HOMB Takes Additional Hurricane Reserve Out of Abundance of Caution

Rhea-AI Summary

Home BancShares (NYSE: HOMB) has announced an additional $16.7 million reserve for loan losses due to Hurricane Milton, bringing the total hurricane reserve to $33.4 million for the year. This follows an earlier $16.7 million reserve established for Hurricane Helene.

The company reports approximately $110 million currently on deferral due to both hurricanes. Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 9, 2024, caused more than two dozen tornados, while Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024. The events span across the third and fourth quarters, with expected delays in insurance settlements due to the back-to-back nature of these events.

Positive

• Proactive risk management through establishment of reserves
• Strong branch network presence across multiple states (218 total branches)

Negative

• $33.4 million in total hurricane reserves impacting financial performance
• $110 million in loans currently on deferral due to hurricane damage
• Extended insurance settlement timelines likely to affect loan recovery periods

Insights

Financial Analyst

The additional $16.7 million loan loss reserve, bringing the total to $33.4 million, signals HOMB's conservative risk management approach but will impact Q4 earnings. With $110 million in loans currently on deferral due to hurricane damage, this preemptive measure provides a cushion against potential defaults while insurance claims are processed. The reserve represents approximately 30% of deferred loans, a relatively conservative coverage ratio. This prudent approach, while temporarily affecting profitability, strengthens the bank's resilience against natural disaster risks, particularly important given its significant Florida presence with 78 branches. The dual hurricane impact spanning Q3 and Q4 could create extended pressure on asset quality metrics, though the proactive reserving should help smooth out potential future losses.

Risk Management Expert

The double-hurricane impact presents a complex risk scenario, with insurance claim processing likely to face delays due to the back-to-back nature of the events. The decision to match the initial reserve amount suggests systematic risk assessment rather than panic-driven provisioning. The $110 million in deferrals represents a manageable portion of HOMB's loan portfolio, but the extended timeline for insurance settlements could strain some borrowers' ability to resume regular payments. The bank's geographic diversification across five states helps mitigate the overall impact, though the concentration of branches in Florida (35% of total network) exposes it to continued hurricane risks. The preemptive reserving demonstrates strong risk governance and regulatory compliance.

CONWAY, Ark., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB) (“Home” or “the Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank (“Centennial”), announced it has established additional reserves for loan losses as a result of Hurricane Milton.

On October 11, 2024, HOMB announced a $16.7 million reserve as a result of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall September 26, 2024. Upon announcement HOMB indicated the more recent and powerful Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 9, 2024, and caused the spin-off of more than two dozen tornados, would likely lead to an increase in this reserve amount.

“Out of an abundance of caution, HOMB has decided to make an additional $16.7 million reserve following the second Florida hurricane, bringing our total hurricane reserve to $33.4 million for the year,” said John Allison, Chairman of HOMB. “The two hurricanes spanned across the third and fourth quarter and the amount of time it takes for customers to settle with insurance will no doubt increase, with two back-to-back events,” continued Allison. “We have approximately $110 million currently on deferral as a result of the two hurricanes and in keeping with our conservative nature, we feel as though this proactive move is a prudent and predictable course of action,” added Allison.

Branches

The Company currently has 76 branches in Arkansas, 78 branches in Florida, 58 branches in Texas, 5 branches in Alabama and one branch in New York City.

About Home BancShares

Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has branch locations in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama and New York City. The Company’s common stock is traded through the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOMB.” The Company was founded in 1998. Visit www.homebancshares.com or www.my100bank.com for more information.

General

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future, including future financial results. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events, performance or results. When we use words or phrases like “may,” “plan,” “propose,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “predict,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “on track” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand, real estate values and unemployment, including the ongoing impacts of inflation; the ability to identify, complete and successfully integrate new acquisitions; the risk that expected cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management time on acquisition-related issues; the availability of and access to capital and liquidity on terms acceptable to us; legislative and regulatory changes and risks and expenses associated with current and future legislation and regulations; technological changes and cybersecurity risks and incidents; the effects of changes in accounting policies and practices; changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies; political instability, military conflicts and other major domestic or international events; the impact of recent or future adverse weather events, including hurricanes, and other natural disasters; disruptions, uncertainties and related effects on credit quality, liquidity and other aspects of our business and operations that may result from any future public health crises; competition from other financial institutions; potential claims, expenses and other adverse effects related to current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other government actions; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments, increased regulatory scrutiny or market disruptions resulting from financial challenges in the banking industry; changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements; and other factors described in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2024.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Townsell
Director of Investor Relations
Home BancShares, Inc.
(501) 328-4625

FAQ

How much did HOMB reserve for Hurricane Milton damages in 2024?

HOMB reserved an additional $16.7 million for Hurricane Milton damages, bringing their total hurricane reserve to $33.4 million for 2024.

What is the total amount of HOMB loans on deferral due to hurricanes in 2024?

HOMB reported approximately $110 million in loans currently on deferral as a result of the two hurricanes (Helene and Milton).

When did Hurricane Milton make landfall affecting HOMB operations?

Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024, causing the spin-off of more than two dozen tornados.

How many branches does HOMB operate in Florida where the hurricanes hit?

HOMB operates 78 branches in Florida.