EMN Form 4: Director Defers Fees into 1,360 Phantom Units
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Damon J. Audia, a director of Eastman Chemical Co. (EMN), reported crediting of 1,360 phantom stock units on 10/07/2025 under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. The report shows two entries: 873 units credited at a market-linked value of $62.35 each and 487 units credited with a $0 price (automatic deferral), totaling 1,360 units beneficially owned following the transactions. These phantom units mirror the market value of one share each but are payable only in cash after the director's service ends, and thus do not represent actual shares with voting rights.
The Form 4 was filed as a single reporting person filing and signed by power of attorney on 10/09/2025. The entries reflect voluntary and automatic deferrals of director retainer fees into the director's deferred stock account rather than open-market purchases or option exercises.
Positive
- Alignment with shareholders: 1,360 phantom units tie director compensation to company stock value
- Deferred compensation used: Voluntary deferral of 873 units shows director choice to accept equity-linked pay
- Timely disclosure: Form 4 filed and signed by power of attorney on 10/09/2025
Negative
- Cash-settled units: Phantom units are payable only in cash after termination and do not confer voting rights
Insights
Director increased deferred pay into phantom units, aligning compensation with shareholder value but remaining cash-settled.
The reported 1,360 phantom stock units represent deferred retainer fees credited to a directors' deferred compensation plan; each unit tracks the market value of one share and therefore ties the director's compensation to the company's stock performance without issuing equity.
Because these units are payable only in cash after service termination, they do not create voting or share dilution. Monitor future disclosures for any conversion or cash-settlement timing that could affect executive cash obligations within 12–36 months.
Filing documents a Section 16 change from a director and shows timely reporting via Form 4.
The Form 4 records transactions dated 10/07/2025 and a filing/signee date of 10/09/2025, indicating the required reporting of changes in beneficial ownership for an insider.
Because the entries are plan-based deferrals (including an automatic deferral), they should be tracked separately from open-market trades; investors may review subsequent Forms for settlement details or further changes.
Insider Trade Summary
| Type | Security | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant/Award | Phantom Stock Units | 873 | $62.35 | $54K |
| Grant/Award | Phantom Stock Units | 487 | $0.00 | -- |
Footnotes (1)
- Phantom Stock Units credited under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, each having a value equal to the market of one share of issuer common stock and payable only in cash after termination of service as a director. Voluntary deferral of a portion of director's retainer fees that would otherwise have been paid in cash into the director's stock account of the Director's Deferred Compensation Plan. Automatic deferral of a portion of director's annual retainer fees that would otherwise have been paid in cash into the director's stock account of the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.