Form 4: Worthington CEO Hayek Boosts Phantom Stock Holdings

Worthington Enterprises CEO Joseph B. Hayek reported an acquisition of phantom stock, increasing his indirect beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Joseph B. Hayek, President & CEO and Director of Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (WOR), filed a Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership (Form 4).
• The filing reports the acquisition of 4.69 phantom stock units on February 6, 2026, under the company's Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Hayek beneficially owns 210,814 direct common shares.
• Indirect beneficial ownership includes 2,000 common shares via an IRA (Merrill-Lynch) and 1,671 common shares via an IRA (Vanguard), which includes dividend reinvestment up to December 31, 2025.
• His total beneficial ownership of phantom stock, which tracks WOR common shares on a one-for-one basis, increased to 5,044.55 units, including dividend reinvestment as of December 31, 2025.
• The phantom stock was acquired at a price of $59.1 per unit.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a slightly positive, routine disclosure. The acquisition of additional phantom stock by the CEO indicates continued alignment with the company's performance, though the transaction size is small.

Positives

• Joseph B. Hayek, a key executive and director, increased his beneficial ownership of phantom stock, indicating continued alignment with shareholder interests.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain specific forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transaction reports like this Form 4 are routine disclosures required by the SEC. While this specific transaction is small, it provides transparency into executive holdings and can be part of a broader pattern of insider activity within the industrial manufacturing sector, where executive compensation often includes equity-linked incentives.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The increase in phantom stock ownership by the CEO may be viewed positively as it aligns management's interests with shareholder value creation.

Key Dates

Keywords

Worthington Enterprises, WOR, Joseph B. Hayek, Insider Trading, Form 4, Phantom Stock, Beneficial Ownership, Deferred Compensation