STOCK TITAN

Director Raffi Garabedian granted 13,513 ESS Tech (NYSE: GWH) RSUs

Filing Impact
(Neutral)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
4

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Garabedian Raffi reported acquisition or exercise transactions in this Form 4 filing.

ESS Tech, Inc. director Raffi Garabedian received a grant of 13,513 restricted stock units (RSUs) of Common Stock as equity compensation. Each RSU represents a right to receive one share of Common Stock once it vests and is settled.

The RSUs vest on the earlier of May 29, 2027 or the day before ESS Tech’s next annual stockholder meeting. Garabedian has elected to defer settlement so shares will be delivered within 30 days after either his separation from the company, or a qualifying change of control under the company’s plan and Section 409A rules. Following this award, he is reported as beneficially owning 53,185 shares, including RSUs.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Routine director RSU grant with deferred settlement election.

Director Raffi Garabedian received 13,513 RSUs of ESS Tech, Inc. Common Stock at no cash cost, a standard form of equity compensation intended to align directors with shareholders. Each RSU converts into one share when delivered.

The RSUs vest on the earlier of May 29, 2027 or the day before the next annual meeting, which is typical time-based vesting. Settlement is deferred until within 30 days after either separation of service or a qualifying change of control under Section 409A rules.

After this grant, Garabedian is reported as holding 53,185 shares (including RSUs), so the award increases his equity exposure but remains modest in absolute size. With no open-market buying or selling, this filing mainly documents ongoing compensation rather than signaling a directional view on the stock.

Insider Garabedian Raffi
Role null
Type Security Shares Price Value
Grant/Award Common Stock 13,513 $0.00 --
Holdings After Transaction: Common Stock — 53,185 shares (Direct, null)
Footnotes (1)
  1. The reported shares are represented by restricted stock units ("RSUs"), which vest on the earlier of (i) May 29, 2027 or (ii) the day prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders. The Reporting Person has elected to defer the settlement of these RSUs to a date within 30 days of the earlier of (i) his separation of service from the Issuer within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A) or (ii) the date on which a change of control (as defined in the Issuer's plan) occurs, provided that such transaction qualifies as a change of control within the meaning of Section 409A. A portion of these securities are RSUs. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's Common Stock.
RSU grant size 13,513 RSUs Grant of restricted stock units to director on May 29, 2026
Grant price $0.0000 per share Equity award with no cash exercise price
Post-transaction holdings 53,185 shares Total beneficial ownership including RSUs after grant
Vesting date May 29, 2027 Vests then or earlier day before next annual meeting
Settlement window Within 30 days After separation or qualifying change of control under Section 409A
restricted stock units financial
"The reported shares are represented by restricted stock units ("RSUs"), which vest on the earlier of"
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
RSUs financial
"A portion of these securities are RSUs. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share"
RSUs, or restricted stock units, are a form of company shares given to employees as part of their compensation. They are typically awarded with certain restrictions, such as a waiting period before they can be fully owned or sold, similar to earning a gift that becomes fully yours over time. For investors, RSUs can impact a company's stock offerings and reflect how much the company relies on stock-based incentives to attract and retain talent.
Section 409A regulatory
"within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A)"
change of control financial
"the date on which a change of control (as defined in the Issuer's plan) occurs"
A change of control occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a sale, merger, or acquisition, resulting in new leadership or ownership structure. This change can impact the company's direction and decision-making, which is important for investors because it may affect the company's stability, strategy, and future prospects.
See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google
Add on Google
SEC Form 4
FORM 4UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
OMB APPROVAL
OMB Number:3235-0287
Estimated average burden
hours per response:0.5
Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instruction 1(b).
Check this box to indicate that a transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c). See Instruction 10.
1. Name and Address of Reporting Person*
Garabedian Raffi

(Last)(First)(Middle)
C/O ESS TECH, INC.
26440 SW PARKWAY AVE., BLDG. 83

(Street)
WILSONVILLE OREGON 97070

(City)(State)(Zip)

UNITED STATES

(Country)
2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol
ESS Tech, Inc. [ GWH ]
5. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer
(Check all applicable)
XDirector10% Owner
Officer (give title below)Other (specify below)
2a. Foreign Trading Symbol
3. Date of Earliest Transaction (Month/Day/Year)
05/29/2026
6. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line)
XForm filed by One Reporting Person
Form filed by More than One Reporting Person
4. If Amendment, Date of Original Filed (Month/Day/Year)

Table I - Non-Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned
1. Title of Security (Instr. 3) 2. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)2A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)3. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 4. Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed Of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 5. Amount of Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 3 and 4) 6. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 7. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
CodeVAmount(A) or (D)Price
Common Stock05/29/2026A13,513(1)A$053,185(2)D
Table II - Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned
(e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities)
1. Title of Derivative Security (Instr. 3) 2. Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security 3. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)3A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)4. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 5. Number of Derivative Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 6. Date Exercisable and Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year)7. Title and Amount of Securities Underlying Derivative Security (Instr. 3 and 4) 8. Price of Derivative Security (Instr. 5) 9. Number of derivative Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 4) 10. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 11. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
CodeV(A)(D)Date ExercisableExpiration DateTitleAmount or Number of Shares
Explanation of Responses:
1. The reported shares are represented by restricted stock units ("RSUs"), which vest on the earlier of (i) May 29, 2027 or (ii) the day prior to the next annual meeting of stockholders. The Reporting Person has elected to defer the settlement of these RSUs to a date within 30 days of the earlier of (i) his separation of service from the Issuer within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A) or (ii) the date on which a change of control (as defined in the Issuer's plan) occurs, provided that such transaction qualifies as a change of control within the meaning of Section 409A.
2. A portion of these securities are RSUs. Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's Common Stock.
/s/ Kate Suhadolnik, by power of attorney06/02/2026
** Signature of Reporting PersonDate
Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly.
* If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, see Instruction 4 (b)(v).
** Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations See 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a).
Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient, see Instruction 6 for procedure.
Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number.
* Form 4: SEC 1474 (03-26)

FAQ

What insider transaction did ESS Tech (GWH) report for Raffi Garabedian?

ESS Tech reported a grant of 13,513 restricted stock units (RSUs) to director Raffi Garabedian. The award is equity compensation, carries no cash exercise price, and will convert into Common Stock when vested and settled under the company’s plan.

How many ESS Tech (GWH) shares does Raffi Garabedian hold after this Form 4?

After the reported grant, Raffi Garabedian is shown holding 53,185 ESS Tech shares. This total includes the newly granted RSUs, each of which represents a contingent right to receive one share of the company’s Common Stock upon settlement.

When do Raffi Garabedian’s ESS Tech (GWH) RSUs vest?

The RSUs vest on the earlier of May 29, 2027 or the day before ESS Tech’s next annual stockholder meeting. Vesting must occur before any shares are delivered, subject to the terms of the company’s equity incentive plan.

What does the deferral election mean for ESS Tech (GWH) director RSUs?

Garabedian elected to defer RSU settlement until after separation or a qualifying change of control. Shares will be delivered within 30 days of either his service ending or a plan-defined change of control, consistent with Section 409A tax rules.

Are Raffi Garabedian’s ESS Tech (GWH) RSUs equivalent to common shares today?

The RSUs are not current shares but contingent rights to receive shares later. Each RSU will convert into one share of Common Stock only after vesting and settlement conditions are met under the company’s equity plan.

Did the ESS Tech (GWH) Form 4 show any open-market buying or selling by Raffi Garabedian?

No open-market purchases or sales were reported; the filing shows an RSU grant. The transaction code “A” indicates an award or other acquisition, reflecting compensation rather than a discretionary market trade in ESS Tech shares.