Form 4: Hayward Holdings CEO Granted 125,000 RSUs

Hayward Holdings, Inc. President and CEO, Kevin Holleran, was granted 125,000 restricted stock units under the company's 2021 Equity Plan.

Summary

• Kevin Holleran, President and CEO, and a Director of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW), acquired 125,000 restricted stock units (RSUs).
• The transaction date for this acquisition was February 27, 2026.
• Each restricted stock unit represents the contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
• The RSUs were granted at a price of $0, as is typical for equity grants.
• Following this transaction, Kevin Holleran beneficially owns 748,540 shares directly and 700 shares indirectly through a child.
• The restricted stock units will vest in three equal installments on February 28, 2027, February 28, 2028, and February 28, 2029, contingent upon continuous service with the Issuer.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a positive development for corporate governance and executive alignment, as the grant of restricted stock units ties the CEO's compensation directly to the company's future stock performance and long-term service.

Positives

• The grant of 125,000 restricted stock units to the President and CEO aligns management's long-term interests with those of shareholders.
• The multi-year vesting schedule (three equal installments over three years) incentivizes sustained performance and executive retention.

Negatives

• The value of the restricted stock units is contingent on the future market performance of Hayward Holdings, Inc. common stock.
• There is no immediate cash realization for the CEO from this grant, as it is restricted stock units that vest over time.

Risks

• The ultimate value realized from the restricted stock units is subject to the future market price fluctuations of Hayward Holdings, Inc. common stock.
• Vesting of the restricted stock units is contingent upon Kevin Holleran's continuous service with the Issuer through each vesting date.

Future Outlook

The restricted stock units are scheduled to vest in three equal installments on February 28, 2027, February 28, 2028, and February 28, 2029, provided the Reporting Person remains in continuous service with the Issuer.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive equity grants are a standard practice across industries to incentivize leadership and align their interests with long-term shareholder value. This grant is consistent with typical compensation structures for CEOs in publicly traded companies, including those in the pool and spa equipment sector.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• StockSavvy.ai observes that the grant of restricted stock units with a multi-year vesting schedule is a common practice in executive compensation packages across various industries, including the pool and spa equipment sector where Hayward Holdings operates.
• This structure is designed to promote long-term executive retention and performance alignment with shareholder interests, consistent with global benchmarks for executive incentive plans.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The filing details the grant of restricted stock units to Kevin Holleran, President and CEO, which is a direct transaction between the company and a key executive as part of his compensation package.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential positive impact due to increased alignment of the CEO's interests with long-term shareholder value and company performance.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned, but a stable leadership team incentivized for long-term success can contribute to overall company stability and strategic direction.

Next Steps

• First installment of restricted stock units vests on February 28, 2027.
• Second installment of restricted stock units vests on February 28, 2028.
• Third installment of restricted stock units vests on February 28, 2029.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The grant of restricted stock units to the CEO is a standard executive compensation practice and does not provide new information that would significantly alter the investment outlook for Hayward Holdings, Inc. It reinforces management's long-term commitment but doesn't indicate a fundamental shift in company performance or valuation.

Keywords

Hayward Holdings, HAYW, Form 4, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, CEO compensation, Executive compensation, Insider transaction, Equity plan, Kevin Holleran