Paycom CFO Buys Back Shares as CEO Engages in Heavy Insider Buying and Selling Storm

Insider Activity Spotlight: Paycom’s CFO Buys Back Shares Amid Heavy Selling by the CEO

On February 10, 2026, Paycom Software Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYC) filed a Form 4 showing Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Foster Robert D. acquiring 9,589 shares of the company’s common stock as part of a vesting event under the 2023 Long‑Term Incentive Plan. The transaction was executed at the prevailing market price of $119.89, matching the closing price of $118.71 on that day. In the same filing, the CFO also reported a tax‑withholding sale of 3,515 shares at $124.94. The net effect of the two transactions is a modest increase in his post‑transaction holdings from 23,367 to 23,367 shares, after the sale and purchase offset.

The CFO’s purchase is noteworthy against the backdrop of the company’s recent insider activity. While CFO Robert D.’s own history shows a pattern of modest selling—he sold 969 shares in early February and 1,300 shares in December 2025—his current buy is a departure from the prevailing trend. In contrast, the CEO, Chad Richison, has been the most active insider this week, completing 13 purchases totaling 43,148 shares and 18,921 shares of sales on the same day. The COO, Peck Randall, has been comparatively quiet, with only two transactions (one buy, one sale).

What Does This Mean for Investors?

The CFO’s purchase signals confidence in Paycom’s long‑term prospects, especially considering it stems from a vesting event rather than a strategic investment. It suggests that the senior management believes the stock is fairly valued—or possibly undervalued—despite the recent 23% decline in the last twelve months. However, the CEO’s heavy buying and selling activity may reflect a more tactical approach to liquidity management or portfolio rebalancing, rather than a directional bet on the stock’s trajectory. The COO’s limited activity further underscores that the company’s top executives are not aggressively accumulating shares, which could be a reassuring sign that they are not over‑exposed to their own equity.

From an analyst perspective, the CFO’s buy could be interpreted as a positive signal, potentially nudging sentiment upward. Yet, the broader context—mixed analyst reports, a 42.76% year‑to‑date decline, and a 15.74 price‑earnings ratio that is modestly lower than the industry average—suggests that any upside from insider buying may be constrained by fundamental valuation concerns. Investors should watch for subsequent filings: a sustained buying pattern by senior management could strengthen the narrative of confidence, while continued selling might signal caution.

Profile of Foster Robert D., CFO

Foster Robert D. has a steady, if conservative, trading history. His most recent sales in early February and December 2025 were at $131.59 and $162.66 respectively, both occurring during periods of broader market volatility. The total number of shares he has sold over the last year exceeds 2,000, bringing his post‑transaction holdings to around 14,747 shares by mid‑December. His current position of 23,367 shares indicates a significant increase, suggesting that the vesting event was a large grant rather than a regular trading activity. Notably, the CFO has held a small base of 26 shares on multiple filings, implying that he does not routinely transact in large volumes. Overall, his behavior aligns with a long‑term shareholder view, punctuated by periodic adjustments tied to compensation plans.

Bottom Line

Paycom’s CFO purchase amid a flurry of insider activity underscores a nuanced picture: management appears to view the stock favorably, yet the heavy buying and selling by the CEO and modest activity by the COO hint at a cautious approach to equity exposure. For investors, the CFO’s action is a small, positive signal that should be weighed against the broader market dynamics and analyst sentiment. As Paycom navigates a challenging earnings cycle and a downward trend in share price, insider transactions will continue to be a key barometer for management’s confidence and for market expectations of the company’s future trajectory.