CFO of Essent Group Buys 15,265 RSUs, Adding 3.4% to His Stake in a Quiet “Stay‑Put” Move — Market Remains Unruffled

Insider Activity Spotlight: David B. Weinstock’s Latest Moves

On February 11, 2026, David B. Weinstock, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Essent Group Ltd., executed a series of transactions that, while technically routine under the company’s long‑term incentive plan, merit attention. Weinstock’s purchase of 15,265 restricted share units (RSUs) and 7,633 RSUs at the prevailing market price of $65.51—just above the close of $65.64—augments his total post‑transaction holding to 91,964 shares. The acquisitions are part of the 2013 Long‑Term Incentive Plan, vesting on March 1, 2029, and represent a 3.4% increase in his equity stake from 84,331 to 91,964 shares.

The CFO’s activity is consistent with a broader pattern of modest buying and selling over the past year. His most recent sales—351 common shares for $64.67 on January 8 and 2,500 shares for $63.33 on September 15—are offset by larger purchases of RSUs and dividend‑equivalent units. Compared to his peers, Weinstock’s net insider activity remains relatively neutral; he has neither accumulated nor shed a substantial block of shares, suggesting a “stay‑put” stance rather than a signal of impending downside or upside.

What This Means for Investors

From an investor‑perspective, the CFO’s RSU purchases are a positive sign of alignment with shareholder interests. They underscore his confidence in Essent’s long‑term prospects, particularly as the company navigates a competitive mortgage‑insurance market and a cautiously expanding reinsurance portfolio. However, the magnitude of the purchases—roughly 15% of the number of shares he currently owns—does not constitute a significant concentration risk. In contrast, the company’s other senior leaders have been more active: Mark Casale, the Chairman and CEO, added 137,384 common shares on the same day, and Vijay Bhasin, the Chief Risk Officer, bought 13,739 shares. Together, these moves reinforce a leadership cohort that is willing to bet on Essent’s future, albeit with cautious vesting schedules.

The market’s reaction to the CFO’s deal has been muted, reflecting the broader earnings narrative. Essent’s fourth‑quarter 2025 results showed a modest earnings dip, and the dividend increase to $0.35 per share signals a focus on returning value to shareholders. The company’s price‑earnings ratio of 9.55 and a 52‑week high of $67.09 suggest that the stock is still undervalued relative to its earnings potential. Weinstock’s continued equity participation may help assuage concerns that management is not fully invested in the firm’s long‑term performance.

David B. Weinstock: Insider Profile

Weinstock’s insider trading history reveals a pattern of disciplined, long‑term commitment. Over the past year, he has:

• Consistently bought RSUs and dividend‑equivalent units, often at market price or below, indicating a willingness to acquire equity even in a down‑trending environment.
• Sold a modest amount of common shares when the market was slightly undervalued, suggesting opportunistic liquidity needs rather than distress.
• Maintained a stable holding in the 25‑30 million share range, a level that provides meaningful voting power without exposing the company to significant insider‑related risk.

His trading style aligns with other senior executives at Essent, who also tend to hold shares through vesting periods and adjust positions in line with market conditions. This disciplined approach is typical for financial‑sector executives where long‑term incentive plans are a core part of compensation.

Bottom Line for the Trading Community

• Alignment: Weinstock’s RSU purchases demonstrate confidence in Essent’s strategy, especially as the company expands its reinsurance footprint.
• Scale: The moves are moderate and unlikely to trigger immediate volatility but add to a broader trend of insider buying across the executive team.
• Risk: No significant concentration risk; insider holdings remain well‑diversified.
• Opportunity: Given Essent’s solid fundamentals and a P/E of 9.55, the stock remains attractive for value‑oriented investors. The CFO’s continued stake may be a subtle endorsement of the company’s long‑term outlook.