[Form 4] Western Digital Corp. Insider Trading Activity
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Gene M. Zamiska, Senior Vice President, Global Accounting & Chief at Western Digital Corporation (WDC), reported multiple transactions in the issuer's common stock associated with the vesting of restricted stock units and planned sales under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Dividend equivalent rights tied to RSUs converted into 6.1142 shares and were paid in common stock on a one-for-one basis, with a fractional cash settlement. Withholding to satisfy taxes resulted in 1,797 shares disposed at a price of $74.66 per share. Separate open-market sales under a 10b5-1 plan disposed of 3,160 shares at $75.68 and 1,828 shares at $74.78, reducing beneficial ownership to 29,732 shares after the reported trades.
The transactions include both non-derivative share acquisitions from RSU settlement and routine dispositions pursuant to a pre-established trading plan, showing a net decline in direct holdings following tax withholding and planned sales.
Positive
- Use of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan provides pre-established execution and reduces insider-timing concerns
- Dividend equivalent conversion into shares indicates equity compensation being vested and settled in stock rather than cash
Negative
- Net reduction in direct beneficial ownership from 36,517 shares to 29,732 shares following tax withholding and planned sales
- Material sales executed (total disposed: 6,785 shares) represent a meaningful portion of the previously reported holding for this individual
Insights
TL;DR: Insider realized shares from RSU vesting and executed pre-planned sales, modestly reducing direct beneficial ownership.
The filing discloses standard insider activity: conversion of dividend equivalent rights into a small number of shares and tax-withholding disposals, combined with additional sales executed under a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The sales prices reported (around $74.66–$75.68) reflect the execution prices for the disposed lots. This pattern is typical of executives monetizing vested equity and meeting tax obligations while using an established trading plan to avoid ad hoc timing concerns.
TL;DR: Disclosure aligns with governance best practices: use of 10b5-1 plan and tax-withholding noted; activity appears routine.
The report clearly states the use of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted on March 6, 2025, and the mechanics of RSU settlement and dividend-equivalent conversion. The filing includes an attorney-in-fact signature, indicating proper execution of Form 4. No unusual derivative activity or indirect ownership changes are disclosed beyond routine direct share movements tied to vesting and planned sales.