Form 4: CWT Executive Reports Restricted Stock Grant & Tax Withholding

California Water Service Group's VP of Water Quality and Environmental Affairs, Sophie Marwieh James, reported receiving a restricted stock grant and subsequent tax-related share disposition.

Summary

• Sophie Marwieh James, VP Water Qual & Envir Affairs at California Water Service Group (CWT), reported transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On March 3, 2026, James acquired 1,650 shares of common stock as a restricted stock grant under the company's equity incentive plan.
• This restricted stock grant vests with one-third on March 3, 2027, and the remaining two-thirds vesting quarterly over the succeeding 24 months.
• On March 4, 2026, 233 shares were disposed of at a price of $46.99 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of a Restricted Stock Award granted on March 4, 2025.
• Following these transactions, James beneficially owns 8,094.706 shares of common stock.
• The reported beneficial ownership includes shares acquired through Dividend Reinvestment and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as neutral, representing routine executive compensation and tax-related transactions that are standard practice and do not indicate significant operational or financial changes for the company.

Positives

• The grant of 1,650 restricted shares aligns the executive's interests with long-term shareholder value through an equity incentive plan.

Negatives

• The disposition of 233 shares for tax withholding purposes slightly reduces the executive's direct beneficial ownership.

Future Outlook

The restricted stock granted on March 3, 2026, is scheduled to vest with one-third on March 3, 2027, and the remaining two-thirds vesting quarterly over the subsequent 24 months, indicating a future alignment of executive incentives.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive compensation through restricted stock grants is a common practice across various industries, including utilities, to incentivize long-term performance and retention. The tax-related disposition of shares is a standard procedure upon vesting of such awards.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of restricted stock is a form of executive compensation, which can align management incentives with shareholder interests over the long term. The tax-related disposition is a minor, routine event.

Next Steps

• The restricted stock granted on March 3, 2026, will vest in installments, with the first one-third vesting on March 3, 2027, and the remainder vesting quarterly over the subsequent 24 months.

Key Dates

Keywords

CWT, California Water Service Group, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Restricted Stock, Equity Incentive Plan, Executive Compensation, Stock Grant, Tax Withholding