Insider Selling Signals at Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has seen a wave of insider selling that is hard to ignore. On February 9, 2026, CFO Denis Coleman sold 6,588 shares across 12 separate transactions, netting roughly $6.2 million at an average price of $933.38 to $944.66 per share. The sale came at a time when the stock closed at $948.99, only a fraction below the 52‑week high of $984.70, and after a modest 3.4 % weekly gain. In a market that has seen a 45.6 % year‑to‑date climb, the CFO’s off‑balance‑sheet moves suggest a short‑term profit‑taking strategy rather than a fundamental shift in confidence.
What the Numbers Tell Investors
The aggregate volume sold by Coleman accounts for roughly 0.4 % of the company’s total shares outstanding, a modest amount relative to the daily trading volume of the stock. Yet, the pattern is consistent with a broader insider selling trend. Other executives—including the chief risk officer, Alex Goltén, who off‑loaded 2,180 shares on the same day—have also been liquidating positions in recent weeks. The cumulative effect of these sales could create a small but perceptible pressure on the price if the market interprets the moves as a bearish signal. For long‑term investors, however, the underlying fundamentals—solid earnings growth, a robust balance sheet, and a high price‑to‑earnings ratio of 17.7—remain attractive. The CFO’s selling appears more aligned with personal portfolio rebalancing than a warning about the firm’s trajectory.
CFO Denis Coleman: A Transaction Profile
Coleman’s insider history shows a disciplined, incremental selling approach. Since January 2026, he has executed a series of small to medium‑sized sales, averaging between $931 and $944 per share, and has rarely held large positions for extended periods. His largest single sale (12,973 shares on January 27) was followed by a modest purchase of 32,676 shares later that day, suggesting a tactical balance between cash generation and equity retention. Importantly, the CFO has not disclosed any pending equity awards or significant change in ownership stakes, indicating that his current trades are likely driven by liquidity needs or tax planning rather than a loss of confidence in the company.
Implications for Goldman’s Future
The current insider activity, coupled with the overall bullish market sentiment, does not signal an impending downturn for Goldman Sachs. The firm’s strong capital position and diversified revenue streams—investment banking, securities, and asset management—provide a buffer against short‑term volatility. The CFO’s selling could be interpreted as a routine portfolio adjustment; nevertheless, it underscores the importance for investors to monitor insider transactions as a complement to traditional financial metrics. As the firm continues to navigate post‑pandemic market dynamics, the combination of solid earnings, strategic M&A activity, and disciplined capital allocation will likely keep Goldman’s stock on an upward trajectory for the foreseeable future.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 588.00 | 933.38 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 628.00 | 934.55 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 52.00 | 935.36 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 495.00 | 937.36 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 865.00 | 938.45 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 600.00 | 939.36 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 1,000.00 | 940.30 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 1,059.00 | 941.64 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 1,076.00 | 942.50 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 1,380.00 | 943.83 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 2,844.00 | 944.66 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 1,036.00 | 945.40 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| N/A | COLEMAN DENIS P. (Chief Financial Officer) | Holding | 4,232.00 | N/A | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | GOLTEN ALEX S (CHIEF RISK OFFICER) | Sell | 840.00 | 932.98 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | GOLTEN ALEX S (CHIEF RISK OFFICER) | Sell | 360.00 | 934.05 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | GOLTEN ALEX S (CHIEF RISK OFFICER) | Sell | 240.00 | 935.66 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | GOLTEN ALEX S (CHIEF RISK OFFICER) | Sell | 545.00 | 936.80 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| 2026-02-09 | GOLTEN ALEX S (CHIEF RISK OFFICER) | Sell | 307.00 | 938.01 | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |




