Form 4: Clean Harbors Co-CEO Battles Reports Stock Transactions

Clean Harbors Co-CEO Michael Battles reported the acquisition of restricted stock awards and the disposition of shares for tax purposes.

Summary

• Michael Louis Battles, CO-CEO and Director of Clean Harbors Inc. (CLH), reported several transactions related to his beneficial ownership.
• On February 2, 2026, 5,205 shares of Common Stock were disposed of at a price of $259.91 per share to satisfy tax liabilities incident to the vesting of securities.
• On February 1, 2026, Mr. Battles acquired 10,290 shares as a Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award, with a price of $0. These shares are scheduled to vest 50% on March 15, 2028, and 50% on March 15, 2029, contingent on achieving specific goals during the performance period of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027.
• Also on February 1, 2026, Mr. Battles acquired 10,690 shares as a Restricted Stock Award, with a price of $0. These shares will vest in four equal annual installments of 25% on February 1, 2027, February 1, 2028, February 1, 2029, and February 1, 2030.
• Following these reported transactions, Michael Battles directly beneficially owns a total of 98,686 shares of Common Stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, reflecting ongoing executive compensation and alignment with long-term company performance through new restricted stock awards, while the share disposition is a routine tax-related event.

Positives

• Michael Battles received 10,290 shares as a Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award, indicating a strong alignment of executive incentives with future company performance.
• An additional 10,690 shares were granted as a Restricted Stock Award, further reinforcing management's long-term commitment and interest in shareholder value.

Negatives

• 5,205 shares were disposed of to cover tax liabilities, which, while a routine event, represents a reduction in direct share ownership.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedules for the restricted stock awards extend to 2029 and 2030, indicating a long-term incentive structure for the CO-CEO. The performance-based award ties future compensation to specific company goals during the 2027 fiscal year, aligning executive interests with future operational success.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive stock awards and dispositions for tax purposes are standard practices in publicly traded companies. This filing reflects routine compensation and tax management for a senior executive, aligning their long-term incentives with shareholder value and managing personal tax obligations.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The new restricted stock awards align the CO-CEO's long-term interests with shareholder value, as vesting is tied to future performance and time.
• Management: The awards provide significant long-term incentives and compensation for the CO-CEO, encouraging sustained engagement and performance.

Next Steps

• Achievement of certain performance goals during the period 1/1/2027 through 12/31/2027 for the performance-based awards.
• Vesting of 25% of the Restricted Stock Award on February 1, 2027.
• Vesting of 25% of the Restricted Stock Award on February 1, 2028.
• Vesting of 50% of the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award on March 15, 2028.
• Vesting of 25% of the Restricted Stock Award on February 1, 2029.
• Vesting of 50% of the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award on March 15, 2029.
• Vesting of 25% of the Restricted Stock Award on February 1, 2030.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details routine executive compensation and tax-related share disposition. It does not provide new information about the company's operational performance, financial health, or strategic direction that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The awards align executive interests with long-term performance, which is generally positive, but not a catalyst for a 'buy' or 'sell' decision based solely on this filing.

Keywords

CLH, Clean Harbors, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Award, Performance-Based Award, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership