Form 4: EPAM VP Controller Abrahams Reports RSU Grant, Tax Withholding

EPAM Systems' VP, Corporate Controller, Gary C. Abrahams, reported the vesting of restricted stock units and subsequent tax-related share dispositions, alongside a new RSU grant.

Summary

• Gary C. Abrahams, VP, Corporate Controller, and PAO of EPAM Systems, Inc., reported transactions on March 15, 2026.
• Abrahams disposed of a total of 168 shares of EPAM Common Stock at a price of $137.14 per share.
• These dispositions were made to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of previously granted restricted stock units under the Issuer's Long Term Incentive Plan.
• Concurrently, Abrahams acquired 1,154 restricted stock units (RSUs) at a price of $0.
• These newly acquired RSUs are scheduled to vest in four equal installments of 25% on March 15, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
• Following these transactions, Abrahams' direct beneficial ownership of EPAM Common Stock increased to 3,706.091 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event, reflecting standard executive compensation practices and a continued long-term incentive for a key financial officer, which generally aligns management interests with shareholders.

Positives

• The grant of 1,154 restricted stock units (RSUs) to a key executive indicates continued alignment of management's interests with long-term shareholder value.
• The RSUs vest over a multi-year period (2027-2030), providing a long-term incentive for the executive.

Negatives

• The disposition of 168 shares to cover tax withholding reduces the executive's direct ownership, although this is a common and expected event upon RSU vesting.

Future Outlook

The grant of restricted stock units with a vesting schedule extending to March 15, 2030, indicates a long-term incentive structure for the VP, Corporate Controller, aligning their future performance with the company's long-term success.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the use of restricted stock units (RSUs) as a component of executive compensation is a standard practice across the technology and professional services industries, aiming to align executive incentives with long-term shareholder value creation. This particular filing reflects a routine compensation event for a key financial officer.

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of restricted stock units to Gary C. Abrahams, a VP and Corporate Controller, is a transaction between the company and a key executive, which is a form of related party transaction.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aligns the executive's long-term interests with shareholder value creation. The tax-related dispositions are routine and have minimal impact.
• Employees: This filing pertains to executive compensation and does not directly impact the broader employee base, though it reflects the company's compensation philosophy for senior leadership.

Next Steps

• Vesting of 25% of the 1,154 restricted stock units on March 15, 2027.
• Vesting of 25% of the 1,154 restricted stock units on March 15, 2028.
• Vesting of 25% of the 1,154 restricted stock units on March 15, 2029.
• Vesting of 25% of the 1,154 restricted stock units on March 15, 2030.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine executive compensation activities, specifically the vesting of restricted stock units and a new grant, along with associated tax-related share dispositions. These are standard corporate governance practices aimed at aligning executive incentives with long-term shareholder value. The filing does not contain information that would fundamentally alter the investment thesis for EPAM Systems, Inc., warranting a "hold" recommendation as it reflects expected operational compensation rather than a significant new development.

Keywords

EPAM Systems, EPAM, Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Stock Grant, Tax Withholding, Executive Compensation, Gary C. Abrahams, Corporate Controller, Beneficial Ownership