Form 4: COO Robert Bailenson Boosts Assured Guaranty Stake

Assured Guaranty's COO, Robert Bailenson, increased his direct beneficial ownership of common shares through restricted and performance share unit vesting, partially offset by tax-related dispositions.

Summary

• Robert Bailenson, Chief Operating Officer of Assured Guaranty Ltd., reported changes in his beneficial ownership of common shares.
• On February 20, 2026, he acquired 13,771 restricted share units (RSUs) under the Assured Guaranty Ltd. 2024 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which are scheduled to vest on February 20, 2029, assuming continued employment.
• On February 22, 2026, 16,496 performance share units (PSUs) vested based on the achievement of core adjusted book value targets.
• Also on February 22, 2026, a total of 14,056 common shares (5,634 and 8,422) were disposed of at $88.39 per share to cover tax liabilities related to the vesting events.
• Following these transactions, Bailenson's direct beneficial ownership increased to 307,939.0819 common shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as moderately positive, reflecting an increase in executive ownership and alignment with company performance, despite routine tax-related share dispositions.

Positives

• Acquisition of 13,771 restricted share units on February 20, 2026, aligning executive interests with long-term company performance.
• Vesting of 16,496 performance share units on February 22, 2026, indicating the achievement of core adjusted book value targets.
• Overall increase in direct beneficial ownership of common shares to 307,939.0819 following the reported transactions.

Negatives

• Disposition of 14,056 common shares on February 22, 2026, at $88.39 per share to satisfy tax liabilities, which reduces the immediate direct shareholding.

Future Outlook

The 13,771 restricted share units acquired on February 20, 2026, are scheduled to vest on February 20, 2029, contingent on the Chief Operating Officer's continued employment.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, particularly those involving equity compensation and subsequent tax-related sales, are common in the financial guaranty sector. The increase in executive ownership through these awards generally signals management's alignment with long-term shareholder interests, which is a positive indicator for corporate governance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of the Chief Operating Officer's interests with long-term shareholder value through equity compensation.
• Employees: The long-term incentive plan and vesting conditions incentivize executive retention and performance.

Next Steps

• Vesting of 13,771 restricted share units on February 20, 2029, subject to continued employment.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The transactions reported are primarily related to executive compensation and tax withholding, which are routine and do not fundamentally alter the investment thesis for Assured Guaranty. The increase in beneficial ownership through equity awards aligns management's interests with shareholders but does not provide new information warranting a change in investment stance.

Keywords

Assured Guaranty, AGO, Form 4, insider transaction, beneficial ownership, restricted stock units, performance share units, executive compensation, corporate governance