Preview: Associated Banc's Earnings

On Thursday Associated Banc ASB will release its latest earnings report. Here is Benzinga's outlook for the company based on its announcement.

Earnings and Revenue

Associated Banc earnings will be near 38 cents per share on sales of $280 million, according to analysts.

In the same quarter last year, Associated Banc posted a profit of 34 cents per share on sales of $272 million. Sales would be up 2.88 percent from the same quarter last year.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Q4 EPS Estimate: 38 cents per share
Q4 Revenues Estimate: $280 million

Stock Performance

Shares of Associated Banc were trading at $25.90 as of Jan. 25. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 5.28 percent. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably content going into this earnings release.

Analysts have adjusted their estimates higher for EPS and revenues over the past 90 days. The average rating by analysts on Associated Banc stock is a Sell. The strength of this rating has maintained conviction over the past 90 days.

Conference Call

Don't be surprised to see the stock move on comments made during its conference call. Associated Banc's Q4 conference call is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. ET and can be accessed here: http://investor.associatedbank.com/