Transaction details
Director Gregory T. Lucier of Avantor, Inc. (NYSE: AVTR) executed purchases totaling 50,000 shares of the companys common stock on February 19, 2026. The transactions were completed in multiple tranches at prices ranging from $9.06 to $9.25 per share, with the reported average price of $9.16, bringing the aggregate transaction value to $458,000.
Context and valuation notes
These insider purchases occurred while Avantors shares were trading near their 52-week low of $8.83 and after a roughly 49% decline in the stock over the preceding 12 months. An InvestingPro analysis referenced in available reports indicates AVTR appears undervalued at current levels and points to additional premium research available to subscribers, including ProTips and comprehensive Pro Research Reports.
Insider holdings
Following the February 19 transactions, Lucier holds 8,736 shares directly and retains indirect ownership of 50,000 shares through a trust. The structure means his total reported influence over company stock combines direct and trust-held positions as disclosed.
Recent financial results and market reaction
Avantor reported fourth-quarter 2025 financial results showing earnings per share of $0.22, which matched expectations, and revenue of $1.66 billion, slightly ahead of the $1.64 billion consensus. Despite the revenue beat, managements forward guidance for fiscal year 2026 was weaker than analysts had expected, a factor that weighed on the stock following the earnings release.
In response to the outlook, BofA Securities reduced its price target on Avantor from $13.00 to $11.00 while keeping a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm cited the companys softer-than-expected fiscal year 2026 guidance as the primary rationale for the adjustment.
Market takeaways
The combination of a director purchase executed close to the stocks 52-week low and mixed quarterly results illustrates the current tension in investor sentiment: revenue outperformance in the quarter contrasted with a cautious outlook that prompted analyst downgrades to price expectations. Available research products referenced in reports suggest some services view the shares as undervalued, though market reaction to guidance has been negative.
Note: The article reports on disclosed transactions, recent financial results, and an analyst price-target change as presented in company and analyst disclosures.