Wintrust Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: WTFC) Vice Chair Lee David Eric sold 558 shares of common stock on January 30, 2026, at a per-share price of $147.42, producing a transaction value of $82,260. Following that disposition, Lee retains direct ownership of 16,085 Wintrust shares.
In the period since the insider sale, WTFC stock has risen to $156.04, approaching the company's 52-week high of $156.16. The banking group carries a market valuation of $10.45 billion and trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.56. The institution has also maintained a long-running dividend record, having paid dividends for 27 consecutive years.
Separately, Wintrust announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising the payout to $0.55 per share. That dividend is scheduled to be paid on February 19, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 5, 2026.
Analyst coverage of Wintrust remains generally positive. The consensus recommendation stands at 1.54, with price targets spanning $155 to $185. Specific recent adjustments include:
- Stephens, which increased its target to $162 and cited Wintrust's distinctive operating model and steady growth.
- DA Davidson, which lifted its target to $172 and pointed to momentum in net interest income as a driver.
- RBC Capital, setting a new target of $175 and highlighting quality results and operating leverage in the company's latest report.
- Piper Sandler, which moved its target to $184, noting expectations for robust operating leverage and balance-sheet growth.
At the same time, InvestingPro's analysis indicates the stock appears overvalued compared with its Fair Value. InvestingPro also offers an extended Research Report covering Wintrust and more than 1,400 additional U.S. equities for subscribers seeking further quantitative and qualitative context.
Summary
Lee David Eric executed an insider sale of 558 Wintrust shares worth $82,260 on January 30, 2026, and retains 16,085 shares. WTFC shares have traded up to $156.04, near the 52-week high of $156.16. The bank raised its quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.55 per share, payable February 19, 2026 to shareholders of record on February 5, 2026. Market observers and analysts continue to recommend the stock overall, with price targets from $155 to $185, while InvestingPro flags a valuation premium relative to Fair Value.
Key points
- Insider transaction: Vice Chair Lee David Eric sold 558 shares on January 30, 2026 for $147.42 each, totaling $82,260; he now owns 16,085 shares - impacts corporate governance and insider activity monitoring in the banking sector.
- Dividend and timing: Quarterly dividend increased 10% to $0.55 per share, payable February 19, 2026, to holders of record on February 5, 2026 - relevant to income investors and bank dividend strategies.
- Analyst outlook and valuation: Consensus recommendation of 1.54 with targets from $155 to $185; InvestingPro notes the stock appears overvalued relative to its Fair Value - important for equity valuation and portfolio allocation decisions.
Risks and uncertainties
- Valuation mismatch: InvestingPro identifies the stock as trading above its Fair Value, which could limit upside for equity investors - affects valuation-sensitive strategies in financials.
- Price ceiling proximity: WTFC is trading close to its 52-week high of $156.16, which may constrain near-term gains if momentum stalls - relevant to short-term traders and momentum strategies.
- Analyst target dispersion: Price targets range from $155 to $185, reflecting differing analyst views on growth drivers such as net interest income and operating leverage - introduces uncertainty for investors relying on consensus forecasts.