Company Overview - Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB) is a bank holding company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, providing a variety of banking and nonbanking services to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota [1] - The company operates through three main segments: Corporate and Commercial Specialty, Community, Consumer, and Business, and Risk Management and Shared Services, with 215 banking branches as of the end of 2021 [1] Price Target Analysis - The consensus price target for ASB has shown slight fluctuations over the past year, remaining stable at $29, indicating stability in analysts' expectations [2][5] - A quarter ago, the price target was slightly higher at $29.2, suggesting a minor decrease in optimism or adjustment in valuation models [2][5] - A year ago, the target was $28.8, showing a modest increase over the year [2] Analyst Insights - Analyst Brandon Berman from Neuberger Berman has set a price target of $29 for ASB, aligning with the current consensus, indicating a consistent outlook on the company's performance and potential [3] - Despite anticipated earnings growth, it is suggested that ASB may not have the optimal combination of factors necessary for an earnings beat [3] Comparative Financial Review - A financial review comparing ASB with Central Plains Bancshares (NASDAQ:CPBI) evaluates several factors, including analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, and institutional ownership [4] - Investors are advised to understand the key expectations surrounding ASB's performance, considering broader market conditions and company-specific news [4]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) will report quarterly earnings of $0.69 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 21.1%, with revenues expected to reach $379.7 million, a 9.8% increase from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [1] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock price performance [2] Key Metrics Estimates - Analysts estimate the 'Adjusted efficiency ratio' at 55.7%, down from 61.1% a year ago [3] - The 'Average Balance - Total earning assets and related interest income' is projected to be $40.77 billion, up from $38.88 billion year-over-year [4] - 'Nonaccrual loans' are expected to be $111.94 million, down from $123.26 million last year [4] - 'Total nonperforming assets' are projected at $136.47 million, compared to $144.16 million a year ago [4] Income and Fees Estimates - 'Total Noninterest Income' is expected to be $69.99 million, down from $71.82 million in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Mortgage banking, net' is projected at $3.28 million, compared to $3.39 million last year [5] - 'Card-based fees' are expected to reach $12.04 million, up from $11.95 million a year ago [6] - 'Service charges and deposit accounts fees' are projected at $13.16 million, slightly down from $13.23 million last year [6] Interest Income Estimates - 'Net Interest Income (FTE)' is expected to be $310.73 million, up from $273.97 million in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Wealth management fees' are projected at $24.50 million, compared to $24.10 million last year [7] Other Revenue Estimates - 'Capital markets, net' is estimated at $6.03 million, down from $9.03 million a year ago [8] - 'Other fee-based revenue' is projected to reach $5.08 million, slightly down from $5.18 million last year [8] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Associated Banc-Corp have returned +0.4%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +2% [8] - ASB currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [8]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) will report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues for the quarter ending December 2025, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus EPS estimate for Associated Banc-Corp is $0.69 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +21.1% [3]. - Expected revenues for the quarter are $379.7 million, which is a 9.8% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a stable outlook from covering analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Associated Banc-Corp is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -1.89%, suggesting a bearish sentiment among analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Associated Banc-Corp exceeded the expected EPS of $0.66 by delivering $0.73, resulting in a surprise of +10.61% [13]. - The company has beaten consensus EPS estimates in each of the last four quarters [14]. Industry Comparison - Mercantile Bank (MBWM), another player in the Zacks Banks - Midwest industry, is expected to report an EPS of $1.37 for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year change of +12.3% [18]. - Mercantile Bank's revenues are projected to be $61.8 million, up 5.6% from the previous year, but its consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 9.4% over the last 30 days [19].

Core Viewpoint - Edge Total Intelligence Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of technology assets from Austal Limited, enhancing its capabilities in aviation and marine applications [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes a 100% interest in various software products, including a planning software for aviation, a branched LUSI solution, and an enterprise asset management software suite focused on marine applications [1]. - The company issued 6,075,459 subordinate voting shares to Austal as part of the transaction, representing 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares at a deemed price of C$1.00 per share [2]. Group 2: Rights and Obligations - Austal has been granted a right of first refusal to partner with the company in utilizing the acquired assets in specific global markets, including Australia, the United States, and several other countries [3]. - Austal has the right to nominate one individual for election to the company's board of directors, which will remain until Austal's shareholding falls below 5% for more than 20 consecutive days [3]. Group 3: Transition and Conditions - Key personnel from Austal will transition to the company to ensure continuity of service for Austal's programs and customers [4]. - If the company does not complete an uplisting transaction to NASDAQ or NYSE within 12 months, or if certain conditions are not met, all rights to the acquired assets will revert back to Austal [4]. Group 4: Company Background - Austal is recognized as a global leader in shipbuilding and defense contracting, having built over 300 vessels for more than 100 operators in 54 countries [6]. - Edge Total Intelligence Inc. specializes in real-time digital operations and decision intelligence solutions, aiming to provide clarity and agility in business operations [7].

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp is set to release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on January 22, 2026, after market close, and will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on the same day [1]. Group 1 - The company has total assets of $44 billion, making it the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin [3]. - Associated Banc-Corp operates nearly 200 banking locations serving over 100 communities across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, and has loan production offices in several other states [3]. - The company is committed to being an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Lender, and is a member of the FDIC [3]. Group 2 - Interested parties can access the live webcast of the earnings call through the Investor Relations section of the company's website, and can also dial in using provided domestic and international numbers [2]. - Financial tables and a slide presentation will be available on the company's website prior to the call, with an audio archive expected to be available shortly after the call concludes [2].

Market Performance - The Australian stock market continued to rally, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing up 95.80 points, or 1.10%, at 8,795.70 on Tuesday [5] - Over the last five days, the S&P/ASX 200 index has gained 2.29% and is currently 3.51% off its 52-week high [5] Top Performers - DroneShield Limited (DRO) led the gains, rising 27 cents, or 9%, to close at $3.27 [5] - Goodman Group (GMG) increased by $2.41, up 8.247%, to $31.63 [5] - Austal Limited (ASB) gained 42 cents, a 6.373% lift, to $7.01 [5] - Pro Medicus Limited (PME) rose $9.87, up 4.439%, to $232.17 [5] - West African Resources Limited (WAF) added 11 cents, a 3.594% increase, finishing at $3.17 [5] Decliners - Eagers Automotive Limited (APE) slipped 70 cents, down 2.746%, to $24.80 [5] - EVT Limited (EVT) fell 25 cents, a 1.873% decrease, closing at $13.10 [5] - Capricorn Metals Ltd (CMM) dropped 26 cents, down 1.760%, to $14.52 [5] - Perseus Mining Limited (PRU) lost 9 cents, a 1.563% decline, to $5.67 [5] - Megaport Limited (MP1) decreased 20 cents, down 1.551%, to $12.70 [5]

Market Overview - The Australian stock market continued its downward trend, with the S&P/ASX 200 dropping 13.70 points, or 0.16%, to 8,585.20, crossing below its 20-day moving average [4] - The broader index has gained 5.22% year-to-date, despite being virtually unchanged over the last five days [4] Company Performance - DroneShield Limited (DRO) experienced a significant decline, losing 11.92% on Wednesday, dropping to $2.475 after a previous surge of 22.17% to $2.81 on Tuesday [4] - Among the top gainers on the S&P/ASX 200, IGO Limited led with a price increase of $0.850, or 12.426%, followed by Liontown Limited, Catalyst Metals Limited, Deep Yellow Limited, and Westgold Resources Limited [2][4] - GrainCorp Limited saw the steepest decline, falling 14.92%, while DroneShield Limited was among the bottom performers [4]

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire American National Corporation for approximately $604 million in an all-stock transaction [1][11]. Acquisition Details - ASB will pay $26.29 per share for American National's shares, with the merger approved by both companies' boards [2]. - The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [3]. Company Background - American National, founded in 1856 and headquartered in Omaha, NE, operates 33 branches across Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa, with total assets of approximately $5.3 billion as of September 30, 2025 [4]. - The firm has $3.8 billion in total loans and $4.7 billion in deposits [4]. Combined Entity Projections - Post-merger, the combined entity is anticipated to have around $50 billion in total assets, $35 billion in total loans, and $40 billion in total deposits [5]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is expected to enhance ASB's deposit mix with low-cost deposits and add over 79,000 customer deposit accounts [6]. - The merger will strengthen ASB's presence in the Midwest, with 76% of pro forma deposits in the 10 largest markets across the Upper Midwest [6]. - ASB anticipates cost savings of 25% (approximately $29 million) from American National's 2025 non-interest expenses, with $55 million in one-time pre-tax merger expenses expected [7]. Financial Impact - The deal is projected to be approximately 2% accretive to ASB's 2027 earnings per share, assuming successful execution of cost savings [8]. - A common equity tier 1 capital accretion of 5 basis points is expected at closing, along with a 24% internal rate of return [8]. - Tangible book value per share is expected to dilute by 1.2%, with a projected earn-back period of about 2.25 years [9]. Efficiency and Performance Improvements - ASB expects a 60 basis points improvement in return on average tangible common equity and a 175 basis points improvement in efficiency ratio by 2027, adjusting for phased-in cost savings [9]. - The acquisition aligns with ASB's strategic plan to improve operating efficiency and bolster its balance sheet, focusing on customer acquisition and deepening relationships [12]. Market Context - ASB's shares have increased by 10.8% over the past six months, compared to the industry's growth of 2.7% [13].

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

Core Viewpoint - Associated Banc-Corp is conducting a conference call to discuss its financial results and future projections, emphasizing the importance of forward-looking statements and potential discrepancies from actual results [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call is hosted by Rob, the operator, and is being recorded for future reference [1]. - Management will present forward-looking statements that may differ from actual results, highlighting the need for caution in interpreting these projections [2]. - Andy Harmening, President and CEO, will provide a detailed discussion regarding the company's announcements during the call [3].