TransDigm Founder Nicholas Howley Has Sold $1.26 Billion in TDG Stock Across 3,515 Transactions
W. Nicholas Howley, the founder and former CEO of TransDigm Group, has filed 3,515 insider transactions selling $1.26 billion in TDG and related stock — most recently in November 2025 at $1,340+ per share.
W. Nicholas Howley, the founder of TransDigm Group (TDG), has filed 3,515 insider transactions over his career — selling $1.26 billion in stock while buying back just $5 million. His most recent sale came in November 2025 at prices above $1,340 per share, netting approximately $559,000 in a single day.
The Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Sell Value | $1.26B |
| Career Buy Value | $5.0M |
| Total Transactions | 3,515 |
| Last Transaction | 2025-11-24 |
| Shares Remaining (TDG) | 21,547 |
Recent Activity
| Date | Type | Shares | Price | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-24 | Gift | 746,767 | N/A | N/A (PRM) |
| 2025-11-17 | Sell | 20 | $1,348.07 | $26,961 |
| 2025-11-17 | Sell | 83 | $1,347.53 | $111,845 |
| 2025-11-17 | Sell | 87 | $1,344.78 | $116,996 |
| 2025-11-17 | Sell | 61 | $1,343.82 | $81,973 |
| 2025-11-17 | Sell | 56 | $1,341.99 | $75,152 |
Howley’s November 2025 activity shows two distinct patterns: small-lot TDG sales at prices above $1,340 per share, and a large gift of 746,767 shares in Perimeter Solutions (PRM). The TDG sales — split across many micro-lots — are characteristic of a 10b5-1 preset trading plan.
What It Means
Howley founded TransDigm in 1993 and built it into one of aerospace’s most profitable companies through an aggressive acquisition strategy — buying niche aerospace component makers and raising prices. He served as CEO until 2018 and remained Executive Chairman before transitioning to a director role. The company’s stock has been one of the best-performing industrials, rising from under $50 at its 2006 IPO to over $1,300 today.
The $1.26 billion in career sales represents a remarkable return on a company Howley built from scratch. His $5 million in purchases suggests minimal open-market buying — the overwhelming majority of his shares came through founder equity and compensation grants.
What to Watch
- Whether Howley’s TDG selling cadence continues into 2026 as shares trade near all-time highs
- His large Perimeter Solutions position — the 746K share gift suggests significant PRM holdings remain
- TransDigm’s acquisition pipeline and defense spending trends
- Any changes in Howley’s board involvement or 10b5-1 plan amendments
Breaking News Editor at 13F Insight. First to report on major SEC filings, institutional moves, and regulatory developments.
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