Insider Buying Signals a Positive Outlook for Associated Banc‑Corp

Recent filings show that director Nettles Cory L has added 4,585 shares of Associated Banc‑Corp common stock at $27.26, bringing his holdings to 46,429 shares. This purchase follows a series of small‑size acquisitions in December 2025, where he bought 365 and 45 shares each, keeping his stake around 47,000 shares. The consistency of these trades, coupled with a 0‑point price change and a strong +92 sentiment rating, suggests that Nettles is confident that the bank’s valuation is near its peak and that a rebound is likely.

What It Means for Investors

The buy order, executed on the same day as several other senior executives—including the CFO and CHRO—reflects a broader confidence among the leadership team. With the bank’s shares trading near a 52‑week high of $28.15, the insider activity indicates that executives believe the current market price undervalues the company. For investors, this alignment of interest between management and shareholders can be a bullish cue, especially as the bank’s earnings guidance remains solid and the regulatory environment is improving for regional banks.

Nettles Cory L: A Steady Investor in a Stable Bank

Nettles’ transaction history shows a pattern of small, regular purchases rather than large, opportunistic trades. His holdings have hovered just under 50,000 shares since mid‑December 2025, and he has also maintained a sizable phantom‑stock balance (51,532.50 units). This disciplined approach signals a long‑term view rather than a speculative play. Given his role as a director, Nettles’ actions also serve as a signal that the board trusts the bank’s strategy and believes the current share price will rise in the medium term.

Strategic Implications for the Bank

Associated Banc‑Corp is positioned in a competitive Midwestern banking landscape. The recent insider purchases, coupled with the bank’s upcoming shareholder meetings, suggest a concerted effort to bolster investor confidence. The leadership’s alignment—evident through synchronized buy orders—could help the bank navigate upcoming regulatory changes and pursue growth initiatives in commercial banking. For shareholders, the insider activity underscores a management commitment to delivering value, potentially translating into a more attractive valuation over the next 12‑to‑18 months.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-02-01Nettles Cory L ()Buy4,585.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
N/ANettles Cory L ()Holding51,532.50N/APhantom Stock Unit
2026-02-01Meyer Derek S. (EVP, Chief Financial Officer)Buy3,148.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
2026-02-01Meyer Derek S. (EVP, Chief Financial Officer)Buy3,147.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
2026-02-01Manso Julio (EVP, CHRO)Buy3,714.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
2026-02-01Ludgate Kristen M ()Buy4,585.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
2026-02-01KLAPPA GALE E ()Buy4,585.0027.26Common Stock $0.01 Par Value
N/AKLAPPA GALE E ()Holding46,662.00N/APhantom Stock Unit