Form 4: CSX Director J. Steven Whisler Acquires Shares Through Deferred Compensation Plan

Director J. Steven Whisler acquired 5,694 shares of CSX common stock through the company's deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• On February 14, 2025, J. Steven Whisler, a director of CSX Corporation, acquired 5,694 shares of common stock.
• These shares were obtained through an exempt payment of director's fees and/or annual retainer under the 2019 CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan at a price of $0.
• Following the transaction, Whisler directly owns 126,354 shares and indirectly owns 83,901 shares through the CSX Corporation Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.
• The indirect holdings include 277 shares acquired through dividend reinvestment since December 13, 2024.
• Whisler has a power of attorney designating Michael S. Burns and Tammy D. Butler to handle SEC filings on his behalf.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, which is generally viewed neutrally to positively as it aligns director interests with shareholders. The acquisition of shares by a director is a positive sign.

Positives

• The acquisition of shares by a director can be seen as a positive signal, indicating confidence in the company's future performance.
• The use of a deferred compensation plan allows directors to align their interests with those of shareholders over the long term.

Future Outlook

The document does not contain specific forward-looking statements regarding the company's future performance.

Industry Context

Director stock ownership is a common practice in publicly traded companies to align management's interests with shareholders. Deferred compensation plans are also frequently used as part of executive compensation packages.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages vary widely across the transportation industry.
• Companies like Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) also utilize stock-based compensation for their executives and directors.
• The amount of stock granted to directors is generally aligned with the company's size, performance, and overall compensation strategy.
• Comparing Whisler's holdings and recent acquisition to those of directors at similar companies would provide a more detailed benchmark.

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of shares through the CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan constitutes a related party transaction, as it involves compensation to a director.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders as it aligns the director's interests with theirs.
• The transaction has no immediate impact on employees, customers, suppliers, or creditors.

Key Dates

Keywords

CSX, Director, Stock Acquisition, Deferred Compensation, Form 4, SEC Filing, J. Steven Whisler