Form 4: Altria Executive's Stock Vesting and Tax Withholding
Insider Transaction Report
Altria Group SVP Charles N. Whitaker reported the vesting of performance stock units and subsequent tax-related share withholding.
Summary
- Charles N. Whitaker, SVP, Chief HR Officer & CCO of Altria Group, Inc. (MO), reported transactions on February 26, 2026.
- Acquired 9,711 shares of common stock upon the vesting of Performance Stock Units (PSUs) granted on February 27, 2023, with a deemed acquisition price of $0.
- Disposed of 8,932 shares of common stock to satisfy tax obligations related to the vesting of PSUs and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
- The shares withheld for taxes were valued at $69.7 per share, based on the closing price on February 25, 2026.
- Following these transactions, Mr. Whitaker directly beneficially owns 208,777 shares of common stock, which includes 60,552 Restricted Stock Units.
- Additionally, Mr. Whitaker indirectly beneficially owns 1,017 shares through the Altria Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan (DPS).
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event. It is a routine disclosure of executive compensation, reflecting the fulfillment of previously established performance incentives, with no direct positive or negative implications for the company's operational or financial outlook.
Positives
- The vesting of 9,711 Performance Stock Units indicates that performance targets were met, leading to the issuance of shares to the executive.
Negatives
- 8,932 shares were withheld to cover tax liabilities, resulting in a reduction of the executive's direct beneficial ownership.
Future Outlook
NA
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that Form 4 filings are routine disclosures of insider transactions, reflecting executive compensation structures common across publicly traded companies in various industries. The vesting of performance-based awards is a standard component of executive incentive plans designed to align management interests with shareholder value.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as this is a routine compensation event and does not reflect new operational or financial performance.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 02/27/2023 | Date Performance Stock Units were granted. |
| 02/25/2026 | Last trading day immediately preceding the shares vesting, used for valuation of tax withholding. |
| 02/26/2026 | Date of reported transactions (vesting and tax withholding). |
| 03/02/2026 | Date the Form 4 was signed. |
Recommendation
holdThis Form 4 reports a routine executive compensation event involving the vesting of performance stock units and subsequent tax withholding. It does not provide new information that would alter the fundamental investment thesis for Altria Group, Inc., thus a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as it does not present a catalyst for a change in valuation.
Keywords
Altria Group, MO, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Vesting, Executive Compensation, Performance Stock Units, Restricted Stock Units, Charles N. Whitaker
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