Form 4: Director Kelli Shomaker Acquires SMBK Common Stock

SMARTFINANCIAL INC. Director Kelli Shomaker reported the acquisition of 808 shares of common stock on January 29, 2026, increasing her direct beneficial ownership to 1,830 shares.

Summary

• Kelli D Shomaker, a Director of SMARTFINANCIAL INC. (SMBK), acquired 808 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on January 29, 2026, and was reported on January 30, 2026.
• The shares were acquired at a price of $0, indicating a grant or award rather than a market purchase.
• Following this transaction, Ms. Shomaker directly beneficially owns a total of 1,830 shares of SMBK common stock.
• The transaction was made pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal, as a director increasing their stake, even through a grant, suggests confidence in the company's long-term value and aligns insider interests with shareholders.

Positives

• A director acquiring additional shares, even at a $0 price (likely a grant), generally signals continued alignment of interests with shareholders.
• The transaction was executed under a Rule 10b5-1(c) plan, indicating a pre-planned and systematic approach to insider transactions.

Negatives

• The shares were acquired at a $0 price, suggesting a grant or award rather than an open market purchase, which might be viewed differently by some investors than a cash outlay.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider acquisitions, particularly by directors, are often interpreted by the market as a sign of confidence in the company's future prospects, especially within the financial services sector where executive compensation often includes equity grants.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the director's increased ownership as a positive sign of confidence in the company's future performance.

Key Dates

Recommendation

While the director's acquisition of shares is a positive signal of confidence, the transaction itself (a grant at $0) does not provide enough new fundamental information to warrant a 'buy' recommendation. It reinforces a 'hold' position for investors who believe in the company's long-term strategy and management alignment.

Keywords

SMARTFINANCIAL INC., SMBK, Kelli D Shomaker, Director, Insider Trading, Form 4, Common Stock, Share Acquisition, Equity Grant, Corporate Governance