Chevron CEO Wirth Buys 320,000 Shares in Bold 10b5‑1 Move as Venezuelan Contracts Fuel Bullish Outlook

Insider Activity at Chevron: A Closer Look at Wirth Michael K’s Moves

Chevron’s Chairman and CEO, Wirth Michael K, has executed a sizable Rule 10b5‑1 trading plan on January 5, 2026, buying roughly 320 000 shares at $155.20 each—just below the market close of $156.54. The purchase comes amid a 1.83 % weekly uptick and a 4.36 % monthly gain, suggesting that insiders are betting on a continued rally in a company that has recently secured new Venezuelan crude contracts and is eyeing a partnership with Quantum Energy Partners for Lukoil assets.

The plan, established in November 2024, is a structured way for executives to trade without the appearance of insider advantage. Wirth’s cumulative activity this year, however, shows a pattern of disciplined, rule‑based transactions that balance buying and selling. He has sold 836 shares at $149.52 on December 17, 2025, and purchased 51 shares at $0.00 (a vesting event) on July 18, 2025. The new January 2026 buys represent his most aggressive accumulation in the last 12 months, raising his post‑transaction holdings to 335 000 shares—more than double his December 2025 position.

For investors, the timing of this trade is key. The positive social‑media sentiment (+65) and a 335 % buzz intensity indicate that the market is paying close attention to Chevron’s strategic moves. Insider buying at a price close to the 52‑week high of $168.96, yet still well above the 52‑week low of $132.04, signals confidence in the company’s ability to capitalize on geopolitical shifts—particularly its new role as the sole exporter of Venezuelan crude and the Lukoil partnership. If Chevron continues to secure favorable supply contracts and expand refining capacity, the share price could move higher, benefiting those who joined the rally early.

Wirth Michael K’s historical transactions paint a portrait of an executive who trades methodically. His most recent 10b5‑1 plan has been executed across multiple price tiers—from $83.29 to $165.05—demonstrating a willingness to lock in gains while maintaining liquidity. He has also managed option vesting and restricted stock units, reflecting a diversified equity strategy that aligns with long‑term value creation. This disciplined approach suggests that Wirth is more focused on sustaining Chevron’s growth trajectory than on short‑term market noise.

In summary, Chevron’s insider activity—particularly Wirth’s recent bulk purchase—underscores a bullish outlook amid expanding geopolitical opportunities. The company’s market cap of $315 bn and a price‑earnings ratio of 21.6 support a valuation that investors may view as reasonable given the firm’s strategic positioning. As Chevron moves forward with its Venezuelan and Lukoil initiatives, watching Wirth’s trading cadence could provide a barometer for the company’s confidence in its future prospects.