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FHN vs HWC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? First Horizon Corporation (FHN) vs. Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Scale vs. momentum: FHN is the larger franchise by assets, while HWC has shown stronger recent relative performance.
- Profitability: FHN has sustained a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) above 15%, while HWC posts a higher common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio near 13.2%.
- Growth drivers: HWC is expanding aggressively into Florida and Texas, whereas FHN leans on scale, fee income, and cost discipline.
- Shareholder returns: HWC has raised its dividend every year since 2024 and paid uninterrupted since 1967; FHN has deployed capital into buybacks.
- Sector exposure: Both are Southern U.S. regional banks sensitive to interest rates and credit trends, but their geographic and business mixes differ.
Introduction
Regional banks are often grouped together by investors, yet their business models and market positioning can diverge meaningfully. This stock comparison examines FHN (First Horizon Corporation) and HWC (Hancock Whitney Corporation), two well-established financial institutions with footprints concentrated across the Southern United States. For traders and long-term investors weighing relative performance, capital strength, and growth catalysts, understanding how these two names differ is essential. Both stocks sit within the same sector and face similar macro forces, but their recent momentum, profitability profiles, and strategic priorities tell distinct stories worth evaluating side by side.
FHN Overview and Recent Performance
FHN, First Horizon Corporation, is a Memphis, Tennessee-based regional financial services company with roughly $84 billion in assets and a banking subsidiary operating across 12 Southern states. Its business spans commercial and private banking, consumer and small business lending, wealth and trust management, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking.
In recent quarters, FHN has emphasized disciplined execution and relationship-driven growth. The company reported second-quarter 2026 net income available to common shareholders of $260 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, with return on tangible common equity (ROTCE, a measure of profitability on shareholder capital) reaching 15.2%. Management has highlighted mid-single-digit balance sheet growth expectations and a target of more than $100 million in additional revenue-driven pre-provision net revenue opportunity by 2027.
From a relative performance standpoint, FHN has lagged some regional peers over the trailing year, with shares pressured in recent weeks by broader regional bank concerns around interest-rate expectations and credit sentiment. Its common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio, a key measure of financial resilience, stood near 10.5%, and the company has returned capital through buybacks while maintaining a diversified, counter-cyclical revenue base.
HWC Overview and Recent Performance
HWC, Hancock Whitney Corporation, is a Gulf South regional bank headquartered in New Orleans, operating across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Texas, with additional loan-production offices in Nashville and Atlanta. Its services include commercial and small business banking, private banking, healthcare banking, mortgage, trust, and investment management.
HWC has demonstrated stronger recent relative momentum, gaining roughly 17% year to date and outperforming both its industry group and the broader S&P 500 over that stretch. Second-quarter 2026 net income totaled $127 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, and its net interest margin (the spread between interest earned and paid) has trended upward. Its CET1 capital ratio of approximately 13.18% is notably strong among regional peers.
The company is pursuing an organic growth strategy, hiring revenue-generating bankers and expanding in Florida and Texas. It recently completed the acquisition of OFB Bancshares, parent of One Florida Bank, and earlier added Sabal Trust, broadening its wealth and private banking capabilities. HWC raised its quarterly dividend by 11.1% to $0.50 per share in early 2026 and has paid a quarterly dividend without interruption since 1967.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two banks differ most clearly in scale, capital, and growth strategy. FHN is the larger institution by assets and benefits from a more diversified, counter-cyclical revenue mix, including fixed income and mortgage banking that can partially offset rate-sensitive lending. HWC is smaller but carries a substantially higher CET1 capital ratio, providing greater capacity to fund expansion and absorb credit stress.
On growth drivers, HWC is executing an explicit geographic expansion into higher-growth Florida and Texas markets, supplemented by acquisitions and banker hiring. FHN, by contrast, is focused on deepening existing client relationships, cross-selling, and cost discipline to drive operating leverage. Its ROTCE above 15% reflects strong profitability, though its CET1 ratio is lower than HWC's.
Regarding recent momentum and sentiment, HWC has outperformed over the past year and year to date, while FHN has faced more mixed investor sentiment amid broader regional bank pressures. Both names carry similar risk factors: sensitivity to interest-rate movements, deposit-cost dynamics, and credit quality across commercial real estate and commercial-and-industrial lending.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, capital strength, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor HWC in the current environment. HWC's superior relative momentum, robust CET1 capital ratio, upward-trending net interest margin, and clearly defined growth catalysts in Florida and Texas present a more favorable trend and positioning profile. That said, FHN remains a stronger profitability performer by ROTCE and offers greater scale and revenue diversification. The outcome is not definitive; a shift in interest-rate expectations or credit conditions could narrow the gap, making both names worth ongoing monitoring through systematic tools.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is FHN is a StrongBuy and HWC is a Hold.
FHN in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 13, 2026
FHN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 29 of 38 cases where FHN's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where FHN's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 23 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 30 of 50 cases where FHN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FHN just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where FHN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Following a +0.93% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FHN advanced for three days, in 179 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on FHN as a result. In 40 of 82 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
The 50-day moving average for FHN moved below the 200-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FHN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
The Aroon Indicator for FHN entered a downward trend on October 20, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 39 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.287) is normal, around the industry mean (1.241). P/E Ratio (10.981) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.089). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.050) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.448) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. FHN’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
HWC in downward trend: price may drop because broke its higher Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026
HWC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 30 of the 45 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
HWC moved below its 50-day moving average on September 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HWC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 59 cases where HWC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HWC as a result. In 55 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HWC just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where HWC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 39 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Following a +1.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HWC advanced for three days, in 183 of 290 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HWC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 66 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.338) is normal, around the industry mean (1.241). P/E Ratio (14.422) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.089). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.027) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.246) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
FHN | HWC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 71 | 70 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 39 Fair valued | 66 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 25 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 9 | 11 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FHN's Valuation (39) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as HWC (66). This means that FHN’s stock grew similarly to HWC’s over the last 12 months.
HWC's Profit vs Risk Rating (25) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FHN (55). This means that HWC’s stock grew similarly to FHN’s over the last 12 months.
FHN's SMR Rating (9) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as HWC (11). This means that FHN’s stock grew similarly to HWC’s over the last 12 months.
HWC's Price Growth Rating (46) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FHN (58). This means that HWC’s stock grew similarly to FHN’s over the last 12 months.
HWC's P/E Growth Rating (11) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FHN (62). This means that HWC’s stock grew somewhat faster than FHN’s over the last 12 months.
| FHN | HWC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 56% | 16 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 53% | 7 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | N/A |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FHN’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while HWC’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- FHN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- HWC’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FHN’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HWC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FHN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HWC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
FHN (@Regional Banks) experienced а +1.27% price change this week, while HWC (@Regional Banks) price change was +2.80% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +0.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.29%, and the average quarterly price growth was +6.77%.
Reported Earning Dates
FHN is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
HWC is expected to report earnings on Jan 19, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+0.87% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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HWC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HWC has been closely correlated with FULT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HWC jumps, then FULT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HWC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HWC | 100% | +2.25% | ||
| FULT - HWC | 88% Closely correlated | +2.07% | ||
| UCB - HWC | 87% Closely correlated | +5.00% | ||
| FNB - HWC | 87% Closely correlated | +4.13% | ||
| ONB - HWC | 86% Closely correlated | +2.26% | ||
| WTFC - HWC | 86% Closely correlated | +2.70% | ||
More | ||||