Yahoo Finance Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) is up 4.0%, but insiders still continue to see a loss of US$16k on their US$642k investment
Some of the losses seen by insiders who purchased US$642k worth of Proto Labs, Inc. (NYSE:PRLB) shares over the past year were recovered after the stock increased by 4.0% over the past week. However, total losses seen by insiders are still US$16k but in since the time of purchase.
Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.
Check out our latest analysis for Proto Labs
Proto Labs Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
The insider Arthur Baker made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$492k worth of shares at a price of US$49.21 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being US$47.69). While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.
While Proto Labs insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!
Proto Labs is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.
Insider Ownership
I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 0.7% of Proto Labs shares, worth about US$9.4m, according to our data. Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.
What Might The Insider Transactions At Proto Labs Tell Us?
There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. The transactions are fine but it'd be more encouraging if Proto Labs insiders bought more shares in the company. 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.
If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.
For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
