To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, please enable Javascript and cookies in your browser.If you have an ad-blocker enabled you may be blocked from proceeding. Please disable your ad-blocker and refresh. ...

Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Individual invest ...

Core Points - Associated Banc-Corp declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share, payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2026 [1] - The Board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3671875 per depositary share on the 5.875% Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock, payable on the same date [2] - Additionally, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3515625 per depositary share on the 5.625% Series F Perpetual Preferred Stock was declared, also payable on March 16, 2026 [3] - The Board authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of Associated's common stock, which is in addition to the remaining authority under the previous program [4] Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp has total assets of $45 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin [5] - The company operates nearly 200 banking locations serving over 100 communities across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, with additional loan production offices in several other states [5] - Associated Bank, N.A. is recognized as an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender, and is a member of the FDIC [5]

Core Insights - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings of 80 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 69 cents and up from adjusted earnings of 57 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][10] Financial Performance - Net income available to common equity was $134 million, a significant recovery from a loss of $164 million in the year-ago quarter, surpassing the estimate of $111 million [2] - Total revenues for the quarter were $393.5 million, an increase from adjusted revenues of $346 million in the prior-year quarter, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $379.7 million [3] - Net interest income (NII) rose to $310 million, a 15% increase year over year, with a net interest margin of 3.06%, up 25 basis points [4] - Non-interest income totaled $79.4 million, improving 11% from adjusted non-interest income of $71.8 million, driven by increases in wealth management fees and capital markets revenue, exceeding the estimate of $70.1 million [5] - Non-interest expenses decreased to $219 million, down 2% year over year, reflecting the absence of prior-year losses on prepayments of FHLB advances [6] Loans and Deposits - Total loans as of December 31, 2025, were $31.2 billion, up 1% sequentially, primarily due to higher commercial and business lending [7] - Total deposits rose 2% sequentially to $35.6 billion, exceeding the estimate of $35.3 billion [7] Credit Quality - The company recorded a provision for credit losses of $7 million, down from $17 million in the prior-year quarter, significantly lower than the estimate of $18.8 million [8] - Total non-performing assets were $129.2 million, a 10% decrease year over year, with non-accrual loans falling 19% to $100.4 million [8] Capital Ratios - As of December 31, 2025, the common equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio improved to 10.49%, up from 10.33% in the corresponding period of 2024, while the Tier 1 capital ratio rose to 11.04% from 10.89% [11] Future Outlook - Management expects total period-end loan growth of 5-6% and total deposit growth in the same range for 2026 [12] - NII is projected to grow by 5.5-6.5%, while total non-interest income is expected to rise by 4-5% [12] - Total non-interest expense is anticipated to grow by 3% [12] - The annual effective tax rate is expected to be between 19-21% [13] Overall Assessment - ASB's strong quarterly performance reflects the benefits of its diversified franchise and disciplined balance sheet management, with positive indicators for sustained growth [14]

Group 1 - The article does not contain relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

分组1 - Associated Banc-Corp reported quarterly earnings of $0.8 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share, and up from $0.57 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +16.28% [1] - The company posted revenues of $393.56 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.65%, and compared to year-ago revenues of $345.78 million [2] - The stock has gained about 6% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.4% [3] 分组2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.67 on revenues of $377.94 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.76 on revenues of $1.54 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the Banks - Midwest sector is currently in the bottom 31% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges for stock performance [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.80 per share in Q4 and $2.77 per share for the full year, marking the strongest net income in its history [7][8] - Total loans grew by 1% quarter-over-quarter and 5% year-over-year, with C&I loans being a primary growth driver [7][8] - Net interest income (NII) reached a record $310 million in Q4, up 15% for the year, with a net interest margin (NIM) of over 3% for the year [8][10] - The return on average tangible common equity increased to over 15% in Q4 [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C&I loans grew by over $1.2 billion in 2025, with a 2% increase in Q4 alone [7][8] - Core customer deposits increased by nearly $700 million in Q4 and $1 billion for the year, representing a 3.5% growth rate [8][20] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $79 million, down slightly from Q3 but up from the previous year, driven by growth in wealth management and card fees [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in major metropolitan markets, including Omaha and the Twin Cities, with a focus on organic growth [6][14] - The acquisition of American National Corporation is expected to enhance market share and growth opportunities in these regions [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a focus on organic growth while managing a low-risk profile, with plans for additional investments in 2026 [6][14] - Strategic investments since 2021 have transformed the company's return profile, with a significant increase in C&I loans and a decrease in low-yielding mortgage loans [10][11] - The company plans to increase marketing spend by over 100% in key markets to accelerate household growth [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth momentum heading into 2026, supported by strong loan pipelines and a disciplined credit approach [7][10] - The economic outlook remains resilient despite higher interest rates, with expectations of continued loan growth and profitability [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a disciplined approach to credit, with low charge-off rates and improving asset quality [9][30] - Capital ratios increased, with the tangible common equity ratio at 8.29% and the CET1 ratio at 10.49% [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide thoughts on non-interest income guidance? - Management indicated that they are still in the approval process for the American National acquisition and will provide updates once more information is available [36][38] Question: What are the expected impacts of investments in 2026? - Management expects a 3% growth in expenses while making strategic investments to support growth in major metropolitan markets [40][41] Question: How is the company managing its loan and deposit growth? - Management noted that the company is seeing significant loan growth and deposit production, particularly in C&I loans, and expects this trend to continue [52][55] Question: What is the outlook for capital management and potential buybacks? - The primary focus remains on organic growth, with capital reserved for growth opportunities rather than buybacks at this time [75][78] Question: Are there any stressed portfolio verticals or geographies? - Currently, there are no significant concerns, and the company is monitoring the economic environment closely [78][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.80 per share in Q4 and $2.77 per share for the full year, marking the strongest net income in its history [7][8] - Total loans grew by 1% quarter-over-quarter and 5% year-over-year, with C&I loans being a primary growth driver [7][8] - Net interest income (NII) reached a record $310 million in Q4, up 15% for the year, while the net interest margin (NIM) was above 3% for the year, 50 basis points higher than 2020 [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C&I loans grew by over $1.2 billion in 2025, with a 2% increase in Q4 alone [7][8] - Core customer deposits increased by nearly $700 million in Q4 and $1 billion for the year, representing a 3.5% growth rate year-over-year [8][20] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $79 million, down slightly from Q3 but up from the previous year, supported by growth in wealth management and card fees [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in major metropolitan markets, including Omaha and the Twin Cities, where it aims to deepen its market share [6][14] - The acquisition of American National Corporation is expected to enhance growth prospects in these markets [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed major investments from its strategic plan in March 2025, positioning it for growth in 2026 and beyond [3][4] - Plans for 2026 include significant investments in marketing and hiring to accelerate organic growth in key markets [16][17] - The focus remains on high-quality commercial relationships and maintaining a low-risk profile [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's momentum heading into 2026, citing strong organic growth and profitability [7][33] - The company anticipates continued loan growth of 5%-6% and core customer deposit growth of 5%-6% in 2026, excluding the impact of the American National acquisition [21][19] Other Important Information - The efficiency ratio improved, decreasing by over 700 basis points from 2020 to 2025, indicating better cost management [11] - The company maintained a strong capital position, with a TCE ratio of 8.29% and a CET1 ratio of 10.49% [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Non-interest income guidance - Management indicated that they do not have updates on financials related to the American National acquisition but are optimistic about the strategic alignment of the franchises [36][38] Question: Investments in key cities for 2026 - Management confirmed a 3% expense growth target and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between investments and cost reductions [40][41] Question: Loan and deposit growth expectations - Management expects significant loan growth from new hires and a strong pipeline, with a forecast of $1.2 billion in C&I growth for 2026 [44][45] Question: Capital management and buybacks - The primary focus remains on organic growth, with capital reserved for business investments rather than buybacks at this time [75][78] Question: Credit quality concerns - Management reported no significant stress in portfolios currently, with positive signs in commercial real estate paydowns [79][80] Question: Deposit mix changes - Management anticipates a shift towards demand deposit accounts as they focus on acquiring more households and commercial relationships [92][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.80 per share in Q4 and $2.77 per share for the full year, marking the strongest net income in its history [6][30] - Total loans grew by 1% quarter-over-quarter and 5% year-over-year, with C&I loans being a primary growth driver [6][7] - Net interest income (NII) reached a record $310 million in Q4, up 15% for the year, with a net interest margin (NIM) of over 3% for the year [8][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - C&I loans grew by over $1.2 billion in 2025, with a 2% increase in Q4 alone [4][7] - Core customer deposits increased by nearly $700 million in Q4 and $1 billion for the year, reflecting a 3.5% growth rate year-over-year [8][19] - Non-interest income for Q4 was $79 million, down slightly from Q3 but up from the previous year, driven by growth in wealth management and card fees [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in major metropolitan markets, including Omaha and the Twin Cities, where it aims to deepen market share [5][13] - The acquisition of American National Corporation is expected to enhance growth prospects in these markets [5][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed major investments from its strategic plan in March 2025, positioning it for growth in 2026 and beyond [3][4] - Plans for 2026 include increasing marketing spend by over 100% in key markets to drive household growth [15] - The focus remains on high-quality commercial relationships and maintaining a low-risk profile while expanding [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth momentum and profitability, anticipating continued organic growth in 2026 [6][30] - The economic outlook includes expectations of two Fed rate cuts in 2026, which could impact net interest income positively [22][30] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a disciplined approach to credit, with low charge-offs and improving asset quality [9][29] - Capital ratios increased, with the tangible common equity ratio at 8.29% and the CET1 ratio at 10.49% [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Non-interest income guidance excluding American National - Management indicated that they do not have updates on financial impacts from the acquisition yet, but they are optimistic about the strategic alignment of the franchises [31][32] Question: Investments in targeted cities for 2026 - Management confirmed that they expect to see a significant increase in marketing expenses in Omaha and Minneapolis, with hires for relationship managers already underway [34][36] Question: Loan and deposit growth expectations from new hires - Management expects that new hires will contribute to loan growth in 2026, with a forecast of $1.2 billion in C&I growth [37] Question: Capital considerations for buybacks - The primary focus remains on organic growth and executing the acquisition, with capital decisions to be made based on future profitability [49] Question: Credit metrics and portfolio concerns - Management reported no significant stress in the portfolio, with positive signs in commercial real estate paydowns [51]

Associated Banc-Corp Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation January 22, 2026 This presentation includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures have been included as they provide meaningful supplemental information to assess trends in the Corporation's results of operations. These non-GAAP measures are provided in addition to, and not as substitutes for, measures of our financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of these non-GAAP measures may not be co ...