Form 4: WEC Energy Director Boosts Phantom Stock Holdings

WEC Energy Group Director Cristina A Garcia-Thomas acquired 195.2786 phantom stock units through a deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• Cristina A Garcia-Thomas, a Director of WEC Energy Group, Inc., acquired 195.2786 phantom stock units.
• The transaction occurred on October 7, 2025.
• These units were acquired as a deferral of director fees and accrued under the WEC Energy Group, Inc. Director's Deferred Compensation Plan (DDCP).
• The acquisition is exempt from Section 16(b) pursuant to Rule 16b-3(d) and includes units from a dividend reinvestment feature exempt under Rule 16a-11.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Garcia-Thomas beneficially owns a total of 8,389.6422 phantom stock units.
• The phantom stock units are convertible on a one-for-one basis into common stock.
• The price of the derivative security (phantom stock unit) was $115.22.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The acquisition of additional phantom stock units by a director, even through a compensation deferral, generally indicates continued confidence in the company's long-term prospects and strengthens alignment with shareholder interests.

Positives

• Director Cristina A Garcia-Thomas increased her beneficial ownership of phantom stock units, aligning her interests further with shareholders.
• The acquisition was part of a deferred compensation plan, indicating a structured approach to director remuneration and retention.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

The acquisition of phantom stock units as part of a director's deferred compensation plan is a common practice in the utility and broader corporate sectors, designed to align director incentives with long-term shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Deferring director fees into equity-linked instruments like phantom stock units is a standard compensation practice across many publicly traded companies, particularly in stable industries like utilities.
• This approach is consistent with corporate governance best practices aimed at fostering long-term alignment between directors and shareholder interests, similar to practices observed at peers such as Duke Energy (DUK) or NextEra Energy (NEE).

Related Party Transactions

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by Director Cristina A Garcia-Thomas through the Director's Deferred Compensation Plan constitutes a related party transaction, which is a standard and disclosed component of director remuneration.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of director's interests with long-term shareholder value.
• Management: Reinforces stability in board leadership and compensation structure.

Key Dates

Keywords

WEC Energy Group, WEC, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Director Compensation, Phantom Stock Units, Deferred Compensation, Equity Compensation