President Cooper Todd Buys 160,000 PSUs Amid Celestica’s Bear Market: Insider Confidence Amid AI‑Growth Skepticism

Insider Buying Amid a Bearish Market

Celestica Inc. has seen a flurry of insider purchases in the last few weeks, with the President, Cooper Todd C., adding 160,126 performance‑share units (PSUs) on January 29, 2026. The transaction was executed at zero cost, as PSUs are typically granted upon the achievement of performance targets. Nevertheless, the move is noteworthy because it coincides with a 7.9 % decline in the stock’s close price on the Toronto Stock Exchange and a broader industry sell‑off that has eroded investor confidence in the firm’s AI‑related growth narrative.

What the Transaction Signals for Investors

Buying PSUs during a market downturn can be interpreted as a vote of confidence from management that the company’s long‑term trajectory remains positive. PSUs are contingent on meeting specific metrics—here, 200 % of the target performance parameters—so the President’s purchase suggests that the executive believes Celestica’s future earnings potential justifies a stake in the company’s upside. For investors, the transaction may be a subtle endorsement that the recent price decline is a short‑term correction rather than a fundamental shift. However, the timing also raises questions about insider risk: if the company’s performance targets are not met, the PSUs may never vest, and the President will have effectively invested in an unproven future.

Cooper Todd C.: A History of Strategic Trades

Cooper Todd C.’s transaction history paints a picture of a President who balances opportunistic buying with disciplined selling. In December 2025, he bought 17,792 common shares at no cost and simultaneously sold 8,248 shares for $344.41 each, netting a modest cash inflow. He also disposed of 17,792 restricted‑share units—likely a defensive move to reduce exposure to the company’s equity volatility. Across all filings, the President’s net holdings increased from 108,970 to 117,218 shares, indicating a steady accumulation of equity even as he liquidated portions of his portfolio. This pattern suggests a long‑term commitment to Celestica, tempered by a willingness to realize gains or cut losses as market conditions evolve.

The Broader Insider Activity Landscape

The CEO, CFO, COO, and HR chief all executed sizeable PSU purchases on the same day, underscoring a collective confidence in Celestica’s strategic direction. The CEO alone bought 780,376 PSUs, a stake that, if vested, would represent a significant portion of the company’s outstanding shares. Such synchronized buying may signal a unified management endorsement of the company’s AI and cloud expansion plans, which have driven the recent 117 % year‑to‑date rally despite the present decline. Investors should note that while these insider purchases can be a positive signal, they are not guaranteed to translate into share appreciation if the company’s performance targets falter.

Implications for the Future

Celestica’s robust fourth‑quarter results and ambitious revenue outlook point to continued growth potential, but the market’s tempered reaction highlights lingering doubts about AI spending trajectories. The insider buying spree, particularly from the President, may help stabilize the stock by reinforcing confidence in the leadership’s vision. For investors, the key will be monitoring the company’s ability to meet the PSUs’ performance criteria and watching how the stock reacts to the next earnings cycle. In a sector where technology trends shift rapidly, insider confidence—if sustained—could serve as a bellwether for Celestica’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape.