Wintrust(WTFC)2025-04-22 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported quarterly net income of $189 million and record net interest income of $526 million, despite having two fewer business days compared to the prior period [5] - The net interest margin increased to 3.56%, up five basis points from the previous quarter, reflecting disciplined loan and deposit pricing [6][11] - Loans grew by over $650 million and deposits increased by over $1.1 billion during the quarter [5][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 6% on an annualized basis, consistent with prior guidance, while deposit growth was approximately 8% on an annualized basis [9][10] - Noninterest income was relatively stable, totaling $116.6 million, with increases in net security gains and fees from covered call options offset by lower wealth management revenue [13] - Noninterest expenses totaled $366.1 million, down approximately $2.4 million from the prior quarter, primarily due to lower salary and employee benefit expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nonperforming loans (NPLs) as a percentage of total loans decreased slightly from 36 basis points to 35 basis points, indicating stable credit quality [19] - Charge-offs for the quarter were $12.6 million or 11 basis points, down from $15.9 million or 13 basis points in the previous quarter [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced an increase in its dividend to $2 per share on an annualized basis and continues to grow its capital ratio, with the CET1 ratio ending the quarter at slightly over 10% [24] - The management emphasized a focus on differentiated client service and maintaining a strong competitive position in the market [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a fair amount of uncertainty in the market, which causes clients to pause before making major investments, but they remain optimistic about loan growth in the second quarter [26][27] - The company is committed to proactive engagement with clients to navigate periods of uncertainty and believes that its strong underwriting standards will mitigate potential impacts from economic challenges [22][23] Other Important Information - The company received 14 Coalition Greenwich Awards for performance with commercial clients and was recognized for best customer service in Illinois for the fourth consecutive year [25] - The management highlighted the importance of client feedback in improving service levels and maintaining competitive advantage [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How prevalent is uncertainty from borrowers, and is it impacting growth outlook? - Management acknowledged that borrowers are cautious and pausing due to uncertainty but remain encouraged about the local economy and do not expect to change loan growth expectations [32][34] Question: Can you walk through the thought process on reserve changes? - The management explained that while the baseline economic scenario improved, they implemented an uncertainty overlay due to spikes in credit spreads and equity market factors at the end of the quarter [36][38] Question: How should we think about the source of deposit growth going forward? - The company plans to grow deposits to match loan growth, maintaining a stable mix and focusing on adding new clients [72][74]