Form 4: Ultragenyx EVP Harris Reports Share Transactions

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical's EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Erik Harris, reported the acquisition of shares from performance units and subsequent sale for tax obligations.

Summary

• Erik Harris, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (RARE), acquired 11,643 shares of common stock on March 1, 2026.
• These shares were obtained at a price of $0 through the conversion of previously granted performance stock units (PSUs) after performance metrics were certified.
• Following this acquisition, Harris beneficially owned 99,498 shares.
• On March 2, 2026, Harris disposed of 10,539 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $22.80 per share, with prices ranging from $22.54 to $23.11.
• The sale was conducted to cover required tax withholdings associated with the vesting of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• After this transaction, Harris's beneficial ownership stands at 89,515 shares.
• The reported beneficial ownership includes 556 shares acquired under the Company's Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan on April 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025.
• It also includes previously reported shares of common stock underlying RSUs that are subject to certain vesting conditions.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as moderately positive. While there was a sale of shares, it was for tax purposes, which is a neutral event. The underlying acquisition of shares from performance units indicates successful achievement of company goals by the executive.

Positives

• Erik Harris acquired 11,643 shares of common stock through the conversion of performance stock units, indicating successful achievement of performance metrics.
• The vesting of performance stock units and RSUs demonstrates the company's compensation structure is rewarding executive performance.

Negatives

• Erik Harris sold 10,539 shares of common stock, reducing his direct beneficial ownership, although this was primarily for tax withholdings.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, such as those reported in a Form 4, are common occurrences in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly for executives receiving equity compensation. The sale of shares to cover tax obligations upon vesting of equity awards is a standard practice and generally not indicative of a change in management's long-term view of the company.

Related Party Transactions

• The transactions reported involve an executive officer of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. and the company's securities, which are inherently related-party dealings in the context of insider trading disclosures.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The vesting of performance units could be seen as a positive signal regarding executive performance, while the sale for tax purposes is a neutral event. The overall change in beneficial ownership is minor relative to the company's total shares outstanding.
• Employees: The vesting of equity awards reinforces the company's compensation structure and its ability to reward performance.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions related to executive compensation, specifically the vesting of performance units and subsequent sale for tax obligations. These events are generally expected and do not provide new fundamental information about Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.'s operational performance or strategic direction that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. Therefore, a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate as the filing does not present a compelling reason to alter an existing position.

Keywords

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, RARE, Erik Harris, EVP Chief Commercial Officer, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Transaction, Performance Stock Units, PSU, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Tax Withholding, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, ESPP