International Seaways VP Buys 1,551 Shares Amid Rising Freight Rates, Signals Confidence in Growth Plan

Insider Activity Highlights a Strategic Shift at International Seaways

The latest form‑4 filing on February 26, 2026 shows Vice President & Controller Oshodi Adewale exercising a sizable block of stock options and buying 1,551 shares at a net share‑settlement price of $21.58, reducing his post‑transaction holding to 11,129 shares. This move follows a pattern of option‑exercise activity that has characterized Adewale’s insider activity over the past year, where he has routinely converted restricted stock units and exercised options to strengthen his equity stake while aligning his interests with shareholders.

Implications for Investors

Adewale’s current purchase comes at a price of $75.53, a slight uptick from the closing price of $69.78 on February 23. The transaction occurs amid a backdrop of robust share price growth—year‑to‑date gains of nearly 124%—and a bullish 32% monthly rally. Investors may interpret Adewale’s continued buying as confidence in the company’s ability to navigate tightening tanker supply and rising freight rates. However, the modest price gain suggests the company is still sensitive to sectoral pressures; the 15% weekly surge and the 52‑week high of $69.95 indicate volatility that could temper expectations of sustained upside.

What This Means for the Company’s Future

Adewale’s option exercise and share purchase reinforce his long‑term commitment to the fleet‑operating business. With the energy sector’s freight market tightening—driven by limited availability of very‑large crude carriers—International Seaways faces higher operating costs and potential margin compression. Adewale’s action signals confidence that the company can leverage its strategic positioning to capture premium freight rates, especially as global demand for crude transport remains resilient. Investors should watch for further insider buying or selling, as it may foreshadow management’s outlook on capital allocation and fleet expansion plans.

Adewale’s Insider Profile

Since April 2025, Adewale has completed multiple option exercises and shares purchases, totaling 3,551 shares bought in 2025 and another 1,551 shares exercised in 2026. His transactions are predominantly “buy” types, with a smaller number of option sales. The consistency of his buying, despite the volatile market, points to a belief in the company’s long‑term value creation. Compared to other insiders—who have engaged in frequent buy and sell cycles—Adewale’s pattern is comparatively steady, suggesting a focus on accumulation rather than short‑term trading.

Conclusion

The latest insider transaction by Oshodi Adewale is a signal of continued confidence in International Seaways amid a challenging fleet environment. While the company’s share price remains volatile, the insider buying trend—coupled with the company’s robust market cap and moderate P/E—provides a cautiously optimistic backdrop for investors. Monitoring future insider activity will be key to gauging management’s evolving strategy in a sector where supply constraints and freight dynamics dominate performance.