Insiders Back Charlie’s Holdings: COO Buys 250k Shares Amid California Vape Approval Boom

Insider Buying Signals a Positive Tilt for Charlie’s Holdings

Stump Ryan, the chief operating officer, added 250,000 shares of Charlie’s Holdings Inc. to his portfolio on February 13, 2026, paying $0.20 per share. The purchase pushed his stake to 2.35 million shares, roughly 8.6 % of the outstanding float. This move comes on the heels of a modest 0.02 % decline in the share price, yet the stock’s overall trend remains bearish with a 5.46 % weekly slide and a 6.48 % monthly decline. Despite the short‑term volatility, Ryan’s buying reflects confidence in the company’s long‑term strategy, especially its recent regulatory win in California that opened a lucrative market for its vape product line.

What the Transaction Means for Investors

Ryan’s purchase, coupled with similar buying activity from the president (Henry Sicignano) and chief financial officer (Matthew Montesano), suggests that insiders believe the stock is undervalued relative to the company’s growth prospects. The cumulative insider buying on February 13 totals 1.35 million shares—almost 4 % of the outstanding shares—indicating a collective conviction that the market has not yet priced in the value of the recent regulatory approvals and potential revenue streams from the newly approved vape product. For investors, this could signal a buying opportunity, especially if the company leverages its California approval to capture market share and drive sales of its naturally flavored water and vape offerings.

Stump Ryan’s Buying Profile

Ryan’s historic transaction pattern shows a consistent trend of bulk purchases. In April 2025, he bought 500,000 shares at a nominal $0.00 price—reflecting a period of low volatility—and his holdings grew to 2.10 million shares. Since then, he has steadily increased his stake, now holding 2.35 million shares. Ryan’s transactions are typically executed at market prices around $0.20–$0.26, suggesting that he is buying in a disciplined, volume‑based manner rather than reacting to short‑term price swings. This disciplined approach, coupled with his continued accumulation, points to a long‑term view on Charlie’s Holdings’ strategic direction and product pipeline.

Implications for the Company’s Future

The insider buying activity is a bullish barometer for Charlie’s Holdings, especially as it navigates a competitive beverage and vape landscape. The company’s focus on naturally flavored, preservative‑free water, coupled with the recent California approval, positions it to capitalize on both health‑conscious consumers and regulated vape markets. If the company can translate these regulatory gains into sales growth, the stock could experience a rebound that aligns with insider confidence. Investors should monitor the company’s quarterly earnings and product launch timelines to gauge whether the insiders’ optimism is supported by tangible operational progress.