Form 4: CRC Executive Jay Bys Reports Stock Transactions

California Resources Corp's EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Jay A. Bys, reported the acquisition of 13,113 shares and disposition of 9,033 shares for tax withholding.

Summary

• Jay A. Bys, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer of California Resources Corp (CRC), reported transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On February 23, 2026, Mr. Bys acquired 13,113 shares of common stock, representing performance stock units (PSUs) granted on February 23, 2023, whose performance criteria were certified on the transaction date.
• Concurrently, Mr. Bys disposed of 9,033 shares of common stock at a price of $58.15 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock units (RSUs) and PSUs on February 23, 2026.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Bys beneficially owns 170,090 shares of California Resources Corp common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as slightly positive because the executive acquired a significant number of shares through performance-based vesting, indicating successful goal achievement, and the net effect is an increase in beneficial ownership despite tax-related dispositions.

Positives

• Acquisition of 13,113 shares of common stock through the vesting of performance stock units (PSUs) indicates successful achievement of performance criteria.
• The net increase in beneficial ownership (13,113 shares acquired versus 9,033 shares disposed for tax) suggests continued alignment of executive interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• Disposition of 9,033 shares of common stock, even if for tax withholding purposes, reduces the executive's direct holdings.

Future Outlook

Not applicable as this Form 4 filing reports past insider transactions and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, such as those reported in a Form 4, are a routine part of executive compensation and equity incentive plans across the energy sector. The vesting of performance-based awards is common, reflecting the achievement of pre-defined corporate goals.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• StockSavvy.ai observes that the structure of executive compensation, including performance stock units (PSUs) and restricted stock units (RSUs) with tax withholding provisions upon vesting, is standard practice across major oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Occidental Petroleum.
• The reported transactions align with typical equity incentive plan mechanics designed to align executive interests with long-term shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The transactions indicate that an executive's interests remain aligned with shareholders through equity ownership, with a net increase in shares held.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated.
• Customers/Suppliers/Creditors: No direct impact on these stakeholders is indicated.

Key Dates

Keywords

California Resources Corp, CRC, Jay A. Bys, insider trading, Form 4, beneficial ownership, common stock, performance stock units, restricted stock units, executive compensation, stock vesting, tax withholding