Form 4: Hayward Holdings Grants RSUs to Europe & ROW VP

Hayward Holdings, Inc. granted 5,071 restricted stock units to Dario Vicario Ramirez, VP&GM, Europe & Rest of World, vesting over three years.

Summary

• Dario Vicario Ramirez, VP&GM, Europe & Rest of World at Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW), was granted 5,071 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on February 27, 2026, with a price of $0 per share, indicating a grant.
• These shares represent restricted stock units (RSUs) issued under the Hayward Holdings, Inc. 2021 Equity Plan.
• Each RSU provides the contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's common stock.
• The RSUs will vest in three equal installments on February 28, 2027, February 28, 2028, and February 28, 2029.
• Vesting is contingent upon Mr. Ramirez remaining in continuous service with the Issuer through each vesting date.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Ramirez beneficially owns a total of 12,889 shares.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral to slightly positive event, reflecting standard executive compensation practices aimed at aligning management interests with shareholders and retaining key talent.

Positives

• The RSU grant aligns the executive's long-term interests with those of shareholders, as the value of the compensation is tied to the company's stock performance.
• The multi-year vesting schedule acts as a retention incentive, encouraging the executive to remain with the company for the specified period.

Negatives

• The grant of additional shares, upon vesting, will result in minor dilution for existing shareholders.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the restricted stock units extends through February 2029, indicating an expectation of continued service from the executive and a long-term incentive structure.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that granting restricted stock units to key executives is a standard practice across various industries, particularly in publicly traded companies, to incentivize performance and ensure executive retention. This aligns Hayward Holdings with common corporate governance and compensation strategies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The use of restricted stock units (RSUs) as a component of executive compensation is a widely adopted practice, comparable to compensation structures at companies like Pool Corporation (POOL) or Leslie's, Inc. (LESL) within the broader pool and spa industry, and across many other sectors.
• The three-year vesting schedule with equal annual installments is a common structure designed to provide sustained incentive and retention over a medium-term horizon, consistent with global benchmarks for executive equity awards.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• The grant of restricted stock units to Dario Vicario Ramirez, an officer of Hayward Holdings, Inc., constitutes an insider transaction as part of his compensation package under the company's approved equity plan.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Experience minor potential future dilution upon vesting of the RSUs, but benefit from enhanced executive retention and alignment of management interests with long-term stock performance.
• Employees (Executive): Dario Vicario Ramirez receives a significant equity incentive, contingent on continued service, which enhances his long-term compensation and commitment to the company.

Next Steps

• The restricted stock units will vest in three equal installments on February 28, 2027, February 28, 2028, and February 28, 2029, subject to continuous service.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine restricted stock unit grant to an executive, which is a standard component of compensation and retention strategy. It does not present new information that would fundamentally alter the investment thesis for Hayward Holdings, Inc., thus a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate for existing investors.

Keywords

Hayward Holdings, HAYW, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Grant, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Equity Plan, Dario Vicario Ramirez