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HWC vs WTFC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Hancock Whitney (HWC) vs. Wintrust Financial (WTFC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- WTFC is the larger and faster-growing franchise, with full-year 2025 net income up roughly 19% and loan balances expanding about 10% year over year.
- HWC is smaller but more capital-rich, holding a notably higher Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, a measure of core bank capital, and a stronger return on assets.
- Both banks beat consensus earnings estimates in their most recent quarter, with HWC reporting EPS of $1.49 and WTFC reporting EPS of $3.15.
- HWC is executing a multi-year organic growth plan in Texas and Florida, while WTFC leans on diversified Midwest lending plus a specialty finance (premium finance) franchise.
- Valuations are similar on a price-to-earnings basis, but the two names offer different risk-reward profiles in momentum, capital strength, and growth.
Introduction
Regional banks often move together, yet underlying differences in footprint, growth strategy, and balance-sheet composition can produce meaningfully different stock outcomes. This stock comparison examines Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC), a Gulfport, Mississippi-based lender expanding across the Gulf South and Texas, against Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC), a Chicago-area institution with a diversified Midwest and specialty lending model. Both have posted strong recent earnings, but their relative performance and market positioning diverge. Investors evaluating regional banks for growth, capital strength, or stability may find this head-to-head useful for understanding how two well-regarded names stack up in the current environment.
HWC Overview and Recent Performance
Hancock Whitney is a bank holding company providing commercial, small-business, and retail banking, along with wealth and trust services, primarily across the Gulf Coast. The company has emphasized a multi-year organic growth plan, adding revenue-producing bankers and expanding its footprint into higher-growth markets in Texas and Florida. In recent weeks, HWC has traded near multi-month highs, reflecting a broad improvement in sentiment toward regional banks and a solid earnings report.
In its most recent quarter, HWC posted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.49, slightly above consensus, with net income of about $125.6 million. Net interest income (NII), the earnings generated from lending, rose 3% year over year, and the net interest margin (NIM), which measures the spread between interest earned and interest paid, held near 3.48%. Loans grew modestly to about $24 billion while deposits reached roughly $29.3 billion. Sentiment has been supported by a 12.5% dividend increase, active share repurchases, and a strong CET1 ratio near 13.7%. Offsetting factors include rising expenses, a modest uptick in credit provisions, and net charge-offs (loan losses actually written off) that remain manageable but trending slightly higher.
WTFC Overview and Recent Performance
Wintrust Financial is a financial holding company headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, operating community banking, specialty finance, and wealth management segments. Its specialty finance arm, notably premium finance lending for property and casualty insurance, differentiates it from many regional peers and adds a non-cyclical revenue stream. WTFC is considerably larger than HWC, with total assets of about $71 billion versus roughly $35 billion.
Recent performance has been strong. In its latest quarter, WTFC reported EPS of $3.15, beating expectations, with net income of $223 million and a record $583.9 million in NII. Its NIM held near 3.54%, and both loans and deposits each grew roughly $1 billion during the quarter. For the full year, WTFC delivered record net income of approximately $824 million, up about 19%, with diluted EPS rising 11% to $11.40. The company also raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.55 per share, signaling management confidence. Growth momentum, disciplined expense control, and low office-commercial real estate exposure have reinforced constructive sentiment, though credit trends, including slightly higher charge-offs, are being watched closely.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most visible contrast is scale and growth. WTFC's balance sheet is roughly twice the size of HWC's, and its full-year earnings growth of about 19% outpaced HWC's mid-single-digit profit gains. WTFC also carries a slightly higher NIM (about 3.54% versus 3.48%), aided by specialty finance and disciplined deposit pricing. On profitability, however, HWC holds the edge in return on average assets (about 1.41% versus roughly 1.23%), reflecting a leaner, more capital-efficient operation.
Capital and risk profiles also differ. HWC's CET1 ratio near 13.7% is substantially above WTFC's roughly 10.3%, giving Hancock Whitney a larger buffer against credit stress and more capacity for buybacks. Conversely, WTFC's diversified Midwest footprint and low office commercial real estate exposure (about 3% of loans) provide a different form of resilience. Both banks face the shared regional-bank sensitivity to interest rates and deposit costs, but their growth drivers are distinct: HWC is investing to expand in Texas and Florida, while WTFC is compounding through broad organic loan growth and its premium finance niche.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward WTFC in the current environment. The combination of faster loan and deposit growth, record earnings, a rising dividend, and a slightly higher net interest margin points to more consistent upward momentum and stronger near-term catalysts. HWC's superior capital and return on assets make it the more defensive, quality-oriented option, and it may appeal where balance-sheet strength is prioritized. However, on trend consistency, growth trajectory, and relative market positioning, WTFC currently presents the more compelling probabilistic case for AI-driven favorability. This assessment reflects data patterns rather than a definitive prediction and is not personalized investment advice.
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 HWC is a Buy and WTFC is a Buy.
HWC's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HWC turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where HWC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +1.67% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HWC advanced for three days, in 182 of 294 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 28, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on HWC as a result. In 60 of 89 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
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 65%.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 13 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (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 57 (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 (1.300) is normal, around the industry mean (1.263). P/E Ratio (14.006) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.507). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.020) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.028) 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.
WTFC in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
The 10-day moving average for WTFC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WTFC as a result. In 56 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WTFC just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where WTFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
WTFC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +0.95% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WTFC advanced for three days, in 187 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for WTFC moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 39 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 56%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 7 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for WTFC moved below the 200-day moving average on October 21, 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 WTFC 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 62%.
WTFC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 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 Aroon Indicator for WTFC entered a downward trend on October 16, 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WTFC’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 63 (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 (1.448) is normal, around the industry mean (1.263). P/E Ratio (12.074) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.507). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.150) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.527) 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.
HWC | WTFC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 73 | 36 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 22 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 11 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 13 | 41 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 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.
HWC's Valuation (57) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WTFC (63). This means that HWC’s stock grew similarly to WTFC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's Profit vs Risk Rating (22) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as HWC (32). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to HWC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's SMR Rating (9) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as HWC (11). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to HWC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as HWC (48). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to HWC’s over the last 12 months.
HWC's P/E Growth Rating (13) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WTFC (41). This means that HWC’s stock grew similarly to WTFC’s over the last 12 months.
| HWC | WTFC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 56% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 62% | 6 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 65% | 4 days ago 62% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 71% |
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).
HWC’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while WTFC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- HWC’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- WTFC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
HWC’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WTFC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HWC’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 3 bearish.
- WTFC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
HWC (@Regional Banks) experienced а -2.07% price change this week, while WTFC (@Regional Banks) price change was +1.07% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -1.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.46%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.38%.
Reported Earning Dates
HWC is expected to report earnings on Jan 19, 2027.
WTFC is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-1.29% 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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WTFC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WTFC has been closely correlated with FNB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WTFC jumps, then FNB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WTFC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTFC | 100% | -1.14% | ||
| FNB - WTFC | 88% Closely correlated | -1.42% | ||
| ZION - WTFC | 88% Closely correlated | -1.30% | ||
| ONB - WTFC | 86% Closely correlated | -0.55% | ||
| ASB - WTFC | 86% Closely correlated | -0.75% | ||
| HWC - WTFC | 85% Closely correlated | -0.85% | ||
More | ||||
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| FM Compounders Equity ETF | |||
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