Associated Banc Q1 EPS Estimate Boosted by Zacks Research

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB) – Equities researchers at Zacks Research increased their Q1 2026 earnings per share estimates for shares of Associated Banc in a report released on Thursday, February 26th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the bank will earn $0.68 per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $0.67. Zacks Research currently has a “Strong-Buy” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Associated Banc’s current full-year earnings is $2.43 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Associated Banc’s Q2 2026 earnings at $0.70 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.72 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $2.83 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.79 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $3.00 EPS.

A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Associated Banc from $32.00 to $30.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Piper Sandler increased their target price on Associated Banc from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Truist Financial raised their target price on Associated Banc from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $28.00 price target on shares of Associated Banc in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on Associated Banc from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $29.20.

Associated Banc Stock Down 6.0%

Shares of NYSE ASB opened at $26.39 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $4.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.81. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $27.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Associated Banc has a 52-week low of $18.32 and a 52-week high of $29.51.

Associated Banc (NYSE:ASB) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The bank reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $393.52 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $382.06 million. Associated Banc had a net margin of 19.31% and a return on equity of 10.25%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.72 EPS.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Associated Banc

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in Associated Banc by 2,033.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,195 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 1,139 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Associated Banc by 46.8% during the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,279 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 408 shares during the last quarter. Eurizon Capital SGR S.p.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Associated Banc during the fourth quarter valued at about $33,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Associated Banc by 345.5% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,350 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 1,047 shares during the period. Finally, Quent Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Associated Banc in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.98% of the company’s stock.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Eileen A. Kamerick sold 6,600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.02, for a total value of $184,932.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 49,264 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,380,377.28. This represents a 11.81% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP John A. Utz sold 2,135 shares of Associated Banc stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.41, for a total transaction of $56,385.35. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 109,842 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,900,927.22. The trade was a 1.91% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 59,607 shares of company stock valued at $1,603,545. Company insiders own 1.45% of the company’s stock.

Associated Banc declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that authorizes the company to buyback $100.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the bank to buy up to 2.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the company’s board believes its stock is undervalued.

Associated Banc Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. Associated Banc’s payout ratio is presently 34.66%.

Key Associated Banc News

Here are the key news stories impacting Associated Banc this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research upgraded ASB to a “Strong‑Buy” and lifted near‑term and FY2026/2027 EPS estimates — the shop raised Q1–Q3 2026 quarterlies and bumped FY2026/FY2027 targets, supporting upside to earnings expectations. Read More.
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks coverage says ASB’s transformation, loan growth, digital investment and targeted acquisitions are expanding revenues and margins as it pushes into higher‑growth markets — a fundamental growth narrative that can justify multiple expansion. Read More.
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts included ASB on Zacks’ value/Rank #1 (Strong Buy) list and called it a buy after recent upgrades — a visibility boost that can attract value and dividend investors. Read More.
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage discussed ASB as a potential high‑growth dividend pick — positive for income investors but not an immediate catalyst until dividend policy or payouts change materially. Read More.
• Negative Sentiment: Despite upgrades, ASB was cited among names recommended amid an AI‑driven market sell‑off — meaning broader market rotation/weakness (not firm fundamentals) could be pressuring the share price today. Read More.

About Associated Banc

Associated Banc-Corp, through its primary subsidiary Associated Bank, N.A., is a regional financial services company headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The bank operates more than 200 branches across the Midwest, offering community-focused banking solutions for individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. Its emphasis on personalized service and regional decision-making supports long-standing customer relationships.

On the consumer side, Associated Bank provides checking and savings accounts, residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto financing and credit card products.