Cleveland‑Cliffs Executives Launch Coordinated Insider Buying Spree, Betting Big on Steel Turnaround

Insider Buying Signals: A Closer Look at Cleveland‑Cliffs’ Latest Deal The recent filing shows SVP, Controller & CAO Floriani Kimberly A purchasing 29,573 restricted stock units and an equal amount of market stock units on 18 Feb 2026. This move aligns with a broader wave of insider buying that swept the board on the same day—EVP CFO Goncalves Celso L Jr, EVP Keith Koci, EVP Clifford T Smith, and even the CEO GONCALVES LOURENCO all acquired similar packages of restricted and market units. The simultaneous buying spree suggests a shared confidence in the company’s short‑term prospects, possibly tied to recent operational updates or anticipated upside in steel demand.

Implications for Investors and the Company’s Outlook Insider purchases of this magnitude are typically interpreted as a bullish signal, especially when accompanied by low transaction prices (the units are valued at $0.00 in the filing, reflecting vesting terms). Cleveland‑Cliffs’ share price had dipped 2.6 % earlier that week, yet the market’s 52‑week high of $16.70 remains well above the current $10.27 level, indicating that the stock is still trading at a discount to its historical peak. The recent negative sentiment (-20) and heightened buzz (248 %) suggest that social media is amplifying concerns, but the insider buying may dampen that narrative by signaling managerial conviction. For investors, the trade could be viewed as a long‑term endorsement of the company’s strategy to expand HBI production and capitalize on favorable tariff adjustments announced by the U.S. Trade Representative.

A Profile of Floriani Kimberly A Through Past Transactions Kimberly’s insider activity is characterized by a mix of selling and buying that reflects both liquidity needs and strategic positioning. In early January, she sold 3,182 common shares at $13.20, reducing her holdings to 68,852 shares. This was followed by the February 18 acquisitions of RSUs and MSUs, bringing her total post‑transaction holdings back up to 29,573 shares. Unlike some peers who have sold large blocks of common stock, Kimberly’s trades focus on deferred and performance‑based instruments, suggesting a long‑term view tied to company performance metrics. Her pattern of buying performance units rather than outright shares indicates a belief that the company’s stock will appreciate as its operational targets are met.

Why This Matters for the Steel Sector Cleveland‑Cliffs operates in a cyclical industry that is sensitive to macro‑economic trends and policy shifts. The insider buying coincides with a broader sector rally following tariff adjustments that are expected to reduce import competition. Analysts note that the company’s focus on custom HBI and steel production positions it well to capture demand from automotive and construction markets. The insider confidence, combined with the company’s solid market cap of $5.86 bn and negative P/E of –3.62, suggests that investors may view Cleveland‑Cliffs as a turnaround play within the metals space.

Bottom Line The coordinated insider buying by senior executives, including Floriani Kimberly A, signals management’s optimism about Cleveland‑Cliffs’ near‑term trajectory. For investors, the move offers a potential entry point as the stock trades near its 52‑week low, while the company’s strategic focus on high‑value steel products and recent tariff support could drive future upside.