Form 4: Catalyst Pharma Director Denkhaus Reports Equity Awards
Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Director Donald A. Denkhaus reported the grant of new stock options and restricted stock units, alongside the conversion of existing RSUs into common stock.
Summary
- Director Donald A. Denkhaus of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported transactions involving the company's equity securities.
- On November 21, 2025, Denkhaus acquired 947 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, through the conversion of restricted stock units.
- Following this transaction, Denkhaus beneficially owns 496,026 shares of common stock directly.
- On November 20, 2025, Denkhaus was granted 18,115 options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $22.77, which vest in three equal annual tranches starting November 20, 2026, and expire on November 20, 2032.
- Also on November 20, 2025, Denkhaus was granted 5,468 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), vesting in three equal annual tranches starting November 20, 2026.
- An additional 947 Restricted Stock Units were converted on November 21, 2025, with the first tranche of shares delivered on that date, as part of an award vesting in three equal annual tranches starting November 21, 2025.
- After these derivative transactions, Denkhaus beneficially owns 176,389 options and 180,910 Restricted Stock Units directly.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The filing is neutral, reporting routine insider transactions related to director compensation. It does not contain information that would significantly alter the company's financial outlook or operational status.
Positives
- Grant of 18,115 stock options to Director Donald A. Denkhaus, aligning his interests with shareholder value.
- Grant of 5,468 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to Director Donald A. Denkhaus, providing future equity incentives.
- Conversion of 947 Restricted Stock Units into common stock, increasing the director's direct share ownership.
Negatives
- No negative information was disclosed in this filing.
Risks
- No specific risks were mentioned in this filing.
Future Outlook
The filing indicates future vesting schedules for the granted equity awards. The 18,115 stock options and 5,468 Restricted Stock Units granted on November 20, 2025, will vest in equal tranches on November 20, 2026, November 20, 2027, and November 20, 2028. The 947 Restricted Stock Units, which saw their first tranche delivered on November 21, 2025, will continue to vest in equal tranches on November 21, 2026, and November 21, 2027, with shares delivered within sixty days of vesting.
Industry Context
This filing reflects routine equity compensation for a director of a publicly traded pharmaceutical company. Granting stock options and restricted stock units is a common practice across industries, including pharmaceuticals, to incentivize long-term performance and align the interests of directors and executives with those of shareholders. The vesting schedules are typical for such awards, encouraging continued service and performance.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- Not applicable, as this filing details individual director compensation rather than company-wide financial or operational results. The specific terms of equity grants (e.g., vesting schedules, exercise prices) are generally competitive within the pharmaceutical industry for attracting and retaining qualified board members, but no specific comparable companies or projects are mentioned to allow for a direct assessment.
Related Party Transactions
- The filing details equity compensation transactions for Donald A. Denkhaus, a director of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which are considered related party transactions as they involve an insider.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The grant of equity awards aligns the director's long-term interests with shareholder value. The increase in direct common stock ownership by the director may be viewed positively as a sign of confidence.
- Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated.
- Customers: No direct impact on customers is indicated.
- Suppliers: No direct impact on suppliers is indicated.
- Creditors: No direct impact on creditors is indicated.
Next Steps
- Future vesting of 18,115 stock options on November 20, 2026, November 20, 2027, and November 20, 2028.
- Future vesting of 5,468 Restricted Stock Units on November 20, 2026, November 20, 2027, and November 20, 2028, with shares to be delivered upon vesting.
- Future vesting of the remaining tranches of 947 Restricted Stock Units on November 21, 2026, and November 21, 2027, with shares to be delivered within sixty days of vesting.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 11/20/2025 | Earliest transaction date; grant of 18,115 stock options and 5,468 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/21/2025 | Conversion of 947 Restricted Stock Units into common stock; first tranche of shares delivered. |
| 11/24/2025 | Signature date of the reporting person. |
| 11/20/2026 | First vesting date for 18,115 stock options and 5,468 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/21/2026 | Second vesting date for the 947 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/20/2027 | Second vesting date for 18,115 stock options and 5,468 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/21/2027 | Third vesting date for the 947 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/20/2028 | Third vesting date for 18,115 stock options and 5,468 Restricted Stock Units. |
| 11/20/2032 | Expiration date for the 18,115 stock options. |
Keywords
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, CPRX, Donald A. Denkhaus, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Director Compensation, Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units, Equity Awards, Beneficial Ownership
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