Insider Trading May 8, 2026 06:34 PM

Kratos Defense Executive Executes $232,000 Stock Sale Under Pre-Arranged Plan

David M. Carter disposes of 4,000 shares amid recent strong quarterly performance and new hypersonic facility developments.

By Leila Farooq KTOS

David M. Carter, who serves as the President of the DRSS Division at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), has completed a series of stock transactions totaling $232,003. These sales, which took place on May 7, 2026, involved the divestment of 4,000 shares of company common stock at varying price points between $56.8531 and $61.05 per share.The transactions were not spontaneous but were instead carried out through a 10b5-1 trading plan that Mr. Carter had originally adopted on June 13, 2025. This type of pre-arranged plan is designed to facilitate executive trades at predetermined times or price levels. Despite these sales, Mr. Carter maintains a significant direct holding in the company, totaling 74,071 shares. This remaining stake consists of various holdings, including those from an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, retirement accounts, and the issuer's 401(k) plan.

Kratos Defense Executive Executes $232,000 Stock Sale Under Pre-Arranged Plan
KTOS

Key Points

  • <strong>Executive Divestment:</strong> David M. Carter sold 4,000 shares totaling $232,003 via a pre-arranged 10b5-1 plan established in mid-2025.
  • <strong>Financial Outperformance:</strong> Kratos reported Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue of $371 million (up 23% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $0.16, both beating estimates.
  • <strong>Infrastructure Expansion:</strong> The company has designated Odon, Indiana, for its Project Helios hypersonic test facility following a multi-state review.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) recently saw insider activity involving David M. Carter, the President of its DRSS Division. On May 7, 2026, Mr. Carter sold a total of 4,000 shares of common stock, resulting in total proceeds of $232,003. The execution of these sales followed a specific structure established by a 10b5-1 trading plan adopted on June 13, 2025.

The liquidation occurred across several distinct transaction blocks at different price intervals:

  • A sale of 1,300 shares was completed at a weighted average price of $56.8531, with individual prices ranging from $56.51 to $57.33.
  • An additional 1,300 shares were sold at a weighted average of $57.9831, with the transaction range spanning $57.54 to $58.52.
  • A block of 1,100 shares was transacted at a weighted average price of $58.7391, between $58.57 and $59.01 per share.
  • A smaller portion of 200 shares was sold at a weighted average price of $59.99, with prices ranging from $58.87 to $60.11.
  • The final 100 shares were sold at the highest point in this sequence, priced at $61.05 per share.

Following these disposals, Mr. Carter's direct ownership in Kratos Defense & Security Solutions remains substantial, with 74,071 shares held. This inventory includes company-related holdings such as the 401(k) Plan, retirement account shares, and those obtained via the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.


This insider activity occurs against a backdrop of recent financial strength for the defense contractor. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results that outperformed market expectations. The company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.16, which was higher than the anticipated $0.13 consensus estimate. Furthermore, quarterly revenue reached $371 million, marking a 23% increase year-over-year and surpassing the projected $343.1 million.

In addition to financial metrics, the company has moved forward with industrial expansion. Kratos Defense announced that Odon, Indiana, was selected as the site for a new hypersonic test facility under Project Helios. This selection followed an extensive review process involving multiple states and represents a significant milestone for the project's development.

However, market analysts have adjusted their outlooks on the stock despite the strong earnings. Citizens lowered its price target from $125 to $105, noting a softer outlook for the second quarter, though they maintained a Market Outperform rating. Similarly, BTIG revised its price target downward from $115 to $100 due to changes in valuation assumptions, while retaining a Buy rating.

Risks

  • <strong>Revised Valuation Targets:</strong> Both Citizens and BTIG have lowered their price targets for KTOS, which may impact investor sentiment in the defense sector.
  • <strong>Softened Short-Term Outlook:</strong> Analysts cited a softer outlook for the second quarter as a reason for adjusting price targets, presenting potential near-term uncertainty.

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