D as in disposed of, means it was stock options that were taken away for failing to meet objectives. They all took a hit on that one.
When it's A as in add, it's stock that was given in lieu of compensation. They are given phantom stock, Phantom stock units ("PSUs) are deferred compensation. During the deferral period retainers and meeting fees are converted into PSUs based upon the average market value of AMR common stock during the deferral month. In other words, instead of being compensated for attendance at a board meeting, a director may be given an equal value amount of stock instead of cash. Basically, the stock costs the company nothing, but if performance is good, the stock given can increase in value and be worth more than they would have gotten had they taken the compensation instead. In an ideal economic environment, it could be a win/win situation.
The stock given on February 4th was given at a common stock value of 2.84 per share. Today, February 5th, that same stock value closed at 3.02 per share. For say a director that was given 2540.65 shares of stock in lieu of compensation, they were instead given stock valued at $7,215.44. Today, 02/05 that same 2540.65 shares of stock is worth $7,672.76 so in one day, by waiving compensation and taking stock instead, they earned $457.32 on the stock already. So this time it was a win/win. Had the stock not gone up by 18 cents a share, and had instead fallen, they would have lost money by taking stock rather than compensation.
Basically, it's incentive for all involved to bust their hump to do right by the company and get that stock price to go up.
Visit www.amrcorp.com and click on Investor Relations, there is a wealth of information in there about how the company is run, it's financial situation and so forth.
One of the things you'll find in there, and might find interesting, is that in 2002 the company projected it would need to come up with a fixed amount for 2003 to continue with capital improvements. That amount just happens to be.... $1.8 billion
and you can find that statement in the annual reports.
Enjoy!