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AUSTIN, Texas—Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTRA) CEO and President Steven Leonard recently sold shares of the company’s stock worth approximately $3.56 million, according to a recent SEC filing. The transactions occurred over several days, with shares sold at prices ranging from $138.41 to $142.28. The sales come as Natera’s stock has delivered a remarkable 53% return over the past year, with the company now commanding a market capitalization of $19.08 billion.
On March 31, Leonard sold 9,311 shares at an average price of $138.41 and 252 shares at $138.42. The following day, he sold 2,515 shares at a weighted average price of $139.39 and 8,027 shares at $140.20. Additional sales included 4,022 shares at $141.11 and 1,334 shares at $142.28.
These sales were part of a pre-arranged trading plan under Rule 10b5-1, which allows company insiders to set up a predetermined schedule for selling shares. Leonard remains a significant shareholder, with 196,643 shares owned directly following these transactions.
This activity provides insight into the executive’s financial maneuvers as Natera continues its operations in the medical laboratory sector.
In other recent news, Natera Inc . reported a strong fourth-quarter performance for 2024, with revenue reaching $476 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations and marking a 53% year-over-year increase. The company’s earnings per share were reported at -$0.41, better than the forecasted -$0.49. Despite the positive financial results, Natera’s stock experienced a decline in regular trading. Analysts from TD Cowen and Canaccord Genuity maintained their Buy ratings on Natera, with both firms setting a price target of $195, highlighting the company’s compelling 2025 sales guidance and robust growth prospects.
Natera’s success in the fourth quarter was attributed to significant growth in test volumes across its business segments, supported by a solid average selling price and one-time financial adjustments. The company achieved positive operating cash flows for the fourth consecutive quarter, indicating consistent financial performance. Analysts also noted the potential benefits from improved Medicare Advantage rates and biomarker legislation expected in 2025. Additionally, Natera has launched the HEROES clinical trial for breast cancer treatment, aiming to explore the potential for de-escalation of therapy in metastatic HER2+ breast cancer patients.
The trial, funded by the French Ministry of Health, will involve approximately 170 participants across 35 sites in France. The primary goal is to measure 1-year progression-free survival in patients testing negative for circulating tumor DNA using Natera’s Signatera test. The company remains optimistic about its trajectory, citing multiple growth levers and strategic operational expenditures that suggest a promising year ahead.
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