At the beginning of 2020, NBC Communications awarded restricted stock units (RSUs) representing 30 million of its $1 par common shares to key personnel, subject to forfeiture if employment is terminated within 5 years. After the recipients satisfy the vesting requirement, NBC will distribute the shares. The shares had a market price of $6, $8, and $10 per share at the end of 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. What is the effect of this award to NBC's shareholders' equity in 2021?

a.Reduces shareholders' equity by $48 million.

b.Increases shareholders' equity by $48 million.

c.Reduces shareholders' equity by $36 million.

d.Does not change shareholders' equity.

e.Reduces shareholders' equity by $60 million.