United Therapeutics COO Buys 14,625 Shares, Signals Long‑Term Confidence in Pipeline and Stock Value

Insider Activity at United Therapeutics – What the Numbers Really Mean

United Therapeutics’ latest Form 4 filing on February 17, 2026 shows President and COO Michael Benkowitz buying 14,625 shares of UTHR at $476.05 under a pre‑established Rule 10b‑5‑1 trading plan. The purchase comes at a price just 0.01 % below the current close of $476.42, indicating a neutral stance on the stock’s near‑term direction. The trade is part of a broader pattern of Benkowitz’s activity: over the past month he has alternated between large‑scale option exercises, subsequent sales, and opportunistic stock purchases, always within the confines of a structured trading plan.

What Investors Should Take Away

Benkowitz’s buying move, coupled with his historic pattern of exercising options and selling the resulting shares, suggests a long‑term confidence in United Therapeutics’ pipeline rather than a speculative bet on short‑term price swings. The company’s biotech focus on pulmonary hypertension and peripheral vascular disease has earned it a solid earnings base (P/E 17.92) and a respectable market cap of $20.4 billion. With the stock currently trading about 8.8 % below its 52‑week high, there is modest upside room, especially if the upcoming Q4 2025 results confirm continued revenue growth from its flagship prostacyclin therapies. Benkowitz’s recent purchases may therefore signal institutional support that could buoy the stock in a volatile market.

A Snapshot of Benkowitz’s Trading Profile

• Volume and Timing: In the last 90 days, Benkowitz has executed roughly 200 trades, split evenly between buys and sells. Most sales occur shortly after option exercises, a standard practice that satisfies regulatory scrutiny and reduces perceived insider bias.
• Price Range: His buying prices have hovered between $117 and $480, while selling prices range from $146 to $480, indicating a willingness to lock in gains when the stock approaches recent highs.
• Holding Pattern: Despite frequent transactions, Benkowitz maintains a core holding of ~2,648 shares, suggesting a long‑term stake that aligns with the company’s strategic direction.
• Family Involvement: Several trades involve trusts benefitting family members, reflecting a broader wealth‑management strategy that keeps the core investment intact while generating liquidity for personal use.

Implications for United Therapeutics’ Future

The combination of structured insider purchases and a steady core holding points to confidence in the company’s therapeutic pipeline and its financial health. Analysts watching UTHR may interpret Benkowitz’s activity as a vote of confidence, potentially supporting a gradual upward trajectory as the company rolls out new formulations and expands market access. However, investors should remain mindful of the broader biotech cycle and regulatory milestones that could introduce volatility. In short, the insider activity signals a bullish stance from the company’s own leadership, offering a positive signal for shareholders looking for stability in an otherwise cyclical industry.