Ionis (NASDAQ: IONS) director granted RSUs and stock options as 2026 pay
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
4
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS INC director equity awards: Non-employee director Michael R. Hayden received a grant of 2,301 Restricted Stock Units and 5,369 non-qualified stock options on July 1, 2026 as compensation. After the RSU grant, he holds 12,198 common-share equivalents directly.
The options have a $79.19 exercise price and both awards vest 100% on the earlier of the first anniversary of grant or the next annual stockholder meeting. Under the company’s non-employee director compensation policy, the 2026 equity awards were adjusted so Hayden’s total annual equity compensation does not exceed $400,000 based on grant date fair value.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insider Trade Summary
2 transactions reported
Mixed
2 txns
Insider
Hayden Michael R
Role
null
| Type | Security | Shares | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant/Award | Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy) | 5,369 | $0.00 | -- |
| Grant/Award | Restricted Stock Unit | 2,301 | $0.00 | -- |
Holdings After Transaction:
Non-Qualified Stock Option (right to buy) — 5,369 shares (Direct, null);
Restricted Stock Unit — 12,198 shares (Direct, null)
Footnotes (1)
- Pursuant to the Company's Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy, these grants were adjusted downward such that the non-employee Director's annual equity compensation in 2026 totals no more than $400,000 based on the aggregate grant date fair value as determined in accordance with FASB Topic ASC 718. Grant on July 1, 2026 to reporting person of stock options under the Amended and Restated Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2002 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. 100% of the shares subject to the option vest and become exercisable on either the first anniversary of the date of grant or the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, whichever occurs earlier. The option is exercisable to 0 shares on July 1, 2026. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Ionis common stock, or its equivalent cash value. Grant of Restricted Stock Unit award on July 1, 2026 to the reporting person under the Amended and Restated Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2002 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. These Restricted Stock Units vest 100% on either the first anniversary of the date of grant or the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of stockholders of the Company, whichever occurs earlier; however, the reporting person has elected to defer delivery of such shares until the earlier to occur of the 30th day following the reporting person's Separation from Service from the Company or the date of a Change in Control of the Company, both as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A. These Restricted Stock Units are vested as to 0 shares on July 1, 2026.
Key Figures
RSU grant: 2,301 units
Option grant: 5,369 options
Option exercise price: $79.19 per share
+3 more
6 metrics
RSU grant
2,301 units
Restricted Stock Units granted July 1, 2026
Option grant
5,369 options
Non-qualified stock options granted July 1, 2026
Option exercise price
$79.19 per share
Conversion/exercise price for new options
Options expiration
June 30, 2036
Expiration date of non-qualified stock options
Holdings after RSU grant
12,198 shares
Total common-share equivalents after RSU award
2026 equity cap
$400,000
Maximum annual director equity compensation based on grant date fair value
Key Terms
Restricted Stock Unit, Non-Qualified Stock Option, FASB Topic ASC 718, Separation from Service, +2 more
6 terms
Restricted Stock Unit financial
"Each Restricted Stock Unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Ionis common stock"
A restricted stock unit is a promise from a company to give an employee shares of stock after certain conditions are met, like staying with the company for a set amount of time. It’s like earning a bonus that turns into company stock once you’ve proven your commitment, making it a way to motivate and reward employees.
Non-Qualified Stock Option financial
"Grant on July 1, 2026 to reporting person of stock options under the Amended and Restated Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2002 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan"
A non-qualified stock option (NSO) is a contract that lets an employee or service provider buy company shares at a fixed price for a set period, like a voucher to purchase stock later at today’s price. It matters to investors because exercising NSOs creates ordinary income for the holder and can increase share count, affecting a company’s earnings and ownership mix; think of it as a future sale that can dilute existing shareholders and has immediate tax consequences for the recipient.
FASB Topic ASC 718 financial
"annual equity compensation in 2026 totals no more than $400,000 based on the aggregate grant date fair value as determined in accordance with FASB Topic ASC 718"
Separation from Service financial
"delivery of such shares until the earlier to occur of the 30th day following the reporting person's Separation from Service from the Company"
Change in Control financial
"until the earlier to occur of the 30th day following the reporting person's Separation from Service from the Company or the date of a Change in Control of the Company"
A "change in control" occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a merger, acquisition, or sale of a large part of its assets. This change can impact how the company is run and may influence its future direction. For investors, it matters because it can affect the company's stability, strategy, and value, often signaling potential changes in investment risk or opportunity.
Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A financial
"both as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A"
FAQ
What equity awards did IONIS (IONS) director Michael R. Hayden receive?
Michael R. Hayden received 2,301 Restricted Stock Units and 5,369 non-qualified stock options as director compensation. Each RSU equals one share of Ionis common stock, and the options give him the right to buy shares at a fixed exercise price.
When do Michael R. Hayden’s new Ionis (IONS) RSUs and options vest?
Both the 2,301 Restricted Stock Units and 5,369 stock options vest 100% on the earlier of the first anniversary of the July 1, 2026 grant date or the next regularly scheduled Ionis annual stockholder meeting, providing a clear, single vesting event for each award.
What is the exercise price and term of Hayden’s new Ionis (IONS) stock options?
The 5,369 non-qualified stock options have a $79.19 exercise price per share and expire on June 30, 2036. They become exercisable in full after vesting, which occurs at the earlier of the first anniversary of grant or the next annual stockholder meeting.
How is Michael R. Hayden’s 2026 Ionis (IONS) director equity compensation limited?
Ionis capped Hayden’s 2026 non-employee director equity compensation at $400,000 in aggregate grant date fair value. The company adjusted the RSU and option grants downward so the total value, calculated under FASB Topic ASC 718, does not exceed this annual equity compensation limit.