Important Points
- Interesting insider traders have recently discovered three key stocks that face very different near-term performance.
- Insiders are buying shares of cybersecurity stock Okta, and healthcare giant Abbott.
- Meanwhile, after a historically strong run, Micron’s internal sales rose in Q2.
Insiders are making moves on three stocks that have seen big price changes in the past. This includes insiders buying shares in names that are down more than 30% and auctions in one of the hottest technology stocks on the market. Here are the signals insiders are sending to investors in Q2.
As Fears of AI Are Heavy on Okta, the Insider Gets In
First up is Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA ), a stock that has struggled the most. Compared to its 52-week high, Okta is down about 40%. Another important factor in this is the fear about the impact artificial intelligence (AI) will have on the field of cyber security.
The market is nervous, driven by the idea that AI models will solve many of the problems cybersecurity companies have built businesses around. However, there is also the argument that if placed in the wrong hands, AI models increase cyber risk, potentially making these companies more valuable than ever.
Amid Okta’s struggles, one insider is clearly expressing confidence in the business. In Q2, Director David Schellhase bought about $267,000 of Okta stock, a bullish indicator. However, investors will note that domestic sales in Q2 far exceeded purchases, by $1.2 million. However, the details here are interesting.
Sales and purchases are both subject to pre-determined 10b5-1 plans. When it comes to 10b5-1 sales, the negative signal they send is somewhat limited, as they are often used by insiders to obtain long-term liquidity.
On the other hand, insiders tend to buy their company’s stock only if they think the price will go up. Therefore, the 10b5-1 plan’s buys are still bullish, and may be more than the 10b5-1 buys. They show strong confidence, as future purchases through this program are likely to happen.
Micron’s Insider Selling: Red Flag or Not a Problem?
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU ) was one of the best performing stocks in the market in 2025 and has continued to rise rapidly in 2026. After a 240% gain in 2025, shares have already appreciated more than 170% so far in 2026. The reason for Micron’s rise is strong; memory chips are in short supply, and the need for AI data centers is expensive.
These dynamics have led to Micron posting impressive financial metrics. In its most recent quarter, Micron’s revenue rose 196% year-over-year (YOY) to $23.9 billion. During that period, earnings per share rose 682% YOY to $12.20.
However, the company also saw some notable internal activity in Q2. Domestic sales nearly doubled from Q1, to $45 million compared to $22 million in the previous quarter. The company has not seen any internal purchases compared to $7.8 million in purchases during Q1.
However, the majority, or $35 million, of these sales were under the 10b5-1 system. Sumit Sadana’s $10.1 million sale never materialized. However, Sadana’s sales were of the mid-trim rather than the premium, representing about 10% of his inventory. Overall, while not great, the mitigating factors make Micron’s recent sales not overly concerning.
Abbott Insiders Send Bullish Signals as Shares Plummet in 2026
Last but not least is Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT ), one of the world’s largest names in healthcare equipment and supplies. Abbott is another name facing weakness, down more than 20% from early 2025, and down more than 30% in 2026.
Abbott’s recent earnings reports contributed significantly to the stock’s decline. In Q4 2025, Abbott posted mixed results, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.50 but revenue falling below expectations by $342 million.
The company’s guidance for 2026 was in line with estimates. However, markets focused on the miss, sending Abbott shares down 10% in response. Its Q1 2026 results saw up-and-down beats, but Abbott lowered its full-year EPS guidance, sending shares down 6%.
However, many insiders began to weigh in on this stock, with total insider purchases of $1.13 million in Q2. This adds to purchases in Q1, which came in at $1.09 million, and MarketBeat isn’t tracking internal sales in Q2 so far.
The increase in purchases is clearly in line with Abbott’s big drop in 2026, which has been a big drag on long-term performance. This indicates that insiders are buying into what they may see as a dip in Abbott’s stock, a positive sign going forward.
Analysts Eye Harder on Abbott Amid 2026 Slide
The businesses surrounding Micron aren’t sending a strong signal. However, shopping at Okta and Abbott is worth paying attention to. Importantly, investors should remember that insider trading is only one tool for evaluating the future of individual stocks. They are not announcements of how these names will move forward.
Still, Wall Street analysts agree with insiders’ sentiments when it comes to Abbott. The MarketBeat consensus price for shares near $119 implies a more than 40% upside for the stock. The revised target after the company’s latest earnings report is similar. The estimate for this target is slightly below consensus, at around $118.
Companies in this article:
| Company | Current Price | Price Changes | Dividend Yield | The P/E ratio | Consensus ratio | Consensus Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micron Technology (MU) | $807.52 | +5.3% | 0.07% | 38.08 | Buy it | $495.63 |
| Abbott Laboratories (ABT) | $83.78 | -0.7% | 3.01% | 23.47 | Buy Medium | $119.43 |
| Okta (OKTA) | $77.97 | -1.4% | N/A | 59.58 | Buy Medium | $100.89 |
Experience
Leo Miller has been a contributing writer for InsiderTrades.com since 2024.
- Professional Background: Leo Miller is a financial writer with a background in investment research and market analysis. He held roles as an investment research partner at Laird Norton Wetherby and as a research analyst at Sungarden Investment Publishing, where he gained extensive experience in valuation and portfolio strategies.
- Confirmation: He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, a top-ranked public business school. Passed the CFA Level II exam.
- Financial Experience: Leo began researching and investing in gold mining stocks in 2019 and began writing about finance and investing in 2021. He joined InsiderTrades.com as a contributing writer in 2024, where he covers both stocks and ETFs. A strong research base and direct exposure to the financial markets shape his opinions.
- Writing Focus: He specializes in technology stocks, dividend-paying companies, ETFs, and value-oriented opportunities. His work emphasizes clarity, practical understanding, and education for investors at all levels.
- How to Invest: Leo follows a disciplined, long-term investment strategy based on fundamental analysis, with a strong focus on economics, industry and sector research, and passive investment principles.
- Motivation: Leo finds the stock market endlessly compelling and enjoys the challenge of separating meaningful data from the noise. He is passionate about analyzing what makes businesses stand out—and sharing that insight to guide informed investment decisions. As he puts it, “Strong analysis requires separating the wheat from the chaff.”
- Fun fact: Leo credits his grandfather with sparking his interest in investing and is a lifelong animal lover.
- Areas of Expertise: Fundamental analysis, economics, industry and sector analysis
Education
Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance, Foster School of Business at the University of Washington
