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ASB vs CASH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) vs. Pathward Financial (CASH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ASB is a Wisconsin-based regional bank holding company with roughly $52 billion in assets, while CASH is a niche fintech-focused bank built around banking-as-a-service, tax-refund advances, and commercial finance.
- The two companies operate in different banking niches: ASB is a traditional Midwest commercial lender, whereas CASH earns a large share of revenue from fee-based, non-interest income.
- ASB has shown more stable recent price behavior, while CASH has delivered stronger longer-term returns but with higher volatility and elevated short interest.
- CASH carries a higher return on equity (ROE) and lower forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, but has faced recent credit-quality concerns and an earnings shortfall.
- ASB is integrating the American National Corporation acquisition and pivoting toward commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, reshaping its loan mix.
Introduction
Regional banks and fintech-enabled financial firms sit at the intersection of several current market themes: interest-rate sensitivity, credit quality, and the growing digitization of financial services. This stock comparison examines two very different institutions that share the "financial" label but little else in their operating models. Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is a classic Midwest regional bank, while Pathward Financial (CASH) is a specialized partner bank powering fintech programs. Investors weighing traditional banking franchises against higher-growth, fee-driven models may find this relative performance review useful for understanding each company's market positioning.
ASB Overview and Recent Performance
Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 200 banking locations across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. The company reported approximately $52 billion in total assets and a net interest margin near 3.03% in recent quarters. In recent market activity, ASB has traded in a relatively contained range, supported by a modest beta (a measure of volatility versus the broader market) near 0.81 and a regular quarterly dividend.
Two developments have shaped sentiment in recent weeks. First, the company's acquisition of American National Corporation has expanded its footprint and is expected to drive meaningful deposit growth, though integration expenses and credit costs are being watched closely. Second, management's pivot toward higher-yielding commercial and industrial (C&I) lending—while reducing residential real estate exposure—is reshaping the balance sheet. Analysts have been generally constructive, with at least one major firm upgrading the stock to an overweight rating in recent months.
CASH Overview and Recent Performance
Pathward Financial (CASH), formerly Meta Financial Group, is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It operates a distinctive model built around tax-refund advances, prepaid debit cards, and banking-as-a-service (BaaS) partnerships that allow fintech companies to offer banking products without holding a bank charter. A substantial portion of its revenue is non-interest income, and it maintains a notably high return on equity (ROE) and return on average tangible equity (ROTCE) relative to peers.
In recent weeks, CASH has faced a more turbulent path. Its latest quarterly results missed consensus estimates, driven by lower net interest income and a sharp rise in the provision for credit losses tied to commercial finance loans. Management lowered near-term earnings guidance while issuing stronger guidance for the following fiscal year, framing the credit issues as transitory. Despite the volatility, most covering analysts retain a Buy rating, and the company has continued an active share repurchase program.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks lies in their business models. ASB generates the bulk of its revenue from net interest income on a traditional loan-and-deposit base, making it sensitive to interest-rate trends and regional credit conditions. CASH leans heavily on fee income from partner programs, tax-season activity, and commercial finance, giving it a different, partly fee-driven risk profile.
On growth drivers, ASB is pursuing scale through acquisition and a loan-mix shift toward C&I lending. CASH is betting on fintech partnerships and embedded finance, though recent credit-quality pressures and elevated short interest signal higher uncertainty. In terms of relative performance and stability, ASB has exhibited steadier, lower-beta trading, while CASH has offered stronger multi-year returns at the cost of greater drawdowns and volatility.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ASB in the current environment. The stock's more consistent trend, lower beta, and constructive analyst revisions following a scale-accretive acquisition point to steadier relative positioning. CASH retains attractive long-term economics and a lower forward P/E ratio, but its recent earnings miss, rising credit provisions, and elevated short interest introduce greater near-term uncertainty. Because AI models weigh trend consistency and stability alongside catalysts, the current balance of evidence tilts probabilistically toward ASB, while CASH remains a higher-variance, higher-upside candidate for investors comfortable with greater volatility.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ASB is a Hold and CASH is a Hold.
ASB's RSI Oscillator peaks and leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ASB moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 25 of the 35 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 35 of 60 cases where ASB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ASB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
ASB broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ASB as a result. In 55 of 90 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ASB just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where ASB's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
ASB moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ASB crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +1.41% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ASB advanced for three days, in 174 of 300 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 122 of 222 cases where ASB Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 55%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 43 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.053) is normal, around the industry mean (1.262). P/E Ratio (10.542) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.479). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.340) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.203) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ASB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
CASH's RSI Oscillator recovers from overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for CASH moved out of overbought territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 39 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 28 of the 39 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 47 of 67 cases where CASH's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CASH as a result. In 48 of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CASH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
CASH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CASH entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CASH just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where CASH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 25 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
CASH moved above its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CASH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 03, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Following a +2.10% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CASH advanced for three days, in 210 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 53 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.862) is normal, around the industry mean (1.262). P/E Ratio (9.497) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.479). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.300) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.003) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.525) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CASH’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
ASB | CASH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 43 Fair valued | 53 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 31 | 60 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 11 | 16 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 55 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 94 | 32 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ASB's Valuation (43) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CASH (53) in the Savings Banks industry. This means that ASB’s stock grew similarly to CASH’s over the last 12 months.
ASB's Profit vs Risk Rating (31) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CASH (60) in the Savings Banks industry. This means that ASB’s stock grew similarly to CASH’s over the last 12 months.
ASB's SMR Rating (11) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CASH (16) in the Savings Banks industry. This means that ASB’s stock grew similarly to CASH’s over the last 12 months.
ASB's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CASH (55) in the Savings Banks industry. This means that ASB’s stock grew similarly to CASH’s over the last 12 months.
CASH's P/E Growth Rating (32) in the Savings Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ASB (94) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that CASH’s stock grew somewhat faster than ASB’s over the last 12 months.
| ASB | CASH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 71% | 4 days ago 72% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 58% | 4 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 55% | 6 days ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 60% | 4 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 58% | 15 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 60% | 4 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 60% | 4 days ago 68% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 55% | 4 days ago 72% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ASB’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while CASH’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ASB’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- CASH’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ASB’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CASH’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ASB’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- CASH’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
ASB (@Regional Banks) experienced а +0.20% price change this week, while CASH (@Regional Banks) price change was +1.26% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -1.35%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.18%.
Reported Earning Dates
ASB is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
CASH is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-1.35% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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CASH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CASH has been loosely correlated with SSB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CASH jumps, then SSB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CASH | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASH | 100% | -0.50% | ||
| SSB - CASH | 63% Loosely correlated | +0.05% | ||
| FRME - CASH | 63% Loosely correlated | -0.56% | ||
| AMAL - CASH | 62% Loosely correlated | +0.41% | ||
| ONB - CASH | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.48% | ||
| ASB - CASH | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.59% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| USSG | 68.55 | 0.20 | +0.29% |
| Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF (USSG) | |||
| HELO | 67.94 | 0.11 | +0.16% |
| JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) | |||
| UDIV | 58.78 | -0.05 | -0.08% |
| Franklin U.S. Core Dividend Tilt Index ETF (UDIV) | |||
| GEND | 13.43 | -0.17 | -1.28% |
| Genter Capital Dividend Income ETF (GEND) | |||
| WDCX | 5.12 | -0.17 | -3.21% |
| Tradr 2X Long WDC Daily ETF (WDCX) | |||