Form 4: Aqua Metals CEO Stephen Cotton Reports Routine Share Disposition for Tax Obligations
Insider Transaction Report
Aqua Metals, Inc. CEO Stephen Cotton reported a disposition of 9,301 common shares valued at $0.49 per share to cover tax liabilities related to the vesting of restricted stock units, maintaining a beneficial ownership of 592,154 shares.
Summary
- Stephen Cotton, CEO and Director of Aqua Metals, Inc. (AQMS), reported a transaction on July 1, 2025.
- The transaction involved the disposition of 9,301 shares of common stock.
- These shares were withheld and returned to the plan to cover the tax liability associated with the vesting of a previously granted restricted share award.
- The shares were valued at $0.49 per share for this purpose.
- Following this transaction, Stephen Cotton beneficially owns 592,154 shares of Aqua Metals common stock.
- This total includes 374,750 shares underlying restricted stock units (RSUs) that are not yet vested and deliverable.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The transaction is a routine administrative event (shares withheld for tax liability upon RSU vesting) and does not indicate any significant positive or negative operational or financial developments for the company.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delegation of Authority | Stephen Cotton granted Eric West a Limited Power of Attorney to prepare, execute, acknowledge, deliver, and file Forms 3, 4, and 5 with the SEC on his behalf, related to Section 16 reporting obligations. | 07/03/2025 | This streamlines the process for Stephen Cotton's compliance with SEC Section 16 reporting requirements by delegating the administrative task to an attorney-in-fact. |
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The transaction is a routine administrative event related to executive compensation and does not directly impact the company's operations or financial performance. It represents a minor dilution from the vesting of previously granted equity, offset by the tax payment.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 07/01/2025 | Date of transaction (disposition of shares for tax liability related to RSU vesting). |
| 07/03/2025 | Date the Form 4 was signed by power of attorney and the Limited Power of Attorney was executed. |
Keywords
Aqua Metals, AQMS, Stephen Cotton, CEO, Director, Form 4, SEC filing, insider transaction, restricted stock units, RSU vesting, tax withholding, beneficial ownership
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