Insider Moves at Spire Inc.: What the Latest Sale Means
The February 13, 2026 filing shows that KOONCE PAUL D sold 8,846 shares of Spire’s Series A preferred stock at $25 a share, fully redeeming the entire preferred class. The sale coincided with a broader wave of insider buying that saw several executives, including COO Newberry Brenda D and CFO Jones Rob L., purchase 1,640 shares each at $85.27. For investors, the simultaneous redemption of preferred stock and fresh common‑stock purchases signals a shift in the company’s capital structure and a re‑allocation of capital by insiders.
Redemption Signals a Capital‑Structure Reset
Series A preferred shares, which had been outstanding since 2021, were a hybrid instrument that gave holders priority on dividends and a fixed redemption price. By redeeming all 8,846 shares, Spire eliminated an ongoing dividend obligation and freed up capital that can now be deployed toward growth initiatives or debt reduction. The $25 per‑share redemption price represents a significant premium to the last closing price of $91.58, suggesting that insiders view the preferred stake as undervalued relative to the company’s current equity value.
Insider Buying: Confidence or Opportunism?
While the preferred redemption is a clear out of a high‑cost instrument, the concurrent purchases of common stock by multiple executives indicate confidence in the company’s trajectory. The 1,640‑share purchases at $85.27 represent a 7.3% increase over the prior close, yet the volume remains modest relative to the market cap of $5.43 billion. This pattern—selling a high‑cost preferred stake while buying common shares—can be interpreted as a strategic realignment: insiders are betting on equity appreciation while removing the fixed‑income burden that could drag earnings.
What Investors Should Watch
- Dividend Policy: With preferred dividends eliminated, Spire will likely redirect cash flow toward dividends or share buybacks. Investors should monitor any changes in the declared dividend yield in upcoming earnings releases.
- Debt Profile: The redemption frees cash that could reduce leverage. A tightened debt ratio would improve credit metrics and potentially lower borrowing costs.
- Share Price Volatility: The 48% buzz indicates heightened social media chatter. While sentiment remains neutral (+1), the high communication intensity may presage short‑term volatility as market participants digest the insider activity.
Profile of KOONCE PAUL D
Over the past year, KOONCE PAUL D has executed a series of small, disciplined purchases of common stock, each time buying 1,640 shares at the prevailing market price. His holdings are primarily held in a revocable trust, giving him sole voting power. Historically, his transactions have been limited to incremental purchases rather than large block trades, suggesting a long‑term, patient investment stance. The recent sale of the entire preferred class marks a departure from his usual buying pattern, hinting at a strategic recalibration of his personal portfolio and a reassessment of Spire’s preferred‑stock value.
Implications for Spire’s Future
The redemption of preferred stock and the subsequent insider buying create a cleaner capital structure, potentially improving earnings per share and freeing capital for strategic initiatives—whether that be expanding natural‑gas distribution, investing in propane logistics, or pursuing mergers and acquisitions within the utilities sector. For investors, the key takeaway is that Spire’s insiders are actively reshaping their holdings to align with an equity‑growth outlook while eliminating costly preferred obligations. As the company continues to navigate the volatile energy market, these moves may foreshadow a more aggressive investment strategy and a tighter focus on shareholder value.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-13 | KOONCE PAUL D () | Sell | 8,846.00 | 25.00 | 5.9% Series A. Cumulative Redeemable Perpet. Preferred Stock |
| N/A | KOONCE PAUL D () | Holding | 5,540.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KOONCE PAUL D () | Holding | 2,425.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | KOONCE PAUL D () | Holding | 5,000.00 | N/A | Common Stock |




