Benchmark Reiterates Buy Rating on HWC

Benchmark has reaffirmed its buy rating for HWC, setting a price target of $84, a 15.07% upside from the current price.

Key Points

  • On June 25, 2026, Benchmark reiterated its buy rating on HWC, setting a price target of $84.
  • Benchmark's $84 price target implies 15.07% upside from Hancock Whitney Corporation's ($HWC) current $73 share price.
  • Shares of HWC traded near $73 on Thursday, reflecting investor interest amid recent insider activity.
  • Institutional investors like BlackRock and Vanguard have made notable changes in their HWC holdings.

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On June 25, 2026, Benchmark reiterated its buy rating on HWC, setting a price target of $84. This evaluation by analyst Brett Rabatin underscores confidence in the company's future performance.

Analyst rating track record

Benchmark vs. the S&P 500

YTD return -18.21% hypothetical
All-time return -31.47% S&P 500 +22.43%
vs. S&P 500 -53.90% behind the index

Hypothetical, simulated performance of disclosed positions vs. the S&P 500. Not realized profit and not investment advice. Past performance does not indicate future results. Details.

Other Institutional Activity in HWC

Several major funds have adjusted their positions in HWC recently. BlackRock, Inc. increased its holdings by 10,046 shares, bringing its total to approximately 10.39 million shares valued at $660.4 million. FMR LLC added 124,825 shares, now holding about 7.33 million shares worth $466.2 million. Vanguard Portfolio Management LLC opened a new position with 4.93 million shares valued at $313.2 million. Meanwhile, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake by 21,655 shares to a total of 4.79 million shares, valued at $304.7 million. In contrast, State Street Corp reduced its holdings by 274,613 shares, now holding 4.25 million shares valued at $270.1 million.

Hancock Whitney Corporation Stock Down 2.8%

Shares of HWC traded near $73 on Thursday. The stock has been experiencing some fluctuations, with a 52-week low of $65 and a high of $85. Its recent trading price reflects interest from both institutional investors and analysts.

12-month forecast

$HWC price target

Past daily closes and this analyst's 12-month price target. Not investment advice.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hancock Whitney Corporation

Recent insider transactions at HWC include sales by Christine Pickering, who sold 417 shares on May 22, 2026, at an average price of $67.16. Stacy Jo Davis, the Chief HR Officer, sold 83 shares on May 1, 2026, at $67.51. On the buying side, Frank Bertucci, Jerry Levens, Carleton Richard Wilkins, and Albert Williams each purchased 1,187 shares on April 29, 2026, at an average price of $67.41.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Benchmark initiated its coverage with a buy rating and a price target of $84 on June 25, 2026. Other analysts have also shown optimism: DA Davidson maintained a buy rating with an $86 target on May 18, 2026, and Piper Sandler maintained a buy rating with targets of $82 and $80 on the same date. Citigroup has consistently maintained a buy rating, with recent targets at $81 and $78.

Bottom Line

Benchmark's reiteration of a buy rating for HWC, along with a strong price target, highlights the potential seen by analysts. Institutional activity indicates significant interest and engagement with the stock. As always, investors should consider these insights as part of a broader research process, especially given the backward-looking nature of some data like 13F filings.

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