Form 4: ESCALADE CFO Converts RSUs to Common Stock

Escalade Inc.'s Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Wawrin, converted 2,000 Restricted Stock Units into common stock, increasing his direct beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Stephen Wawrin, Chief Financial Officer of Escalade Inc., acquired 2,000 shares of common stock.
• This acquisition resulted from the conversion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) on a one-for-one basis.
• Following this transaction, Wawrin beneficially owns 45,777 shares of Escalade Inc. Common Stock.
• The transaction occurred on March 11, 2026.
• Wawrin was granted 6,000 RSUs on March 11, 2025, under the Escalade, Incorporated 2017 Incentive Plan.
• 2,000 of these RSUs vested on March 11, 2026.
• An additional 2,000 RSUs are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2027, and another 2,000 on March 11, 2028, contingent on continued employment.
• After this vesting, Wawrin holds 4,000 unvested Restricted Stock Units.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive event, reflecting a routine vesting of executive compensation and an increase in a key executive's direct ownership, which generally signals alignment with shareholder interests.

Positives

• The conversion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) into common stock indicates a scheduled vesting event, which is a positive outcome for the executive.
• Increased direct beneficial ownership by a key executive (CFO) can signal confidence in the company's future prospects and aligns management's interests with shareholders.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedule for the remaining 4,000 Restricted Stock Units indicates future equity awards will convert to common stock on March 11, 2027, and March 11, 2028, contingent on Stephen Wawrin's continued employment, director, or consultant status with Escalade.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that RSU conversions are standard practice for executive compensation, aligning management's interests with shareholders by providing equity ownership tied to performance and tenure. This transaction reflects a routine vesting event rather than a discretionary purchase or sale.

Related Party Transactions

• Grant of 6,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to Stephen Wawrin on March 11, 2025, under the Escalade, Incorporated 2017 Incentive Plan, with a vesting schedule extending through March 11, 2028.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of the Chief Financial Officer's interests with shareholders through greater equity ownership.
• Employees: Reinforces the company's commitment to its executive compensation plan, potentially boosting morale and retention for key personnel.

Next Steps

• An additional 2,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2027.
• A final 2,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are scheduled to vest on March 11, 2028.

Key Dates

Keywords

Escalade Inc., ESCA, Stephen Wawrin, CFO, Restricted Stock Units, RSU conversion, insider transaction, beneficial ownership, equity compensation, Form 4