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ASB or FULT or USB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) vs. Fulton Financial Corporation (FULT) vs. U.S. Bancorp (USB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- USB is the largest and most diversified of the three, with a national footprint and meaningful fee-based revenue from payments and capital markets.
- ASB is a Midwest regional bank expanding aggressively through acquisitions, supported by margin expansion and a commercial lending tilt.
- FULT is a Mid-Atlantic regional bank showing strong earnings momentum, boosted by recent acquisitions and record operating results.
- All three carry solid capital positions, with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratios well above regulatory minimums.
- Relative performance favors FULT and ASB over the past year, while USB offers greater scale, diversification, and a higher dividend yield.
Introduction
Regional and super-regional banks are a useful lens for assessing how scale, geography, and business mix shape market positioning in today's rate environment. This stock comparison examines three publicly traded lenders of very different sizes: Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), Fulton Financial Corporation (FULT), and U.S. Bancorp (USB). Investors weighing relative performance, growth drivers, and risk tolerance may find the contrast instructive—from USB's national payments and capital-markets platform to the regional, acquisition-driven growth stories of ASB and FULT.
ASB Overview and Recent Performance
Associated Banc-Corp is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin, operating roughly 200 banking locations across the Midwest with total assets near $52 billion. The company has been pivoting toward higher-yielding commercial and industrial (C&I) lending while reducing lower-yielding residential balances. In recent quarters, ASB has reported rising net interest income (NII) and a higher net interest margin, alongside an improving efficiency ratio. Its pending integration of American National Corporation has meaningfully raised its loan and deposit growth outlook. The stock has delivered a strong multi-year total return, though near-term sentiment has cooled modestly around recent prime rate changes. A heavier commercial real estate tilt remains a key watch item for credit quality.
FULT Overview and Recent Performance
Fulton Financial Corporation is a Pennsylvania-based bank holding company serving the Mid-Atlantic through Fulton Bank, with roughly $35 billion in assets and more than 200 financial centers. FULT has reported record operating earnings in recent periods, supported by higher net interest income and the completed merger of Blue Foundry Bank. Its "Fulton First" initiative targets operational simplification and reinvestment for growth. The stock has posted strong year-to-date and multi-year returns, and analysts have raised price targets in recent weeks. CET1 capital of about 12.1% is among the strongest of the group. Potential headwinds include a more modest near-term loan growth outlook and sensitivity to credit costs.
USB Overview and Recent Performance
U.S. Bancorp is one of the largest banks in the country, with roughly $700 billion in assets and a presence across 26 states. USB pairs traditional lending and deposits with a substantial payments, merchant-processing, and wealth-management franchise, giving it a more diversified revenue mix than most regional peers. Recent developments include the completed acquisition of institutional brokerage BTIG and the launch of a proprietary U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin pilot. The bank has lifted its quarterly dividend and maintains a CET1 ratio near 10.8%. Fee income now accounts for a large share of revenue, reducing reliance on net interest income. Its scale brings lower relative credit risk, though growth rates tend to trail smaller, acquisition-driven peers.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The three companies occupy distinct positions on the banking spectrum. USB offers scale, diversification, and a national payments franchise, with fee income cushioning earnings from rate swings—but its larger base means slower percentage growth. ASB and FULT are acquisition-driven regionals with higher growth potential but concentrated geographic and credit exposure. On valuation, FULT trades at a lower price-to-earnings multiple than USB, while ASB sits between them on efficiency and margin trends. Dividend yield favors USB, while FULT and ASB offer faster recent earnings momentum. Risk profiles differ too: USB's commercial real estate exposure is modest relative to its size, whereas ASB and FULT carry proportionally larger concentrations in regional commercial lending.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, capital strength, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor FULT in the current environment. Its record operating earnings, strong CET1 ratio, completed acquisition integration, and sustained positive momentum offer a combination of stability and growth catalysts. ASB presents a credible alternative given its margin expansion and acquisition-driven growth, while USB remains the most diversified and defensive choice. The AI's preference should be read as a probabilistic assessment of relative positioning rather than a definitive outcome.
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.
Momentum Indicator for ASB turns positive, indicating new upward trend
ASB saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 91 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 60 of the 91 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 66%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where ASB's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 17 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
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 23 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
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.
Following a +3.53% 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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
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 61%.
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.
The Aroon Indicator for ASB entered a downward trend on October 12, 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.
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 33 (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 41 (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 (1.048) is normal, around the industry mean (1.271). P/E Ratio (10.490) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.247). 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 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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 95 (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.
FULT in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
FULT 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. In 33 of 45 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where FULT's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FULT as a result. In 45 of 77 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FULT just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where FULT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Following a +5.06% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FULT advanced for three days, in 180 of 300 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FULT 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 59%.
FULT 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 FULT 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.
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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 20 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 30 (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 41 (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 (1.247) is normal, around the industry mean (1.271). P/E Ratio (11.271) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.247). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.270) 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 (3.178) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FULT’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 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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.
USB's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for USB moved out of oversold territory on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 23 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on USB as a result. In 49 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for USB just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where USB's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Following a +4.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where USB advanced for three days, in 176 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
USB moved below its 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where USB 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 62%.
USB 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 USB entered a downward trend on October 19, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 4 (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 29 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. USB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (1.531) is normal, around the industry mean (1.271). P/E Ratio (11.892) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.247). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.773) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.036) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.141) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. USB’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock worse than average.
ASB | FULT | USB | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 40 | 50 | 15 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 41 Fair valued | 41 Fair valued | 68 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 30 | 73 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 11 | 11 | 4 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 44 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 95 | 20 | 29 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 75 | n/a |
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 (41) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FULT (41) in the Regional Banks industry, and is in the same range as USB (68) in the Major Banks industry. This means that ASB's stock grew similarly to FULT’s and similarly to USB’s over the last 12 months.
FULT's Profit vs Risk Rating (30) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ASB (33) in the Regional Banks industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for USB (73) in the Major Banks industry. This means that FULT's stock grew similarly to ASB’s and somewhat faster than USB’s over the last 12 months.
USB's SMR Rating (4) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as FULT (11) in the Regional Banks industry, and is in the same range as ASB (11) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that USB's stock grew similarly to FULT’s and similarly to ASB’s over the last 12 months.
FULT's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as ASB (45) in the Regional Banks industry, and is in the same range as USB (46) in the Major Banks industry. This means that FULT's stock grew similarly to ASB’s and similarly to USB’s over the last 12 months.
FULT's P/E Growth Rating (20) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as USB (29) in the Major Banks industry, and is significantly better than the same rating for ASB (95) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that FULT's stock grew similarly to USB’s and significantly faster than ASB’s over the last 12 months.
| ASB | FULT | USB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 79% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 51% | 3 days ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 66% | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 51% | 3 days ago 72% | 3 days ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 53% | 3 days ago 57% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 60% | 10 days ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 61% | 12 days ago 59% | 12 days ago 62% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 62% | 3 days ago 68% |
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 FULT’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s), and USB’s FA Score reflects 2 green FA rating(s).
- ASB’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- FULT’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- USB’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 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FULT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and USB’s TA Score reflects 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ASB’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- FULT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- USB’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ASB (@Regional Banks) experienced а +4.32% price change this week, while FULT (@Regional Banks) price change was +5.67% , and USB (@Regional Banks) price fluctuated +1.45% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.59%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.12%.
Reported Earning Dates
ASB is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
FULT is expected to report earnings on Jan 19, 2027.
USB is expected to report earnings on Jan 19, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.29% 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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FULT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FULT has been closely correlated with ASB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 89% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FULT jumps, then ASB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FULT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FULT | 100% | +1.37% | ||
| ASB - FULT | 89% Closely correlated | +1.34% | ||
| ONB - FULT | 89% Closely correlated | +0.64% | ||
| HWC - FULT | 88% Closely correlated | +0.04% | ||
| UBSI - FULT | 88% Closely correlated | +0.43% | ||
| AUB - FULT | 88% Closely correlated | -0.52% | ||
More | ||||