Merriman’s New Share Surge Signals Bold Moves Ahead for PodcastOne Inc.

Insider Buying Spikes as Merriman Expands Stake at PodcastOne

On September 18, 2026, director D. Jonathan Merriman—acting as trustee of a family trust—purchased 6,700 shares of PodcastOne at $2.36 each, raising his indirect holding to 368,132 shares. This move comes amid a flurry of buying activity from the Merriman family over the past months, with the latest purchase occurring at a price virtually unchanged from the closing price of $2.39. The transaction’s timing is notable: it followed a modest 1.70 % weekly gain but sits on a 34 % yearly rally, suggesting the market has already priced in a lot of the upside.

What the Buying Trend Means for Investors

The Merriman family’s consistent buying cadence—particularly the large block acquisitions in August (15,700 shares at $2.75, 17,000 shares at $3.20, and 11,300 shares at $2.80) and the 7,700‑share purchase on September 16—signals confidence in PodcastOne’s long‑term value. For investors, this insider momentum can be read as a bullish endorsement of the company’s content‑monetization model, especially as PodcastOne’s ad‑supported platform expands into new genres. However, the company’s negative price‑to‑earnings ratio and a market cap of just $71 million mean that even modest earnings volatility could translate into larger stock swings. Thus, while insider buying is encouraging, it should be weighed against the firm’s still‑emerging profitability profile.

Merriman’s Historical Trade Pattern

Merriman’s trading history over the last 12 months reveals a pattern of incremental accumulation. His largest single purchase was 17,000 shares in mid‑August, executed at $3.20—a price point roughly 8 % above the 52‑week low of $1.50 and 70 % below the 52‑week high of $5.20. He has also purchased substantial restricted‑stock units (RSUs) in March and May, indicating a commitment to the company beyond spot equity. The cumulative effect is a steadily growing stake that now hovers around 20 % of outstanding shares, a level that grants significant voting influence and signals long‑term alignment with shareholder interests.

Implications for PodcastOne’s Future

With Merriman’s expanded voting power, the board may now feel emboldened to pursue aggressive growth strategies—such as expanding brand‑integration packages or acquiring niche podcast networks. The recent uptick in insider buying, coupled with a social‑media buzz of 99 % and a neutral sentiment score, suggests that the market is watching closely but remains cautious. If the company can convert its advertising‑revenue trajectory into sustainable earnings, the negative P/E may turn into a positive, potentially lifting the stock toward its 52‑week high. Until then, investors should monitor both the Merriman family’s activity and the company’s quarterly earnings releases for clearer signals.