Insider Activity Highlights the CFO’s Balancing Act
Credit Acceptance Corp. (CACC) has seen a flurry of insider trading in the first week of February, with Chief Sales Officer Daniel Ulatowski’s latest 4‑filed transaction adding another layer of nuance to the company’s ownership narrative. On January 30, Ulatowski purchased 589 shares at an average price of $333.94, a move that brought his post‑transaction holding to 28,879 shares. This buy is sandwiched between a large sell of 589 shares at $500.12 and a subsequent sell of 951.60 shares at $498.24, all executed on consecutive days. The timing—right after a social‑media buzz of 411 % and a net positive sentiment of +61—suggests the officer is attempting to signal confidence in the company’s valuation amid a 13.3 % weekly rally.
Implications for Investors and the Company’s Outlook
From an investor’s perspective, Ulatowski’s pattern of alternating buys and sells is characteristic of a “tactical” insider who is actively managing personal exposure while maintaining a long‑term stake. The recent trades imply he is rebalancing rather than hedging; he holds a sizable position (over 28 k shares, roughly 0.5 % of outstanding shares) and has not divested significantly in the last six months. The fact that he sold shares at a premium to his purchase price, only to rebuy at a lower price, indicates he believes the stock is undervalued relative to its 52‑week high of $549.75. For the company, such activity can reassure shareholders that key executives are aligned with long‑term value creation, especially as the firm navigates a competitive auto‑dealer financing landscape and recent market volatility.
Ulatowski’s Insider Profile: A Snapshot
Ulatowski’s trading history paints the picture of a seasoned insider who prefers a disciplined, laddered approach. Since December 2025, he has made at least 12 transactions, with a roughly equal split between buys (≈ 4,500 shares) and sells (≈ 5,000 shares). He often sells at or near the top of the daily price range, as seen on January 30 when he sold at $500.12, then follows up with a purchase at a lower price later that week. His most recent series of employee‑stock‑option (ESO) sales—over 600 shares on January 30—highlights a willingness to liquidate option rights to fund his cash‑flow needs or diversify holdings. Despite this turnover, his overall holding has been steadily above 30 k shares since mid‑2025, underscoring a long‑term commitment.
Market Context and Broader Insider Trends
Credit Acceptance’s stock, currently trading near $511.43, has posted a strong 13.3 % weekly gain, buoyed by positive sentiment and a notable 411 % buzz. This momentum coincides with a broader narrative about consumer‑finance firms gaining traction as auto‑dealer financing remains a critical niche. Meanwhile, the company’s P/E of 12.69 suggests a modest valuation relative to its peers. Insider trading activity across the board—most notably the significant buys by Executive Board Member Kenneth Booth—mirrors a pattern of confidence in the firm’s business model and its strategic positioning. Investors should view Ulatowski’s trades as part of a broader insider confidence narrative, rather than a red flag, and may consider this alignment as a factor when evaluating their own position in CACC.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-30 | ULATOWSKI DANIEL A. (Chief Sales Officer) | Buy | 589.00 | 333.94 | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-30 | ULATOWSKI DANIEL A. (Chief Sales Officer) | Sell | 589.00 | 500.12 | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-31 | ULATOWSKI DANIEL A. (Chief Sales Officer) | Sell | 951.60 | 498.24 | Common Stock |
| N/A | ULATOWSKI DANIEL A. (Chief Sales Officer) | Holding | 4,000.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-30 | ULATOWSKI DANIEL A. (Chief Sales Officer) | Sell | 589.00 | N/A | Employee Stock Option (right to buy) |




