Form 4: FactSet CTO Katherine Stepp Acquires Stock Options

FactSet Research Systems Inc.'s Chief Technology Officer, Katherine M. Stepp, acquired 6,969 employee stock options with an exercise price of $264.57, granted under a Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Summary

• Katherine M. Stepp, Chief Technology Officer of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS), acquired employee stock options.
• The transaction involved 6,969 derivative securities, specifically employee stock options.
• The options have an exercise price of $264.57 per share.
• The grant date for these options was November 3, 2025.
• The options are set to expire on November 3, 2035.
• Each option represents the right to buy one share of FactSet common stock.
• The options vest 25% annually on the anniversary date of the grant and will be fully vested after four years.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-arranged trading plan.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of stock options by a key executive is generally viewed positively as it aligns management's interests with shareholders. The Rule 10b5-1 plan indicates a pre-planned transaction, reducing concerns about opportunistic timing. It's a routine compensation event.

Positives

• The acquisition of stock options by a key executive (CTO) can signal confidence in the company's future performance and aligns management's interests with shareholder value.
• The transaction was made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which indicates a pre-planned, non-discretionary transaction, reducing concerns about opportunistic timing.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This is a routine insider transaction for equity compensation, reflecting standard practice for executive compensation in the financial data and analytics industry. Such grants are common mechanisms to incentivize long-term performance and align executive interests with those of shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Granting stock options as part of executive compensation is a common practice across the technology and financial services industries, aligning executive incentives with shareholder value creation.
• The vesting schedule of 25% annually over four years is a standard industry practice for employee stock options, designed to encourage long-term retention and performance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of options aligns the CTO's long-term interests with shareholder value creation, as the options gain value if the stock price increases.
• Employees: This reflects standard executive compensation practices, which can influence overall compensation philosophy within the company.

Key Dates

Keywords

FactSet Research Systems, FDS, Katherine M Stepp, Chief Technology Officer, CTO, Stock Options, Insider Trading, Form 4, Equity Compensation, Rule 10b5-1