Atkinson John W. 4

What Happened John W. Atkinson, a member of the Board of Directors of Designer Brands, was granted 707 stock units (derivative award) on April 10, 2026. The units were granted at $0.00 (no cash paid) and are reported as a derivative award (code A). The filing shows a total reported value of $0 for this grant.

Key Details

• Transaction date: April 10, 2026; Form 4 filed April 14, 2026 (timely within reporting window).
• Award: 707 stock units granted at $0.00 (derivative award).
• Shares owned after transaction: not disclosed in this filing.
• Footnotes:
  • Each stock unit is a contingent right to one Class A common share (F1).
  • Some units represent accrued dividend equivalent rights on previously awarded stock units (F2, F4).
  • Stock units vest on the grant date but will convert to shares only upon the insider’s termination of Board service (F3).
• Transaction code: A = Award/Grant (derivative).

Context This grant appears to be a director compensation award (stock units/RSU-like), not an open-market purchase or sale. Because conversion to actual shares occurs only upon Atkinson’s termination of service and the grant was at $0, it does not reflect an immediate purchase of shares or a liquidity event. Dividend equivalents are included in the total award amount. Such grants are common for non-employee directors and should not be interpreted as a near-term buy or sell signal.