Core Insights - Associated Banc-Corp has been implementing a new growth strategy since 2020, focusing on sustainable organic growth and enhancing its leadership team [2][3] - The company has made significant investments in its commercial banking sector and has repositioned its balance sheet to shift from non-customer residential real estate to commercial banking [3] Company Developments - Over the past four years, Associated Banc-Corp has added nine new members to its executive leadership team [3] - The company has completed its initial phase of strategic investments, particularly in hiring and product development, with all commercial bankers now hired [4] Strategic Plan - The company is currently halfway through Phase 2 of its strategic plan, which is set to continue until 2025 [4]

Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp has been implementing a new growth strategy since four years ago, initiated during a remote conference amid COVID-19 [2] - The company has focused on sustainable organic growth, enhancing its executive leadership team by adding nine new members over the past four years [3] Strategic Developments - Significant investments have been made in the commercial banking sector, alongside improvements in product offerings and digital capabilities within the consumer banking division [3] - The company has repositioned its balance sheet twice, shifting its loan production focus from non-customer residential real estate to commercial banking [3] Future Plans - As of 2025, the company is halfway through Phase 2 of its strategic plan, having completed initial investments primarily in hiring and product development [4] - All commercial bankers have been successfully hired, indicating a strengthened workforce to support future growth [4]

Summary of Associated Banc-Corp FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) - **Date of Conference**: September 09, 2025 - **Key Speaker**: Andy Harmening, President and CEO Core Industry Insights - **Growth Strategy**: The company initiated a new growth strategy four years ago during COVID, focusing on sustainable organic growth and enhancing its executive leadership team by adding nine new members [2][3] - **Commercial Banking Focus**: Transitioned from non-customer residential real estate to commercial banking, with significant investments in the commercial bank and improvements in the consumer bank's product and digital offerings [2][3] Financial Performance - **Loan Growth**: Achieved $700 million in loan growth in the first half of the year, with a target of $1.2 billion for the year, indicating a strong trajectory [3] - **Customer Satisfaction**: Reported the highest customer satisfaction levels to date, with household growth improving from negative to positive [3][4] - **Net Margin Improvement**: Increased net margin by 29 basis points year-over-year, surpassing the 3% margin barrier [4] Commercial Loan Growth - **Hiring Impact**: Increased relationship managers (RMs) by 28%, with expectations for double-digit growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [5][6] - **Pipeline Growth**: Commercial loan pipeline increased by 36% year-over-year, while deposit pipeline grew by 100% [6] Market Sentiment and Economic Factors - **Economic Uncertainty**: Acknowledged mixed sentiments among commercial customers due to tariffs and economic uncertainty, but noted a return to a pro-business environment [8] - **Deposit Growth Strategy**: Focused on household growth, which has improved from -2% to +2% over five years, translating to an estimated $500 million in organic growth [9][10] Geographic Expansion - **Market Focus**: Emphasized growth in existing markets like Milwaukee and Chicago, while also targeting expansion into Minneapolis and other contiguous markets [12][14] Credit Quality and Risk Management - **Credit Stability**: Maintained solid credit quality with proactive measures for early identification of potential issues, despite a slight uptick in classified credits [30][32] M&A Activity and Capital Deployment - **M&A Strategy**: Focused on organic growth strategies, with potential for M&A if the right opportunity arises [34][37] Future Outlook - **Interest Rate Impact**: Anticipated three rate cuts, with expectations for commercial real estate growth to align with overall bank portfolio growth [15][39] - **Net Interest Income Guidance**: Projected a 14-15% increase in net interest income year-over-year [39][40] Technological Advancements - **AI Implementation**: Established an AI council to explore business applications of AI, emphasizing the importance of solving business problems rather than just adopting technology [52][54] Conclusion - **Strategic Positioning**: The company is well-positioned for growth with a focus on organic strategies, customer satisfaction, and technological advancements, while navigating economic uncertainties and competitive pressures in the banking sector [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a doubling of EBIT from FY 2024 to $113,400,000 for FY 2025, indicating strong business performance [7][14] - Revenue increased by 24.1% year on year, driven by new programs transitioning from design to construction [15][8] - The order book reached $13,000,000,000, securing revenue for years to come [8][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Shipbuilding revenue increased by 28%, primarily due to revenue from OPC, CATs, and submarine contracts [15][16] - Australasia Shipbuilding experienced a 60% growth, attributed to the appointment as the Commonwealth of Australia's sovereign shipbuilder [16][18] - U.S. Support revenue contracted by 9% due to changes in the deployment of LCS vessels [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The defense sector continues to dominate, accounting for 97% of the company's revenue [20] - The company is seeing a return of commercial orders post-COVID, with a ramp-up in production expected [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic shipbuilding agreement positions the company as the prime contractor for surface combatant vessels in Australia, enhancing sovereign shipbuilding capabilities [25][24] - The company is focusing on capitalizing on increased defense expenditure in both the U.S. and Australia, with significant CapEx investments planned [26][27] - The company aims to leverage the AUKUS agreement for growth in submarine modules and technological capabilities [27][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for both the U.S. and Australian markets, highlighting a transformational year for the company [3][28] - The company anticipates continued growth in revenue and earnings, supported by a near-record EBIT and a robust order book [26][28] - Management acknowledged the challenges in U.S. shipbuilding margins but expects improvements as contracts transition [35][34] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position of $583,000,000, enabling it to invest in growth projects [22][21] - The workforce is growing, with nearly 4,500 employees globally, and recruitment strategies are in place to support future growth [5][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 2026 and margin expectations in U.S. segments - Management indicated that while there may be some volatility in margins, they expect revenue and profitability to increase as contracts transition [35][34] Question: Details on the strategic shipbuilding agreement and revenue ramp-up - Management confirmed that they are working on the landing craft medium program and expect to finalize contracts for both medium and heavy landing crafts soon, potentially adding $5,000,000,000 to the order book [38][37] Question: Opportunities for collaboration with other prime contractors in the U.S. - Management stated that they are open to working with partners to utilize their capacity and capabilities, particularly in submarine modules and other programs [42][41] Question: Performance expectations for Australasia in FY 2026 - Management expressed optimism for steady growth in profits as new programs come online, although they do not expect to double EBIT again [50][51] Question: Update on REAs and cash flow implications - Management indicated that they expect to finalize REAs soon, which will provide a significant cash injection [72][71] Question: Government involvement and potential partners for landing crafts - Management noted that the government has a strategic interest in the company, and they are working closely with them to ensure successful project execution [81][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EBIT doubled from FY 2024 to $113,400,000, indicating strong business performance and year-on-year improvement [7][15] - Group revenue increased by 24.1%, with U.S. shipbuilding revenue up by 28% and Australasia shipbuilding growing by 60% [16][17] - The group balance sheet strengthened by over 30% to $1,300,000,000, supported by operational performance and capital raising [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. shipbuilding revenue increased due to contracts for OPC, CATs, and submarine contracts, offsetting declines from nearing completion of LCS and EPF programs [16][17] - Australasia shipbuilding benefited from being appointed as the Commonwealth of Australia's sovereign shipbuilder, contributing to significant revenue growth [17][18] - The support business in Australasia improved by 27% due to increased servicing work from fleet sustainment activities [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The order book reached a near record high of $13,000,000,000, securing revenue for years to come [8][9] - The defense sector continues to dominate, making up 97% of revenue, with expectations for growth in both U.S. and Australian markets [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic shipbuilding agreement positions the company as the prime contractor for surface combatant vessels in Australia, enhancing sovereign shipbuilding capabilities [26] - The company is focusing on long-term value creation for shareholders through sustainable growth and capital investments in manufacturing capacity [6][27] - The company anticipates growth opportunities through the AUKUS agreement, particularly in submarine modules and technology [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for both U.S. and Australian markets, citing increased defense expenditure and a strong order book [3][27] - The company is optimistic about transitioning from legacy programs to new contracts, which are expected to drive revenue and profitability [36][37] - Management highlighted the importance of their workforce and the strategic initiatives taken over the past five years to achieve transformational growth [12][90] Other Important Information - The company reported a net cash position of $453,000,000, underpinned by strong operational performance and successful capital raising [9][23] - The company is investing in expanding production capacity, particularly in the U.S., to meet growing demand [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 2026, particularly regarding margins in U.S. segments - Management indicated that while there may be some volatility, they expect revenue and profitability to increase as they resolve ongoing contract issues [36][37] Question: Update on the strategic shipbuilding agreement and revenue ramp-up - Management confirmed that they are in the design phase for the medium landing craft and expect to finalize the heavy landing craft contract by the end of the calendar year [40] Question: Opportunities to work with other prime contractors in the U.S. - Management stated they are open to partnerships and have ongoing discussions to utilize their capacity for various programs [44][46] Question: Expectations for Australasia EBIT in FY 2026 - Management expressed confidence in steady growth, with no expectation of a decline, as new programs come online [52] Question: CapEx associated with landing craft construction - Management confirmed that the existing facility can accommodate the medium landing craft, while the heavy landing craft may require additional investment, likely funded by the government [68][70] Question: Update on REAs and cash flow implications - Management indicated that they expect to finalize REAs soon, which will provide a significant cash injection [74][75] Question: Impact of Hanwha's involvement and potential partnerships - Management acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Hanwha but emphasized their long-term partnership with the government and the ability to manage any concerns [82][84]

Financial Performance - Austal achieved FY25 revenue of A$1.8 billion, a 24.1% increase compared to A$1.5 billion in FY24 [2, 7] - The company's EBIT doubled to A$113.4 million in FY25, representing a 100.8% increase from A$56.5 million in FY24 [2, 7] - Austal's order book reached A$13.1 billion, a 2.9% increase from A$12.7 billion in FY24 [2, 7] - Operating cashflow significantly improved to A$406.3 million, a substantial increase of A$419.3 million compared to A$(13.0) million in FY24 [7] - Statutory NPAT increased by 503.2% from A$14.9 million to A$89.7 million [7, 15] Operational Highlights - Austal USA was awarded a US$450 million contract to expand submarine module manufacturing [8] - The company signed a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) with the Commonwealth of Australia [7, 8, 31] - Austal delivered 7 ships and had 49 ships under construction or scheduled in FY25 [2] - Austal Philippines delivered the 32-meter 'Ocean Master' catamaran to Rottnest Fast Ferries [8, 41] Strategic Initiatives - Austal is investing up to A$1.2 billion in facility expansions, including Final Assembly 2 (FA2) and Module Manufacturing 3 (MMF3) projects in Mobile, Alabama [29, 54] - The company is targeting $500 million in Through Life Support revenue by FY27 [42]

Group 1 - ASB has undergone a strategic balance sheet overhaul in Q4 2024, positioning it for success in 2025 [1] - The effectiveness of the new strategy is already evident in the Q2 2025 Earnings Presentation [1] - The market has not yet fully recognized the potential of ASB's strategic changes [1]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) have recently declined by 5.9% over the past week, but the formation of a hammer chart pattern suggests potential support and a possible trend reversal in the future [1][2]. Technical Analysis - The hammer chart pattern indicates a potential bottom, with selling pressure likely subsiding, which supports a bullish outlook for the stock [2][5]. - A hammer pattern forms when there is a small candle body with a long lower wick, signaling that bears may be losing control during a downtrend [4][5]. - The occurrence of this pattern at the bottom of a downtrend suggests that bulls may be gaining strength, indicating a potential trend reversal [5]. Fundamental Analysis - There is a strong consensus among Wall Street analysts to raise earnings estimates for ASB, which enhances the stock's prospects for a trend reversal [2][7]. - The consensus EPS estimate for ASB has increased by 3.5% over the last 30 days, indicating analysts' agreement on the company's potential for better earnings [8]. - ASB currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks, which typically outperform the market [9][10]. Conclusion - The combination of the hammer chart pattern and positive earnings estimate revisions suggests a favorable outlook for Associated Banc-Corp, indicating potential for a turnaround in stock performance [1][7][10].

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline due to escalating trade tensions and disappointing labor data, leading to a broad sell-off on Wall Street [1][10] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 542.40 points (1.23%) to close at 43,588.58, while the S&P 500 decreased by 1.60% to 6,238.01, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 2.24% to 20,650.13 [3] Employment Data - Nonfarm payrolls increased by only 73,000 in July, significantly below consensus expectations, and June's job creation was revised down from 147,000 to just 14,000, indicating a deeper slowdown in the labor market [2] - These labor market developments have raised the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September [2] Investment Opportunities - In the current market environment, value stocks are highlighted as attractive investment options due to their potential safety margin during periods of uncertainty [3][10] - Companies such as CVS Health Corporation (CVS), Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR), Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), and F.N.B. Corporation (FNB) are noted for their low Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) ratios, indicating strong financial health [4][10] Valuation Metrics - The P/CF ratio is emphasized as a reliable valuation metric, as it reflects a company's cash flow generation relative to its market price, providing a clearer picture of financial health compared to earnings metrics [5][6] - Positive cash flow is crucial for a company's liquidity, enabling it to manage debt, reinvest, and undertake shareholder-friendly actions [7] Stock Selection Criteria - A comprehensive approach to identifying value stocks includes considering multiple metrics such as price-to-book ratio, price-to-earnings ratio, and price-to-sales ratio, alongside a favorable Zacks Rank and Value Score [8][11][12] - Specific parameters for selecting true-value stocks include a P/CF ratio less than or equal to the industry median, a minimum stock price of $5, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [9][13] Company Highlights - CVS Health has a Zacks Rank of 2, with projected sales growth of 3.9% and EPS growth of 14.6% for the current financial year, and shares have increased by 8.1% over the past year [14] - Integer Holdings also holds a Zacks Rank of 2, with expected sales growth of 7.8% and EPS growth of 20.2%, although shares have decreased by 3.4% in the past year [15] - Associated Banc-Corp, with a Zacks Rank of 2, anticipates sales growth of 11.5% and EPS growth of 8.4%, with shares rising by 19.2% in the past year [16] - F.N.B. Corporation, also ranked 2, expects sales growth of 6.2% and EPS growth of 2.2%, with shares increasing by 9.6% over the past year [17]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools to help investors make informed decisions in the stock market, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to assist investors in selecting stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [4] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's future prospects through projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [5] - The Momentum Score identifies optimal times to invest based on price trends and earnings estimate changes [6] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to highlight stocks with attractive value, growth potential, and positive momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - There are over 800 stocks rated 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to use Style Scores to narrow down their choices [9] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B are recommended for maximizing investment potential [10] Company Spotlight: Associated Banc-Corp - Associated Banc-Corp, founded in 1964 and based in Green Bay, WI, is a bank holding company offering a range of banking and non-banking services [12] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of B, indicating strong potential [12] - Associated Banc-Corp's Value Style Score is B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 9.85, making it attractive to value investors [13] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates by four analysts have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate to $2.56 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +5.5% [13]