Form 4: Hayward Holdings Director Arthur Soucy Acquires 9,462 Shares in Restricted Stock Unit Grant

Hayward Holdings, Inc. Director Arthur L. Soucy reported the acquisition of 9,462 shares of common stock through a restricted stock unit grant on May 22, 2025, increasing his total beneficial ownership to 44,105 shares.

Summary

• Arthur L. Soucy, a Director of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW), acquired 9,462 shares of common stock.
• The acquisition occurred on May 22, 2025, and was reported on May 27, 2025.
• These shares were acquired as Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at a price of $0, indicating a grant rather than a purchase.
• Each RSU represents the contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
• The RSUs are set to vest on the earlier of May 22, 2026, or the date of the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, provided Mr. Soucy remains in continuous service with the Issuer's board of directors through the vesting date.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Soucy's total beneficial ownership of Hayward Holdings common stock is 44,105 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing indicates a routine equity grant to a director, which is a positive for aligning interests, but it's not a direct cash investment by the director. It's a standard compensation practice, hence a neutral to slightly positive sentiment.

Positives

• Director Arthur L. Soucy increased his beneficial ownership in Hayward Holdings, Inc. by 9,462 shares, further aligning his interests with shareholders.
• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to a director is a common form of equity compensation, incentivizing long-term commitment and performance.

Negatives

• The acquisition was a grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at a price of $0, not an open market purchase, meaning there was no direct cash investment by the director in this specific transaction.

Risks

• The vesting of the 9,462 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) is contingent upon Arthur L. Soucy remaining in continuous service with the Issuer's board of directors through the vesting date.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the granted Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) extends to at least May 22, 2026, or the 2026 annual meeting, indicating a continued alignment of the director's interests with the company's long-term performance.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing reflects a routine equity compensation grant to a director, a common practice across various industries to align executive and board member incentives with shareholder value creation. Hayward Holdings operates in the pool equipment and technology sector, where attracting and retaining experienced board members is crucial for strategic guidance.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of director compensation is a standard practice in publicly traded companies across various sectors, including the consumer durables and building products industries where Hayward Holdings operates.
• The vesting schedule, contingent on continued service, is typical for such equity awards, aiming to retain key board members and incentivize long-term commitment.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of a director's interests with shareholder value through equity ownership.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned, but reflects standard executive/director compensation practices.

Next Steps

• The Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are expected to vest on the earlier of May 22, 2026, or the date of the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, provided continuous service by the reporting person.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Hayward Holdings, HAYW, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Director Compensation, Equity Grant, Beneficial Ownership