Associated Banc-Corp (AB5) AI Stock Analysis

Company Guidance

Management expects combined-company period end loan growth of 18% to 20% in 2026, C&I loan growth of 20% to 22%, 2026 period end total deposit growth of 17% to 19%, period end core customer deposit growth of 19 to 21%, and total 2026 net interest income growth of 19% to 21%, all compared to associated standalone results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Management expects total noninterest income growth of 12 to 14% and non interest expense growth of 19% to 20% in 2026, with acquisition related expenses landing at approximately $48.5 million and all remaining acquisition related expenses recognized by the year-end of 2026; it also expects securities plus cash to total assets to remain within the target range of between 22-24%, CET1 within the target range of between 10-10.75%, organic NIM expansion of a basis point or 2 quarter of organic expansion, CRE growth in the low mid single digits, and cumulative beta to roll around between 52-57%. The company expects 2026 loan growth, deposit growth, and margin outlooks to benefit from seasonal inflows and reduced wholesale funding, and expects any future provision adjustments to reflect changes to risk grades economic conditions, loan volumes, and other indications of credit quality.