COO’s Stock Buy Signals Confidence as Tivic Health Seeks Breakthrough Amid 89% Decline

Insider Activity at Tivic Health Systems Signals Strategic Confidence

In a recent filing on February 18 2026, Chief Operating Officer Handley Michael K purchased 8,824 shares of Tivic Health Systems’ common stock, immediately converting an equivalent amount of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) into the same number of shares. The transaction was executed at an intraday price of $0.76, just below the closing price of $0.815, and was reported alongside a modest -0.07 % price change. While the share count is relatively small compared to the company’s 2 million‑share market cap, the move comes at a time when Tivic’s stock has endured a steep 89 % yearly decline and is trading near its 52‑week low of $0.78.

What This Means for Investors

The COO’s buy‑sell pattern suggests a vote of confidence in the company’s long‑term strategy rather than a tactical trade. Tivic is actively pursuing a partnership with BARDA on entolimod for acute radiation syndrome, a development that could unlock significant revenue streams and enhance the company’s therapeutic pipeline. By converting RSUs into common shares, Handley is signaling alignment with equity holders and a willingness to shoulder dilution in pursuit of future upside. For investors, this insider activity is a positive signal that senior management believes the stock’s current valuation underestimates the company’s potential, especially given the negative P/E of -0.25 and a price‑to‑book ratio below one.

Handley Michael K: A Profile of Insider Discipline

Handley’s transaction history is largely characterized by equity‑grant acquisitions rather than market trades. In August 2025, he bought 45,000 Employee Stock Options, a sizable block that he retained through the filing. The February 2026 purchase is the first direct market trade from his RSU pool, indicating a deliberate conversion of deferred compensation into liquid shares. Across all insider filings, Handley’s activity is modest and consistent, reflecting a preference for long‑term equity participation over short‑term trading. This disciplined approach aligns with Tivic’s broader insider culture, where executives are incentivized through options and RSUs that vest over multiple years, encouraging patience and commitment.

Implications for Tivic’s Future Trajectory

With the company’s share price languishing far below its April 2025 high, insider purchases may help stabilize the market and reduce volatility. The conversion of RSUs also increases the pool of shares available for trading, potentially improving liquidity. Combined with the BARDA collaboration and ongoing clinical development, these insider actions could lay the groundwork for a gradual recovery. However, investors should remain vigilant: the company’s negative earnings and steep decline underscore the need for continued performance improvements before a meaningful price rebound becomes likely.

In summary, Handley Michael K’s recent transaction reflects a cautious yet optimistic stance toward Tivic Health Systems. For investors watching a beleaguered biotech, insider confidence—especially from a key operating executive—provides a valuable, albeit not definitive, indicator of where the company is headed.