On Jan. 15, 2026, President & CEO Jeffrey Niew executed the direct sale of 50,000 shares of Knowles Corporation (NYSE:KN) in multiple open-market transactions, totaling an estimated $1,237,500, according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Metric
Value
Shares sold (direct)
50,000
Transaction value
~$1.2 million
Post-transaction shares (direct)
839,370
Post-transaction value (direct ownership)
~$20.9 million
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($24.75); post-transaction value based on Jan. 15, 2026 market close ($24.93).
-
How significant was this sale relative to Niew’s prior trading activity?
This 50,000-share disposition represented 5.62% of direct holdings, which is more than double the recent median sell size of 2.73% for this insider and marks the largest single open-market sale in the “recent” period since December 2024. -
Were any indirect holdings, options, or derivatives involved in this transaction?
No; the transaction impacted only direct ownership and did not involve any trust, LLC, or derivative instruments. -
How did the timing of the sale relate to Knowles Corporation’s share price and performance?
The shares were sold at a weighted average of $24.75 on Jan. 15, 2026, when the stock closed at $24.93, after a one-year total return of 24.5% as of that date, suggesting the disposition occurred amid positive recent price momentum. -
Does the sale suggest any capacity-driven pattern in insider activity?
Given the ongoing reduction in Niew’s direct holdings over the past year, the elevated trade size reflects a shrinking available share base, indicating capacity limitations rather than a discretionary increase in disposition rate.
Metric
Value
Price (as of market close 1/15/26)
$24.75
Market capitalization
$2.11 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$573.5 million
1-year price change
24.46%
* 1-year price change calculated using Jan. 15, 2026 as the reference date.
-
Offers micro-acoustic microphones, balanced armature speakers, audio processors, high-performance capacitors, and RF products serving consumer electronics, medtech, defense, electric vehicle, industrial, and communications markets.
-
Generates revenue through the design, manufacture, and sale of audio and precision device solutions, with direct sales to OEMs, contract manufacturers, and distributors.
-
Primary customers include global original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers in mobile, hearing health, IoT, computing, and communications sectors.
Knowles Corporation is a leading provider of advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and precision device solutions, operating at scale with approximately 5,500 employees worldwide. The company leverages its technology portfolio to serve diverse end markets, with a business model focused on innovation and direct engagement with OEMs and contract manufacturers. Its competitive strength lies in a broad product offering and established presence across high-growth technology sectors.
Story Continues
Niew’s 50,000 share transaction was executed as part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows company insiders to buy and sell shares on a predetermined basis to avoid the appearance of insider trading. While watching what moves company insiders are making can provide helpful information, investors should use caution when making assumptions about a person’s conviction in their company’s stock.
That said, Knowles stock rose 24% over the last year as of the day of the trade, with many of the gains coming in the second half of the year. It released its third-quarter results on Oct. 23, reporting a 7% year-over-year increase in revenue, at $153 million, which was at the high end of its guidance range. Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 22% year over year to $0.33, also at the high end of the guidance range. And the company demonstrated strong cash-flow management by reducing outstanding bank borrowings by $15 million and repurchasing $20 million worth of shares.
In November, Ariel Investments highlighted the specialty electronic components manufacturer in its Ariel Mid Cap Value Strategy investor letter. “Longer-term, we believe KN remains well positioned to benefit from its focus on niche, market-leading positions in hearing health and precision devices,” the investment management company said. Knowles will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Feb. 5 after market close.
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
-
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $499,318!*
-
Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $49,135!*
-
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $448,476!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
See the 3 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of January 26, 2026
Sarah Sidlow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Knowles Corp. President and CEO Sells $1.2 Million Worth of Shares After 24% Gain was originally published by The Motley Fool
