Wintrust (WTFC) Q4 Earnings Preview: What You Should Know Beyond the Headline Estimates

Core Viewpoint - Wintrust Financial (WTFC) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.93 per share, an 11.4% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $699.7 million, reflecting a 9.6% increase compared to the same period last year [1] Earnings Projections - Analysts have maintained the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the last 30 days, indicating stability in their assessments [1] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock price performance [2] Key Financial Metrics - The estimated 'Efficiency Ratio' is projected at 54.7%, down from 57.5% a year ago [4] - 'Net Interest Margin' is expected to remain stable at 3.5% compared to the previous year [4] - 'Average balance - Total earning assets' is forecasted to reach $65.52 billion, up from $59.85 billion in the same quarter last year [4] Additional Financial Indicators - 'Tier 1 leverage ratio' is projected to increase to 9.9%, compared to 9.4% in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Total Non-Interest Income' is expected to be $122.14 million, up from $113.45 million a year ago [5] - 'Net Interest Income' is anticipated to be $578.52 million, compared to $525.15 million in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Service charges on deposit accounts' are projected at $20.01 million, up from $18.86 million last year [7] - 'Other Non-Interest Income' is expected to reach $24.50 million, compared to $20.68 million a year ago [8] Market Performance - Wintrust shares have increased by 1.4% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has risen by 2.1% [9] - Wintrust holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance relative to the overall market [9]