UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): January 17, 2002 WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Commission File Number 0-21923 Illinois 36-3873352 - ---------------------------- ------------------------------------ (State or other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) of Incorporation) 727 North Bank Lane Lake Forest, Illinois 60045 ------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (847) 615-4096 --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. In February 2002, Wintrust Financial Corporation issued its letter to shareholders related to the fourth quarter 2001, which is attached hereto as an Exhibit. On January 17, 2002, Wintrust Financial Corporation announced earnings for the fourth quarter of 2001. The Company's press release related to this announcement is attached as part of the aforementioned letter to shareholders. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibit Exhibit 99.1 - Letter to Shareholders including the earnings release dated January 17, 2002. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Registrant) Date: February 8, 2002 /s/ David A. Dykstra -------------------- Senior Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer