Insider Buying Signals a Positive Outlook for Southern Missouri Bancorp

On February 24, 2026, director McCoy Daniel Patrick purchased 400 shares of Southern Missouri Bancorp’s common stock as part of a restricted‑stock grant that will vest over five years. The transaction was executed at an intraday price of $65.13—slightly above the day’s close of $62.96—and represents a modest 0.03% price change. While the trade’s volume is small relative to the bank’s market cap of $696 million, it follows a pattern of strategic, low‑risk equity commitments that have been consistent in Patrick’s insider activity.

What the Pattern Means for Investors

Patrick’s history shows a preference for acquiring stock options and restricted shares rather than engaging in large sell‑off trades. In October 2025 he exercised a 5,000‑share option and subsequently held an additional 2,000 shares. The most recent purchase of 400 shares brings his total post‑transaction holdings to 2,400, a 20% increase over the 2,000 shares he held prior to the deal. This steady accumulation suggests confidence in the bank’s long‑term earnings trajectory, especially given its healthy price‑earnings ratio of 10.88 and a yearly share price rise of 13.77%.

From an investor’s perspective, insider buying at a time when the stock is trading near its 52‑week low ($45.10) but on an upward trend (7.05% monthly gain) can be interpreted as a bullish endorsement. It may encourage other shareholders to view the bank’s asset‑backed mortgage portfolio and deposit base as solid, especially as the sector continues to benefit from favorable interest‑rate environments.

McCoy Daniel Patrick: A Profile of Prudence and Patience

Patrick’s transaction record paints the picture of a director who prefers gradual, time‑locked equity exposure. His restricted‑stock grant in February 2026 is set to vest in five yearly installments, with 20% vesting annually. This structure aligns his interests closely with the bank’s long‑term performance, reducing the temptation for short‑term trading. Unlike some insiders who oscillate between buying and selling, Patrick’s activity has been overwhelmingly in the buy or hold category, indicating a strategic commitment to the company’s mission and financial health.

Implications for the Bank’s Future

The cumulative insider buying by Patrick, coupled with the bank’s steady share price momentum and robust valuation metrics, suggests that Southern Missouri Bancorp is positioning itself for continued growth. As the bank expands its residential mortgage lending and mortgage‑backed securities portfolio, insider confidence could translate into a more stable share price and potentially attract additional institutional capital. Investors who have been cautious amid broader banking sector volatility may view this insider activity as a green light to reassess their positions in Southern Missouri Bancorp.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-02-24McCoy Daniel Patrick ()Buy400.00N/ACommon Stock
2035-10-20McCoy Daniel Patrick ()Holding5,000.00N/ACommon Stock Option (right to buy)