Form 4: MSCI Inc. General Counsel Reports Stock Transactions Following PSU Vesting

Robert J. Gutowski, General Counsel of MSCI Inc., reports the acquisition of 1,815 shares of common stock from vested performance stock units (PSUs) and the subsequent disposal of 927 shares to cover tax obligations.

Summary

• On February 6, 2025, Robert J. Gutowski, General Counsel of MSCI Inc., acquired 1,815 shares of common stock due to the vesting and conversion of performance stock units (PSUs) granted on February 6, 2020.
• The vesting was certified by the Compensation, Talent and Culture Committee on February 6, 2025, confirming the achievement of performance metrics for the period from February 5, 2020, to February 4, 2025.
• Simultaneously, Gutowski disposed of 927 shares of common stock at a price of $587.48 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the PSU vesting.
• Following these transactions, Gutowski beneficially owns 16,569 shares of MSCI Inc. common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The document primarily reports routine stock transactions related to executive compensation. The vesting of PSUs suggests positive performance, but the overall sentiment is neutral.

Positives

• The vesting of PSUs indicates that performance metrics were met during the specified performance period, suggesting positive performance for MSCI Inc.

Industry Context

Form 4 filings are standard practice for reporting changes in beneficial ownership by company insiders, providing transparency to investors.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Similar to other publicly listed companies, MSCI Inc. requires its executives to disclose stock transactions in compliance with SEC regulations.
• The vesting of PSUs based on performance metrics is a common practice to align executive compensation with company performance, as seen in companies like BlackRock and State Street.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transactions have a minor impact on shareholders as they reflect standard executive compensation practices.

Key Dates