Form 4: ACRE General Counsel Receives 22,000 Restricted Stock Units

Anton Feingold, General Counsel and VP & Secretary of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp, was granted 22,000 restricted stock units, increasing his total beneficial ownership to 100,360 shares.

Summary

• Anton Feingold, General Counsel and VP & Secretary of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp (ACRE), received a grant of 22,000 restricted stock units (RSUs).
• The transaction date for this grant was December 11, 2025.
• These RSUs were granted under the Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
• Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Issuer's common stock upon vesting.
• The 22,000 RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments, commencing on January 1, 2027, contingent upon Mr. Feingold's continued service to the Issuer.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Feingold's total beneficial ownership in ACRE common stock stands at 100,360 shares.
• This reported amount of 100,360 shares includes 59,500 restricted stock units from previous grants under the Equity Incentive Plan, which vest according to their respective award agreements.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing reports a routine executive compensation event (grant of RSUs), which is generally positive for aligning management and shareholder interests but does not indicate significant new operational or financial developments.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock units aligns the interests of General Counsel Anton Feingold with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term performance and retention.
• The equity incentive plan provides a structured mechanism for executive compensation, promoting stability in management.

Negatives

• No specific negative aspects are indicated by this routine insider compensation filing.

Risks

• No specific risks are mentioned in this Form 4 filing.

Future Outlook

The grant of restricted stock units with a vesting schedule extending to January 1, 2027, indicates an expectation of Anton Feingold's continued service to Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp, aligning his future incentives with the company's long-term performance.

Industry Context

The grant of restricted stock units to a key executive like the General Counsel is a common practice in the financial and real estate investment trust (REIT) sectors. It serves as a standard component of executive compensation packages, designed to attract, retain, and motivate talent by linking their financial interests directly to the company's stock performance and long-term success.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of restricted stock units (RSUs) as a form of executive compensation is a widely adopted practice across various industries, including the REIT sector. Companies such as Blackstone Mortgage Trust (BXMT), Starwood Property Trust (STWD), and Ladder Capital Corp (LADR) frequently utilize similar equity-based incentives to align management interests with shareholder value.
• The vesting schedule, typically over several years and contingent on continued service, is standard for such grants, promoting long-term commitment rather than short-term gains.
• The grant under an existing "Equity Incentive Plan" is also a standard corporate governance practice, ensuring that such compensation is approved and structured within established frameworks.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of equity to a key executive aligns management's financial interests with shareholder value, potentially leading to better long-term performance.
• Employees: This type of compensation structure can serve as a model or incentive for other employees, demonstrating the company's commitment to performance-based rewards.

Next Steps

• The 22,000 restricted stock units will begin to vest in three equal annual installments starting on January 1, 2027, subject to the reporting person's continued service.
• Previously granted restricted stock units will continue to vest in accordance with their respective award agreements.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine grant of restricted stock units to a company executive as part of their compensation package. Such an event is standard practice and does not typically provide new material information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. It primarily serves to align management's long-term interests with shareholders, which is generally a neutral to slightly positive factor for existing investors.

Keywords

Ares Commercial Real Estate, ACRE, Form 4, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Insider Transaction, Executive Compensation, Equity Incentive Plan, Anton Feingold