Hancock Whitney: Recent M&A Makes Shares Attractive (Upgrade)

Hancock Whitney is upgraded to "Buy" after recent M&A activity and relative underperformance, with 13% upside and a stable dividend. HWC's $378 million all-cash acquisition of OFB Bancshares deepens its Florida presence, leveraging a strong capital position and targeting cost synergies. Post-acquisition, capital allocation will pivot: the dividend remains, but buybacks are expected to halt until CET1 normalizes by late 2027.