Insider Buying Spurs a Brief Rally in Twist Bioscience
Starovasnik Melissa A., a senior director, added 5,095 shares of Twist Bioscience’s common stock on February 5, 2026, at the prevailing market price of $47.51. The purchase represents a modest 0.2 % increase in her post‑transaction holdings, bringing her total to 26,722 shares. While the trade itself is small relative to the company’s $3 B market cap, the timing is noteworthy: the stock closed at $49.24—just shy of its 52‑week high—and the trade coincided with a sharp spike in social‑media buzz (≈483 %) and a highly positive sentiment score (+76).
Insider Activity Across the Board
That day, several other executives executed similar buys, each acquiring 5,095 shares. Notably, Robert P. Ragusa, Robert Chess, Chan Nelson, Blake Katryn, and Jan Johannessen all added the same block, suggesting a coordinated or at least synchronized buying wave. In contrast, senior leadership such as the President‑COO, CFO, and CEO have been more active in selling, with large off‑balances reported in the preceding months. This mix of buying by directors and selling by top executives could signal differing confidence levels or strategic timing—perhaps a dividend or share‑repurchase plan that insiders are positioning for.
What It Means for Investors
For investors, the collective director buys are a bullish signal, especially in a company with a negative P/E and volatile share price. The transactions occur at a price near the recent high, implying that insiders believe the stock is still undervalued or that forthcoming catalysts—such as new product launches in synthetic DNA or strategic partnerships—will drive further upside. The surge in social‑media chatter may amplify market interest, potentially leading to short‑term liquidity and a modest price uptick.
Looking Ahead
Twist Bioscience’s fundamentals remain mixed: a strong 36.76 % monthly return but a negative earnings multiple that underscores ongoing R&D expenditures. If insider buying continues in the coming weeks, it could reassure market participants that management remains committed to growth, even as the company navigates its earnings cycle. Conversely, continued sell‑side activity from top executives may temper enthusiasm. For those monitoring the stock, watching the next set of Form 4 filings will be key to gauging whether insider confidence is truly building or simply a short‑term opportunistic trade.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-05 | Starovasnik Melissa A. () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | RAGUSA ROBERT P () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | CHESS ROBERT () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | CHESS ROBERT () | Holding | 42,528.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | Chan Nelson () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | BLAKE KATRYN () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | JOHANNESSEN JAN () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-06 | JOHANNESSEN JAN () | Sell | 2,200.00 | 47.91 | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-05 | JOHANNESSEN JAN () | Buy | 5,095.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-02-06 | JOHANNESSEN JAN () | Sell | 2,200.00 | 47.91 | Common Stock |




