Hancock Horizon Value Fund outperforms 97 percent of peers for one-year period

GULFPORT, MS (December 5, 2004) - Lipper, a Reuter's company tracking 80,000 funds worldwide, has ranked Hancock Bank's Hancock Horizon Value Fund in the top two percent of all multi-cap value funds, based on total returns for the one-year period ending October 31, 2004 - placing the fund 15th among 471 multi-cap value funds.

     For the three-year period ended October 31, 2004 Hancock Bank's Hancock Horizon Value Fund outperformed 97 percent of its peers, ranking 10th among 344 multi-cap value funds.

     The Hancock Horizon Value Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation and current income by investing primarily in companies believed to be undervalued. Hancock's Horizon advisers use a strict quantitative approach in managing the Hancock Horizon Funds.

     Additionally, the Hancock Horizon Growth Fund outperformed 70 percent and 94 percent, respectively, of all multi-cap growth funds for the one-year and three-year periods ending October 31, 2004. The Hancock Horizon Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in common stocks believed to have above-average growth potential based on fundamental analysis.

     "Our goal from a performance standpoint is to have our long-term numbers in the top third of our peers. To have two funds ranked in the top five percent of our peers for the last three years is exceptional and an accomplishment that we are proud to be able to bring to our shareholders," said Hancock Bank's Director of Equities David Lundgren, a bank vice president with more than 10 years' money management experience.

     With current fund complex assets at more than $498 million, the Hancock Horizon Fund family is one of only three fund families locally managed in Mississippi and Louisiana with more than $50 million in managed assets. Metairie, LA, native Lundgren - currently a resident of Diamondhead, MS - and a team of seasoned Hancock Bank money managers oversee the Hancock Horizon Funds from the company's Gulfport corporate offices. Hancock's chief investment strategist, senior vice president John Portwood, is a Mandeville, LA, resident originally from Vicksburg and a veteran securities specialist with more than 30 years' investment experience.

     Minimum investment in the fund complex is $1,000. Investors interested in learning more about the Hancock Horizon Value Fund should contact a Hancock Investment Services, Inc., representative at any Hancock Bank branch or call Hancock Investment Services, Inc., directly at 1-888-346-6300.

     Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - the parent company of Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, and Hancock Bank of Florida - has assets of $4.6 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank consistently ranks among America's strongest, safest financial institutions. Hancock Bank operates 103 full-service offices and more than 130 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle, as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Mortgage Corporation, Hancock Insurance Agency, Ross-King-Walker Insurance Company, Magna Insurance Company, and Harrison Finance Company.

     Investors can access additional corporate information or on-line banking and bill pay services at www.hancockbank.com.

Carefully consider the Fund's investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-259-1926 or visiting our website at www.hancockhorizonfunds.com. Read it carefully before investing.

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