Form 4: ONE Gas Director Deborah Hersman Defers Annual Retainer into Phantom Stock

Deborah Hersman, a Director at ONE Gas, Inc., has acquired 1,905 shares of phantom stock through the company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, increasing her beneficial ownership to 5,658 shares.

Summary

• Deborah Hersman, a Director of ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), acquired 1,905 shares of phantom stock on May 22, 2025.
• This acquisition was a result of her annual stock retainer being deferred into phantom stock under ONE Gas' Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
• Each share of phantom stock is convertible into one share of ONE Gas common stock.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Hersman beneficially owns a total of 5,658 shares of phantom stock.
• The phantom stock was acquired at an implied price of $73.49 per share, representing the value of the deferred retainer.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of phantom stock by a director, even as part of a compensation plan, generally indicates a positive alignment of interests and confidence in the company's future. It's not a direct cash investment but ties the director's compensation to the stock performance.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock by a director indicates continued alignment of interests between management and shareholders, as the director is increasing their stake in the company's future performance.
• Deferring compensation into company stock through a formal plan demonstrates confidence in the long-term value of ONE Gas.

Future Outlook

The document does not provide specific forward-looking statements or guidance beyond the nature of the phantom stock settlement as described in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

Industry Context

This transaction is a routine insider filing for a director's compensation deferral in the utility sector. Such deferrals are common practice for non-employee directors to align their interests with shareholders, particularly in stable industries like utilities where long-term value creation is a key focus.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock by Deborah Hersman, a director, under the company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, constitutes a related party transaction as it involves compensation arrangements between the company and a member of its board.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The deferral of director compensation into phantom stock aligns the director's financial interests with those of shareholders, potentially fostering decisions that enhance long-term shareholder value.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated by this specific filing.

Key Dates

Keywords

ONE Gas, OGS, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Phantom Stock, Deferred Compensation, Director Compensation, Equity Ownership, Utility Sector