Form 4: Albertsons CEO's RSU Tax Withholding Reported

Albertsons Companies, Inc. CEO Susan Morris reported the withholding of restricted stock units to cover FICA taxes due to early retirement eligibility.

Summary

• Susan Morris, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI), reported a transaction involving the withholding of restricted stock units (RSUs).
• The transaction occurred on December 1, 2025, and involved the withholding of both time-based and performance-based RSUs by the Issuer.
• A total of 21,785 RSUs were withheld across various grants, with a deemed price of $18.1 per RSU, totaling $394,378.5.
• The purpose of the withholding was to satisfy FICA taxes, as Morris is eligible for early retirement.
• Following these transactions, Morris's beneficial ownership of time-based RSUs stands at 39,694, 37,147, 38,353, 83,748, 86,460, and 86,461 units from various grants.
• Her beneficial ownership of performance-based RSUs is 29,889, 36,577, 36,557, 36,557, 84,524, 84,523, and 84,523 units from various grants.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing reports a routine administrative transaction related to executive compensation and tax obligations. It does not indicate any positive or negative operational or financial performance, nor does it suggest any strategic shifts. Therefore, the sentiment is neutral.

Future Outlook

This Form 4 filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Industry Context

The withholding of restricted stock units to cover tax obligations upon vesting or earning is a standard practice in executive compensation across various industries, particularly when an executive is eligible for early retirement. This transaction reflects a routine administrative process for equity compensation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The practice of withholding shares to cover FICA taxes upon the vesting or earning of restricted stock units is a common and accepted method of tax settlement for equity compensation in the U.S. corporate landscape.
• This mechanism is widely used by publicly traded companies, including major retailers and consumer staples companies, to manage executive equity awards efficiently and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• No specific comparable companies or projects are detailed in this filing, but the method aligns with general industry standards for executive compensation and tax management.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as this is a routine tax-related transaction for executive compensation and does not reflect a change in company performance or strategy.
• Employees: No direct impact on the broader employee base.
• Customers/Suppliers/Creditors: No direct impact.

Next Steps

• The remaining restricted stock units held by Susan Morris will continue to vest or be earned according to their original schedules, with the earliest vesting/earning dates in February 2026 and the latest in February 2028.

Key Dates

Keywords

Albertsons Companies Inc., ACI, Susan Morris, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Executive Compensation, FICA Taxes, Early Retirement