Form 4: Apellis General Counsel Exercises Stock Options
Insider Transaction Report
Apellis Pharmaceuticals' General Counsel, David O. Watson, acquired 888 shares of common stock through the exercise of stock options in a pre-planned transaction.
Summary
- David O. Watson, General Counsel of Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., exercised stock options to acquire 888 shares of common stock.
- The transaction is scheduled for January 7, 2026, at an exercise price of $14.95 per share, pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan.
- Following this transaction, Watson will directly own 104,618 shares of common stock.
- He also indirectly owns 10,000 shares in a custodial account for minor children and 50,136 shares through The David O. Watson Irrevocable Trust of 2023.
- The exercised options were granted on February 16, 2018, with a vesting schedule over four years and an expiration date of February 15, 2028.
- Watson will beneficially own 14,000 derivative securities (stock options) after this transaction.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: Slightly positive due to an insider acquiring shares, indicating confidence. However, it's a routine, pre-planned option exercise with a future date, rather than an immediate open market purchase, which moderates the positive signal.
Positives
- An insider, the General Counsel, is acquiring shares through option exercise, which can signal confidence in the company's future, even if pre-planned.
Future Outlook
NA
Industry Context
This is a routine insider transaction under a 10b5-1 plan and does not directly provide information on broader industry trends or competitive landscape. While insider acquisitions can be a positive signal, the pre-planned nature and future date of the transaction temper its immediate market impact as an indicator of current sentiment.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders may view the General Counsel's scheduled exercise of options as a sign of continued confidence in the company's future performance, although the pre-planned nature reduces its immediate signaling power.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2018-02-16 | Grant date of the stock option. |
| 2026-01-07 | Scheduled date of stock option exercise and acquisition of common stock. |
| 2026-01-09 | Date the Form 4 was signed. |
| 2028-02-15 | Expiration date of the stock option. |
Keywords
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, APLS, Insider Transaction, Stock Option Exercise, David O. Watson, General Counsel, SEC Form 4, Beneficial Ownership, 10b5-1 Plan
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.