Form 4: Sage Therapeutics Director George Golumbeski Receives Stock Options in Lieu of Cash Retainer

Director George Golumbeski received 13,593 stock options from Sage Therapeutics in lieu of cash retainers for board service during 2025.

Summary

• George Golumbeski, a director at Sage Therapeutics, received 13,593 stock options on January 3, 2025.
• These options were granted in lieu of cash retainers for his service on the board and its committees during 2025.
• The options have an exercise price of $6.14 and expire on January 3, 2035.
• The options will vest in full on December 31, 2025, contingent upon continued service.
• The grant was made under the Sage Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.
• Brandon Marsh, acting as Attorney-in-Fact, signed the Form 4 on behalf of George Golumbeski.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. The granting of stock options is a standard practice, and the director's acceptance aligns interests with shareholders. There are no immediate negative implications.

Positives

• The acceptance of stock options in lieu of cash retainers aligns the director's interests with those of the shareholders.
• The vesting schedule incentivizes continued service on the board.

Future Outlook

The director's continued service is tied to the vesting of the stock options, suggesting an expectation of ongoing involvement with Sage Therapeutics.

Industry Context

Granting stock options to directors is a common practice to align their interests with shareholders and incentivize long-term value creation. This is a standard component of non-employee director compensation programs.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Many biotech companies use equity-based compensation for directors.
• The specific number of options and vesting schedule would need to be compared to peer companies like Biogen, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, or Ionis Pharmaceuticals to assess if it is in line with industry standards.
• Factors such as company size, stage of development, and overall compensation strategy would influence the comparison.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Aligns director's interests with long-term company performance.
• Employees: May have a minor impact on morale as it reflects the company's compensation practices.
• Director: Provides an incentive for continued service and value creation.

Key Dates