TriCo Bancshares EVP Craig Carney Sells 11,000 Shares – A Routine Rebalance, No Shock to the Bank’s Outlook.

TriCo Bancshares Insider Activity: A Close‑Look at EVP Craig Carney’s Recent Sale

On February 6, 2026 TriCo Bancshares’ EVP of Credit, Craig Carney, sold 11,000 shares of common stock for $52.23 a share, just below the day’s close of $52.23. The transaction, filed under Form 4, represents a modest 0.53 % of his post‑transaction holdings (≈ 9,898 shares). Carney’s sale came after a series of mixed trades in the summer of 2025, where he alternated between buying and selling around the $40‑$42 price band. His most recent activity is consistent with a “portfolio rebalancing” pattern rather than a signal of distress.

Implications for Investors and Market Sentiment

Carney’s sale did not trigger a sharp move in the stock. TriCo’s price was already near its 52‑week high, and the 0.01 % drop on the day of the sale suggests that the market absorbed the transaction without panic. The broader insider landscape is quiet: other EVP‑level executives—such as Wiese, Fleshood, and Gehlmann—have been buying and selling in the same range, indicating a collective focus on maintaining liquidity rather than divesting. For investors, this pattern signals that senior management is not currently looking to unload large blocks that could depress the share price. The positive sentiment score (+10) and moderate buzz (≈ 11 %) further support the view that the market does not see the sale as a warning sign.

What Does This Mean for TriCo’s Future?

TriCo’s fundamentals remain solid. With a P/E of 14.14 and a market cap of $1.7 billion, the stock trades slightly above book value but below many peers in the regional‑bank space. Analysts have recently lifted their price target to $55, reflecting confidence in the bank’s credit quality and growth prospects. Carney’s recent sale, being relatively small, is unlikely to materially alter the firm’s capital structure or risk profile. Instead, it may be part of a routine adjustment to align his holdings with a long‑term investment strategy or to meet liquidity needs for personal goals.

Profile of Craig Carney: A Conservative, Activity‑Driven Executive

Carney’s transaction history shows a pattern of buying during dips (e.g., 1 485 shares purchased on 2025‑06‑12 at $40.72) and selling when the price climbs toward $42.27, then buying again when the market pulls back. He has never sold a block larger than 1 485 shares in a single filing, and his post‑trade holdings never dip below 8 000 shares. This disciplined approach suggests a focus on long‑term value rather than short‑term speculation. Additionally, Carney has sold restricted stock units—typically vesting over several years—at zero cost, a common practice for executives to meet tax obligations without incurring a cash outlay. His consistent trading volume (around 2 000 shares per month) reflects a moderate, steady approach to portfolio management, aligning with TriCo’s moderate risk appetite and steady earnings growth.

Takeaway for the Investment Community

For investors evaluating TriCo Bancshares, Carney’s recent sale is a routine, low‑volume transaction that does not signal a change in the bank’s strategic direction or financial health. The insider activity remains within normal limits, and the company’s strong fundamentals—solid earnings, moderate valuation, and analyst support—continue to underpin a positive outlook. Investors should therefore view Carney’s trade as an ordinary rebalancing move rather than a harbinger of upcoming turbulence.