[mytailorisrich]

The exact dates are not necessarily set in advance in a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The broker can make the decision based on metrics specified in the plan.

I'm guessing that the sharp stock price rise caused by the announcement triggered the sale based on these predetermined metrics, as it was meant to be.

That is to say, this is a non story and the article only tries to whip up controversy where there is none.

[kgwgk]

You're right. Anyway, even if it was completely discretionary selling after the announcement wouldn't be insider trading (unless he knows something bad which hasn't been disclosed yet that will make the price go down later). But the intention to sell, however is triggered, gives an incentive to put a positive spin on the announcement and profit from it (hardly unique to this case, the price of the stock didn't move that much anyway).

[mytailorisrich]

It is part of the CEO's job to put positive spins on things and to boost the stock price.

All CEOs are given stock-based compensation and incentives, and virtually all of them setup these sale plans in order to be able to sell legally and above board.

So again this is a non story.