Form 4: Woodward CEO Blankenship Reports RSU Grant, Tax Withholding
Insider Transaction Report
Woodward, Inc.'s Chairman and CEO, Charles P. Blankenship, reported the grant of 7,968 Restricted Stock Units and the disposition of 1,896 shares for tax withholding purposes.
Summary
- Charles P. Blankenship, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Woodward, Inc., was granted an award of 7,968 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
- These RSUs will vest over a three-year period: 34% on February 10, 2027, and 33% on each subsequent one-year anniversary.
- Upon vesting, the reporting person will receive one share of Woodward, Inc. Common Stock per RSU, plus additional shares for dividend reinvestment.
- Blankenship also reported the disposition of 1,896 shares of Woodward, Inc. Common Stock at a price of $391.53 per share.
- These disposed shares were withheld by the Issuer to cover withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of RSUs granted in a previous year.
- Following these transactions, Charles P. Blankenship directly holds 69,824 shares of Common Stock.
- An additional 361 shares are held indirectly through the Woodward Retirement Savings Plan, based on a calculation as of February 9, 2026.
- Total beneficial ownership includes 40 additional shares and units issued in connection with the dividend reinvestment provisions of the Issuer's RSU awards.
Sentiment
Score: 7
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing positively as the grant of Restricted Stock Units to the CEO reinforces long-term alignment with shareholder interests, a common and generally favorable compensation practice.
Positives
- The grant of 7,968 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to the Chairman and CEO aligns his interests with long-term shareholder value creation.
- The RSU vesting schedule encourages sustained commitment and performance from executive leadership over multiple years.
Negatives
- NA
Risks
- NA
Future Outlook
The granted Restricted Stock Units will vest over a three-year period, with 34% vesting on February 10, 2027, and 33% on each subsequent one-year anniversary, indicating a future commitment and incentive structure for the CEO.
Management Comments
- NA
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that executive compensation, particularly through equity awards like Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), is a common practice across industries to align management incentives with long-term shareholder interests. The tax withholding associated with RSU vesting is a standard and routine procedure.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- NA
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
Legal Proceedings
- NA
Related Party Transactions
- NA
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The RSU grant aligns the CEO's financial interests with the long-term performance of Woodward, Inc., potentially benefiting shareholders through sustained growth and value creation.
Next Steps
- First tranche of Restricted Stock Units (34%) vests on February 10, 2027.
- Subsequent tranches (33% each) vest on the one-year anniversaries thereafter.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 02/09/2026 | Calculation date for shares held by the reporting person in the Woodward Retirement Savings Plan. |
| 02/10/2026 | Date of RSU grant and disposition of shares for tax withholding. |
| 02/12/2026 | Signature date of the Form 4 filing by Rebecca L. Dees, by Power of Attorney. |
| 02/10/2027 | First vesting date for 34% of the granted Restricted Stock Units. |
Keywords
Woodward Inc, WWD, Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, Charles P. Blankenship, Stock Grant, Tax Withholding
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