NetApp CEO George Kurian Files Form 144 to Sell $10.5M in Common Stock

NetApp, Inc. (NTAP) – Form 144 Analysis

Executive Overview: George Kurian, Officer and Director (Chief Executive Officer) of NetApp, Inc., has filed a Form 144 indicating a proposed sale of 50,000 shares of NetApp Common Stock with an estimated aggregate market value of $10,497,695.00 (~$209.95 per share). The expected date of sale is September 29, 2026, through broker Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

Transaction Origin and Plan:

• Source of Shares: The shares to be sold originated from performance share awards granted by the issuer, vesting on May 16, 2024 (9,063 shares) and May 16, 2025 (40,937 shares).
• Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan: The filing notes that a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan was adopted on June 15, 2026. Sales conducted under this pre-scheduled plan mitigate concerns regarding discretionary timing or immediate reaction to non-public information.

Recent Disposition History (Past 3 Months): Mr. Kurian has executed several planned dispositions over the preceding two weeks:

• 09/24/2026: 37,000 shares for gross proceeds of $7,398,150.00
• 09/21/2026: 13,000 shares for gross proceeds of $2,600,161.20
• 09/14/2026: 40,000 shares for gross proceeds of $7,656,847.50
• Total Sold Prior to This Notice: 90,000 shares generating approximately $17.66 million.

Market Assessment: While the total volume being liquidated across September 2026 is substantial (140,000 shares including this filing), the reliance on a structured Rule 10b5-1 plan established in June 2026 points to routine executive compensation diversification rather than an unscripted negative signal.