AEP Form 4: Director granted 377 phantom stock units at $112.50
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Art A. Garcia, a director of American Electric Power (AEP), received 377 phantom stock units under AEP's Stock Unit Accumulation Plan on 09/30/2025. Each phantom unit represents the right to receive the cash value of one share of AEP common stock; the filing states the AEP share price at the transaction was $112.50. The phantom units are payable in cash or shares after Mr. Garcia leaves the board, and may be transferred into an alternative investment account while he remains a director. After this grant, Mr. Garcia beneficially owns 1,801 shares directly.
Positive
- Director alignment with shareholders: 377 phantom stock units link director compensation to AEP share value
- Clear disclosure of terms: Units payable in cash or shares and transferable into alternative investment account
- Maintained ownership stake: Reporting person holds 1,801 shares directly after the transaction
Negative
- None.
Insights
TL;DR: Director received phantom stock aligning compensation with shareholder value; modest economic stake increase.
The grant of 377 phantom stock units is a routine, non-cash director compensation event that ties the director's payout to AEP's share price, cited at $112.50 at the transaction time. Phantom units are common for non-employee directors and preserve cash while linking pay to equity performance. The post-grant direct beneficial ownership of 1,801 shares is small relative to a large utility but signals continued alignment with shareholders. This disclosure does not indicate any sale or change in control implications.
TL;DR: Compensation structure reflects standard governance practice—deferred, stock-linked pay for non-employee directors.
The use of phantom stock units payable in cash or shares upon departure is consistent with practices to avoid immediate dilution while maintaining long-term alignment. The ability to transfer units into alternative investments before termination provides flexibility but does not materially alter governance signals. The Form 4 cleanly discloses the grant and resulting direct ownership; there are no indications of related-party transactions or unusual terms disclosed in this filing.