First Community Corp‑SC Execs Boost Confidence with Fresh RSU Buy‑Backs Amid Mixed Insider Moves

Insider Buying Signals Strengthen Confidence in First Community Corp‑SC

The latest insider filing on February 24, 2026 shows Executive Vice President Joseph Andrew purchasing 1,250 restricted‑stock units (RSUs) in First Community Corp‑SC (FCCO). The transaction, which doubles Andrew’s existing holding from 0 to 2,625 RSUs, reflects a clear confidence in the bank’s near‑term prospects. RSUs, vesting only on February 24, 2029 and February 18, 2028, give the executive a long‑term incentive tied to share price performance, aligning his interests with those of shareholders.

Broader Insider Activity Highlights a Mixed Picture

While Andrew’s buy is bullish, the broader insider activity is more nuanced. Executive Vice President Dozier Vaughan Jr. recorded four holdings of 4,000 common shares, but his only derivative transaction mirrors Andrew’s: a 1,250‑unit RSU purchase. Other senior officers—such as President C. Michael Cripps and EVP‑CFO Jordan Shawn—have been active in both buying and selling common shares in the past two weeks, indicating tactical adjustments to market conditions rather than a wholesale shift in sentiment. The simultaneous buying of common shares by several executives (e.g., Thomas Carlton Brown, Jane Sosebee, and Todd Roderick) suggests a confidence in short‑term upside, possibly anticipating a rebound after the recent 0.66 % weekly dip.

Implications for Investors

For investors, Andrew’s RSU purchase is a positive signal of management’s faith in FCCO’s future earnings trajectory. The company’s current market cap of $229 million and a P/E of 12.04 place it in a comfortable valuation range relative to its 52‑week high of $31.50. The slight weekly decline (‑0.66 %) may present a buying opportunity, especially as the bank’s focus on small‑to‑medium enterprises in South Carolina positions it well to capture growth in regional lending. However, the presence of multiple insider sales in recent days warrants caution; these could indicate short‑term liquidity needs or a strategic rebalancing of portfolios.

What to Watch Going Forward

• RSU Vesting Schedule: The 2028 and 2029 vest dates mean management will receive a significant payout only in the medium term, potentially limiting short‑term pressure on share price.
• Executive Turnover: Any changes in the senior management team could affect the bank’s strategic direction, especially given the recent mix of buying and selling by key officers.
• Regulatory and Market Environment: As a bank holding company, FCCO’s performance is tied to interest rate movements and regional economic health. A shift in Fed policy or a downturn in the South Carolina economy could influence future insider activity and stock performance.

In sum, Joseph Andrew’s RSU purchase is a reassuring sign of insider confidence, but investors should monitor the broader insider activity and macroeconomic indicators to gauge whether FCCO’s stock is poised for sustainable growth or merely riding a short‑term wave.