News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24, 2003

Hancock's Treasury Fund receives top rating from Moody's

GULFPORT, MS (December 24, 2003) - George A. Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC), announced today that Moody's Investor Services has assigned a rating of Aaa to the Hancock Horizon Treasury Securities Money Market Fund. The rating reflects the superior quality of the Fund's eligible investments, sound management practices, and low exposure to interest rate risk.

The fund seeks a level of current income consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by investing only in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government In addition to credit quality, the Moody's rating reflects Hancock Bank's conservative management style, with an emphasis on safety and liquidity.

The rating also incorporates the fund's operations activities, which are well organized and controlled, as well as an effective regulatory compliance program. Additionally, independent accountants, internal auditors, and regulators conduct periodic reviews to ensure a secure operations environment.

Hancock Holding Company - parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi) and Hancock Bank of Louisiana - has assets of $4.1 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands among the strongest, safest five-star financial institutions in America. Hancock Bank operates 102 offices and more than 135 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi and Louisiana; corporate trust offices in Gulfport, Jackson, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, LA; and subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Hancock Mortgage Corporation, and Harrison Finance Company.

Additional corporate information as well as on-line banking and bill pay services are available at www.hancockbank.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, AVP & Corporate Communications Manager
800.522.6542 (ext. 5252) or 228.214.5252
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com