Form 4: Grocery Outlet HR Chief Receives Equity Grants

Grocery Outlet's EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Andrea Renee Bortner, was granted restricted and performance stock units on March 12, 2026.

Summary

• Andrea Renee Bortner, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer of Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. (GO), received grants of equity awards.
• On March 12, 2026, Ms. Bortner was granted 42,956 restricted stock units (RSUs) and an additional 21,479 RSUs.
• These RSUs will vest in three equal installments on March 1 of 2027, 2028, and 2029, contingent on continued service.
• Ms. Bortner also received grants of 64,433 performance stock units (PSUs) and an additional 32,218 PSUs on March 12, 2026.
• PSUs are earned based on the achievement of specified share price goals over a three-year performance period ending fiscal year 2028, with potential to earn 0-200% of the reported amount.
• Vesting of PSUs is subject to certification by the Compensation Committee and continued employment.
• Following these transactions, Ms. Bortner directly holds 61,364 and 82,843 shares of Common Stock, and indirectly holds 44,468 shares through the Bortner Family Trust.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event, as routine executive equity grants align management incentives with shareholder interests, though it does not indicate a significant change in company fundamentals.

Positives

• The equity grants, including both RSUs and PSUs, align the executive's interests with those of shareholders by tying compensation to company performance and share price appreciation.
• The vesting schedule for RSUs encourages long-term retention of key management personnel.

Risks

• The value of the granted RSUs and PSUs is subject to the future performance of Grocery Outlet's common stock, meaning the actual value realized by the reporting person could be lower than the initial grant value if the stock price declines.
• PSUs are contingent on achieving specified share price goals, and there is a risk that these goals may not be met, resulting in a lower or zero payout for the performance-based awards.

Future Outlook

The performance stock units (PSUs) are tied to the achievement of specified share price goals for Grocery Outlet's common stock over a three-year performance period ending at the close of fiscal year 2028. The actual number of shares earned from PSUs could range from 0% to 200% of the granted amount, depending on the level of performance achieved.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the granting of restricted stock units and performance stock units is a common practice in executive compensation across various industries, including retail and grocery. These types of equity awards are designed to incentivize executives by aligning their financial interests with the long-term performance and shareholder value creation of the company.

Related Party Transactions

• Andrea Renee Bortner holds 44,468 shares indirectly through the Bortner Family Trust, of which she is a Trustee.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grants are intended to align the interests of the EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, with those of shareholders by linking compensation to company performance and share price.
• Employees: The continued employment condition for vesting of both RSUs and PSUs contributes to executive retention and stability within the company's leadership.

Next Steps

• Vesting of RSUs on March 1, 2027, 2028, and 2029, subject to continued service.
• Assessment and certification of PSU performance by the Compensation Committee following the end of fiscal year 2028.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine executive compensation in the form of equity grants. While these grants align executive interests with shareholders, they do not provide new fundamental information about the company's operational performance, financial health, or strategic direction that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as this is a standard, non-material event for investment decisions.

Keywords

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp., GO, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Performance Stock Units, PSU, Executive Compensation, Equity Grant, Andrea Renee Bortner