ROSEMONT, Ill., April 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wintrust Financial Corporation ("Wintrust", "the Company", "we" or "our") (NASDAQ:WTFC) announced record net income of $227.4 million, or $3.22 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2026 compared to net income of $223.0 million, or $3.15 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter of 2025. Pre-tax, pre-provision income (non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2026 totaled a record $330.5 million, as compared to $329.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Timothy S. Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased with our first quarter 2026 results, with diversified loan growth, robust deposit generation and prudent expense management resulting in a fifth consecutive quarter of record net income. Our multi-faceted business model and unique market position continued to build franchise value."

Additionally, Mr. Crane noted, "Net interest margin in the first quarter remained within our expected range, improving by two basis points to 3.56%. Strong loan growth, coupled with a stable net interest margin supported solid net interest income levels in the first quarter of 2026. Our disciplined approach to underwriting led to strong credit quality with low levels of net charge-offs and non-performing loans."

Highlights of the first quarter of 2026:

Comparative information to the fourth quarter of 2025, unless otherwise noted

Total loans increased by $1.0 billion, or 7% annualized.
Total deposits increased by $1.2 billion, or 8% annualized.
Total assets increased by $1.0 billion, or 6% annualized.
Net interest margin increased to 3.54% (3.56% on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) during the first quarter of 2026.
- Net interest income decreased to $579.0 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $583.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, primarily due to two fewer calendar days in the first quarter, partially offset by average earning asset growth during the quarter.
Provision for credit losses totaled $29.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to a provision for credit losses of $27.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Net charge-offs totaled $18.4 million, or 14 basis points of average total loans on an annualized basis, in the first quarter of 2026 down from $21.8 million, or 17 basis points of average total loans on an annualized basis, in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Non-performing loans totaled $182.7 million and comprised 0.34% of total loans at March 31, 2026, as compared to $185.8 million and 0.35% of total loans at December 31, 2025.

"Our first quarter performance reflected the efficient execution of our strategic priorities to deliver our differentiated customer experience, deliver disciplined and strategic growth and build the foundation for our future", Mr. Crane said. "We believe the continued momentum in our financial results has us well-positioned for the remainder of 2026. We expect sustained balance sheet growth, as we manage our expenses while investing appropriately in our businesses, to create consistent value for our shareholders."

The graphs shown on pages 3-7 illustrate certain financial highlights of the first quarter of 2026 as well as historical financial performance. See "Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures/Ratios" at Table 17 for additional information with respect to non-GAAP financial measures/ratios, including the reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measures/ratios.

Graphs available at the following link:

http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/eee88316-a409-40c9-8b41-bcc28fae9695

SUMMARY OF RESULTS:

BALANCE SHEET

Total assets increased $1.0 billion in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by a $1.0 billion increase in total loans. The increase in loans was broad-based with growth across most major loan categories.

Total liabilities increased by $0.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by a $1.2 billion increase in total deposits. Robust organic deposit growth in the first quarter of 2026 was driven by our diverse deposit product offerings. Non-interest bearing deposit balances represented 20% of total deposits and average non-interest bearing deposit balances have remained stable in recent quarters. The Company's loans-to-deposits ratio ended the quarter at 91.8%.

For more information regarding changes in the Company's balance sheet, see Consolidated Statements of Condition and Table 1 through Table 3 in this report.

NET INTEREST INCOME

For the first quarter of 2026, net interest income totaled $579.0 million, a decrease of $4.9 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease in net interest income in the first quarter of 2026 was driven by two fewer calendar days in the quarter, partially offset by average earning asset growth during the quarter.

Net interest margin was 3.54% (3.56% on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) during the first quarter of 2026, up two basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, benefiting from two fewer calendar days in the calendar. The yield on earning assets declined 10 basis points during the first quarter of 2026 primarily due to a 13 basis point decrease in loan yields. Funding cost on interest-bearing deposits decreased by 16 basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, which more than offset the reduction in loan yields. The net free funds contribution in the first quarter of 2026 declined four basis points compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.

For more information regarding net interest income, see Table 4 through Table 7 in this report.

ASSET QUALITY

The allowance for credit losses totaled $471.6 million as of March 31, 2026, an increase from $460.5 million as of December 31, 2025. A provision for credit losses totaling $29.6 million was recorded for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $27.6 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The provision for credit losses recognized in the first quarter of 2026 reflects stable credit quality and a mostly stable macroeconomic forecast. However, given future economic performance remains uncertain, model results capture uncertainty related to credit spreads and equity market valuations. For more information regarding the allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses, see Table 10 in this report.

Management believes the allowance for credit losses is appropriate to account for expected credit losses. The Company is required to estimate expected credit losses over the life of the Company's financial assets as of the reporting date. There can be no assurances, however, that future losses will not significantly exceed the amounts provided for, thereby affecting future results of operations. A summary of the allowance for credit losses calculated for the loan components in each portfolio as of March 31, 2026, December 31, 2025, and September 30, 2025 is shown on Table 11 of this report.

Net charge-offs totaled $18.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, a decrease of $3.4 million compared to $21.8 million of net charge-offs in the fourth quarter of 2025. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average total loans were 14 basis points in the first quarter of 2026 on an annualized basis compared to 17 basis points on an annualized basis in the fourth quarter of 2025. For more information regarding net charge-offs, see Table 9 in this report.

The Company's loan portfolio delinquency rates remain low and manageable. For more information regarding past due loans, see Table 12 in this report.

Non-performing assets and non-performing loans were stable compared to prior quarter. Non-performing assets totaled $200.2 million and comprised 0.28% of total assets as of March 31, 2026, as compared to $206.6 million, or 0.29% of total assets, as of December 31, 2025. Non-performing loans totaled $182.7 million and comprised 0.34% of total loans at March 31, 2026, as compared to $185.8 million and 0.35% of total loans at December 31, 2025. For more information regarding non-performing assets, see Table 13 in this report.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income totaled $134.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, increasing $3.7 million, compared to $130.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Wealth management revenue increased by approximately $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in the first quarter of 2026 was primarily driven by the increase in trust and asset management revenue. Wealth management revenue is comprised of the trust and asset management revenue of Wintrust Private Trust Company and Great Lakes Advisors, the brokerage commissions, managed money fees and insurance product commissions at Wintrust Investments and fees from tax-deferred like-kind exchange services provided by the Chicago Deferred Exchange Company.

Mortgage banking revenue totaled $23.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to $22.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The increase in the first quarter of 2026 was primarily attributed to higher production revenue. For more information regarding mortgage banking revenue, see Table 15 in this report.

The Company recognized approximately $31,000 in net losses on investment securities in the first quarter of 2026 compared to approximately $1.5 million in net gains in the fourth quarter of 2025. The net losses in the first quarter of 2026 were primarily the result of unrealized losses on the Company's equity investment securities with a readily determinable fair value.

For more information regarding non-interest income, see Table 14 in this report.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense totaled $382.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, decreasing $1.9 million, compared to $384.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-interest expense, as a percent of average assets, remained stable at 2.21% in the first quarter of 2026.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by approximately $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. This was primarily driven by an increase in base salaries as annual merit increases go into effect in the first quarter.

The Company recorded net OREO expense of $207,000 in the first quarter of 2026, compared to net OREO expense of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The primary driver of the decrease in the first quarter can be attributed to valuation adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2025. Net OREO expenses include all costs associated with obtaining, maintaining and selling other real estate owned properties as well as valuation adjustments.

Advertising and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2026 totaled $13.2 million, which was a $574,000 decrease as compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. Marketing costs are incurred to promote the Company's brand, commercial banking capabilities and the Company's various products, to attract loans and deposits and to announce new branch openings as well as the expansion of the Company's non-bank businesses. The level of marketing expenditures depends on the timing of sponsorship programs utilized which are determined based on the market area, targeted audience, competition and various other factors. Generally, these expenses are elevated in the second and third quarters of each year.

Travel and entertainment expense decreased approximately $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The decrease is primarily attributed to seasonal corporate events that occur in the fourth quarter.

For more information regarding non-interest expense, see Table 16 in this report.

INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax expense of $73.6 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to $79.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The effective tax rates were 24.4% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 26.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The effective tax rates were impacted by the tax effects related to share-based compensation which fluctuate based on the Company's stock price and timing of employee stock option exercises and vesting of other share-based awards. The Company recorded net excess tax benefits of $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to net excess tax benefits of $70,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025 related to share-based compensation.

BUSINESS SUMMARY

Community Banking

Through community banking, the Company provides banking and financial services primarily to individuals, small to mid-sized businesses, local governmental units and institutional clients residing primarily in the local areas the Company services. In the first quarter of 2026, community banking increased its commercial, commercial real estate and residential real estate loan portfolios.

Mortgage banking revenue was $23.4 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $771,000 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. See Table 15 for more detail. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $21.0 million in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to $20.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Company's gross commercial and commercial real estate loan pipelines remained solid as of March 31, 2026 indicating momentum for expected continued loan growth in the second quarter of 2026.

Specialty Finance

Through specialty finance, the Company offers financing of insurance premiums for businesses and individuals, equipment financing through structured loans and lease products to customers in a variety of industries, accounts receivable financing and value-added, out-sourced administrative services and other services. Originations within the insurance premium financing receivables portfolios were $5.1 billion during the first quarter of 2026. Average balances decreased by $81.0 million, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. The Company's leasing divisions' portfolio balances increased in the first quarter of 2026, with capital leases, loans, and equipment on operating leases of $3.0 billion, $1.2 billion, and $362.8 million as of March 31, 2026, respectively, compared to $2.9 billion, $1.2 billion, and $360.6 million as of December 31, 2025, respectively. Revenues from the Company's out-sourced administrative services business were $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, which was relatively stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2025.

Wealth Management

Through wealth management, the Company offers a full range of wealth management services, including trust and investment services, tax-deferred like-kind exchange services, asset management, and securities brokerage services. Wealth management revenue totaled $42.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, an increase as compared to the fourth quarter of 2025. At March 31, 2026, the Company's wealth management subsidiaries had approximately $45.9 billion of assets under administration, which excludes assets owned by the Company and its subsidiary banks.

WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Key Operating Measures

Wintrust's key operating measures and growth rates for the first quarter of 2026, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2025 (sequential quarter) and first quarter of 2025 (linked quarter), are shown in the table below:

							% or⁽¹⁾ basis point (bp) change from 4th Quarter 2025		% or basis point (bp) change from 1st Quarter 2025
	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025		Mar 31, 2025
Net income	$	227,388	$	223,024	$	189,039	2	%	20	%
Pre-tax income, excluding provision for credit losses (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾		330,534		329,811		277,018	0		19
Net income per common share – Diluted		3.22		3.15		2.69	2		20
Cash dividends declared per common share		0.55		0.50		0.50	10		10
Net revenue⁽³⁾		713,166		714,264