Associated Banc-p(US:ASB)2025-10-23 22:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.73 per share for Q3 2025, with net interest income reaching a record $305 million, up 16% from Q3 2024 [7][9] - Total loans grew by 1% quarter-over-quarter and 3% year-over-year, with a 5.5% growth when adjusting for a loan sale completed in January [7][8] - The return on average tangible common equity improved to over 14%, a 250 basis point increase from the previous year [10][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans grew by nearly $300 million in Q3, totaling nearly $1 billion year-to-date [8][12] - Core customer deposits increased by over $600 million in Q3, up 2% from Q2 and over 4% or $1.2 billion year-over-year [8][14] - Non-interest income for Q3 was $81 million, a 21% increase from the prior quarter, driven by capital markets revenue and wealth fees [9][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added nearly $1 billion in high-quality C&I loans year-to-date while reducing low-yielding mortgage balances [4][12] - Seasonal deposit inflows returned as expected, contributing to the growth in core customer deposits [13][14] - The company expects total bank loan growth of 5% to 6% for the year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and deepening customer relationships, with a strategy to hire talented relationship managers in underpenetrated metro markets [10][11] - The management aims to take market share in commercial lending and deposit acquisition while maintaining a conservative credit culture [6][10] - The company plans to continue investing in strategic growth initiatives to enhance profitability and capital generation [3][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy despite macroeconomic uncertainties, indicating strong momentum heading into 2026 [6][7] - The company is monitoring risks related to the macro environment but believes its strategy positions it well for continued growth [6][7] - Management highlighted the importance of credit discipline and proactive portfolio management in maintaining asset quality [5][6] Other Important Information - The company added 13 basis points of CET1 capital in Q3, totaling a 30 basis point increase year-to-date [5][23] - Non-accrual loans decreased to $106 million in Q3, down from previous quarters, indicating stable asset quality [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What happens when the remaining RMs come off their non-compete? - Management expects C&I growth to accelerate as more relationship managers become available, with production and pipeline both showing positive trends [34] Question: Can you discuss the fee income and expectations for Q4? - Management noted that Q3 included a one-time asset gain, and while Q4 may see a decline, underlying capital markets and commercial production remain strong [36][37] Question: How do you see the margin outlook with potential rate cuts? - Management believes there is an opportunity for margin improvement, with a stable outlook despite potential fluctuations [66][68] Question: What drove the modest increase in deposit costs in Q3? - Management attributed the increase to seasonal factors and higher-end pricing accounts, but remains comfortable with the overall yield [44][45] Question: What is the strategy for hiring additional relationship managers? - Management is open to hiring quality relationship managers year-round and will be opportunistic based on market conditions [48][49] Question: How does the company view the interplay between C&I growth and headwinds in other areas? - Management sees purposeful runoff in residential real estate as a headwind but expects to offset it with increased commercial lending [55] Question: What is the company's approach to expanding its footprint? - The focus remains on organic growth, with management evaluating opportunities for potential M&A as they arise [58] Question: What is the outlook for the lending pipeline? - The increase in the lending pipeline is primarily attributed to new hires and market share gains rather than borrower optimism [64]