company from 1994 to 1996. Prior to Mr. Hairston joining Hancock, he was a Manager with Financial Services Consulting, a Division of Andersen Consulting, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Richard T. Hill

Executive Vice President, Hancock Holding Company, since February 2002; Senior Vice President and Louisiana Retail Banking Executive, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, from June 1998 to January 2002; Executive Vice President and Retail Banking Executive, City National Bank (a subsidiary of First Commerce Corporation), November 1993 -June 1998.

Clifton J. Saik

Executive Vice President, Hancock Holding Company, since February 2002; Senior Vice President and Director, Trust and Financial Services Group, Hancock Bank from July 1998 to January 2002. Prior to coming to Hancock Bank, Mr. Saik served in the following capacities at First Commerce Corporation, New Orleans, Louisiana: Executive Vice President and Director, Card Services; CEO, Marquis Insurance Agency, L.L.C.; and Member, Marquis Investments, L.L.C. Management Committee, June 1997 - June 1998; Executive Vice President and Director, Trust and Retail Brokerage Services Group, Senior Vice President and Director, Trust Group; October 1994 to June 1997; Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer, October 1992 to October 1994.

Page 47 of 54

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

For information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, see “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” (pages 8-16) in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholdersannual meeting to be held on March 30, 2006, which was filed26, 2009.

ITEM 11.      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

          Pursuant to General Instructions G (3), information on executive compensation will be incorporated by reference from the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Audit Committee

For information concerning the Audit Committee, its members and its financial expert, see “Audit Committee” (page 18) in theCompany’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholdersannual meeting to be held on March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.26, 2009.

Code of Ethics


The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of this Code of Ethics can be found at the Company’s internet website at www.hancockbank.com. The Company intends to disclose any amendments to its Code of Ethics, and any waiver from a provision of the Code of Ethics granted to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions, on the Company’s internet website within five business days following such amendment or waiver. The information contained on or connected to the Company’s internet website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.

ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

For information concerning this item see “Executive Compensation” (page 10) in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12 -12.      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

For          Pursuant to General Instructions G (3), information concerning this item see “Security Ownershipon security ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” (page 8)certain beneficial owners and “Security Ownership of Management” (pages 9-10) inmanagement will be incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholdersannual meeting to be held March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.26, 2009.

ITEM 13 -13.      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,

AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

For          Pursuant to General Instructions G (3), information concerning this item see “Certain Transactionson certain relationships and Relationships” (page 16) inrelated transactions will be incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholdersannual meeting to be held March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.26, 2009.

Page 48 of 54

ITEM 14 -14.      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

For          Pursuant to General Instructions G (3), information concerning this item, see “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” on Page 20 ofprincipal accountant fees and services will be incorporated by reference from the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholdersannual meeting to be held March 30, 2006, which was filed by the Registrant in definitive form with the Commission on March 3, 2006 and is incorporated herein by reference.26, 2009.

PART IV


ITEM 15 -15.      EXHIBITS, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.

The following consolidated financial statements of Hancock Holding Company and subsidiaries are filed as part of this report under Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

Consolidated balance sheets – December 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated statements of income – Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity – Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Consolidated statements of cash flows –Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

Notes to consolidated financial statements – December 31, 2008 (pages 57 to 92)

2.

Financial schedules required to be filed by Item 8 of this form, and by Item 15(d) below:

          The schedules to the consolidated financial statements set forth by Article 9 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

3.

Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, and by Item 15(b) below.

(b)

Exhibits:

          All other financial statements and schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the required information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

(a) 3. Exhibits:


Hancock Holding Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries

Exhibit
Number

Description

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger between Hancock Holding Company and Lamar Capital Corporation dated February 21, 2001 (Appendix C to the Prospectus contained in the S-4 Registration Statement 333-60280 filed on May 4, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference).


(a) 1. and 2. Consolidated Financial Statements:

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company, dated October 16, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991).

3.4

Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on November 15, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991).

3.5

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company, adopted February 13, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.6

Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on March 2, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.7

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation adopted February 20, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.8

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation adopted March 29, 2007.

4.1

Specimen stock certificate (reflecting change in par value from $10.00 to $3.33, effective March 6, 1989) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2

By executing this Form 10-K, the Registrant hereby agrees to deliver to the Commission upon request copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant or its consolidated subsidiaries or its unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed, where the total amount of such securities authorized there under does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

*10.1

1996 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.2

Description of Hancock Bank Executive Supplemental Reimbursement Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.3

Description of Hancock Bank Automobile Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.4

Description of Deferred Compensation Arrangement for Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.5

Hancock Holding Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as Appendix “A” to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on February 28, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.6

Hancock Holding Company Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 21, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7

Shareholder Rights Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997, between Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank, as Rights Agent as extended by the Company.



21

Subsidiaries of Hancock Holding Company.

22

Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 26, 2009 (deemed “filed” for the purposes of this Form 10-K only for those portions which are specifically incorporated herein by reference).

23

Consent of KPMG LLP.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officers pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officers Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


* Compensatory plan or arrangement.



The following have been incorporated herein from the Company’s 2005 Annual Report to Stockholders and are incorporated herein by reference:


- -        Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
- -        Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
- -        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004
- -        Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three years ended December 31, 2005
- -        Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders' Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2005
- -        Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings for the three years ended December 31, 2005
- -        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2005
- -        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the three years ended December 31, 2005
- -        Financial Highlights at and as of each of the five years ended December 31, 2005

All other financial statements and schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the required information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

(a) 3. Exhibits:

   (2.1)       Agreement and Plan of Merger between Hancock Holding Company and Lamar Capital
               Corporation dated February 21, 2001 (Appendix C to the Prospectus contained in the S-4
               Registration Statement 333-60280 filed on May 4, 2001 and incorporated by reference
               herein).

   (3.1)       Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit
               3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated
               herein by reference).

   (3.2)       Amended and Restated Bylaws dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K
               for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference).

   (3.3)       Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company, dated
               October 16, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter
               ended September 30, 1991).

   (3.4)       Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on November 15, 1991
               (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
               1991).

   (3.5)       Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company,
               adopted February 13, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference).
Page 49 of 54


    (3.6)      Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on March 2, 1992 (filed
               as Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and
               incorporated herein by reference).

    (3.7)      Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation adopted February 20, 1997 (filed
               as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
               incorporated herein by reference).

    (4.1)      Specimen stock certificate (reflecting change in par value from $10.00 to $3.33,
               effective March 6, 1989) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended March 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

    (4.2)      By executing this Form 10-K, the Registrant hereby agrees to deliver to the Commission
               upon request copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of
               the Registrant or its consolidated subsidiaries or its unconsolidated subsidiaries for
               which financial statements are required to be filed, where the total amount of such
               securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the
               Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

   (10.1)      1996 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for
               the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.2)      Description of Hancock Bank Executive Supplemental Reimbursement Plan, as amended (filed
               as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and
               incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.3)      Description of Hancock Bank Automobile Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's
               Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.4)      Description of Deferred Compensation Arrangement for Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to
               the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein
               by reference).

   (10.5)      Site Lease Agreement between Hancock Bank and City of Gulfport, Mississippi dated as of
               March 1, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.6)      Project Lease Agreement between Hancock Bank and City of Gulfport, Mississippi dated as
               of March 1, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.7)      Deed of Trust dated as of March 1, 1989 from Hancock Bank to Deposit Guaranty National
               Bank as trustee (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.8)      Trust Indenture between City of Gulfport, Mississippi and Deposit Guaranty National Bank
               dated as of March 1, 1989 (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

   (10.9)      Guaranty Agreement dated as of March 1, 1989 from Hancock Bank to Deposit Guaranty
               National Bank as trustee (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

  (10.10)      Bond Purchase Agreement dated as of February 23, 1989 among Hancock Bank, J. C. Bradford
               & Co. and City of Gulfport, Mississippi (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Form
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

     (13)      Annual Report to Stockholders for year ending December 31, 2005 furnished for the
               information of the Commission only and not deemed "filed" except for those portions which
               are specifically incorporated herein by reference).
Page 50 of 54


    (21)    Proxy Statement for the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 30, 2006 (deemed "filed"
            for the purposes of this Form 10-K only for those portions which are specifically
            incorporated herein by reference).

    (22)    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

                                                        Jurisdiction                    Holder of
                 Name                                 of Incorporation              Outstanding Stock *
                 ----                                 ----------------              -------------------
    Hancock Bank                                         Mississippi              Hancock Holding Company
    Hancock Bank of Louisiana                            Louisiana                Hancock Holding Company
    HBLA Properties, LLC                                 Louisiana                Hancock Bank of Louisiana
    Hancock Bank of Florida                              Florida                  Hancock Holding Company
    Magna Insurance Company                              Mississippi              Hancock Holding Company
    Harrison Life Insurance Company                      Mississippi              Magna Insurance Co.
    Hancock Bank Securities Corp., LLC                   Mississippi              Hancock Bank
    Hancock Insurance Agency                             Mississippi              Hancock Bank
    Hancock Insurance Agency of AL, Inc.                 Alabama                  Hancock Insurance Agency
    Hancock Investment Services, Inc.                    Mississippi              Hancock Bank
    Hancock Investment Services of MS, Inc.              Mississippi              Hancock Investment Services, Inc.
    Hancock Investment Services of LA, Inc.              Louisiana                Hancock Investment Services, Inc.
    Hancock Investment Services of FL, Inc.              Florida                  Hancock Investment Services, Inc.
    Town Properties, Inc.                                Mississippi              Hancock Bank
    The Gulfport Building, Inc.                          Mississippi              Hancock Bank
    Harrison Finance Company                             Mississippi              Hancock Bank


            * All are 100% owned except as indicated.

    (23)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - KPMG LLP

  (23.1)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Deloitte & Touche LLP

  (23.2)    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Deloitte & Touche LLP

    (31)    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) - Certifications of George A. Schloegel and Carl J. Chaney

    (32)    Section 1350 Certifications of George A. Schloegel and Carl J. Chaney

Page 51 of 54

SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY ------------------------------------------ Registrant March 15, 2006 By: /s/ George A. Schloegel - ------------------ ------------------------------------- Date George A. Schloegel Vice-Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer March 15, 2006 By: /s/ Carl J. Chaney - ------------------ ------------------------------------- Date Carl J. Chaney Executive Vice

HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY


Registrant


February 27, 2009

By:

/s/ Carl J. Chaney



Date

Carl J. Chaney

President & Chief Executive Officer

Director

February 27, 2009

By:

/s/ John M. Hairston



Date

John M. Hairston

Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer

Director

February 27, 2009

By:

/s/ Michael M. Achary



Date

Michael M. Achary

Chief Financial Officer

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ Leo W. Seal, Jr. President, March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- Leo W. Seal, Jr. Director /s/ Joseph F. Boardman, Jr. Chairman of the Board, March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- Joseph F. Boardman, Jr. Director /s/ George A. Schloegel Vice Chairman of the Board, March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- George A. Schloegel Director, Chief Executive Officer /s/ James B. Estabrook, Jr. Director March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- James B. Estabrook, Jr. Director March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- Charles H. Johnson /s/ Alton G. Bankston Director March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- Alton G. Bankston /s/ Don P. Descant Director March 15, 2006 - -------------------------------- Don P. Descant

Page 52 of 54

/s/ George A. Schloegel

Chairman of the Board,

February 27, 2009


Director

George A Schloegel

/s/ Alton G. Bankston

Director

February 27, 2009


Alton G. Bankston

/s/ Frank E. Bertucci

Director

February 27, 2009


Frank E. Bertucci

/s/ Don P. Descant

Director

February 27, 2009


Don P. Descant

/s/ James B. Estabrook, Jr.

Director

February 27, 2009


James B. Estabrook, Jr.

/s/ James H. Horne

Director

February 27, 2009


James H. Horne

/s/ John H. Pace

Director

February 27, 2009


John H. Pace




(signatures continued)

/s/ Christine L. Pickering

Director

February 27, 2009


Christine L. Pickering

/s/ Robert W. Roseberry

Director

February 27, 2009


Robert W. Roseberry

/s/ Anthony J. Topazi

Director

February 27, 2009


Anthony J. Topazi





(signatures continued)


/s/ Christine L. Smilek                     Director                                     March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
Christine L. Smilek


                                            Director                                     March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
Frank E. Bertucci


/s/ James H. Horne                          Director                                     March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
James H. Horne


/s/ Carl J. Chaney                          Executive Vice President and                 March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
Carl J. Chaney                              Chief Financial Officer


                                            Director                                     March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
Robert W. Roseberry


                                            Director                                     March 15, 2006
- --------------------------------
John H. Pace
Page 53 of 54


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Description

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger between Hancock Holding Company and Lamar Capital Corporation dated February 21, 2001 (Appendix C to the Prospectus contained in the S-4 Registration Statement 333-60280 filed on May 4, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein).

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws dated November 8, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.3

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company, dated October 16, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991).

3.4

Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on November 15, 1991 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991).

3.5

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Hancock Holding Company, adopted February 13, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.6

Articles of Correction, filed with Mississippi Secretary of State on March 2, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.7

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation adopted February 20, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.8

Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation adopted March 29, 2007.

4.1

Specimen stock certificate (reflecting change in par value from $10.00 to $3.33, effective March 6, 1989) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1989 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.2

By executing this Form 10-K, the Registrant hereby agrees to deliver to the Commission upon request copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant or its consolidated subsidiaries or its unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed, where the total amount of such securities authorized there under does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

*10.1

1996 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.2

Description of Hancock Bank Executive Supplemental Reimbursement Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.3

Description of Hancock Bank Automobile Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).

*10.4

Description of Deferred Compensation Arrangement for Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference).




*10.5

Hancock Holding Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as Appendix “A” to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on February 28, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.6

Hancock Holding Company Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 21, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7

Shareholder Rights Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997, between Hancock Holding Company and Hancock Bank, as Rights Agent as extended by the Company.

21

Subsidiaries of Hancock Holding Company.

22

Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 26, 2009 (deemed “filed” for the purposes of this Form 10-K only for those portions which are specifically incorporated herein by reference).

23

Consent of KPMG LLP.

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officers pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officers Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


* Compensatory plan or arrangement.