Insider buying isn’t always the signal it once was, given the impact of share-based compensation and option-timing on insider activity. However, signals may still be found, as many insider purchases occur on the open market, such as those posted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM). While 2026 activity is mixed, selling is centered in a tight bunch of long-time employees with reasons to take profits; the buying is broad-based across the C-suite and enterprise leadership, is ongoing, and is accelerated by the Q2 results.
InsiderTrades data reveals over 30 insider buys since early July, just ahead of the release, with many occurring in its wake. Insiders include the CEO, CFO, COO, numerous SVPs and VPs, and several directors, amounting to nearly $800,000 and a resounding affirmation of the forward outlook. As it stands, insiders own about 1.1% of the shares, a small stake but offset by significant government and institutional holdings. Taiwan’s National Development Fund owns a little more than 6%, while foreign and institutional investors remain major holders of the company’s Taiwan-listed shares and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).
