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Earnings Estimates Moving Higher for Associated Banc-Corp (ASB): Time to Buy?

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Investors might want to bet on Associated Banc-Corp (ASB - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.

The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this bank holding company, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is principally built on this insight.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For Associated Banc-Corp, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.

The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.33 per share, which is a change of +17.86% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Associated Banc-Corp has increased 8.84% because one estimate has moved higher compared to no negative revisions.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.40 per share represents a change of -24.73% from the year-ago number.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Associated Banc-Corp. Over the past month, two estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 6.74%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Associated Banc-Corp earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom Line

Investors have been betting on Associated Banc-Corp because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 17.4% gain over the past four weeks. As its earnings growth prospects might push the stock higher, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.


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