First Community Corp‑SC: Executive Ted Nissen’s 14% Insider Stock Surge Signals Confidence in Bank’s Growth Path

Insider Activity Highlights a Strategic Shift

On February 24 2026, EVP and Chief Banking Officer Ted Nissen executed a series of performance‑based restricted stock unit (RSU) vestings and related transactions that lifted his holdings to 40,934 shares, a 14% increase over the prior period. The RSUs, granted in February 2023 under the 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, vested in full on the day of the filing, giving Nissen a clean, no‑cost acquisition of 4,689 shares. Simultaneously, the company withheld 2,280 shares for taxes, and Nissen sold 2,250 vested RSUs for cash. These moves illustrate a classic “vest‑and‑sell” cycle that balances long‑term alignment with liquidity needs.

Market Context and Investor Signals

The transaction occurred as First Community’s share price ticked up from $29.43 to $30.02, a modest 0.02% gain. With a market cap of $229 million and a P/E of 12.04, the bank sits comfortably below the sector average, suggesting a potentially undervalued position for value‑oriented investors. However, the modest price uptick against a backdrop of a 4.53% monthly gain and 21.79% yearly rally indicates that the market is still re‑pricing the company’s growth prospects. Nissen’s RSU vesting—an event that often precedes a wave of shareholder‑friendly actions—could be interpreted as an endorsement of the bank’s long‑term strategy, possibly foreshadowing a capital‑allocation initiative or a future dividend declaration.

Implications for the Bank’s Future

The infusion of 4,689 shares at zero cost strengthens Nissen’s equity stake, reinforcing his commitment to the bank’s trajectory. Historically, Nissen has oscillated between buying and selling common stock and RSUs, with the most recent pattern showing a preference for buying during price lows and selling during peaks. His current holdings of 40,934 shares represent a 30% increase from the previous report, suggesting a bullish stance on the company’s trajectory. For investors, this insider confidence can be a positive barometer, especially as First Community continues to focus on small‑to‑medium enterprise lending—a segment poised to benefit from post‑pandemic economic recovery and rising interest rates.

A Profile of Ted Nissen

Ted Nissen, EVP and Chief Banking Officer, has a history of disciplined equity transactions. Over the past year, his activity has included:

• RSU Management: Regular vesting and tax‑withholding cycles, indicating a long‑term reward strategy.
• Common Stock Buying: Purchases of 2,153 shares in February 2026 and 2,153 shares in earlier filings, often when the price hovered around $30—implying a willingness to buy at moderate levels.
• Selective Selling: A 1,113‑share sale at $30.62 in February 2026, reflecting a tactical divestment when the price slightly surpassed his purchase price.

His trading pattern is consistent with a senior executive who values both liquidity and a meaningful stake in the company, balancing short‑term personal needs with a long‑term vision for First Community’s growth.

Industry and Competitive Landscape

First Community operates in the highly competitive South Carolina banking sector, competing with both regional and national banks. The bank’s focus on small‑business lending and personal banking positions it favorably amid a shifting regulatory environment that increasingly rewards niche, customer‑centric service models. Nissen’s recent equity actions—timed with the company’s quarterly earnings and a slight share‑price uptick—suggest that the bank’s management is confident in its strategic direction and is positioning itself to capitalize on upcoming opportunities, such as potential capital raises or strategic acquisitions.

Conclusion

For investors watching First Community, Nissen’s insider activity signals a constructive outlook. His RSU vesting and subsequent share acquisition demonstrate alignment with shareholder interests, while his historical buying pattern underscores confidence in the bank’s value proposition. Coupled with the firm’s solid fundamentals and a market that is still on an upward trajectory, this insider transaction should be viewed as a positive signal of future growth and shareholder‑friendly management practices.