GULFPORT, Miss., Nov. 23, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the heels of the company's 110th birthday, Hancock Bank has hit yet another milestone in its 11-decade history of strength and stability. BauerFinancial, Inc., a leading independent bank analysis and research firm, has named Hancock Bank among America's strongest, safest financial institutions for the 20th consecutive year.
Based on the bank's overall financial condition, BauerFinancial's recommendation again confirms Hancock Bank as one of the most financially sound banks in the United States. That honor places Hancock in the top 21 percent of more than 8,000 rated institutions.
"It's so important today to share some good banking news, and Hancock Bank makes that easy. Hancock Bank is a model community bank," said BauerFinancial President Karen L. Dorway.
The bank's executive leadership said Hancock's commitment to conservative business practices, strong capital, proactive risk management, and corporate values set forth in 1899 have positioned Hancock to endure 22 recessions plus the economic turmoil of 2008 and 2009.
"We are honored that our customers remain confident in Hancock Bank as a safe place for their money and for their comprehensive consumer and business banking needs. That trust and our associates' dedication to the core values born with Hancock Bank keep the company strong and help us retain the privilege of facilitating commerce and opportunity across the Gulf South," said Hancock Holding Company President and Chief Executive Officer Carl J. Chaney.
BauerFinancial is a recognized source for unbiased bank ratings. Every quarter-end, banks are required to file detailed reports with federal regulators. BauerFinancial obtains raw data from the government for quarterly analysis and comparison with historical data for consistency. No institution pays for its rating or can avoid a rating.
Listed as one of America's most trustworthy Top 10 Best Banks, Hancock operates more than 150 banking and financial services offices and more than 130 ATMs in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency and its divisions of Ross King Walker and J. Everett Eaves, and Harrison Finance Company. Hancock Holding Company (Nasdaq:HBHC), the parent company of Hancock Bank, has assets of approximately $6.86 billion. Additional corporate information and e-banking are available at www.hancockbank.com.
The Hancock Bank logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2759
CONTACT: Hancock Holding Company
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
228.563.7953
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com