Form 4: Levi Strauss GC Jedrzejek Reports Equity Transactions

Levi Strauss & Co.'s SVP and General Counsel, David Jedrzejek, reported the acquisition of restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights, alongside tax-related share withholdings and a planned sale of shares.

Summary

• David Jedrzejek, SVP and General Counsel of Levi Strauss & Co., reported several equity transactions.
• On January 30, 2026, Jedrzejek acquired 14,104 shares of Class A Common Stock through restricted stock units (RSUs) at a price of $0.00. These RSUs vest in four equal installments of 25% annually from January 29, 2027, to January 25, 2030.
• Also on January 30, 2026, 3,231 shares of Class A Common Stock were disposed of at $19.88 to cover tax obligations from the settlement of vested RSUs.
• On February 3, 2026, Jedrzejek sold 2,248 shares of Class A Common Stock at $19.60, a transaction executed under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 Plan.
• Additionally, on January 30, 2026, Jedrzejek was granted 42,312 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) with an exercise price of $19.88. These SARs also vest in four equal installments of 25% annually from January 29, 2027, to January 25, 2030, and expire on January 29, 2036.
• Following these transactions, Jedrzejek beneficially owns 106,818 shares of Class A Common Stock and 42,312 Stock Appreciation Rights.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral to slightly positive report. The grants of RSUs and SARs are positive for executive alignment, while the sales are routine for tax purposes and pre-planned, thus not signaling negative sentiment.

Positives

• Grant of 14,104 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to a key executive, aligning management's interests with shareholder value.
• Grant of 42,312 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) to a key executive, providing incentive for long-term performance.

Negatives

• Disposal of 3,231 shares at $19.88 to cover tax obligations, which is a common but non-discretionary reduction in direct ownership.
• Sale of 2,248 shares at $19.60 under a Rule 10b5-1 Plan, representing a reduction in direct ownership, although pre-planned.

Future Outlook

The filing indicates future vesting schedules for RSUs and SARs, with 25% vesting annually from January 29, 2027, through January 25, 2030, contingent on continuous service. The SARs have an expiration date of January 29, 2036.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the use of restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights as executive compensation is a standard practice across many industries, including retail and apparel, to incentivize long-term performance and align executive interests with shareholder returns. The sale of shares under a Rule 10b5-1 plan is also a common mechanism for insiders to sell shares in a pre-arranged, compliant manner, reducing concerns about opportunistic trading.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of equity awards to a senior executive aligns management's incentives with shareholder value creation. The pre-planned sale of shares provides transparency regarding executive stock dispositions.
• Employees: The vesting schedule for RSUs and SARs is contingent on continuous service, which can influence executive retention.

Next Steps

• First vesting of RSUs and SARs on January 29, 2027.
• Subsequent annual vesting of RSUs and SARs on January 28, 2028, January 26, 2029, and January 25, 2030.
• Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights on January 29, 2036.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine equity compensation grants and pre-planned sales by a senior executive. While the grants align executive interests with shareholders, the sales are either for tax purposes or part of a pre-established plan, offering no new fundamental insights into the company's performance or future prospects. Therefore, it does not warrant a change in investment posture based solely on this report.

Keywords

Levi Strauss, LEVI, Form 4, Insider Trading, David Jedrzejek, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Stock Appreciation Rights, SAR, 10b5-1 Plan, Equity Compensation, Executive Compensation