Form 4: D-Wave Quantum CEO Alan Baratz Reports RSU Grant

D-Wave Quantum Inc. CEO Alan Baratz reports a grant of 753,941 restricted stock units, with vesting scheduled through January 1, 2030.

Summary

• Alan Baratz, President & CEO and Director of D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS), has reported a transaction on April 30, 2026.
• The transaction involves the grant of 753,941 restricted stock units (RSUs).
• Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the company's common stock.
• These RSUs will vest in equal quarterly installments starting from April 30, 2026, and concluding on January 1, 2030.
• Vesting is contingent upon Mr. Baratz's continued service to the company.
• As of the reporting date, 47,122 RSUs from this grant have vested but the shares have not yet been delivered.
• Following this grant, Mr. Baratz beneficially owns 3,318,313 shares of common stock, which includes 1,270,220 unvested RSUs.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral filing, as it represents a standard executive compensation event rather than a significant financial or strategic development.

Positives

• The grant of RSUs to the CEO indicates a long-term incentive structure designed to retain key leadership.
• The phased vesting schedule over several years aligns management's interests with the company's sustained growth and performance.
• The CEO's continued service is a prerequisite for vesting, demonstrating commitment to the company's future.

Negatives

• The majority of the reported RSUs (1,270,220) are unvested, meaning their value is contingent on future performance and continued employment.
• A portion of the RSUs (47,122) have vested but shares have not yet been delivered, which could indicate a minor administrative delay or a standard part of the RSU settlement process.

Risks

• The value of the RSUs is subject to the future performance of D-Wave Quantum Inc.'s stock price.
• If Mr. Baratz's service to the company is terminated before vesting, the unvested RSUs will be forfeited.
• The vesting schedule extends to January 1, 2030, meaning the full benefit of this grant is tied to long-term company success.

Future Outlook

The vesting of 753,941 RSUs is tied to continued service through January 1, 2030, indicating a long-term outlook for the CEO's role and commitment to the company's future performance.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the granting of significant RSUs to a CEO is a common practice in the technology sector, particularly for growth-oriented companies like D-Wave Quantum, to align executive incentives with long-term shareholder value creation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant represents potential future dilution, but also signals executive commitment and alignment with long-term value creation.
• Employees: May be indicative of the company's broader compensation strategy for its leadership.
• Management: Reinforces the CEO's long-term incentive and commitment to the company.

Next Steps

• Continued service by Alan Baratz to meet vesting requirements for the RSUs.
• Quarterly vesting of RSUs as per the schedule.
• Delivery of shares upon vesting.

Key Dates

Keywords

D-Wave Quantum, QBTS, Alan Baratz, Form 4, SEC Filing, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Grant, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Stock Vesting