Form 4: Acuity Brands Director Michael J. Bender Acquires Deferred Stock Units

Acuity Brands director Michael J. Bender received 534 deferred stock units (DSUs) as part of his director compensation.

Summary

• Michael J. Bender, a director at Acuity Brands, Inc., acquired 534 deferred stock units (DSUs) on January 22, 2025.
• These DSUs were granted as part of his annual director fees, under the company's 2012 Omnibus Stock Incentive Compensation Plan.
• The DSUs will vest on January 22, 2026, or earlier at the next annual shareholder meeting.
• Upon vesting, the DSUs will be payable upon retirement in either a lump sum or five annual installments.
• The value of the DSUs was calculated using an average stock price of $328.00 per share.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, which is generally viewed neutrally to slightly positive as it aligns director interests with shareholders.

Positives

• The grant of DSUs aligns director compensation with the long-term performance of the company.
• The vesting schedule encourages long-term commitment from the director.

Future Outlook

The DSUs will vest on January 22, 2026, or earlier at the next annual shareholder meeting, and will be payable upon retirement.

Industry Context

This is a standard practice for compensating board members in publicly traded companies, aligning their interests with those of shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Granting deferred stock units to directors is a common practice among publicly listed companies, including those in the lighting and building management industries.
• Companies like Eaton Corporation and Hubbell Incorporated also use similar equity-based compensation plans for their board members.
• The vesting period of one year is also typical, ensuring directors have a vested interest in the company's long-term performance.

Stakeholder Impact

• The grant of DSUs aligns the director's interests with those of shareholders, potentially encouraging decisions that benefit the company's long-term value.

Key Dates

Keywords

Deferred Stock Units, DSUs, Director Compensation, Stock Incentive Plan, Acuity Brands, AYI, Michael J. Bender, Director Fees