[Form 4] PEOPLES FINANCIAL CORP /MS/ Insider Trading Activity
Joseph Stilwell and affiliated investment entities disclosed purchases of Peoples Financial Corp (/MS/) common stock, reporting a 09/12/2025 acquisition. The Form 4 shows a purchase of 2,378 shares at $20.25 per share, and following the transaction the reporting group beneficially owns 411,514 shares indirectly. Prior reported indirect holdings include 67,505 and 205,760 shares held by Stilwell Activist Fund, L.P. and Stilwell Value Partners VII, L.P., respectively. The filing identifies the reporting persons as a Section 13(d) group that beneficially owns more than 10% of the issuer and lists Joseph Stilwell as a director and the filing signatory.
- Reporting transparency: The Form 4 discloses the transaction date, price ($20.25), and resulting beneficial ownership (411,514 shares).
- Clear ownership structure: Affiliates and the reporting person explicitly explain direct and indirect holdings and file jointly as a Section 13(d) group.
- No stated intentions: The filing does not disclose any plans, proposals, or changes in control associated with the >10% position.
- Small purchase size: The acquired 2,378 shares represent a relatively small increase versus the total reported position, limiting immediate market impact.
Insights
TL;DR: Insider group increased its stake via a small open-market purchase, confirming active ownership above 10%.
The 2,378-share purchase at $20.25 is modest relative to the group's total 411,514-share position but signals continued accumulation or maintenance of exposure. The filing documents direct ownership by multiple affiliated entities and indirect ownership attributed to Joseph Stilwell through his control of the general partner vehicle. Treatment as a Section 13(d) group is material because it notifies the market that these related parties coordinate their holdings and exceed the 10% threshold, which can presage activist engagement but the Form 4 itself contains no disclosure of plans or proposals.
TL;DR: Director-affiliated entities jointly report a >10% stake; governance implications require monitoring but are not yet explicit.
The filing clarifies beneficial ownership structure: multiple partnerships and a value-management LLC act as the general partner, with Joseph Stilwell disclaiming direct pecuniary interests except to the extent described. The joint filing and signatures dated 09/15/2025 formally establish the reporting group. From a governance perspective, exceeding 10% and having a director in the group are notable facts for shareholders, but the document contains no statements about any director actions, nominations, or strategic intentions.