Form 4: ASB Executive Jayne Hladio Sells Shares for Tax

Jayne C. Hladio, EVP and President of Private Wealth at Associated Banc-Corp, disposed of 1,821 shares of common stock to cover tax withholding obligations related to a restricted stock vesting.

Summary

• Jayne C. Hladio, EVP, President Private Wealth of Associated Banc-Corp (ASB), reported a transaction on October 2, 2025.
• The transaction involved the disposition of 1,821 shares of Common Stock with a $0.01 Par Value.
• The shares were surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock, specifically the second tranche of a sign-on bonus.
• The disposition occurred at a price of $25.71 per share.
• Following this transaction, Jayne C. Hladio beneficially owns 14,575.9293 shares of Common Stock directly.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing details a routine, expected transaction related to executive compensation and tax obligations. It does not introduce new positive or negative information about the company's operational or financial performance, thus maintaining a neutral sentiment.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction, focusing solely on a past insider transaction.

Management Comments

• Shares were surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock 2nd tranche vesting of Sign-on Bonus.

Industry Context

This transaction represents a routine and common practice within the financial services industry, where executives receive restricted stock as part of their compensation, and a portion is often sold or withheld to cover tax liabilities upon vesting. It aligns with standard executive compensation and tax planning practices.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The disposition of shares to cover tax withholding upon restricted stock vesting is a standard and widely accepted practice across all industries, including financial services. This is a common mechanism for executives to manage tax obligations arising from equity compensation.
• The transaction being executed under a Rule 10b5-1 plan indicates a pre-arranged, compliant approach to insider trading, which is a best practice for corporate governance and transparency.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal impact as this is a routine, non-discretionary transaction for tax purposes and does not reflect a change in management's view of the company's prospects.
• Employees: No direct impact on the broader employee base.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing details a routine tax-related disposition of shares by an executive following restricted stock vesting. This transaction does not provide new material information to alter the investment thesis for Associated Banc-Corp, thus a 'hold' recommendation is maintained.

Keywords

Associated Banc-Corp, ASB, Jayne C. Hladio, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Sale, Tax Withholding, Restricted Stock, Executive Compensation, Rule 10b5-1