Insider Confidence in a Rising Bank

On February 3, 2026, Primis Financial Corp. saw its Chief Financial Officer, Matthew Switzer, purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at $14.06, a price only modestly below the prevailing market rate. While the trade itself is small relative to the bank’s $332 million market cap, it arrives on the heels of a string of performance‑based restricted‑stock‑unit (RSU) holdings that have steadily increased Switzer’s exposure to the company. The CFO’s recent acquisition, combined with the steady build‑up of RSUs since 2025, signals a confidence that the bank’s valuation is on an upward trajectory and that the management team believes in the long‑term upside of Primis’ growth strategy.

What the Trade Means for Investors

The CFO’s incremental purchase is a positive micro‑signal in a market that has been watching Primis closely as a “high‑growth” financial institution. Primis’ share price has climbed more than 29 % year‑to‑date and sits near its 52‑week high, a trend that may attract value‑seeking investors who are now looking for a bank with a solid balance sheet, diversified revenue streams, and a robust digital platform. The fact that Switzer’s transaction price is lower than the closing price on the previous day ($14.14) may also suggest that insiders are willing to pay a small premium for shares, further reinforcing the narrative that the company’s fundamentals are strong and that the management team is aligned with shareholder interests.

Switzer’s Insider Profile

Switzer’s insider activity shows a disciplined approach to equity ownership. After a December 2025 purchase of 4,500 shares, his holdings grew to 93,726 shares by the time of the February 2026 buy. In addition, the CFO has accumulated a significant portfolio of performance‑based RSUs—10,500 shares in December 2025 and a cumulative 32,750 shares by March 2026—reflecting a long‑term commitment to the company’s success. Historically, Switzer’s trades have been modest, typically executed close to market price, and often accompanied by a gradual build‑up of RSUs that vest only upon the achievement of specific performance metrics. This pattern indicates that Switzer is more interested in long‑term value creation than in short‑term speculation, a trait that investors often view favorably when evaluating a company’s governance and executive incentives.

Broader Insider Activity and Market Context

While Switzer’s trade is the focal point, other executives such as EVP Chief Credit Officer Marie Taylor and President Dennis Zember have also increased their holdings of common stock and RSUs in the same period, suggesting a broader confidence in Primis’ strategy. The bank’s strong performance—evidenced by an 8.75 % weekly gain and a 9.08 % monthly gain—coupled with a price‑earnings ratio that reflects premium valuation, points to an environment where institutional and insider sentiment align. The modest social‑media buzz and neutral sentiment further imply that the market is neither overly exuberant nor overly cautious about the stock’s trajectory.

Bottom Line

Matthew Switzer’s recent purchase and his continued build‑up of RSU holdings provide a reassuring signal to investors that the bank’s leadership is backing its own equity. When viewed in the context of Primis’ solid growth, strong digital initiatives, and a broader wave of insider accumulation, the CFO’s trade should be seen as a vote of confidence rather than a fleeting market move. For investors looking for a financially stable bank with a forward‑looking product suite, the insider activity adds a layer of credibility to Primis’s upward narrative.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-02-03Switzer Matthew Alan (EVP, CFO)Buy2,500.0014.06Common Stock
2028-03-15Switzer Matthew Alan (EVP, CFO)Holding10,500.00N/APerformance-Based Restricted Stock Units
2028-03-15Switzer Matthew Alan (EVP, CFO)Holding20,500.00N/APerformance-Based Restricted Stock Units
2027-03-15Switzer Matthew Alan (EVP, CFO)Holding29,500.00N/APerformance-Based Restricted Stock Units
2026-03-15Switzer Matthew Alan (EVP, CFO)Holding32,750.00N/APerformance-Based Restricted Stock Units