Form 4: SouthState Bank President's Equity Transactions

SouthState Bank Corp's President, Richard IV Murray, reported the vesting of restricted stock units and subsequent tax-related share withholding on January 1, 2026.

Summary

• Richard IV Murray, President of SouthState Bank Corp (SSB), reported transactions involving common stock on January 1, 2026.
• A total of 2,751 shares of common stock were acquired through the vesting of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) from three separate awards.
• Specifically, 880 shares vested from an RSU award on January 24, 2023; 964 shares vested from an RSU award on January 23, 2024; and 907 shares vested from an RSU award on January 21, 2025.
• 1,352 shares were disposed of at a price of $94.11 per share to cover tax liabilities associated with the vested securities.
• Following these transactions, Richard IV Murray's direct beneficial ownership of SouthState Bank Corp common stock increased to 62,027 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing reports routine executive compensation events, specifically the vesting of Restricted Stock Units and subsequent tax withholding, which are expected and part of standard long-term incentive plans. It reflects an increase in the executive's direct beneficial ownership, which is a minor positive for alignment of interests.

Positives

• The vesting of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) indicates the maturation of long-term incentive compensation plans for a key executive.
• A net increase in the President's direct beneficial ownership of 1,399 shares (2,751 acquired 1,352 disposed) further aligns management's interests with those of shareholders.

Negatives

• 1,352 shares were disposed of to satisfy tax obligations, which is a common practice but reduces the total number of shares held by the executive compared to the gross vested amount.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance beyond the scheduled vesting of previously awarded Restricted Stock Units in 2027 and 2028.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions related to executive compensation, which is a standard practice across publicly traded companies to incentivize and retain key management. It does not provide information on broader industry trends or competitive landscape.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The increase in the President's direct beneficial ownership aligns management's interests more closely with those of shareholders, potentially fostering long-term value creation.

Next Steps

• Future vesting of remaining Restricted Stock Units awarded on January 23, 2024, on January 1, 2027.
• Future vesting of remaining Restricted Stock Units awarded on January 21, 2025, on January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details routine executive compensation events, specifically the vesting of Restricted Stock Units and subsequent tax withholding. These transactions are pre-scheduled and do not provide new material information regarding the company's operational performance, financial health, or strategic direction that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The net increase in the executive's beneficial ownership is a minor positive for alignment of interests but is not a catalyst for a 'buy' or 'sell' decision.

Keywords

SouthState Bank Corp, SSB, Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, Equity Transactions, Share Ownership, Tax Withholding