Associated Banc-Corp Stock Gains on Q2 Earnings Beat, NII View Raised

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) reported better-than-expected quarterly performance, with Q2 2025 earnings of 65 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 62 cents, although down from 74 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][8]. Financial Performance - Net income available to common shareholders was $108.4 million, a decrease of 4% from the year-ago quarter, exceeding the estimate of $101.9 million [2]. - Total revenues for the quarter were $371.2 million, a 14% year-over-year increase, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $362.8 million [3]. - Net interest income (NII) rose to $300 million, up 17% year-over-year, with a net interest margin of 3.04%, an increase of 29 basis points [3][8]. - Non-interest income was $67 million, a 3% increase, slightly above the estimate of $66.8 million [4]. Expense and Efficiency - Non-interest expenses increased by 7% to $209.4 million, closely aligning with the estimate of $209.2 million [4]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 55.81%, down from 59.51% in the prior-year quarter, indicating enhanced profitability [4]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Total loans as of June 30, 2025, were $30.6 billion, a 1% increase from the prior quarter, slightly below the estimate of $30.8 billion [5]. - Total deposits declined by 3% to $34.1 billion, underperforming the estimate of $34.4 billion [5]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses was $18 million, down 22% from the prior-year quarter, slightly above the estimate of $16.3 million [6]. - Total non-performing assets decreased by 9% to $148.2 million, and total non-accrual loans fell by 27% to $113 million [6]. Capital Ratios - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio improved to 10.77%, up from 10.27% in the corresponding period of 2024 [9]. - The common equity Tier 1 capital ratio rose to 10.20%, compared to 9.68% previously [9]. Future Outlook - Management expects loans to grow at a rate of 5-6% and total core customer deposits to rise by 4-5% [10]. - NII growth is now projected to be in the range of 14-15%, an increase from the previous guidance of 12-13% [10]. - Total non-interest income is expected to rise by 1-2%, a change from the previous outlook of stability or 1% growth [11].