Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC)

Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC) is a regional financial services company headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi. Led by President and CEO John Hairston, Hancock Whitney’s strategic mission is to "provide financial solutions that help our customers and communities succeed, built on a foundation of integrity and stability." The company holds a dominant industry position along the Gulf South corridor, with a presence in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Hancock Whitney’s vision is to be the "Premier Financial Partner of the Gulf South." By late 2025, HWC stock has seen a "Valuation Re-rating" as the company achieved record EPS and authorized a new 5% share buyback program.

The business operations of Hancock Whitney are built on a mix of commercial banking, wealth management, and specialty lending. In fiscal 2025, the company reported Q3 EPS of $1.49 and a solid 10% increase in tangible book value. A primary growth driver is the company’s expansion into the Dallas market and its new "Government Affairs" division, which focuses on public-sector banking opportunities. The 2026 strategic roadmap focuses on "Fee-Generating Growth," increasing its wealth management and treasury services to offset potential net interest margin pressures. Hancock Whitney holds a "Regional Moat" as the primary bank for many critical Gulf Coast industries, including energy, maritime, and tourism. With its "Strength and Stability" brand, the bank has maintained a high-quality loan portfolio and a loyal deposit base throughout the 2025 interest rate cycle.