Form 4: D-Wave Quantum Director Kirstjen Nielsen Granted Over 14,000 Restricted Stock Units

D-Wave Quantum Inc. director Kirstjen Nielsen was granted 14,260 restricted stock units (RSUs) on June 5, 2025, aligning her interests with the company's long-term performance.

Summary

• Kirstjen Nielsen, a Director of D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS), acquired 14,260 shares of Common Stock on June 5, 2025.
• The acquisition was in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), with a transaction price of $0 per unit.
• Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock.
• These RSUs are scheduled to vest on May 31, 2026, contingent upon Ms. Nielsen's continued service to the Issuer.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Nielsen beneficially owns a total of 191,317 shares of Common Stock.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities, intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is positive as it indicates standard corporate governance and aligns the director's interests with the company's long-term success, though it is a routine transaction and not indicative of extraordinary news.

Positives

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to a director aligns their financial interests directly with the long-term performance and shareholder value of D-Wave Quantum Inc.
• RSU grants are a common form of non-cash compensation for directors, indicating standard corporate governance practices.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule of the RSUs on May 31, 2026, implies an expectation of continued service from the director, reinforcing stability in corporate governance.

Industry Context

The granting of restricted stock units to directors is a standard compensation practice across various industries, including the technology and quantum computing sectors, designed to incentivize long-term commitment and performance.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as a form of director compensation is a widely accepted and common practice across publicly traded companies, including those in the technology and emerging quantum computing sectors.
• The vesting schedule tied to continued service is typical for such equity grants, aligning with corporate governance best practices for retaining key personnel and aligning their interests with shareholders.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of 14,260 Restricted Stock Units by Kirstjen Nielsen, a director of D-Wave Quantum Inc., constitutes a related party transaction as it involves compensation provided by the company to a member of its board of directors.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aligns the director's financial incentives with shareholder interests, potentially leading to more focused long-term decision-making.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated by this specific filing.

Next Steps

• The 14,260 Restricted Stock Units are expected to vest on May 31, 2026, converting into shares of Common Stock, assuming the director's continued service.

Key Dates

Keywords

D-Wave Quantum, QBTS, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Insider Transaction, Director Compensation, Kirstjen Nielsen, Form 4, Equity Compensation