Yahoo Finance Did Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE:BAS) Insiders Buy Up More Shares?
We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE:BAS).
What Is Insider Buying?
Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock on the market. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.
We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Columbia University study found that ‘insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own company’s stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers’.
Check out our latest analysis for Basic Energy Services
The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Basic Energy Services
Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Chairman Timothy Day for US$207k worth of shares, at about US$6.98 per share. So it’s clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price. It’s very possible they regret the purchase, but it’s more likely they are bullish about the company. That purchase may suggest an expectation of positive returns over the long term.
In the last twelve months insiders purchased 80.00k shares for US$551k. On the other hand they divested 11.88k shares, for US$180k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Basic Energy Services insiders. Their average price was about US$6.88. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices (around US$4.94). You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!
Basic Energy Services is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.
Insiders at Basic Energy Services Have Bought Stock Recently
Over the last quarter, Basic Energy Services insiders have spent a meaningful amount on shares. Senior VP David Schorlemer spent US$79k on stock, and there wasn’t any selling. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence.
Insider Ownership
Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our data suggests Basic Energy Services insiders own 3.2% of the company, worth about US$4.2m. I generally like to see higher levels of ownership.
So What Do The Basic Energy Services Insider Transactions Indicate?
It is good to see recent insider purchase. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. But we don’t feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. On this analysis the only slight negative we see is the fairly low (overall) insider ownership; their transactions suggest that they are quite positive on Basic Energy Services stock. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.
Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.
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If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
