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EWBC vs WTFC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? East West Bancorp (EWBC) vs. Wintrust Financial (WTFC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- EWBC posted record 2025 earnings with higher profitability and a 33% dividend increase, but carries concentration risk in California commercial real estate.
- WTFC delivered faster net income growth and a diversified specialty-finance model, though its net charge-offs (write-offs of uncollectible loans) trended higher.
- Both names trade at roughly 12 times trailing earnings, yet their return profiles and geographic exposures differ meaningfully.
- EWBC offers a cross-border U.S.–Asia niche, while WTFC leans on community banking, specialty finance, and wealth management across the Midwest.
- Relative momentum favors WTFC over the past year, even as EWBC screens cheaper on some profitability metrics.
Introduction
Regional banks often look similar on the surface, but EWBC and WTFC occupy distinct corners of the U.S. financial landscape. East West Bancorp is a Pasadena, California–based institution built around U.S.–Asia cross-border banking, while Wintrust Financial is a Rosemont, Illinois–based holding company with a community-banking, specialty-finance, and wealth-management footprint. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders weighing relative performance, market positioning, and risk profiles among two high-performing regional banks in the current interest-rate and credit environment. Both have delivered record or near-record results recently, making the contrast between their growth drivers and risk exposures a useful lens for positioning decisions.
EWBC Overview and Recent Performance
EWBC operates as the holding company for East West Bank, one of the largest banks focused on Asian-American communities and cross-border commerce with Asia. It holds a commercial banking license in China through a subsidiary and maintains a presence in Hong Kong and Singapore, a rare footprint among U.S. regional banks. In recent weeks, the stock has reflected a mixed picture: the company delivered record full-year 2025 results, including net income of about $1.33 billion, diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $9.52, and a net interest margin (the spread between interest earned and interest paid) of 3.41%. Management also raised the quarterly dividend by 33% to $0.80 per share. Despite these strengths, sentiment has been tempered by the bank's heavy concentration in Southern California commercial real estate, where roughly half its portfolio resides, and by sensitivity to U.S.–China relations. The shares trade near 12 times trailing earnings, a discount to some peers.
WTFC Overview and Recent Performance
WTFC is a financial holding company headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, operating through three primary segments: Community Banking, Specialty Finance, and Wealth Management. Its specialty-finance arm—spanning premium finance, leasing, and mortgage-related lending—adds a diversification layer that many regional peers lack. In recent market activity, Wintrust has drawn attention for full-year 2025 net income of roughly $824 million, up about 18.5% year over year, alongside revenue growth near 12% and a net interest margin of approximately 3.52%. The board lifted the common dividend by 10% to $0.55 per quarter. Sentiment has remained broadly constructive, supported by organic loan and deposit growth and the integration of its Macatawa acquisition, though rising quarterly net charge-offs have kept credit quality on investors' radar. The stock has trended toward the upper end of its 52-week range in recent months.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two banks differ most sharply in business mix and geography. EWBC is a spread-driven commercial bank concentrated in California, with a distinctive cross-border U.S.–Asia franchise that creates both a durable niche and geopolitical sensitivity. WTFC is more diversified across the Midwest, blending community banking with fee-generating specialty finance and wealth management, which can smooth results through rate and credit cycles.
On profitability, EWBC leads on return on equity (about 16%) and carries a higher net interest margin efficiency ratio profile, while WTFC has grown net income faster (roughly 18% versus 14%) and holds a slightly higher net interest margin. On momentum, WTFC has outperformed over the trailing year, with EWBC lagging despite its record results—a divergence often attributed to its commercial real estate concentration. Both banks raised dividends, but EWBC's 33% hike was materially larger. Risk factors also differ: EWBC faces Southern California commercial real estate and U.S.–China exposure, whereas WTFC's watch item is a modest uptick in charge-offs amid aggressive loan growth. Neither name trades at a significant valuation premium, keeping the trade-off focused on growth trajectory versus profitability and diversification.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward WTFC in the current environment. The combination of faster earnings growth, a more diversified revenue base, steadier recent trend consistency, and relative momentum over the trailing year gives Wintrust a slightly more favorable positioning profile. That said, EWBC's superior profitability metrics and cheaper valuation could tilt the balance if credit concerns around commercial real estate ease or if U.S.–Asia trade sentiment improves. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: an AI-driven ranking would favor the name with stronger trend consistency and fewer concentration risks, while continuing to monitor both for shifts in credit quality and interest-rate dynamics.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is EWBC is a Buy and WTFC is a Buy.
EWBC in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026
The 10-day moving average for EWBC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on EWBC as a result. In 66 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for EWBC just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where EWBC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
EWBC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.42% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where EWBC advanced for three days, in 216 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 180 of 292 cases where EWBC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for EWBC moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 39 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 51%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 7 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where EWBC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
EWBC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. EWBC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.938) is normal, around the industry mean (1.258). P/E Ratio (12.494) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.468). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (4.719) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.024) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. EWBC's P/S Ratio (5.714) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.738).
WTFC in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
The 10-day moving average for WTFC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WTFC as a result. In 56 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WTFC just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where WTFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
WTFC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +0.95% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WTFC advanced for three days, in 187 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for WTFC moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 39 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 56%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 7 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for WTFC moved below the 200-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WTFC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
WTFC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for WTFC entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WTFC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 64 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.448) is normal, around the industry mean (1.258). P/E Ratio (12.074) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.468). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.150) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.036) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.527) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
EWBC | WTFC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 95 Overvalued | 64 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 22 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 9 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 28 | 42 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
WTFC's Valuation (64) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as EWBC (95). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to EWBC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's Profit vs Risk Rating (22) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as EWBC (32). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to EWBC’s over the last 12 months.
WTFC's SMR Rating (9) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as EWBC (9). This means that WTFC’s stock grew similarly to EWBC’s over the last 12 months.
EWBC's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WTFC (47). This means that EWBC’s stock grew similarly to WTFC’s over the last 12 months.
EWBC's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as WTFC (42). This means that EWBC’s stock grew similarly to WTFC’s over the last 12 months.
| EWBC | WTFC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 69% | 6 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 4 days ago 62% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 71% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
EWBC’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while WTFC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- EWBC’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- WTFC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
EWBC’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WTFC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- EWBC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- WTFC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
EWBC (@Regional Banks) experienced а -0.29% price change this week, while WTFC (@Regional Banks) price change was +1.07% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -1.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.46%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.38%.
Reported Earning Dates
EWBC is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
WTFC is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-1.29% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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EWBC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, EWBC has been closely correlated with WTFC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if EWBC jumps, then WTFC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To EWBC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWBC | 100% | -1.61% | ||
| WTFC - EWBC | 83% Closely correlated | -1.14% | ||
| ASB - EWBC | 83% Closely correlated | -0.75% | ||
| ZION - EWBC | 83% Closely correlated | -1.30% | ||
| FNB - EWBC | 82% Closely correlated | -1.42% | ||
| WAL - EWBC | 82% Closely correlated | -1.94% | ||
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WTFC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WTFC has been closely correlated with FNB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WTFC jumps, then FNB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WTFC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTFC | 100% | -1.14% | ||
| FNB - WTFC | 88% Closely correlated | -1.42% | ||
| ZION - WTFC | 88% Closely correlated | -1.30% | ||
| ONB - WTFC | 86% Closely correlated | -0.55% | ||
| ASB - WTFC | 86% Closely correlated | -0.75% | ||
| HWC - WTFC | 85% Closely correlated | -0.85% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| FMCE | 28.95 | N/A | N/A |
| FM Compounders Equity ETF | |||
| EWK | 26.22 | -0.01 | -0.04% |
| iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) | |||
| DUSG | 50.89 | -0.62 | -1.20% |
| U.S. Small Cap Growth Portfolio: ETF (DUSG) | |||
| AFLG | 44.27 | -0.65 | -1.45% |
| First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) | |||
| VV | 348.05 | -6.72 | -1.89% |
| Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF (VV) | |||