Form 4: GIFTIFY Director Receives 250,000 Restricted Shares

GIFTIFY, INC. Director and COO Ari Marc Ackerman was granted 250,000 restricted common shares vesting over 36 months.

Summary

• Ari Marc Ackerman, a Director, 10% Owner, and COO of CardCash Exchange, Inc. (an officer of GIFTIFY, INC.), reported a transaction on February 2, 2026.
• The transaction involved the acquisition of 250,000 shares of common stock.
• These shares were granted as restricted common stock by the board of directors of GIFTIFY, INC. in connection with the evaluation of the Issuer's 2025 performance.
• The restricted shares will vest in equal monthly amounts over a 36-month period.
• The reported price per share for the grant was $1.05.
• Following this transaction, Ari Marc Ackerman beneficially owns 1,136,109 shares of common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as it aligns the interests of a key executive with shareholders through equity compensation tied to future performance and retention.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock to a key executive and director, Ari Marc Ackerman, aligns his long-term interests with those of the company and its shareholders.
• The equity compensation is tied to the Issuer's 2025 performance, suggesting a reward for past contributions and an incentive for future success.

Risks

• The restricted shares vest over 36 months, meaning the full benefit to the reporting person is contingent on continued employment and company performance over this period.
• The vesting of these shares will result in a minor dilution of existing shareholders' ownership over time.

Future Outlook

The grant of restricted stock with a 36-month vesting schedule indicates a long-term commitment from the executive and an expectation of continued performance and value creation over the next three years.

Management Comments

• The board of directors of the Issuer granted 250,000 shares of restricted common stock to the Reporting Person in connection with its evaluation of the Issuer's 2025 performance.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that equity grants, particularly restricted stock, are a standard component of executive compensation packages across various industries. This practice aims to align the interests of management with long-term shareholder value by tying a significant portion of compensation to the company's stock performance and executive retention.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Restricted stock grants with multi-year vesting schedules are a common compensation tool, comparable to practices at companies like Amazon (AMZN) or Google (GOOGL) which frequently use equity to incentivize and retain key talent.
• The specific value and size of the grant would typically be benchmarked against peer companies in the gift card or fintech sector, such as Blackhawk Network or InComm, considering the company's market capitalization and the executive's role and responsibilities.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of 250,000 restricted common shares to Ari Marc Ackerman, a Director and Officer (COO) of GIFTIFY, INC., constitutes a related party transaction as it involves compensation to an insider.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant aligns management's interests with shareholder value creation, though it introduces potential minor dilution upon vesting.
• Employees (specifically Ari Marc Ackerman): Provides a significant long-term equity incentive, enhancing retention and motivation.

Next Steps

• The 250,000 restricted common shares will vest in equal monthly amounts over the next 36 months, starting from February 2, 2026.

Key Dates

Keywords

GIFTIFY, GIFT, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock, Stock Grant, Executive Compensation, Corporate Governance, Equity Award