Associated Banc-Corp’s ASB third-quarter 2024 earnings of 56 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents. Also, the bottom line compared favorably with 53 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.
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Results benefited from higher loans and deposit balance, which along with relatively high interest rates, supported net interest income (NII). Further, an increase in non-interest income and lower provisions act as tailwinds. However, higher expenses were the undermining factor.
Net income available to common shareholders was $85.1 million, up 6% from the year-ago quarter. Our estimate for the metric was $73.8 million.
ASB’s Revenues Rise, Expenses Up
Total revenues were $329.7 million, up 3% year over year. However, the top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $366.52 million.
NII was $262.5 million, up 3%. The net interest margin was 2.78%, up 7 basis points (bps) year over year. We had expected NII and net interest yield to be $266.1 million and 2.81%, respectively.
Non-interest income was $67.2 million, up 1%. The rise was largely due to higher wealth management fees and bank and corporate-owned life insurance. Our estimate for non-interest income was $65.4 million.
Non-interest expenses increased 2% to $200.6 million. Our estimate for non-interest expenses was $202.4 million.
The adjusted FTE efficiency ratio was 60.4%, up from 58.56% in the prior-year quarter. A rise in the efficiency ratio indicates a deterioration in profitability.
As of Sept. 30, 2024, total loans were $30 billion, up 1% from the prior quarter. Also, total deposits grew 3% to $33.6 billion.
Associated Banc-Corp’s Credit Quality Improves
In the reported quarter, the company recorded a provision for credit losses of $21 million, down 4% from the prior-year quarter. Our estimate for the metric was $33 million.
As of Sept. 30, 2024, total non-performing assets were $148.1 million, down 17%. Total non-accrual loans were $128.5 million, falling 24%.
Net charge-offs were $13.1 million, down 29% from the prior-year quarter.
Associated Banc-Corp’s Capital Ratios Improve
As of Sept. 30, 2024, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.30%, up from 10.12% recorded in the corresponding period of 2023. The common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 9.72%, up from 9.55%.
Associated Banc-Corp’s Outlook for 2024
Management expects loan growth to be at the lower end of 6-8%.
Total core customer deposits are estimated to rise at the lower end of 3-5%.
NII is now projected to increase 0-1%, down from the prior target of a rise in the 1-3% range.
After adjusting to exclude the impact of non-recurring items related to the balance sheet repositioning announced in the fourth quarter of 2023, total non-interest income is expected to grow 1% or decrease 1%.
After adjusting to exclude the impact of the FDIC special assessment charges and adjustments, total non-interest expenses are likely to rise 1-2%.
The effective tax rate is expected to be 19-21%.
Our Take on ASB
Associated Banc-Corp’s business-restructuring efforts are likely to keep supporting financials. The company has a solid balance sheet position, making it well-poised for growth. However, elevated expenses and provisions are expected to hurt profits in the near term.
Associated Banc-Corp Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Associated Banc-Corp price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Associated Banc-Corp Quote
ASB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Performance of ASB’s Peers
Prosperity Bancshares Inc.’s PB third-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share of $1.34 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.30. Moreover, the bottom line compared favorably with $1.21 in the prior-year quarter.
Results benefited from an increase in NII. Further, a rise in deposits and loans was another positive. During the quarter, provisions remained stable. Nevertheless, a fall in adjusted non-interest income and rising expenses were major headwinds for PB.
BankUnited, Inc.’s BKU third-quarter 2024 earnings of 81 cents per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 73 cents. The bottom line compares favorably with 63 cents in the prior-year quarter.
BKU’s results were aided by growth in NII, lower provisions and a slight improvement in deposit balance. However, lower non-interest income, a fall in loan balance and a jump in expenses were the undermining factors.
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