STOCK TITAN

Columbia Financial CIO adds dividend plan shares

(Neutral)
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Form Type
4

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Columbia Financial, Inc. (CLBK) reported that EVP & CIO Manesh Balachandran received a grant/award acquisition of 9.6781 shares of Common Stock on August 26, 2026, credited under a stock-based deferral plan at $11.62 per share, described as phantom stock dividends exempt under Rule 16b-3. Following this award, indirect holdings in the stock-based deferral plan total 2,258.7747 shares. The reporting officer also holds multiple stock option positions on CLBK common stock with exercise prices between $7.25 and $9.34 and expirations from 2032 to 2036, plus 16,871 phantom stock units that are economically equivalent to CLBK shares but will be settled in cash.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.
Insider Prabhu Manesh Balachandran
Role EVP & CIO
Type Security Shares Price Value
Grant/Award Common Stock F1 9.6781 $11.62 $112.46
holding Stock Options (right to buy) F6 -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) F6 -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) F7 -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) F8 -- -- --
holding Stock Options (right to buy) F9 -- -- --
holding Phantom Stock Unit F10, F11 -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock -- -- --
holding Common Stock F2 -- -- --
holding Common Stock F2 -- -- --
holding Common Stock F2 -- -- --
holding Common Stock F3, F4 -- -- --
holding Common Stock F5 -- -- --
Holdings After Transaction: Common Stock — 2,258.7747 shares (Indirect, By Stock-Based Deferral Plan); Stock Options (right to buy) — 150,415 shares (Direct); Phantom Stock Unit — 16,871 shares (Indirect, Deferred Stock Unit Plan); Common Stock — 15,613 shares (Direct); Common Stock — 15,000 shares (Indirect, By IRA); Common Stock — 4,601 shares (Indirect, By 401(k)); Common Stock — 7,114 shares (Indirect, By ESOP); Common Stock — 1,911 shares (Indirect, By SERP); Common Stock — 22,628 shares (Indirect, By Stock Award III); Common Stock — 24,239 shares (Indirect, By Stock Award IV)
Footnotes (11)
  1. F1. Represents phantom stock dividends which are exempt under Rule 16b-3 in connection with the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan.
  2. F2. This form reflects increases in beneficial ownership resulting from exempt acquisitions pursuant to rule 16b-3(c).
  3. F3. This form accounts for a decrease of 2 share from the prior report due to the rounding of fractional shares.
  4. F4. 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.
  5. F5. 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.
  6. F6. Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan are fully vested and exercisable.
  7. F7. 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.
  8. F8. 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.
  9. F9. 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.
  10. F10. One phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of one share of CLBK Common Stock. Phantom stock units were granted under the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2026 Phantom Stock Plan and will be settled in cash upon distribution.
  11. F11. On the settlement date, phantom stock units will be payable in cash. The cash value will be calculated, in accordance with the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2026 Phantom Stock Plan, based on the closing stock price of the Company's Common Stock on the determination date.
Shares acquired (phantom stock dividends) 9.6781 shares Grant/award acquisition on August 26, 2026 under stock-based deferral plan
Grant price per share $11.62 per share Value used for phantom stock dividends credited on August 26, 2026
Indirect holdings in stock-based deferral plan 2,258.7747 shares Total Common Stock credited to stock-based deferral plan after transaction
Stock options underlying shares at $9.34 28,567 shares Options on CLBK Common Stock, exercise price $9.34, expiring October 31, 2032
Stock options underlying shares at $7.25 18,609 shares Options on CLBK Common Stock, exercise price $7.25, expiring May 1, 2033
Phantom stock units outstanding 16,871 units Phantom Stock Units under 2026 Phantom Stock Plan, economically equivalent to CLBK shares
Directly owned Common Stock 15,613 shares Direct CLBK Common Stock ownership as of August 26, 2026
Indirect IRA holdings 15,000 shares CLBK Common Stock held indirectly by IRA
phantom stock unit financial
"One phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of one share"
Rule 16b-3 regulatory
"phantom stock dividends which are exempt under Rule 16b-3"
Rule 16b-3 is a Securities and Exchange Commission regulation that exempts certain routine, pre-approved transactions by company insiders from automatic liability for short-term trading profits. It acts like a safe harbor: if an insider follows a formal plan or the board approves specific transactions in advance, profits from buying and selling company stock within six months are not automatically reclaimed. Investors care because the rule clarifies when insider trades are permissible and reduces uncertainty about potential clawbacks.
2019 Equity Incentive Plan financial
"Stock Options granted pursuant to the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan"
performance-based vesting criteria financial
"vest upon achievement of certain specified performance-based vesting criteria"
Phantom Stock Plan financial
"granted under the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2026 Phantom Stock Plan"

FAQ

What insider transaction did CLBK report for EVP & CIO Manesh Balachandran?

CLBK reported that EVP & CIO Manesh Balachandran acquired 9.6781 shares of Common Stock on August 26, 2026, as phantom stock dividends under a stock-based deferral plan at $11.62 per share, characterized as an exempt acquisition under Rule 16b-3.

How many shares does the CLBK officer now hold in the stock-based deferral plan?

After the August 26, 2026 transaction, the CLBK officer’s indirect holdings in the stock-based deferral plan total 2,258.7747 shares of Columbia Financial, Inc. Common Stock.

What stock option positions on CLBK Common Stock does the reporting person hold?

The reporting person holds CLBK stock options with exercise prices of $9.34, $7.25, $7.50, $7.38, and $8.31, covering underlying share amounts of 28,567; 18,609; 18,251; 41,989; and 42,999, expiring between 2032 and 2036.

Are the CLBK stock options fully vested for the officer?

Some CLBK stock options are already fully vested and exercisable under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, while others vest in approximately equal annual installments beginning on March 6, 2025, March 3, 2026, and March 2, 2027, as described in the footnotes.

What are CLBK phantom stock units held by the reporting person?

The reporting person holds 16,871 phantom stock units, each economically equivalent to one share of CLBK Common Stock. These units were granted under the 2026 Phantom Stock Plan and will be settled in cash based on the closing stock price on the determination date.

What other CLBK share holdings does the officer report?

The officer reports direct ownership of 15,613 shares of CLBK Common Stock and indirect ownership through an IRA (15,000 shares), 401(k) (4,601 shares), ESOP (7,114 shares), and SERP (1,911 shares), along with indirect holdings via performance-based stock awards.

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Learn about SEC filing dates
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*
Prabhu Manesh Balachandran

(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./MD/ [ CLBK ]
5. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer
(Check all applicable)
Director10% Owner
XOfficer (give title below)Other (specify below)
EVP & CIO
2a. Foreign Trading Symbol
3. Date of Earliest Transaction (Month/Day/Year)
08/26/2026
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 Stock08/26/2026A9.6781(1)A$11.622,258.7747IBy Stock-Based Deferral Plan
Common Stock15,613D
Common Stock15,000IBy IRA
Common Stock4,601(2)IBy 401(k)
Common Stock7,114(2)IBy ESOP
Common Stock1,911(2)IBy SERP
Common Stock22,628(3)IBy Stock Award III(4)
Common Stock24,239IBy Stock Award IV(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)$9.3410/31/2023(6)10/31/2032Common Stock28,56728,567D
Stock Options (right to buy)$7.2505/01/2024(6)05/01/2033Common Stock18,60918,609D
Stock Options (right to buy)$7.503/06/2025(7)03/06/2034Common Stock18,25118,251D
Stock Options (right to buy)$7.3803/03/2026(8)03/03/2035Common Stock41,98941,989D
Stock Options (right to buy)$8.3103/02/2027(9)03/02/2036Common Stock42,99942,999D
Phantom Stock Unit(10) (11) (11)Common Stock16,87116,871IDeferred Stock Unit Plan
Explanation of Responses:
1. Represents phantom stock dividends which are exempt under Rule 16b-3 in connection with the Columbia Bank Stock Based Deferral Plan.
2. This form reflects increases in beneficial ownership resulting from exempt acquisitions pursuant to rule 16b-3(c).
3. This form accounts for a decrease of 2 share from the prior report due to the rounding of fractional shares.
4. 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.
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 3, 2028.
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 March 6, 2025.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. One phantom stock unit is the economic equivalent of one share of CLBK Common Stock. Phantom stock units were granted under the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2026 Phantom Stock Plan and will be settled in cash upon distribution.
11. On the settlement date, phantom stock units will be payable in cash. The cash value will be calculated, in accordance with the Columbia Financial, Inc. 2026 Phantom Stock Plan, based on the closing stock price of the Company's Common Stock on the determination date.
Remarks:
/s/ Thomas F. Splaine, Jr., Power of Attorney08/28/2026
** 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)