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Huntington (HBAN) Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Dip Y/Y

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Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN - Free Report) has reported fourth-quarter 2023 earnings per share of 27 cents (excluding non-recurring items), surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents. However, the bottom line declined from the prior-year figure of 42 cents.

Results have reflected improvements in average loans and deposits. However, a fall in net interest income (NII) and elevated expenses were headwinds.

The company has reported a net income applicable to common shares of $215 million in the quarter, down 65% year over year.

Earnings for 2023 were $1.24 per share, which declined 14% year over year. Net income available to common shareholders was $1.81 billion, down 14% year over year.

Revenues Fall, Expenses Rise

Total revenues (on a fully taxable equivalent or FTE basis) declined 12% year over year to $1.73 billion in the fourth quarter. Also, the top line missed the consensus estimate of $1.75 billion.

NII (FTE basis) was $1.31 billion, down 10% from the prior-year quarter. The fall was due to a decline in the net interest margin (NIM), partially offset by an increase in average earning assets. NIM decreased 13 basis points to 3.05% in the reported quarter.

Non-interest income moved down 19% year over year to $405 million. The rise was largely due to a decline in capital markets and advisory fees, leasing revenues, and lower gain on the sale of loans.

Non-interest expenses were up 35% year over year to $1.34 billion. This was mainly due to a rise in almost all the components of non-interest expenses, except for a decrease in the amortization of intangibles and lease financing equipment depreciation.

The efficiency ratio was 77%, up from the year-ago quarter’s 54%. A rise in the efficiency ratio indicates a decrease in profitability.

As of Dec 31, 2023, average loans and leases at Huntington increased marginally on a sequential basis to $121.22 billion. Also, average core deposits increased to $144.38 billion.

Credit Quality Deteriorates

Net charge-offs were $94 million or an annualized 0.31% of average total loans and leases in the reported quarter, up from $50 million or 0.17% recorded in the prior year. The quarter-end allowance for credit losses increased 5.7% to $2.40 billion.

Further, total non-performing assets were $711 million as of Dec 31, 2023, up from $594 million in the prior-year quarter. Also, in the fourth quarter, the company recorded a provision for credit losses of $126 million compared with $91 million in the year-ago quarter.

Capital Ratios Solid

The common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.25% in the quarter compared with 9.36% in the year-ago period. The regulatory Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.98%, up from 10.90% in the comparable period in 2022. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio in the fourth quarter was 6.14%, up from 5.55% in the year-ago quarter.

Our Viewpoint

Huntington’s inorganic expansion moves are likely to bolster its revenue growth in the near term. Its elevated non-interest expenses are likely to keep the bottom line under pressure in the upcoming period. Further, any deterioration in the balance sheet might affect its financials.

Currently, Huntington carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Performance of Other Banks

Hancock Whitney Corp.’s (HWC - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted earnings per share of $1.26 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08. Adjusted earnings per share, however, compared unfavorably with the $1.65 registered in the year-ago quarter.

HWC’s results were impacted by declines in NII and non-interest income. Further, a slight decrease in loan balances, and increases in expenses and provisions acted as spoilsports.

Synovus Financial Corp.’s (SNV - Free Report) fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 80 cents lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94 cents. Also, adjusted earnings compared unfavorably with the $1.35 earned in the year-ago quarter.

Results were adversely impacted by declines in NII and non-interest revenues. A slight reduction in loan balances, and increased expenses and provisions were other undermining factors. However, a modest increase in deposits provided some support to SNV’s quarterly performance.

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