A Form 4 filed on August 24, 2026, disclosed that Chris Villavarayan, a director at Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ:FELE), was credited with 14.52 stock units on August 20, 2026, under the company's Nonemployee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.

Key Highlights

  • Reporting person: Chris Villavarayan, identified as a Director of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
  • Transaction date: August 20, 2026, with the form filed August 24, 2026.
  • Units credited: 14.52 stock units acquired (transaction code A) at a price of $103.26 per unit.
  • Total beneficial ownership: 5,370.01 stock units held directly following the transaction.
  • Nature of credit: The 14.52 stock units represent dividends that would have been paid on previously deferred shares, credited pursuant to the Nonemployee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
  • Distribution terms: At distribution, Mr. Villavarayan may elect to receive deferred compensation in shares of Franklin common stock or in cash, per the plan's terms.

Franklin Electric Director Stock Unit Credit Under Deferred Compensation Plan

According to the filing, Chris Villavarayan was credited with 14.52 stock units on August 20, 2026, under Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s Nonemployee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, which was originally approved by the Board of Directors on February 11, 2000, and amended and restated on May 6, 2020. The filing reports the transaction as an acquisition (code A) of derivative securities classified as stock units, with an underlying security of Franklin Electric common stock.

The filing's explanation of responses states that Mr. Villavarayan "elected to receive his 2025-2026 stock award, meeting fees, and retainer in Franklin Electric Co., Inc common stock, issuance of such shares deferred until he retires, otherwise leaves the Board of Directors, or has elected to receive such payment per the terms of the Plan." The 14.52 stock units credited on August 20, 2026, specifically represent dividends that would have been paid on such previously deferred shares. The price associated with this credit is listed as $103.26.

Following this transaction, the filing reports that Mr. Villavarayan beneficially owns 5,370.01 stock units on a direct basis. The filing was signed by Jonathan M. Grandon as power of attorney for Chris Villavarayan. At the time of distribution, the filing notes that Mr. Villavarayan may elect, pursuant to plan terms, to receive deferred compensation either in shares of Franklin common stock or in cash.

What Was Disclosed

The filing disclosed the crediting of 14.52 stock units to director Chris Villavarayan on August 20, 2026, representing dividend equivalents on deferred shares under Franklin Electric's Nonemployee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, bringing his total beneficial ownership to 5,370.01 stock units.