StoneX reiterates Hancock Whitney stock rating on solid growth trends

Investing.com reports that StoneX has maintained a Buy rating and $91.00 price target on Hancock Whitney (HWC) shares. The stock is estimated to be undervalued with a Fair Value of $94.10, indicating further upside potential. StoneX highlighted positive trends pointing to the upper range of guidance for pre-provision net revenue, fee income, and expenses for fiscal year 2026.

Analysts have revised earnings upwards, with a forecasted EPS of $6.61 for FY2026. Hancock Whitney has shown strong performance, delivering a 20% year-to-date return, while trading at a modest P/E ratio of 14.8. The firm noted that growth remains robust and hiring continues at a strong pace, which could lead to higher guidance and potentially an increased hiring target of approximately 50 employees.

Conditions have been favorable this summer for Hancock Whitney, and its recent Q2 earnings met Wall Street expectations, with EPS of $1.55 and net income rising to $127 million. Despite this, net interest margins only improved slightly to 3.56% from 3.55% in the prior quarter. Management expects deposit costs to rise by about 10 basis points through the fourth quarter as promotional funding stabilizes.

Loan growth guidance remains at a mid-single-digit pace for the year. Stephens lowered its price target for Hancock Whitney from $86 to $85, maintaining an Overweight rating, but was cautious about margin pressure and deposit costs.