Form 4: ASB Executive Buys Shares via Employee Plan

Jayne C. Hladio, EVP and President of Private Wealth at Associated Banc-Corp, acquired 13.8847 shares of common stock through an employee stock purchase plan.

Summary

• Jayne C. Hladio, EVP, President Private Wealth of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), acquired 13.8847 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on December 15, 2025, at a price of $27.07 per share.
• The shares were purchased through the Issuer's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Hladio beneficially owns 14,619.2437 shares of ASB common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: Slightly positive due to an executive's participation in an employee stock purchase plan, indicating continued confidence in the company. However, the transaction size is small and routine, limiting significant sentiment impact.

Positives

• An executive's purchase of company stock, even through an ESPP, can signal confidence in the company's future prospects.
• Participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan aligns management's interests with those of shareholders.

Future Outlook

This Form 4 filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Industry Context

Insider purchases, particularly through employee plans, are common across industries and generally viewed as a positive signal of management's belief in the company's value and future performance. This transaction is a routine part of an executive's compensation and investment strategy within the financial services sector.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This transaction is a standard participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, a common benefit offered by publicly traded companies across various sectors, including financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase & Co. or Bank of America Corp.
• The size of the purchase is relatively small in the context of the executive's total holdings, consistent with regular contributions to such plans rather than a large, discretionary open-market purchase.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: May view the executive's purchase as a minor positive signal of internal confidence in the company's stock.
• Employees: Reinforces the availability and use of employee benefit programs like the ESPP.

Key Dates

Keywords

Associated Banc-Corp, ASB, Jayne C. Hladio, Form 4, insider transaction, stock purchase, employee stock purchase plan, executive ownership, private wealth