First Horizon Stock Plummets After CEO Signals Potential Acquisition Strategy

Oct 15, 2025 2:03 PM EDTOctober 22, 2025by Nathan Cole • 3 min read • Updated: October 22, 2025

First Horizon Shares Plunge on Acquisition Comments

First Horizon Corporation experienced its most significant stock decline since the wipeout of the Toronto-Dominion Bank acquisition, with shares falling as much as 13% to $19.99 during trading. The sharp drop came after CEO Bryan Jordan indicated the bank might pursue acquisition opportunities rather than remain a takeover target, according to earnings call transcripts.

CEO Comments Trigger Market Reaction

During the quarterly earnings discussion with analysts, Jordan stated he was “increasingly confident in our ability to integrate a well-structured merger with a strong cultural fit in our existing footprint if such an opportunity arises in 2026 or beyond.” Market analysts suggest these comments prompted the immediate sell-off as investors had been anticipating First Horizon Bank would remain a acquisition target rather than becoming an acquirer.

Historical Context: TD Deal Collapse

The current decline represents the worst intraday performance for First Horizon shares since May 2023, when Toronto-Dominion Bank abandoned its proposed $13.4 billion acquisition amid regulatory concerns. Sources indicate that investors had maintained hope for another takeover offer following the collapsed mergers and acquisitions deal, making Jordan’s comments particularly disappointing to market participants.

Broader Market Implications

Financial analysts suggest the market reaction reflects concerns about mergers and acquisitions execution risks and potential dilution for current shareholders. The report states that regional bank stocks have faced numerous challenges recently, similar to other industries experiencing turbulence such as the media sector staff reductions and social media content moderation issues. This banking sector volatility occurs alongside other economic uncertainties including the ongoing government shutdown situation.

Strategic Shift for First Horizon

According to reports, First Horizon Bank appears to be shifting from a potential acquisition target to a potential acquirer in the banking consolidation landscape. The timing of this strategic repositioning, reportedly targeting 2026 or beyond according to Jordan’s comments, suggests the bank is taking a long-term approach to mergers and acquisitions in the regional banking sector.

Investor Response and Future Outlook

Market analysts suggest the dramatic stock reaction indicates investor preference for First Horizon remaining a takeover candidate rather than pursuing its own acquisition strategy. The report states that the 13% decline represents one of the most significant single-day moves in the regional banking sector this year, highlighting how sensitive investors remain to strategic direction changes following the collapsed TD Bank deal.

Sources

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