Earnings of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) declined by 37% quarter over quarter to $0.27 per share in the first quarter due to a hike in provision expense. The company’s provision expense will likely trend downwards in the remainder of the year but remain above normal. I’m expecting ASB’s exposure to the oil and gas sector to contribute to the above-average provision expense this year. The heightened provision expense will likely pressurize earnings this year. Moreover, the trending downwards of LIBOR towards the Federal Funds rate will squeeze NIM in the year ahead. On the