LAZ Form 4: Andrew Alper Takes 651 DSUs; Beneficial Ownership Disclosed
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Andrew M. Alper, a director of Lazard, Inc. (LAZ), elected on 08/15/2025 to receive 651 Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) in lieu of cash compensation under the company's 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan. The DSUs are slated to convert into common stock on a one-for-one basis when Mr. Alper resigns or otherwise ceases to be a board member. Following the reported DSU award, the filing shows 97,400 shares of common stock beneficially owned by the reporting person. The Form 4 was signed by power of attorney and filed on 08/19/2025.
Positive
- Director aligned with shareholders by electing DSUs that convert one-for-one into common stock upon leaving the board
- Clear disclosure of ownership: reporting shows 97,400 shares beneficially owned following the DSU award
Negative
- None.
Insights
TL;DR: Director elected deferred stock units instead of cash; this is a routine compensation election with limited immediate governance impact.
The election by a director to take DSUs instead of cash is a common mechanism to align long-term interests with shareholders while deferring current cash outflows. The DSUs will convert one-for-one into common shares only upon cessation of board service, which preserves retention incentives but does not immediately change voting power. The report discloses 651 DSUs and total beneficial ownership of 97,400 shares, providing transparency on the director's stake. Overall this is procedural and non-disruptive.
TL;DR: The transaction is a non-derivative award election with no cash price and no immediate market transaction; impact on share count is contingent.
The Form 4 records an annual election to receive 651 DSUs at $0 price, reflecting a deferred compensation choice rather than an open-market purchase or sale. Since conversion to common stock occurs only after the director leaves the board, there is no immediate dilution or market transaction. The filing increases reported beneficial ownership disclosure to 97,400 shares, which is relevant for ownership analysis but not material to outstanding share counts today.