Weatherford Execs Celebrate 153% PSU Vesting, Selling Shares to Meet Tax Bills as Stock Hits 12‑Month High

Insider Activity Spotlight: Weatherford International PLC

Recent Vesting and Trading Moves On February 4, 2026, SVP & Chief Accounting Officer Mills Desmond J executed a three‑part transaction involving performance share units (PSUs) granted on January 18, 2023. The PSUs vested at 153 % of target, reflecting the company’s strong 2025 earnings beat and robust performance metrics. Desmond bought 6,275 ordinary shares at zero cost—an accounting entry that simply records the vested equity—while simultaneously selling 2,470 shares at $99.97 to satisfy tax withholding obligations. A third derivative transaction saw the sale of 6,275 PSU units at zero cost. These moves are standard for executive equity plans, yet the volume and timing—coinciding with a 12‑month high and a 22 % monthly gain—signal confidence from senior management in Weatherford’s upside.

Implications for Investors The vesting of PSUs at a premium to the target underscores that Weatherford’s performance targets were met or exceeded, reinforcing the narrative of operational resilience in a volatile energy market. The tax‑sale proceeds suggest a routine tax‑planning exercise rather than a strategic divestiture. For investors, the net effect is minimal on ownership concentration but positive in terms of executive alignment: the SVP is now more vested and will benefit directly from future share price appreciation. This alignment can bolster investor confidence, especially after the firm’s recent 55 % yearly gain and earnings beat that lifted the stock to a 12‑month high.

Insider Buying Patterns – A Broader View Beyond Desmond, the company’s top executives have been active. President and CEO Saligram Girish completed six trades on February 4, buying 137,755 shares and selling 54,207 shares, while EVP, GC & CCO Weatherholt Scott C performed three buys and three sells. These transactions are consistent with the standard practice of managing vesting schedules and tax obligations. The aggregate insider holdings remain substantial, with Girish holding approximately 990 k shares—well above the 100 k threshold that triggers reporting. The overall insider activity reflects a disciplined approach to equity compensation rather than opportunistic selling, a signal that the leadership is not seeking to liquidate positions in anticipation of a downturn.

Profile of Mills Desmond J Desmond’s transaction history reveals a pattern of modest buying and selling aligned with vesting dates. In January 2026, he executed multiple purchases of ordinary shares (953 and 1,367 shares) and sold restricted share units (1,367 and 953 shares) as they vested or matured. His recent PSU vesting—at 153 % of target—indicates a strong performance record. The absence of large single‑handed sales suggests he is not attempting to realize gains prematurely. Instead, Desmond’s activity aligns with the company’s equity incentive schedule, reinforcing his long‑term commitment to Weatherford’s success.

What This Means for the Future With the 2025 earnings beat and a 55 % year‑to‑date share price increase, Weatherford appears well‑positioned to continue capitalizing on demand for oil‑field services, especially in Latin America and other key regions. Executive equity vesting at premium levels signals confidence in continued growth. Investors should note that insider activity is largely routine and reflective of plan compliance. However, the elevated social media buzz (247 % intensity) and positive sentiment (+9) around the February 4 filing suggest growing investor interest, possibly foreshadowing further upside as Weatherford continues to deliver on its strategic initiatives.