NTRSOHIGH SIGNALFINANCIAL10-K

Northern Trust experienced a dramatic surge in interest expense (+439%) and operating cash flow turnaround from negative $486M to positive $5.5B, indicating significant balance sheet repricing amid rising rate environment.

The massive 439% increase in interest expense signals Northern Trust is facing substantial funding cost pressures, likely from the higher rate environment and deposit competition. However, the remarkable turnaround in operating cash flow from deeply negative to strongly positive $5.5B suggests the company successfully navigated this challenge and improved its cash generation capabilities.

Comparing 2026-02-24 vs 2025-02-24View on EDGAR →
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

Northern Trust showed mixed but ultimately positive financial trends, with total assets growing 13.9% to $177.1B and deposits increasing 16.6% to $142.8B, demonstrating strong client growth and market share gains. While net income declined 14.5% to $1.7B due to the massive 439% spike in interest expense, the company's operating cash flow dramatically improved from negative $486M to positive $5.5B, indicating robust underlying cash generation. The company also reduced total debt by 33.4% and had a credit loss benefit of $43M (versus $6M provision prior year), suggesting improved credit quality and stronger balance sheet management despite rate headwinds.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT CHANGES
Operating Cash Flow
Cash Flow
+1238.6%
-$486.0M$5.5B

Operating cash flow surged 1238.6% — exceptional cash generation, highest quality earnings signal.

Provision for Credit Losses
P&L
-816.7%
$6.0M-$43.0M

Provisions reduced 816.7% — improving credit quality or reserve release boosting reported earnings.

Interest Expense
P&L
+439.4%
$990.5M$5.3B

Interest expense surged 439.4% — significant debt increase or rising rates materially impacting earnings.

Share Buybacks
Cash Flow
+35.8%
$937.8M$1.3B

Share repurchases increased 35.8% — management returning capital, signals confidence in intrinsic value.

Total Debt
Balance Sheet
-33.4%
$2.1B$1.4B

Debt reduced 33.4% — deleveraging strengthens balance sheet and reduces financial risk.

Capital Expenditure
Cash Flow
-27.1%
$101.5M$74.0M

Capex reduced 27.1% — investment cycle winding down or capital discipline; may improve near-term free cash flow.

Total Deposits
Balance Sheet
+16.6%
$122.5B$142.8B

Deposits grew 16.6% — expanding customer base or increased trust in the institution.

Total Liabilities
Balance Sheet
+15%
$142.7B$164.2B

Liabilities increased 15% — monitor debt-to-equity ratio and interest coverage.

Net Income
P&L
-14.5%
$2.0B$1.7B

Net income declined 14.5% — review whether driven by operations, interest costs, or non-recurring items.

Total Assets
Balance Sheet
+13.9%
$155.5B$177.1B

Asset base grew 13.9% — expansion through organic growth, acquisitions, or capital deployment.

LANGUAGE CHANGES
NEW — 2026-02-24
PRIOR — 2025-02-24
ADDED
At January 31, 2026, 185,827,803 shares of common stock, $1.66 2/3 par value, were outstanding.
Department of the Treasury s Office of Foreign Assets Control 2025 ANNUAL REPORT | NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION iii GLOSSARY OF TERMS (continued) ORC Operational Risk Committee OREO Other Real Estate Owned OTC Over-the-Counter PD Probability of Default PIPL Personal Information Protection Law (China) PRA Prudential Regulation Authority ROU Right-of-Use RWA Risk-Weighted Assets SEC U.S.
At December 31, 2025, the Bank had consolidated assets of $176.4 billion and common bank equity capital of $11.4 billion.
At December 31, 2025, the Corporation had consolidated total assets of $177.1 billion and stockholders equity of $13.0 billion.
At December 31, 2025, total Asset Servicing assets under custody/administration (AUC/A), assets under custody, and assets under management (AUM) were $17.4 trillion, $13.6 trillion, and $1.3 trillion, respectively.
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REMOVED
At January 31, 2025, 195,697,744 shares of common stock, $1.66 2/3 par value, were outstanding.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT | NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION iii GLOSSARY OF TERMS (continued) OFAC U.S.
Department of the Treasury s Office of Foreign Assets Control ORC Operational Risk Committee OREO Other Real Estate Owned OTC Over-the-Counter PD Probability of Default PIPL Personal Information Protection Law (China) PRA Prudential Regulation Authority ROU Right-of-Use RWA Risk-Weighted Assets SEC U.S.
At December 31, 2024, the Bank had consolidated assets of $154.9 billion and common bank equity capital of $10.8 billion.
At December 31, 2024, the Corporation had consolidated total assets of $155.5 billion and stockholders equity of $12.8 billion.
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