Hawthorn Bancshares (HWBK) vs National Bankshares (NKSH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
National Bankshares (NKSH) has outperformed Hawthorn Bancshares (HWBK) over the past year, gaining 47.6% versus a gain of 28.5%. Over five years, HWBK leads with a +74.9% price change compared with +18.7% for NKSH. Hawthorn Bancshares is the larger company by market cap ($278.9 million vs $272.7 million), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Hawthorn Bancshares trades at a lower trailing P/E (10.5x vs 13.4x for National Bankshares). National Bankshares offers the higher dividend yield (3.57% vs 2.15%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | HWBK | NKSH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $38.13 | $42.80 |
| Market cap | $278.87M | $272.66M |
| 1-day change | -1.06% | -0.88% |
| YTD return | +9.32% | +27.65% |
| 1-year return | +28.47% | +47.59% |
| 5-year return | +74.90% | +18.72% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 10.50 | 13.42 |
| Forward P/E | — | 11.09 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.63 | $3.19 |
| Dividend yield | 2.15% | 3.57% |
| Annual dividend | $0.82 | $1.53 |
| 52-week high | $40.60 | $43.57 |
| 52-week low | $29.39 | $27.00 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.08% | -1.77% |
| Analyst consensus | — | none |
| Avg. price target upside | — | +9.23% |
| Average volume | 15.78K | 36.55K |
| Shares outstanding | 7.31M | 6.37M |
| Employees | 269 | 245 |
| Sector | Financial Services | Financial Services |
| Industry | Banks - Regional | Banks - Regional |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- NKSH has outperformed HWBK by 19.1 percentage points over the past year.
- National Bankshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (13.4x vs 10.5x trailing P/E).
- National Bankshares offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.57% vs 2.15%).
About Hawthorn Bancshares
HWBK stock →Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Hawthorn Bank that provides various banking products and services to families and businesses.
Financial Services · Banks - Regional · 269 employees
About National Bankshares
NKSH stock →National Bankshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for the National Bank of Blacksburg that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and local governments.
Financial Services · Banks - Regional · 245 employees
HWBK vs NKSH FAQ
Which is bigger, Hawthorn Bancshares or National Bankshares?
Hawthorn Bancshares (HWBK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $278.87M compared with $272.66M for National Bankshares (NKSH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HWBK or NKSH?
NKSH returned +47.59% over the past 12 months, compared with +28.47% for HWBK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HWBK or NKSH?
HWBK has the lower trailing P/E at 10.5, versus 13.4 for NKSH. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Hawthorn Bancshares or National Bankshares?
National Bankshares has the higher yield at 3.57%, compared with 2.15% for Hawthorn Bancshares.
Are Hawthorn Bancshares and National Bankshares in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector.