Form 4: ASB EVP Warsek Acquires Restricted Stock Units

Associated Banc-Corp EVP Gregory Warsek reported the acquisition of 3,485 time-based restricted stock units, vesting annually from February 2027.

Summary

• Gregory Warsek, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), acquired 3,485 shares of common stock ($0.01 Par Value) on February 1, 2026.
• The acquisition was for Time-Based Restricted Stock Units (TRSUs) granted in 2026.
• These TRSUs will vest in four equal annual installments, with the first vesting date on February 8, 2027.
• Mr. Warsek has elected to defer the distribution of these shares upon vesting, holding them in the Executive's Deferred Compensation Plan until a later distribution election.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Warsek beneficially owns 16,885 shares directly and 28,100.34 shares indirectly through a 401(K) Plan.
• The acquisition price for the restricted stock units was $27.26 per share.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as it represents an executive's increased stake in the company through compensation, aligning their interests with long-term shareholder value.

Positives

• The acquisition of restricted stock units by an EVP aligns management's long-term interests with those of shareholders, indicating confidence in the company's future performance.
• The election to defer vesting and hold shares in a deferred compensation plan suggests a long-term commitment from the executive.

Future Outlook

The restricted stock units are scheduled to vest in four equal annual installments beginning February 8, 2027, with the reporting person electing to defer distribution into a deferred compensation plan until a future election.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the granting of time-based restricted stock units is a common practice in executive compensation across the financial services industry, designed to incentivize long-term performance and retention.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of restricted stock units to an executive generally aligns management's incentives with shareholder interests, potentially leading to better long-term performance.
• Employees: This transaction is specific to an executive's compensation and does not directly impact the broader employee base.

Next Steps

• The restricted stock units will begin vesting in four equal annual installments starting on February 8, 2027.
• The deferred compensation plan will hold the vested shares until distributed according to the reporting person's election.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details a standard executive compensation grant of restricted stock units, which aligns management's interests with shareholders over the long term but does not provide new information warranting a change in investment stance. It is a routine event and not a strong catalyst for immediate price movement.

Keywords

Associated Banc-Corp, ASB, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, Executive Compensation, Deferred Compensation, Stock Grant