Form 4: Green Plains CEO Simpkins Reports Share Transactions

Green Plains Inc. CEO of Fluid Quip, G. Patrich Simpkins Jr., reported the acquisition of 38,954 shares and disposition of 26,359 shares of common stock on August 27, 2025, primarily due to PSU vesting and tax withholdings.

Summary

• G. Patrich Simpkins Jr., CEO of Fluid Quip, a subsidiary of Green Plains Inc. (GPRE), reported transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On August 27, 2025, Simpkins disposed of 26,359 shares of common stock at a price of $9.95 per share. This disposition was for tax withholding purposes related to the vesting of previously reported restricted stock grants.
• On the same date, Simpkins acquired 38,954 shares of common stock at a price of $9.95 per share. This acquisition represents shares issued under the March 2023 (10,099 shares), March 2024 (11,516 shares), and March 2025 (48,388 shares) Performance Share Unit (PSU) grants, all net of withholdings.
• All shares vested at target in accordance with the Employment Agreement filed by the Company on Form 10-Q on May 1, 2014.
• Following these transactions, Simpkins beneficially owns 280,227 shares of Green Plains Inc. common stock directly.
• The transactions were made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates routine, expected transactions related to executive compensation, specifically the vesting of performance-based equity awards at target. This suggests the company met its performance goals for these awards, which is a positive signal, though the filing itself is administrative.

Positives

• G. Patrich Simpkins Jr. acquired 38,954 shares of Green Plains Inc. common stock through the vesting of Performance Share Units (PSUs), indicating the achievement of performance targets.
• The net effect of the transactions resulted in an an increase in Simpkins' beneficial ownership by 12,595 shares (38,954 acquired 26,359 disposed).
• The vesting of PSUs at target demonstrates the company's performance met the criteria set for these awards.

Negatives

• 26,359 shares of common stock were disposed of for tax withholding purposes, which is a common but still a reduction in direct ownership.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This filing reflects routine insider equity compensation events. It does not provide broader industry trends or competitive analysis. Such transactions are common across publicly traded companies where executive compensation includes equity awards tied to performance or time-based vesting schedules.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The vesting of PSUs at target could be viewed positively as it suggests the company met performance objectives, potentially aligning management and shareholder interests. The net increase in insider ownership, albeit small, can also be seen as a positive signal.
• Employees: The execution of equity compensation plans demonstrates the company's commitment to its compensation structure.
• Management: G. Patrich Simpkins Jr. received a significant portion of his performance-based compensation, reflecting the achievement of set goals.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions related to executive compensation, specifically the vesting of Performance Share Units (PSUs) and subsequent tax withholding. While the vesting at target is a positive indicator of the company meeting its performance goals, and there's a net increase in the insider's beneficial ownership, these are expected events and do not provide new fundamental information that would warrant a change in investment thesis. The filing itself is administrative and does not typically drive significant share price movement. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as it confirms ongoing compensation practices without introducing new catalysts for a 'buy' or 'sell'.

Keywords

Green Plains Inc., GPRE, G. Patrich Simpkins Jr., Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Transaction, Performance Share Units, PSU Vesting, Tax Withholding, Equity Compensation, CEO Fluid Quip, Rule 10b5-1