Form 4: Cooper-Standard Grants 900 RSUs to CIO

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. granted 900 restricted stock units to its Senior Vice President and Chief Information Technology Officer, Somasundhar Venkatasubramanian.

Summary

• Somasundhar Venkatasubramanian, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Technology Officer of Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc., received a grant of 900 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• The grant occurred on September 15, 2025, under the Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
• These RSUs will vest in three equal annual installments, with one-third vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
• Vesting is contingent upon continued employment with the company or its affiliates through the applicable vesting dates.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: A positive, routine event indicating executive retention and alignment of interests, but not a major strategic or financial announcement that would significantly alter the company's outlook.

Positives

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units aligns the executive's long-term interests with shareholder value.
• This incentive structure aims to retain a key executive, Somasundhar Venkatasubramanian, for at least three years.

Risks

• The RSUs are subject to forfeiture if the reporting person's employment with the company or its affiliates ceases before the applicable vesting dates.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the granted RSUs extends over three years, indicating a long-term incentive for the executive to remain with the company and contribute to its future performance.

Industry Context

This RSU grant is a standard practice in executive compensation across various industries, including the automotive supply sector where Cooper-Standard operates, aiming to align executive incentives with long-term company performance and shareholder interests.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The grant of restricted stock units as a form of executive compensation is a common practice, comparable to incentive plans at companies like Magna International, Aptiv, or Lear Corporation, which also utilize equity awards to retain and motivate key personnel.
• The three-year vesting schedule is typical for such long-term incentive programs in the industry.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Interests are aligned with the executive through equity ownership, potentially fostering better long-term performance and value creation.
• Employees: May signal stability in executive leadership and a commitment to long-term incentive programs.

Next Steps

• Continued employment of Somasundhar Venkatasubramanian with Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. or its affiliates.
• Vesting of RSUs on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date (September 15, 2026, 2027, and 2028).

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing reports a routine grant of restricted stock units to a senior executive, which is a standard component of executive compensation designed to align management incentives with long-term shareholder value. It does not present new financial performance data, strategic shifts, or material risks that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The transaction is expected and reflects ongoing corporate governance practices.

Keywords

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc., CPS, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Somasundhar Venkatasubramanian, Form 4, Equity Grant