Wintrust Financial assumed with an Equal Weight at Stephens

Stephens analyst Brandon Rud assumed coverage of Wintrust Financial (WTFC) with an Equal Weight rating and $160 price target The firm “wouldn’t be surprised” if Wintrust announced an acquisition in the next year that was complementary to its existing footprint or expanded to other major metros, but it also thinks Wintrust would be an attractive partnership for a large bank seeking access to the Chicago MSA, the analyst tells investors.