Insider Buying Signals in a Flat‑Trend Bank

DelVecchio Rocco’s latest purchase of 500 restricted shares on February 18, 2026, at $45.11 per share, reflects a modest 0.6% stake increase. The transaction comes amid a broader wave of insider buying that saw key executives such as CEO Daniel Santanillo and COO Paul Woelkers acquire several thousand shares in the same window. The fact that the purchase price matches the close ($45.21) and that the stock is still trading near its 52‑week low suggests that insiders are buying on a “buy the dip” basis rather than betting on an imminent rally.

What the Trade Means for Investors

The insider buying spree coincides with a weak technical picture: the share price is below its 200‑day moving average and has slipped 2.1% over the last week. The P/E of 9.36 indicates that the market values the bank at a modest multiple, potentially leaving upside room if earnings or guidance improve. Rocco’s buy, together with the bulk of other transactions, signals confidence in the bank’s fundamentals—particularly its stable asset quality and diversified service mix—despite short‑term volatility. For investors, the insider activity can be read as a long‑term bullish cue, especially when coupled with the relatively low market cap ($260 M) that makes the stock potentially more sensitive to managerial sentiment.

Profile of DelVecchio Rocco

Rocco’s historical filings show a pattern of long‑term holding rather than frequent trading. His only recorded transaction before this purchase was a holding of 519 shares on January 9, 2026, with no buy or sell activity. The new acquisition brings his post‑transaction ownership to 1,019 shares, doubling his stake. Rocco’s incremental buildup suggests a deliberate, patient investment strategy rather than opportunistic trading. His involvement appears tied to the broader management team, and the recent purchase aligns with the timing of other senior executives’ transactions, hinting at a coordinated confidence in the company’s trajectory.

Investor Takeaway

Insider buying in a bank whose stock is trading in a lower‑mid range can be a positive signal, especially when the insiders are senior executives with a history of long‑term holdings. The recent uptick in Rocco’s position, alongside similar moves by other top officers, points to a belief that the bank’s fundamentals—steady deposit growth, low loan‑to‑deposit ratios, and a diversified product mix—will support earnings in the coming quarters. For investors, the insider activity suggests a potential reversal in momentum, but it should be weighed against the current technical weakness and the broader market environment for regional banks. A cautious, value‑oriented approach—monitoring earnings releases, deposit growth, and regulatory changes—remains prudent while awaiting further evidence of upward price action.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-02-18DelVecchio Rocco ()Buy500.0045.11Restricted Common Stock
2026-02-18Joyce William J. Sr. ()Buy2,500.0045.11Restricted Common Stock