Form 4: FactSet CDO John Costigan Earns 367 Performance Share Units

FactSet Research Systems Inc.'s Chief Data Officer, John Costigan, was awarded 367 Performance Share Units following the achievement of performance goals, vesting on November 1, 2025.

Summary

• John Costigan, Chief Data Officer of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS), was granted 367 Performance Share Units (PSUs).
• The PSUs were earned upon the achievement of specific performance goals, as certified by the Compensation and Talent Committee on September 15, 2025.
• Each PSU corresponds to one share of FactSet Common Stock.
• The PSUs are scheduled to vest on November 1, 2025, contingent upon Mr. Costigan's continuous employment with FactSet until that date.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Costigan beneficially owns 367 derivative securities (PSUs) directly.
• The transaction price for these earned PSUs was $0.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates a routine executive compensation event where performance goals were met, aligning executive interests with shareholders. This is a moderately positive signal for corporate governance and executive performance, but not a significant market-moving event.

Positives

• The award of Performance Share Units indicates that John Costigan, a key executive, has met specific performance goals, reflecting positively on his contributions.
• The grant of PSUs aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders, as the value of the units is tied to the company's stock performance and continued employment.

Risks

• The vesting of the 367 Performance Share Units is conditional upon John Costigan's continuous employment with FactSet Research Systems Inc. until November 1, 2025.

Future Outlook

The Performance Share Units are scheduled to vest on November 1, 2025, provided the Chief Data Officer remains continuously employed by FactSet Research Systems Inc. on that date.

Industry Context

The grant of Performance Share Units is a common form of executive compensation in the financial technology and data services industry, designed to incentivize long-term performance and retention of key personnel.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Performance Share Units are a standard component of executive compensation packages across the technology and financial services sectors, similar to practices at companies like S&P Global, MSCI, and Bloomberg, aiming to align executive incentives with shareholder value creation and long-term company performance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of PSUs to a key executive aligns management's interests with shareholder value creation, as the vesting is tied to performance and continued service.
• Employees: The compensation structure for executives can serve as a benchmark or motivator for other employees, reinforcing a performance-driven culture.

Next Steps

• The Performance Share Units are expected to vest on November 1, 2025, assuming John Costigan's continuous employment with FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine executive compensation event (grant of Performance Share Units) and does not contain information that would fundamentally alter the investment thesis for FactSet Research Systems Inc. While positive for executive alignment, it is not a catalyst for a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation. Investors should continue to 'hold' based on broader company fundamentals and market conditions.

Keywords

FactSet, FDS, John Costigan, Performance Share Units, PSU, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Form 4