Form 4: ASB Executive Buys Shares via Employee Plan

Associated Banc-Corp Executive Vice President Nicole M. Kitowski acquired 27.0912 shares of common stock through the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Summary

• Nicole M. Kitowski, Executive Vice President of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), acquired 27.0912 shares of ASB 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 (ESPP).
• Following this transaction, Kitowski directly owns 45,144.8092 shares and indirectly owns 3,191.08 shares through a 401(k) Plan.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-arranged trading strategy.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of shares by an executive, even a small amount through an ESPP, is generally a positive signal of confidence in the company. However, the routine nature and small scale limit the overall 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 performance or strategic direction.

Industry Context

Insider purchases, even small ones via ESPP, can be viewed by the market as a minor positive signal, suggesting management's belief in the company's value within the regional banking sector. However, the small size and routine nature of an ESPP purchase typically have limited broader industry implications.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This filing reports a routine insider transaction through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which is a common benefit offered by many publicly traded companies across various industries, including financial services. It does not provide data for direct comparison to specific industry benchmarks or competitor performance.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The executive's purchase of company stock may be interpreted as a sign of management's confidence in the company's future, potentially bolstering investor sentiment.
• Employees: The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) provides a mechanism for employees, including executives, to acquire company stock, aligning their financial interests with the company's performance.

Key Dates

Keywords

Associated Banc-Corp, ASB, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Purchase, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Executive Compensation, Nicole M. Kitowski, Rule 10b5-1