Form 4: ASB EVP Ahern Granted Restricted Stock

Associated Banc-Corp Executive Vice President Patrick Edward Ahern was granted 3,118 shares of time-based restricted stock, vesting annually starting February 2027.

Summary

• Patrick Edward Ahern, Executive Vice President of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), was granted 3,118 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on February 1, 2026, with a per-share price of $27.26.
• These shares are Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (TRSUs) granted in 2026.
• The TRSUs will vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on February 8, 2027.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Ahern directly owns 44,306 shares and indirectly owns 5,505.21 shares through a 401(k) plan.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event, reflecting standard executive compensation practices that align management incentives with shareholder interests, without indicating any immediate operational or financial shifts.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock aligns management's interests with long-term shareholder value through equity ownership.
• The vesting schedule incentivizes continued service and performance over a multi-year period.

Future Outlook

The restricted stock units are scheduled to vest in four equal annual installments, beginning on February 8, 2027, indicating a future commitment and incentive structure for the executive.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the grant of restricted stock units to key executives is a common practice in the banking and financial services industry. This method of compensation is widely used to retain talent, align executive incentives with long-term company performance, and encourage a focus on sustainable growth, similar to practices observed at peers like Zions Bancorporation (ZION) or Comerica Incorporated (CMA).

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (TRSUs) with a multi-year vesting schedule is a standard compensation practice across the financial sector, comparable to programs at major regional banks such as KeyCorp (KEY) or Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), which also utilize long-term equity incentives to retain and motivate executives.
• The grant size of 3,118 shares, valued at approximately $85,000 at the grant price, is within the typical range for annual equity grants to Executive Vice Presidents at regional banks, depending on the company's size and the executive's specific role and performance.

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of restricted stock to an executive is inherently a related party transaction, representing compensation from the company to a key management person.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant aligns executive interests with long-term shareholder value, potentially leading to more sustainable growth strategies. However, it also represents a minor dilution over time as shares vest.
• Employees: May signal stability in executive leadership and a commitment to long-term incentive programs.

Next Steps

• The restricted stock units will begin vesting in four equal annual installments starting February 8, 2027.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine executive compensation event (restricted stock grant) which is a standard practice for publicly traded companies. It does not contain information that would fundamentally alter the investment thesis for Associated Banc-Corp (ASB) or warrant a change in an existing investment position. It primarily serves as a transparency disclosure of insider ownership changes.

Keywords

Associated Banc-Corp, ASB, Form 4, Restricted Stock Units, TRSUs, Executive Compensation, Insider Ownership, Equity Grant, Patrick Edward Ahern