PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. Announces Forfeiture of 2025 Performance-Based Equity Awards and Grant of 2026 PSUs to Executives

LAS VEGAS, March 18, 2026 — PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYPS), a developer of free-to-play casual games for mobile and social platforms, has released an important update regarding its executive compensation and performance-based equity awards. The information, filed on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, includes the forfeiture of 2025 Performance Stock Units (PSUs) and the grant of new 2026 PSUs to key company officers. These actions may have implications for shareholders and could influence the company’s share price.

Key Highlights from the Disclosure

• 2025 Performance-Based Equity Awards (PSUs) Forfeited:
  • On March 12, 2026, the Compensation Committee determined that the financial performance targets for the 2025 PSUs were not achieved.
  • As a result, all 2025 PSUs were forfeited, and no shares will be issued under this tranche.
  • This outcome signals that the company’s 2025 financial results did not meet pre-established performance thresholds.
• 2026 Performance-Based Equity Awards (PSU) Granted:
  • On the same date, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of new PSUs for 2026 under the company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
  • Key executives received the following target awards:
    • Andrew Pascal, Chairman and CEO: 625,000 PSUs
    • Scott Peterson, Chief Financial Officer: 250,000 PSUs
  • The actual number of shares to be issued upon vesting will depend on the company’s achievement of pre-established financial performance targets for the fiscal year 2026, and may range from 0% to 100% of the target PSUs granted.
• Summary of 2026 PSU Terms:
  • The PSUs vest based on the company’s performance against targets set by the Compensation Committee. If targets are not met, some or all PSUs may be forfeited.
  • Upon vesting, the company may settle PSUs in shares, cash, or a combination.
  • Dividend equivalents will be paid on unvested and vested PSUs (if not forfeited), in cash or shares, upon vesting.
  • Shares are subject to mandatory tax withholding provisions, typically via an automatic sale of shares or withholding from other pay.
  • All PSUs are subject to clawback and cancellation provisions as set forth in the award agreement and plan documents.
• Other Disclosures:
  • No financial statements or additional exhibits were filed with this 8-K, other than the plan and form of award agreements.
  • The company is not considered an emerging growth company as defined by SEC rules.

Potential Implications for Shareholders

• Negative Signal from 2025 PSU Forfeiture:
  • The forfeiture of the 2025 PSUs suggests the company did not reach its financial performance goals for the prior year, which may be viewed unfavorably by investors and could potentially impact the share price.
  • This may prompt questions regarding near-term growth, operational execution, or the realism of prior performance targets.
• 2026 PSU Grants Indicate a Continued Focus on Pay-for-Performance:
  • The substantial number of new PSUs granted to senior management underlines the company’s commitment to aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests and future performance.
  • Shareholders can expect future dilution only if the company achieves its stated performance objectives in 2026, which would be a positive signal if met.
• Clawback and Tax Settlement Provisions:
  • The awards include robust clawback and cancellation provisions, and tax withholding is mandatory for all settlement events, reducing risks of unexpected dilution.

What Investors Should Watch

• Whether the company will disclose more details on which financial targets were missed for the 2025 PSU tranche and what changes, if any, have been made to the 2026 performance goals.
• Future quarterly results and management commentary regarding the company’s growth trajectory and ability to meet or exceed the new PSU performance criteria.
• Any further changes to the executive compensation framework or unexpected forfeiture or acceleration of equity awards.

Conclusion

This filing is potentially price sensitive as it reveals that PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. missed its 2025 performance targets (leading to the forfeiture of equity awards for top executives), but is granting a substantial new round of performance-based awards for 2026. Investors should monitor future earnings and the company’s ability to execute on its performance objectives, as these will determine whether the new equity awards vest and if shareholder value is created.

Disclaimer: This news summary is based on publicly available filings by PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. as of the date indicated. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult their financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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