CEO of International Seaways Switches Gears: Buys 18,901 Shares After Series of Sell‑offs, Hinting at Confidence Ahead of Earnings Flash!

Insider Activity Highlights a Strategic Shift

International Seaways Inc. (IS) has seen a flurry of insider transactions in the past month, with President & CEO Zabrocky Lois K executing both a large option exercise and a sizeable share purchase on 17 Feb 2026. The CEO’s net purchase of 18,901 shares at a net settlement price of $21.58 reflects a confidence in the company’s near‑term outlook, especially as the market price was $64.42 the day before. This move comes after a series of sell‑offs by Ms K over the previous six months—most recently two 2,000‑share sales in January and December 2025—suggesting a deliberate shift from divestiture to accumulation.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

The timing of Ms K’s buy is notable: it coincides with a 3.98 % weekly gain and a 16.21 % monthly rally, underscoring the broader positive sentiment that has driven IS’s share price to a 52‑week high. A CEO purchasing shares at a net cost below $22 per share (after tax and exercise fees) is a strong signal that management believes the market has undervalued the company. For investors, this could justify a reassessment of the current P/E of 14.45 and the near‑term upside potential as the company approaches its 2026 earnings release on 26 Feb. Moreover, the high buzz score (186 %) and neutral sentiment suggest that market chatter is intense but not overly bearish, indicating that analysts and retail investors are paying close attention to IS’s insider moves.

Profile of Zabrocky Lois K: A Pattern of Tactical Trades

Over the past year, Ms K has executed a total of 12 large trades, alternating between sales of 2,000 shares (price ranging from $38.74 to $63.96) and significant purchases in April 2025 (42,590 shares at $21.58 per share). Her April activity—including the acquisition of 21,376 restricted units—demonstrates a willingness to lock in value during periods of volatility. The recent option exercise (18,901 shares) is the largest single transaction in the current filing, signaling a shift toward building long‑term equity stakes rather than short‑term liquidity. Historically, her trades have been spread across both common and restricted shares, suggesting a dual strategy of immediate cash flow management and future alignment with shareholder value.

Implications for the Company’s Future

IS’s core business—operating a global fleet of crude oil vessels—has benefited from rising freight rates and a strengthening oil market. Ms K’s purchase aligns with this macro backdrop, implying confidence in continued growth and profitability. Investors may view this as a green light to anticipate higher earnings in the upcoming quarterly report, potentially nudging the stock toward its 52‑week peak. However, the CEO’s prior sell-offs remind us that insider trades are not infallible predictors; they should be weighed alongside sector dynamics and the company’s financials.

Takeaway for Market Participants

• Buy Signal? The CEO’s net share purchase, coupled with a strong market performance, could be interpreted as a bullish endorsement, especially as the company nears its earnings announcement.
• Watch the Volatility: With a 52‑week high only a few days ago, the stock remains sensitive to oil price swings and geopolitical risks affecting shipping lanes.
• Monitor Further Moves: A single purchase may not be enough to override past sales; continued insider buying or dividends could reinforce the positive outlook.

In sum, International Seaways’ insider activity signals a cautious yet optimistic stance from its leadership. For investors looking for a company with a robust asset base and a CEO actively investing in the business, the current insider transactions provide a timely data point to consider as the market digests the upcoming earnings release.