Insider Trading February 24, 2026

MKS Instruments Director Disposes of $5.06 Million in Shares Amid Strong Earnings and Elevated Stock Levels

Gerald G. Colella sold 20,000 MKS shares across two trades as the stock trades near its 52-week high; company delivered better-than-expected Q4 results and raised guidance into the new quarter.

By Marcus Reed MKSI
MKS Instruments Director Disposes of $5.06 Million in Shares Amid Strong Earnings and Elevated Stock Levels
MKSI

Gerald G. Colella, a director at MKS Inc (NASDAQ: MKSI), reported the sale of 20,000 common shares for approximately $5.06 million in two transactions filed on a Form 4 with the SEC. The trades took place on February 20 and February 24, 2026, at weighted average prices of $252.8999 and $253.9675, respectively. The sales occurred while MKSI shares were trading near a 52-week high and after the company reported fourth-quarter results that beat analyst estimates and issued first-quarter revenue guidance that exceeded expectations.

Key Points

  • Director Gerald G. Colella sold 20,000 shares of MKSI common stock for approximately $5.06 million in two trades on February 20 and February 24, 2026.
  • MKS Instruments reported Q4 EPS of $2.47 and revenue of $1.03 billion, both ahead of consensus estimates, and issued first-quarter revenue guidance that exceeded expectations backed by strength in Electronics & Packaging and higher Semi shipments.
  • Analysts responded with higher price targets and maintained positive ratings, but shares fell in after-hours trading; InvestingPro analysis flagged MKSI as appearing overvalued on Fair Value metrics.

Director Gerald G. Colella of MKS Inc (NASDAQ: MKSI) disclosed the sale of 20,000 shares of common stock for roughly $5.06 million, according to a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The disposition was completed in two separate transactions. On February 20, 2026, Colella sold 10,000 shares at a weighted average price of $252.8999, with transaction prices spanning $252.60 to $253.86 per share. A second block of 10,000 shares was sold on February 24, 2026, at a weighted average price of $253.9675, with prices in that trade ranging from $253.470 to $255.250.

At the time of the filings, MKSI stock was trading near its 52-week high of $269.91 after a year that saw the share price advance about 156%. An InvestingPro analysis cited in the filing indicates the stock appears overvalued on Fair Value metrics and notes the platform provides 15 additional ProTips for investors in MKSI seeking further detail.

Following these transactions, Colella’s holdings in the company were reported as indirect ownership of 40,017 shares through The Gerald G. Colella 2019 Trust and direct ownership of 8,216.927 shares of MKS Inc.


Separately, MKS Instruments reported fourth-quarter results that outpaced analyst expectations. The company posted earnings per share of $2.47 for the quarter, above the consensus estimate of $2.30. Quarterly revenue came in at $1.03 billion, exceeding the consensus forecast of $995.32 million and representing a 10.5% increase from the year-ago quarter.

In addition to the quarterly beat, MKS provided first-quarter revenue guidance that surpassed expectations. The company highlighted continued strength in its Electronics & Packaging segment and reported higher shipments in its Semi division, factors cited in its upbeat outlook for the near term.

Following the results and guidance, analysts adjusted their outlooks. Needham raised its price target on MKS Instruments to $300 from $260 and maintained a Buy rating, citing the stronger-than-expected guidance. KeyBanc reiterated an Overweight rating with a $250 price target after the earnings release. Despite the favorable earnings and analyst actions, MKS Instruments’ shares declined in after-hours trading.

The Form 4 filing documenting Colella’s sales and the company’s earnings announcement together provide a snapshot of recent insider activity and corporate performance, without indicating any direct causal relationship between the transactions and the company’s reported results.

Risks

  • Valuation risk - InvestingPro analysis referenced in the filing indicates MKSI appears overvalued based on Fair Value metrics, which could affect investor sentiment in the semiconductor capital equipment sector.
  • Market reaction risk - Despite beating estimates and raising guidance, shares fell in after-hours trading, highlighting potential volatility in the stock and sensitivity to investor expectations in electronics and semiconductor markets.
  • Perception risk from insider sales - The reported sale of 20,000 shares by a company director while the stock trades near its 52-week high may be viewed cautiously by some investors, introducing reputational or sentiment-driven uncertainty for MKSI equity.

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