Associated Bank Q1 2021 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Associated Banc-Corp reported a strong first quarter with net income available to common equity of $89 million, or $0.58 per common share, driven by strong credit dynamics and the ongoing mortgage refinance wave. Average loans were up 5% and average deposits were up 10%. The company is optimistic about growth later in the year due to the improving credit outlook and strong fee income trends.
Average loans of $24.5 billion were up 5%, or $1.2 billion year-over-year.
Average deposits of $26.8 billion were up 10%, or $2.5 billion year-over-year.
Net income available to common equity of $89 million increased 112%, or $47 million year-over-year.
Earnings per common share of $0.58 increased 115%, or $0.31 per common share year-over-year.
Associated Bank
Associated Bank
Forward Guidance
Associated Banc-Corp anticipates commercial loan growth of 2% to 4% for the full year 2021, driven by an expected 4% to 6% increase in CRE balances and an expected 1% to 2% increase in C&BL outstandings, excluding PPP. The company expects the full year's margin to be approximately 2.45% to 2.55% in 2021. Noninterest income is expected to be $310 million to $330 million in 2021, and noninterest expense is expected to be approximately $690 million to $695 million. The annual 2021 tax rate is expected to be between 19% to 21%, assuming no change in the corporate tax rate. The full year 2021 provision is expected to be nominal.
Positive Outlook
- Commercial loan growth of 2% to 4% expected in 2021.
- CRE balances are expected to increase 4% to 6%.
- C&BL outstandings are expected to increase 1% to 2%, excluding PPP.
- Full year's margin expected to be approximately 2.45% to 2.55% in 2021.
- Annual 2021 tax rate expected to be between 19% to 21%.
Challenges Ahead
- Guidance assumes no change in the corporate tax rate.
- Nominal full year 2021 provision, implying limited credit loss reversals.
- Expected noninterest expense of $690 million to $695 million.
- Noninterest income is expected to be $310 million to $330 million in 2021.
- The company expects full year commercial loan growth of 2% to 4% in 2021.