Wintrust Financial (WTFC) Q4 2025 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Achieved record net income of $824 million for 2025, up 19% year-over-year, with EPS rising to $11.40 and tangible book value per share at $88.66, continuing a 29-year growth streak.

• Total assets surpassed $71.1 billion at year-end, with strong loan and deposit growth and stable net interest margin throughout the year.

• Delivered operating leverage, with net revenue up 11.2%, outpacing non-interest expense growth by 340 basis points.

• Gained third position in deposit market share in Chicago, with notable gains in Wisconsin and West Michigan.

• Maintained best-in-class Net Promoter Scores and received multiple awards for customer satisfaction and banking excellence.

Financial highlights

• Fourth quarter net income reached a record $223 million, up 3% sequentially and 20% from Q4 2024.

• Loans and deposits grew 11% and 10% year-over-year, respectively, with both increasing by $1.0 billion in Q4 2025.

• Net interest income for 2025 reached $2.2 billion, up 13% year-over-year, with NIM improving to 3.54%.

• Non-interest income was $130.4 million in Q4, nearly flat sequentially; non-interest expenses rose slightly to $384.5 million.

• Efficiency ratio improved to 53.73% in Q4 2025, down 74 bps sequentially.

Outlook and guidance

• Targets for 2026 include mid to high single-digit loan and deposit growth, with stable NIM around 3.5%.

• Expects positive operating leverage, with revenue growth of 7.5%-8% and expense growth of 4%-5% off Q4 2025 run rate.

• Management expects continued net interest income growth through 2026, supported by stable net interest margin and balance sheet growth.

• Anticipates improved non-interest income from wealth management and service-based fees, with potential upside if mortgage market strengthens.

• Guidance assumes a slightly improved mortgage market, not a dramatic drop in rates.