Insider Buying Amid a Tumultuous Market
Chief Executive Officer Mastrototaro John’s latest transaction on January 9, 2026, saw him acquire 11,919 shares of Movano Inc. at no cash outlay—receiving restricted stock units (RSUs) instead of a salary payment. The move comes as the stock sits just under $7, a sharp decline from its 52‑week high of $58.76. With the company trading at a negative price‑to‑earnings ratio of –0.32, the market remains wary of Movano’s profitability prospects. Yet the CEO’s decision to front‑load his equity stake indicates confidence in a rebound.
What This Means for Investors
The timing of the RSU grant is telling. While the stock is currently under pressure—down 18.40% month‑to‑date and 87.51% year‑to‑date—John’s purchase signals that the top management believes in a turnaround. Historically, the CEO has bought shares in late‑2025 and early‑2026, most recently adding 165,484 shares on October 3, 2025, and 149,257 shares on July 3, 2025. Those purchases followed periods of significant volatility, suggesting a pattern of buying when the price dips. For investors, this insider optimism can serve as a contrarian cue: if the company’s fundamentals—particularly its wearable RF technology pipeline—hold, the stock may find support before a broader market recovery.
A Profile of Mastrototaro John
John’s trading history reflects a cautious yet decisive approach. Over the past year he has repeatedly purchased large blocks of common stock—ranging from 5,000 to 165,484 shares—while also exercising option sales that net zero cash. His most recent sale of 2,514 shares on January 5, 2026, at $8.21 each, yielded a modest premium over the $7.05 market price. These actions demonstrate a willingness to lock in gains when prices rise but a preference for equity over cash. The CEO’s current RSU grant—valued at zero cash cost—underscores a focus on long‑term alignment with shareholders, a common strategy in tech companies where cash flow can be constrained by R&D spending.
Insider Activity Beyond the CEO
Movano’s board and other senior executives are also active. Chief Technology Officer Michael Aaron Leabman added 42,250 shares on January 6, 2026, while CFO Jeremy Cogan bought 20,000 shares the same day. Meanwhile, other directors such as Emily Fairbairn and Brian Cullinan have made sizable purchases in the same window, indicating a broader consensus among leadership. This collective buying trend reduces the risk of a single‑point insider panic and strengthens the case that management believes the company’s valuation has been temporarily depressed.
Looking Forward
Movano’s negative P/E and the steep decline from its high suggest a valuation gap that could attract value investors. The CEO’s recent RSU grant, coupled with consistent insider buying, may act as a catalyst for a short‑term rally. However, the company remains heavily invested in R&D, and its revenue growth trajectory will be closely monitored. For those considering a position, the insider activity offers a signal of confidence—but it should be weighed against the company’s current financials and the broader tech‑sector volatility.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-09 | Mastrototaro John (Chief Executive Officer) | Buy | 11,919.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
