Form 4: Aspen Aerogels SVP Reports Equity Grants and Tax Withholding
Insider Transaction Report
Aspen Aerogels' SVP of Sales and Marketing, Corby Whitaker, reported the acquisition of restricted stock units and stock options, alongside a disposition for tax withholding.
Summary
- Corby C. Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Aspen Aerogels, Inc. (ASPN), reported changes in beneficial ownership.
- On March 4, 2026, Whitaker acquired 57,462 shares of Common Stock in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at a price of $0 per share.
- These RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments on March 4, 2027, March 4, 2028, and March 4, 2029.
- On March 5, 2026, Whitaker disposed of 3,907 shares of Common Stock at a price of $3.27 per share to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of RSUs.
- Following this disposition, Whitaker's beneficial ownership of Common Stock was 207,239 shares, comprising 124,588 direct shares and 82,651 RSUs.
- Additionally, on March 4, 2026, Whitaker acquired 77,824 stock options with an exercise price of $3.35 per share at an acquisition price of $0.
- These stock options will also vest in three equal annual installments on March 4, 2027, March 4, 2028, and March 4, 2029, and have an expiration date of March 4, 2036.
- Following these transactions, Whitaker beneficially owns 77,824 stock options.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as moderately positive, reflecting routine executive compensation that aligns management incentives with shareholder value, without indicating any immediate operational or financial concerns.
Positives
- The grant of 57,462 Restricted Stock Units and 77,824 Stock Options aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term performance.
- The acquisition of equity awards at a $0 price for RSUs and options represents a significant component of executive compensation.
Negatives
- A disposition of 3,907 shares was made to cover tax withholding, which is a standard practice but reduces the immediate share count held by the executive.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for Corby Whitaker's equity holdings is tied to the vesting schedules of the Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options, which will occur in three annual installments starting March 4, 2027, and concluding on March 4, 2029. The stock options have an expiration date of March 4, 2036.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that the grant of Restricted Stock Units and stock options to senior executives is a standard practice across various industries. This form of equity compensation is widely used to incentivize long-term performance, align management's interests with those of shareholders, and retain key talent. The tax withholding transaction is also a routine event associated with the vesting of such awards.
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorization of Attorney-in-Fact | Corby Whitaker granted Power of Attorney to Glenn Deegan (Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary) and Andrew Lauzon (Senior Director, Total Reward) to execute and file Forms 3, 4, and 5 on his behalf. | September 22, 2025 | Streamlines the SEC filing process for insider transactions, ensuring timely compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
Related Party Transactions
- Acquisition of 57,462 Restricted Stock Units from Aspen Aerogels, Inc. as part of executive compensation.
- Acquisition of 77,824 Stock Options from Aspen Aerogels, Inc. as part of executive compensation.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The equity grants align the interests of a key executive with long-term shareholder value creation.
- Employees: Reflects standard executive compensation practices within the company.
Next Steps
- Vesting of one-third of the Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options on March 4, 2027.
- Vesting of an additional one-third of the Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options on March 4, 2028.
- Vesting of the final one-third of the Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options on March 4, 2029.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-22 | Date Corby Whitaker executed the Power of Attorney for SEC filings. |
| 2026-03-04 | Date of acquisition of 57,462 Restricted Stock Units and 77,824 Stock Options. |
| 2026-03-05 | Date of disposition of 3,907 shares for tax withholding. |
| 2026-03-06 | Date the Form 4 was signed by the attorney-in-fact. |
| 2027-03-04 | First vesting date for one-third of the acquired Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options. |
| 2028-03-04 | Second vesting date for an additional one-third of the acquired Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options. |
| 2029-03-04 | Final vesting date for the remaining one-third of the acquired Restricted Stock Units and Stock Options. |
| 2036-03-04 | Expiration date for the acquired Stock Options. |
Keywords
ASPN, Aspen Aerogels, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Equity Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Options, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership
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