Form 4: FFBC General Counsel Sells Shares for Tax Obligations
Insider Transaction Report
First Financial Bancorp's General Counsel and CAO, Karen B. Woods, disposed of 5,342 shares of common stock to cover tax liabilities related to becoming retirement eligible.
Summary
- Karen B. Woods, General Counsel & CAO of First Financial Bancorp, reported a transaction involving the company's common stock.
- On December 30, 2025, 5,342 shares of common stock were disposed of at a price of $25.25 per share.
- The disposition was coded 'F', indicating shares were withheld to pay taxes associated with the reporting person becoming retirement eligible.
- Following this transaction, Karen B. Woods directly beneficially owns 73,954 shares of common stock.
- Additionally, 100 shares are indirectly owned via a UTMA Custodian for a daughter, and 0 shares are indirectly owned as Restricted Performance.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The sentiment is neutral as the transaction is a non-discretionary sale for tax purposes, not indicative of management's view on the company's future prospects.
Positives
- The transaction is non-discretionary, related to tax obligations upon becoming retirement eligible, rather than a discretionary sale based on market outlook.
Negatives
- An insider sale, even for tax purposes, reduces the insider's direct equity stake in the company.
Future Outlook
The filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction.
Management Comments
- Shares were withheld to pay taxes associated with the reporting person becoming retirement eligible.
Industry Context
This Form 4 filing reports a routine insider transaction for tax purposes and does not provide information relevant to broader industry trends or competitive landscape.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power of Attorney | Karen B. Woods granted a Power of Attorney to Maria Hinkel and Terri J. Ziepfel to execute Forms 3, 4, and 5 on her behalf for SEC compliance. | 2021-01-29 | Ensures timely and compliant filing of insider trading reports for Karen B. Woods. |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: A minor reduction in direct insider ownership, but for a non-discretionary tax purpose, which typically has minimal impact on investor sentiment.
- Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated by this filing.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2021-01-29 | Date Power of Attorney was executed by Karen B. Woods, appointing Maria Hinkel and Terri J. Ziepfel. |
| 2025-12-30 | Transaction Date: Disposition of 5,342 shares of Common Stock. |
| 2025-12-31 | Signature Date of the Form 4 by Maria Hinkel, POA. |
Keywords
FFBC, First Financial Bancorp, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Stock Sale, Tax Withholding, Karen B. Woods, Beneficial Ownership
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