On July 20, 2026, Aidan Gomez, a director at Rivian Automotive Inc., was granted a vested restricted stock unit award consisting of 769 shares of Class A Common Stock, as revealed in a regulatory filing dated July 22, 2026. To satisfy tax withholding obligations, the company retained 343 shares from the award. After this transaction and tax withholding, Gomez's direct beneficial ownership totals 63,177 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Key Highlights
- Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN)
- Director Aidan Gomez vested 769 restricted stock units on July 20, 2026
- 343 shares withheld at $17.45 each for tax withholding purposes
- Gomez's direct beneficial ownership now stands at 63,177 Class A Common Stock shares
Details on Director Aidan Gomez's Equity Award and Vesting
Aidan Gomez, serving as a director of Rivian Automotive, received 769 restricted stock units (RSUs) that vested on July 20, 2026, according to the filing submitted the same day. As a director, Gomez is subject to beneficial ownership reporting under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
RSUs are a prevalent form of equity compensation for aligning directors’ and executives’ interests with those of shareholders. The vesting date marks when Gomez's rights to the shares became unconditional, converting RSUs into actual shares of Class A Common Stock.
Tax Withholding Process and Net Shares Received
To fulfill tax withholding requirements on the 769 vested RSUs, Rivian withheld 343 shares of Class A Common Stock. The withholding price was set at $17.45 per share, corresponding to the closing price on July 17, 2026, three trading days before the vesting event. This practice is standard for RSU awards, enabling companies to cover tax liabilities by retaining shares at vesting.
Consequently, Gomez effectively received approximately 426 shares after tax withholding, increasing his direct ownership. This method eliminates the need for recipients to make separate cash payments for taxes, streamlining the process for both parties.
Current Beneficial Ownership Status
Post-vesting and tax withholding, Aidan Gomez directly owns 63,177 shares of Rivian’s Class A Common Stock. These shares are held outright without any indirect ownership arrangements, as confirmed in the filing.
Such disclosures enhance transparency by informing investors and market participants of insiders’ equity stakes, reflecting Gomez's financial interest in Rivian’s performance and outlook.
Director Role and Insider Reporting Requirements
The filing affirms Gomez’s status as a Rivian director, subjecting him to Section 16 reporting obligations. Directors must report changes in beneficial ownership within prescribed timeframes, generally within two business days of the transaction. Gomez’s equity transactions are publicly disclosed to ensure regulatory compliance and market transparency.
The vesting of RSUs is considered a securities acquisition, triggering reporting requirements even though the shares were previously reserved under compensation agreements.
Filing Timeline and Public Disclosure
The beneficial ownership update was filed on July 22, 2026, two business days after the July 20 vesting event, consistent with SEC insider reporting standards. The Form 4 filing offers timely insight into insider equity compensation and trading activities, supporting investor confidence.
This prompt disclosure complies with SEC mandates and is accessible via the SEC’s electronic data system for public review.
Rivian’s Equity Compensation Framework
Rivian employs equity-based compensation, including RSUs, to attract and retain directors, executives, and employees. Such awards vest over time or upon meeting conditions, aligning directors’ interests with shareholder value creation. Gomez’s RSU vesting exemplifies standard equity compensation practices at public companies.
Equity awards for directors incentivize decisions that promote long-term company growth, with vesting schedules designed to maintain sustained financial interest.
Stock Price Reference for Tax Withholding
The tax withholding was calculated using the $17.45 closing price of Rivian’s Class A Common Stock on July 17, 2026. Utilizing the market price near the vesting date ensures the withholding amount accurately reflects the economic value of the vested shares.
This pricing context aids in evaluating the compensation’s economic worth at the time of vesting.
Direct Ownership Without Indirect Holdings
The filing specifies that all of Gomez’s Rivian shares are held directly, with no indirect beneficial ownership through trusts, partnerships, or other entities. Direct ownership confers clear voting rights and economic benefits to Gomez.
This straightforward ownership structure enhances transparency regarding control and economic interest.
Compliance and Ongoing Reporting Obligations
The Form 4 filing was signed by Jamie Chung, attorney-in-fact for Aidan Gomez, on July 22, 2026. This delegation is a common compliance practice allowing legal representatives to handle filings while ensuring accuracy and responsibility remain with the insider.
Gomez remains obligated to report any future changes in his Rivian securities holdings under Section 16, ensuring continuous public disclosure of his insider ownership.