Form 4: Precision BioSciences CRO Vests, Sells Shares for Tax

Precision BioSciences' Chief Research Officer, J. Jefferson Smith, reported the vesting of Restricted Stock Units and a subsequent sell-to-cover transaction for tax obligations.

Summary

• J. Jefferson Smith, Chief Research Officer of Precision BioSciences Inc. (DTIL), reported transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On February 17, 2026, 16,667 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) vested, representing a contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's Common Stock.
• Following the vesting, on February 18, 2026, Smith sold 4,925 shares of common stock at a price of $3.84 per share.
• This sale was executed under a Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted on April 25, 2024, and was solely to cover tax withholding obligations in connection with the RSU vesting.
• After these transactions, Smith directly beneficially owns 121,926 shares of common stock and indirectly owns 7,931 shares via a Charitable Remainder Unitrust.
• Smith also beneficially owns 33,333 derivative securities in the form of Restricted Stock Units.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as slightly positive due to the vesting of RSUs, which aligns management's interests with shareholders. The subsequent sale was a routine tax-related transaction, not a discretionary sale, thus mitigating any negative sentiment.

Positives

• The vesting of 16,667 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) indicates continued service and alignment of management interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• A sale of 4,925 shares of common stock occurred, though it was explicitly stated to be a "sell-to-cover" transaction solely for tax withholding obligations, not a discretionary sale.

Future Outlook

Remaining Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) will vest in two additional substantially equal annual installments beginning on February 17, 2026, subject to J. Jefferson Smith's continued service to Precision BioSciences Inc.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that this Form 4 filing represents a routine insider transaction, specifically a "sell-to-cover" event, which is common for executives receiving equity compensation. Such transactions are typically not indicative of a change in management's outlook on the company's prospects, especially when executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal impact, as the transaction is routine and tax-related, not signaling a change in management confidence.
• Employees: No direct impact.
• Customers: No direct impact.
• Suppliers: No direct impact.
• Creditors: No direct impact.

Next Steps

• Remaining Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) will vest in two additional substantially equal annual installments beginning on February 17, 2026.

Key Dates

Keywords

Precision BioSciences, DTIL, J. Jefferson Smith, Chief Research Officer, Insider Trading, Form 4, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Vesting, Sell-to-Cover, Rule 10b5-1 Plan