CEO Haradi Buys 680k Conduent Shares, Betting on a 2028 Turnaround

Insider Buying in a Down‑Trend: CEO Haradi’s Recent Deal

On January 16, 2026, Conduent Inc. (NASDAQ: CND) disclosed that its newly appointed chief executive officer, Harshavardhan Agadi, executed a purchase of 680,000 shares of the company’s common stock at an average price of $2.02 per share. The transaction increased the CEO’s post‑transaction holdings to 776,829 shares. In addition to the cash‑purchase component, the disclosure noted that the CEO acquired 1,020,000 performance‑restricted shares that will vest contingent upon meeting a 2028 service and price target. The trade occurred at a market price of $1.70, a marginal increase of 0.01 % over the trading price at that time, and left the stock price only slightly above the 52‑week low of $1.68.

Transaction Context

The volume of shares acquired is noteworthy; however, Conduent’s liquidity profile is modest and the company’s share count relative to its market capitalization (approximately $309 million) implies that the purchase does not constitute a market‑moving block. The transaction is therefore unlikely to exert a significant short‑term impact on the stock price. Nevertheless, it signals that the CEO perceives the current market valuation as below the company’s intrinsic value.

Implications for Investors

Insider purchases, particularly by a CEO, are often interpreted as a vote of confidence. In the present case, Agadi’s buying activity suggests that he believes the company’s valuation is undervalued. This may reassure long‑term investors who view the current price as an attractive entry point. Nevertheless, Conduent’s fundamentals remain weak: the firm reports negative earnings, a price‑to‑earnings ratio of –2.05, and a market cap of roughly $309 million. Consequently, the stock’s valuation remains fragile, and any optimism should be tempered until operational improvements materialise and earnings become positive.

Strategic Significance

The timing of the transaction is telling. Agadi’s purchase coincides with the announcement of his appointment as CEO, suggesting a “buy‑to‑lead” mentality: the new leader is willing to align his interests with shareholders by investing in the company while it is underperforming. The inclusion of performance‑restricted units that vest only if the stock reaches $2.50–$5.00 by 2028 indicates a long‑term perspective and a willingness to pay for a successful turnaround. For investors, this could imply that Conduent is positioning itself for a gradual rebuild that will likely involve significant restructuring, cost reductions, and the pursuit of new revenue streams within its IT services and automation segments.

Historical Insider Activity

Prior to this deal, Agadi’s most recent insider activity was a modest purchase of 8,273 shares on January 15, 2026 at $2.05, raising his holding to 96,829 shares. Earlier holdings show that he has maintained a long‑term stake, holding 100,000 shares since at least November 2025. Unlike some executives who sell shares upon appointment, Agadi has consistently bought or retained shares, reinforcing his conviction that the stock is undervalued. His historical pattern of buying during periods of low pricing and acquiring performance‑restricted units aligns with a management style that favours long‑term value creation over short‑term gains.

Investor Takeaway

For those evaluating a position in Conduent, the CEO’s recent purchase is a positive signal, yet it must be weighed against the company’s weak earnings and market volatility. The deal suggests confidence in a future upside, but investors should monitor upcoming earnings reports, operational initiatives, and any changes in the company’s cost structure. A disciplined, long‑term approach—potentially with a dollar‑cost averaging strategy—may be prudent if the company’s turnaround efforts prove successful.