Form 4: Axsome Therapeutics Director Mark Coleman Receives Equity Grants Valued at Over $350,000

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. Director Mark Coleman was granted 3,166 stock options and 1,429 restricted stock units (RSUs) on June 6, 2025, as part of his compensation.

Summary

• Mark Coleman, a Director of Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM), reported the acquisition of equity securities on June 6, 2025.
• The grants include 3,166 stock options with an exercise price of $111.91 per share.
• These stock options are set to vest in full on June 6, 2026, which is the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and will expire on June 6, 2035.
• Additionally, Mr. Coleman received 1,429 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), where each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of Axsome's common stock.
• The RSUs are also scheduled to vest in full on June 6, 2026, the one-year anniversary of their grant date.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is slightly positive as it indicates standard compensation and aligns director interests with shareholders, without any negative implications or unusual activity.

Positives

• The equity grants align the interests of Director Mark Coleman with those of the shareholders, as his compensation is tied to the company's stock performance.
• The grants represent standard compensation practices for directors, indicating ongoing commitment and involvement from the board.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the reporting person includes the vesting of 3,166 stock options and 1,429 Restricted Stock Units on June 6, 2026, which will increase his direct beneficial ownership of Axsome Therapeutics common stock.

Industry Context

The granting of stock options and restricted stock units to directors is a common practice in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, serving as a key component of executive and director compensation packages to incentivize long-term performance and align interests with shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of stock options and RSUs for director compensation is a standard practice across publicly traded companies, particularly in growth-oriented sectors like biotechnology.
• The one-year vesting period for these grants is a common structure, aiming to retain directors and ensure their continued engagement over a reasonable timeframe.
• While specific grant sizes vary by company size, market capitalization, and individual director roles, the structure of these grants aligns with typical equity compensation plans seen in comparable biopharmaceutical companies.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grants align the director's financial interests with the long-term performance of the company, potentially benefiting shareholders through improved governance and strategic decisions.

Next Steps

• The 3,166 stock options and 1,429 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) held by Mark Coleman are expected to vest on June 6, 2026.

Key Dates

Keywords

Axsome Therapeutics, AXSM, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Option, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Equity Grant, Director Compensation, SEC Filing