CFO of Rithm Capital Sells 100,886 Shares in Quiet, Tax‑Driven Move Amid Strong Insider Buying Surge

Insider Selling Amid a Quiet Market

On February 21, 2026, Chief Financial Officer SANTORO NICOLA JR sold 100,886 shares of Rithm Capital Corp. Common Stock at an average price of $10.45, leaving him with 181,281 shares. The trade was triggered by tax withholding obligations linked to the settlement of restricted stock units issued earlier that month. While the sale size is modest relative to his overall stake—roughly 10 % of his holdings—the timing and context provide a subtle signal for investors.

What the Sale Means for Rithm Capital’s Outlook

Rithm’s stock has been drifting lower, down 3.77 % this week and 14.76 % over the month. The CFO’s divestiture, occurring when the share price hovered near its 52‑week low, suggests that the insider is not betting on an immediate rebound. Yet, the transaction was executed at a price only marginally above the market (price change +0.01 %) and did not generate significant market buzz (buzz 11.18 %). For investors, this indicates a lack of confidence in short‑term upside but does not necessarily spell trouble; insiders often sell to diversify or meet personal liquidity needs without signaling a fundamental shift.

Inside the CFO’s Trading Pattern

A review of NICOLA JR’s recent activity shows a consistent buying trend in early February. On January 30 and 20, he purchased large blocks of both Common Stock and Class B Profit Units, adding roughly 100,000 shares each day. His holdings grew to 282,167 Common Stock shares by February 4, well above the 181,281 shares sold on February 21. This pattern—heavy buying followed by a small, tax‑driven sale—highlights a long‑term commitment to Rithm’s equity. His transactions are largely price‑neutral, often executed at zero‑cost or through grant settlements, underscoring a focus on accumulation rather than speculative trading.

Broader Insider Activity Context

The CFO’s moves sit alongside significant activity from CEO Michael Nierenberg, who has executed multiple large purchases of Common Stock and Profit Units in the past month, amassing over two million shares. Legal Officer David Zeiden’s smaller buys of Profit Units add further depth to the insider portfolio. Together, these actions paint a picture of a management team that is broadly bullish on the company’s future, even as individual transactions like NICOLA JR’s sell are driven by personal fiscal considerations rather than a shift in sentiment.

Implications for Investors

For shareholders, the CFO’s modest sale should be viewed as a routine tax‑related event rather than a red flag. The continued accumulation by key insiders, coupled with the company’s sizeable market cap and stable listing on the NYSE, suggests that Rithm Capital remains a long‑term play. Investors should monitor future filings for any large, price‑influenced trades, but current evidence points to a steady, rather than volatile, outlook for the fund’s equity.