Press Release Details

Associated Banc-Corp Earns $2.43 Per Share in 2005 and 64 Cents in Fourth Quarter 2005

01/19/2006

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2006--Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ:ASBC):

    --  Fourth quarter EPS grew 12 percent over comparable quarter
        last year

    --  Credit quality remains strong

    --  Fourth quarter margin improves slightly as wholesale funding
        is reduced

    --  State Financial successfully integrated

Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ:ASBC) earned $0.64 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2005, up 12 percent from $0.57 per share earned in the fourth quarter of 2004, and up from $0.63 per share in the third quarter of 2005. Net income for the fourth quarter 2005 was $87.6 million, up 24 percent from the fourth quarter 2004 net income of $70.9 million, and up 8 percent over third quarter 2005 net income of $81.0 million.

Associated earned $2.43 per diluted share in 2005, up 8 percent from 2004. Net income for 2005 was $320.2 million, up 24 percent from $258.3 million in 2004.

Associated's acquisition of First Federal Capital Corp, a $4 billion thrift, on Oct. 29, 2004, and of State Financial Services Corp, a $1.5 billion commercial bank, on Oct. 3, 2005, affect comparisons to past periods.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, were 1.53 percent and 15.24 percent, respectively. This compares to an ROA of 1.58 percent and an ROE of 17.22 percent in 2004. Return on average tangible equity (which is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the average of goodwill and other intangible assets from average equity) was 23.47 percent for 2005 compared to 22.11 percent in 2004.

Book value per share rose to $17.15 as of Dec. 31, 2005, up 10 percent compared to a year earlier.

Period-end loans at Dec. 31, 2005, were $15.2 billion, up 10 percent over year-end 2004. Deposits at year-end 2005 were $13.6 billion, up 6 percent over the prior year end.

"The integrations of First Federal and State Financial in 2005 have strengthened our position in attractive markets. We look forward to delivering on this potential in 2006," said Paul S. Beideman, Associated president and CEO.

In 2005 net charge-offs were $12.7 million (or .09 percent of average loans), compared to $17.3 million (or 0.15 percent of average loans) in 2004. Nonperforming loans at Dec. 31, 2005, totaled $98.6 million, or 0.65 percent of loans, compared to $115.0 million, or 0.83 percent of loans, a year ago. The provision for loan losses for 2005 was $13.0 million, compared to $14.7 million for 2004.

The allowance for loan losses at Dec. 31, 2005, was $203.4 million, representing 1.34 percent of total loans, and 206 percent of nonperforming loans. In comparison, the allowance was $189.8 million, or 1.37 percent of total loans, and 165 percent of nonperforming loans at Dec. 31, 2004.

Associated's net interest income for 2005 was $672.3 million, up 22 percent from 2004's $552.6 million. Net interest margin for 2005 was 3.64 percent, compared to 3.80 percent for 2004. While the Federal Reserve raised short-term rates eight times in 2005, longer-term rates did not rise commensurately, causing a flattening of the yield curve and downward pressure on the margin in 2005.

For the fourth quarter of 2005, net interest income was $175.6 million, up $11.5 million or 7 percent over the third quarter of 2005. The net interest margins were 3.59 percent for the fourth quarter versus 3.56 percent in the third quarter. Fourth quarter 2005 results include State Financial as well as impacts from the company's wholesale funding reduction strategy described last quarter.

"In the fourth quarter we have made significant progress in reducing our level of borrowed funds. As we fully implement this initiative our net interest margin and overall quality of earnings will continue to improve," said Beideman. During the fourth quarter of 2005, excluding the State Financial acquisition, investments were reduced by approximately $430 million, deposit growth exceeded loan growth by approximately $230 million, and wholesale funding declined by $620 million. Additionally, in November, under an accelerated share repurchase program, the company repurchased approximately 1 million shares of its common stock.

Noninterest income for 2005 was $291.1 million, up 38 percent from $210.2 million in 2004. Annual growth occurred in trust service fees (up 10 percent to $35.0 million) driven by growth in new business; service charges on deposits (up 55 percent to $86.8 million) given our larger customer base; retail commissions (up 20 percent to $56.6 million) predominantly from insurance revenues; and in mortgage banking, net (up 79 percent to $36.4 million), influenced by an average portfolio serviced for others of $9.3 billion in 2005 versus $6.5 billion in 2004, and by secondary mortgage production of $1.58 billion in 2005 versus $1.62 billion in 2004.

Mortgage banking, net, for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $12.2 million, similar to $12.0 million for the third quarter of 2005, but the results stem from different dynamics. Secondary mortgage production for fourth quarter was $356 million, representing approximately 71 percent of the production for the third quarter. To better manage earnings volatility risks in its growing mortgage servicing portfolio, Associated sold approximately $1.5 billion (or 16 percent) of its mortgage portfolio serviced for others, effective Nov. 30. And finally, the valuation of the mortgage servicing asset stabilized between the quarters. The impact of these dynamics on fourth quarter versus third quarter 2005 results was a $3.1 million increase in gross mortgage banking income, which included a $5.3 million gain on the bulk servicing sale, offset by $2.9 million in higher mortgage servicing rights expense, including valuation recoveries of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter versus $4.5 million in the third quarter.

Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $81.0 million, up $4.1 million or 5 percent over third quarter 2005, as the fourth quarter included three months of State Financial and the third quarter included none.

Noninterest expenses were a critical focus during 2005 as the company integrated two acquisitions and refined certain operational structures. Noninterest expense for 2005 was $480.5 million, up 27 percent from $377.9 million in 2004, given the timing of the acquisitions. However, the efficiency ratio (a measure of noninterest expense to total revenues) remained steady at 48.99 percent for 2005 compared to 48.04 percent for 2004.

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $125.5 million, up $8.2 million or 7 percent over the third quarter of 2005, as State Financial was added at the start of the fourth quarter.

"We enter 2006 with a stronger distribution system in attractive markets, more effective sales and marketing, solid asset quality, and a more efficient organizational structure. This progress makes us confident in our ability to achieve our strategic priorities," Beideman said. "In addition, our balance sheet deleveraging initiative is on track and producing the desired result.

"We are comfortable that we can meet or exceed the current First Call consensus EPS estimates for Associated in 2006," he said. "The effect of expensing of stock options, a required accounting change in 2006, is estimated to be less than $2 million pre-tax for options granted to date, as options granted in January and December 2005 are fully vested by year end 2005."

The company paid dividends of $1.06 per share in 2005, up 9 percent from $0.98 in 2004, making 2005 Associated's 35th consecutive year of increasing dividends.

Associated repurchased approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock in 2005 at an average cost of $32.43 per share (including the two accelerated share repurchases during 2005 totaling approximately 3 million shares), compared to 1.1 million shares at an average cost per share of $30.43 during 2004. Associated starts 2006 with an authorization to repurchase approximately 2.6 million shares.

Associated will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 3 p.m. CST today. The toll-free dial-in number is 877-654-5513. Participants should ask the operator for the Associated Banc-Corp year-end earnings call, or for call ID number 4359258. A taped play-back of the call will be available through Feb. 2 by calling 800-642-1687.

Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified multibank holding company with total assets of $22 billion. Associated has more than 300 banking offices serving more than 170 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 to be filed on Form 10-K.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp
                                   December 31, December 31,
(in thousands)                        2005         2004      % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Cash and due from banks            $   460,230  $   389,311      18.2%
Interest-bearing deposits in other
 financial institutions                 14,254       13,321       7.0%
Federal funds sold and securities
 purchased under agreements
 to resell                              17,811       55,440    (67.9%)
Securities available for sale, at
 fair value                          4,711,605    4,815,344     (2.2%)
Loans held for sale                     57,710       64,964    (11.2%)
Loans                               15,206,464   13,881,887       9.5%
Allowance for loan losses             (203,404)    (189,762)      7.2%
                                   ------------ ------------
    Loans, net                      15,003,060   13,692,125       9.6%
Premises and equipment                 206,153      184,944      11.5%
Goodwill                               877,680      679,993      29.1%
Intangible assets                      120,358      119,440       0.8%
Other assets                           631,221      505,254      24.9%
                                   ------------ ------------
    Total assets                   $22,100,082  $20,520,136       7.7%
                                   ============ ============

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits       $ 2,504,926  $ 2,347,611       6.7%
Interest-bearing deposits,
 excluding Brokered CDs             10,538,856   10,077,069       4.6%
Brokered CDs                           529,307      361,559      46.4%
                                   ------------ ------------
    Total deposits                  13,573,089   12,786,239       6.2%
Short-term borrowings                2,666,307    2,926,716     (8.9%)
Long-term funding                    3,348,476    2,604,540      28.6%
Accrued expenses and other
 liabilities                           187,232      185,222       1.1%
                                   ------------ ------------
    Total liabilities               19,775,104   18,502,717       6.9%
Stockholders' Equity
  Preferred stock                            -            -
  Common stock                           1,357        1,300       4.4%
  Surplus                            1,301,004    1,127,205      15.4%
  Retained earnings                  1,029,247      858,847      19.8%
  Accumulated other comprehensive
   income (loss)                        (3,938)      41,205   (109.6%)
  Deferred compensation                 (2,081)      (2,122)    (1.9%)
  Treasury stock, at cost                 (611)      (9,016)   (93.2%)
                                   ------------ ------------
    Total stockholders' equity       2,324,978    2,017,419      15.2%
                                   ------------ ------------
    Total liabilities and
     stockholders' equity          $22,100,082  $20,520,136       7.7%
                                   ============ ============

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp
                                  For The Three Months Ended,
                                         December 31,
                                  ---------------------------
(in thousands, except
per share amounts)                      2005          2004    % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans           $ 252,443     $ 179,612    40.5%
Interest and dividends on
 investment securities
 and deposits with other
 financial institutions
  Taxable                               41,486        37,631    10.2%
  Tax-exempt                            10,325        10,047     2.8%
Interest on federal funds sold
 and securities purchased under
 agreements to resell                      289           260    11.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest income              304,543       227,550    33.8%
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits                    66,934        36,835    81.7%
Interest on short-term borrowings       26,828        14,898    80.1%
Interest on long-term funding           35,186        17,360   102.7%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest expense             128,948        69,093    86.6%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Interest Income                    175,595       158,457    10.8%
Provision for loan losses                3,676         3,603     2.0%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net interest income after
 provision for loan losses             171,919       154,854    11.0%
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees                       9,055         8,107    11.7%
Service charges on deposit
 accounts                               23,073        16,943    36.2%
Mortgage banking, net                   12,166         6,046   101.2%
Credit card and other nondeposit
 fees                                   10,033         8,183    22.6%
Retail commissions                      13,624        12,727     7.0%
Bank owned life insurance income         3,022         2,525    19.7%
Asset sale gains, net                    2,766           432     N/M
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                           1,179          (719)    N/M
Other                                    6,126         4,793    27.8%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest income            81,044        59,037    37.3%
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense                       68,619        65,193     5.3%
Occupancy                               10,287         8,297    24.0%
Equipment                                4,361         3,855    13.1%
Data processing                          7,240         5,966    21.4%
Business development and
 advertising                             4,999         4,271    17.0%
Stationery and supplies                  1,869         1,567    19.3%
Other intangible amortization            2,418         1,699    42.3%
Other                                   25,746        19,119    34.7%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest expense          125,539       109,967    14.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes             127,424       103,924    22.6%
Income tax expense                      39,783        33,069    20.3%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Income                           $  87,641     $  70,855    23.7%
                                  ============= =============

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                              $    0.65     $    0.57    14.0%
  Diluted                            $    0.64     $    0.57    12.3%
Average Shares Outstanding:
  Basic                                135,684       123,509     9.9%
  Diluted                              137,005       125,296     9.3%

N/M - Not meaningful.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp
                                      For The Year Ended,
                                         December 31,
                                  ---------------------------
(in thousands, except
 per share amounts)                     2005          2004    % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans           $ 889,374     $ 594,702     49.5%
Interest and dividends on
 investment securities
 and deposits with other
 financial institutions
  Taxable                              164,404       131,020     25.5%
  Tax-exempt                            39,310        40,804    (3.7%)
Interest on federal funds sold
 and securities purchased under
 agreements to resell                      937           596     57.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest income            1,094,025       767,122     42.6%
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits                   213,052       118,236     80.2%
Interest on short-term borrowings       89,356        38,940    129.5%
Interest on long-term funding          119,362        57,319    108.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest expense             421,770       214,495     96.6%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Interest Income                    672,255       552,627     21.6%
Provision for loan losses               13,019        14,668   (11.2%)
                                  ------------- -------------
Net interest income after
 provision for loan losses             659,236       537,959     22.5%
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees                      35,017        31,791     10.1%
Service charges on deposit
 accounts                               86,783        56,153     54.5%
Mortgage banking, net                   36,395        20,331     79.0%
Credit card and other nondeposit
 fees                                   37,439        26,181     43.0%
Retail commissions                      56,604        47,171     20.0%
Bank owned life insurance income         9,942        13,101   (24.1%)
Asset sale gains, net                    3,945         1,181      N/M
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                           4,116           637      N/M
Other                                   20,845        13,701     52.1%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest income           291,086       210,247     38.4%
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense                      274,941       224,548     22.4%
Occupancy                               38,961        29,572     31.7%
Equipment                               16,792        12,754     31.7%
Data processing                         27,390        23,632     15.9%
Business development and
 advertising                            17,661        14,975     17.9%
Stationery and supplies                  6,956         5,436     28.0%
Other intangible amortization            8,607         4,350     97.9%
Other                                   89,155        62,602     42.4%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest expense          480,463       377,869     27.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes             469,859       370,337     26.9%
Income tax expense                     149,698       112,051     33.6%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Income                           $ 320,161     $ 258,286     24.0%
                                  ============= =============

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                              $    2.45     $    2.28      7.5%
  Diluted                            $    2.43     $    2.25      8.0%
Average Shares Outstanding:
  Basic                                130,554       113,532     15.0%
  Diluted                              131,931       115,025     14.7%

N/M - Not meaningful.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Quarterly Trend
Associated Banc-Corp

(in thousands,
 except per share
 amounts)              4Q05      3Q05      2Q05      1Q05      4Q04
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees on
 loans               $252,443  $223,202  $213,420  $200,309  $179,612
Interest and
 dividends on
 investment
 securities
 and deposits in
 other financial
 institutions
  Taxable              41,486    40,050    41,834    41,034    37,631
  Tax-exempt           10,325     9,755     9,507     9,723    10,047
Interest on federal
 funds sold and
 securities
 purchased under
 agreements to
 resell                   289       384       182        82       260
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total interest
     income           304,543   273,391   264,943   251,148   227,550
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits   66,934    53,598    48,087    44,433    36,835
Interest on
 short-term
 borrowings            26,828    23,628    21,731    17,169    14,898
Interest on
 long-term
 funding               35,186    32,087    28,451    23,638    17,360
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total interest
     expense          128,948   109,313    98,269    85,240    69,093
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Interest Income   175,595   164,078   166,674   165,908   158,457
Provision for loan
 losses                 3,676     3,345     3,671     2,327     3,603
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income
 after provision for
 loan losses          171,919   160,733   163,003   163,581   154,854
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees      9,055     8,667     8,967     8,328     8,107
Service charges on
 deposit accounts      23,073    22,830    22,215    18,665    16,943
Mortgage banking, net  12,166    11,969     2,376     9,884     6,046
Credit card and
 other nondeposit
 fees                  10,033     9,505     8,790     9,111     8,183
Retail commissions     13,624    12,905    15,370    14,705    12,727
Bank owned life
 insurance income       3,022     2,441     2,311     2,168     2,525
Asset sale gains
 (losses), net          2,766       942       539      (302)      432
Investment
 securities gains
 (losses), net          1,179     1,446     1,491         -      (719)
Other                   6,126     6,260      (355)    8,814     4,793
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total
     noninterest
     income            81,044    76,965    61,704    71,373    59,037
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense      68,619    66,403    66,934    72,985    65,193
Occupancy              10,287     9,412     9,374     9,888     8,297
Equipment               4,361     4,199     4,214     4,018     3,855
Data processing         7,240     7,129     6,728     6,293     5,966
Business development
 and advertising        4,999     4,570     4,153     3,939     4,271
Stationery and
 supplies               1,869     1,599     1,644     1,844     1,567
Other intangible
 amortization           2,418     1,903     2,292     1,994     1,699
Other                  25,746    22,133    20,995    20,281    19,119
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total
     noninterest
     expense          125,539   117,348   116,334   121,242   109,967
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income
 taxes                127,424   120,350   108,373   113,712   103,924
Income tax expense     39,783    39,315    34,358    36,242    33,069
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Income           $ 87,641  $ 81,035  $ 74,015  $ 77,470  $ 70,855
                     ========= ========= ========= ========= =========

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic              $   0.65  $   0.63  $   0.57  $   0.60  $   0.57
  Diluted            $   0.64  $   0.63  $   0.57  $   0.59  $   0.57
Average Shares
 Outstanding:
  Basic               135,684   127,875   128,990   129,781   123,509
  Diluted             137,005   129,346   130,463   131,358   125,296

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Quarterly Information
Associated Banc-Corp

----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands,
 except per share
 & full time
 equivalent
 employee data)     YTD 2005     YTD 2004    4th Qtr 2005 3rd Qtr 2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Operations
Net interest
 income               672,255      552,627       175,595      164,078
Provision for
 loan losses           13,019       14,668         3,676        3,345
Asset sale gains
 (losses), net          3,945        1,181         2,766          942
Investment
 securities gains
 (losses), net          4,116          637         1,179        1,446
Noninterest
 income
 (excluding
 securities &
 asset gains)         283,025      208,429        77,099       74,577
Noninterest
 expense              480,463      377,869       125,539      117,348
Income before
 income taxes         469,859      370,337       127,424      120,350
Income taxes          149,698      112,051        39,783       39,315
Net income            320,161      258,286        87,641       81,035
Taxable
 equivalent
 adjustment            25,509       25,528         6,766        6,347

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Common Share Data (1)
Net income:
  Basic              $   2.45     $   2.28      $   0.65     $   0.63
  Diluted                2.43         2.25          0.64         0.63
Dividends              1.0600       0.9767        0.2700       0.2700
Market Value:
  High               $  34.74     $  34.85      $  33.23     $  34.74
  Low                   29.09        27.09         29.09        30.29
  Close                 32.55        33.23         32.55        30.48
Book value              17.15        15.56         17.15        16.12

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance  Ratios (annualized)
Earning assets
 yield                   5.84%        5.21%         6.12%        5.83%
Interest-bearing
 liabilities rate        2.57         1.67          2.98         2.66
Net interest
 margin                  3.64         3.80          3.59         3.56
Return on average
 assets                  1.53         1.58          1.58         1.56
Return on average
 equity                 15.24        17.22         14.99        15.85
Return on
 tangible average
 equity (2)             23.47        22.11         22.70        24.55
Efficiency ratio (3)    48.99        48.04         48.38        47.90
Effective tax
 rate                   31.86        30.26         31.22        32.67
Dividend payout
 ratio (4)              43.27        42.84         41.54        42.86

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Balances
Assets            $20,921,575  $16,365,762   $22,022,165  $20,607,901
Earning assets     19,181,630   15,202,928    20,080,758   18,960,035
Interest-bearing
 liabilities       16,410,899   12,868,370    17,090,134   16,198,492
Loans              14,347,707   11,174,856    15,154,225   14,163,827
Deposits           12,462,981   10,144,528    13,282,910   12,133,719
Stockholders'
 equity             2,101,389    1,499,606     2,320,134    2,027,785
Stockholders'
 equity / assets        10.04%        9.16%        10.54%        9.84%

----------------------------------------------------------------------
At Period End
Assets                                       $22,100,082  $20,741,731
Loans                                         15,206,464   14,107,137
Allowance for
 loan losses                                     203,404      190,080
Goodwill                                         877,680      679,993
Mortgage
 servicing
 rights, net                                      68,841       78,688
Other intangible
 assets                                           51,517       37,004
Deposits                                      13,573,089   12,181,025
Stockholders'
 equity                                        2,324,978    2,062,565
Stockholders'
 equity / assets                                   10.52%        9.94%
Tangible equity /
 tangible assets (5)                                6.59%        6.72%
Shares outstanding,
 end of period                                   135,602      127,985
Shares repurchased
 during period                                       974            -
Average per share
 cost of shares
 repurchased
 during period                               $     30.82  $         -
Year-to-date
 shares repurchased
 during period                                     3,496        2,522
YTD average per
 share cost of
 shares
 repurchased
 during period                               $     32.43  $     33.05

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected trend information
Average full time
 equivalent
 employees                                         5,113        4,815
Trust assets
 under management,
 at market value                             $ 5,000,000  $ 4,900,000
Mortgage loans
 originated for
 sale                                            356,280      498,343
Portfolio
 serviced for
 others                                        8,028,000    9,492,000
Mortgage
 servicing
 rights, net /
 Portfolio
 serviced for
 others                                             0.86%        0.83%

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Quarterly Information
Associated Banc-Corp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per share
 & full time equivalent
 employee data)                 2nd Qtr 2005 1st Qtr 2005 4th Qtr 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Operations
Net interest income                 166,674      165,908      158,457
Provision for loan losses             3,671        2,327        3,603
Asset sale gains (losses), net          539         (302)         432
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                        1,491            -         (719)
Noninterest income (excluding
 securities & asset gains)           59,674       71,675       59,324
Noninterest expense                 116,334      121,242      109,967
Income before income taxes          108,373      113,712      103,924
Income taxes                         34,358       36,242       33,069
Net income                           74,015       77,470       70,855
Taxable equivalent adjustment         6,174        6,222        6,342

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Common Share Data (1)
Net income:
  Basic                           $    0.57    $    0.60  $      0.57
  Diluted                              0.57         0.59         0.57
Dividends                            0.2700       0.2500       0.2500
Market Value:
  High                            $   33.89    $   33.50   $    34.85
  Low                                 30.11        30.60        32.08
  Close                               33.58        31.23        33.23
Book value                            15.80        15.62        15.56

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Ratios (annualized)
Earning assets yield                   5.71%        5.51%        5.31%
Interest-bearing liabilities rate      2.42         2.13         1.85
Net interest margin                    3.63         3.68         3.74
Return on average assets               1.44         1.54         1.49
Return on average equity              14.62        15.52        15.46
Return on tangible average
 equity (2)                           22.65        24.13        22.47
Efficiency ratio (3)                  50.03        49.73        49.07
Effective tax rate                    31.70        31.87        31.82
Dividend payout ratio (4)             47.37        41.67        43.86

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Balances
Assets                          $20,574,770  $20,467,698  $18,956,445
Earning assets                   18,916,921   18,756,555   17,437,618
Interest-bearing liabilities     16,207,719   16,139,002   14,761,878
Loans                            14,084,246   13,977,621   12,858,394
Deposits                         12,069,719   12,359,040   11,658,646
Stockholders' equity              2,030,929    2,024,265    1,822,715
Stockholders' equity / assets          9.87%        9.89%        9.62%

----------------------------------------------------------------------
At Period End
Assets                          $20,753,714  $20,502,442  $20,520,136
Loans                            14,054,506   13,923,196   13,881,887
Allowance for loan losses           190,024      189,917      189,762
Goodwill                            679,993      679,993      679,993
Mortgage servicing rights, net       74,103       78,182       76,247
Other intangible assets              38,907       41,199       43,193
Deposits                         12,098,631   12,193,904   12,786,239
Stockholders' equity              2,018,435    2,025,071    2,017,419
Stockholders' equity / assets          9.73%        9.88%        9.83%
Tangible equity / tangible
 assets (5)                            6.49%        6.59%        6.54%
Shares outstanding, end of
 period                             127,743      129,622      129,695
Shares repurchased during
 period                               2,111          411          376
Average per share cost of
 shares repurchased during
 period                              $33.10       $32.76       $33.25
Year-to-date shares repurchased
 during period                        2,522          411        1,073
YTD average per share cost of
 shares repurchased during
 period                           $   33.05  $     32.76  $     30.43

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected trend information
Average full time equivalent
 employees                            4,889        5,132        4,746
Trust assets under management,
 at market value                 $4,800,000   $4,700,000   $4,600,000
Mortgage loans originated for
 sale                               385,677      337,406      427,951
Portfolio serviced for others     9,479,000    9,528,000    9,543,000
Mortgage servicing rights, net
 / Portfolio serviced for
 others                                0.78%        0.82%        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 gains, 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
                                            December 31,
                                         -----------------------------
(in thousands)                              2005      2004   % Change
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance                        $190,080  $175,007       8.6%
Balance related to acquisition             13,283    14,750     (9.9%)
Provision for loan losses                   3,676     3,603       2.0%
Charge offs                               (11,142)   (5,710)     95.1%
Recoveries                                  7,507     2,112     255.4%
                                         -------------------
Net charge offs                            (3,635)   (3,598)      1.0%
                                         -------------------
Ending Balance                           $203,404  $189,762       7.2%
                                         ===================

Financial Summary and Comparison
                                            Year ended
                                            December 31,
                                         -----------------------------
(in thousands)                               2005      2004  % Change
---------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance                        $189,762  $177,622       6.8%
Balance related to acquisition             13,283    14,750     (9.9%)
Provision for loan losses                  13,019    14,668    (11.2%)
Charge offs                               (27,743)  (22,202)     25.0%
Recoveries                                 15,083     4,924     206.3%
                                         -------------------
Net charge offs                           (12,660)  (17,278)   (26.7%)
                                         -------------------
Ending Balance                           $203,404  $189,762       7.2%
                                         ===================



----------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Quality
                                                    4Q05 vs
                                Dec 31,   Sept 30,    3Q05
                                  2005      2005    % Change
                                -----------------------------
Nonaccrual loans                $ 95,313  $107,298    (11.2%)
Loans 90 or more days past due
 and still accruing                3,270     3,354     (2.5%)
Restructured loans                    32        33     (3.0%)
                                -------------------
    Total nonperforming loans     98,615   110,685    (10.9%)
Other real estate owned           11,336    10,017      13.2%
                                -------------------
    Total nonperforming assets   109,951   120,702     (8.9%)
                                ===================
Provision for loan losses          3,676     3,345       9.9%
Net charge offs                    3,635     3,289      10.5%

Allowance for loan losses /
 loans                              1.34%     1.35%
Allowance for loan losses /
 nonperforming loans              206.26    171.73
Nonperforming loans / total
 loans                              0.65      0.78
Nonperforming assets / total
 assets                             0.50      0.58
Net charge offs / average loans
 (annualized)                       0.10      0.09
Year-to-date net charge offs /
 average loans                      0.09      0.09


Credit Quality
                                                             4Q05 vs
                                June 30,  Mar 31,  Dec 31,     4Q04
                                   2005     2005      2004   % Change
                                --------- -------- --------- ---------
Nonaccrual loans                $109,698 $ 99,835  $112,761    (15.5%)
Loans 90 or more days past due
 and still accruing                2,806    3,068     2,153      51.9%
Restructured loans                    35       36        37    (13.5%)
                                --------- -------- ---------
    Total nonperforming loans    112,539  102,939   114,951    (14.2%)
Other real estate owned            3,685    4,019     3,915     189.6%
                                --------- -------- ---------
    Total nonperforming assets   116,224  106,958   118,866     (7.5%)
                                ========= ======== =========
Provision for loan losses          3,671    2,327     3,603       2.0%
Net charge offs                    3,564    2,172     3,598       1.0%

Allowance for loan losses /
 loans                              1.35%    1.36%     1.37%
Allowance for loan losses /
 nonperforming loans              168.85   184.49    165.08
Nonperforming loans / total
 loans                              0.80     0.74      0.83
Nonperforming assets / total
 assets                             0.56     0.52      0.58
Net charge offs / average loans
 (annualized)                       0.10     0.06      0.11
Year-to-date net charge offs /
 average loans                      0.08     0.06      0.15



----------------------------------------------------------------------

Period End Loan                                   4Q05 vs
 Composition                                        3Q05
                      Dec 31, 2005 Sept 30, 2005   % Change
                      --------------------------------------
Commercial, financial
 & agricultural       $ 3,417,343   $ 3,213,656         6.3%
Real estate -
 construction           1,783,267     1,519,681        17.3%
Commercial real
 estate                 4,064,327     3,648,169        11.4%
Lease financing            61,315        57,270         7.1%
                      --------------------------
  Commercial            9,326,252     8,438,776        10.5%
Home equity (a)         2,025,055     1,878,436         7.8%
Installment             1,003,938     1,024,356       (2.0%)
                      --------------------------
  Retail                3,028,993     2,902,792         4.3%
  Residential
   mortgage             2,851,219     2,765,569         3.1%
                      --------------------------
  Total loans         $15,206,464   $14,107,137         7.8%
                      ==========================


Period End Loan
 Composition                                                  4Q05 vs
                                                                4Q04
                     June 30, 2005 Mar 31, 2005 Dec 31, 2004  % Change
                     -------------------------------------------------
Commercial, financial
 & agricultural       $ 3,086,663  $ 2,852,462  $ 2,803,333      21.9%
Real estate -
 construction           1,640,941    1,569,013    1,459,629      22.2%
Commercial real
 estate                 3,650,726    3,813,465    3,933,131       3.3%
Lease financing            53,270       50,181       50,718      20.9%
                      --------------------------------------
  Commercial            8,431,600    8,285,121    8,246,811      13.1%
Home equity (a)         1,806,236    1,744,676    1,866,485       8.5%
Installment             1,025,621    1,048,510    1,054,011     (4.8%)
                      --------------------------------------
  Retail                2,831,857    2,793,186    2,920,496       3.7%
  Residential
   mortgage             2,791,049    2,844,889    2,714,580       5.0%
                      --------------------------------------
  Total loans         $14,054,506  $13,923,196  $13,881,887       9.5%
                      ======================================

(a) Home equity includes home equity lines and residential mortgage
    junior liens.



----------------------------------------------------------------------

Period End Deposit                                 4Q05 vs
 Composition                                         3Q05
                      Dec 31, 2005 Sept 30, 2005    % Change
                      ---------------------------------------
Noninterest-bearing
 demand               $ 2,504,926    $ 2,256,774        11.0%
Savings                 1,079,851      1,074,234         0.5%
Interest-bearing
 demand                 2,549,782      2,252,711        13.2%
Money market            2,629,933      2,240,606        17.4%
Brokered CDs              529,307        407,459        29.9%
Other time deposits     4,279,290      3,949,241         8.4%
                      ---------------------------
  Total deposits      $13,573,089    $12,181,025        11.4%
                      ===========================



Period End Deposit
 Composition
                                                             4Q05 vs
                                                               4Q04
                    June 30, 2005 Mar 31, 2005 Dec 31, 2004  % Change
                    --------------------------------------------------
Noninterest-bearing
 demand               $ 2,250,482  $ 2,156,592  $ 2,347,611       6.7%
Savings                 1,117,922    1,137,120    1,116,158     (3.3%)
Interest-bearing
 demand                 2,227,188    2,485,548    2,854,880    (10.7%)
Money market            2,094,796    2,112,490    2,083,717      26.2%
Brokered CDs              491,781      218,111      361,559      46.4%
Other time deposits     3,916,462    4,084,043    4,022,314       6.4%
                      --------------------------------------
  Total deposits      $12,098,631  $12,193,904  $12,786,239       6.2%
                      ======================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income Analysis -
 Taxable Equivalent Basis
Associated Banc-Corp                    Year ended December 31, 2005
                                      --------------------------------
                                                  Interest   Average
(in thousands)                           Average   Income /   Yield /
                                         Balance   Expense     Rate
                                      --------------------------------

Earning assets:
  Loans: (1) (2) (3)
     Commercial                       $ 8,574,996  $ 532,116     6.21%
     Residential mortgage               2,875,438    161,095     5.60
     Retail                             2,897,273    198,086     6.84
                                      -----------------------
        Total loans                    14,347,707    891,297     6.21
  Investments and other                 4,833,923    228,237     4.72
                                      -----------------------
Total earning assets                   19,181,630  1,119,534     5.84
  Other assets, net                     1,739,945
                                      ------------
Total assets                          $20,921,575
                                      ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Savings deposits                     $1,125,417     $3,877     0.34%
  Interest-bearing demand deposits      2,337,462     26,611     1.14
  Money market deposits                 2,262,369     45,626     2.02
  Time deposits, excluding Brokered
   CDs                                  4,083,500    123,550     3.03
                                      -----------------------
     Total interest-bearing deposits,
      excluding Brokered CDs            9,808,748    199,664     2.04
  Brokered CDs                            394,305     13,388     3.40
                                      -----------------------
     Total interest-bearing deposits   10,203,053    213,052     2.09
  Wholesale funding                     6,207,846    208,718     3.36
                                      -----------------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities     16,410,899    421,770     2.57
  Noninterest-bearing demand            2,259,928
  Other liabilities                       149,359
  Stockholders' equity                  2,101,389
                                      ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                               $20,921,575
                                      ============

                                                   ----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $ 697,764     3.27%
                                                   ==========
Net interest margin (1)                                          3.64%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                      $  25,509
                                                   ==========


Net Interest Income Analysis -
 Taxable Equivalent Basis
Associated Banc-Corp                    Year ended December 31, 2004
                                      --------------------------------
                                                   Interest  Average
(in thousands)                          Average     Income /  Yield /
                                        Balance     Expense    Rate
                                      --------------------------------

Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                        $ 6,928,494  $ 350,889     5.06%
    Residential mortgage                2,170,600    122,453     5.64
    Retail                              2,075,762    122,406     5.90
                                      -----------------------
       Total loans                     11,174,856    595,748     5.33
 Investments and other                  4,028,072    196,902     4.89
                                      -----------------------
Total earning assets                   15,202,928    792,650     5.21
 Other assets, net                      1,162,834
                                      ------------
Total assets                          $16,365,762
                                      ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                     $   967,930  $   3,487     0.36%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits       2,406,280     19,874     0.83
 Money market deposits                  1,628,208     14,259     0.88
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                   3,042,933     76,930     2.53
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs             8,045,351    114,550     1.42
 Brokered CDs                             232,066      3,686     1.59
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits     8,277,417    118,236     1.43
 Wholesale funding                      4,590,953     96,259     2.10
                                      -----------------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities     12,868,370    214,495     1.67
 Noninterest-bearing demand             1,867,111
 Other liabilities                        130,675
 Stockholders' equity                   1,499,606
                                      ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                               $16,365,762
                                      ============

                                                   ----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $ 578,155     3.54%
                                                   ==========
Net interest margin (1)                                          3.80%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                      $  25,528
                                                   ==========



----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                             Three months ended
                                             December 31, 2005
                                      --------------------------------
                                                   Interest   Average
                                        Average     Income /   Yield /
                                        Balance     Expense    Rate
                                      --------------------------------

Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                        $ 9,222,512  $ 156,412     6.64%
    Residential mortgage                2,905,463     41,482     5.68
    Retail                              3,026,250     55,120     7.25
                                      -----------------------
       Total loans                     15,154,225    253,014     6.58
 Investments and other                  4,926,533     58,295     4.73
                                      -----------------------
Total earning assets                   20,080,758    311,309     6.12
 Other assets, net                      1,941,407
                                      ------------
Total assets                          $22,022,165
                                      ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                     $ 1,150,777  $     800     0.28%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits       2,210,056      7,082     1.27
 Money market deposits                  2,623,223     17,121     2.59
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                   4,342,185     37,004     3.38
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs            10,326,241     62,007     2.38
 Brokered CDs                             483,100      4,927     4.05
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits    10,809,341     66,934     2.46
 Wholesale funding                      6,280,793     62,014     3.87
                                      -----------------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities     17,090,134    128,948     2.98
 Noninterest-bearing demand             2,473,569
 Other liabilities                        138,328
 Stockholders' equity                   2,320,134
                                      ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                               $22,022,165
                                      ============

                                                   ----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $ 182,361     3.14%
                                                   ==========
Net interest margin (1)                                          3.59%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                      $   6,766
                                                   ==========

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                             Three months ended
                                              December 31, 2004
                                      --------------------------------
                                                   Interest   Average
                                         Average    Income /   Yield /
                                         Balance    Expense    Rate
                                      --------------------------------

Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                        $ 7,702,801  $ 104,124     5.29%
    Residential mortgage                2,552,396     36,050     5.63
    Retail                              2,603,197     39,751     6.07
                                      -----------------------
       Total loans                     12,858,394    179,925     5.52
 Investments and other                  4,579,224     53,967     4.71
                                      -----------------------
Total earning assets                   17,437,618    233,892     5.31
 Other assets, net                      1,518,827
                                      ------------
Total assets                          $18,956,445
                                      ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                     $ 1,087,220  $     959     0.35%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits       2,525,312      5,688     0.90
 Money market deposits                  1,918,149      5,012     1.04
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                   3,634,972     23,703     2.59
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs             9,165,653     35,362     1.53
 Brokered CDs                             278,812      1,473     2.10
                                      -----------------------
    Total interest-bearing deposits     9,444,465     36,835     1.55
 Wholesale funding                      5,317,413     32,258     2.38
                                      -----------------------
Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,761,878     69,093     1.85
 Noninterest-bearing demand             2,214,181
 Other liabilities                        157,671
 Stockholders' equity                   1,822,715
                                      ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                               $18,956,445
                                      ============

                                                   ----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $ 164,799     3.46%
                                                   ==========
Net interest margin (1)                                          3.74%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                         $6,342
                                                   ==========

----------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
    CONTACT: Associated Banc-Corp
             Joe Selner (Investors), 920-491-7120
             or
             Cindy Moon-Mogush (Media), 920-431-8034

    SOURCE: Associated Banc-Corp