Insider Selling Continues at Coastal Financial Corp‑WA
The latest Form 4 reveals that CEO Eric M. Sprink sold 8,402 shares of Coastal Financial Corp‑WA on January 21, 2026, at $114.27 per share. The transaction was executed under a Rule 10(b)(5‑1) trading plan, which allows insiders to sell shares on a pre‑determined schedule. While the sale size is modest relative to the company’s $1.73 billion market cap, it joins a series of recent off‑the‑clock sales that have gradually reduced Sprink’s holdings from 230,694 shares in mid‑September to 159,126 shares by January 22. The cumulative divestiture of roughly 70,000 shares in the past three weeks amounts to about 4 % of the outstanding shares, a level that is not unprecedented for a high‑profile CEO but does raise questions about insider confidence.
What This Means for Investors
From a valuation standpoint, the sale does not materially impact Coastal’s earnings‑per‑share dynamics or its price‑earnings ratio of 36.05. The company’s share price has been moving in the upper tier of its 52‑week range, with a recent weekly gain of 0.56% and an annual upside of 35 %. Analysts note that Coastal’s focus on Washington‑only banking, coupled with a solid capital position, underpins its resilience. However, the timing of the sales—coinciding with the company’s quarterly earnings release—could signal that Sprink is rebalancing his personal portfolio rather than reacting to operational changes. For long‑term investors, the trend suggests that the CEO is comfortable with the company’s trajectory but is also managing personal liquidity needs, a common practice among executives.
Sprink Eric M. – A Profile of Transaction Patterns
Sprink’s trading history over the past year shows a steady pattern of selling sizable blocks of common stock, often under 10,000 shares, with average prices ranging from $107 to $119. The most recent spree, beginning in September 2025, has seen multiple sales totaling over 50,000 shares in a single month. Notably, Sprink’s holdings have been steadily declining since late September, with a sharp dip in January. Despite frequent sales, Sprink maintains a small residual stake (approximately 400 shares) and has not engaged in any new acquisitions or purchases. This behavior aligns with a Rule 10(b)(5‑1) plan that likely sets a monthly or quarterly sale schedule, rather than opportunistic trading based on market movements.
Outlook for Coastal Financial Corp‑WA
With a robust balance sheet and a stable customer base confined to Washington, Coastal is well positioned to weather regional economic fluctuations. The CEO’s ongoing sales suggest personal portfolio management rather than a signal of corporate distress. For investors, the key takeaways are: (1) the insider activity is within normal bounds for a high‑level executive; (2) the company’s financial fundamentals remain solid; and (3) any further insider sales should be monitored but are unlikely to derail the firm’s long‑term strategy.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-21 | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Sell | 8,402.00 | 114.27 | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-22 | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Sell | 4,000.00 | 116.01 | Common Stock |
| N/A | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Holding | 885.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Holding | 400.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Holding | 400.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Sprink Eric M (CEO) | Holding | 400.00 | N/A | Common Stock |




