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SHG vs WF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Shinhan Financial Group (SHG) vs. Woori Financial Group (WF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- SHG and WF are both South Korean financial holding companies trading as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs, U.S.-listed securities representing foreign shares) on the NYSE.
- Shinhan is the larger, more diversified group, while Woori trades at a lower valuation and offers a notably higher dividend yield.
- Both stocks have pulled back from 52-week highs in recent weeks, with SHG down roughly 13% over the past month and WF down roughly 10%.
- Woori carries a stronger capital buffer (CET1 ratio) and is aggressively expanding its non-bank business, while Shinhan is consolidating through acquisitions such as Lotte Non-Life Insurance.
- Relative performance, valuation, and capital-return policy are the key trade-offs separating the two names.
Introduction
Investors evaluating South Korean financials often weigh two of the country's largest bank-led holding companies against each other: SHG (Shinhan Financial Group) and WF (Woori Financial Group). Both are NYSE-listed ADRs, both are trading below book value, and both have been caught up in the same macroeconomic currents shaping Korean banking. This stock comparison is relevant for income-oriented investors focused on dividend yield, value investors assessing price-to-book (P/B) and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios, and traders tracking relative performance and momentum in the financial sector. Understanding their market positioning and recent catalysts can clarify which name better fits a given strategy.
SHG Overview and Recent Performance
Shinhan Financial Group is one of South Korea's largest financial holding companies, with a diversified business spanning commercial banking, credit cards, securities, asset management, and insurance. It is the larger of the two names, with a market capitalization of roughly $32–33 billion. In recent weeks, SHG has traded around the low $70s, well below its 52-week high near $85, after a pullback of about 13% over the past month. Despite the decline, the stock retains a strong longer-term trend, up more than 30% over the trailing year.
Sentiment has been shaped by both company-specific and sector-wide factors. Shinhan's board recently approved a cash acquisition to take control of Lotte Non-Life Insurance, signaling continued expansion into non-banking segments. At the same time, the shares have been pressured by broader profit-taking across Korean financials and by investor focus on net interest margins and credit quality. The stock carries a trailing P/E near 9–10 and a dividend yield around 2.9%, with a five-year beta below 1.0, indicating lower volatility than the broader market.
WF Overview and Recent Performance
Woori Financial Group is another of South Korea's major bank-centered holding companies, operating across banking, life insurance, credit cards, capital, and investment securities. It is the smaller of the two, with a market capitalization of roughly $17 billion. In recent market activity, WF has traded near $70, also below its 52-week high of about $85, following a pullback of around 10% over the past month. Like Shinhan, it remains up roughly 28–29% over the trailing year.
Woori's recent performance has been influenced by its push to diversify away from core banking. Non-bank units contributed a materially larger share of group profit in the latest reporting period than a year earlier, and the company has been consolidating its life insurance operations to build a larger, more competitive franchise. Its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, a key measure of a bank's capital strength, has been reported around 13.7%, providing room for share buybacks and dividends. The stock trades at a trailing P/E near 8 and offers a dividend yield of roughly 4%, the higher of the two names.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies operate in the same sector and country, their profiles differ in meaningful ways. Shinhan is the larger, more diversified group, with a broader non-bank footprint and a market-leading credit card and securities franchise. Woori is smaller and more bank-centric, though it has been closing that gap through insurance consolidation and faster non-bank profit growth.
On valuation, Woori is the cheaper name across most metrics. Its price-to-book ratio sits near 0.66–0.69 versus roughly 0.81–0.86 for Shinhan, and its trailing P/E is lower. Woori also offers a substantially higher dividend yield of about 4% compared with Shinhan's roughly 2.9%, reflecting a stronger near-term capital-return orientation. Shinhan, by contrast, has historically commanded a premium for its scale and diversification.
Risk factors differ as well. Woori's non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, a measure of troubled loans, has trended upward and its coverage ratio has declined, signaling slightly softer credit quality. Shinhan faces execution risk tied to its recent insurance acquisition. Both are sensitive to Korean interest-rate policy, net interest margins, and regulatory changes on shareholder returns. In terms of momentum, the two stocks have moved in a similar pattern recently, but Woori's higher yield and lower beta have provided somewhat more defensive characteristics during the pullback.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely show a modest preference for WF in the current environment. The reasoning is probabilistic rather than definitive: Woori combines a lower valuation, a higher dividend yield, a stronger CET1 capital buffer, and a clearer near-term capital-return story through buybacks and dividends. Its relative positioning also benefits from a lower beta and a yield that offers more downside cushion. That said, Shinhan's scale, diversification, and longer track record of non-bank profitability could make SHG the more suitable choice for investors prioritizing stability and breadth over yield. The balance of trend consistency, valuation, and catalysts currently tilts the AI's favor toward Woori, while Shinhan remains a competitive alternative for a different risk-reward profile.
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 SHG is a Hold and WF is a StrongBuy.
Momentum Indicator for SHG turns negative, indicating new downward trend
SHG saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on September 22, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 95 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 59 of the 95 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SHG turned negative on September 16, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 54%.
SHG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SHG crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 7 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 47%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SHG 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 52%.
The Aroon Indicator for SHG entered a downward trend on October 21, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 9 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SHG advanced for three days, in 201 of 311 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
SHG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 1 (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 1 (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 Valuation Rating of 27 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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: SHG's P/B Ratio (0.001) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.246). P/E Ratio (0.006) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.217). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (5.020) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.024) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.745) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 27 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. SHG’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 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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.
WF's RSI Indicator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for WF moved out of oversold territory on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 20 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 16 of the 20 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 38 of 53 cases where WF'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 72%.
Following a +3.53% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WF advanced for three days, in 205 of 301 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
WF may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on September 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WF as a result. In 50 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 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WF turned negative on September 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
WF moved below its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WF crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 47%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WF 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 58%.
The Aroon Indicator for WF entered a downward trend on October 19, 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 1 (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 1 (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 Valuation Rating of 20 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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: WF's P/B Ratio (0.000) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.246). P/E Ratio (0.006) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.217). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.576) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.026) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. WF's P/S Ratio (1.873) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to 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.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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.
SHG | WF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 68 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 27 Undervalued | 20 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 1 | 1 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 1 | 1 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 97 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 27 | 75 |
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.
WF's Valuation (20) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as SHG (27) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that WF’s stock grew similarly to SHG’s over the last 12 months.
WF's Profit vs Risk Rating (1) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as SHG (1) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that WF’s stock grew similarly to SHG’s over the last 12 months.
WF's SMR Rating (1) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as SHG (1) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that WF’s stock grew similarly to SHG’s over the last 12 months.
WF's Price Growth Rating (46) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as SHG (55) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that WF’s stock grew similarly to SHG’s over the last 12 months.
WF's P/E Growth Rating (97) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as SHG (97) in the Financial Conglomerates industry. This means that WF’s stock grew similarly to SHG’s over the last 12 months.
| SHG | WF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 68% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 18 days ago 68% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 52% | 4 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 54% |
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).
SHG’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while WF’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- SHG’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- WF’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.
SHG’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WF’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- SHG’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WF’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
SHG (@Regional Banks) experienced а -1.26% price change this week, while WF (@Regional Banks) price change was +2.52% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.63%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.99%.
Reported Earning Dates
SHG is expected to report earnings on Nov 13, 2026.
WF is expected to report earnings on Nov 13, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.63% 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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SHG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SHG has been closely correlated with KB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 89% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SHG jumps, then KB could also see price increases.