Form 4: Nicolet Bankshares Executive Eric Witczak Reports Stock Transactions

Executive Vice President and Secretary of Nicolet Bankshares, Eric Witczak, reports acquisition of restricted stock and shares withheld for tax obligations.

Summary

• Eric Witczak, an EVP and Secretary at Nicolet Bankshares, reported several transactions involving the company's stock.
• On November 19, 2024, Mr. Witczak acquired 3,605 shares of common stock at a price of $109.82 per share as part of a restricted stock award.
• These restricted shares will vest annually in five equal installments starting November 19, 2025, and will be fully vested by November 19, 2029.
• On November 20, 2024, 111 shares were withheld at a price of $109.48 per share to cover tax obligations related to vested restricted stock.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Witczak directly owns 28,830 shares and indirectly owns 6,783 shares through a 401(k) plan.
• Mr. Witczak also owns 971 shares through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which have not changed since the last report on November 15, 2024.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects standard executive compensation practices and stock transactions, which are generally viewed neutrally to slightly positive as they align executive interests with shareholders. There are no significant negative implications.

Positives

• The acquisition of 3,605 restricted shares indicates a long-term commitment by the executive to the company's success.
• The vesting schedule of the restricted shares provides a retention incentive for the executive.

Negatives

• The withholding of 111 shares to cover tax obligations reduces the executive's overall shareholding.

Risks

• The value of the shares is subject to market fluctuations, which could impact the value of the executive's holdings.
• Changes in tax laws could affect the tax implications of the restricted stock.

Future Outlook

The restricted shares will vest annually over five years, starting November 19, 2025, and will be fully vested by November 19, 2029.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure of stock transactions by a company executive, which is common in the financial industry. It provides transparency into the executive's holdings and alignment with shareholder interests.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Form 4 filings are standard practice for publicly traded companies in the United States, ensuring transparency of insider transactions.
• The vesting schedule of the restricted stock is typical for executive compensation packages in the financial sector.
• The use of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a common method for companies to encourage employee ownership.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transactions have a minor positive impact on shareholders by aligning executive interests with the company's performance.
• The vesting schedule of the restricted stock provides a retention incentive for the executive.

Key Dates

Keywords

Nicolet Bankshares, stock transaction, restricted stock, executive compensation, Form 4, insider trading, share ownership, vesting, tax withholding, employee stock purchase plan