Form 4: Universal Corp. VP & Controller Reports Routine Stock Awards and Tax-Related Dispositions

Universal Corp.'s VP & Controller, Scott J. Bleicher, reported the vesting of performance shares and restricted stock units, alongside subsequent share dispositions for tax withholding, as detailed in a recent SEC Form 4 filing.

Summary

• Scott J. Bleicher, VP & Controller of Universal Corp. (UVV), reported several transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On May 30, 2025, Mr. Bleicher was awarded 1,650 restricted stock units (RSUs) at a price of $0, which are set to vest on the third anniversary of the award date.
• Also on May 30, 2025, 2,100 previously granted performance shares vested, also at a price of $0.
• To satisfy withholding taxes related to the vested performance shares, 843 shares of common stock were surrendered to the company on May 30, 2025, at a price of $65.39 per share.
• On June 2, 2025, an additional 671 shares of common stock were surrendered to the company at $65.30 per share to cover withholding taxes for previously vested restricted stock units.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Bleicher's beneficial ownership stands at 12,883 shares of common stock, which includes 4,970 restricted stock units and 314 dividend equivalent units, reflecting an adjustment from a prior filing that had overstated dividend equivalent units.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The document reports routine insider compensation and tax-related transactions, which are generally neutral in sentiment as they reflect standard executive compensation practices rather than strategic shifts or performance outcomes.

Positives

• The reporting person received an award of 1,650 restricted stock units, representing future equity compensation.
• 2,100 previously granted performance shares vested, indicating the achievement of performance targets and conversion into common stock.

Negatives

• A total of 1,514 shares (843 + 671) were disposed of to satisfy tax withholding obligations, reducing the direct share count.

Future Outlook

The 1,650 restricted stock units awarded on May 30, 2025, are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the award date.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details routine insider compensation and tax-related transactions, which are common across all industries for publicly traded companies and do not reflect specific industry trends.

Stakeholder Impact

• Minimal direct impact on shareholders as these are routine executive compensation and tax-related transactions, not indicative of major operational or financial changes.

Next Steps

• The 1,650 restricted stock units awarded on May 30, 2025, are scheduled to vest on the third anniversary of the award date.

Key Dates

Keywords

SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Universal Corp, UVV, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Stock Compensation, Tax Withholding, Beneficial Ownership