Form 4: Zumiez Legal Officer Granted Restricted Stock, Options

Zumiez Inc.'s Chief Legal Officer, Chris K. Visser, reported the acquisition of restricted stock and stock options, alongside shares withheld for tax obligations.

Summary

• Chris K. Visser, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary of Zumiez Inc., acquired 11,510 shares of common stock as a restricted stock grant on March 16, 2026.
• These restricted shares were acquired at a price of $0.00 and will vest over a 3-year period.
• Visser also acquired 22,624 stock options on March 16, 2026, with an exercise price of $21.72.
• These stock options will vest over a 4-year period in equal annual installments and expire on March 16, 2036.
• On March 17, 2026, 1,382 shares of common stock were withheld by Zumiez Inc. to cover taxes on the restricted stock, at a price of $21.51 per share.
• Following these transactions, Visser beneficially owns 54,845 shares of common stock, which includes 3,893 shares acquired through the Zumiez Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, reflecting standard executive compensation practices that align management's interests with long-term company performance and retention.

Positives

• Chris K. Visser received a grant of 11,510 shares of restricted common stock, indicating continued compensation and alignment with shareholder interests.
• Visser was granted 22,624 stock options, providing a long-term incentive tied to the company's stock performance.
• The acquisition of shares through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (3,893 shares) demonstrates ongoing employee investment in the company.

Negatives

• 1,382 shares of common stock were withheld by Zumiez Inc. at a price of $21.51 to cover tax obligations related to the restricted stock grant.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive equity grants, such as restricted stock and stock options, are standard compensation practices across various industries, including retail, to align management incentives with long-term shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Executive compensation packages often include a mix of base salary, cash bonuses, and equity awards (restricted stock, stock options, performance share units). The structure seen here with restricted stock and stock options is a common approach to incentivize long-term performance and retention.
• Vesting schedules of 3-4 years for equity awards are typical in the industry, designed to retain key executives and ensure sustained commitment to company performance.
• The practice of withholding shares to cover tax obligations upon vesting or exercise is a standard mechanism for managing tax liabilities associated with equity compensation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of equity awards can lead to minor dilution over time but is intended to align executive incentives with shareholder value creation.
• Employees: The Employee Stock Purchase Plan mentioned (3,893 shares) indicates a broader program for employee ownership.
• Reporting Person (Chris K. Visser): Directly benefits from the equity grants, increasing personal stake and long-term compensation potential.

Next Steps

• The 11,510 restricted shares will vest over a 3-year period.
• The 22,624 stock options will vest over a 4-year period in equal annual installments.

Key Dates

Keywords

Zumiez, ZUMZ, Form 4, insider transaction, restricted stock, stock options, executive compensation, Chris K. Visser, Chief Legal Officer, equity grant