Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
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Overview
The earnings call summary indicates stable financial performance with expected growth in loans, deposits, and net interest income. The Q&A section highlights effective management of deposit costs and optimism about mortgage business growth. While there are areas for improvement, such as the mortgage business, the company maintains a strong market position and explores organic growth and acquisitions. The outlook for loan and deposit growth is positive, and management is open to buybacks or dividend increases if capital levels exceed targets. Overall, the sentiment leans towards a positive stock price reaction over the next two weeks.
Key Financial Performance
Net Income (Full Year 2025) $824 million, up 19% from $695 million in 2024. The increase was driven by strategic and disciplined growth.
Earnings Per Diluted Share (Full Year 2025) $11.40, up from $10.31 in 2024. This reflects the overall increase in net income.
Tangible Book Value Per Share Increased by over $13 to nearly $89 a share. This was due to the strong financial performance of the company.
Total Assets (Year-End 2025) Just over $71 billion. This reflects the company's growth and expansion.
Net Income (Fourth Quarter 2025) $223 million, up 3% or $7 million from the prior quarter. This was driven by solid loan and deposit growth and a slightly improved margin.
Deposit Growth (Fourth Quarter 2025) $1 billion, representing a 7% increase over the prior quarter on an annualized basis. This growth helped fund strong loan growth.
Loan Growth (Fourth Quarter 2025) $1 billion, representing 8% growth on an annualized basis. This was supported by strong performance in various loan categories.
Loans and Deposits (Full Year 2025) Loans grew 11% and deposits grew 10%. This reflects the company's strategic growth initiatives.
Net Interest Income (Fourth Quarter 2025) Increased by $16.9 million over the prior quarter, driven by a $1.1 billion increase in average earning assets and a 4 basis point increase in net interest margin.
Net Interest Margin (Fourth Quarter 2025) 3.54%, within the range of 3.50% to 3.56% for 2025. This reflects stable margin performance.
Provision for Credit Losses (2025) Remained in the $20 million to $30 million range for all quarters, reflecting a stable credit environment.
Noninterest Income (Fourth Quarter 2025) $130.4 million, similar to the $130.8 million in the prior quarter. The slight decline was due to lower security gains.
Noninterest Expenses (Fourth Quarter 2025) $384.5 million, a slight increase from $380 million in the prior quarter. This was due to higher employee health insurance claims, OREO expenses, and travel costs, offset by lower marketing costs.
Nonperforming Loans (Fourth Quarter 2025) Increased slightly from $162.6 million (31 basis points) to $185.8 million (35 basis points). This remains manageable and reflects a stable credit environment.
Charge-Offs (Fourth Quarter 2025) 17 basis points, down from 19 basis points in the prior quarter. This reflects stable credit performance.
Commercial Real Estate Nonperforming Loans (Fourth Quarter 2025) Decreased from 0.21% to 0.18%. This reflects stabilization in the commercial real estate portfolio.
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Operating Highlights
Net Promoter Scores: Improved scores in both retail and commercial banking, already best-in-class in 2025.
Deposit Market Share: Moved into third position in deposit market share in the Chicago area, with strong gains in Wisconsin and West Michigan.
Net Income: Record net income of $824 million for 2025, up 19% from 2024.
Loan and Deposit Growth: Loans grew by 11% and deposits by 10% for the full year.
Net Interest Income: Achieved record quarterly net interest income driven by $1.1 billion increase in average earning assets and a 4 basis point increase in net interest margin.
Noninterest Expenses: Well-managed expenses, with a slight increase in Q4 due to health insurance claims and other small factors.
Market Positioning: Focused on Midwestern footprint while leveraging opportunities across the U.S. for specialty businesses.
Investment in Growth: Continued investment in tools, technology, and people to support future growth.
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Risk or Challenges
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Exposure: The company has a significant exposure to commercial real estate loans, which comprise roughly 25% of the total portfolio. While CRE non-performing loans (NPLs) and charge-offs are currently low, the company continues to monitor this portfolio closely due to potential risks in the sector.
Economic and Interest Rate Environment: The company expects the net interest margin to remain stable around 3.5%, but acknowledges that changes in the interest rate environment could impact financial performance. Additionally, the company is mindful of seasonality and uneven quarterly growth, particularly in the first half of the year.
Noninterest Income Challenges: The company continues to face softness in mortgage revenue, which has impacted noninterest income. While other noninterest income categories remain stable, the mortgage market's performance remains a challenge.
Credit Quality and Loan Growth: While credit quality remains stable, nonperforming loans increased slightly in the fourth quarter. The company is committed to identifying and addressing credit challenges early, but any deterioration in credit quality could pose risks to financial performance.
Operational Costs: Noninterest expenses increased slightly in the fourth quarter due to higher employee health insurance claims, OREO expenses, and travel and entertainment costs. While these expenses are currently well-managed, any significant increase could impact profitability.
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Guidance & Outlook
Loan Growth: Mid- to high single-digit loan growth expected in 2026, supported by similar levels of deposit growth.
Net Interest Margin: Expected to remain stable around 3.5% in 2026, even with potential interest rate changes.
Noninterest Income: Anticipated improvement in wealth management and service-based fee income businesses, with hopes for a recovery in the mortgage market.
Geographic Focus: Continued focus on the Midwestern footprint while leveraging opportunities across the U.S. for specialty businesses.
Seasonality Impact: Acknowledgment of typical seasonality that may result in uneven quarterly growth, particularly in the first half of 2026.
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Shareholder Return Plan
The selected topic was not discussed during the call.
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Key Q&A
Q:Can you talk about what takes you to mid-single digit or high single-digit loan growth and unpack the momentum entering the year?
A:Timothy Crane and Richard Murphy expressed cautious optimism about local economies, citing low unemployment levels and broad-based loan growth. They noted that the first quarter is typically softer, but the first half of the year aligns with targets. Specific verticals like mortgage warehouse lines, leasing, and residential mortgages showed strong performance, and they expect a reversal of the first quarter phenomenon in premium finance by the second quarter.
Q:What are the puts and takes on expenses and overall thoughts on expense plans for 2026?
A:David Dykstra stated that with mid- to high single-digit revenue growth (around 7.5%-8%), expenses are expected to grow 4%-5% off the fourth quarter run rate, aiming for positive operating leverage. Health insurance claims may rise slightly, and marketing expenses are higher in the second and third quarters. If loan growth is lower, expenses would be tightened. Timothy Crane added that benefit expenses and potential mortgage business growth are wild cards.
Q:Can you unpack the decline in deposit costs in the quarter and drivers behind it?
A:Timothy Crane attributed the decline to effective management by the team as the Fed moved rates, along with a favorable trend in DDA deposits. He noted that commercial deposits and treasury services showed good growth, though deposit costs can be lumpy due to year-end reporting activities.
Q:Do you see additional opportunities to run off higher-cost CDs and the repricing benefit of CDs maturing by the end of the year?
A:Timothy Crane mentioned a minor benefit from the CD book rolling into 2026. He emphasized that interest-bearing deposit growth supports loan growth, and while their deposit costs are higher than peers, they focus on adding long-term clients.
Q:What areas are not where you want them to be in terms of growth or operations?
A:Timothy Crane highlighted the mortgage business as an area for improvement, though expenses have been pared back. He also mentioned a desire for more commercial activity but emphasized discipline in relationship-based growth over transactional activity.
Q:What is the latest on M&A appetite?
A:Timothy Crane stated that the focus is on organic growth, but they remain open to acquisitions, particularly smaller ones. Conversations are ongoing, but there is nothing significant to report, and the 2026 business plan is based on organic growth.
Q:Are there alternative deployment outlets for capital beyond dividends and organic growth?
A:David Dykstra explained that if capital levels grow beyond 10.5% without acquisition opportunities or strong organic growth, they would consider buybacks or dividend increases. They have an authorized $200 million buyback plan but are currently focused on organic growth and smaller acquisitions.
Q:What is the thought process on gradually bringing down reserves, and where do you see coverage ratios trending in 2026?
A:David Dykstra stated that reserve levels are determined by the CECL process, macroeconomic factors, and portfolio mix. Improvements in economic forecasts and credit quality have led to gradual reserve reductions. Future reserve levels will depend on economic conditions, as CECL is forward-looking.
Q:Is a portion of your growth or market share gains due to competitors focusing elsewhere?
A:Timothy Crane acknowledged that disruption or distraction among competitors can be beneficial. He emphasized their strong position in the Midwest, competing with large banks and credit unions, and differentiating through service and personnel.
Q:What is the outlook for loan growth and deposit growth in 2026?
A:Timothy Crane stated that they aim for deposit growth to mirror loan growth, though it can be lumpy. They target mid- to high single-digit loan growth, supported by strong market positioning and client additions.
Q:What is the outlook for the mortgage banking business in 2026?
A:David Dykstra expressed optimism, noting that a 25-50 basis point drop in mortgage rates could significantly increase refinancing activity. They expect stable revenue with potential upside if rates decline further. Timothy Crane added that market share has increased as competitors have exited the market.
Q:What are your thoughts on operating 16 banking charters?
A:Timothy Crane stated that the 16 charters provide a marketing and market function advantage, keeping them closer to the market. While most infrastructure is centralized, the charters help maintain strong market share in attractive communities.
Q:What is the outlook for construction lending in 2026?
A:Richard Murphy noted that Chicago is not a major construction market, but multifamily construction remains strong. He expressed optimism about construction activity for the year.
Q:Does the mid- to high single-digit loan growth outlook for 2026 assume a reduction in mortgage rates?
A:Timothy Crane clarified that the outlook assumes a slightly improved mortgage market in line with projections, not a dramatic drop in rates. A significant lift would require rates to drop below 6%.
Q:What are the drivers that could impact net interest margin (NIM) in 2026?
A:Timothy Crane mentioned competitive pressures on fully funded loans and the impact of fewer days in the first quarter. However, they are neutral to rate changes and expect to maintain a stable NIM in the 3.50s range.
Q:Review of Unclear Management Responses
A:Management avoided providing specific details on the competitive pressures affecting fully funded loans, the exact impact of hedge program maturities on NIM stability, and the precise drivers of construction lending growth. Additionally, they did not offer a clear outlook on reserve coverage ratios for 2026, citing the forward-looking nature of CECL.
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Earnings Word Cloud
The most frequently occurring keywords in this quarter's earning call
Chief Lending
Crane Happy
Financial Full
Full Conference
Full addition
Happy New
Increases employee
Instructions course
Lending Officer
Michigan leverage
Net Promoter
New Full
OREO travel
Officer Stoehr
Officer call
Promoter Scores
Rich loan
SEC measure
Scores class
Stoehr Chief
West Michigan
Wisconsin West
amount basis
approach position
area gain
asset end
asset revenue
attention chart
bank size
banking focus
increase interest
point basis
point level
team
WTFC Transcript
Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive1-21
The earnings call summary indicates stable financial performance with expected growth in loans, deposits, and net interest income. The Q&A section highlights effective management of deposit costs and optimism about mortgage business growth. While there are areas for improvement, such as the mortgage business, the company maintains a strong market position and explores organic growth and acquisitions. The outlook for loan and deposit growth is positive, and management is open to buybacks or dividend increases if capital levels exceed targets. Overall, the sentiment leans towards a positive stock price reaction over the next two weeks.
Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive10-21
The earnings call summary presents a stable financial performance with controlled expenses and a decrease in nonperforming loans. The Q&A section highlights strong loan growth, stable margins despite potential rate cuts, and a focus on organic growth in core markets. The company's confidence in maintaining margins and credit quality, along with strategic expansion plans, indicates a positive outlook. However, the lack of detailed guidance on acquisitions and private credit competition is a minor concern, slightly moderating the overall sentiment.
Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive7-22
The earnings call summary indicates strong financial performance, including loan and deposit growth, a dividend increase, and stable credit quality. The Q&A section supports this with positive sentiment from analysts, particularly regarding growth opportunities in wealth management and market positioning. Despite some concerns about loan pricing competition and nonperforming loans, the overall outlook is optimistic, with stable expenses and potential for growth in various segments. The positive guidance and strategic focus on growth, combined with shareholder returns, suggest a positive stock price movement.
Wintrust Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:WTFC) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Positive4-23
The earnings call presents strong financial performance with record net income and net interest income. Despite some economic uncertainties and regulatory risks, the company maintains a stable credit quality and has increased dividends, which is favorable for shareholders. The Q&A section reveals cautious optimism, with management acknowledging uncertainties but not altering growth expectations. The increase in tangible book value and stable net interest margin further support a positive outlook. Although there are no new partnerships or buybacks, the overall sentiment is positive, suggesting a potential stock price increase of 2% to 8%.
WTFC Slides
WTFC Report
Frequently Asked Questions
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