Form 4: Akamai COO Karon Receives RSU Grant, Vests Shares

Akamai Technologies' COO and GM of Edge Technology Group, Adam Karon, reported a new grant of 35,129 Restricted Stock Units and the vesting of 13,086 shares, alongside a tax-related disposition.

Summary

• Adam Karon, COO & GM Edge Technology Group at Akamai Technologies Inc., received a grant of 35,129 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) on March 2, 2026.
• These newly granted RSUs are scheduled to vest over three years in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
• On March 3, 2026, 13,086 RSUs from a previous grant (dated March 3, 2025) vested and converted into common stock.
• Concurrently, 6,328 shares were disposed of at a price of $97.64 per share to cover tax liabilities associated with the RSU vesting.
• Following these transactions, Karon directly beneficially owns 24,945 shares of common stock, which includes 7,111 shares for which receipt has been deferred.
• Karon also indirectly owns 169.621 shares through a 401(k) Plan as of March 3, 2026.
• The remaining derivative securities beneficially owned by Karon consist of 26,173 RSUs.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, reflecting ongoing executive compensation and retention, which aligns management's interests with long-term company performance. The transactions are routine and expected.

Positives

• The grant of 35,129 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to a key executive aligns management's long-term incentives with shareholder value.
• The vesting of 13,086 RSUs demonstrates ongoing executive compensation and retention, reinforcing commitment to the company.

Negatives

• The disposition of 6,328 shares at $97.64 to cover tax liabilities, while a standard practice, results in a reduction of the executive's direct shareholding.

Future Outlook

The filing indicates future vesting events for the newly granted 35,129 RSUs, which will occur in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the March 2, 2026 grant date. Remaining RSUs from the March 3, 2025 grant will also continue to vest on their respective anniversaries.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive RSU grants and vesting, along with associated tax-related dispositions, are standard components of compensation packages in the technology sector. These practices are designed to align executive interests with long-term company performance and are routine events in public company filings.

Related Party Transactions

• The reported transactions involve the grant and vesting of equity awards to a key executive, Adam Karon, which are standard compensation practices and inherently related-party dealings.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aligns executive incentives with shareholder value creation over the long term. The tax-related sale is a routine event and does not indicate a lack of confidence.
• Employees: Reflects standard executive compensation practices within the company, potentially influencing employee morale and retention strategies.

Next Steps

• The 35,129 RSUs granted on March 2, 2026, will vest over three years in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
• Remaining RSUs from the March 3, 2025 grant will continue to vest in equal installments on their respective anniversaries.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The filing details routine executive compensation activities, including RSU grants and vesting with associated tax sales. These transactions are expected and do not provide new fundamental information to warrant a change in investment thesis. The executive's continued equity accumulation through grants suggests alignment with company performance, supporting a 'hold' stance for existing investors.

Keywords

Akamai Technologies, AKAM, Adam Karon, Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Grant, Stock Vesting, Executive Compensation, Edge Technology Group