Insider Grants a Quiet 733-Share Boost at First Community Corp‑SC – Executives Staking Long‑Term Confidence in the Bank’s Retail Expansion Plans

Insider Buying Signals from CHAO CHIMIN J at First Community Corp‑SC

On February 24, 2026, CHAO CHIMIN J—an unnamed insider with no public title—executed a purchase of 733 common shares of First Community Corp‑SC. The transaction was disclosed under SEC Form 4 and involved a nominal price of $0.00, indicating a grant of restricted stock rather than a market purchase. The award, tied to the company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, will vest on January 1, 2027, and includes 51,531 deferred stock units that will convert to shares upon distribution. As of the filing, CHAO’s holdings rose to 60,745 shares, an increase of roughly 1.4 % from his previous 59,492 shares reported in September 2025.

Implications for Investors and the Company’s Outlook

The timing of the grant is noteworthy. First Community’s stock price was only marginally higher than its close on February 23, 2026 ($29.43 vs. $29.43), and the company has maintained a healthy annual growth rate of 21.74 %. The grant’s vesting schedule aligns with the bank’s strategic emphasis on retaining talent to support its expansion into new retail segments. For investors, the issuance of restricted shares signals management’s confidence in the company’s trajectory without immediate dilution. Moreover, the inclusion of deferred units that accrue dividend equivalents may be viewed as a long‑term commitment, potentially reinforcing shareholder value over the next fiscal year.

A Profile of CHAO CHIMIN J’s Insider Activity

CHAO’s trading history reflects a pattern of incremental, long‑term accumulation. In September 2025, he bought 364 shares at $28.16, increasing his stake to 59,492 shares. He has maintained a consistent holding of 42,983 shares since at least October 2025, suggesting a deliberate, measured approach rather than opportunistic short‑term trades. The recent restricted‑stock award, valued at 733 shares, is modest in scale but indicative of a strategic alignment with the company’s compensation framework. His activity has been purely “buy”‑type, with no recorded sales or short‑term disposals, underscoring a long‑view stance on First Community’s prospects.

Broader Insider Activity Context

While CHAO’s transaction is the sole buy in the current filing, the company’s insider landscape is active. Thomas Carlton Brown’s recent purchase of 733 shares mirrors the same volume, and CEO Michael C. Crapp’s activity on February 21 shows both significant buys and sells, including a 3,564‑share restricted stock unit sale. These movements suggest a broader trend of executive participation in equity, possibly as a signal to the market that leadership is betting on the company’s future performance.

Market Sentiment and Social Media Buzz

The transaction coincided with a slight positive market sentiment (+48) and a buzz level of 182.10 %, well above the 100 % baseline. This heightened attention may be driven by the restricted‑stock announcement and the broader narrative of insider confidence. For investors, such social media intensity can serve as an early indicator of market perception, albeit it should be corroborated with fundamental analysis and the company’s financial trajectory.

Conclusion

CHAO CHIMIN J’s restricted‑stock grant, coupled with his historical buying pattern, paints a picture of an insider who is both invested in and committed to First Community Corp‑SC’s long‑term success. While the immediate market impact is minimal, the strategic alignment of this grant with the company’s incentive plans and the accompanying social media buzz suggest a positive outlook for shareholders. Investors should watch for the vesting of this award and subsequent performance metrics, as they may provide further validation of First Community’s strategic direction and financial health.