Form 4: AEP Director Acquires Phantom Stock Units

American Electric Power Co Inc director Gary Hunter Clark acquired 368 phantom stock units, increasing his beneficial ownership to 3,336 units.

Summary

• Director Gary Hunter Clark of American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP) acquired 368 phantom stock units.
• The transaction occurred on December 31, 2025, with the units valued at $115.31 each, reflecting AEP's stock price at that time.
• Following this acquisition, Mr. Clark beneficially owns a total of 3,336 phantom stock units.
• These stock units are typically paid out in cash or shares upon termination of service, with an option to defer payment for up to five years thereafter.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director is a positive signal of alignment with shareholder interests, though it is a routine compensation event rather than a discretionary open-market purchase.

Positives

• Director Gary Hunter Clark increased his beneficial ownership in the company through the acquisition of 368 phantom stock units, aligning his interests with shareholders.

Future Outlook

The filing indicates that phantom stock units are paid to the director upon termination of service, with an option to defer payment for a period not exceeding five years thereafter.

Industry Context

This is a routine insider transaction related to director compensation, common across publicly traded companies, particularly in the utility sector, to align director incentives with long-term company performance.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by Director Gary Hunter Clark represents a compensation-related transaction between a related party (director) and the issuer.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the director's increased beneficial ownership as a positive sign of alignment between management and shareholder interests.
• The transaction is part of the company's compensation structure for its directors.

Key Dates

Keywords

American Electric Power, AEP, Gary Hunter Clark, Director, Phantom Stock Units, Insider Transaction, Form 4, Equity Compensation