Northfield Bancorp Directors Bulk Buy Shares as Merger Buzz Sky‑Rises

Insider Buying Surge at Northfield Bancorp

Northfield Bancorp’s latest director‑deal filing shows chief investment officer Chapman Gil purchasing 4,383 shares of common stock at $13.69 on February 4, 2026. The trade raises Gil’s holdings to 52,388 shares—a 20% increase in a single transaction that coincides with a 11.8% weekly jump in the stock price following the announcement of a merger with Columbia Financial. The move comes amid a flurry of insider buying across the board—executives such as Stahlin, Patafio, and Jacobs also added shares, all at the same price. The collective buy‑side activity suggests confidence that the merger will unlock value, as market sentiment remains sharply negative (‑35) yet social media buzz is high (660 %), indicating heightened discussion among retail investors.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

For the average shareholder, Gil’s purchase is a bullish signal. Insider buying typically correlates with a positive outlook on a company’s fundamentals, especially when executed by a director with direct oversight of strategy and risk. The merger’s potential to create an 18‑billion‑dollar regional bank adds scale and diversification, which could improve earnings stability and profitability in a tightening credit environment. However, the high price‑earnings ratio of 620.91 signals that the stock may be overvalued relative to earnings, and the modest loss in earnings per share in the latest quarter tempers enthusiasm. Investors should monitor post‑merger integration metrics—asset quality, loan growth, and cost‑to‑income ratios—before committing additional capital.

Profiling Chapman Gil

Gil’s trading history is sparse but consistent. The February 4 purchase is the only transaction recorded in the current filing set, but a review of prior filings shows he has maintained a steady holding position of 7,651 shares and an additional 6,763 shares in the company. Unlike some of his peers who have sold shares in the lead‑up to earnings, Gil has not disclosed any divestitures. His focus on accumulation rather than rotation suggests a long‑term commitment to Northfield’s strategic direction. This pattern, combined with his recent buy, reinforces the narrative that insiders view the merger as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

Outlook for Northfield Bancorp

Northfield’s recent merger announcement has already lifted the share price and attracted significant social media chatter. The company’s asset base is set to expand to roughly $18 billion, and the deal could bring economies of scale that reduce operating costs. However, regulatory scrutiny from a class‑action investigation introduces an element of uncertainty. For investors, the key will be whether Northfield can successfully integrate the Columbia portfolio, maintain loan quality, and deliver on the projected synergies. If the merger proceeds smoothly, the insider buying spree—including Gil’s latest purchase—may prove prescient, positioning the stock for further upside as the combined entity stabilizes its earnings and expands its market footprint.