Form 4: NASDAQ Executive Receives Stock Award

NASDAQ, Inc. reports a significant stock award to EVP & CFO Sarah Youngwood, detailing the terms of Restricted Stock Units and existing beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Sarah Youngwood, EVP & CFO of NASDAQ, Inc., received an award of 15,267 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) on April 1, 2026.
• These RSUs are part of the Issuer's Equity Incentive Plan and represent a contingent right to receive one share of NASDAQ's Common Stock per unit.
• The RSUs will vest in tranches: 33% on April 1, 2028, 33% on April 1, 2029, and the remaining portion on April 1, 2030.
• Following this award, Youngwood's beneficial ownership of NASDAQ common stock totals 74,558 shares or units.
• This total includes 74,236 shares or units of restricted stock (13,341 of which are vested) and 322 shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral to slightly positive filing, reflecting standard executive compensation practices rather than significant new financial performance or strategic shifts.

Positives

• Significant stock award granted to a key executive (EVP & CFO), indicating continued investment in leadership and potential alignment of executive interests with shareholder value.
• The award is structured with a multi-year vesting schedule (2028-2030), promoting long-term retention and commitment from the executive.
• The executive's beneficial ownership of NASDAQ stock is substantial (74,558 shares/units), demonstrating a strong personal stake in the company's performance.

Future Outlook

The future outlook is tied to the vesting of the RSUs, which are contingent on continued service through April 1, 2030. The award itself suggests management's expectation of continued company operations and value appreciation.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that equity awards to senior executives are a common practice in the financial technology and exchange sector, aligning executive incentives with long-term company performance and shareholder interests. NASDAQ, as a major exchange operator, utilizes such compensation structures to retain key talent.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The award aligns executive interests with long-term shareholder value creation through equity incentives. The vesting schedule encourages executive retention.
• Employees: The RSU award is part of the broader Equity Incentive Plan, which may also benefit other employees, fostering a culture of ownership.
• Management: Reinforces the compensation structure for key executives, ensuring alignment with company goals.

Next Steps

• Vesting of Restricted Stock Units on April 1, 2028, April 1, 2029, and April 1, 2030, contingent on continued employment.
• Potential future reporting of further transactions or changes in beneficial ownership by Sarah Youngwood.

Key Dates

Keywords

NASDAQ, Stock Award, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, EVP & CFO, Beneficial Ownership, Equity Incentive Plan, Vesting Schedule