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 NBCs shareholders equity in 2022?

a. Does not change shareholders equity.

b. Reduces shareholders equity by $60 million.

c. Increases shareholders equity by $48 million.

d. Reduces shareholders equity by $36 million. e. Reduces shareholders equity by $48 million.