Form 4: Watts Water Exec Sells Shares, Covers Taxes
Insider Transaction Report
Watts Water Technologies officer Elie Melhem reported sales of Class A Common Stock, including shares disposed for tax obligations and a sale under a 10b5-1 plan.
Summary
- Elie Melhem, PresidentAPAC, M. East, Afr. at Watts Water Technologies Inc. (WTS), reported several transactions involving Class A Common Stock.
- On March 16, 2026, Melhem disposed of a total of 1,087 shares (219, 223, and 645 shares) at a price of $297.8 per share to cover tax withholding obligations.
- These tax-related dispositions were non-discretionary, required by the terms of deferred stock awards granted on March 14, 2025, and March 14, 2024, and restricted stock units purchased on March 15, 2023.
- Following these tax-related dispositions, Melhem's direct beneficial ownership was 15,000 shares.
- On March 17, 2026, Melhem sold 3,029 shares of Class A Common Stock at $303.05 per share.
- This sale was executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by the reporting person on September 10, 2025.
- After all reported transactions, Melhem directly beneficially owned 11,971 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a routine insider transaction, primarily involving non-discretionary tax-related dispositions and a pre-planned sale, which typically has a neutral impact on market sentiment.
Positives
- Vesting of deferred stock awards and restricted stock units indicates prior compensation grants to the reporting person.
Negatives
- A reduction in the reporting person's direct beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock by a total of 4,116 shares (1,087 for taxes + 3,029 for sale).
Future Outlook
No forward-looking statements or guidance are provided in this insider transaction report.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transaction reports like this Form 4 are specific to individual executive stock movements and do not typically reflect broader industry trends or competitive dynamics. They provide transparency into executive compensation and personal investment strategies.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The transactions represent a minor reduction in an executive's direct ownership, which is a routine event for compensation and personal financial planning.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 03/15/2023 | Purchase date of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) under the Issuer's Management Stock Purchase Plan (MSPP). |
| 03/14/2024 | Grant date of a deferred stock award, vesting of which led to tax disposition. |
| 03/14/2025 | Grant date of a deferred stock award, vesting of which led to tax disposition. |
| 09/10/2025 | Date Rule 10b5-1 trading plan was adopted by the reporting person. |
| 03/16/2026 | Transaction date for dispositions of 1,087 shares to cover tax withholding obligations. |
| 03/17/2026 | Transaction date for the sale of 3,029 shares of Class A Common Stock under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. |
| 03/18/2026 | Signature date of the Form 4 filing. |
Keywords
Watts Water Technologies, WTS, Insider Trading, Form 4, Stock Sale, Tax Withholding, Rule 10b5-1 Plan, Executive Compensation
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