Peabody Energy COO Sells $13,892 Shares, Signals Management Confidence Amid Coal Rally

Insider Selling Amid a Bullish Cycle

On February 10 2026, EVP & COO Darren Yeates sold 13,892 shares of Peabody Energy at an average price of $36.40, slightly above the market close of $36.77. The sale occurred while the stock had already gained 2.63 % that week and was riding a 4.77 % monthly rally, buoyed by a favorable policy announcement that may secure future coal demand from U.S. military installations. The transaction was executed at a price range of $36.18–$36.61, indicating that Yeates was comfortable taking a modest profit on a well‑performing share pool.

What the Sale Means for Investors

A single sale of nearly 14,000 shares—roughly 0.3 % of the outstanding shares—does not materially dilute the equity base, but it signals a degree of confidence from senior management. Unlike large block trades that often trigger sell‑off pressure, Yeates’ modest divestiture appears more routine. The timing, shortly after a surge in social‑media buzz (155 % above normal), suggests that he may have timed the trade to avoid impacting a rally that was already underway. For investors, the key takeaway is that insider activity remains relatively light, and the overall insider buying pattern in December 2025—where several executives, including Yeates, purchased shares—supports a view that management believes the stock is undervalued amid a sector‑wide upswing.

Yeates’ Transaction Profile

Yeates has a consistent pattern of buying when the price dips below $30 and selling when the price hovers in the mid‑$30s. His December 2025 purchase of 121 shares at $29.43 added to a post‑transaction holding of 108,571 shares, indicating a long‑term stake. The February 2026 sale reduces his holdings to 113,440 shares, still a sizeable position relative to his peers. Compared with peers—such as CEO James Grech, who purchased 268 shares at the same price—the volume and timing of Yeates’ trades are modest, suggesting he views the company as a stable, long‑term investment rather than a speculative play.

Implications for Peabody’s Future

With a market cap of roughly $4.5 billion and a negative P/E of –82.62, Peabody remains a high‑risk, high‑potential play in the low‑sulfur coal niche. The recent policy support and the stock’s year‑to‑date gain of 116.78 % are encouraging, yet the company’s reliance on coal—an asset class under regulatory scrutiny—poses structural risk. Insider buying in December, coupled with limited selling in February, indicates that management is optimistic about the company’s trajectory, but investors should remain vigilant about broader macroeconomic trends that could accelerate the shift away from coal.

Bottom Line

Darren Yeates’ February sale is a small, strategic divestiture that does not erode management confidence. Combined with the broader insider buying activity, it points to a cautiously bullish outlook for Peabody Energy. Investors can view the current transaction as a signal that senior executives believe the stock is priced fairly for now, while remaining mindful of the longer‑term transition pressures facing the coal industry.