EX-99.1 2 c23058exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE exv99w1
 

     
(ASSOCIATED LOGO)
 
NEWS RELEASE
For more information:
Investors: Joe Selner, Chief Financial Officer, 920-491-7120
Media: Cindy Moon-Mogush, Corporate Communications, 920-431-8034
 
Associated earns $2.23 per share in 2007, 51 cents in fourth quarter
  Net income of $286 million for 2007
 
  Core fee-based income up 9% for 2007
 
  Strong fourth quarter loan growth
 
  Fourth quarter net interest margin of 3.62%
 
  Fourth quarter tangible capital ratio at 6.59%
GREEN BAY, Wis. — January 17, 2008 — Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC) reported net income of $64.8 million, or $.51 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2007. Earnings for 2007 were $285.8 million, or $2.23 per share.
Fourth quarter results included several notable items. Noninterest revenue included $10 million in net investment and asset sale gains, principally related to the sale of deposits in 14 branch locations, and $2.4 million unfavorable valuation and other expense in net mortgage banking income. Noninterest expense included $2.3 million of severance, $2.3 million reserve for unfavorable litigation losses related to Visa Inc. anti-trust matters (to which Associated and other Visa member banks have direct and potential obligations to share in with Visa), and elevated levels of various other expense items of approximately $3 million. Finally, the provision for loan losses for fourth quarter 2007 was $15.5 million (up $6.8 million over third quarter 2007), approximating net charge offs for the quarter.
Net interest income was $164 million for the fourth quarter, up from $163 million for the third quarter of 2007, and net interest margin was 3.62 percent for both quarters. Net interest income in the fourth quarter benefited from stronger average loan growth and improved spreads.
On average, loans were $15.3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2007, up $118 million or 3 percent annualized over the third quarter of 2007, led by 5 percent annualized growth in commercial loans and 11 percent annualized growth in home equity loans.
Deposits were on average $13.8 billion for the fourth quarter of 2007, down $0.2 billion compared to the third quarter, primarily affected by the timing of the branch deposits sold during the second half of 2007. Associated completed the sale of $224 million of branch deposits in 19 branch locations during the second half of 2007.
Net charge offs to average loans were 40 basis points for the fourth quarter and 27 basis points for the year. Commercial nonperforming loans were elevated during the first half of 2007, but declined to $109 million at year end, similar to $110 million at year-end 2006. Total consumer nonperforming loans of $54 million were up $21 million between year ends, as a result of deteriorating real estate conditions and the impact of the economy on these customers. The ratio of total nonperforming loans to total loans was 1.05 percent and 0.96 percent at year-end 2007 and 2006, respectively. Total nonperforming assets represented 0.88 percent of total assets at year-end 2007, compared to 0.75 percent at year-end 2006.
Core fee-based revenues for 2007 were $253 million, up $20 million or 9 percent higher than 2006, with solid growth in deposit service charges (10 percent), trust service fees (14 percent), card-based and other fees (11 percent), and a 1 percent increase in retail commissions.

 


 

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter versus third quarter of 2007 was up $6.1 million, primarily as a result of previously mentioned items.
“We have invested to establish strong positions in attractive markets and in the management team to improve the growth dynamics of our core businesses,” Associated Chairman and CEO Paul S. Beideman said. “Our margin for the second half of 2007, as well as the growth we are seeing in commercial loans, home equity loans and our core fee based businesses, are reflective of those efforts.”
“We have managed risk conservatively to minimize exposure to those business segments that are causing significant turbulence in financial markets. While our charge offs are elevated in the fourth quarter of 2007, we continue to aggressively manage our distressed credits to mitigate risks in this challenging environment,” Beideman added. “While our asset quality will be driven by the economic conditions of our markets and resulting impacts on our customers, at year-end 2007 our commercial nonperforming loans were flat to last year end, we are adequately reserved and our capital ratios are strong.”
During the fourth quarter, Associated paid a dividend of 31 cents per share, bringing the 2007 dividend per share to $1.22, up 7 percent from 2006.
Associated will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 3 p.m. CT today. The toll-free dial-in number for the live call is 800-762-8795. The number for international callers is 480-629-9031. Participants should ask the operator for the Associated Banc-Corp fourth quarter 2007 earnings call, or for call ID number 3828541. A replay of the call will be available starting at 6 p.m. CT on Jan. 17 through Feb. 7, 2008, by calling 800-406-7325 (toll-free) domestically or 303-590-3030 internationally. The call ID number, 3828541, is required to access the replay.
Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $22 billion. Associated has approximately 300 banking offices serving 180 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company offers a full range of traditional banking services and a variety of other financial products and services. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.
Statements made in this document that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding management’s plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” or similar expressions. Outcomes related to such statements are subject to numerous risk factors and uncertainties including those listed in the company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.
Six pages of tables follow.
— 30 —

 


 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp
                         
    December 31,     December 31,     Dec07 vs Dec06  
(in thousands)   2007     2006     % Change  
 
Assets
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 553,031     $ 458,344       20.7 %
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
    11,671       10,505       11.1 %
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
    22,447       13,187       70.2 %
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
    3,543,019       3,436,621       3.1 %
Loans held for sale
    94,441       370,758       (74.5 %)
Loans
    15,516,252       14,881,526       4.3 %
Allowance for loan losses
    (200,570 )     (203,481 )     (1.4 %)
 
                   
Loans, net
    15,315,682       14,678,045       4.3 %
Premises and equipment, net
    197,446       196,007       0.7 %
Goodwill
    929,168       871,629       6.6 %
Other intangible assets, net
    92,220       109,234       (15.6 %)
Other assets
    832,958       717,054       16.2 %
 
                   
Total assets
  $ 21,592,083     $ 20,861,384       3.5 %
 
                   
 
                       
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 2,661,078     $ 2,756,222       (3.5 %)
Interest-bearing deposits, excluding Brokered CDs
    10,903,198       10,922,274       (0.2 %)
Brokered CDs
    409,637       637,575       (35.8 %)
 
                   
Total deposits
    13,973,913       14,316,071       (2.4 %)
Short-term borrowings
    3,226,787       2,042,685       58.0 %
Long-term funding
    1,864,771       2,071,142       (10.0 %)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    196,907       185,993       5.9 %
 
                   
Total liabilities
    19,262,378       18,615,891       3.5 %
Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Preferred stock
                   
Common stock
    1,278       1,304       (2.0 %)
Surplus
    1,040,694       1,120,934       (7.2 %)
Retained earnings
    1,305,136       1,189,658       9.7 %
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,498 )     (16,453 )     (84.8 %)
Treasury stock, at cost
    (14,905 )     (49,950 )     (70.2 %)
 
                   
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,329,705       2,245,493       3.8 %
 
                   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 21,592,083     $ 20,861,384       3.5 %
 
                   


 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp
                                                 
    For The Three Months Ended             For The Year Ended        
    December 31,     Quarter     December 31,     Year-to-date  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)   2007     2006     % Change     2007     2006     % Change  
     
Interest Income
                                               
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 277,647     $ 282,918       (1.9 %)   $ 1,111,919     $ 1,106,903       0.5 %
Interest and dividends on investment securities and deposits in other financial institutions
 
Taxable
    30,712       29,962       2.5 %     122,961       131,952       (6.8 %)
Tax-exempt
    10,394       9,794       6.1 %     39,897       39,434       1.2 %
Interest on federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
    214       292       (26.7 %)     935       1,090       (14.2 %)
 
                                       
Total interest income
    318,967       322,966       (1.2 %)     1,275,712       1,279,379       (0.3 %)
Interest Expense
                                               
Interest on deposits
    98,678       98,757       (0.1 %)     403,353       363,953       10.8 %
Interest on short-term borrowings
    32,470       31,971       1.6 %     134,624       129,791       3.7 %
Interest on long-term funding
    23,600       26,174       (9.8 %)     93,922       116,086       (19.1 %)
 
                                       
Total interest expense
    154,748       156,902       (1.4 %)     631,899       609,830       3.6 %
 
                                       
Net Interest Income
    164,219       166,064       (1.1 %)     643,813       669,549       (3.8 %)
Provision for loan losses
    15,501       7,068       119.3 %     34,509       19,056       81.1 %
 
                                       
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    148,718       158,996       (6.5 %)     609,304       650,493       (6.3 %)
Noninterest Income
                                               
Trust service fees
    10,723       9,941       7.9 %     42,629       37,484       13.7 %
Service charges on deposit accounts
    25,866       24,214       6.8 %     101,042       91,593       10.3 %
Card-based and other nondeposit fees
    12,088       11,267       7.3 %     47,558       42,661       11.5 %
Retail commissions
    14,917       15,053       (0.9 %)     61,645       61,256       0.6 %
Mortgage banking, net
    498       1,735       (71.3 %)     22,750       14,801       53.7 %
Bank owned life insurance income
    4,240       5,102       (16.9 %)     17,419       16,155       7.8 %
Asset sale gains, net
    11,062       91       N/M       15,607       304       N/M  
Investment securities gains (losses), net
    (815 )     (436 )     86.9 %     8,174       4,722       73.1 %
Other
    7,094       7,568       (6.3 %)     27,957       26,525       5.4 %
 
                                       
Total noninterest income
    85,673       74,535       14.9 %     344,781       295,501       16.7 %
Noninterest Expense
                                               
Personnel expense
    76,487       68,315       12.0 %     303,428       283,431       7.1 %
Occupancy
    11,784       10,971       7.4 %     46,659       43,825       6.5 %
Equipment
    4,820       4,300       12.1 %     17,908       17,466       2.5 %
Data processing
    8,189       8,033       1.9 %     31,690       31,451       0.8 %
Business development and advertising
    5,482       4,365       25.6 %     19,785       16,857       17.4 %
Other intangible amortization
    1,758       1,999       (12.1 %)     7,116       8,903       (20.1 %)
Other
    31,582       26,415       19.6 %     108,305       94,282       14.9 %
 
                                       
Total noninterest expense
    140,102       124,398       12.6 %     534,891       496,215       7.8 %
 
                                       
Income before income taxes
    94,289       109,133       (13.6 %)     419,194       449,779       (6.8 %)
Income tax expense
    29,498       34,632       (14.8 %)     133,442       133,134       0.2 %
 
                                       
Net Income
  $ 64,791     $ 74,501       (13.0 %)   $ 285,752     $ 316,645       (9.8 %)
 
                                       
 
                                               
Earnings Per Share:
                                               
Basic
  $ 0.51     $ 0.58       (12.1 %)   $ 2.24     $ 2.40       (6.7 %)
Diluted
  $ 0.51     $ 0.57       (10.5 %)   $ 2.23     $ 2.38       (6.3 %)
Average Shares Outstanding:
                                               
Basic
    127,095       129,202       (1.6 %)     127,408       132,006       (3.5 %)
Diluted
    127,835       130,366       (1.9 %)     128,428       133,132       (3.5 %)
N/M — Not meaningful.


 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) — Quarterly Trend
Associated Banc-Corp
                                         
(in thousands, except per share amounts)   4Q07     3Q07     2Q07     1Q07     4Q06  
 
Interest Income
                                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 277,647     $ 283,330     $ 276,981     $ 273,961     $ 282,918  
Interest and dividends on investment securities and deposits in other financial institutions
                                       
Taxable
    30,712       31,140       30,583       30,526       29,962  
Tax-exempt
    10,394       9,924       9,785       9,794       9,794  
Interest on federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
    214       214       324       183       292  
 
                             
Total interest income
    318,967       324,608       317,673       314,464       322,966  
Interest Expense
                                       
Interest on deposits
    98,678       104,596       101,780       98,299       98,757  
Interest on short-term borrowings
    32,470       31,548       35,423       35,183       31,971  
Interest on long-term funding
    23,600       25,391       22,995       21,936       26,174  
 
                             
Total interest expense
    154,748       161,535       160,198       155,418       156,902  
 
                             
Net Interest Income
    164,219       163,073       157,475       159,046       166,064  
Provision for loan losses
    15,501       8,733       5,193       5,082       7,068  
 
                             
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    148,718       154,340       152,282       153,964       158,996  
Noninterest Income
                                       
Trust service fees
    10,723       10,886       10,711       10,309       9,941  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    25,866       26,609       25,545       23,022       24,214  
Card-based and other nondeposit fees
    12,088       12,436       11,711       11,323       11,267  
Retail commissions
    14,917       15,476       15,773       15,479       15,053  
Mortgage banking, net
    498       3,006       9,696       9,550       1,735  
Bank owned life insurance income
    4,240       4,650       4,365       4,164       5,102  
Asset sale gains, net
    11,062       2,220       442       1,883       91  
Investment securities gains (losses), net
    (815 )     1,879       6,075       1,035       (436 )
Other
    7,094       7,758       7,170       5,935       7,568  
 
                             
Total noninterest income
    85,673       84,920       91,488       82,700       74,535  
Noninterest Expense
                                       
Personnel expense
    76,487       76,617       76,277       74,047       68,315  
Occupancy
    11,784       11,967       11,321       11,587       10,971  
Equipment
    4,820       4,440       4,254       4,394       4,300  
Data processing
    8,189       7,991       7,832       7,678       8,033  
Business development and advertising
    5,482       4,830       5,068       4,405       4,365  
Other intangible amortization
    1,758       1,979       1,718       1,661       1,999  
Other
    31,582       26,185       26,174       24,364       26,415  
 
                             
Total noninterest expense
    140,102       134,009       132,644       128,136       124,398  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    94,289       105,251       111,126       108,528       109,133  
Income tax expense
    29,498       33,510       35,301       35,133       34,632  
 
                             
Net Income
  $ 64,791     $ 71,741     $ 75,825     $ 73,395     $ 74,501  
 
                             
 
                                       
Earnings Per Share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.51     $ 0.57     $ 0.59     $ 0.57     $ 0.58  
Diluted
  $ 0.51     $ 0.56     $ 0.59     $ 0.57     $ 0.57  
Average Shares Outstanding:
                                       
Basic
    127,095       126,958       127,606       127,988       129,202  
Diluted
    127,835       127,847       128,750       129,299       130,366  


 

Selected Quarterly Information
Associated Banc-Corp
                                                         
(in thousands, except per share and full time equivalent employee data)   YTD 2007   YTD 2006   4th Qtr 2007   3rd Qtr 2007   2nd Qtr 2007   1st Qtr 2007   4th Qtr 2006
 
Summary of Operations
                                                       
Net interest income
  $ 643,813     $ 669,549     $ 164,219     $ 163,073     $ 157,475     $ 159,046     $ 166,064  
Provision for loan losses
    34,509       19,056       15,501       8,733       5,193       5,082       7,068  
Asset sale gains, net
    15,607       304       11,062       2,220       442       1,883       91  
Investment securities gains (losses), net
    8,174       4,722       (815 )     1,879       6,075       1,035       (436 )
Noninterest income (excluding securities & asset gains)
    321,000       290,475       75,426       80,821       84,971       79,782       74,880  
Noninterest expense
    534,891       496,215       140,102       134,009       132,644       128,136       124,398  
Income before income taxes
    419,194       449,779       94,289       105,251       111,126       108,528       109,133  
Income taxes
    133,442       133,134       29,498       33,510       35,301       35,133       34,632  
Net income
    285,752       316,645       64,791       71,741       75,825       73,395       74,501  
Taxable equivalent adjustment
    27,259       26,233       7,119       6,856       6,724       6,560       6,568  
 
 
Per Common Share Data (1)
                                                       
Net income:
                                                       
Basic
  $ 2.24     $ 2.40     $ 0.51     $ 0.57     $ 0.59     $ 0.57     $ 0.58  
Diluted
    2.23       2.38       0.51       0.56       0.59       0.57       0.57  
Dividends
    1.22       1.14       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.29       0.29  
Market Value:
                                                       
High
  $ 35.43     $ 35.13     $ 30.49     $ 33.05     $ 33.49     $ 35.43     $ 35.13  
Low
    25.23       30.27       25.23       26.86       32.14       33.16       32.13  
Close
    27.09       34.88       27.09       29.63       32.70       33.60       34.88  
Book value
    18.32       17.44       18.32       18.04       17.56       17.54       17.44  
 
 
Performance Ratios (annualized)
                                                       
Earning assets yield
    6.99 %     6.79 %     6.88 %     7.05 %     6.99 %     7.03 %     6.95 %
Interest-bearing liabilities rate
    3.98       3.71       3.82       4.02       4.06       4.02       3.93  
Net interest margin
    3.60       3.62       3.62       3.62       3.53       3.62       3.64  
Return on average assets
    1.38       1.50       1.23       1.38       1.48       1.46       1.43  
Return on average equity
    12.68       13.89       11.23       12.69       13.49       13.35       13.19  
Return on tangible average equity (2)
    21.91       23.31       19.50       22.42       23.14       22.63       22.31  
Efficiency ratio (3)
    53.92       50.31       56.78       53.44       53.23       52.22       50.26  
Effective tax rate
    31.83       29.60       31.28       31.84       31.77       32.37       31.73  
Dividend payout ratio (4)
    54.46       47.50       60.78       54.39       52.54       50.88       50.00  
 
 
Average Balances
                                                       
Assets
  $ 20,638,005     $ 21,162,099     $ 20,935,023     $ 20,678,498     $ 20,558,803     $ 20,373,075     $ 20,635,203  
Earning assets
    18,644,770       19,229,849       18,849,079       18,685,978       18,605,024       18,433,986       18,713,784  
Interest-bearing liabilities
    15,886,710       16,434,947       16,090,488       15,941,683       15,834,843       15,674,645       15,765,774  
Loans
    15,132,634       15,370,090       15,301,761       15,183,444       15,082,850       14,958,148       15,233,207  
Deposits
    13,741,803       13,623,703       13,760,991       13,940,970       13,702,872       13,557,958       13,748,444  
Wholesale funding
    4,520,916       5,161,192       4,750,471       4,386,354       4,482,437       4,462,713       4,547,042  
Stockholders’ equity
    2,253,878       2,279,376       2,289,522       2,242,665       2,253,872       2,228,909       2,240,143  
Stockholders’ equity / assets
    10.92 %     10.77 %     10.94 %     10.85 %     10.96 %     10.94 %     10.86 %
 
 
At Period End
                                                       
Assets
                  $ 21,592,083     $ 20,940,007     $ 20,849,140     $ 20,507,413     $ 20,861,384  
Loans
                    15,516,252       15,174,758       15,154,232       14,856,003       14,881,526  
Allowance for loan losses
                    200,570       200,560       206,493       203,495       203,481  
Goodwill
                    929,168       929,168       929,168       871,629       871,629  
Mortgage servicing rights, net
                    51,187       53,636       55,829       48,342       66,620  
Other intangible assets
                    41,033       42,791       44,770       40,953       42,614  
Deposits
                    13,973,913       14,158,369       14,077,618       13,980,967       14,316,071  
Wholesale funding
                    5,091,558       4,283,396       4,348,565       4,075,919       4,113,827  
Stockholders’ equity
                    2,329,705       2,291,182       2,228,911       2,236,134       2,245,493  
Stockholders’ equity / assets
                    10.79 %     10.94 %     10.69 %     10.90 %     10.76 %
Tangible equity / tangible assets (5)
                    6.59 %     6.61 %     6.31 %     6.75 %     6.67 %
Shares outstanding, end of period
                    127,160       127,035       126,910       127,497       128,747  
Shares repurchased during period, including settlements
                          11       2,000       1,909       1,957  
Average per share cost of shares repurchased during period
                  $     $     $ 32.81     $ 35.74     $ 33.11  
YTD shares repurchased during period, including settlements
                    3,920       3,920       3,909       1,909       8,018  
YTD average per share cost of shares repurchased during period
                  $ 34.15     $ 34.15     $ 34.24     $ 35.74     $ 32.83  
 
 
Selected trend information
                                                       
Average full time equivalent employees
                    5,095       5,200       5,069       5,089       5,084  
Trust assets under management, at market value
                  $ 6,100,000     $ 6,200,000     $ 6,100,000     $ 5,900,000     $ 5,800,000  
Mortgage loans originated for sale during period
                    333,331       353,233       455,928       338,802       374,427  
Mortgage portfolio serviced for others
                    6,403,000       6,297,000       6,571,000       6,087,000       8,330,000  
Mortgage servicing rights, net / Portfolio serviced for others
                    0.80 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.79 %     0.80 %
 
 
 
(1)   Per share data adjusted retroactively for stock splits and stock dividends.
 
(2)   Return on tangible average equity = Net income divided by average equity excluding average goodwill and other intangible assets. This is a non-GAAP financial measure.
 
(3)   Efficiency ratio = Noninterest expense divided by sum of taxable equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding investment securities gain, net, and asset sales gains, net.
 
(4)   Ratio is based upon basic earnings per share.
 
(5)   Tangible equity to tangible assets = Stockholders’ equity excluding goodwill and other intangible assets divided by assets excluding goodwill and other intangible assets. This is a non-GAAP financial measure.


 

Financial Summary and Comparison
Associated Banc-Corp
                                                 
    Three months ended     Year ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
(in thousands)   2007     2006     % Change     2007     2006     % Change  
Allowance for Loan Losses
                                               
Beginning balance
  $ 200,560     $ 203,442       (1.4 %)   $ 203,481     $ 203,404       0.0 %
Balance related to acquisition
                0.0 %     2,991             N/M  
Provision for loan losses
    15,501       7,068       119.3 %     34,509       19,056       81.1 %
Charge offs
    (17,156 )     (10,574 )     62.2 %     (47,249 )     (30,507 )     54.9 %
Recoveries
    1,665       3,545       (53.0 %)     6,838       11,528       (40.7 %)
                       
Net charge offs
    (15,491 )     (7,029 )     120.4 %     (40,411 )     (18,979 )     112.9 %
                       
Ending Balance
  $ 200,570     $ 203,481       (1.4 %)   $ 200,570     $ 203,481       (1.4 %)
                       
                                                         
                    Dec07vsSept07                             Dec07vsDec06  
Credit Quality   Dec 31,2007     Sept 30, 2007     % Change     Jun 30, 2007     Mar 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006     % Change  
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 152,528     $ 142,509       7.0 %   $ 171,303     $ 146,864     $ 136,734       11.6 %
Loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing
    10,118       8,163       23.9 %     8,446       6,131       5,725       76.7 %
Restructured loans
                0.0 %           25       26       (100.0 %)
                         
Total nonperforming loans
    162,646       150,672       7.9 %     179,749       153,020       142,485       14.1 %
Other real estate owned (OREO)
    26,489       20,866       26.9 %     19,237       16,439       14,417       83.7 %
                         
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 189,135     $ 171,538       10.3 %   $ 198,986     $ 169,459     $ 156,902       20.5 %
                         
Provision for loan losses
    15,501       8,733       77.5 %     5,193       5,082       7,068       119.3 %
Net charge offs
    15,491       14,666       5.6 %     5,186       5,068       7,029       120.4 %
 
Allowance for loan losses / loans
    1.29 %     1.32 %             1.36 %     1.37 %     1.37 %        
Allowance for loan losses /
                                                       
nonperforming loans
    123.32       133.11               114.88       132.99       142.81          
Nonperforming loans / total loans
    1.05       0.99               1.19       1.03       0.96          
Nonperforming assets / total loans plus OREO
    1.22       1.13               1.31       1.14       1.05          
Nonperforming assets / total assets
    0.88       0.82               0.95       0.83       0.75          
Net charge offs / average loans (annualized)
    0.40       0.38               0.14       0.14       0.18          
Year-to-date net charge offs / average loans
    0.27       0.22               0.14       0.14       0.12          
                                                         
                    Dec07vsSept07                             Dec07vsDec06  
Period End Loan Composition   Dec 31, 2007     Sept 30, 2007     % Change     Jun 30, 2007     Mar 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006     % Change  
Commercial, financial & agricultural
  $ 4,281,091     $ 3,935,976       8.8 %   $ 3,958,911     $ 3,788,800     $ 3,677,573       16.4 %
Commercial real estate
    3,635,365       3,656,937       (0.6 %)     3,703,464       3,723,289       3,789,480       (4.1 %)
Real estate — construction
    2,260,766       2,215,264       2.1 %     2,137,276       2,084,883       2,047,124       10.4 %
Lease financing
    108,794       95,644       13.7 %     88,967       89,524       81,814       33.0 %
                         
Commercial
    10,286,016       9,903,821       3.9 %     9,888,618       9,686,496       9,595,991       7.2 %
Home equity (a)
    2,269,122       2,230,640       1.7 %     2,144,357       2,042,284       2,164,758       4.8 %
Installment
    841,136       866,185       (2.9 %)     865,474       869,719       915,747       (8.1 %)
                         
Retail
    3,110,258       3,096,825       0.4 %     3,009,831       2,912,003       3,080,505       1.0 %
Residential mortgage
    2,119,978       2,174,112       (2.5 %)     2,255,783       2,257,504       2,205,030       (3.9 %)
                         
Total loans
  $ 15,516,252     $ 15,174,758       2.3 %   $ 15,154,232     $ 14,856,003     $ 14,881,526       4.3 %
                         
 
(a)   Home equity includes home equity lines and residential mortgage junior liens.
                                                         
                    Dec07vsSept07                             Dec07vsDec06  
Period End Deposit Composition   Dec 31, 2007     Sept 30, 2007     % Change     Jun 30, 2007     Mar 31, 2007     Dec 31, 2006     % Change  
Demand
  $ 2,661,078     $ 2,407,026       10.6 %   $ 2,466,130     $ 2,425,248     $ 2,756,222       (3.5 %)
Savings
    853,618       919,891       (7.2 %)     966,673       903,738       890,380       (4.1 %)
Interest-bearing demand
    1,947,551       1,881,235       3.5 %     1,900,227       1,805,658       1,875,879       3.8 %
Money market
    3,923,063       3,770,487       4.0 %     3,564,539       3,880,744       3,822,928       2.6 %
Brokered CDs
    409,637       800,422       (48.8 %)     751,900       650,084       637,575       (35.8 %)
Other time deposits
    4,178,966       4,379,308       (4.6 %)     4,428,149       4,315,495       4,333,087       (3.6 %)
                         
Total deposits
  $ 13,973,913     $ 14,158,369       (1.3 %)   $ 14,077,618     $ 13,980,967     $ 14,316,071       (2.4 %)
                         
 
                                                       
Customer Repo Sweeps (b)
  $ 844,414     $ 874,737       (3.5 %)   $ 900,964     $ 945,019     $ 875,099       (3.5 %)
 
(b)   Included within short-term borrowings.
N/M — Not meaningful.


 

Net Interest Income Analysis — Taxable Equivalent Basis
Associated Banc-Corp
                                                 
    Year ended December 31, 2007     Year ended December 31, 2006  
    Average     Interest     Average     Average     Interest     Average  
(in thousands)   Balance     Income / Expense     Yield / Rate     Balance     Income / Expense     Yield / Rate  
Earning assets:
                                               
Loans: (1) (2) (3)
                                               
Commercial
  $ 9,807,964     $ 730,712       7.45 %   $ 9,527,264     $ 707,405       7.43 %
Residential mortgage
    2,292,606       141,127       6.16       2,760,454       160,758       5.82  
Retail
    3,032,064       243,401       8.03       3,082,372       241,313       7.83  
                             
Total loans
    15,132,634       1,115,240       7.37       15,370,090       1,109,476       7.22  
Investments and other
    3,512,136       187,731       5.35       3,859,759       196,136       5.08  
                             
Total earning assets
    18,644,770       1,302,971       6.99       19,229,849       1,305,612       6.79  
Other assets, net
    1,993,235                       1,932,250                  
 
                                           
Total assets
  $ 20,638,005                     $ 21,162,099                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Savings deposits
  $ 913,143     $ 4,494       0.49 %   $ 1,012,966     $ 3,824       0.38 %
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    1,844,274       35,585       1.93       1,997,355       34,895       1.75  
Money market deposits
    3,752,199       138,924       3.70       3,324,362       119,506       3.59  
Time deposits, excluding Brokered CDs
    4,340,473       197,262       4.54       4,388,147       177,860       4.05  
                             
Total interest-bearing deposits, excluding Brokered CDs
    10,850,089       376,265       3.47       10,722,830       336,085       3.13  
Brokered CDs
    515,705       27,088       5.25       550,925       27,868       5.06  
                             
Total interest-bearing deposits
    11,365,794       403,353       3.55       11,273,755       363,953       3.23  
Wholesale funding
    4,520,916       228,546       5.06       5,161,192       245,877       4.76  
                             
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    15,886,710       631,899       3.98       16,434,947       609,830       3.71  
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
    2,376,009                       2,349,948                  
Other liabilities
    121,408                       97,828                  
Stockholders’ equity
    2,253,878                       2,279,376                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 20,638,005                     $ 21,162,099                  
 
                                           
 
                                           
Net interest income and rate spread (1)
        $ 671,072       3.01 %           $ 695,782       3.08 %
 
                                           
Net interest margin (1)
                    3.60 %                     3.62 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          $ 27,259                     $ 26,233          
 
                                           
                                                 
    Three months ended December 31, 2007     Three months ended December 31, 2006  
    Average     Interest     Average     Average     Interest     Average  
    Balance     Income / Expense     Yield / Rate     Balance     Income / Expense     Yield / Rate  
Earning assets:
                                               
Loans: (1) (2) (3)
                                               
Commercial
  $ 9,983,063     $ 182,789       7.27 %   $ 9,505,699     $ 182,086       7.50 %
Residential mortgage
    2,206,003       34,283       6.19       2,628,382       38,753       5.87  
Retail
    3,112,695       61,459       7.86       3,099,126       62,771       8.06  
                             
Total loans
    15,301,761       278,531       7.23       15,233,207       283,610       7.33  
Investments and other
    3,547,318       47,555       5.36       3,480,577       45,924       5.27  
                             
Total earning assets
    18,849,079       326,086       6.88       18,713,784       329,534       6.95  
Other assets, net
    2,085,944                       1,921,419                  
 
                                           
Total assets
  $ 20,935,023                     $ 20,635,203                  
 
                                           
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Savings deposits
  $ 898,780     $ 1,259       0.56 %   $ 940,041     $ 903       0.38 %
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    1,816,676       8,353       1.82       1,729,355       7,945       1.82  
Money market deposits
    3,772,661       32,746       3.44       3,727,175       35,420       3.77  
Time deposits, excluding Brokered CDs
    4,317,752       49,506       4.55       4,356,474       48,243       4.39  
                             
Total interest-bearing deposits, excluding Brokered CDs
    10,805,869       91,864       3.37       10,753,045       92,511       3.41  
Brokered CDs
    534,148       6,814       5.06       465,687       6,246       5.32  
                             
Total interest-bearing deposits
    11,340,017       98,678       3.45       11,218,732       98,757       3.49  
Wholesale funding
    4,750,471       56,070       4.69       4,547,042       58,145       5.02  
                             
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    16,090,488       154,748       3.82       15,765,774       156,902       3.93  
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
    2,420,974                       2,529,712                  
Other liabilities
    134,039                       99,574                  
Stockholders’ equity
    2,289,522                       2,240,143                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 20,935,023                     $ 20,635,203                  
 
                                           
 
                                           
Net interest income and rate spread (1)
          $ 171,338       3.06 %           $ 172,632       3.02 %
 
                                           
Net interest margin (1)
                    3.62 %                     3.64 %
Taxable equivalent adjustment
          $ 7,119                     $ 6,568          
 
                                           
 
(1)   The yield on tax exempt loans and securities is computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35% for all periods presented and is net of the effects of certain disallowed interest deductions.
 
(2)   Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale have been included in the average balances.
 
(3)   Interest income includes net loan fees.