Filed by Wintrust Financial Corporation (Commission File No. 0-21923) pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended Subject Company: Advantage National Bancorp, Inc. ON JULY 17, 2003, WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION ISSUED THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE: [WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION LETTERHEAD] NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2003 --------------------- FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward J. Wehmer, President & Chief Executive Officer David A. Dykstra, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (847) 615-4096 Website address: www.wintrust.com WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION REPORTS SECOND QUARTER EARNINGS; SECOND QUARTER NET EARNINGS UP 43% LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS -- Wintrust Financial Corporation ("Wintrust") (Nasdaq: WTFC) announced quarterly net income of $9.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, an increase of $2.7 million, or 43%, over the $6.3 million recorded in the second quarter of 2002. On a per share basis, net income for the second quarter of 2003 totaled $0.49 per diluted common share, a $0.12 per share, or 32%, increase as compared to the 2002 second quarter total of $0.37 per diluted common share. The lower growth rate in the earnings per share as compared to net income was primarily due to the issuance of 1,362,750 additional shares of common stock in June and July of 2002. The return on average equity for the second quarter of 2003 stood at 14.95% versus 14.75% for the second quarter of 2002. For the first six months of 2003, net income totaled $17.3 million, or $0.94 per diluted common share, an increase of $4.6 million, or 36%, when compared to $12.7 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2002. The results for the first six months of the prior year included pretax income of $1.25 million, or $754,000 after-tax ($0.05 per common diluted share), for a partial settlement related to a non-recurring charge recorded in 2000. Return on average equity for the first six months of 2003 was 14.74% versus 15.85% for the same period of 2002. "We are very pleased with the results for the first half of 2003, given the challenging interest rate environment," commented Edward J. Wehmer, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The results reflect our ability to generate growth to offset continued net interest margin pressures. On an annualized basis, loans have grown 27% and deposits 22% since the end of last year." 1 Mr. Wehmer added, "So far this year, we strengthened our capital position, developed plans for our 8th de novo bank, announced our first bank acquisition and continued to add experienced customer-oriented brokerage representatives in our banking facilities to bolster our wealth management capabilities. We remain comfortable with the existing range of the analysts' earnings estimate for 2003 of $1.75 to $1.90 per share." Wintrust's key operating measures and growth rates for the first six months of 2003 as compared to the prior year period are shown in the table below: SIX MONTHS Six Months ENDED Ended % or JUNE 30, June 30, basis point (bp) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2003 2002 Change ------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------- Net income $ 17,282 $ 12,669 36% Net income per common share - Diluted $ 0.94 $ 0.77 22% Net revenue (1) $ 91,780 $ 73,108 26% Net interest income $ 54,932 $ 46,585 18% Net interest margin (4) 3.14% 3.52% (38)bp Core net interest margin (2) (4) 3.26% 3.72% (46)bp Net overhead ratio (3) 1.18% 1.54% (36)bp Return on average assets 0.90% 0.88% 2 bp Return on average equity 14.74% 15.85% (111)bp At end of period Total assets $ 4,132,394 $ 3,219,400 28% Total loans $ 2,896,148 $ 2,308,945 25% Total deposits $ 3,419,946 $ 2,608,507 31% Book value per common share $ 14.31 $ 12.15 18% Market price per common share $ 29.79 $ 34.57 (14)% Common shares outstanding 17,428,118 16,954,850 3% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net revenue is net interest income plus non-interest income. (2) Core net interest margin excludes interest expense associated with Wintrust's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities. (3) The net overhead ratio is calculated by netting total non-interest expense and total non-interest income, annualizing this amount, and dividing by that period's total average assets. A lower ratio indicates a higher degree of efficiency. (4) See "Supplemental Financial Measures/Ratios" for additional information on this performance measure/ratio. On February 20, 2002, Wintrust completed its acquisition of Wayne Hummer Investments, LLC (including its wholly owned subsidiary, Focused Investments LLC) and Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company (collectively, the "Wayne Hummer Companies"). The Wayne Hummer Companies' results of operations are included only since the effective date of acquisition (February 1, 2002) in Wintrust's results. As of June 30, 2003, approximately $261 million of customers' funds have migrated from the money market mutual fund managed by Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company into insured bank deposits of the Wintrust 2 banks. The introduction of bank and trust products to customers of the Wayne Hummer Companies continues, as well as the referral of banking customers to Wayne Hummer's brokerage operation. We are actively pursuing the placement of brokerage representatives into the markets served by Wintrust banks. On February 4, 2003, Wintrust completed the acquisition of Lake Forest Capital Management Company based in Lake Forest, Illinois. Lake Forest Capital Management has been merged into and is operating as a separate division of Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company, Wintrust's existing asset management subsidiary. Lake Forest Capital Management Company's results of operations are included only since the effective date of acquisition (February 1, 2003) in Wintrust's 2003 results. Lake Forest Capital Management Company further expands our wealth management business in the Chicago metropolitan area. Subsequent second to quarter-end, Wintrust announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Advantage National Bancorp, Inc. ("Advantage"). Advantage is the parent company of Advantage National Bank that has locations in Elk Grove Village and Roselle, Illinois. Advantage began operations in January 2001 and had total assets of approximately $107 million as of June 30, 2003. Subject to approval by regulators, shareholders of Advantage and certain closing conditions, closing is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2003. Total assets rose to $4.13 billion at June 30, 2003, an increase of $913 million, or 28%, compared to $3.22 billion a year ago, and an increase of $411 million, or 22% on an annualized basis, since December 31, 2002. Total deposits as of June 30, 2003 were $3.42 billion, an increase of $811 million, or 31%, as compared to $2.61 billion at June 30, 2002, and an increase of $331 million, or 22% on an annualized basis, since year-end 2002. Total loans grew to $2.90 billion as of June 30, 2003, a $587 million, or 25%, increase over the $2.31 billion balance as of a year ago, and an increase of $340 million, or 27% on an annualized basis, since December 31, 2002. For the second quarter of 2003, net interest income totaled $28.3 million, increasing $3.9 million, or 16%, compared to the second quarter of 2002 and $1.7 million, or 26% on an annualized basis, over the first quarter of 2003. Average earning assets grew $879 million over the second quarter of 2002, a 32% increase. Strong loan growth in the second quarter of 2003 continued to fuel earning asset growth as average loans increased over the first quarter of 2003 by $162 million, or 24% on an annualized basis. The net interest margin 3 for the second quarter of 2003 was 3.14%, compared to 3.15% in the first quarter of 2003 and 3.56% in the second quarter of 2002. Net interest income totaled $54.9 million for the first six months of 2003, increasing $8.3 million, or 18%, over the same period in 2002. The net interest margin for the first six months of 2003 was 3.14% compared to 3.52% in 2002. Non-interest income totaled $36.8 million for the first six months of 2003, increasing $10.3 million, or 39%, over the same period in 2002 and totaled $19.1 million in the second quarter of 2003, increasing $5.3 million, or 39%, over the second quarter of 2002. The primary contributors to the increase in non-interest income were the additional fees realized from mortgage loans sold and premium income received on covered call option transactions. Non-interest expense totaled $59.4 million for the first six months of 2003, increasing $10.8 million, or 22%, over the first six months of 2002 and totaled $30.5 million in the second quarter of 2003, increasing $4.6 million, or 18%, over the second quarter of 2002. The growth in non-interest expense is attributable to increases in salaries and benefits and operating costs as a result of continued growth and expansion of the de novo banks, normal annual increases in salaries and increased costs related to employee benefits. The net overhead ratio for the first six months of 2003 improved to 1.18% from 1.54% in the same period last year. Non-performing assets totaled $14.5 million, or 0.35% of total assets, at June 30, 2003, compared to the December 31, 2002 level of $12.6 million, or 0.34% of total assets, and the June 30, 2002 level of $11.9 million, or 0.37% of total assets. On July 1, 2003 a customer brought a single credit in the amount of $1.9 million, classified as non-performing at June 30, 2003, into a performing status. 4 Wintrust is a financial holding company whose common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market(R) (Nasdaq: WTFC). Its seven suburban Chicago community bank subsidiaries, each of which was founded as a de novo bank since December 1991, are located in high income retail markets -- Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, North Shore Community Bank & Trust Company in Wilmette, Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, Barrington Bank & Trust Company, Crystal Lake Bank & Trust Company and Northbrook Bank & Trust Company. The banks also operate facilities in Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Highwood, Glencoe, Winnetka, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Skokie, Wauconda, Cary, McHenry and Riverside, Illinois. Additionally, the Company operates various non-bank subsidiaries. First Insurance Funding Corporation, one of the largest commercial insurance premium finance companies operating in the United States, serves commercial loan customers throughout the country. Tricom, Inc. of Milwaukee provides short-term accounts receivable financing and value-added out-sourced administrative services, such as data processing of payrolls, billing and cash management services, to temporary staffing service clients located throughout the United States. Wayne Hummer Investments, LLC is a broker-dealer providing a full range of private client and brokerage services to clients located primarily in the Midwest. Focused Investments LLC is a broker-dealer that provides a full range of investment solutions to clients through a network of community-based financial institutions throughout the Midwest. Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company provides money management services and advisory services to individual accounts as well as the Wayne Hummer Companies' four proprietary mutual funds. Wayne Hummer Trust Company, a trust subsidiary, allows Wintrust to service customers' trust and investment needs at each banking location. Wintrust Information Technology Services Company provides information technology support, item capture and statement preparation services to the Wintrust subsidiaries. Currently, Wintrust operates a total of 32 banking offices and is in the process of constructing several additional branch facilities. All of the Company's banking subsidiaries are locally managed with large local boards of directors. Wintrust Financial Corporation has been one of the fastest growing de novo bank groups in Illinois. # # # 5 WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2003 2002 2003 2002 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------------------------- SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA (AT END OF PERIOD): Total assets $ 4,132,394 $ 3,219,400 Total loans 2,896,148 2,308,945 Total deposits 3,419,946 2,608,507 Long-term debt - trust preferred securities 76,816 51,050 Total shareholders' equity 249,399 205,999 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA: Net interest income $ 28,328 $ 24,417 $ 54,932 $ 46,585 Net revenue (1) 47,433 38,188 91,780 73,108 Income before taxes 14,072 9,799 26,867 19,692 Net income 9,019 6,307 17,282 12,669 Net income per common share - Basic 0.52 0.40 1.00 0.82 Net income per common share - Diluted 0.49 0.37 0.94 0.77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA: Performance Ratios: Net interest margin (5) 3.14% 3.56% 3.14% 3.52% Core net interest margin (2) (5) 3.26 3.74 3.26 3.72 Non-interest income to average assets 1.93 1.85 1.92 1.85 Non-interest expense to average assets 3.08 3.47 3.10 3.38 Net overhead ratio (3) 1.16 1.63 1.18 1.54 Efficiency ratio (4) (5) 64.30 67.61 64.86 65.96 Return on average assets 0.91 0.85 0.90 0.88 Return on average equity 14.95 14.75 14.74 15.85 Average total assets $ 3,971,542 $ 2,992,133 $3,866,918 $2,897,465 Average total shareholders' equity 241,944 171,469 236,466 161,161 Average loans to average deposits ratio 86.6% 90.8% 86.1% 90.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Share Data at end of period: Market price per common share $ 29.79 $ 34.57 Book value per common share $ 14.31 $ 12.15 Common shares outstanding 17,428,118 16,954,850 Other Data at end of period: Allowance for loan losses $ 21,310 $ 16,009 Non-performing assets $ 14,545 $ 11,921 Allowance for loan losses to total loans 0.74% 0.69% Non-performing assets to total assets 0.35% 0.37% Number of: Bank subsidiaries 7 7 Non-bank subsidiaries 7 7 Banking offices 32 31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net revenue is net interest income plus non-interest income. (2) The core net interest margin excludes interest expense associated with Wintrust's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities. (3) The net overhead ratio is calculated by netting total non-interest expense and total non-interest income, annualizing this amount, and dividing by that period's total average assets. A lower ratio indicates a higher degree of efficiency (4) The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total non-interest expense by tax-equivalent net revenues (less securities gains or losses). A lower ratio indicates more efficient revenue generation. (5) See "Supplemental Financial Measures/Ratios" for additional information on this performance measure/ratio. 6 WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (UNAUDITED) (Unaudited) JUNE 30, December 31, June 30, (In thousands) 2003 2002 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 123,439 $ 105,671 $ 60,055 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 223,142 151,251 198,089 Interest-bearing deposits with banks 5,748 4,418 543 Available-for-sale securities, at fair value 508,289 547,679 380,833 Trading account securities 4,913 5,558 4,618 Brokerage customer receivables 34,457 37,592 68,844 Mortgage loans held-for-sale 84,643 90,446 27,735 Loans, net of unearned income 2,896,148 2,556,086 2,308,945 Less: Allowance for loan losses 21,310 18,390 16,009 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net loans 2,874,838 2,537,696 2,292,936 Premises and equipment, net 141,488 118,961 109,509 Accrued interest receivable and other assets 99,193 95,852 49,775 Goodwill 29,835 25,266 25,091 Other intangible assets 2,409 1,165 1,372 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $4,132,394 $3,721,555 $3,219,400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Deposits: Non-interest bearing $ 317,104 $ 305,540 $ 257,298 Interest bearing 3,102,842 2,783,584 2,351,209 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total deposits 3,419,946 3,089,124 2,608,507 Notes payable 26,000 44,025 58,650 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 140,000 140,000 140,000 Subordinated notes 50,000 25,000 -- Other borrowings 57,439 46,708 71,712 Long-term debt - trust preferred securities 76,816 50,894 51,050 Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 112,794 98,802 83,482 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 3,882,995 3,494,553 3,013,401 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock -- -- -- Common stock 17,428 17,216 16,955 Surplus 158,597 153,614 147,616 Common stock warrants 1,030 81 96 Retained earnings 72,861 56,967 42,789 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (517) (876) (1,457) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity 249,399 227,002 205,999 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $4,132,394 $3,721,555 $3,219,400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, -------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except per share data) 2003 2002 2003 2002 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST INCOME Interest and fees on loans $42,238 $38,366 $82,829 $75,027 Interest bearing deposits with banks 28 5 57 8 Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements 1,080 205 1,469 498 Securities 5,534 5,211 11,369 9,711 Trading account securities 46 56 84 80 Brokerage customer receivables 339 695 696 1,185 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest income 49,265 44,538 96,504 86,509 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTEREST EXPENSE Interest on deposits 17,013 16,585 34,115 33,260 Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances 1,473 1,078 2,930 1,975 Interest on subordinated notes 625 -- 1,069 -- Interest on notes payable and other borrowings 671 1,170 1,375 2,113 Interest on long-term debt - trust preferred securities 1,155 1,288 2,083 2,576 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total interest expense 20,937 20,121 41,572 39,924 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INTEREST INCOME 28,328 24,417 54,932 46,585 Provision for loan losses 2,852 2,483 5,493 4,831 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net interest income after provision for loan losses 25,476 21,934 49,439 41,754 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NON-INTEREST INCOME Wealth management fees 7,002 7,431 12,953 12,001 Fees on mortgage loans sold 4,544 1,934 9,142 3,951 Service charges on deposit accounts 867 753 1,722 1,491 Gain on sale of premium finance receivables 1,108 828 2,270 1,594 Administrative services revenue 1,068 931 2,159 1,753 Net available-for-sale securities gains (losses) 220 62 606 (153) Other 4,296 1,832 7,996 5,886 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest income 19,105 13,771 36,848 26,523 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Salaries and employee benefits 18,265 15,400 35,715 28,762 Equipment expense 1,916 1,796 3,758 3,526 Occupancy, net 1,887 1,609 3,785 3,153 Data processing 1,026 1,042 2,079 2,056 Advertising and marketing 504 533 1,043 1,057 Professional fees 922 685 1,704 1,296 Amortization of other intangible assets 159 100 298 117 Other 5,830 4,741 11,038 8,618 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total non-interest expense 30,509 25,906 59,420 48,585 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before taxes 14,072 9,799 26,867 19,692 Income tax expense 5,053 3,492 9,585 7,023 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ 9,019 $ 6,307 $17,282 $12,669 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC $ 0.52 $ 0.40 $ 1.00 $ 0.82 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED $ 0.49 $ 0.37 $ 0.94 $ 0.77 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.08 $ 0.06 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average common shares outstanding 17,411 15,948 17,360 15,513 Dilutive potential common shares 1,106 1,080 1,113 1,013 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average common shares and dilutive common shares 18,517 17,028 18,473 16,526 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL MEASURES/RATIOS In accordance with new SEC rules required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the use of financial measures and ratios not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), a reconciliation must be provided that shows these measures and ratios calculated according to GAAP and a statement why management believes these measures and ratios provide a more accurate view of performance. Certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios are used by management to evaluate and measure the Company's performance. These include taxable-equivalent net interest income (including its individual components), net interest margin (including its individual components), core net interest margin and the efficiency ratio. Management believes that these measures and ratios provide users of the Company's financial information a more accurate view of the performance of the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and of the Company's operating efficiency for comparative purposes. Other financial holding companies may define or calculate these measures and ratios differently. See the table below for supplemental data and the corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial measures for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. Management reviews yields on certain asset categories and the net interest margin of the Company, and its banking subsidiaries, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis ("FTE"). In this non-GAAP presentation, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt interest income on an equivalent before-tax basis. This measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources. Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis is also used in the calculation of the Company's efficiency ratio. The efficiency ratio, which is calculated by dividing non-interest expense by total taxable-equivalent net revenue (less securities gains or losses), measures how much it costs to produce one dollar of revenue. Securities gains or losses are excluded from this calculation to better match revenue from daily operations to operational expenses. Management also evaluates the net interest margin excluding the interest expense associated with the Company's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities ("Core Net Interest Margin".) Because these instruments are utilized by the Company primarily as capital instruments, management finds it useful to view the net interest margin excluding this expense and deems it to be a more accurate view of the operational net interest margin of the Company. THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, ------------------------------------------------------------ (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (A) INTEREST INCOME (GAAP) $49,265 $44,538 $96,504 $86,509 Taxable-equivalent adjustment - Loans 124 168 265 356 Taxable-equivalent adjustment - Liquidity management assets 73 23 134 43 Taxable-equivalent adjustment - Other earning assets 39 -- 39 -- ------- ------- ------- ------- Interest income - FTE $49,501 $44,729 $96,942 $86,908 (B) INTEREST EXPENSE (GAAP) 20,937 20,121 41,572 39,924 ------- ------- ------- ------- Net interest income - FTE $28,564 $24,608 $55,370 $46,984 ------- ------- ------- ------- (C) NET INTEREST INCOME (GAAP) (A MINUS B) $28,328 $24,417 $54,932 $46,585 Net interest income - FTE $28,564 $24,608 $55,370 $46,984 Add: Interest expense on long-term debt - trust preferred securities 1,155 1,288 2,083 2,576 ------- ------- ------- ------- Core net interest income - FTE (1) $29,719 $25,896 $57,453 $49,560 ------- ------- ------- ------- (D) NET INTEREST MARGIN (GAAP) 3.11% 3.53% 3.12% 3.49% Net interest margin - FTE 3.14% 3.56% 3.14% 3.52% Core net interest margin - FTE (1) 3.26% 3.74% 3.26% 3.72% (E) EFFICIENCY RATIO (GAAP) 64.62% 67.95% 65.17% 66.32% Efficiency ratio - FTE 64.30% 67.61% 64.86% 65.96% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Core net interest income and core net interest margin are by definition a non-GAAP measure/ratio. The GAAP equivalents are the net interest income and net interest margin determined in accordance with GAAP (lines C and D in the table). 9 LOANS, NET OF UNEARNED INCOME % Growth % Growth from from JUNE 30, December 31, June 30, June 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2002 2002 2002 2002 (1) --------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ------------------------------- BALANCE: Commercial and commercial real estate $1,458,566 $1,320,598 $1,134,082 28.6 % 21.1 % Home equity 412,787 365,521 318,397 29.6 26.1 Residential real estate 140,365 156,213 138,595 1.3 (20.5) Premium finance receivables 625,840 461,614 459,558 36.2 71.7 Indirect auto loans 167,198 178,234 183,855 (9.1) (12.5) Tricom finance receivables 24,062 21,048 19,228 25.1 28.9 Other loans 67,330 52,858 55,230 21.9 % 55.2 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- Total loans, net of unearned income $2,896,148 $2,556,086 $2,308,945 25.4 26.8 % ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- MIX: Commercial and commercial real estate 50% 52% 49% Home equity 14 14 14 Residential real estate 5 6 6 Premium finance receivables 22 18 20 Indirect auto loans 6 7 8 Tricom finance receivables 1 1 1 Other loans 2 2 2 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total loans, net of unearned income 100% 100% 100% ---------- ---------- ---------- (1) Annualized DEPOSITS % Growth % Growth from from JUNE 30, December 31, June 30, June 30, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2002 2002 2002 2002 (1) --------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ------------------------------- BALANCE: Non-interest bearing $ 317,104 $ 305,540 $ 257,298 23.2% 7.6% NOW 393,462 354,499 292,370 34.6 22.2 NOW - Brokerage customer deposits 261,475 231,700 97,531 168.1 25.9 Money market 435,830 399,441 356,352 22.3 18.4 Savings 161,116 147,669 133,110 21.0 18.4 Time certificate of deposits 1,850,959 1,650,275 1,471,846 25.8 24.5 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----- ---- Total deposits $3,419,946 $3,089,124 $2,608,507 31.1% 21.6% ---------- ---------- ---------- ----- ---- MIX: Non-interest bearing 9% 10% 10% NOW 11 11 11 NOW - Brokerage customer deposits 8 8 4 Money market 13 13 14 Savings 5 5 5 Time certificate of deposits 54 53 56 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total deposits 100% 100% 100% ---------- ---------- ---------- (1) Annualized As part of its strategy for integrating its February 2002 acquisition of the Wayne Hummer Companies, Wintrust sought to attempt to attract funds from the money market mutual fund balances managed by Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company into deposit accounts of the Wintrust affiliate banks. Consistent with reasonable interest rate risk parameters, the funds will generally be invested in loan production of the affiliate banks as well as other investments suitable for banks. As of June 30, 2003, approximately $261 million had migrated into insured bank deposits at the affiliate banks. The migration of additional funds to the affiliate banks is subject to the desire of the customers to make the transition of their funds into FDIC insured bank accounts, capital capacity of the Company and the availability of suitable investments in which to deploy the funds. 10 NET INTEREST INCOME The following table presents a summary of Wintrust's average balances, net interest income and related net interest margins, calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002: FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED For the Three Months Ended JUNE 30, 2003 June 30, 2002 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) AVERAGE INTEREST RATE Average Interest Rate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liquidity management assets (1) (2) (8) $ 756,598 $ 6,715 3.56 % $ 484,483 $ 5,444 4.51 % Other earning assets (3) 40,162 424 4.23 71,100 751 4.24 Loans, net of unearned income (2) (4) (8) 2,856,728 42,362 5.95 2,218,968 38,534 6.97 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Total earning assets (8) $3,653,488 $49,501 5.43 % $2,774,551 $44,729 6.47 % ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Interest-bearing deposits $2,988,099 $17,013 2.28 % $2,203,247 $16,585 3.02 % Federal Home Loan Bank advances 140,000 1,473 4.22 104,938 1,078 4.12 Notes payable and other borrowings 91,433 671 2.94 164,587 1,170 2.85 Subordinated notes 42,033 625 5.88 -- -- -- Long-term debt - trust preferred securities 70,830 1,155 6.52 51,050 1,288 10.09 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Total interest-bearing liabilities $3,332,395 $20,937 2.52 % $2,523,822 $20,121 3.20 % ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Interest rate spread (5) (8) 2.91% 3.27 % Net free funds/contribution (6) $ 321,093 0.23% $ 250,729 0.29 % ---------------- ------------ --------------- ---------- Net interest income/Net interest margin (8) $28,564 3.14 % $24,608 3.56 % ------------------------- -------------- ---------- Core net interest margin (7) (8) 3.26 % 3.74 % ------------- ---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Liquidity management assets include available-for-sale securities, interest earning deposits with banks and federal funds sold. (2) Interest income on tax-advantaged loans and securities reflects a tax-equivalent adjustment based on a marginal federal corporate tax rate of 35%. The total adjustments for the quarters ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 were $236,000 and $191,000, respectively. (3) Other earning assets include brokerage customer receivables and trading account securities. (4) Loans, net of unearned income includes mortgages held for sale and non-accrual loans. (5) Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield earned on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. (6) Net free funds are the difference between total average earning assets and total average interest-bearing liabilities. The estimated contribution to net interest margin from net free funds is calculated using the rate paid for total interest-bearing liabilities. (7) The core net interest margin excludes interest expense associated with Wintrust's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities. (8) See "Supplemental Financial Measures/Ratios" for additional information on this performance measure/ratio. Net interest income, which is the difference between interest income and fees on earning assets and interest expense on deposits and borrowings, is the major source of earnings for Wintrust. Tax-equivalent net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 totaled $28.6 million, an increase of $4.0 million, or 16%, as compared to the $24.6 million recorded in the same quarter of 2002. Average loans in the second quarter of 2003 increased $638 million, or 29%, over the second quarter of 2002. Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest income as a percentage of the average earning assets during the period. For the second quarter of 2003 the net interest margin was 3.14%, a decrease of 42 basis points when compared to the net interest margin of 3.56% in the prior year second quarter and was essentially unchanged compared to the net interest margin of 3.15% in the first quarter of 2003. The core net interest margin, which excludes the interest expense related to Wintrust's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities, was 3.26% for the second quarter of 2003, and decreased 48 basis points when compared to the prior year second quarter's core net interest margin of 3.74%. 11 The yield on total earning assets for the second quarter of 2003 was 5.43% as compared to 6.47% in 2002, a decrease of 104 basis points resulting primarily from the effect of decreases in general market rates on liquidity management assets and loans. The yield on earning assets is heavily dependent on the yield on loans since average loans comprised approximately 78% of total average earning assets. The second quarter 2003 yield on loans was 5.95%, a 102 basis point decrease when compared to the prior year second quarter yield of 6.97%. The rate paid on wholesale funding, consisting of Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago advances, notes payable, subordinated notes and other borrowings, rose to 4.06% in the second quarter of 2003 compared to 3.35% in the second quarter of 2002. The increase in the rate paid on total wholesale funding is primarily attributable to two $25 million subordinated debt agreements with an unaffiliated bank that qualify as Tier II regulatory capital that were completed in the fourth quarter of 2002 and the second quarter of 2003, respectively. The Company utilizes these borrowing sources to fund the additional capital requirements of the subsidiary banks, manage its capital, manage its interest rate risk position, funding at the Wayne Hummer Companies and for general corporate purposes. On a year-to-date basis, tax-equivalent net interest income for the period ended June 30, 2003 totaled $55.4 million, an increase of $8.4 million, or 18%, as compared to the $47.0 million recorded in the same period of 2002. The net interest margin was 3.14%, a decrease of 38 basis points when compared to the net interest margin of 3.52% in the prior year period. Year to date average loan growth of $615 million, or 28%, helped offset the decline in interest rate spread over the last 12 months. The following table presents a summary of Wintrust's average balances, net interest income and related net interest margins, calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002: FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED For the Six Months Ended JUNE 30, 2003 June 30, 2002 --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) AVERAGE INTEREST RATE Average Interest Rate --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Liquidity management assets (1) (2) (8) $ 736,041 $13,029 3.57 % $ 468,103 $10,260 4.42 % Other earning assets (3) 40,571 819 4.07 58,082 1,265 4.39 Loans, net of unearned income (2) (4) (8) 2,777,958 83,094 6.03 2,162,593 75,383 7.03 --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Total earning assets (8) $3,554,570 $96,942 5.50 % $2,688,778 $86,908 6.52 % --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Interest-bearing deposits $2,921,536 $34,115 2.35 % $2,151,117 $33,260 3.12 % Federal Home Loan Bank advances 140,000 2,930 4.22 97,735 1,975 4.08 Notes payable and other borrowings 91,946 1,375 3.02 139,325 2,113 3.06 Subordinated notes 33,564 1,069 6.33 -- -- -- Long-term debt - trust preferred securities 60,917 2,083 6.84 51,050 2,576 10.09 --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Total interest-bearing liabilities $3,247,963 $41,572 2.58 % $2,439,227 $39,924 3.30 % --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Interest rate spread (5) (8) 2.92 % 3.22 % Net free funds/contribution (6) $ 306,607 0.22 % $ 249,551 0.30 % -------------- ----------- --------------- -------- Net interest income/Net interest margin (8) $55,370 3.14 % $46,984 3.52 % ----------------------- ----------------- Core net interest margin (7) (8) 3.26 % 3.72 % ----------- -------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Liquidity management assets include available-for-sale securities, interest earning deposits with banks and federal funds sold. (2) Interest income on tax-advantaged loans and securities reflects a tax-equivalent adjustment based on a marginal federal corporate tax rate of 35%. The total adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 were $438,000 and $399,000, respectively. (3) Other earning assets include brokerage customer receivables and trading account securities. (4) Loans, net of unearned income includes mortgages held for sale and non-accrual loans. (5) Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield earned on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. (6) Net free funds are the difference between total average earning assets and total average interest-bearing liabilities. The estimated contribution to net interest margin from net free funds is calculated using the rate paid for total interest-bearing liabilities. (7) The core net interest margin excludes interest expense associated with Wintrust's Long-term Debt - Trust Preferred Securities. (8) See "Supplemental Financial Measures/Ratios" for additional information on this performance measure/ratio. 12 NON-INTEREST INCOME For the second quarter of 2003, non-interest income totaled $19.1 million and increased $5.3 million over the prior year second quarter. The increase in non-interest income is primarily a result of an increase in fees on mortgage loans sold and premium income from covered call option transactions. Non-interest income as a percentage of net revenue increased to 40% in the second quarter of 2003, up from 36% in the second quarter of 2002. Wealth management fees are comprised of the trust and asset management revenue of Wayne Hummer Trust Company and the asset management fees, brokerage commissions, trading commissions and insurance product commissions at the Wayne Hummer Companies (including the recently acquired Lake Forest Capital Management Company). Wealth management fees totaled $7.0 million in the second quarter of 2003, a $429,000 decrease from the $7.4 million recorded in the second quarter of 2002. However, wealth management fees increased $1.1 million when compared to the first quarter of 2003. The substantial decline in the market values of securities managed and client trading activity in the last 12 months more than offset the impact of the addition of Lake Forest Capital Management Company and new business development. Fees on mortgage loans sold include income from originating and selling residential real estate loans into the secondary market. For the quarter ended June 30, 2003, these fees totaled $4.5 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 135%, from the prior year second quarter. Although these fees are a continuous source of revenue, these fees continue to benefit from high levels of mortgage origination volumes, particularly refinancing activity caused by the low level of mortgage interest rates. Management anticipates that the level of refinancing activity may taper off during the later half of 2003, barring any further reductions in mortgage interest rates. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $867,000 for the second quarter of 2003, an increase of $114,000, or 15%, when compared to the same quarter of 2002. This increase was mainly due to a larger deposit base and a greater number of accounts at the banking subsidiaries. The majority of deposit service charges relates to customary fees on overdrawn accounts and returned items. The level of service charges received is substantially below peer group levels, as management believes in the philosophy of providing high quality service without encumbering that service with numerous activity charges. As a result of continued strong loan originations of premium finance receivables, Wintrust sold excess premium finance receivables volume to an unrelated third party financial institution in the second quarter of 2003 and recognized gains of $1.1 million related to this activity, compared with $828,000 of recognized gains in the second quarter of 2002. Wintrust has a philosophy of maintaining its average loan-to-deposit ratio in the range of 85-90%. During the second quarter of 2003, the ratio was approximately 87%. Consistent with Wintrust's strategy to be asset-driven and the desire to maintain our loan-to-deposit ratio in the aforementioned range, it is probable that similar sales of premium finance receivables will occur in the future. The administrative services revenue contributed by Tricom added $1.1 million to total non-interest income in the second quarter of 2003, an increase of $137,000 from the second quarter of 2002. This revenue comprises income from administrative services, such as data processing of payrolls, billing and cash management services, to temporary staffing service clients located throughout the United States. The revenue increase over the second quarter of 2002 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of a competitor's customer base in early January 2003. Tricom also earns interest and fee income from providing short-term accounts receivable financing to this same client base, which is included in the net interest income category. Other non-interest income for the second quarter of 2003 totaled $4.3 million and increased $2.5 million, or 135%, from the prior year quarterly total of $1.8 million. This is attributable to a $1.8 million increase in premium income from certain covered call option transactions and an increase of $559,000 in the value of Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI"). The premium income from the covered call option transactions totaled $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2003 compared to $789,000 in the same period of 2002. Management is able to effectively use the proceeds from selling covered call options to offset net interest margin compression and administers such sales in a coordinated process with the Company's overall asset/liability management. During the third quarter of 2002, the Company purchased $41.1 million of BOLI. The BOLI policies were purchased to consolidate existing term life insurance 13 contracts of executive officers and to mitigate the mortality risk associated with death benefits provided for in the executives' employment contracts. Adjustments to the cash surrender value of the BOLI policies are recorded as non-interest income. For the first six months of 2003, total non-interest income was $36.8 million and increased $10.3 million, or 39%, when compared to the same period in 2002. The higher level of non-interest income was comprised of increases in fees on mortgage loans sold from originating and selling residential real estate loans into the secondary market of $5.2 million, wealth management fees of $952,000, recognized gains related to the sale of premium finance receivables to an unrelated third party of $676,000, administrative services revenue contributed by Tricom of $406,000, net securities gains of $759,000, service charges on deposit accounts of $231,000 due to a higher deposit base and a larger number of accounts at the banking subsidiaries and higher other miscellaneous sources of revenue totaling $2.1 million. The rise in other miscellaneous sources of revenue was attributable to increases in premium income from certain covered call option transactions of $2.4 million and BOLI revenue of $969,000 offset by $1.25 million for a partial settlement related to a non-recurring charge recorded in 2000 that was collected in the first quarter of 2002. NON-INTEREST EXPENSE Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2003 totaled $30.5 million and increased $4.6 million, or 18%, from the second quarter 2002 total of $25.9 million. The increase in non-interest expense, particularly salaries and employee benefits, over the second quarter of 2002, reflects the continued growth and expansion of the banks with additional branches, the growth in the premium finance business, the addition of Lake Forest Capital Management in the first quarter of 2003 and the expansion of the Wayne Hummer Companies. Salaries and employee benefits totaled $18.3 million for the second quarter of 2003, an increase of $2.9 million, or 19%, as compared to the prior year's second quarter total of $15.4 million. This increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefit costs as a result of continued growth and expansion of the banking franchise, commissions associated with increased mortgage loan origination activity, normal annual increases in salaries and the employee benefit costs and to the salary and benefit costs of Lake Forest Capital Management Company. The remaining categories of non-interest expense, such as occupancy costs, equipment expense, professional fees and other increased by $1.7 million over the prior year second quarter due primarily to the general growth and expansion of the banks and the acquisition of Lake Forest Capital Management Company. On a year-to-date basis non-interest expense totaled $59.4 million and increased $10.8 million, or 22%, over the first six months of 2002. The increase is predominantly due to a $7.0 million increase in salaries and employee benefits costs and the higher general operating costs associated with operating additional and larger banking offices. Despite balance sheet growth in loans and deposits of 25% and 31%, respectively, Wintrust's net overhead ratio improved from 1.54% for the first six months of 2002 to 1.18% for the comparable period in 2003. 14 ASSET QUALITY Allowance for Loan Losses ------------------------- A reconciliation of the activity in the balance of the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 is shown as follows: THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, JUNE 30, -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2002 2003 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 19,773 $ 14,697 $ 18,390 $ 13,686 PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES 2,852 2,483 5,493 4,831 CHARGE-OFFS: Commercial and commercial real estate loans 366 178 811 403 Home equity loans -- -- -- -- Residential real estate loans -- -- -- -- Consumer and other loans 27 73 130 148 Premium finance receivables 817 977 1,490 1,844 Indirect automobile loans 314 187 530 475 Tricom finance receivables -- 9 -- 9 ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- Total charge-offs 1,524 1,424 2,961 2,879 ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- RECOVERIES: Commercial and commercial real estate loans 95 115 138 135 Home equity loans -- -- -- -- Residential real estate loans 13 -- 13 -- Consumer and other loans 1 12 24 12 Premium finance receivables 58 66 125 129 Indirect automobile loans 42 40 84 70 Tricom finance receivables -- 20 4 25 ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- Total recoveries 209 253 388 371 ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- NET CHARGE-OFFS (1,315) (1,171) (2,573) (2,508) ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- BALANCE AT JUNE 30 $ 21,310 $ 16,009 $ 21,310 $ 16,009 ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- ANNUALIZED NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES) AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE: Commercial and commercial real estate loans 0.08 % 0.02 % 0.10 % 0.05 % Home equity loans -- -- -- -- Residential real estate loans (0.02) -- (0.01) -- Consumer and other loans 0.18 0.41 0.37 0.44 Premium finance receivables 0.52 0.84 0.49 0.82 Indirect automobile loans 0.65 0.32 0.52 0.44 Tricom finance receivables -- (0.24) (0.03) (0.18) ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- Total loans, net of unearned income 0.18 % 0.21 % 0.19 % 0.23 % ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- Net charge-offs as a percentage of the provision for loan losses 46.11 % 47.16 % 46.84 % 51.91 % ----------- --------- ------------ ----------- Loans at June 30 $ 2,896,148 $ 2,308,945 ------------ ----------- Allowance as a percentage of loans at period-end 0.74 % 0.69 % ------------ ----------- 15 Past Due Loans and Non-performing Assets ---------------------------------------- The following table sets forth Wintrust's non-performing assets at the dates indicated. The information in the table should be read in conjunction with the detailed discussion following the table. JUNE 30, March 31, December 31, June 30, (Dollars in thousands) 2003 2003 2002 2002 ----------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------- PAST DUE GREATER THAN 90 DAYS AND STILL ACCRUING: Residential real estate and home equity $ 61 $ 13 $ 32 $ 16 Commercial, consumer and other 2,829 2,053 3,047 1,055 Premium finance receivables 2,673 1,574 2,198 2,141 Indirect automobile loans 324 399 423 340 Tricom finance receivables -- -- -- -- -------- ------- ------- ------- Total past due greater than 90 days and still accruing 5,887 4,039 5,700 3,552 -------- ------- ------- ------- NON-ACCRUAL LOANS: Residential real estate and home equity 415 375 711 401 Commercial, consumer and other 2,543 2,053 1,132 1,528 Premium finance receivables 4,575 5,694 4,725 5,417 Indirect automobile loans 196 246 254 163 Tricom finance receivables 8 14 20 104 -------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-accrual 7,737 8,382 6,842 7,613 -------- ------- ------- ------- TOTAL NON-PERFORMING LOANS: Residential real estate and home equity 476 388 743 417 Commercial, consumer and other 5,372 4,106 4,179 2,583 Premium finance receivables 7,248 7,268 6,923 7,558 Indirect automobile loans 520 645 677 503 Tricom finance receivables 8 14 20 104 -------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-performing loans 13,624 12,421 12,542 11,165 -------- ------- ------- ------- OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED 921 984 76 756 -------- ------- ------- ------- TOTAL NON-PERFORMING ASSETS $14,545 $13,405 $12,618 $11,921 -------- ------- ------- ------- TOTAL NON-PERFORMING LOANS BY CATEGORY AS A PERCENT OF ITS OWN RESPECTIVE CATEGORY: Residential real estate and home equity 0.09% 0.07% 0.14% 0.09% Commercial, consumer and other 0.35 0.30 0.30 0.22 Premium finance receivables 1.16 1.37 1.50 1.64 Indirect automobile loans 0.31 0.38 0.38 0.27 Tricom finance receivables 0.03 0.06 0.10 0.54 -------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-performing loans 0.47% 0.47% 0.49% 0.48% -------- ------- ------- ------- Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets 0.35% 0.34% 0.34% 0.37% -------- ------- ------- ------- Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans 156.42% 159.19% 146.63% 143.39% -------- ------- ------- ------- 16 The provision for loan losses totaled $2.9 million for the second quarter of 2003, an increase of $369,000 from a year earlier. For the quarter ended June 30, 2003 net charge-offs totaled $1.3 million, up from the $1.2 million of net charge-offs recorded in the same period of 2002. On a ratio basis, annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans decreased to 0.18% in the second quarter of 2003 from 0.21% in the same period in 2002. On a year-to-date basis the provision for loan losses totaled $5.5 million for the first six months of 2003, an increase of $662,000 over the same period last year. Net charge-offs for the first six months of 2003 were $2.6 million, essentially unchanged from the net charge-offs recorded in the same period last year. On a ratio basis, annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans decreased to 0.19% for the first six months of 2003 from 0.23% in the first six months of 2002. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to provide for inherent losses in the portfolio. There can be no assurances however, that future losses will not exceed the amounts provided for, thereby affecting future results of operations. The amount of future additions to the allowance for loan losses will be dependent upon management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance based on its evaluation of economic conditions, changes in real estate values, interest rates, the regulatory environment, the level of past-due and non-performing loans, and other factors. Non-performing Residential Real Estate, Commercial, Consumer and Other Loans Total non-performing loans for Wintrust's residential real estate, commercial, consumer and other loans were $5.8 million compared to the $4.5 million reported at March 31, 2003 and $4.9 million reported at December 31, 2002. These loans consist primarily of a small number of commercial, residential real estate and home equity loans, which management believes are well secured and in the process of collection. The small number of such non-performing loans allows management to monitor the status of these credits and work with the borrowers to resolve these problems effectively. On July 1, 2003 a single credit in the amount of $1.9 million classified as past due greater than 90 days and still accruing at June 30, 2003 (included in the $5.8 million of non-performing residential real estate, commercial, consumer and other loans) was brought into a performing status by the customer. Non-performing Premium Finance Receivables The table below presents the level of non-performing premium finance receivables as of June 30, 2003 and 2002, and the amount of net charge-offs for the six months then ended. (Dollars in thousands) JUNE 30, 2003 June 30, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------- Non-performing premium finance receivables $7,248 $7,558 - as a percent of premium finance receivables 1.16% 1.64% Net charge-offs of premium finance receivables $1,365 $1,715 - annualized as a percent of premium finance receivables 0.49% 0.82% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------- ---------------------- Management continues to see progress in this portfolio and continues to expect the level of non-performing loans related to this portfolio to remain at relatively low levels. The ratio of non-performing premium finance receivables fluctuates throughout the year due to the nature and timing of canceled account collections from insurance carriers. Due to the nature of collateral for premium finance receivables it customarily takes 60-150 days to convert the collateral into cash collections. Accordingly, the level of non-performing premium finance receivables is not necessarily indicative of the loss inherent in the portfolio. In the event of default, Wintrust has the power to cancel the insurance policy and collect the unearned portion of the premium from the insurance carrier. In the event of cancellation, the cash returned in payment of the unearned premium by the insurer should 17 generally be sufficient to cover the receivable balance, the interest and other charges due. Due to notification requirements and processing time by most insurance carriers, many receivables will become delinquent beyond 90 days while the insurer is processing the return of the unearned premium. Management continues to accrue interest until maturity as the unearned premium is ordinarily sufficient to pay-off the outstanding balance and contractual interest due. Non-performing Indirect Automobile Loans Total non-performing indirect automobile loans were $520,000 at June 30, 2003, compared to $677,000 at December 31, 2002 and $503,000 at June 30, 2002. The ratio of these non-performing loans to total indirect automobile loans was 0.31% of total indirect automobile loans at June 30, 2003 compared to 0.38% at December 31, 2002 and 0.27% at June 30, 2002. As noted in the Allowance for Loan Losses table, net charge-offs as a percent of total indirect automobile loans were 0.52% in the first six months of 2003 compared to 0.44% in the same period in 2002. The level of non-performing and net charge-offs of indirect automobile loans continues to be below standard industry ratios for this type of lending. Due to the impact of the current economic and competitive environment surrounding this type of lending, management continues to de-emphasize, in relation to other loan categories, growth in the indirect automobile loan portfolio. Indirect automobile loans at June 30, 2003 were $167 million, down from $178 million at December 31, 2002 and $184 million at June 30, 2002. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements related to Wintrust's financial performance that are based on estimates. Wintrust intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. Actual results could differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements due to factors such as changes in economic conditions, competition, or other factors that may influence the anticipated growth rate of loans and deposits, the quality of the loan portfolio and loan and deposit pricing, unanticipated changes in interest rates that negatively impact net interest income, future events that may cause unforeseen loan or lease losses, slower than anticipated development and growth of Tricom and the trust and investment business, unanticipated changes in the temporary staffing industry, the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to compete effectively in the marketplace, competition and the related pricing of brokerage and asset management products, unforeseen difficulties in integrating the acquisition of Lake Forest Capital Management with Wintrust, difficulties or unanticipated developments related to the pending acquisition of Advantage National Bancorp, Inc., the ability to pursue acquisition and expansion strategies and the ability to attract and retain experienced senior management. Therefore, there can be no assurances that future actual results will correspond to these forward-looking statements. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING NOTICE IS INCLUDED TO MEET CERTAIN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wintrust will be filing a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its previously announced proposed acquisition of Advantage National Bancorp, Inc. ("Advantage") in a stock merger transaction. Advantage is the parent company of Advantage National Bank that has locations in Elk Grove Village and Roselle, Illinois. The registration statement will include a proxy statement/prospectus that will be sent to the shareholders of Advantage National Bancorp, Inc. seeking their approval of the proposed transaction. Shareholders of Advantage are advised to read the important information concerning the proposed transaction contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Wintrust with the Securities and Exchange Commission when they become available. When filed, these documents can be obtained free of charge from the web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. or upon written request to Wintrust Financial Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations, 727 North Bank Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 or by calling (847) 615-4096, or upon written request to Advantage National Bancorp, Inc., Attn: President, 75 East Turner Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 or by calling (847) 364-0100. 18