Company: WTFCN
Filing Date: 2025-02-28
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001015328-25-000093
Chunk: 66

Company: WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORP
Filing Date: 2025-02-28
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 8
Chunk 66
---
 as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement.The Company has elected to apply the deferral method for acquired investments that generate investment tax credits (ITCs). This includes solar tax credit investments. Under this approach, the ITCs are recorded as an offset to the related investment on the balance sheet, with credit amounts being recognized in earnings over the life of the investment within the same income or expense accounts as used for the investment.Stock-Based Compensation PlansIn accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation,” compensation cost is measured as the fair value of the awards on their date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and a Monte-Carlo simulation model is used to estimate the fair value of performance awards with a market condition metric. The market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of time-vested restricted stock awards and performance awards with a performance metric. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally 

109

defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.Accounting guidance permits for the recognition of stock based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. As a result, recognized compensation expense for stock options and restricted share awards is reduced for estimated forfeitures prior to vesting. Forfeitures rates are estimated for each type of award based on historical forfeiture experience. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and may change based on new facts and circumstances. The Company issues new shares to satisfy option exercises and vesting of restricted shares.Comprehensive IncomeComprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, net of deferred taxes, changes in deferred unrealized gains and losses on investment securities transferred from available-for-sale debt securities to held-to-maturity debt securities, net of deferred taxes, adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes, and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes. The Company has a policy for releasing the income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income using an individual security approach.Stock RepurchasesThe Company periodically repurchases shares of its outstanding common