Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Basis of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hancock Holding Company and all majority-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). They include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Some financial information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Financial information reported in these financial statements is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any other interim or annual periods.

Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry. These accounting principles require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes or developments with respect to the assumptions or methodologies that the Company uses when applying what management believes are critical accounting policies and developing critical accounting estimates as disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Securities

Securities that the Company both positively intends and has the ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. The intent and ability to hold are not considered satisfied when a security is available to be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment rates, liquidity needs or other reasons as part of an overall asset/liability management strategy. Premiums and discounts on securities, both those held to maturity and those available for sale, are amortized and accreted to income as an adjustment to the securities’ yields using the effective interest method. Realized gains and losses on securities, including declines in value judged to be other than temporary, are reported net as a component of noninterest income. The cost of securities sold is specifically identified for use in calculating realized gains and losses.