GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2003--In conjunction
with its Annual Shareholders' Meeting today, Associated Banc-Corp's
(NASDAQ:ASBC) Board of Directors approved a dividend increase of 3
cents per share to 34 cents per share. This represents Associated's
33rd consecutive year of dividend increases. The 34-cent dividend is
payable May 15 to shareholders of record May 1.
At Tuesday's closing stock price of $34.33 per share, the dividend
increase equates to an annual dividend yield of 4 percent.
Also at the meeting, Chairman, President and CEO Robert C.
Gallagher gave a report on the company's strong condition.
He commented on the company's 13.9 percent earnings per share
growth in 2002, along with other indications of strong financial
condition, in remarks to shareholders at downtown Green Bay's historic
Meyer Theatre. 2002 highlights included an 18.8 percent increase in
net interest income, and a 12.6 percent increase in noninterest
income, led by strong mortgage banking income. He further reported on
the positive first quarter, 2003 results, including a 10 percent
increase in earnings per diluted share.
Gallagher noted Associated experienced softer than usual credit
quality in 2002, but indicated credit quality was nevertheless well
controlled. He also described the successful integration of Signal
Financial Corp. in the first half of 2002, which was completed in only
75 business days, a testament to the company's solid operating
platform and skill in executing growth through acquisitions.
The company's shareholders have been rewarded for its progress,
with a stock price increase of 5.8 percent last year. Including 2002
dividends, total return on shareholders' investment with Associated
was 9.6 percent, Gallagher noted.
Reviewing various phases of the company's 32-year history, he said
Associated has completed a remarkable transformation in just over five
years, tripling in size and becoming a true full-line financial
services company.
He also reported on the company's successful succession program
with the election of Paul Beideman as president and CEO.
"Paul Beideman's appointment reflects not only his alignment with
Associated's fundamental values, but also the experience and fresh
perspective he brings to the company's leadership as Associated enters
its next phase and looks to continue its long record of success,"
Gallagher said.
The audio portion of Gallagher's full remarks, with accompanying
PowerPoint slides, are archived on the Internet until May 23. To view
the webcast, see the information at
www.associatedbank.com/AboutAssociated/InvestorRelations/.
Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a
diversified multibank holding company with total assets of $15.1
billion. Associated has more than 200 banking offices serving more
than 150 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 which are not purely historical
are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding
descriptions of 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.
CONTACT: Associated Banc-Corp
Investors:
Joe Selner, Chief Financial Officer
920/491-7120
or
Media:
Jon Drayna, Corporate Communications
920/491-7006
SOURCE: Associated Banc-Corp