United Bankshares Director Winter Clinton Buys 710 Phantom‑Stock Units, Signaling Long‑Term Confidence in Bank’s Growth Strategy

Insider Activity Spotlight: Winter P. Clinton’s New Phantom Stock Purchase

On February 25, 2026, United Bankshares Inc‑WV’s director, Winter P. Clinton, executed a purchase of 710 phantom‑stock units at $42.54 apiece, boosting her total phantom‑stock holdings to 56,674 units. This transaction follows a steady stream of phantom‑stock purchases over the past 18 months, most recently a 138‑unit buy in November 2025. The phantom‑stock structure, which pays out in cash upon termination, signals Clinton’s long‑term commitment to the company’s performance while avoiding dilution of voting shares.

What Does This Mean for Investors? The timing—just after the company’s quarterly dividend announcement—suggests Clinton is positioning herself to capture upside should the bank’s earnings trajectory accelerate. Her consistent buying pattern indicates confidence in the bank’s strategy of expanding loan origination across its regional footprint. For investors, a steady stream of insider purchases can be a bullish signal, especially when accompanied by a stable dividend policy and a price-to‑earnings ratio near the sector median.

A Profile of Winter P. Clinton Clinton’s transaction history shows a disciplined approach: she has accumulated nearly 60,000 phantom‑stock units while maintaining a sizable block of common shares (over 458,000). Her purchases span October 2025 to February 2026, averaging 200–600 units per transaction, and she has never sold phantom stock—a hallmark of a long‑term horizon. The absence of common‑stock sales in the same period further underscores her belief that United Bankshares’ valuation will rise over time. This pattern aligns with other senior executives who use phantom‑stock plans to align incentives without affecting voting power.

Implications for United Bankshares’ Future With a market cap of $5.94 billion and a modest P/E of 12.93, the bank sits at a valuation that allows room for earnings growth. The insider buying momentum, coupled with a steady dividend yield, could attract value‑oriented investors seeking stability in the regional banking sector. However, the bank’s share price has slipped 2.05 % in the week leading up to the filing, hinting at short‑term volatility. If the bank continues to grow deposits and loans, and if the board keeps rewarding performance through phantom‑stock plans, the stock may rebound.

Bottom Line for Market Participants Clinton’s recent phantom‑stock purchase adds a layer of confidence to United Bankshares’ insider sentiment. For investors, the move is a positive cue that senior leadership is invested in the company’s long‑term profitability. Coupled with the firm’s solid dividend policy and a stable valuation, the bank presents a compelling case for those looking for steady, risk‑managed exposure in the regional banking space.