Form 4: ASB Executive Buys Stock via Employee Plan

Associated Banc-Corp EVP, CHRO Julio Manso acquired 16.4855 shares of common stock through an employee stock purchase plan.

Summary

• Julio Manso, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (EVP, CHRO) of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), acquired shares of the company's common stock.
• The transaction involved the purchase of 16.4855 shares of Common Stock with a $0.01 par value.
• The shares were acquired at a price of $25.022 per share.
• The transaction date was November 17, 2025.
• Following this transaction, Julio Manso directly beneficially owns 12,917.4704 shares of Associated Banc-Corp common stock.
• The acquisition was made pursuant to the Issuer's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• The transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is mildly positive. An executive's participation in an employee stock purchase plan, even for a small number of shares, generally indicates confidence in the company and aligns management's interests with shareholders. It is a routine, pre-planned transaction rather than a discretionary open-market purchase, which tempers the positive impact.

Positives

• The acquisition of shares through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) demonstrates management's continued investment in the company, aligning their interests with those of shareholders.
• Participation in an ESPP indicates confidence in the company's future performance by a key executive.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain specific forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction. It solely reports an insider transaction.

Industry Context

Insider purchases, particularly through employee plans, are common in the financial services industry. They generally signal an executive's belief in the company's long-term value and align executive incentives with shareholder returns. This specific transaction is a routine ESPP purchase, not indicative of a major strategic shift.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of shares by an executive through the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) constitutes a related party transaction, as it involves a transaction between the company and a key management personnel.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The purchase by an executive may be viewed as a positive signal of confidence in the company's future, potentially reinforcing investor sentiment.
• Employees: The existence of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) benefits employees by providing a mechanism to acquire company stock, fostering a sense of ownership and aligning interests.

Key Dates

Keywords

ASB, Associated Banc-Corp, Julio Manso, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Stock Purchase, ESPP, Executive Compensation, Rule 10b5-1