[Form 4] PodcastOne, Inc. Insider Trading Activity
PodcastOne, Inc. (PODC) director D. Jonathan Merriman reported a mix of transactions on 09/04/2025. He acquired 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.58 per share under transaction code P, and the filing also shows a disposition of 216,452 shares. After the transactions he beneficially owns 242,379 shares indirectly through the D. Jonathan and Odile Merriman Family Trust and 5,200 shares indirectly in a custodial account for his son; footnotes state he disclaims beneficial ownership except for pecuniary interests in those accounts. The form is signed 09/08/2025 by the reporting person.
- Insider purchase disclosed: 10,000 shares acquired at $1.58, showing a reported buy by a director
- Full disclosure of indirect holdings: Footnotes explain trust and custodial account ownership and disclaimers
- Large disposition: 216,452 shares were disposed of on 09/04/2025, a material sale relative to reported holdings
- No explanatory note for sale: Filing does not state the reason for the large disposition, limiting context for investors
Insights
TL;DR: Director executed a modest purchase and a much larger sale on the same date, leaving significant indirect holdings.
The reported 10,000-share purchase at $1.58 could signal a targeted reinvestment or plan-based acquisition given the P code, while the 216,452-share disposition is material relative to the post-transaction direct/indirect holdings reported. Holdings remain concentrated indirectly via a family trust and custodial account totaling 247,579 shares when combined. For investors this is a notable insider activity disclosure but the filing provides no reason for the sale, so market interpretation should rely on additional context.
TL;DR: Insider transaction mix raises governance questions about timing and intent but is fully disclosed with ownership footnotes.
The filing clearly identifies the reporting person as a director and provides required footnote disclosures explaining indirect ownership via a family trust and a custodial account. The simultaneous large disposition and smaller purchase are compliant with Section 16 reporting; however, without accompanying plans or explanations the transaction pattern is ambiguous from a governance standpoint. Documentation appears complete and properly signed.