Form 4: Darling Ingredients EVP Paz Reports Stock Transactions

Darling Ingredients' EVP of Global Risk Management, Carlos Paz, reported the acquisition of 8,786 Restricted Stock Units and the disposition of 1,544 shares for tax purposes.

Summary

• Carlos Paz, EVP Global Risk Management at Darling Ingredients Inc., reported recent transactions involving the company's common stock.
• On January 3, 2026, Paz disposed of 1,544 shares of common stock at a price of $37.64 per share. This disposition was made to cover tax liabilities.
• On January 5, 2026, Paz acquired 8,786 shares of common stock in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at a price of $37.56 per share.
• These RSUs were granted under the Darling Ingredients Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
• The acquired RSUs are scheduled to vest in three equal installments of 33-1/3% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
• Following these reported transactions, Carlos Paz directly beneficially owns a total of 23,097 shares of Darling Ingredients Inc. common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing indicates routine executive compensation activity, including an RSU grant which is generally positive for aligning management incentives, balanced by a tax-related stock disposition. No significant positive or negative operational news is present.

Positives

• The acquisition of 8,786 Restricted Stock Units demonstrates continued equity incentive for the EVP Global Risk Management, aligning executive interests with long-term company performance.
• The RSU grant, with its three-year vesting schedule, is a standard practice designed to encourage long-term retention and focus on shareholder value.

Negatives

• The disposition of 1,544 shares of common stock, while for tax purposes, results in a reduction of direct ownership by the executive.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

These are routine insider transactions related to executive compensation and tax obligations, typical across various industries for publicly traded companies. They do not reflect broader industry trends or competitive positioning within the rendering, recycling, and renewable fuels sectors where Darling Ingredients operates.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The grant of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of executive compensation is a standard practice in publicly traded companies, including those in the rendering, recycling, and renewable fuels sectors where Darling Ingredients operates.
• The vesting schedule over three years is a common mechanism to encourage long-term retention and performance alignment, comparable to similar plans at companies like Tyson Foods (TSN) or Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) which also have significant rendering operations, or renewable energy companies like Neste (NESTE.HE) which compete in renewable diesel.

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The RSU grant aligns executive interests with long-term shareholder value. The tax-related disposition is a routine event and has minimal direct impact on shareholders.
• Employees: The RSU grant is part of the company's incentive plan, which can be a positive signal for executive retention and motivation, potentially influencing broader employee morale and commitment.

Next Steps

• The 8,786 Restricted Stock Units will vest in three equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date (January 5, 2026).

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions, specifically an RSU grant and a tax-related stock disposition. Such filings typically do not contain information that would warrant a change in investment recommendation. The RSU grant is a standard executive compensation practice, aligning management incentives with long-term company performance, which is generally a neutral to slightly positive signal. There is no new operational or financial information to suggest a significant shift in the company's outlook or valuation.

Keywords

Darling Ingredients, DAR, Carlos Paz, Form 4, Insider Trading, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Executive Compensation, Stock Transaction, Equity Award