TEL EVP Sells $1.37M in Shares Amid Insider Sell-Off
In a move that's raising eyebrows among investors, John S. Jenkins, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of TE Connectivity Ltd. ($TEL), has offloaded 6,155 shares of the company's stock. The transaction, valued at approximately $1,371,395, was disclosed in a recent SEC filing dated February 9, 2026. This sale represents about 22% of Jenkins' holdings in this class of stock, leaving him with 21,809 shares.
Details of the Insider Transaction
The sale occurred on February 9, 2026, at an average price that underscores the ongoing volatility in the tech and industrial sectors. TE Connectivity, a Swiss-domiciled leader in connectivity and sensor solutions for industries like automotive, aerospace, and data communications, has been navigating a complex market landscape. Jenkins' decision to sell a significant portion of his stake could signal personal financial planning or a cautious outlook on the company's near-term prospects. However, insiders often sell for diversified reasons, including tax considerations or portfolio rebalancing, so it's not always a direct red flag for the business itself.
This isn't an isolated event. Over the past six months, TEL insiders have executed 25 open-market transactions—all sales, with zero purchases. This pattern of divestment is notable and warrants closer scrutiny from shareholders.
Key Insider Sales Breakdown
Leading the pack is Heath A. Mitts, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, who has sold 94,837 shares across nine transactions, netting an estimated $23,178,805. CEO and Director Terrence R. Curtin follows with nine sales totaling 41,634 shares for $9,453,803. Jenkins himself has now completed four sales amounting to 31,176 shares worth $7,569,853. Shadrak W. Kroeger, President of Industrial Solutions, has offloaded 23,850 shares in three deals for $4,841,375.
Such unanimous selling activity might suggest that executives are taking profits after a period of stock appreciation or hedging against potential headwinds in the global supply chain and electronics market. For investors tracking $TEL on platforms like Quiver Quantitative's insider trading dashboard, this trend highlights the importance of monitoring executive confidence levels.
Hedge Fund and Institutional Moves
Institutional investors are showing mixed signals on TEL stock. In the most recent quarter (Q3 2025), 568 funds added shares to their portfolios, while 499 reduced positions. This tug-of-war reflects broader uncertainties in the tech sector, influenced by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and evolving demand for connectivity solutions.
Among the biggest shifts: EdgePoint Investment Group slashed its holdings by 2,228,405 shares (52.5%), a move valued at $489 million, possibly indicating a strategic pivot away from industrial tech. Conversely, UBS Asset Management Americas added 1,703,965 shares (63.7%) worth $374 million, betting on TEL's long-term growth in electrification and digitalization trends.
Other notable changes include Wellington Management Group trimming 1,600,334 shares (24.8%) for $351 million, Harris Associates cutting 1,491,707 shares (27.1%) at $327 million, and First Trust Advisors offloading 1,381,002 shares (75.5%) valued at $303 million. On the bullish side, Arrowstreet Capital dramatically increased its stake by 1,378,787 shares (a whopping 26,798.6% growth) for $303 million, while Pzena Investment Management reduced by 1,077,685 shares (57%) in Q4 2025 for $245 million.
These institutional adjustments, trackable via Quiver's institutional holdings dashboard, suggest that while some funds are cautious, others see value in TEL's robust product portfolio, which includes connectors, sensors, and advanced materials essential for electric vehicles and 5G infrastructure.
Analyst Sentiment Remains Positive
Despite the insider sales, Wall Street analysts are largely optimistic about $TEL. In recent months, six firms have issued buy ratings, with no sell recommendations. Barclays maintained an 'Overweight' rating on November 21, 2025, citing TEL's strong positioning in high-growth areas like sustainable energy. TD Cowen reiterated a 'Buy' on November 17, 2025, highlighting the company's resilient margins amid economic pressures. Citigroup also expressed favorable views, emphasizing TEL's innovation in harsh-environment solutions.
This bullish consensus contrasts with the insider activity, potentially indicating that executives are securing gains while analysts focus on fundamentals: TEL reported solid revenue breakdowns in its latest SEC filings, with growth in transportation and industrial segments offsetting softer areas.
Implications for Investors
For UK-based investors, where $TEL trades on international exchanges, this news comes at a time when the FTSE and global indices are sensitive to US tech earnings. The all-sales insider pattern could pressure the stock short-term, but positive analyst outlooks and selective institutional buying provide a counterbalance. TEL's focus on electrification—critical for the UK's net-zero goals—positions it well for recovery.
Risk factors include supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations, given TEL's global footprint. However, with a market cap reflecting its stature in the $50 billion+ connectivity market, $TEL remains a compelling hold for long-term portfolios emphasizing tech innovation.
Investors should watch upcoming earnings for clarity on these trends. Tools like Quiver's stock screener and backtesters can help simulate strategies based on congressional or institutional data, offering data-driven insights beyond headlines.
In summary, Jenkins' sale is a piece of a larger puzzle at TE Connectivity. While insider divestments dominate, the company's strategic assets and analyst support suggest resilience. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates on $TEL and the broader tech landscape.
