Form 4: Getty Images CEO Craig Peters Granted 50,000 Restricted Stock Units

Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (GETY) CEO Craig Peters was granted 50,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of the company's 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, aligning executive compensation with long-term shareholder value.

Summary

• Craig Warren Peters, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (GETY), acquired 50,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
• The acquisition was in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) granted on May 29, 2025, under the Issuer's 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
• Each RSU represents a contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's Class A Common Stock.
• The RSUs were granted at a price of $0 per unit.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Peters beneficially owns a total of 1,312,948 shares of Class A Common Stock.
• Vesting of the RSUs will commence in 2027, with 25% vesting in substantially equal quarterly installments on the 5th day of the third month of each quarter (March, June, September, and December) for four quarters.
• Vesting is subject to Mr. Peters' continued employment on each applicable Vesting Date.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reports a routine executive compensation grant, which is generally positive as it aligns management's interests with shareholders over the long term. It does not contain any negative financial or operational news.

Positives

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) aligns the Chief Executive Officer's interests directly with long-term shareholder value, as the value of the compensation is tied to the company's stock performance.
• The vesting schedule, extending into 2027 and beyond, incentivizes the CEO's continued commitment and performance over several years, promoting stability in leadership.

Negatives

• The RSUs have a vesting schedule that begins in 2027, meaning the shares are not immediately owned or liquid for the recipient.
• The value of the compensation is contingent on the future stock price of Getty Images, introducing market risk for the recipient.

Risks

• The vesting of the Restricted Stock Units is contingent upon the participant's continued employment on each applicable Vesting Date, meaning the CEO could forfeit unvested units if employment ceases.

Future Outlook

The grant of Restricted Stock Units with a vesting schedule commencing in 2027 indicates a long-term incentive structure for the CEO, aligning his future performance with the company's sustained growth and shareholder returns.

Industry Context

The grant of Restricted Stock Units to a Chief Executive Officer is a common practice in publicly traded companies, particularly in the technology and media sectors, serving as a key component of executive compensation packages designed to attract, retain, and motivate top talent by aligning their financial interests with the company's long-term performance.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as a form of executive compensation is a widely adopted practice across various industries, including digital media and content platforms, similar to companies like Shutterstock or Adobe, which frequently utilize equity grants to incentivize their leadership.
• The vesting schedule, typically over several years and contingent on continued employment, is standard for such grants, aiming to foster long-term commitment and performance from executives.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of 50,000 Restricted Stock Units to Craig Peters, the Chief Executive Officer and a Director, constitutes a related party transaction as it involves compensation to a key management personnel. This is a standard form of executive compensation.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aims to align the CEO's long-term interests with shareholder value, potentially leading to more sustained performance and value creation.
• Employees: While directly impacting the CEO, such compensation structures can signal stability in leadership and a commitment to long-term strategic goals, which can indirectly benefit employees.

Next Steps

• The vesting of the 50,000 Restricted Stock Units will commence in 2027, with quarterly installments over four quarters, subject to continued employment.

Key Dates

Keywords

Getty Images, GETY, SEC Form 4, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Equity Incentive Plan, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Craig Peters, Stock Grant