CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) Shares Soar After Director's $51M Insider Purchase

CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) stock surged to a new 52-week high after a director bought over $51M worth of shares, demonstrating his confidence in the company. Trading volume doubled the average, and analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating with an average price target of $69.44, implying 8.7% upside potential.

CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) stock surged to a new 52-week high on Friday, July 16, after a significant insider purchase of shares. Board Director Simeon George disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that he acquired approximately $51.5 million worth of the company’s stock [1]. The purchase, made through various investment vehicles, reflects a substantial vote of confidence in CRISPR Therapeutics' future prospects.

George bought a total of 989,812 common shares at a price of $52.03 per share. The purchases were made through SR One Capital Fund II Aggregator, SR One Capital Opportunities Fund I, and AMZL, LP, all connected to SR One Capital Management where George serves as the sole managing member [1].

The stock's surge comes as CRISPR Therapeutics continues to develop gene-editing therapies. The increased investor confidence following the director’s substantial investment is evident in the stock's performance, reaching new highs following the disclosure.

Analysts have responded positively to the news, with an average recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from seventeen ratings firms covering the company. The average 12-month price objective among analysts is $71.75, indicating an 8.7% upside potential from the current price [3]. Despite the company's recent earnings miss, analysts remain optimistic about CRISPR Therapeutics' long-term prospects.

Trading volume also doubled the average, reflecting the heightened interest in the stock following the insider purchase. The stock traded up $0.04 during Wednesday's session, hitting $55.18, with a market cap of $4.77 billion [3].

Institutional investors have also shown interest in CRISPR Therapeutics, with several hedge funds adding to their stakes in the stock. Quantbot Technologies LP increased its position by 272.4% during the first quarter, owning 1,337 shares worth $45,000 [3].

References:
[1] https://uk.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/crispr-stock-soars-after-director-buys-515-million-in-shares-93CH-4175195
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/crispr-stock-soars-after-director-buys-515-million-in-shares-93CH-4142231
[3] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/crispr-therapeutics-ag-nasdaqcrsp-given-consensus-recommendation-of-moderate-buy-by-analysts-2025-07-16/