Form 4: Lisata Therapeutics EVP Granted Equity, Options

Kristen K. Buck, EVP, R&D and CMO of Lisata Therapeutics, reported the acquisition of restricted stock and stock options, alongside shares withheld for tax liabilities.

Summary

• Kristen K. Buck, Executive Vice President, Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of Lisata Therapeutics, Inc. (LSTA), reported transactions on January 9, 2026.
• Acquired 25,000 shares of Common Stock as restricted stock awards, granted under the Issuer's 2018 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, with a transaction price of $0.
• These restricted stock awards vest in four equal installments: one-fourth on the grant date and an additional one-fourth on each of the first, second, and third annual anniversaries of the grant date.
• Following this acquisition, Buck beneficially owned 104,794 shares, which includes 38,000 unvested restricted stock.
• Disposed of a total of 11,332 shares of Common Stock across four separate transactions on the same date, with a price of $1.97 per share.
• These dispositions represent shares withheld as payment for tax liabilities incurred upon the vesting of restricted stock.
• After these dispositions, Buck's beneficial ownership of Common Stock was 93,462 shares.
• Acquired 13,000 stock options with an exercise price of $1.97 and a transaction price of $0.
• These stock options vest with one-fourth immediately on the grant date, and an additional one-fourth vesting on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date.
• The stock options have an expiration date of January 9, 2036, and represent the right to buy 13,000 shares of Common Stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive as it reflects a standard executive compensation event involving significant equity grants, aligning the executive's interests with the company's long-term performance. The share dispositions are for tax purposes and are a neutral, expected part of equity vesting.

Positives

• The grant of 25,000 restricted stock awards and 13,000 stock options aligns management's interests with shareholder value creation.
• The equity grants are part of the company's 2018 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, indicating a structured approach to executive compensation.

Negatives

• A total of 11,332 shares were disposed of to cover tax liabilities on vesting restricted stock, which reduces the direct shareholding of the executive.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedules for both the restricted stock awards and stock options extend over three years from the grant date, indicating a long-term incentive structure for the executive.

Industry Context

This filing represents a routine disclosure of executive compensation in the form of equity grants, common practice across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to incentivize and retain key personnel.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of restricted stock awards and stock options as part of executive compensation is a standard practice in the biotechnology industry, aligning executive incentives with long-term company performance.
• The vesting schedule, typically over several years, is also consistent with industry norms designed to promote executive retention and sustained focus on strategic goals.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grants align executive incentives with shareholder interests, potentially fostering long-term value creation.
• Employees: Standard executive compensation practices can influence overall company morale and compensation strategies.

Next Steps

• Future Form 4 filings will report subsequent vesting events and any further transactions by Kristen K. Buck.

Key Dates

Keywords

Lisata Therapeutics, LSTA, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock, Stock Options, Executive Compensation, Equity Incentive Plan, Kristen K. Buck