Form 4: Anne A. Finucane Reports Acquisition of Williams Sonoma Inc. Deferred Stock Units

Director Anne A. Finucane acquired 81 deferred stock units of Williams Sonoma Inc. in lieu of cash compensation.

Summary

• On April 29, 2024, Anne A. Finucane, a director of Williams Sonoma Inc. (WSM), acquired 81 deferred stock units.
• These units were granted under the Issuer's 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as part of the Director Compensation Policy, in lieu of cash retainers.
• Each deferred stock unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of WSM common stock.
• The deferred stock units are fully vested and will be delivered in June 2026, subject to earlier delivery upon certain events.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to positive as it reflects standard compensation practices and aligns director interests with the company's long-term performance.

Positives

• The director's decision to receive deferred stock units instead of cash aligns her interests with the long-term performance of the company.

Future Outlook

The deferred stock units will be delivered to the reporting person in June 2026, subject to earlier delivery upon the occurrence of certain events.

Industry Context

This filing reflects standard executive compensation practices, where stock-based compensation is used to align the interests of directors with those of shareholders.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Many companies, including comparable retailers like Target (TGT) and Walmart (WMT), use stock-based compensation as part of their director compensation packages.
• The use of deferred stock units is a common method to incentivize long-term commitment and align director interests with shareholder value, similar to practices observed at companies like RH (Restoration Hardware).

Stakeholder Impact

• The acquisition of deferred stock units by a director can positively influence shareholder confidence by aligning management's interests with the company's long-term success.

Key Dates