Maze Exec Cashes Out: Not a Drill

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Okay, so Harold Bernstein, President of R&D and CMO over at Maze Therapeutics (MAZE 2.19%), did a thing. On February 2nd, 2026, he exercised 15,000 stock options and then, immediately, sold those shares. Like, no waiting for the weekend, no “let’s see how things shake out.” Just…poof. Gone. Completely divested his direct ownership. It’s the corporate equivalent of Marie Kondo-ing your portfolio. Does it spark joy? Apparently not enough to hold onto.

Transaction Breakdown (Because Numbers)

Metric Value
Shares Sold (Direct) 15,000
Transaction Value ~$690,300
Post-Transaction Shares (Direct) 0

(Value based on SEC Form 4’s weighted average purchase price of $46.02. Which, let’s be real, is a very specific number to know.)

Let’s Decode This

  • What was this transaction? It was a classic exercise-and-sell. Bernstein cashed in those options and then, in a move that’s either incredibly savvy or a sign of impending doom (jury’s still out), sold the resulting shares. It’s like a financial magic trick, except instead of a rabbit, you get a pile of money.
  • Is this a big deal? It wiped out his direct share holdings. He’s gone from shareholder to…option-holder. He still has nearly 300,000 stock options, so he’s not exactly joining the witness protection program. It’s like decluttering your closet – you get rid of the old stuff, but you still have a lot of clothes.

Maze Therapeutics: The Basics

Metric Value
Price (as of 2/14/26) $46.01
Market Capitalization $2.21 billion
Net Loss (TTM) $101.46 million
1-Year Price Change 284.06%

1-year price change calculated using Feb. 14, 2026. Because time is a construct, and also, data.

What Does This Mean for Investors? (The Part Everyone Skims)

Look, Bernstein had a 10b5-1 trading plan. It’s basically a pre-approved exit strategy. It’s like having a designated driver for your stock portfolio. It’s not necessarily a red flag. It’s just…planning. Although, let’s be honest, sometimes the best-laid plans involve a yacht and a remote island.

Maze Therapeutics has been on a tear. After its IPO in January 2025, it spent nine straight months defying gravity. It’s like the stock market version of a rom-com – everyone’s rooting for a happy ending. But eventually, even the most charming stocks have a slight correction. It’s inevitable. The question is, will it be a gentle dip or a full-on swan dive?

Analysts are still bullish, and the company is making progress with its clinical trials. They’re developing small-molecule precision medicines for kidney, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Basically, they’re trying to fix all the things we’re actively breaking with our lifestyle choices. It’s a noble endeavor, and potentially very profitable.

So, should you panic sell? Probably not. Should you blindly throw your life savings at Maze Therapeutics? Definitely not. Just…observe. And maybe lay off the salt. Your kidneys will thank you.

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2026-02-16 09:42