Form 4: American Express Director Acquires Share Equivalent Units Through Deferred Compensation Plan

Director Christopher David Young acquired share equivalent units of American Express through the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.

Summary

• On September 30, 2024, Christopher David Young, a director of American Express, acquired 151.89 share equivalent units.
• The acquisition was made pursuant to the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
• The price per share equivalent unit was $263.35.
• Following the transaction, Young beneficially owns 18,066.209 share equivalent units.
• These units are convertible immediately upon termination of service as a Director and have no expiration date.
• The share equivalent units will be settled in cash following termination of service as a Director.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to positive. The filing reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, indicating continued alignment of interests between the director and the company's shareholders. There are no red flags or negative implications.

Positives

• The acquisition of share equivalent units demonstrates the director's continued investment in the company's future.
• The Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan allows directors to align their interests with those of the shareholders.

Industry Context

Form 4 filings are a routine part of corporate governance, providing transparency into the transactions of company insiders. This filing indicates a director's participation in a deferred compensation plan, which is a common practice among publicly traded companies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Deferred compensation plans for directors are a common practice in publicly traded companies, including those in the financial services sector like JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Visa Inc.
• These plans often involve the issuance of share equivalent units or restricted stock units, aligning directors' interests with those of shareholders.
• The specific terms of these plans, such as vesting schedules and settlement methods, can vary across companies.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders by demonstrating the director's continued investment in the company.

Key Dates