Insider Activity at Leidos Highlights Strategic Confidence
Leidos Holdings has seen a flurry of insider transactions in the past week, most notably a sizable purchase by Harry J. Kræmer Jr. (referred to as “Kræmer” in the filing). On February 20, 2026, Kræmer bought 3,345 shares of Leidos common stock at $75.02 per share while simultaneously selling 1,424 shares at $176.27. The net result is a modest net outflow of shares but a clear signal that Kræmer believes the stock is undervalued relative to its recent intraday peak of $174.13. The purchase occurred at a time of elevated social‑media buzz (194 % intensity) and a slightly positive sentiment (+5), suggesting that investors are keen to weigh insider confidence against the backdrop of a bullish technical chart (7.8 % weekly gain, 34.4 % yearly rise).
What the Transactions Mean for Investors
The juxtaposition of a large buy with a simultaneous sell at a higher price indicates a tactical balancing act: Kræmer appears to be locking in gains on shares acquired earlier in the month while adding fresh exposure. For market participants, this pattern can be interpreted as a vote of confidence—Kræmer is willing to increase his stake even as he capitalizes on short‑term price momentum. Over the last six months, his cumulative purchases have accumulated roughly 128,800 shares, representing about 0.6 % of the 21.4 million shares outstanding. This level of ownership is significant for a non‑executive insider and signals that the company’s fundamentals—particularly its defense‑sector contracts and growing IT services portfolio—are compelling enough to warrant continued investment.
Kræmer’s Historical Profile
Kræmer’s trading history reflects a disciplined, long‑term approach. Since mid‑2025 he has repeatedly purchased blocks of common stock in the 200‑to‑300‑share range, often following periods of modest share price declines. His most recent spike in activity came in early January 2026, when he acquired 171 shares at $0.00 (indicative of a grant or exercise at zero cost) and simultaneously purchased a block of stock options worth 1,030 shares. The pattern of buying at lower valuations and selling when prices rise is consistent with a “value‑add” strategy, rather than short‑term speculation. Moreover, Kræmer’s holdings have remained stable over the past year, suggesting he views Leidos as a durable play in the growing defense‑tech landscape.
Broader Insider Landscape
Kræmer is not the only insider active this week. Chief Financial Officer Christopher Cage also executed comparable transactions—buying 3,333 shares and selling 2,152 shares—reinforcing a narrative that senior management is aligned with the stock’s long‑term upside. Across the board, insiders are generally increasing their positions while maintaining a careful balance of liquidity. This collective buying activity, paired with Leidos’ positive earnings trajectory and robust market cap of $21.93 billion, should reassure investors that internal stakeholders remain optimistic about the company’s trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Leidos’ recent surge in defense‑sector demand, coupled with its expanding IT services offering, positions it favorably for the next fiscal cycle. The insider activity, particularly Kræmer’s net purchases, suggests a bullish outlook that could precede further upward momentum. Investors should monitor subsequent filings for any large‑share sales or option exercises, as these could serve as early warning signs of changing sentiment. For now, the insider confidence, combined with the company’s solid fundamentals and the broader defense spending environment, points to a potentially attractive opportunity for long‑term investors looking to capitalize on Leidos’ growth trajectory.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Buy | 3,345.00 | 75.02 | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Sell | 1,424.00 | 176.27 | Common Stock |
| N/A | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Holding | 128,811.14 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Sell | 3,345.00 | N/A | Stock Option (Right to Buy) |
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Buy | 3,345.00 | 75.02 | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Sell | 1,424.00 | 176.27 | Common Stock |
| N/A | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Holding | 128,811.14 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | KRAEMER HARRY M JANSEN JR () | Sell | 3,345.00 | N/A | Stock Option (Right to Buy) |
| 2026-02-20 | Cage Christopher R (Chief Financial Officer) | Buy | 3,333.00 | 62.43 | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | Cage Christopher R (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 2,152.00 | 176.27 | Common Stock |
| N/A | Cage Christopher R (Chief Financial Officer) | Holding | 31,684.54 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-20 | Cage Christopher R (Chief Financial Officer) | Sell | 3,333.00 | N/A | Stock Option (Right to Buy) |




