Shank James R 4

What Happened
James R. Shank, Chief Internal Auditor at First Financial Bancorp (FFBC), had a total of 1,266 shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations related to stock compensation on March 7, 2026. The withholding occurred in two lots: 692 shares at $27.25 each ($18,857) and 574 shares at $27.25 each ($15,642), for a combined value of approximately $34,499. These were dispositions to cover tax liability (code F), not open-market sales.

Key Details

• Transaction date: 2026-03-07
• Price per share: $27.25 for both lots
• Lots: 692 shares ($18,857) and 574 shares ($15,642); total 1,266 shares (~$34,499)
• Transaction code: F — payment of exercise price or tax liability (shares withheld to cover taxes)
• Shares owned after the transaction: not disclosed in the provided filing summary
• Filing date: 2026-03-09 — appears timely (Form 4 is generally due within two business days)

Context

• This type of transaction typically reflects tax withholding on exercised options or vested awards (a cashless-like settlement) rather than a directional bet on the stock — shares are surrendered to cover taxes.
• Because shares were withheld by the company (not sold on the open market), this is not the same as an insider selling shares for liquidity.
• No indication in the provided data of a 10% owner status, 10b5-1 plan, or late filing.