Form 4: Hayward Holdings SVP Granted 23,438 Restricted Stock Units

Hayward Holdings' SVP Chief Commercial Officer, John Alec Collins, received a grant of 23,438 restricted stock units under the company's 2021 Equity Plan.

Summary

• John Alec Collins, SVP Chief Commercial Officer of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (HAYW), was granted 23,438 restricted stock units (RSUs).
• The transaction date for this acquisition was February 27, 2026.
• Each RSU represents the contingent right to receive one share of the Issuer's common stock, with a transaction price of $0.
• The RSUs will vest in three equal installments on February 28, 2027, February 28, 2028, and February 28, 2029.
• Vesting is contingent upon Mr. Collins' continuous service with Hayward Holdings through each respective vesting date.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Collins beneficially owns 320,582 shares of common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive development, primarily reflecting the company's commitment to executive retention and aligning management's interests with long-term shareholder value through standard equity compensation practices.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock units aligns the executive's long-term interests with those of shareholders, encouraging sustained performance.
• This equity award serves as a retention mechanism for a key senior executive, the SVP Chief Commercial Officer, ensuring continuity in leadership.
• The increase in beneficial ownership demonstrates the executive's commitment to the company's future success.

Negatives

• The future issuance of shares upon vesting of the restricted stock units will result in a minor dilutive effect on existing shareholders.

Risks

• The vesting of the restricted stock units is contingent upon the Reporting Person's continuous service with the Issuer through the specified vesting dates, meaning the shares are not guaranteed if employment ceases.

Future Outlook

The grant of restricted stock units indicates a long-term commitment from the company to its senior leadership, with future share issuances contingent on continued service and performance through the specified vesting dates in 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Management Comments

• The grant was made under the Hayward Holdings, Inc. 2021 Equity Plan, reflecting the company's established compensation strategy for its executives.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that the grant of restricted stock units to a senior executive is a standard practice in the manufacturing and consumer durables industries, including the pool and spa equipment sector where Hayward Holdings operates. This form of equity compensation is widely used to attract, retain, and incentivize key talent by aligning their financial interests with the long-term performance of the company.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Restricted stock unit grants are a common form of long-term incentive compensation for executives across various industries, including manufacturing and consumer durables, aligning executive interests with shareholder value over time.
• Companies like Pool Corporation (POOL) or Pentair plc (PNR), operating in related sectors, also frequently utilize similar equity-based compensation plans to attract and retain talent and foster long-term commitment.
• The three-year vesting schedule with equal annual installments is a typical structure for RSU grants, providing a balanced approach to retention and performance incentives.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential minor future dilution upon vesting of RSUs, but also benefits from enhanced executive retention and alignment of interests.
• Employees: Reflects the company's commitment to competitive executive compensation, which can positively influence overall employee morale and retention strategies.

Next Steps

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

Key Dates

Keywords

Hayward Holdings, HAYW, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Grant, Executive Compensation, Insider Transaction, Equity Plan, Beneficial Ownership