Associated Banc-p(US:ASB)2025-07-24 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.65 per share for Q2 2025, with total loans growing by 1% quarter-over-quarter and 3% year-over-year [9] - Net interest income reached a record $300 million, up $43 million or 17% compared to the same period last year [10][11] - The return on tangible common equity was 12.96%, a 62 basis point improvement from Q1 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial and industrial (C&I) loans grew by over $700 million in the first half of 2025, with $356 million added in Q2 alone [6][10] - Total average quarterly loans increased by nearly $400 million versus Q1, with C&I leading the growth [14] - Non-interest income for Q2 was $67 million, a 3% increase year-over-year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core customer deposits were up 4.3% compared to the same period last year, despite seasonal outflows in Q2 [10][15] - The net interest margin climbed above 3%, reflecting a strong profitability profile [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic plan, which includes enhancing profitability through a mix shift in its asset base [5][12] - There is a strong emphasis on organic growth in customer relationships, with the best organic checking household growth in nearly a decade [5][16] - The company aims to reduce reliance on wholesale funding by increasing lower-cost core customer deposits [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to grow core customer deposits in the second half of the year, citing strong household growth trends and a growing commercial pipeline [10][16] - The management remains vigilant regarding credit quality, with a proactive approach to managing portfolios amid macroeconomic uncertainties [8][30] Other Important Information - The company added nine basis points to its CET1 capital in Q2, totaling a 19 basis point increase year-to-date [7] - The efficiency ratio improved to below 56%, the lowest level since early 2023 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Seasonal decline in deposits - Management acknowledged the seasonal decline but noted that it was anticipated and that they expect a rebound in the second half of the year due to a growing commercial pipeline [36][39] Question: Update on office CRE portfolio - Management indicated that the office CRE portfolio is evolving positively, with proactive clients benefiting from improvements [46][48] Question: Margin outlook and deposit pricing strategy - Management discussed the importance of asset-side growth in maintaining margin strength and emphasized disciplined pricing strategies for deposits [53][59] Question: Thoughts on acquisitions - Management stated that any potential acquisition would need to be a good strategic, financial, and cultural fit, emphasizing the priority of executing their current strategic plan [68][70] Question: Increase in ACL for C&I portfolio - Management explained that the increase in the allowance for credit losses (ACL) for the C&I portfolio is primarily due to growth in that segment [72] Question: Sustainability of positive operating leverage - Management expressed confidence in sustaining positive operating leverage into 2026, driven by growth in commercial loans and disciplined expense management [79][81]