Wintrust(US:WTFC)2025-10-21 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust reported a record net income of $216 million for Q3 2025, up from over $195 million in the previous quarter, representing an increase of almost 11% quarter over quarter [4] - Net interest income increased by $20 million from the second quarter to $567 million, driven by solid loan and overall balance sheet growth [5] - Total loans reached $52 billion at quarter end, reflecting an 11% year-to-date increase on an annualized basis [5] - Total deposits were nearly $57 billion at the end of Q3, with deposit growth of just under $900 million [5][9] - Net interest margin was 3.50% for the quarter, slightly down from the prior quarter but within the targeted range [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was broad-based, with commercial real estate loans growing by $327 million and Wintrust Life Finance growing by $252 million [14] - Non-interest income totaled $130.8 million in Q3, up approximately $6.7 million compared to the prior quarter, supported by higher wealth management and mortgage revenue [11] - Non-interest expenses totaled $380 million, a slight decline from $381.5 million in the previous quarter, indicating well-controlled expenses [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wintrust achieved deposit share gains in key markets, ranking third in deposit market share in Illinois, up one position [7] - The company continues to see strong growth in its franchises in Wisconsin and West Michigan, with significant upside potential [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on core deposit growth as a key tenet of its franchise, emphasizing a relationship-based approach in its core Midwestern markets [7][19] - Wintrust aims to continue generating loan and deposit growth in the mid to high single-digit range while maintaining a stable net interest margin [18] - The management is committed to disciplined underwriting and is cautious about taking risks that do not meet their standards [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of net interest margin despite potential rate cuts by the Fed, citing a balanced approach to managing deposit costs [32][68] - The overall credit environment remains stable, with proactive measures in place to address any challenges [17] - Management noted a sense of measured optimism among customers as they approach year-end, indicating strong portfolio performance [17] Other Important Information - The company has consistently grown tangible book value per share every year since going public and is on track to do so again in 2025 [12] - A one-time impact from preferred stock redemption reduced fully diluted net income per common share by $0.28 in Q3, but the adjusted figure would have been $3.06 without this impact [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about loan growth drivers and pipelines? - Management noted a unique market positioning in Chicago, gaining market share from larger banks, with stable pipelines for C&I and CRE loans [25][29] Question: How do you feel about holding the margin in the current range with potential Fed rate cuts? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining the margin around $350, citing effective management of deposit costs and a balanced loan portfolio [32][33] Question: What is the strategy for commercial loan growth? - Management indicated that the decline in commercial loan growth was more about timing than market competition, with consistent opportunities in the pipeline [37] Question: Are there any segments or industries where you are pulling back on lending? - Management stated they are closely monitoring higher education and healthcare sectors but are not pulling back from lending in general [94] Question: How do you view the competitive landscape among banks? - Management noted that the competitive environment remains rational, with no significant changes among larger and smaller banks [110]