Press Release Details 5.23

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Associated Announces 2nd Quarter Earnings Per Diluted Share of $.60

07/21/2005

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2005--Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ:ASBC) earned $.60 per diluted share in the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared to $.59 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2005, and $.58 per diluted share for second quarter 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, diluted earnings per share were $1.19, up 7.2 percent from $1.11 per diluted share in the same period in 2004.

For second quarter 2005, return on average assets (ROAA) was 1.52 percent, return on average equity (ROAE) was 15.41 percent and book value per share was $15.77, compared to 1.54 percent, 15.52 percent, and $15.61, respectively, for the first quarter of 2005. Comparatively, for second quarter 2004 ROAA was 1.67 percent, ROAE was 18.87 percent, and book value per share was $12.53. For the first half of 2005, ROAA was 1.53 percent and ROAE was 15.47 percent, compared to 1.62 percent and 18.12 percent, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

"Our second quarter results reflect solid loan growth, core fee income growth, and asset quality that remains strong. We are aggressively managing our costs in a challenging rate and competitive pricing environment," Associated President and CEO Paul Beideman said.

Associated's acquisition of First Federal Capital Corp on Oct. 29, 2004 affects comparisons between the years, as 2005 results include the balance sheet and operations of the $4 billion thrift, while the comparable 2004 periods do not. First Federal's operations were successfully integrated onto Associated's systems in February 2005. Additionally, the April 1, 2004 acquisition of Jabas Group, Inc., an employee benefits firm, affects the comparison of retail commission income and noninterest expenses between the year-to-date periods, as only three months of Jabas are included in the first half of 2004. Finally, the changes in net mortgage banking income impact the comparison of noninterest income between prior periods, particularly from movements in the value of the mortgage servicing rights (MSR) asset.

Net income was $78.0 million for the second quarter of 2005. This compares to $77.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, and $64.5 million for the second quarter of 2004. On a year-to-date basis, net income was $155.5 million, up 25 percent from $124.1 million for the comparable period of 2004.

Associated's net interest income for the second quarter of 2005 was $166.7 million, compared to $165.9 million for first quarter 2005, and $131.9 million in the year-earlier quarter. For the first half of 2005, net interest income was $332.6 million, up from $261.0 million for the comparable year-to-date period of 2004. The increase is due predominantly to higher average balance sheet volumes.

Net interest margin for the second quarter was 3.63 percent, compared to 3.68 percent for first quarter 2005 and 3.80 percent for second quarter 2004. On a year-to-date basis, the net interest margin was 3.65 percent, versus 3.80 percent for the comparable period last year. The trend in the net interest margin is primarily from the impact of the continued flattening of the yield curve, and competitive pricing pressures.

Period end loans at June 30, 2005 were $14.1 billion, compared to $13.9 billion at March 31, 2005 (up 4 percent on an annualized basis), with loan growth primarily in commercial (up 7 percent annualized) and home equity (up 14 percent annualized). Quarterly average loan balances, a key driver to net interest income, were $14.1 billion for second quarter 2005, up 3 percent annualized compared to first quarter 2005, and up 32 percent between second quarter periods, including the First Federal acquisition.

Period end deposits at June 30, 2005 were $12.1 billion, down slightly from $12.2 billion at March 31, 2005, primarily from decreases in interest-bearing transaction accounts and other time deposits offset partly by increases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and institutional CDs. Deposits were up 26 percent over a year earlier, including the acquisition of First Federal. On average, deposits were $12.1 billion for second quarter 2005, compared to $12.4 billion for first quarter (down 9 percent annualized). Between the comparable second quarters, average deposits were up 24 percent.

"The decline in deposits since March 31, 2005, is primarily from seasonal movements in municipal deposits and lower non-brokered time deposits," Beideman said. "We are encouraged by the growth in our demand deposits, increasing over 17 percent on an annualized basis since March 31, and by our deposit growth strategies for the second half of 2005."

Asset quality remained steady, with second quarter net charge-offs of $3.6 million, compared to net charge-offs of $2.2 million for first quarter 2005 and $5.6 million for second quarter 2004. For the first half of 2005, net charge-offs were $5.7 million (0.08 percent of average loans), versus $10.7 million (0.20 percent of average loans) for the first half of 2004. The provision for loan losses approximated the related net charge-off levels for each of the comparative quarterly and year-to-date periods. Nonperforming loans at June 30, 2005 were $112.5 million, representing 0.80 percent of loans, compared to $102.9 million or 0.74 percent of loans at March 31, 2005, and 0.81 percent of loans at June 30, 2004. The $9.6 million increase in nonperforming loans since March 31 was predominantly attributable to the addition of one large commercial real estate credit.

At June 30, 2005, the allowance for loan losses was $190.0 million. The allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.35 percent and covered 169 percent of nonperforming loans at June 30, 2005, compared to 1.36 percent and 184 percent, respectively, at the end of first quarter 2005, and 1.69 percent and 207 percent, respectively, at June 30, 2004.

Noninterest income was $68.4 million for second quarter 2005, compared to $71.4 million for first quarter 2005, and $57.9 million for second quarter 2004, with year-to-date noninterest income at $139.8 million or 34 percent higher than the six-month period in 2004. Changes in net mortgage banking income (gross mortgage banking income less MSR expense), particularly from movements in the value of the MSR asset, impact the comparison of noninterest income between the various periods. Excluding net mortgage banking income, noninterest income was $66.1 million for second quarter 2005, up 7 percent over $61.5 million for first quarter 2005, and up 42 percent over $46.5 million for second quarter 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, noninterest income excluding net mortgage banking income was $127.5 million, or 41 percent higher than $90.4 million for the first half of 2004.

Net mortgage banking income was $2.4 million for second quarter 2005, down $7.5 million from first quarter 2005, and down $9.0 million compared to second quarter 2004. On a year-to-date basis, net mortgage banking income was $12.3 million for 2005, down $1.4 million compared to last year.

Quarterly MSR expense was impacted primarily by changes in estimated prepayment speeds and related movements in the estimated fair value of the MSR asset. MSR expense of $8.3 million (including a valuation reserve addition of $2.5 million) for second quarter 2005 was $6.5 million higher than first quarter 2005 (which included a valuation recovery of $4.0 million), and was $10.7 million higher than second quarter 2004 (which included a valuation recovery of $6.7 million). At June 30, 2005, the net MSR asset was $74.1 million, representing 78 basis points of the $9.48 billion portfolio serviced for others, compared to 82 basis points and 81 basis points at March 31, 2005, and June 30, 2004, respectively.

Quarterly service charges on deposit accounts of $22.2 million were up 19 percent over first quarter 2005 and up 69 percent over second quarter 2004. Trust service fees of $9.0 million for second quarter 2005 grew 8 percent and 11 percent over first quarter 2005 and second quarter 2004, respectively. Quarterly retail commissions of $15.4 million experienced growth of 5 percent over first quarter 2005 and 17 percent over second quarter 2004.

Noninterest expense was $116.3 million for second quarter 2005, down $4.9 million (4 percent) versus first quarter 2005, and up $24.3 million (27 percent) over second quarter last year. On a year-to-date basis, noninterest expense was $237.6 million, or 33 percent higher than the comparable six-month period last year.

Personnel expense was $66.9 million in second quarter 2005, down $6.1 million (8 percent) from first quarter 2005. This was largely due to reduced personnel costs associated with a 5 percent decline in average full time equivalent employees, notably attributable to First Federal cost savings. Personnel expense for second quarter was up $13.3 million (25 percent) over second quarter 2004 which did not include First Federal. All other noninterest expenses combined were $49.4 million for second quarter 2005, up 2 percent over $48.3 million for first quarter 2005.

The efficiency ratio remained low at under 50 percent for all quarter and year-to-date periods presented.

"As evidenced by our expense run rates and efficiency ratio, we were successful in achieving our planned cost savings associated with the First Federal acquisition." Beideman said. "We now look forward to continuing the implementation of our strategic priorities and realizing the potential in our enhanced distribution system."

"Given current trends in our business, continued loan growth, and our demonstrated cost control, coupled with a steepening of the yield curve, we anticipate we can meet consensus earnings estimates for 2005," Beideman added. "However, intense competition for deposits and the challenging revenue environment could negatively impact these results."

Aided by an accelerated share buyback in May 2005, Associated repurchased 2.1 million shares of its common stock in the second quarter under all repurchase authorizations, at an average price of $33.10 per share, bringing year-to-date common stock repurchases to 2.5 million shares at a $33.05 average price per share. Also, during the second quarter, the company paid a dividend of 27 cents per share, up 8 percent from the year-earlier dividend.

Associated's pending acquisition of State Financial Services Corp (Nasdaq:SFSW), a $1.5 billion financial services company based in Milwaukee, is scheduled for vote by State Financial shareholders on August 24, 2005.

Associated will host a conference call for investors and analysts at 3 p.m. CDT today. The toll-free dial-in number is 877-654-5513. Participants should ask the operator for the Associated Banc-Corp earnings call, or for call ID number 7915708. A taped play-back of the call will be available through July 29 by calling 800-642-1687.

Associated Banc-Corp, headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., is a diversified multibank holding company with total assets of $21 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-CorpJune 30,    December 31,
(in thousands)                        2005         2004       % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Cash and due from banks               $412,212      $389,311     5.9%
Interest-bearing deposits in other
 financial institutions                 11,236        13,321   (15.7%)
Federal funds sold and securities
 purchased under agreements to resell   44,325        55,440   (20.0%)
Securities available for sale, at
 fair value                          4,794,983     4,815,344    (0.4%)
Loans held for sale                    112,077        64,964    72.5%
Loans                               14,054,345    13,881,887     1.2%
Allowance for loan losses             (190,024)     (189,762)    0.1%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Loans, net                      13,864,321    13,692,125     1.3%
Premises and equipment                 179,667       184,944    (2.9%)
Goodwill                               679,993       679,993     0.0%
Intangible assets                      113,010       119,440    (5.4%)
Other assets                           543,948       505,254     7.7%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total assets                   $20,755,772   $20,520,136     1.1%
                                  ============= =============

Liabilities and Stockholders'
 Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits        $2,250,482    $2,347,611    (4.1%)
Interest-bearing deposits,
 excluding Brokered CDs              9,356,368    10,077,069    (7.2%)
Brokered CDs                           491,781       361,559    36.0%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total deposits                  12,098,631    12,786,239    (5.4%)
Short-term borrowings                2,775,508     2,926,716    (5.2%)
Long-term funding                    3,690,453     2,604,540    41.7%
Accrued expenses and other
 liabilities                           176,062       185,222    (4.9%)
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total liabilities               18,740,654    18,502,717     1.3%
Stockholders' Equity
  Preferred stock                            -             -
  Common stock                           1,280         1,300    (1.5%)
  Surplus                            1,062,702     1,127,205    (5.7%)
  Retained earnings                    938,309       858,847     9.3%
  Accumulated other comprehensive
   income                               22,269        41,205   (46.0%)
  Deferred compensation                 (3,814)       (2,122)   79.7%
  Treasury stock, at cost               (5,628)       (9,016)  (37.6%)
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total stockholders' equity       2,015,118     2,017,419    (0.1%)
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total liabilities and
     stockholders' equity          $20,755,772   $20,520,136     1.1%
                                  ============= =============

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-CorpJune 30,
(in thousands)                                      2004      % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Cash and due from banks                             $309,804    33.1%
Interest-bearing deposits in other
 financial institutions                               11,353    (1.0%)
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
 under agreements to resell                           39,245    12.9%
Securities available for sale, at fair value       3,799,842    26.2%
Loans held for sale                                   69,891    60.4%
Loans                                             10,556,603    33.1%
Allowance for loan losses                           (177,980)    6.8%
                                                -------------
    Loans, net                                    10,378,623    33.6%
Premises and equipment                               129,401    38.8%
Goodwill                                             232,528   192.4%
Intangible assets                                     73,977    52.8%
Other assets                                         457,892    18.8%
                                                -------------
    Total assets                                 $15,502,556    33.9%
                                                =============

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Noninterest-bearing deposits                      $1,822,716    23.5%
Interest-bearing deposits, excluding
 Brokered CDs                                      7,497,441    24.8%
Brokered CDs                                         263,435    86.7%
                                                -------------
    Total deposits                                 9,583,592    26.2%
Short-term borrowings                              2,588,103     7.2%
Long-term funding                                  1,827,326   102.0%
Accrued expenses and other liabilities               124,641    41.3%
                                                -------------
    Total liabilities                             14,123,662    32.7%
Stockholders' Equity
  Preferred stock                                          -
  Common stock                                         1,105    15.8%
  Surplus                                            584,853    81.7%
  Retained earnings                                  791,432    18.6%
  Accumulated other comprehensive income              15,305    45.5%
  Deferred compensation                               (1,981)   92.5%
  Treasury stock, at cost                            (11,820)  (52.4%)
                                                -------------
    Total stockholders' equity                     1,378,894    46.1%
                                                -------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $15,502,556    33.9%
                                                =============

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

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp

                                  For The Three Months Ended,
                                           June 30,
                                  ---------------------------
(in thousands, except per share
 amounts)                               2005          2004    % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans            $213,420      $137,449    55.3%
Interest and dividends on investment
 securities and deposits with other
 financial institutions
  Taxable                               41,834        30,767    36.0%
  Tax-exempt                             9,507        10,267    (7.4%)
Interest on federal funds sold and
 securities purchased under
 agreements to resell                      182            68   167.6%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest income              264,943       178,551    48.4%
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits                    48,087        26,656    80.4%
Interest on short-term borrowings       21,731         7,241   200.1%
Interest on long-term funding           28,451        12,775   122.7%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest expense              98,269        46,672   110.6%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Interest Income                    166,674       131,879    26.4%
Provision for loan losses                3,671         5,889   (37.7%)
                                  ------------- -------------
Net interest income after
 provision for loan losses             163,003       125,990    29.4%
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees                       8,967         8,043    11.5%
Service charges on deposit
 accounts                               22,215        13,141    69.1%
Mortgage banking, net                    2,376        11,413   (79.2%)
Credit card and other nondeposit
 fees                                    8,790         6,074    44.7%
Retail commissions                      15,370        13,162    16.8%
Bank owned life insurance income         2,311         3,641   (36.5%)
Asset sale gains (losses), net             539           218     N/M
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                           1,491          (569)    N/M
Other                                    6,367         2,742   132.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest income            68,426        57,865    18.3%
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense                       66,934        53,612    24.8%
Occupancy                                9,374         6,864    36.6%
Equipment                                4,214         2,878    46.4%
Data processing                          6,728         6,128     9.8%
Business development and
 advertising                             4,153         4,057     2.4%
Stationery and supplies                  1,644         1,429    15.0%
Other intangible amortization            2,292           934   145.4%
Other                                   20,995        16,085    30.5%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest expense          116,334        91,987    26.5%
                                  ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes             115,095        91,868    25.3%
Income tax expense                      37,059        27,363    35.4%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Income                             $78,036       $64,505    21.0%
                                  ============= =============

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                                  $0.60         $0.59     1.7%
  Diluted                                $0.60         $0.58     3.4%
Average Shares Outstanding:
  Basic                                128,990       110,116    17.1%
  Diluted                              130,463       111,520    17.0%

N/M - Not meaningful.

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

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Associated Banc-Corp

                                   For The Six Months Ended,
                                           June 30,
                                  ---------------------------
(in thousands, except per share
 amounts)                               2005          2004    % Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans            $413,729      $272,701    51.7%
Interest and dividends on investment
 securities and deposits with other
 financial institutions
  Taxable                               82,868        61,799    34.1%
  Tax-exempt                            19,230        20,502    (6.2%)
Interest on federal funds sold and
 securities purchased under
 agreements to resell                      264            95   177.9%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest income              516,091       355,097    45.3%
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits                    92,520        54,210    70.7%
Interest on short-term borrowings       38,900        13,780   182.3%
Interest on long-term funding           52,089        26,153    99.2%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total interest expense             183,509        94,143    94.9%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Interest Income                    332,582       260,954    27.4%
Provision for loan losses                5,998        11,065   (45.8%)
                                  ------------- -------------
Net interest income after
 provision for
 loan losses                           326,584       249,889    30.7%
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees                      17,295        15,911     8.7%
Service charges on deposit
 accounts                               40,880        25,538    60.1%
Mortgage banking, net                   12,260        13,667   (10.3%)
Credit card and other nondeposit
 fees                                   17,901        11,745    52.4%
Retail commissions                      30,075        22,519    33.6%
Bank owned life insurance income         4,479         6,996   (36.0%)
Asset sale gains (losses), net             237           440   (46.1%)
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                           1,491         1,362     9.5%
Other                                   15,181         5,874   158.4%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest income           139,799       104,052    34.4%
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense                      139,919       105,888    32.1%
Occupancy                               19,262        14,336    34.4%
Equipment                                8,232         5,877    40.1%
Data processing                         13,021        11,801    10.3%
Business development and
 advertising                             8,092         6,714    20.5%
Stationery and supplies                  3,488         2,655    31.4%
Other intangible amortization            4,286         1,716   149.8%
Other                                   41,276        29,884    38.1%
                                  ------------- -------------
    Total noninterest expense          237,576       178,871    32.8%
                                  ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes             228,807       175,070    30.7%
Income tax expense                      73,301        51,005    43.7%
                                  ------------- -------------
Net Income                            $155,506      $124,065    25.3%
                                  ============= =============

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                                  $1.20         $1.13     6.2%
  Diluted                                $1.19         $1.11     7.2%
Average Shares Outstanding:
  Basic                                129,383       110,205    17.4%
  Diluted                              130,868       111,647    17.2%

N/M - Not meaningful.

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

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

(in thousands, except  2Q05      1Q05      4Q04      3Q04      2Q04
 per share amounts)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income
Interest and fees
 on loans            $213,420  $200,309  $179,612  $142,389  $137,449
Interest and
 dividends on
 investment
 securities
 and deposits in
 other financial
 institutions:
  Taxable              41,834    41,034    37,631    31,590    30,767
  Tax-exempt            9,507     9,723    10,047    10,255    10,267
Interest on federal
 funds sold and
 securities
 purchased under
 agreements to
 resell                   182        82       260       241        68
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total interest
     income           264,943   251,148   227,550   184,475   178,551
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits   48,087    44,433    36,835    27,191    26,656
Interest on short-
 term borrowings       21,731    17,169    14,898    10,262     7,241
Interest on long-term
 funding               28,451    23,638    17,360    13,806    12,775
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total interest
     expense           98,269    85,240    69,093    51,259    46,672
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Interest Income   166,674   165,908   158,457   133,216   131,879
Provision for loan
 losses                 3,671     2,327     3,603         -     5,889
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income
 after provision for
 loan losses          163,003   163,581   154,854   133,216   125,990
Noninterest Income
Trust service fees      8,967     8,328     8,107     7,773     8,043
Service charges on
 deposit accounts      22,215    18,665    16,943    13,672    13,141
Mortgage banking, net   2,376     9,884     6,046       618    11,413
Credit card and other
 nondeposit fees        8,790     9,111     8,183     6,253     6,074
Retail commissions     15,370    14,705    12,727    11,925    13,162
Bank owned life
 insurance income       2,311     2,168     2,525     3,580     3,641
Asset sale gains
 (losses), net            539      (302)      432       309       218
Investment securities
 gains (losses), net    1,491         -      (719)       (6)     (569)
Other                   6,367     8,814     4,793     3,034     2,742
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total noninterest
     income            68,426    71,373    59,037    47,158    57,865
Noninterest Expense
Personnel expense      66,934    72,985    65,193    53,467    53,612
Occupancy               9,374     9,888     8,297     6,939     6,864
Equipment               4,214     4,018     3,855     3,022     2,878
Data processing         6,728     6,293     5,966     5,865     6,128
Business development
 and advertising        4,153     3,939     4,271     3,990     4,057
Stationery and
 supplies               1,644     1,844     1,567     1,214     1,429
Other intangible
 amortization           2,292     1,994     1,699       935       934
Other                  20,995    20,281    19,119    13,599    16,085
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
    Total noninterest
     expense          116,334   121,242   109,967    89,031    91,987
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income
 taxes                115,095   113,712   103,924    91,343    91,868
Income tax expense     37,059    36,242    33,069    27,977    27,363
                     --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Income            $78,036   $77,470   $70,855   $63,366   $64,505
                     ========= ========= ========= ========= =========

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                 $0.60     $0.60     $0.57     $0.58     $0.59
  Diluted               $0.60     $0.59     $0.57     $0.57     $0.58
Average Shares
 Outstanding:
  Basic               128,990   129,781   123,509   110,137   110,116
  Diluted             130,463   131,358   125,296   111,699   111,520



----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Quarterly Information
Associated Banc-Corp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except  YTD 2005    YTD 2004 2nd Qtr 2005 1st Qtr 2005
  per share & full
  time equivalent
  employee data)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of
 Operations
Net interest income     332,582     260,954      166,674      165,908
Provision for loan
 losses                   5,998      11,065        3,671        2,327
Asset sale gains
 (losses), net              237         440          539         (302)
Investment
 securities gains
 (losses), net            1,491       1,362        1,491            -
Noninterest income
 (excluding
 securities & asset
 gains)                 138,071     102,250       66,396       71,675
Noninterest expense     237,576     178,871      116,334      121,242
Income before income
 taxes                  228,807     175,070      115,095      113,712
Income taxes             73,301      51,005       37,059       36,242
Net income              155,506     124,065       78,036       77,470
Taxable equivalent
 adjustment              12,396      12,791        6,174        6,222

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Common Share Data (1)
Net income:
  Basic                   $1.20       $1.13        $0.60        $0.60
  Diluted                  1.19        1.11         0.60         0.59
Dividends                0.5200      0.4767       0.2700       0.2500
Market Value:
  High                   $33.89      $30.37       $33.89       $33.50
  Low                     30.11       27.09        30.11        30.60
  Close                   33.58       29.63        33.58        31.23
Book value                15.77       12.53        15.77        15.61

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Ratios
 (annualized)
Earning assets yield       5.60%       5.11%        5.71%        5.51%
Interest-bearing
 liabilities rate          2.27%       1.55%        2.42%        2.13%
Net interest margin        3.65%       3.80%        3.63%        3.68%
Return on average
 assets                    1.53        1.62         1.52         1.54
Return on average
 equity                   15.47       18.12        15.41        15.52
Return on tangible
 average equity (2)       24.00       22.13        23.88        24.13
Efficiency ratio (3)      49.18       47.57        48.63        49.73
Effective tax rate        32.04       29.13        32.20        31.87
Dividend payout
 ratio (4)                43.33       42.18        45.00        41.67

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Balances
Assets              $20,521,530 $15,379,641  $20,574,770  $20,467,698
Earning assets       18,837,181  14,333,135   18,916,921   18,756,555
Interest-bearing
 liabilities         16,173,550  12,157,368   16,207,719   16,139,002
Loans                14,031,228  10,559,476   14,084,246   13,977,621
Deposits             12,213,580   9,643,509   12,069,719   12,359,040
Stockholders' equity  2,027,615   1,376,718    2,030,929    2,024,265
Stockholders' equity
 / assets                  9.88%       8.95%        9.87%        9.89%

----------------------------------------------------------------------
At Period End
Assets                                       $20,755,772  $20,502,442
Loans                                         14,054,345   13,923,196
Allowance for loan
 losses                                          190,024      189,917
Goodwill                                         679,993      679,993
Mortgage servicing
 rights, net                                      74,103       78,182
Other intangible
 assets                                           38,907       41,199
Deposits                                      12,098,631   12,193,904
Stockholders' equity                           2,015,118    2,025,071
Stockholders' equity
 / assets                                           9.71%        9.88%
Tangible equity /
 tangible assets (5)                                6.47%        6.59%
Shares outstanding,
 end of period                                   127,818      129,697
Shares repurchased
 during period                                     2,111          411
Average per share cost of shares repurchased
 during period                                    $33.10       $32.76
Year-to-date shares repurchased
 during period                                     2,522          411
YTD average per share cost of shares
 repurchased during period                        $33.05       $32.76

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected trend information
Average full time equivalent
 employees                                         4,889        5,132
Trust assets under management,
 at market value                              $4,800,000   $4,700,000
Mortgage loans
 originated for sale                             385,677      337,406
Portfolio serviced
 for others                                    9,479,000    9,528,000
Mortgage servicing rights, net / Portfolio
 serviced for others                                0.78%        0.82%

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except          4th Qtr 2004 3rd Qtr 2004 2nd Qtr 2004
 per share & full
 time equivalent
 employee data)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Operations
Net interest income                 158,457      133,216      131,879
Provision for loan losses             3,603            -        5,889
Asset sale gains (losses), net          432          309          218
Investment securities gains
 (losses), net                         (719)          (6)        (569)
Noninterest income (excluding
 securities & asset gains)           59,324       46,855       58,216
Noninterest expense                 109,967       89,031       91,987
Income before income taxes          103,924       91,343       91,868
Income taxes                         33,069       27,977       27,363
Net income                           70,855       63,366       64,505
Taxable equivalent adjustment         6,342        6,395        6,387

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Common Share Data (1)
Net income:
  Basic                               $0.57        $0.58        $0.59
  Diluted                              0.57         0.57         0.58
Dividends                            0.2500       0.2500       0.2500
Market Value:
  High                               $34.85       $32.19       $30.13
  Low                                 32.08        28.81        27.09
  Close                               33.23        32.07        29.63
Book value                            15.55        13.18        12.53

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Ratios (annualized)
Earning assets yield                   5.31%        5.14%        5.09%
Interest-bearing liabilities
 rate                                  1.85%        1.64%        1.53%
Net interest margin                    3.74%        3.76%        3.80%
Return on average assets               1.49         1.60         1.67
Return on average equity              15.46        17.76        18.87
Return on tangible average
 equity (2)                           22.47        21.69        23.15
Efficiency ratio (3)                  49.07        47.75        46.82
Effective tax rate                    31.82        30.63        29.78
Dividend payout ratio (4)             43.86        43.10        42.37

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Balances
Assets                          $18,956,445  $15,730,451  $15,498,005
Earning assets                   17,437,618   14,688,914   14,480,701
Interest-bearing liabilities     14,761,878   12,381,407   12,231,733
Loans                            12,858,394   10,708,701   10,685,542
Deposits                         11,658,646    9,621,557    9,701,945
Stockholders' equity              1,822,715    1,419,600    1,374,632
Stockholders' equity / assets          9.62%        9.02%        8.87%

----------------------------------------------------------------------
At Period End
Assets                          $20,520,136  $16,135,761  $15,502,556
Loans                            13,881,887   10,830,627   10,556,603
Allowance for loan losses           189,762      175,007      177,980
Goodwill                            679,993      232,564      232,528
Mortgage servicing rights, net       76,247       45,555       48,735
Other intangible assets              43,193       24,308       25,242
Deposits                         12,786,239    9,677,273    9,583,592
Stockholders' equity              2,017,419    1,453,465    1,378,894
Stockholders' equity / assets          9.83%        9.01%        8.89%
Tangible equity / tangible
 assets (5)                            6.54%        7.54%        7.35%
Shares outstanding, end of
 period                             129,770      110,281      110,048
Shares repurchased during period        376            -          205
Average per share cost of shares
 repurchased during period           $33.25           $-       $27.93
Year-to-date shares repurchased
 during period                        1,073          697          697
YTD average per share cost of
 shares repurchased during
 period                              $30.43       $28.91       $28.91

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected trend information
Average full time equivalent
 employees                            4,746        3,979        4,010
Trust assets under management,
 at market value                 $4,600,000   $4,400,000   $4,300,000
Mortgage loans originated for
 sale                               427,951      253,917      579,020
Portfolio serviced for others     9,543,000    6,011,000    6,010,000
Mortgage servicing rights, net /
 Portfolio serviced for others         0.80%        0.76%        0.81%

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

(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
                                            June 30,
                                  ------------------------------------
(in thousands)                          2005         2004     % Change
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance                     $189,917     $177,717      6.9%
Provision for loan losses                3,671        5,889    (37.7%)
Charge offs                             (5,650)      (6,660)   (15.2%)
Recoveries                               2,086        1,034     101.7%
                                  ------------- ------------
Net charge offs                         (3,564)      (5,626)   (36.7%)
                                  ------------- ------------
Ending Balance                        $190,024     $177,980      6.8%
                                  ============= ============



                                        Six months ended
                                             June 30,
                                  ------------------------------------
                                        2005         2004     % Change
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance                     $189,762     $177,622      6.8%
Provision for loan losses                5,998       11,065    (45.8%)
Charge offs                            (11,333)     (12,722)   (10.9%)
Recoveries                               5,597        2,015    177.8%
                                  ------------- ------------
Net charge offs                         (5,736)     (10,707)   (46.4%)
                                  ------------- ------------
Ending Balance                        $190,024     $177,980      6.8%
                                  ============= ============

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

Credit Quality
                                                               2Q05 vs
                                          June 30,  Mar 31,     1Q05
                                            2005     2005     % Change
                                          ----------------------------
Nonaccrual loans                          $109,698  $99,835      9.9%
Loans 90 or more days past due and still
 accruing                                    2,806    3,068     (8.5%)
Restructured loans                              35       36     (2.8%)
                                          --------- --------
    Total nonperforming loans              112,539  102,939      9.3%
Other real estate owned                      3,685    4,019     (8.3%)
                                          --------- --------
    Total nonperforming assets             116,224  106,958      8.7%
                                          ========= ========
Provision for loan losses                    3,671    2,327     57.8%
Net charge offs                              3,564    2,172     64.1%

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


Credit Quality
                                                               2Q05 vs
                                  Dec 31,  Sept 30, June 30,    2Q04
                                   2004      2004     2004    % Change
                                 -------------------------------------
Nonaccrual loans                 $112,761  $81,124  $80,622     36.1%
Loans 90 or more days past due
 and still accruing                 2,153   10,309    5,207    (46.1%)
Restructured loans                     37       39       40    (12.5%)
                                 --------- -------- --------
    Total nonperforming loans     114,951   91,472   85,869     31.1%
Other real estate owned             3,915    4,526    6,613    (44.3%)
                                 --------- -------- --------
    Total nonperforming assets    118,866   95,998   92,482     25.7%
                                 ========= ======== ========
Provision for loan losses           3,603        -    5,889    (37.7%)
Net charge offs                     3,598    2,973    5,626    (36.7%)

Allowance for loan losses /
 loans                               1.37%    1.62%    1.69%
Allowance for loan losses /
 nonperforming loans               165.08   191.32   207.27
Nonperforming loans / total
 loans                               0.83     0.84     0.81
Nonperforming assets / total
 assets                              0.58     0.59     0.60
Net charge offs / average loans
 (annualized)                        0.11     0.11     0.21
Year-to-date net charge offs /
 average loans                       0.15     0.17     0.20

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



Period End Loan Composition                                    2Q05 vs
                                                                1Q05
                                  June 30, 2005Mar 31, 2005  % Change
                                  ------------------------------------
Commercial, financial &
 agricultural                       $3,086,737   $2,852,462      8.2%
Real estate - construction           1,640,941    1,569,013      4.6%
Commercial real estate               3,650,491    3,813,465     (4.3%)
Lease financing                         53,270       50,181      6.2%
                                  ------------- ------------
  Commercial                         8,431,439    8,285,121      1.8%
Home equity (a)                      1,806,236    1,744,676      3.5%
Installment                          1,025,621    1,048,510     (2.2%)
                                  ------------- ------------
  Retail                             2,831,857    2,793,186      1.4%
  Residential mortgage               2,791,049    2,844,889     (1.9%)
                                  ------------- ------------
  Total loans                      $14,054,345  $13,923,196      0.9%
                                  ============= ============


Period End Loan Composition
                                                               2Q05 vs
                         Dec 31,     Sept 30,     June 30,     2Q04
                          2004         2004         2004     % Change
                      ------------------------------------------------
Commercial, financial
 & agricultural        $2,803,333   $2,479,764   $2,247,779     37.3%
Real estate -
 construction           1,459,629    1,152,990    1,118,284     46.7%
Commercial real
 estate                 3,933,131    3,242,009    3,292,783     10.9%
Lease financing            50,718       49,423       48,979      8.8%
                      ------------ ------------ ------------
  Commercial            8,246,811    6,924,186    6,707,825     25.7%
Home equity (a)         1,866,485    1,290,436    1,231,077     46.7%
Installment             1,054,011      672,806      666,305     53.9%
                      ------------ ------------ ------------
  Retail                2,920,496    1,963,242    1,897,382     49.3%
  Residential
   mortgage             2,714,580    1,943,199    1,951,396     43.0%
                      ------------ ------------ ------------
  Total loans         $13,881,887  $10,830,627  $10,556,603     33.1%
                      ============ ============ ============

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

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


Period End Deposit Composition                                 2Q05 vs
                                                                1Q05
                                  June 30, 2005Mar 31, 2005  % Change
                                  ------------------------------------
Demand                              $2,250,482   $2,156,592      4.4%
Savings                              1,117,922    1,137,120     (1.7%)
Interest-bearing demand              2,227,188    2,485,548    (10.4%)
Money market                         2,094,796    2,112,490     (0.8%)
Brokered CDs                           491,781      218,111    125.5%
Other time deposits                  3,916,462    4,084,043     (4.1%)
                                  ------------- ------------
  Total deposits                   $12,098,631  $12,193,904     (0.8%)
                                  ============= ============


Period End Deposit Composition
                                                               2Q05 vs
                           Dec 31,     Sept 30,    June 30,    2Q04
                            2004        2004         2004    % Change
                        ------------ ----------- ----------- ---------
Demand                   $2,347,611  $1,867,905  $1,822,716     23.5%
Savings                   1,116,158     936,975     948,755     17.8%
Interest-bearing demand   2,854,880   2,334,072   2,355,287     (5.4%)
Money market              2,083,717   1,516,423   1,477,513     41.8%
Brokered CDs                361,559     186,326     263,435     86.7%
Other time deposits       4,022,314   2,835,572   2,715,886     44.2%
                        ------------ ----------- -----------
  Total deposits        $12,786,239  $9,677,273  $9,583,592     26.2%
                        ============ =========== ===========

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Interest Income Analysis -
 Taxable Equivalent Basis
Associated Banc-Corp                 Six months ended June 30, 2005
                                    ---------------------------------
                                                  Interest    Average
                                      Average      Income/     Yield/
(in thousands)                        Balance      Expense      Rate
                                    ----------------------------------
Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                       $8,328,884    $241,201     5.76%
    Residential mortgage              2,857,510      79,361     5.56
    Retail                            2,844,834      94,025     6.64
                                    ------------ -----------
       Total loans                   14,031,228     414,587     5.90
 Investments and other                4,805,953     113,900     4.74
                                    ------------ -----------
Total earning assets                 18,837,181     528,487     5.60
 Other assets, net                    1,684,349
                                    ------------
Total assets                        $20,521,530
                                    ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                    $1,126,486      $2,053     0.37%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits     2,475,344      13,423     1.09
 Money market deposits                2,111,396      16,682     1.59
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                 4,038,479      56,151     2.80
                                    ------------ -----------
   Total interest-bearing deposits,
    excluding Brokered CDs            9,751,705      88,309     1.83
 Brokered CDs                           301,901       4,211     2.81
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits  10,053,606      92,520     1.86
 Wholesale funding                    6,119,944      90,989     2.96
                                    ------------ -----------
Total interest-bearing liabilities   16,173,550     183,509     2.27
 Noninterest-bearing demand           2,159,974
 Other liabilities                      160,391
 Stockholders' equity                 2,027,615
                                    ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                             $20,521,530
                                    ============

                                                 -----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $344,978     3.33%
                                                 ===========
Net interest margin (1)                                         3.65%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                       $12,396
                                                 ===========


Net Interest Income Analysis -
 Taxable Equivalent Basis
Associated Banc-Corp                  Six months ended June 30, 2004
                                    ----------------------------------
                                                  Interest    Average
                                      Average      Income/     Yield/
(in thousands)                        Balance      Expense      Rate
                                    ----------------------------------
Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                       $6,608,371    $160,794     4.82%
    Residential mortgage              2,072,470      58,410     5.64
    Retail                            1,878,635      53,986     5.77
                                    ------------ -----------
       Total loans                   10,559,476     273,190     5.15
 Investments and other                3,773,659      94,698     5.02
                                    ------------ -----------
Total earning assets                 14,333,135     367,888     5.11
 Other assets, net                    1,046,506
                                    ------------
Total assets                        $15,379,641
                                    ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                      $918,775      $1,684     0.37%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits     2,380,375       9,571     0.81
 Money market deposits                1,537,955       5,952     0.78
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                 2,880,996      35,739     2.49
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs           7,718,101      52,946     1.38
 Brokered CDs                           206,527       1,264     1.23
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits   7,924,628      54,210     1.38
 Wholesale funding                    4,232,740      39,933     1.87
                                    ------------ -----------
Total interest-bearing liabilities   12,157,368      94,143     1.55
 Noninterest-bearing demand           1,718,881
 Other liabilities                      126,674
 Stockholders' equity                 1,376,718
                                    ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                             $15,379,641
                                    ============

                                                 -----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $273,745     3.56%
                                                 ===========
Net interest margin (1)                                         3.80%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                       $12,791
                                                 ===========

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

                                    Three months ended June 30, 2005
                                    ----------------------------------
                                                  Interest    Average
                                      Average      Income/     Yield/
                                      Balance      Expense      Rate
                                    ----------------------------------

Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                       $8,391,627    $125,299     5.91%
    Residential mortgage              2,877,900      39,942     5.55
    Retail                            2,814,719      48,648     6.92
                                    ------------ -----------
       Total loans                   14,084,246     213,889     6.04
 Investments and other                4,832,675      57,228     4.74
                                    ------------ -----------
Total earning assets                 18,916,921     271,117     5.71
 Other assets, net                    1,657,849
                                    ------------
Total assets                        $20,574,770
                                    ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                    $1,133,629      $1,041     0.37%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits     2,349,997       6,677     1.14
 Money market deposits                2,106,829       9,287     1.77
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                 4,005,390      28,903     2.89
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs           9,595,845      45,908     1.92
 Brokered CDs                           285,456       2,179     3.06
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits   9,881,301      48,087     1.95
 Wholesale funding                    6,326,418      50,182     3.14
                                    ------------ -----------
Total interest-bearing liabilities   16,207,719      98,269     2.42
 Noninterest-bearing demand           2,188,418
 Other liabilities                      147,704
 Stockholders' equity                 2,030,929
                                    ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                             $20,574,770
                                    ============

                                                 -----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $172,848     3.29%
                                                 ===========
Net interest margin (1)                                         3.63%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                        $6,174
                                                 ===========



                                     Three months ended June 30, 2004
                                    ----------------------------------
                                                  Interest    Average
                                      Average      Income/     Yield/
                                      Balance      Expense      Rate
                                    ----------------------------------

Earning assets:
 Loans: (1) (2) (3)
    Commercial                       $6,684,527     $81,007     4.80%
    Residential mortgage              2,103,558      29,301     5.58
    Retail                            1,897,457      27,367     5.79
                                    ------------ -----------
       Total loans                   10,685,542     137,675     5.13
 Investments and other                3,795,159      47,263     4.98
                                    ------------ -----------
Total earning assets                 14,480,701     184,938     5.09
 Other assets, net                    1,017,304
                                    ------------
Total assets                        $15,498,005
                                    ============

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 Savings deposits                      $939,025        $843     0.36%
 Interest-bearing demand deposits     2,396,737       4,871     0.82
 Money market deposits                1,498,900       2,790     0.75
 Time deposits, excluding Brokered
  CDs                                 2,824,920      17,327     2.47
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits,
     excluding Brokered CDs           7,659,582      25,831     1.36
 Brokered CDs                           268,709         825     1.24
                                    ------------ -----------
    Total interest-bearing deposits   7,928,291      26,656     1.35
 Wholesale funding                    4,303,442      20,016     1.85
                                    ------------ -----------
Total interest-bearing liabilities   12,231,733      46,672     1.53
 Noninterest-bearing demand           1,773,654
 Other liabilities                      117,986
 Stockholders' equity                 1,374,632
                                    ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
 equity                             $15,498,005
                                    ============

                                                 -----------
Net interest income and rate spread (1)            $138,266      3.56%
                                                 ===========
Net interest margin (1)                                          3.80%
Taxable equivalent adjustment                        $6,387
                                                 ===========

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

(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
             Investors:
             Joe Selner, 920-491-7120
             or
             Media:
             Jon Drayna, 920-491-7006

    SOURCE: Associated Banc-Corp
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