Form 4: Aptera Motors Grants Options to Interim CFO DaPolito

Aptera Motors Corp. granted its Interim CFO, Thomas James DaPolito, 285,077 employee stock options with a vesting schedule tied to continued service.

Summary

• Thomas James DaPolito, Interim CFO of Aptera Motors Corp. (SEV), was granted 285,077 employee stock options.
• The options were granted on December 30, 2025, under the Issuer's 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
• The exercise price for these options is $4.85 per share.
• The underlying securities are shares of Aptera Motors Corp.'s Class B Common Stock.
• Vesting for the options is structured with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date (December 30, 2026), and the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments over the subsequent 36 months.
• Vesting is contingent upon Mr. DaPolito's continued service through each applicable vesting date.
• The options have an expiration date of December 29, 2035.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing reports a standard executive compensation event (stock option grant) which is generally viewed as a neutral to slightly positive development as it aligns management incentives with shareholder interests, without indicating any immediate operational or financial performance changes.

Positives

• The grant of stock options aligns the interests of Interim CFO Thomas James DaPolito with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term performance and company growth.
• The options were granted under the company's 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, indicating a structured approach to executive compensation and talent retention.

Risks

• The vesting of options is subject to the Reporting Person's continued service through the applicable vesting dates, posing a retention risk if service is not continued.
• The value of the options is dependent on the future market price of Aptera Motors Corp.'s Class B Common Stock, which is subject to market fluctuations and company performance.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the granted options extends over a period of four years, indicating an expectation for the Interim CFO's continued service and contribution to the company's long-term objectives.

Industry Context

The grant of employee stock options to key executives like the Interim CFO is a standard practice in publicly traded companies, particularly in growth-oriented sectors, to incentivize performance, retain talent, and align management interests with shareholder value creation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The structure of this equity grant, including a multi-year vesting schedule, is consistent with common executive compensation practices observed across the automotive and technology sectors, aiming to foster long-term commitment and performance.
• The use of an Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan is a standard corporate governance mechanism for managing and distributing equity-based compensation, comparable to plans at companies like Tesla or Rivian for their executives.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential future dilution upon exercise of options, but also benefit from increased alignment of management's interests with long-term shareholder value.
• Employees (specifically the Interim CFO): Provides a significant equity incentive for continued service and performance, enhancing retention.

Next Steps

• The granted options will begin vesting on December 30, 2026, with subsequent quarterly vesting installments over the following 36 months, subject to continued service.

Key Dates

Keywords

Aptera Motors, SEV, Stock Options, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Equity Incentive Plan, Interim CFO