Form 4: WEC Energy Group Director Stanek Acquires Phantom Stock Units Through Fee Deferral

Director Mary Ellen Stanek acquired phantom stock units in WEC Energy Group through a deferral of director fees.

Summary

• On April 7, 2025, Mary Ellen Stanek, a director of WEC Energy Group, Inc., acquired 291.0078 phantom stock units.
• The acquisition was a result of deferring director fees and is exempt from Section 16(b) under Rule 16b-3(d).
• The price of the underlying common stock was $103.09 per unit.
• Following the transaction, Stanek beneficially owns 48,823.3055 phantom stock units, including those accrued through dividend reinvestments.
• These units are to be settled according to the terms of the WEC Energy Group, Inc. Director's Deferred Compensation Plan (DDCP).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, which is generally viewed neutrally. The acquisition of phantom stock units through fee deferral is a positive sign of alignment between the director and the company's long-term interests.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units through fee deferral aligns the director's interests with the long-term performance of the company.
• The director's deferred compensation plan allows for continued investment in the company's stock through dividend reinvestments.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units will be settled in accordance with the terms of the WEC Energy Group, Inc. Director's Deferred Compensation Plan (DDCP).

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure related to director compensation and aligns with standard practices for publicly traded companies. Directors often receive stock-based compensation to align their interests with those of shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages often include a mix of cash and equity, with equity components like phantom stock units becoming increasingly common.
• Companies like Duke Energy and Exelon also utilize deferred compensation plans for their directors, allowing them to accumulate company stock over time.
• The specific terms of these plans, such as vesting schedules and settlement options, can vary significantly between companies.

Stakeholder Impact

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director can positively influence shareholder confidence by aligning management's interests with those of the shareholders.

Key Dates

Keywords

WEC Energy Group, Director, Phantom Stock Units, Fee Deferral, DDCP, Beneficial Ownership, Form 4, Stanek, Director Compensation