Insider Trading March 18, 2026

SkyWater CFO Sells $2.5M in Stock as Acquisition Talks Advance

Steve Manko disposes of shares and exercises options while IonQ's proposed $1.8B buyout offers shareholders a mix of cash and stock

By Caleb Monroe SKYT IONQ
SkyWater CFO Sells $2.5M in Stock as Acquisition Talks Advance
SKYT IONQ

SkyWater Technology CFO Steve Manko sold 91,109 shares on March 16, 2026, realizing roughly $2.5 million in proceeds from transactions priced between $27.54 and $28.10. He also exercised options for 9,708 shares at a $10.14 exercise price. The activity follows a 237% one-year gain for the stock and comes amid IonQ's planned $1.8 billion acquisition of SkyWater, which would pay $35.00 per share in a cash-and-stock package.

Key Points

  • CFO Steve Manko sold 91,109 SkyWater shares on March 16, 2026, at prices between $27.54 and $28.10, netting roughly $2.5 million.
  • Manko exercised options for 9,708 shares at a $10.14 strike price, costing $98,439, and now directly holds 215,166 shares.
  • IonQ has proposed a $1.8 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of SkyWater at $35.00 per share - $15.00 cash plus $20.00 in IonQ stock - representing a 38% premium to the 30-day VWAP as of January 23; TD Cowen downgraded SkyWater to Hold while raising its price target to $35.00.

SkyWater Technology Inc (NASDAQ:SKYT) Chief Financial Officer Steve Manko completed the sale of 91,109 shares of common stock on March 16, 2026, generating approximately $2.5 million in gross proceeds. The dispositions were executed across multiple trades at prices spanning $27.54 to $28.10 per share.

In conjunction with the sales, Manko exercised stock options to acquire 9,708 shares of SkyWater common stock at an exercise price of $10.14, for a total exercise value of $98,439. After accounting for both the sales and the option exercise, Manko's direct ownership in SkyWater stands at 215,166 shares.

The timing of Manko's transactions follows a significant run-up in SkyWater's share price. Over the past 12 months the stock has returned 237%, and InvestingPro analysis cited in company reporting indicates the shares may be trading at valuations that appear elevated relative to certain metrics.


Separately, IonQ has announced its intention to acquire SkyWater Technology in a transaction valued at approximately $1.8 billion. Under the terms disclosed, SkyWater shareholders would receive $35.00 per share, comprising $15.00 in cash plus $20.00 in IonQ common stock. That package represents a 38% premium to SkyWater's 30-day volume-weighted average price as of January 23.

Following the proposed combination, SkyWater is expected to remain a distinct subsidiary within IonQ's corporate structure. The acquisition agreement includes a collar mechanism designed to provide stability to the stock component of the consideration.

The transaction and the surrounding developments have already influenced sell-side coverage. TD Cowen adjusted its rating on SkyWater, moving the stock from Buy to Hold while increasing its price target from $24.00 to $35.00.


The filings and disclosures show the specific mechanics of the CFO's moves - option exercises at a substantially lower strike than market prices, coupled with multi-price sales on a single trading day - and place them alongside corporate-level M&A news that reshapes shareholder outcomes. For investors seeking further detail on insider activity and related analysis, SkyWater's Pro Research Report is noted as available through InvestingPro.

All figures and terms cited reflect the company disclosures and reporting available around these transactions and the announced transaction with IonQ.

Risks

  • Valuation uncertainty - InvestingPro analysis suggests SkyWater's shares may be overvalued at current market levels, which could affect investor returns in the event of market repricing.
  • Deal mechanics - the acquisition includes a collar mechanism tied to the stock component, introducing potential variability in final consideration for shareholders depending on stock movements.
  • Insider timing - the CFO's sale and option exercise occurred while the stock had delivered a 237% one-year return, a timing investors may view as relevant to short-term liquidity and insider positioning.

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