First Horizon Names Ben Hopper SVP to Optimize $83.2B Bank’s ATM and Branch Network
First Horizon announced on January 8, 2026 that Ben Hopper has joined as Senior Vice President, Head of Consumer Distribution and ATM Strategy, tasking him to optimize the bank’s physical branch and ATM network. The bank reported $83.2 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025.
1. Institutional and Insider Ownership Highlights
First Horizon reports that 80.3% of its outstanding shares are held by institutional investors, signaling strong confidence from hedge funds and large money managers in its long-term growth prospects. Company insiders control an additional 0.9% of shares, aligning management interests with those of public shareholders. This level of ownership places First Horizon well above industry averages and provides a stable shareholder base to support strategic initiatives.
2. Earnings, Valuation and Profitability Metrics
For the most recent fiscal year, First Horizon generated $5.03 billion in gross revenue and delivered $775 million in net income, equating to earnings per share of $1.65. The bank trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 2.39 and a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.82, reflecting a valuation that investors regard as fair relative to peers. First Horizon’s net margin stands at 18.08%, return on equity at 10.93%, and return on assets at 1.16%, underscoring efficient operations and disciplined capital management.
3. Leadership Appointment: Ben Hopper as SVP, Consumer Distribution
On January 8, 2026, First Horizon announced the appointment of Ben Hopper as Senior Vice President, Head of Consumer Distribution and ATM Strategy. Hopper brings over two decades of experience in retail banking strategy from roles at USAA, Wells Fargo and previous tenures at First Horizon. He will oversee optimization of the bank’s physical branch footprint and ATM network, with a focus on reliability, client convenience and integration of digital and in-person channels across First Horizon’s 12-state footprint.
4. Earnings Surprise Track Record and Upcoming Report
First Horizon has a history of exceeding consensus earnings estimates, driven by disciplined expense management and diversified net interest income streams. Wall Street analysts currently anticipate a year-over-year increase in quarterly earnings, citing improving net interest margins and stable loan growth trends in key southern U.S. markets. The consensus estimate projects earnings growth that, if realized, would mark the bank’s fifth consecutive beat of Street expectations.