Insider Buying Signals at Commerce Bancshares
The latest filing shows Senior Vice President Rowe Margaret M purchasing 1,866 shares of Commerce Bancshares’ common stock on February 3, 2026. The transaction was executed at the market price of $54.36—identical to the close of $54.31—suggesting no premium or discount was paid. While the trade size is modest relative to the company’s $7.9 billion market cap, it aligns with a broader pattern of insider buying across the executive team, indicating confidence in the bank’s near‑term outlook.
Why the Buying Matters
Insider activity is often viewed as a proxy for management’s view of intrinsic value. Rowe’s purchase adds to a cluster of recent buys: 3 transactions by Senior VP Roller, 2 by Senior VP Petersen, and 2 each by CCO Orf, SVP Neff, and CFO KIM, among others. When multiple senior leaders act in concert, the signal becomes stronger than a single trade. Moreover, the buy occurred immediately after a 5 % stock dividend (record date December 2), which may have increased the perceived value of each share and prompted the purchases.
Investor Takeaway
For shareholders, Rowe’s purchase and the surrounding insider activity suggest that the leadership team believes the stock is undervalued at its current trading range. Given Commerce Bancshares’ solid fundamentals—P/E of 13.18, a 52‑week high of $65.36, and a healthy market cap—this could be a catalyst for a modest upside. However, the trades are relatively small and may not move the market alone. Investors should watch for continued insider buying, earnings guidance, and regulatory developments that could confirm or temper this bullish sentiment.
Outlook for Commerce Bancshares
If the insider confidence translates into a broader positive market reaction, the stock could see a short‑term rally, especially as the bank continues to leverage its diversified services portfolio. Yet the broader banking sector faces interest‑rate volatility and regulatory headwinds. Therefore, while the insider trades are encouraging, investors should maintain a balanced view, keeping an eye on both macroeconomic trends and the bank’s quarterly performance.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-03 | ROWE MARGARET M (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 1,866.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | ROWE MARGARET M (Senior Vice President) | Holding | 17,701.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Roller David L. (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 2,736.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-04 | Roller David L. (Senior Vice President) | Sell | 1,134.00 | 54.48 | Common Stock |
| N/A | Roller David L. (Senior Vice President) | Holding | 2,155.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Petersen Paula S (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 2,799.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Petersen Paula S (Senior Vice President) | Holding | 4,932.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Orf David L (Exec. Vice President & CCO) | Buy | 2,643.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Orf David L (Exec. Vice President & CCO) | Holding | 24,001.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Neff Douglas D (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 1,170.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Neff Douglas D (Senior Vice President) | Holding | 715.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | KIM CHARLES G (Exec. Vice President and CFO) | Buy | 4,831.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KIM CHARLES G (Exec. Vice President and CFO) | Holding | 54,217.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Kemper John W (President and CEO) | Buy | 18,038.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Kemper John W (President and CEO) | Holding | 284,092.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Buy | 4,665.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 42,866.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 42,487.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 26,156.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 51,618.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 284,092.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 17,932.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KEMPER DAVID W (Executive Chairman) | Holding | 24,911.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | JAKOVICH KIM L (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 2,083.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | JAKOVICH KIM L (Senior Vice President) | Holding | 1,463.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Handy John K (Executive Vice President) | Buy | 7,667.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Handy John K (Executive Vice President) | Holding | 4,615.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Handy John K (Executive Vice President) | Holding | 10,154.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Holmes Robert S (Executive Vice President) | Buy | 3,607.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | HEISE RICHARD W (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 1,157.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | Brooks Derrick (Senior Vice President) | Buy | 1,710.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-04 | Brooks Derrick (Senior Vice President) | Sell | 1,044.00 | 54.40 | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-03 | BARTH KEVIN G (Executive Vice President) | Buy | 2,965.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | BARTH KEVIN G (Executive Vice President) | Holding | 50,251.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | BARTH KEVIN G (Executive Vice President) | Holding | 15,512.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | BARTH KEVIN G (Executive Vice President) | Holding | 23,999.00 | N/A | Common Stock |




