Form 4: Nicolet Bankshares Director Boosts Stake Through Deferred Compensation Plan

Andrew F. Hetzel Jr., a Director at Nicolet Bankshares Inc., is set to acquire 191.997 shares of common stock at $126.17 per share through the company's deferred compensation plan, as part of a pre-arranged 10b5-1 plan.

Summary

• Andrew F. Hetzel Jr., a Director of Nicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC), will acquire 191.997 shares of common stock on July 15, 2025.
• The shares are being acquired at a price of $126.17 per share.
• This acquisition is made through the Nicolet National Bank Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors.
• The shares were acquired by deferring Mr. Hetzel's second quarter 2025 earned board fees and his annual Nicolet Board cash retainer.
• The transaction is part of a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase of equity securities, intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).
• Following this transaction, Mr. Hetzel's beneficial ownership will be 1,945.631 shares, held indirectly through the deferred compensation plan.
• This total includes 4.804 shares received as dividend reinvestment from Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. paid cash dividend on June 13, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of shares by a director, particularly through a deferred compensation plan and a 10b5-1 plan, signals confidence in the company's future performance and aligns management interests with shareholders.

Positives

• The acquisition of shares by a director, Andrew F. Hetzel Jr., signals confidence in Nicolet Bankshares Inc.'s future prospects.
• The transaction is conducted through a deferred compensation plan, indicating a long-term commitment and alignment of the director's interests with shareholders.
• The use of a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan indicates a pre-planned, non-discretionary acquisition, which can be viewed positively as it removes concerns about opportunistic timing.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This transaction is an internal corporate governance and compensation event specific to Nicolet Bankshares Inc. and its director. It does not directly reflect broader industry trends but is a common mechanism for executive and director compensation and share ownership within the banking sector.

Related Party Transactions

• Andrew F. Hetzel Jr., a Director of Nicolet Bankshares Inc., acquired shares of the company's common stock through the Nicolet National Bank Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, which constitutes a related party transaction.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Positive impact due to increased insider ownership, signaling management's belief in the company's value and aligning their interests with those of external shareholders.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned, but a confident board can contribute to overall company stability.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Nicolet Bankshares, NIC, Insider Trading, Director Stock Acquisition, Deferred Compensation Plan, Form 4, 10b5-1 Plan, Financial Services, Banking