Form 4: Leidos Sector President Exercises Options, Boosts Holdings

Leidos Holdings, Inc. Sector President Elizabeth A. Porter exercised stock options and increased her direct beneficial ownership by 1,035 shares.

Summary

• Elizabeth A. Porter, Sector President of Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS), reported transactions involving company common stock.
• On February 23, 2026, Porter acquired 3,240 shares of common stock by exercising stock options at a price of $62.43 per share.
• Concurrently, 2,205 shares of common stock were disposed of at $173.5 per share, representing shares withheld by the issuer to cover the exercise price and associated fees.
• Following these transactions, Porter's direct beneficial ownership of Leidos common stock increased to 49,058 shares from 48,023 shares (51,263 shares before disposition, minus 2,205 shares disposed, plus 3,240 shares acquired, resulting in a net increase of 1,035 shares from the previous reported total if we assume the 51,263 was the total after acquisition but before disposition for fees). The filing states 51,263 shares beneficially owned following the acquisition, and 49,058 shares following the disposition.
• The transactions were made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event. While some shares were sold, it was for routine tax and fee coverage, and the executive's net direct ownership increased, indicating continued alignment with shareholder value.

Positives

• Elizabeth A. Porter, a key executive, increased her direct beneficial ownership of Leidos common stock by a net of 1,035 shares, signaling continued alignment with shareholder interests.
• The exercise of stock options at $62.43 per share, significantly below the disposition price of $173.5 per share, indicates a substantial in-the-money value for the options.

Negatives

• A portion of the acquired shares (2,205 shares) was immediately disposed of to cover the exercise price and associated fees, reducing the overall increase in direct ownership.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly those involving option exercises and sell-to-cover dispositions, are common occurrences in publicly traded companies. These transactions often reflect pre-planned liquidity events or compensation structures rather than immediate shifts in executive sentiment about the company's short-term prospects.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The net increase in direct beneficial ownership by a key executive may be viewed positively as it aligns management's interests with those of shareholders.

Key Dates

Keywords

Leidos Holdings, LDOS, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Options, Executive Compensation, Beneficial Ownership, Rule 10b5-1