Form 4: Altria CEO Gifford's Routine Equity Transactions
Insider Transaction Report
Altria Group CEO William F. Gifford, Jr. reported the vesting of performance stock units and subsequent tax-related share disposition.
Summary
- William F. Gifford, Jr., Altria Group, Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer and Director, acquired 70,364 shares of common stock on February 26, 2026.
- These shares were received upon the vesting of Performance Stock Units (PSUs) granted on February 27, 2023.
- Concurrently, 61,849 shares of common stock were disposed of on February 26, 2026, at a price of $69.7 per share.
- This disposition was to satisfy tax obligations related to the vesting of both Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units.
- Following these transactions, Mr. Gifford directly beneficially owns 681,942 shares of common stock, which includes 173,151 Restricted Stock Units.
- Additionally, 1,747 shares are indirectly held in the Altria Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event, reflecting routine executive compensation vesting and tax-related share disposition, which is a standard part of long-term incentive plans.
Positives
- William F. Gifford, Jr. received 70,364 shares of common stock due to the vesting of Performance Stock Units, indicating successful achievement of performance targets.
- The vesting of PSUs represents a realization of long-term incentive compensation for the CEO.
Negatives
- 61,849 shares were disposed of to cover tax liabilities, reducing the net increase in direct beneficial ownership from the PSU vesting.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that routine insider transactions like Form 4 filings, particularly those related to equity compensation vesting and tax withholding, are common across all industries for executives receiving performance-based awards. They generally reflect pre-planned compensation structures rather than new strategic moves.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as these are routine, pre-scheduled compensation events for an executive. The disposition for taxes slightly increases the float but is not significant.
- Employees: Reflects the company's standard executive compensation practices, which may indirectly influence broader employee incentive structures.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-27 | Date Performance Stock Units were granted. |
| 2026-02-25 | Closing price of Altria Group, Inc. common stock was $69.7, the last trading day immediately preceding the shares vesting. |
| 2026-02-26 | Date of acquisition of common stock upon PSU vesting and disposition of shares for tax purposes. |
| 2026-03-02 | Signature date of the reporting person's representative. |
Keywords
Altria Group, MO, William F. Gifford Jr., CEO, Director, Form 4, insider transaction, stock vesting, performance stock units, restricted stock units, equity compensation, beneficial ownership
Disclaimer:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.