Carriage Services’ COO Continues Insider Selling: 1,741 Shares Offloaded Amid Leadership Liquidations and Possible Capital‑Raising Move

Insider Selling Continues for Carriage Services’ COO

On February 21, 2026, President & COO Steven D. Metzger sold 1,741 shares of Carriage Services Inc. (CARI) at $44.86 each, slightly above the intraday price of $44.08. This transaction, the third consecutive week of sales by Metzger, adds to a pattern of regular divestitures that have kept his stake steadily below $80,000 shares. The move comes amid a broader wave of insider activity—CEO Carlos Quezada and CFO John Enwright have also off‑loaded shares in the same week, suggesting a potential shift in management’s cash‑flow needs or a reassessment of the company’s valuation.

What It Means for Investors

The timing of Metzger’s sales, coupled with a modest 0.01 % decline in the stock price and a positive sentiment score (+10) on social media, indicates that the market is largely indifferent to these transactions. However, the fact that several senior executives are liquidating positions could signal that the leadership is planning to raise capital, possibly through a debt or equity issuance, or that they anticipate a slowdown in the funeral‑services sector. The 52‑week high of $49.41 and a current price of $44.18 place CARI near the lower end of its trading band; a sustained selling pressure could further erode investor confidence unless offset by strong earnings guidance.

Metzger’s Insider Profile

Metzger’s transaction history shows a disciplined, short‑term selling strategy. Between July 2025 and February 2026 he has sold between 348 and 3,508 shares per transaction, typically at prices ranging from $40.01 to $46.78. His holdings have steadily declined from approximately 82,000 shares in early 2025 to just over 71,000 after the latest sale. Unlike some peers who occasionally acquire shares, Metzger’s record is exclusively sales, suggesting he is either managing liquidity or positioning for a forthcoming corporate event. His consistent divestitures—without any corresponding purchases—contrast with the CEO’s occasional buybacks and the CFO’s holding patterns, highlighting a distinct risk appetite or financial objective.

Strategic Outlook

If the insider sales are a precursor to a capital‑raising initiative, Carriage Services could benefit from new funding to expand its product line or invest in digital platforms. Conversely, persistent selling without a clear corporate rationale may erode long‑term confidence, especially as the industry faces rising costs and changing consumer preferences. Analysts should monitor upcoming earnings releases and any corporate announcements for signals that these sales are part of a broader strategic shift, such as a potential recapitalization or a move to diversify beyond traditional funeral services.