Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

Northern Trust's stock price has increased by 44.86% from July 17, 2024, to July 16, 2025, with a 53.1% gain over the past year. Key events include passing the Federal Reserve's 2025 stress test and announcing a 7% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend. The company experienced analyst downgrades from Morgan Stanley and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. Northern Trust reported strong first quarter 2025 earnings, beating analysts' estimates, and robust second-quarter 2024 earnings. Strategic initiatives include being selected by Mereo Insurance Limited and Partners Group for asset servicing and fund administration, respectively, and expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia. Leadership appointments include naming a new West Region President and a Head of International and Responsible Investing. The company maintains an active share repurchase program.

Specific seasonal patterns for demand are not detailed, but Northern Trust's revenue streams are likely influenced by broader financial market trends, client activity levels, and potentially cyclical factors related to corporate and individual financial planning and reporting. Investment management fees increased in Q1 2025 due to favorable markets and net new business. Trust, investment, and other servicing fees in Wealth Management increased sequentially in Q1 2025 primarily due to higher fees associated with seasonal benefit payment services. Asset Servicing and Wealth Management Trust, Investment and Other Servicing Fees are impacted by both one-month and one-quarter lagged asset values. Foreign exchange trading income was down 29% in 2023 due to muted client activity levels.

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial holding company offering wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking solutions globally. It operates through two segments: Asset Servicing, catering to institutional clients, and Wealth Management, focusing on high-net-worth individuals and families. Northern Trust also provides asset management services through Northern Trust Asset Management (NTAM). The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Northern Trust has a significant global presence with offices in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. As of December 2024, it had $16.8 trillion in assets under custody or administration and $1.6 trillion in assets under management.

Northern Trust has a long-standing reputation for strength, stability, service, expertise, and integrity. It is considered one of the most trusted financial institutions in Chicago and was ranked among Forbes' "Most Trusted Companies in America" and "America's Best Companies" in 2025. Merger speculation involving Bank of New York Mellon led to Northern Trust reaffirming its commitment to remaining independent. The company acknowledges the risk of damage to its reputation due to divergent views on ESG-related matters. Northern Trust actively contributes to its brand reputation through philanthropic efforts, donating over $14 million to non-profit organizations globally in 2024.

Northern Trust Corporation is primarily held by institutional owners, accounting for approximately 87% of the shares. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., Fmr Llc, BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. The general public holds an 11% stake, with Frederick H. Waddell being a significant individual shareholder. The Smith family reportedly holds 1% of the company's shares.