Huntington Cut Its Outlook Right as the Fed Hiked. First Crack in Regional-Bank Margins?
Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) dropped 5.55% after lowering its 2027 EPS guidance to $1.75-$1.83 and 2026 net interest income growth to ~35%, citing rising deposit costs and loan pricing tightening. The Fed's rate hike exacerbated concerns about regional-bank margins, with peers like Fifth Third also seeing declines. Despite the selloff, Huntington's loan and deposit growth, along with fee income, provide some cushion. Analysts maintain an Overweight rating, with a price target of $21.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
The guidance downgrade triggered a 5.5% intraday decline, raising questions about regional‑bank margin resilience.
Market read
The news is a primary disclosure of a material guidance revision for a mid‑cap regional bank, affecting its valuation and potentially the broader sector.
What to watch
Deposit beta and commercial real‑estate loan payoffs could improve net interest margin sooner than expected.
Background
HBAN announced a profit warning and guidance cut on the day of the Fed's first rate hike since 2023, citing rising deposit costs and tighter loan pricing.
Ticker impact
HBAN cut its 2027 EPS guidance to $1.75‑$1.83 and lowered 2026 net interest income growth outlook after a profit‑warning conference, triggering a 5.5% share drop.
Further downside risk if deposit beta remains high; potential bounce if fee income offsets margin squeeze.
Guidance revisions are fresh, material, and already moved the stock; traders can act on the new outlook.
Market effects
Highlights emerging margin pressure across regional banks as the Fed hikes rates.
May prompt re‑rating of other Mid‑West banks with similar deposit‑cost structures.
Limited to U.S. regional banking sector; no broader macro impact.
Counterpoint
Fee‑income growth could cushion margin compression, making HBAN undervalued at 12x earnings.
Key entities
- companyHuntington Bancshares Inc.
U.S. regional bank (NASDAQ:HBAN) that issued the guidance cut.


