STOCK TITAN

Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) SEVP gets stock deferral grant

Filing Impact
(Neutral)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
4

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Columbia Financial, Inc. executive John Klimowich, SEVP & Chief Risk Officer, acquired 38.5701 phantom stock units of Common Stock on April 6, 2026 at $17.75 per unit through the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan. These stock unit interests will be settled in shares upon distribution to him, bringing his balance in this stock-based deferral arrangement to 9,005.2489 units held indirectly.

The filing also lists his existing equity exposure, including directly held Common Stock and several grants of fully vested and time- or performance-vested Stock Options under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, such as options over 188,235 underlying shares at an exercise price of $15.60 expiring on July 23, 2029.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.
Insider Klimowich John
Role SEVP & Chief Risk Officer
Type Security Shares Price Value
Grant/Award Common Stock 38.57 $17.75 $684.62
holding Stock Options (right to buy) -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
Holdings After Transaction: Common Stock — 9,005.249 shares (Indirect, By Stock-Based Deferral Plan); Stock Options (right to buy) — 188,235 shares (Direct); Common Stock — 61,464 shares (Direct)
Footnotes (1)
  1. Represents phantom stock purchased, on a non-discretionary basis, by the trustee of the Bank's rabbi trust maintained in connection with the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan, a non-qualified stock-based deferral plan. Stock unit interests under the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan will be settled in shares of stock upon distribution to the reporting person. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, 25% of which vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on May 1, 2024; and the remaining 75% of which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, 25% of which vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 6, 2025; and the remaining 75% of which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award on March 3, 2028. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award on March 2, 2029. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan are fully vested and exercisable. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on May 1, 2024. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 6, 2025. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 3, 2026. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 2, 2027.
Phantom stock units granted 38.5701 units Grant under Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan at $17.75 on April 6, 2026
Grant price per unit $17.75 per unit Price for April 6, 2026 phantom stock grant to John Klimowich
Deferral plan units after grant 9,005.2489 units Total phantom stock units indirectly held after the reported transaction
Largest option position 188,235 underlying shares Stock Options at $15.60 exercise price, expiring July 23, 2029, held directly
Additional option grant 12,030 underlying shares Stock Options at $15.94 exercise price, expiring May 1, 2033, held directly
Direct common stock holding 61,464 shares Common Stock held directly as of April 6, 2026
401(k) common stock 17,130 shares Common Stock held indirectly via 401(k) as of April 6, 2026
phantom stock financial
"Represents phantom stock purchased, on a non-discretionary basis, by the trustee of the Bank's rabbi trust..."
A phantom stock is a form of compensation that gives employees or executives the benefits of stock ownership, such as the increase in stock value, without actually giving them real shares. It acts like a promise to pay the employee the equivalent value of company stock later, often as a bonus or incentive. This allows companies to motivate and reward staff without diluting ownership or transferring actual shares.
rabbi trust financial
"purchased, on a non-discretionary basis, by the trustee of the Bank's rabbi trust maintained in connection..."
A rabbi trust is a special account a company sets up to hold promised future pay for executives, like bonus or retirement money, so those employees can see there are funds earmarked for them. It matters to investors because it signals the company’s commitment to keep key people, but the money is still part of the company’s assets and can be claimed by creditors if the company goes bankrupt—think of it as a labeled jar that isn’t completely off-limits.
non-qualified stock-based deferral plan financial
"maintained in connection with the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan, a non-qualified stock-based deferral plan."
performance-based vesting criteria financial
"the remaining 75% of which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria..."
Stock Options (right to buy) financial
"Stock Options (right to buy) ... underlying security title "Common Stock"..."
Equity Incentive Plan financial
"Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan..."
An equity incentive plan is a program that gives employees, executives or directors the right to receive company stock or options to buy stock as part of their pay. Think of it as offering slices of future company profit to motivate people to boost long‑term performance; for investors it matters because it can align employee goals with shareholder value but also increases the number of shares outstanding, which can dilute existing ownership.
SEC Form 4
FORM 4UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
OMB APPROVAL
OMB Number:3235-0287
Estimated average burden
hours per response:0.5
Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instruction 1(b).
Check this box to indicate that a transaction was made pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of equity securities of the issuer that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c). See Instruction 10.
1. Name and Address of Reporting Person*
Klimowich John

(Last)(First)(Middle)
19-01 ROUTE 208 NORTH

(Street)
FAIR LAWN NEW JERSEY 07410

(City)(State)(Zip)

UNITED STATES

(Country)
2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol
Columbia Financial, Inc. [ CLBK ]
5. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer
(Check all applicable)
Director10% Owner
XOfficer (give title below)Other (specify below)
SEVP & Chief Risk Officer
2a. Foreign Trading Symbol
3. Date of Earliest Transaction (Month/Day/Year)
04/06/2026
6. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line)
XForm filed by One Reporting Person
Form filed by More than One Reporting Person
4. If Amendment, Date of Original Filed (Month/Day/Year)

Table I - Non-Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned
1. Title of Security (Instr. 3) 2. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)2A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)3. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 4. Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed Of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 5. Amount of Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 3 and 4) 6. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 7. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
CodeVAmount(A) or (D)Price
Common Stock04/06/2026A38.5701(1)A$17.759,005.2489IBy Stock-Based Deferral Plan
Common Stock61,464D
Common Stock17,130IBy 401(k)
Common Stock8,689IBy ESOP
Common Stock7,627IBy SERP
Common Stock4,214IBy SIM
Common Stock13,781IBy Stock Award II(2)
Common Stock10,971IBy Stock Award III(3)
Common Stock11,723IBy Stock Award IV(4)
Common Stock11,906IBy Stock Award V(5)
Table II - Derivative Securities Acquired, Disposed of, or Beneficially Owned
(e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities)
1. Title of Derivative Security (Instr. 3) 2. Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security 3. Transaction Date (Month/Day/Year)3A. Deemed Execution Date, if any (Month/Day/Year)4. Transaction Code (Instr. 8) 5. Number of Derivative Securities Acquired (A) or Disposed of (D) (Instr. 3, 4 and 5) 6. Date Exercisable and Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year)7. Title and Amount of Securities Underlying Derivative Security (Instr. 3 and 4) 8. Price of Derivative Security (Instr. 5) 9. Number of derivative Securities Beneficially Owned Following Reported Transaction(s) (Instr. 4) 10. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 4) 11. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 4)
CodeV(A)(D)Date ExercisableExpiration DateTitleAmount or Number of Shares
Stock Options (right to buy)$15.607/23/2020(6)07/23/2029Common Stock188,235188,235D
Stock Options (right to buy)$15.9405/01/2024(7)05/01/2033Common Stock12,03012,030D
Stock Options (right to buy)$16.4903/06/2025(8)03/06/2034Common Stock8,8508,850D
Stock Options (right to buy)$16.2303/03/2026(9)03/03/2035Common Stock20,31020,310D
Stock Options (right to buy)$18.2803/02/2027(10)03/02/2036Common Stock20,22720,227D
Explanation of Responses:
1. Represents phantom stock purchased, on a non-discretionary basis, by the trustee of the Bank's rabbi trust maintained in connection with the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan, a non-qualified stock-based deferral plan. Stock unit interests under the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan will be settled in shares of stock upon distribution to the reporting person.
2. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, 25% of which vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on May 1, 2024; and the remaining 75% of which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award.
3. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, 25% of which vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 6, 2025; and the remaining 75% of which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award.
4. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award on March 3, 2028.
5. Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive plan, which vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria, which if achieved, such Awards would vest three years after the date of the Award on March 2, 2029.
6. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan are fully vested and exercisable.
7. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on May 1, 2024.
8. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 6, 2025.
9. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 3, 2026.
10. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan vest in three approximately equal annual installments commencing on March 2, 2027.
Remarks:
/s/ Dennis E. Gibney, Power of Attorney04/07/2026
** Signature of Reporting PersonDate
Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly.
* If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, see Instruction 4 (b)(v).
** Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations See 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a).
Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient, see Instruction 6 for procedure.
Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number.
* Form 4: SEC 1474 (03-26)

FAQ

What did Columbia Financial (CLBK) report in John Klimowich’s latest Form 4?

John Klimowich received 38.5701 phantom stock units of Columbia Financial Common Stock at $17.75 per unit under a stock-based deferral plan. These units are part of his compensation and will be settled in actual shares when distributed to him in the future.

Is the Form 4 for Columbia Financial (CLBK) an insider buy or a compensation award?

The Form 4 reflects a grant/award acquisition, not an open-market stock purchase. Klimowich received 38.5701 phantom stock units through the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan, a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement rather than a discretionary market transaction.

How many phantom stock units does John Klimowich hold after this CLBK transaction?

After the April 6, 2026 grant, Klimowich holds 9,005.2489 phantom stock units indirectly in the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan. These stock unit interests are designed to be settled in Columbia Financial shares when they are ultimately distributed to him.

What stock options for Columbia Financial (CLBK) does John Klimowich currently hold?

Klimowich holds several Stock Options (rights to buy Common Stock) under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, including options over 188,235 underlying shares at $15.60 per share expiring on July 23, 2029, plus additional option grants with later expiration dates and higher exercise prices.

How are Columbia Financial (CLBK) deferral plan units in the Form 4 ultimately settled?

The phantom stock units shown in the filing are held in a rabbi trust for the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan. According to the disclosure, these stock unit interests will be settled in shares of Columbia Financial stock upon distribution to Klimowich under the plan’s terms.

What vesting conditions apply to Columbia Financial (CLBK) equity awards mentioned in the filing?

Several Stock Awards and Stock Options were granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. Some vest in three approximately equal annual installments starting on specific dates, while others vest only upon achieving specified performance-based vesting criteria over three-year periods following the award dates.