Form 4: Acuity Brands Director Receives Deferred Stock Units as Part of Compensation

Acuity Brands director George Douglas Dillard Jr. received 534 deferred stock units (DSUs) as part of his annual director fees.

Summary

• George Douglas Dillard Jr., a director at Acuity Brands, Inc., received 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 the first anniversary of the grant date, or at the next annual shareholder meeting, whichever is earlier.
• Once vested, 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 compensation event, which is generally positive for aligning director interests with shareholders. There are no negative implications.

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 the first anniversary of the grant date or 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 traded companies, including those in the lighting and building solutions industry.
• 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 long-term stake in the company's success.

Stakeholder Impact

• The grant of DSUs aligns the director's interests with those of shareholders, as the value of the units is tied to the company's stock performance.
• This type of compensation is generally viewed positively by shareholders as it encourages long-term value creation.

Key Dates

Keywords

Deferred Stock Units, DSU, Director Compensation, Acuity Brands, Stock Incentive Plan, George Douglas Dillard Jr., AYI