Form 4: Upbound Group EVP Acquires RSUs, Covers Taxes

Upbound Group's EVP, Anthony J. Blasquez, reported acquiring restricted stock units and disposing of shares to cover tax obligations related to vested awards.

Summary

• Anthony J. Blasquez, EVP-RAC of Upbound Group, Inc. (UPBD), acquired 14,925 shares of common stock in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs) on February 23, 2026, at a price of $22.78 per share.
• These newly acquired RSUs are scheduled to vest annually in one-third increments on February 23 of each of the next three years, contingent on continuous employment.
• On February 24, 2026, Mr. Blasquez disposed of 573 shares of common stock at $21.36 per share to cover taxes related to time-based RSUs that vested from a February 24, 2023 grant.
• Also on February 24, 2026, an additional 630 shares of common stock were disposed of at $21.36 per share to cover taxes for time-based RSUs that vested from a February 24, 2025 grant.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Blasquez's total beneficial ownership stands at 54,202 shares, which includes both common stock and unvested restricted stock units.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event. While there were dispositions, they were for tax purposes, and the new RSU grant indicates continued executive alignment and incentive, which is generally favorable.

Positives

• The acquisition of 14,925 restricted stock units aligns executive incentives with shareholder interests, demonstrating continued commitment to the company's long-term performance.

Negatives

• A total of 1,203 shares were disposed of to cover tax obligations, resulting in a slight reduction in direct share ownership, although this is a standard practice for RSU vesting.

Risks

• The vesting of the newly acquired restricted stock units is contingent upon the reporting person's continuous employment with Upbound Group, Inc. as of each vesting date.

Future Outlook

The newly acquired restricted stock units are scheduled to vest in one-third increments annually on February 23 of each of the next three years, provided continuous employment is maintained.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the grant of restricted stock units and subsequent tax-related dispositions upon vesting are standard components of executive compensation packages across various industries, designed to align management's interests with long-term shareholder value.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the RSU grant as a positive sign of executive commitment and alignment with long-term company performance.
• Employees, particularly other executives, may see this as a standard and expected part of the company's compensation structure.

Next Steps

• Future vesting of the 14,925 restricted stock units will occur annually in one-third increments on February 23 of each of the next three years, subject to continuous employment.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions involving the grant of restricted stock units and tax-related dispositions. Such activities are standard executive compensation practices and do not typically indicate a significant change in the company's fundamental outlook or valuation, thus warranting a 'hold' recommendation for seasoned investors.

Keywords

UPBOUND GROUP, UPBD, Form 4, insider transaction, restricted stock units, RSU, executive compensation, stock ownership, Anthony J. Blasquez