United Fire Group COO Buys on Vesting, Sells for Taxes—Net Gain Signals Exec Confidence in Growing Insurer

Insider Activity Spotlight: United Fire Group Inc.

A Day in the Life of an Executive’s Portfolio

On February 24, 2026, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Julie A. Stephenson executed a mixed‑bag transaction that both rewarded performance incentives and adjusted her equity exposure. She purchased 3,540 shares at $37.72—exactly the market price—following a vesting of Performance Stock Units (PSUs). Simultaneously, she sold 862 shares to cover tax liability on the same PSU vesting and an additional 1,246 shares to satisfy tax obligations on Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The net result was a modest net purchase of 1,246 shares, bringing her post‑transaction holding to 56,176 shares, or roughly 5.8 % of outstanding common stock.

This pattern—buying on vesting, selling to cover taxes, and holding a larger block—has become the hallmark of Stephenson’s insider dealings over the past week. Earlier on February 21, she sold 1,191 shares, and on February 20, she purchased 9,109 shares. Her cumulative activity shows a cautious but confident approach: she increases her stake when she has incentive compensation, yet keeps enough shares in hand to meet tax obligations without diluting her long‑term alignment with shareholders.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

The timing of these transactions aligns closely with United Fire Group’s recent earnings beat, which lifted the stock to a 6 % gain on February 13 and anchored its price near a 52‑week high of $40.63. Stephenson’s decision to buy on vesting, rather than sell outright, signals continued confidence in the company’s trajectory. Her holding of 56,176 shares—about 5.8 % of the public float—positions her as a significant shareholder whose actions can influence market perception.

From a valuation standpoint, the company trades at a price‑to‑earnings ratio of 8.52, comfortably below the industry average for property‑and‑casualty insurers. Coupled with a price‑to‑book ratio of 1.04, United Fire Group appears modestly undervalued relative to its book value. Investors might interpret Stephenson’s net purchase as a green flag: the executive believes the stock is priced attractively and expects continued upside.

A Profile in Prudence and Performance

Julie A. Stephenson has a history of disciplined insider trading. Over the past few months, she has balanced aggressive buying during periods of incentive vesting with strategic selling to meet tax obligations. Her transactions are typically priced at the current market level, avoiding speculative swings. This behavior suggests a long‑term investment horizon and a focus on aligning her interests with those of shareholders.

Her role as COO gives her deep insight into the company’s operations, underwriting performance, and capital allocation strategies. By maintaining a sizable stake, she signals that she is committed to the company’s growth plans—particularly in expanding its property‑and‑casualty and life‑insurance product lines across the United States.

Implications for the Company’s Future

United Fire Group’s recent performance, coupled with Stephenson’s insider activity, points to a company in a steady expansion phase. The CEO, Kevin James Leidwinger, and CFO, Eric J. Martin, have also been active on the trading floor, each executing three transactions in February. Their buying and selling patterns mirror Stephenson’s cautious but optimistic stance, reinforcing a narrative of executive confidence.

For investors, the key takeaway is that United Fire Group is not only meeting but exceeding earnings expectations, while its senior leadership maintains significant ownership stakes. This alignment of incentives, coupled with a valuation that is below the 52‑week high, makes the stock an attractive proposition for those looking to add a financially prudent, performance‑driven insurer to their portfolios.