Form 4: Nicolet Bankshares Director Boosts Stake Through Deferred Compensation

Nicolet Bankshares Inc. Director Brenda L. Johnson acquired 172.405 shares of common stock through a pre-planned deferred compensation arrangement.

Summary

• Brenda L. Johnson, a Director of Nicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC), acquired 172.405 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on July 15, 2025, with shares acquired at a price of $126.17 per share.
• The acquisition was made by deferring her second quarter 2025 earned board fees and her annual Nicolet Board cash retainer into the Nicolet National Bank Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Johnson's indirect beneficial ownership in the deferred compensation plan totals 854.303 shares.
• This total beneficial ownership includes 1.868 shares received as dividend reinvestment from a cash dividend paid on June 13, 2025.
• The transaction was executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-arranged purchase.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates a director increasing their stake in the company through a compensation deferral, which is generally viewed positively as it aligns insider interests with shareholders. It's a routine, pre-planned transaction, not indicative of significant new news, but a positive signal of confidence.

Positives

• Director Brenda L. Johnson increased her indirect ownership in Nicolet Bankshares Inc., aligning her interests further with shareholders.
• The acquisition was part of a pre-planned Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, demonstrating a structured and transparent approach to insider stock transactions.

Future Outlook

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

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details an insider transaction, which is a routine disclosure for publicly traded companies. It reflects a director's decision to defer compensation into company stock, a common practice in the banking and financial services industry to align executive and director interests with shareholder value.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of shares by Brenda L. Johnson through the Nicolet National Bank Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors can be considered a related party transaction as it involves a director and a company-sponsored plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of director's interests with shareholder value due to increased stock ownership.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Nicolet Bankshares, NIC, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Acquisition, Deferred Compensation, Director Compensation, Rule 10b5-1, Banking