Form 4: DigitalBridge Director Ian Schapiro Receives Restricted Stock Grant Following Re-election

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. Director Ian Schapiro was granted 15,271 shares of restricted Class A common stock valued at $175,000, vesting on May 28, 2026, as part of the company's non-executive compensation policy.

Summary

• Ian Schapiro, a Director of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (DBRG), acquired 15,271 shares of Class A Common Stock.
• The transaction occurred on May 28, 2025, and the shares were acquired at a price of $0, indicating a grant.
• This grant represents restricted Class A common stock provided by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. to Mr. Schapiro.
• The grant is in accordance with the Issuer's non-executive compensation policy, following Mr. Schapiro's re-election to the board of directors.
• The restricted shares are scheduled to vest on May 28, 2026.
• The number of restricted shares was determined by dividing a fixed grant value of $175,000 by the closing price of the Issuer's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the business day prior to the grant date.
• Following this transaction, Ian Schapiro beneficially owns 25,791 shares of Class A Common Stock directly.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is moderately positive. While it's a routine compensation event, it signifies continuity in governance and aligns director interests with shareholder value through equity, which is generally viewed favorably.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock aligns with the company's established non-executive compensation policy, indicating adherence to corporate governance standards.
• The re-election of Ian Schapiro to the board suggests continuity and confidence in his role as a director.
• The fixed grant value of $175,000 provides a clear and transparent compensation structure for non-executive directors.

Negatives

• The shares are restricted and subject to a vesting period until May 28, 2026, meaning they are not immediately liquid for the recipient.
• The transaction is a grant of shares, not an open market purchase, which does not reflect a direct cash investment by the director.

Future Outlook

The restricted shares granted to Director Ian Schapiro are scheduled to vest on May 28, 2026, indicating a future milestone for the ownership of these shares.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing reflects a standard practice of equity compensation for non-executive directors in publicly traded companies, particularly within the digital infrastructure and real estate sectors where DigitalBridge operates. Such grants are common for aligning director interests with long-term shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The grant of restricted stock as part of non-executive director compensation is a common practice across various industries, including technology and real estate investment trusts (REITs), which DigitalBridge's business model often intersects with.
• The use of a fixed grant value ($175,000) to determine the number of shares, based on the prior day's closing price, is a transparent and widely accepted method for valuing equity compensation, comparable to practices at companies like American Tower Corporation (AMT) or Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) in the digital infrastructure space, or other large-cap REITs.
• A one-year vesting period for director compensation (May 28, 2025, to May 28, 2026) is typical for annual grants tied to board service, aiming to retain directors and align their interests over a reasonable timeframe.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of 15,271 shares of restricted Class A common stock to Ian Schapiro, a Director of DigitalBridge Group, Inc., constitutes a related party transaction as it involves compensation from the company to a member of its board of directors.

Stakeholder Impact

• **Shareholders**: The grant aligns the director's interests with shareholders through equity ownership, potentially encouraging long-term value creation. It also represents a dilution of existing shares, though typically minor for individual grants.
• **Management/Employees**: This transaction is specific to non-executive director compensation and does not directly impact broader employee compensation or management structure.

Next Steps

• The restricted shares granted to Ian Schapiro are scheduled to vest on May 28, 2026.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

DigitalBridge Group, DBRG, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Grant, Director Compensation, Equity Compensation, Corporate Governance, Stock Vesting, Non-Executive Director