Insider Trading February 23, 2026

MKS Inc EVP John Edward Williams Sells $523K in Stock as Shares Trade Near Year High

Executive sale, recent earnings beat and mixed after-hours reaction highlight valuation debate around MKSI

By Leila Farooq MKSI
MKS Inc EVP John Edward Williams Sells $523K in Stock as Shares Trade Near Year High
MKSI

Executive Vice President John Edward Williams sold 2,042.625 shares of MKS Inc (NASDAQ:MKSI) on February 20, 2026, realizing roughly $523,744. The transaction was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. MKS shares traded at $251.79, near a 52-week high of $269.91, following a 154% gain over the past year. The company reported strong fourth-quarter results and raised guidance for the first quarter, prompting analysts to lift price targets even as shares slid in after-hours trading.

Key Points

  • John Edward Williams sold 2,042.625 shares on February 20, 2026, at $256.3902 to $257.150, netting approximately $523,744; he now directly owns 3,640.099 shares.
  • MKS Inc shares traded at $251.79, near a 52-week high of $269.91, after a 154% gain over the last year; the company has a market cap of $16.92 billion and a P/E of 57.73.
  • MKS Instruments beat fourth-quarter estimates with adjusted EPS of $2.47 and revenue of $1.03 billion (vs $995.32 million expected), gave stronger-than-expected first-quarter revenue guidance and noted strength in Electronics & Packaging and higher Semi shipments; analysts raised price targets but shares fell 7.3% in after-hours trading.

Executive Vice President John Edward Williams of MKS Inc (NASDAQ:MKSI) disposed of 2,042.625 shares of the company's common stock on February 20, 2026. The sale occurred at prices ranging from $256.3902 to $257.150 and generated approximately $523,744 in proceeds, according to a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Following the transaction, Williams holds 3,640.099 shares directly. At the time of the filing the stock was trading at $251.79, close to its 52-week high of $269.91, after a notable 154% rally over the prior 12 months.

On valuation metrics, the company is quoted with a market capitalization of $16.92 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 57.73. Analysis from InvestingPro flags MKSI as appearing overvalued at current levels and lists it on its Most Overvalued stocks list. Investors seeking more granular analysis are directed to the platform's Pro Research Report covering MKSI.

Separately, MKS Instruments reported fourth-quarter results that topped analyst expectations. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.47, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.30. Quarterly revenue reached $1.03 billion, above the forecasted $995.32 million and representing a 10.5% increase from the year-ago period.

Management provided first-quarter revenue guidance that surpassed expectations, citing continued strength in the Electronics & Packaging segment and higher shipments within its Semi division. Those operational details were highlighted as drivers of the upbeat outlook.

Investor reaction included analyst updates: Needham raised its price target for MKS Instruments to $300 from $260 while maintaining a Buy rating, explicitly referencing the company's robust guidance. KeyBanc reaffirmed an Overweight rating with a $250 price target after the earnings release. Despite the positive results and analyst support, MKSI shares fell 7.3% in after-hours trading following the report.

The company disclosure and subsequent market response present a mixed picture - strong reported fundamentals and supportive analyst commentary contrasted with a stretched valuation metric and a near-term share price pullback in extended trading. The Form 4 filing documents the insider sale and leaves Williams with a reduced, still material stake in the company.


Contextual note: All transaction and financial figures above are taken from company disclosures and public analyst commentary cited in official filings and reports.

Risks

  • Despite better-than-expected quarterly results and raised guidance, MKSI shares fell 7.3% in after-hours trading, indicating potential short-term market sensitivity - this impacts capital markets and investor sentiment.
  • InvestingPro analysis lists MKSI on its Most Overvalued stocks list and the company carries a P/E of 57.73, suggesting valuation risk for equity investors in the semiconductor and industrial equipment sectors.
  • The insider sale, disclosed via Form 4, reduces an executive's direct holding and may be interpreted by some market participants as an uncertainty signal, affecting perceptions in the capital markets sector.

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