Nucor earnings beat by $0.08, revenue fell short of estimates
On Monday, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James adjusted the price target for Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: NYSE:ASB) stock, bringing it down to $27 from the previous $28, while keeping an Outperform rating on the company. Currently trading at $22.33, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is fairly valued, with analysts maintaining targets between $24 and $29. The revision follows the release of Associated Banc-Corp’s first-quarter results, which were positively received due to a noticeable jump in Net Interest Margin (NIM) after the company’s recent restructuring. The restructuring is expected to bring modest benefits moving forward.
The financial institution also reported favorable credit trends and experienced solid loan growth, which was attributed to a 1.8% increase from the fourth quarter. This growth was partly fueled by successful originations stemming from the company’s recent hiring initiatives. In addition to these developments, Associated Banc-Corp confirmed its 2025 guidance, suggesting a stable fundamental outlook for the near future.
While the overall path for NIM appears more stable, it has led to a slight downward adjustment in the 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimate by Raymond James. Despite this revision, the firm remains optimistic about Associated Banc-Corp’s potential for improved profitability and continued growth. Alongside stable credit conditions, this optimism is underpinned by the expectation that the bank’s shares, currently trading at 0.81 times book value, will gradually close the valuation gap with its industry peers over time. Three analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward, according to InvestingPro, which offers additional insights through its comprehensive Pro Research Report, available for over 1,400 US stocks.
In other recent news, Associated Banc-Corp reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, exceeding analyst expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.59, compared to the forecasted $0.57. The company also saw a rise in net interest income, which increased by $16 million, and total loans grew by $526 million. Core customer deposits increased by 4% year-over-year, reflecting a positive trend in the company’s financial performance. The company’s strategic initiatives, including an expansion into the Kansas City market and enhancements to its digital strategy, have contributed to this growth. Stephens analyst Brandon Rud adjusted the price target for Associated Banc-Corp to $26 from $28, maintaining an Equal Weight rating, following the company’s completion of Phase 2 of its strategic plan. Despite these strategic improvements, Stephens’ 2026 return on assets forecast remains below that of its peers. The firm also increased its 2026 earnings estimate for Associated Banc-Corp by $0.10 to $2.80. These developments indicate that the company’s excess capital is likely to be utilized for organic growth rather than share repurchases.
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