Associated Banc-Corp Declares Dividends and Announces Share Repurchase Initiative

Overview of Associated Banc-Corp's Recent Financial Actions

On January 27, 2026, Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB), a prominent bank holding company based in Wisconsin, announced significant actions aimed at boosting shareholder value. The company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend as well as a substantial repurchase of its own shares. These moves are seen as a testament to the company's healthy financial standing and commitment to its shareholders.

Quarterly Cash Dividends Declared

The Board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share, which is set to be paid out on March 16, 2026. Shareholders recorded at the close of business on March 2, 2026, will qualify for this dividend. In addition to the common shares, dividends have also been announced for depositary shares on Associated's preferred stock. These include a dividend of $0.3671875 per depositary share for the 5.875% Series E Perpetual Preferred Stock and $0.3515625 for the 5.625% Series F Perpetual Preferred Stock, both payable on the same date to shareholders of record on March 2, 2026.

Share Repurchase Program

Alongside the dividend declaration, Associated Banc-Corp’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million. This initiative allows the company to buy back its shares from the market, which can positively impact stock prices and illustrate a strong commitment to its shareholders. Notably, the latest authorization complements previous repurchase strategies, showcasing a consistent approach towards enhancing shareholder equity.

Such buybacks are subject to regulatory oversight and may be executed through various means, such as open market purchases, block transactions, and accelerated repurchase programs. The repurchases signify the company’s confidence in its financial health and its strategies moving forward.

Financial Health of Associated Banc-Corp

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated Banc-Corp has grown significantly, boasting total assets of around $45 billion. It stands as the largest bank holding company rooted in Wisconsin, emphasizing its importance in the regional financial landscape. The bank operates nearly 200 banking outlets across more than 100 communities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri, alongside additional lending offices spread throughout other states like Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Texas.

The company's diverse financial offerings span various products and services, aimed at meeting the needs of individuals and businesses alike. The ongoing dividends and repurchase program are just part of its strategy to maintain and enhance its position in the marketplace, ensuring that it remains a competitive player in the Midwestern banking sector.

Forward-looking Statements

As is customary in financial communications, Associated Banc-Corp included forward-looking statements regarding its strategies and objectives. These statements reflect management's intentions and encompass anticipated outcomes, leveraging specific terminology that indicates projections or forecasts. The company cautions that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual outcomes to differ significantly from those suggested.

To conclude, Associated Banc-Corp's announcement regarding dividend declarations and a new share repurchase program illustrates its proactive approach in the banking sector, aiming to foster confidence among its investors while upholding its reputation as a leading financial institution. As the market watches closely, the strategies adopted by the bank will be pivotal in shaping its trajectory in the coming year.