Recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission reveal significant insider activity at Twist Bioscience Corp (NASDAQ:TWST). Specifically, Jan Johannessen, who serves as a director for the company, executed a sale of common stock shares on May 12, 2026.
According to the Form 4 filing, Mr. Johannessen sold a total of 12,000 shares of common stock. This disposition amounted to $673,440 in value, with each share being sold at a price point of $56.12. Concurrently, the transactions included an acquisition component: Mr. Johannessen utilized employee stock options, acquiring another 12,000 shares of common stock. These shares were acquired through the exercise of options valued at $14.00 per share, totaling $168,000.
Following these reported trades, Mr. Johannessen's direct holdings in Twist Bioscience common stock increased to 17,754 shares. It is noted that the exercised options were part of an employee grant agreement. These specific shares had vesting details tied to continuous service and initially became one-third exercisable on October 30, 2019, with subsequent tranches vesting annually.
The timing of these transactions occurs against a backdrop of fluctuating stock valuation for Twist Bioscience. The company's shares have appreciated by 84% over the past year. Despite this substantial growth, the current trading price is reported at $52.95. Furthermore, an InvestingPro analysis suggested that this current level places the stock on the most overvalued list when compared to its calculated Fair Value. Adding to the technical profile, the company's beta was noted as 2.23, which indicates a high degree of volatility.
Beyond the insider trading activity, Twist Bioscience also released its second-quarter earnings for fiscal year 2026. The financial report indicated strong revenue performance but revealed a shortfall regarding earnings per share (EPS).
The company reported total revenues reaching $111 million. This figure represented a notable 19% increase when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, and it also surpassed the consensus estimate of $108 million. However, the EPS for the quarter was recorded at -$0.71. This result fell below the anticipated average of -$0.48.
Despite the negative deviation from analyst expectations regarding EPS, the positive revenue beat contributed to a generally constructive outlook among investors. In direct response to the reported revenue performance, TD Cowen adjusted its price target for Twist Bioscience stock. The firm raised its previous target from $58 to $68 while simultaneously maintaining a Buy rating. This action by the financial institution suggests confidence in the company's overall financial path and emphasizes that the achievement in revenue generation was considered more critical than the shortfall in EPS.
Risks
- The stock is currently trading at $52.95, which InvestingPro analysis suggests places it on the most overvalued list relative to its Fair Value.
- The company's beta of 2.23 indicates a high level of volatility for investors.
- While revenue increased substantially, the significant miss in earnings per share (EPS) represents a key financial risk.
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Risks
- The stock is currently trading at $52.95, which InvestingPro analysis suggests places it on the most overvalued list relative to its Fair Value.
- The company's beta of 2.23 indicates a high level of volatility for investors.
- While revenue increased substantially, the significant miss in earnings per share (EPS) represents a key financial risk.