Insiders Invest in 3 High-Risk Stocks—Here’s What’s Behind the Activity
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 09 2026
0mins
Source: Marketbeat
Insider Trading Insights: Investors should be cautious when analyzing insider trades, as insider sales can appear alarming but may not indicate negative sentiment, especially if they are made under predetermined plans. Conversely, insider buying is generally viewed as a positive indicator for future stock performance.
GameStop and USA Rare Earth Activity: Recent insider buying activity has been noted in companies like GameStop and USA Rare Earth, with significant purchases made by insiders, including Michael Burry, suggesting confidence in the companies' future despite existing risks.
Under Armour's Insider Purchases: Under Armour has seen substantial insider buying, particularly from CEO Prem Watsa, who has acquired a significant amount of shares, indicating a bullish outlook on the company's future performance.
Market Recommendations: Analysts have identified five stocks that they believe are strong buys for investors, suggesting that these companies may offer good opportunities for growth despite the broader market volatility.
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Analyst Views on GME
About GME
GameStop Corp. offers games and entertainment products through its stores and ecommerce platforms. The Company operates in four geographic segments: United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Each segment consists primarily of retail operations, with the significant majority focused on games, entertainment products and technology. The Company has a total of approximately 3,203 stores across all of its segments: 2,325 in the United States, 193 in Canada, 374 in Australia, and 311 in Europe. Its stores and ecommerce sites operate primarily under the names GameStop, EB Games and Micromania. Its Australia and Europe segments also include 38 pop culture-themed stores selling collectibles, apparel, gadgets, electronics, toys and other retail products for technology enthusiasts and general consumers in international markets operating under the Zing Pop Culture brand. Its retail stores are generally located in strip centers, shopping malls and pedestrian areas.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysis of Buffett's Final Stock Trades
- Buffett's Final Trades: Before stepping down, Buffett increased his stakes in The New York Times and Chubb, indicating a preference for media and traditional sectors, despite the continued significance of tech stocks, reflecting his enduring value investment philosophy.
- Berkshire's Investment Strategy: In Q1 2026, Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in Apple by 4.3% and Amazon by 77%, demonstrating a cautious approach in the tech sector while shifting towards more stable traditional assets, which may impact future investment returns.
- Challenges for New CEO: As Greg Abel takes over, he faces the challenge of achieving growth within a massive conglomerate; despite having over $380 billion in cash reserves, effectively allocating this capital to achieve market-beating results remains a significant dilemma.
- Real Estate Market Dynamics: Toll Brothers reported a diluted EPS of $2.19 and over 10% revenue growth, despite a weakening demand in the luxury housing market, indicating resilience in the high-end segment, which may provide important insights for future market trends.
See More
GameStop's Transformation: Could It Become the Next Berkshire Hathaway?
- Revenue Decline: GameStop's revenue for Q3 of fiscal 2025 fell 4.5% year-over-year to $821 million, although the decline in retail revenue does not fully capture the company's transformative potential.
- Cash Reserves Growth: By the end of Q3, GameStop's cash and short-term equivalents reached $8.8 billion, a significant increase from $4.6 billion in the prior year, laying a solid foundation for future acquisitions.
- Market Valuation Shift: Despite GameStop's market capitalization sitting at approximately $10.7 billion and a 69% drop from its peak, its cash reserves account for a large portion of its valuation, indicating market confidence in its future acquisition capabilities.
- Strategic Transformation: Under Ryan Cohen's leadership, GameStop is reshaping its corporate identity through acquisitions and investments, and while it may still fall short of Buffett's successful model, its transformation potential is noteworthy.
See More
GME Options Trading Analysis and Strategies
- Put Option Appeal: Selling a put option at a $19.00 strike price allows investors to collect a 15-cent premium, lowering their cost basis to $18.85, which represents a 22% discount to the current stock price of $24.25, making it attractive for those interested in GME shares.
- Put Option Expiry Risk: Current data indicates an 88% chance that the put option will expire worthless, and if it does, investors would achieve a 0.79% return on their cash commitment, or an annualized yield of 6.71%, highlighting the potential profitability of this strategy.
- Call Option Profit Potential: Selling a call option at a $29.00 strike price while holding shares at $24.25 could yield a total return of 21.65% if the stock is called away, showcasing the attractiveness of this strategy, especially if the stock price rises significantly.
- Call Option Expiry Risk: Current data shows a 69% chance that the call option will expire worthless, allowing investors to retain both their shares and the collected premium, resulting in an additional return of 2.06%, or an annualized yield of 17.52%, further enhancing investor profitability.
See More
Most Searched Stocks in the U.S. Revealed
- Coca-Cola Popularity: According to research by Surety First, Coca-Cola was the most searched stock in six states including Alabama and Hawaii, indicating that investors are seeking stability amid market uncertainty, with its stock price rising approximately 14% over the past year.
- GameStop Volatility: GameStop was the most searched stock in six states such as Colorado and New Hampshire, and despite a significant drop in 2022, investors remain curious about its potential rebound, with the current stock price around $23 and a market cap of $11 billion.
- Disney's Challenges and Opportunities: Disney led searches in four states including Connecticut and Kentucky, and despite facing numerous challenges, its stock price is currently $105.10 with a market cap of $188 billion, leading investors to cautiously optimistic about its future performance.
- SoFi's Market Performance: SoFi Technologies was the most searched stock in three states including Montana and Texas, and although its stock surged 70% in 2025, it has dropped about 30% year-to-date due to high valuations and a broader tech sell-off.
See More
Coca-Cola and GameStop Top Searched Stocks
- Search Popularity Analysis: Research from Surety First reveals that Coca-Cola and GameStop were the most searched stocks in six states each over the past year, indicating regional market interests in these vastly different stocks.
- Coca-Cola Performance: Coca-Cola topped searches in states like Alabama and Hawaii, with its stock price rising approximately 14% over the past 12 months, reflecting investors' pursuit of stability amid market uncertainties.
- GameStop Volatility: GameStop also led searches in states such as Colorado and New Hampshire, despite its stock price experiencing significant fluctuations in 2022, currently hovering around $23, as investors remain curious about a potential rebound.
- Disney and SoFi: Disney was the most searched in four states, including Connecticut and Kentucky, and while facing challenges, its stock is seen as having breakout potential; SoFi also garnered attention in Montana and Texas, despite a 30% drop due to high valuations.
See More
Burry's Stance on GME and BBBY
- Burry's Clear View: Burry stated on social media that he would exit if Ryan acquires any version of BBBY, indicating his strong stance on GME's future, which may influence investor confidence in GME.
- Lemonis' Response: Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Lemonis responded to Burry's comment by stating the company would not pursue such an acquisition and expressed respect for Burry, potentially helping to stabilize market sentiment.
- Cohen's Acquisition Plans: In January, Cohen revealed his ambition to transform GameStop into a $100 billion-plus conglomerate through a significant acquisition of a public consumer or retail company, showcasing his strategic vision that could attract more investor interest.
- GME Stock Performance: GameStop's stock has been in a holding pattern since January, although it has gained over 18% year-to-date, reflecting a cautious market sentiment as investors await further developments.
See More
Analysis of Buffett's Final Stock Trades
- Buffett's Final Trades: Before stepping down, Buffett increased his stakes in The New York Times and Chubb, indicating a preference for media and traditional sectors, despite the continued significance of tech stocks, reflecting his enduring value investment philosophy.
- Berkshire's Investment Strategy: In Q1 2026, Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in Apple by 4.3% and Amazon by 77%, demonstrating a cautious approach in the tech sector while shifting towards more stable traditional assets, which may impact future investment returns.
- Challenges for New CEO: As Greg Abel takes over, he faces the challenge of achieving growth within a massive conglomerate; despite having over $380 billion in cash reserves, effectively allocating this capital to achieve market-beating results remains a significant dilemma.
- Real Estate Market Dynamics: Toll Brothers reported a diluted EPS of $2.19 and over 10% revenue growth, despite a weakening demand in the luxury housing market, indicating resilience in the high-end segment, which may provide important insights for future market trends.
See More
GameStop's Transformation: Could It Become the Next Berkshire Hathaway?
- Revenue Decline: GameStop's revenue for Q3 of fiscal 2025 fell 4.5% year-over-year to $821 million, although the decline in retail revenue does not fully capture the company's transformative potential.
- Cash Reserves Growth: By the end of Q3, GameStop's cash and short-term equivalents reached $8.8 billion, a significant increase from $4.6 billion in the prior year, laying a solid foundation for future acquisitions.
- Market Valuation Shift: Despite GameStop's market capitalization sitting at approximately $10.7 billion and a 69% drop from its peak, its cash reserves account for a large portion of its valuation, indicating market confidence in its future acquisition capabilities.
- Strategic Transformation: Under Ryan Cohen's leadership, GameStop is reshaping its corporate identity through acquisitions and investments, and while it may still fall short of Buffett's successful model, its transformation potential is noteworthy.
See More
GME Options Trading Analysis and Strategies
- Put Option Appeal: Selling a put option at a $19.00 strike price allows investors to collect a 15-cent premium, lowering their cost basis to $18.85, which represents a 22% discount to the current stock price of $24.25, making it attractive for those interested in GME shares.
- Put Option Expiry Risk: Current data indicates an 88% chance that the put option will expire worthless, and if it does, investors would achieve a 0.79% return on their cash commitment, or an annualized yield of 6.71%, highlighting the potential profitability of this strategy.
- Call Option Profit Potential: Selling a call option at a $29.00 strike price while holding shares at $24.25 could yield a total return of 21.65% if the stock is called away, showcasing the attractiveness of this strategy, especially if the stock price rises significantly.
- Call Option Expiry Risk: Current data shows a 69% chance that the call option will expire worthless, allowing investors to retain both their shares and the collected premium, resulting in an additional return of 2.06%, or an annualized yield of 17.52%, further enhancing investor profitability.
See More
Most Searched Stocks in the U.S. Revealed
- Coca-Cola Popularity: According to research by Surety First, Coca-Cola was the most searched stock in six states including Alabama and Hawaii, indicating that investors are seeking stability amid market uncertainty, with its stock price rising approximately 14% over the past year.
- GameStop Volatility: GameStop was the most searched stock in six states such as Colorado and New Hampshire, and despite a significant drop in 2022, investors remain curious about its potential rebound, with the current stock price around $23 and a market cap of $11 billion.
- Disney's Challenges and Opportunities: Disney led searches in four states including Connecticut and Kentucky, and despite facing numerous challenges, its stock price is currently $105.10 with a market cap of $188 billion, leading investors to cautiously optimistic about its future performance.
- SoFi's Market Performance: SoFi Technologies was the most searched stock in three states including Montana and Texas, and although its stock surged 70% in 2025, it has dropped about 30% year-to-date due to high valuations and a broader tech sell-off.
See More
Coca-Cola and GameStop Top Searched Stocks
- Search Popularity Analysis: Research from Surety First reveals that Coca-Cola and GameStop were the most searched stocks in six states each over the past year, indicating regional market interests in these vastly different stocks.
- Coca-Cola Performance: Coca-Cola topped searches in states like Alabama and Hawaii, with its stock price rising approximately 14% over the past 12 months, reflecting investors' pursuit of stability amid market uncertainties.
- GameStop Volatility: GameStop also led searches in states such as Colorado and New Hampshire, despite its stock price experiencing significant fluctuations in 2022, currently hovering around $23, as investors remain curious about a potential rebound.
- Disney and SoFi: Disney was the most searched in four states, including Connecticut and Kentucky, and while facing challenges, its stock is seen as having breakout potential; SoFi also garnered attention in Montana and Texas, despite a 30% drop due to high valuations.
See More
Burry's Stance on GME and BBBY
- Burry's Clear View: Burry stated on social media that he would exit if Ryan acquires any version of BBBY, indicating his strong stance on GME's future, which may influence investor confidence in GME.
- Lemonis' Response: Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Lemonis responded to Burry's comment by stating the company would not pursue such an acquisition and expressed respect for Burry, potentially helping to stabilize market sentiment.
- Cohen's Acquisition Plans: In January, Cohen revealed his ambition to transform GameStop into a $100 billion-plus conglomerate through a significant acquisition of a public consumer or retail company, showcasing his strategic vision that could attract more investor interest.
- GME Stock Performance: GameStop's stock has been in a holding pattern since January, although it has gained over 18% year-to-date, reflecting a cautious market sentiment as investors await further developments.
See More
