Insider Trading March 3, 2026

MKS Instruments Director Disposes of $71.8k in Stock Amid Strong Earnings Print

Elizabeth Mora executed a Rule 10b5-1 sale as MKS posts upside results and upbeat guidance for the new quarter

By Nina Shah MKSI
MKS Instruments Director Disposes of $71.8k in Stock Amid Strong Earnings Print
MKSI

A filing shows director Elizabeth Mora sold 300 shares of MKS Instruments (MKSI) on March 2, 2026, under a pre-set 10b5-1 plan. The transaction occurred as the company reported fourth-quarter results that beat estimates and issued first-quarter revenue guidance above consensus, even as shares slipped in after-hours trading.

Key Points

  • Director Elizabeth Mora sold 300 shares of MKSI on March 2, 2026, for $239.44 per share, totaling $71,832, under a Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted on February 19, 2025.
  • MKS Instruments reported Q4 EPS of $2.47 versus $2.30 consensus and revenue of $1.03 billion versus $995.32 million consensus, a 10.5% year-over-year increase.
  • Management issued first-quarter revenue guidance above expectations; after-hours shares fell 7.3% while analysts raised price targets (Needham to $300, KeyBanc reiterated $250 Overweight).

Director Elizabeth Mora reported the sale of 300 shares of MKS Instruments Inc common stock on March 2, 2026, according to a recent SEC disclosure. The shares were disposed of at $239.44 apiece, producing a total transaction amount of $71,832.

Following the disposition, Mora directly holds 18,663.394 shares of MKS Instruments. The sale was carried out under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement that Mora adopted on February 19, 2025.

The stock has experienced substantial appreciation over the prior 12 months, rising roughly 187% year-over-year, and at the time of the filing was trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.7. That valuation metric sits alongside the company’s recent operational results and guidance, which together provide context for both the insider transaction and market behavior.


On the results front, MKS Instruments reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $2.47, ahead of the consensus estimate of $2.30. Quarterly revenue reached $1.03 billion, topping the consensus projection of $995.32 million and representing a 10.5% increase compared with the year-earlier period.

The company’s commentary accompanying the results included first-quarter revenue guidance that was higher than market expectations. Management highlighted ongoing strength in the Electronics & Packaging segment and noted increased shipments within the Semi division as contributors to the outlook.

Despite the better-than-expected earnings, shares of MKS Instruments fell 7.3% in after-hours trading following the release. In response to the results and guidance, analyst firm Needham raised its price target to $300 from $260 and kept a Buy rating. KeyBanc reiterated an Overweight rating and maintained a $250 price objective, citing the company’s revenue and earnings that exceeded both consensus and their internal projections.


The SEC filing, the earnings release, and subsequent analyst actions together document the sequence of corporate disclosure, insider activity, and market reaction for MKS Instruments. The director sale was executed under a predetermined trading plan, and the company’s reported quarterly performance and guidance prompted both a drop in after-hours share price and upward revisions to analyst price targets.

Risks

  • Near-term stock volatility - shares dropped 7.3% in after-hours trading despite results and guidance, introducing short-term market uncertainty for equity investors.
  • Valuation sensitivity - the stock’s elevated 12-month gain (187%) and a P/E of 53.7 may increase investor exposure to valuation-driven pullbacks.
  • Uncertainty around forward execution - while guidance exceeded expectations, the company’s future performance depends on continued strength in Electronics & Packaging and Semi shipments, which remain subject to operational and demand risk.

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