Form 4: Director Kevin Waterhouse Boosts ESQ Holdings Stake

Esquire Financial Holdings Director Kevin C. Waterhouse acquired 753 shares of common stock as restricted stock, increasing his beneficial ownership.

Summary

• Kevin C. Waterhouse, a Director of Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ), acquired 753 shares of common stock on December 10, 2025.
• These 753 shares were acquired at a price of $0, indicating they are restricted stock, and will vest 100% on December 10, 2026.
• Following this transaction, Waterhouse directly beneficially owns 87,352 shares of common stock.
• His direct beneficial ownership includes other restricted stock shares with various vesting schedules: three equal annual installments commencing on December 19, 2023; three equal annual installments commencing on December 19, 2026; three equal annual installments commencing on December 3, 2027; and three equal annual installments commencing on December 15, 2027.
• Waterhouse also indirectly beneficially owns 48,000 shares as a trustee for trusts and 12,000 shares as a custodian for children.
• He holds 584 fully vested stock options with an exercise price of $31.04, exercisable from December 9, 2022, and expiring on December 9, 2031.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The acquisition of restricted stock by a director, while a compensation event, increases insider ownership and aligns management's interests with those of shareholders, which is generally viewed as a positive signal of confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

Positives

• The acquisition of 753 shares of common stock by a director increases insider ownership, which generally aligns management's interests with those of shareholders.
• The director's total beneficial ownership, including direct and indirect holdings, demonstrates a significant stake in the company.

Future Outlook

The vesting schedules for restricted stock indicate future increases in the director's fully vested equity holdings in the company, aligning long-term interests.

Industry Context

NA

Related Party Transactions

• Director Kevin C. Waterhouse received 753 shares of common stock as a restricted stock grant from Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. at a price of $0, which is a form of compensation from the company to an insider.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of the director's financial interests with those of shareholders due to higher beneficial ownership, potentially fostering greater confidence in management's long-term commitment.

Next Steps

• Vesting of 753 restricted shares on December 10, 2026.
• Continued vesting of other restricted stock holdings on various dates through December 2027.

Key Dates

Keywords

Esquire Financial Holdings, ESQ, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Director Stock Acquisition, Restricted Stock, Beneficial Ownership, Kevin C. Waterhouse, Stock Options