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

Charles E. Phillips Jr., a director at American Express, acquired share equivalent units through the company's Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.

Summary

• On March 31, 2025, Charles E. Phillips Jr., a director of American Express, acquired 137.005 share equivalent units.
• These units were obtained through the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan at a price of $267.8 per unit.
• Following the transaction, Phillips directly owns 8,235.613 share equivalent units.
• These units are convertible to cash upon termination of service as a director and have no expiration date.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, indicating a neutral to slightly positive sentiment as it shows continued director investment in the company.

Positives

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

Industry Context

Directors' deferred compensation plans are a common practice in corporate governance, allowing directors to defer compensation and align their interests with long-term shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Deferred compensation plans for directors are a standard practice among large publicly traded companies like American Express.
• These plans often involve the issuance of share equivalent units or restricted stock, similar to what is described in this filing.
• Companies such as Visa and Mastercard also utilize deferred compensation plans for their directors.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders as it aligns the director's interests with the company's long-term performance.

Key Dates

Keywords

Share Equivalent Units, Director, Deferred Compensation Plan, American Express, Beneficial Ownership, Form 4