Insider Trading March 2, 2026

Westlake CFO Sells $1.76 Million in Stock After Option Exercises; Firm Faces Q4 Earnings Shortfall

Mark Steven Bender completed multiple share sales and option exercises on February 27, 2026, while Westlake's Q4 2025 results missed estimates amid a rising share price

By Nina Shah WLK
Westlake CFO Sells $1.76 Million in Stock After Option Exercises; Firm Faces Q4 Earnings Shortfall
WLK

Westlake Corp Executive Vice President and CFO Mark Steven Bender sold 17,409 shares of common stock on February 27, 2026, for about $1.76 million, executed across several trades at prices between $100.91 and $101.515. On the same day he exercised options to acquire 12,693 shares at strike prices of $65.8125 and $86.5379, then sold 12,693 shares at $98.2. After these moves Bender directly holds 44,433 shares. Separately, Westlake reported a fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share of -4.22 USD versus an expected -1.4 USD, though the stock rose in premarket trading as investors reacted to the results and guidance.

Key Points

  • CFO Mark Steven Bender sold 17,409 shares on February 27, 2026, for approximately $1.76 million, with prices between $100.91 and $101.515.
  • On the same day Bender exercised options to acquire 12,693 shares (6,199 at $65.8125 and 6,494 at $86.5379) valued at $969,948, then sold 12,693 shares at $98.2 for $1,246,452; his direct holdings total 44,433 shares.
  • Westlake posted Q4 2025 EPS of -4.22 USD versus a forecast of -1.4 USD, yet the stock rose in premarket trading; the company trades above its InvestingPro Fair Value and appears on the platform’s Most Overvalued list.

Overview

Westlake Corp (NASDAQ:WLK) saw a notable insider transaction on February 27, 2026, when Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mark Steven Bender sold 17,409 shares of the company’s common stock. The disposition generated approximately $1.76 million and was carried out in multiple transactions with trade prices ranging from $100.91 to $101.515.

Options exercise and immediate disposition

On the same date, Bender exercised options that resulted in the acquisition of 12,693 shares of Westlake common stock. Those option exercises were comprised of 6,199 shares at a strike price of $65.8125 and 6,494 shares at a strike price of $86.5379, having an aggregate value of $969,948. Following the exercise, Bender sold 12,693 shares at $98.2 per share, producing total proceeds of $1,246,452.

Post-transaction ownership

After completing the aforementioned sales and option exercises, Bender directly owns 44,433 shares of Westlake Corp.

Market and valuation context

The $13.48 billion chemical manufacturer is cited as trading above its InvestingPro Fair Value and appears on that platform’s Most Overvalued list. The company’s share price has moved higher recently, trading at $105.20 at the time of reporting, a 13% increase over the prior week and a 43% gain year-to-date.

Earnings result and market reaction

Westlake Chemical Corporation reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share of -4.22 USD, missing the consensus forecast of -1.4 USD. Despite the shortfall, the company’s shares rose in premarket trading following the release, reflecting investor focus on the company’s guidance and strategic initiatives. The earnings miss and subsequent market reaction have become central inputs for investors assessing Westlake Chemical’s near-term financial trajectory.

Analyst attention and investor focus

Various analyst firms have paid attention to Westlake’s latest developments, although no specific analyst upgrades or downgrades were detailed. Market participants are closely monitoring how the company addresses the challenges reflected in the quarter and how its strategic initiatives will influence future performance.


Note on content

The article summarizes reported insider transactions, current ownership, valuation signals from a third-party platform, and the company’s recent quarterly financial outcome, along with the market’s immediate reaction.

Risks

  • Earnings shortfall - Westlake’s Q4 2025 EPS of -4.22 USD missed the forecasted -1.4 USD, indicating near-term profitability pressure that could weigh on the chemicals sector and equity markets.
  • Valuation concerns - The company is shown as trading above its InvestingPro Fair Value and listed on a Most Overvalued list, which poses valuation risk for investors in the chemicals and industrial materials sectors.
  • Insider selling - The CFO’s sales and option-related transactions could be interpreted as an increase in insider liquidity, a factor market participants may consider when evaluating investor sentiment in the company and related specialty chemical names.

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