Form 4: CEO Griffin Converts RSUs to ESCA Stock

Escalade Inc. President and CEO Patrick J. Griffin converted 1,840 Restricted Stock Units into common stock on March 11, 2026, increasing his direct beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Patrick J. Griffin, President & CEO, Director, and 10% Owner of Escalade Inc. (ESCA), acquired 1,840 shares of common stock.
• This acquisition resulted from the conversion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) into common stock on a one-for-one basis.
• The transaction occurred on March 11, 2026.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Griffin directly owns 578,355.229 shares of common stock.
• He also holds indirect beneficial ownership through an adult son (3,289 shares), an adult daughter (1,289 shares), an Irrevocable Trust (614,964.629 shares), a Family Limited Partnership (1,326,736 shares), and a Revocable Trust (300,000 shares).
• Mr. Griffin disclaims beneficial interest in shares held by family members and trusts, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest.
• He was granted 5,520 RSUs on March 11, 2025, pursuant to the Escalade, Incorporated 2017 Incentive Plan.
• 1,840 of these RSUs vested on March 11, 2026, and were converted into common stock.
• An additional 1,840 RSUs are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2027, and another 1,840 RSUs on March 11, 2028, contingent on his continued service to Escalade.
• He now directly beneficially owns 3,680 derivative securities (RSUs).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, indicating a routine increase in direct insider ownership through equity compensation, which aligns management interests with shareholders.

Positives

• CEO Patrick J. Griffin increased his direct beneficial ownership in Escalade Inc. by 1,840 shares through RSU conversion.
• The vesting of RSUs indicates continued long-term incentive alignment between management and shareholders.

Future Outlook

Future vesting of 3,680 Restricted Stock Units (1,840 on March 11, 2027, and 1,840 on March 11, 2028) is contingent upon Patrick J. Griffin remaining an employee, director, or consultant of Escalade.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that RSU conversions are a standard component of executive compensation packages, aligning management incentives with long-term shareholder value. This transaction reflects the routine vesting schedule for equity awards.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of the CEO's interests with shareholders through direct equity ownership.
• Employees: Reinforces the company's equity incentive plan for key personnel.

Next Steps

• Additional 1,840 RSUs are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2027.
• A final 1,840 RSUs are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2028.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 reports a routine vesting and conversion of Restricted Stock Units for the CEO, which is a standard part of executive compensation. While it increases insider ownership, it does not represent a discretionary purchase or sale that would significantly alter the investment outlook or warrant a change in recommendation based solely on this filing.

Keywords

ESCALADE INC, ESCA, Patrick J. Griffin, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, RSU Conversion, Beneficial Ownership, CEO, Director, Stock Grant, Equity Compensation