CPC Insider Surge: Vice Chairman Morimoto Buys 7,746 Shares as Management’s Confidence Grows Amid 13.91% Earnings Spike

Insider Activity Highlights Central Pacific’s Strategic Focus

Central Pacific Financial Corp (CPC) has seen a flurry of insider transactions in the past week, with Vice Chairman & COO Morimoto David’s recent purchase of 7,746 shares on 17 Feb 2026 underscoring management’s confidence in the bank’s trajectory. The buy occurs at a price of $32.84, virtually unchanged from the current market close of $32.68, suggesting the move is driven by long‑term conviction rather than short‑term speculation. This aligns with the broader insider trend: the company’s top executives, including CFO Matsumoto and CEO Martines, have been actively buying, while occasional sales have primarily covered tax withholding or reallocation of incentive shares.

Implications for Investors and CPC’s Future

The net effect of the recent activity is an increase in insider holdings. Morimoto’s purchase, combined with his sizable block of 5,898 shares acquired earlier in the month, now raises his stake to over 13,000 shares, reflecting a 0.14 % ownership of CPC. When compared to the broader insider activity—Matsumoto’s 2,974 shares and Martines’ 13,384 shares—the collective insider ownership sits at roughly 0.35 % of outstanding equity. For investors, this level of insider commitment signals management’s alignment with shareholder value, especially at a time when CPC is approaching its 52‑week high of $35.01. The consistent buying pattern also hints at confidence in the bank’s deposit and loan growth, which have been the primary drivers of CPC’s 13.91 % annual earnings increase.

Morimoto David: A Profile of Steady Accumulation

Examining Morimoto’s historical transactions reveals a disciplined approach to equity ownership. Since 2017, he has accrued more than 30,000 shares through a mix of performance‑based PSU and time‑based RSU grants, all of which vest gradually over several years. His recent 2026 purchase follows a pattern of buying during periods when the stock is trading near its 12‑month low, thereby maximizing value for shareholders. Unlike some peers who sell aggressively after large incentive grants, Morimoto’s sales have been modest and primarily related to tax or regulatory requirements. This conservative disposition suggests a long‑term horizon and a belief that CPC’s regional banking model will continue to generate stable returns.

Market Context and Sentiment

The transaction’s social‑media buzz—419.99 % above average—indicates heightened discussion around CPC, likely due to the concentrated insider buying and the bank’s recent upward price trend. Despite the negative sentiment score of –100, the overall chatter remains largely informational, focused on insider activity rather than fundamental weakness. Analysts should monitor how this buying wave correlates with CPC’s quarterly earnings releases, as the bank’s financials have been consistently improving, with a P/E of 11.89 and a 12‑month earnings growth of 13.91 %.

Bottom Line for Stakeholders

For shareholders and potential investors, Morimoto’s purchase is a positive signal, reinforcing confidence in CPC’s strategy and governance. The steady accumulation of insider shares, coupled with the bank’s solid earnings profile and a favorable market position in Hawaii’s banking sector, suggests that CPC is poised for continued growth. Keeping an eye on subsequent insider trades and earnings reports will be key to gauging whether this confidence translates into sustained share price appreciation or merely reflects a periodic realignment of management’s holdings.