We’ve lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. 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 Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (SGX:T82U).
What Is Insider Buying?
It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.
We don’t think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. 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’.
View our latest analysis for Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust
Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Jialin Tang bought S$5.4m worth of shares at a price of S$1.36 per share. That implies that an insider found the current price of S$1.45 per share to be enticing. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today’s share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. In this case we’re pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices.
Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 15.10m shares worth S$21m. On the other hand they divested 221.73k shares, for S$421k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust insiders. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!
Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.
Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust Insiders Bought Stock Recently
Over the last quarter, Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust insiders have spent a meaningful amount on shares. In total, insiders bought S$19m worth of shares in that time, and we didn’t record any sales whatsoever. That shows some optimism about the company’s future.
Insider Ownership of Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust
For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust insiders own about S$924m worth of shares (which is 23% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.
What Might The Insider Transactions At Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust Tell Us?
It’s certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust. That’s what I like to see! So while it’s helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it’s also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Case in point: We’ve spotted 4 warning signs for Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust you should be aware of, and 2 of them are significant.
But note: Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE 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.
Promoted
When trading Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust or any other investment, use the platform considered by many to be the Professional’s Gateway to the Worlds Market, Interactive Brokers. You get the lowest-cost* trading on stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds worldwide from a single integrated account.
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. 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.
*Interactive Brokers Rated Lowest Cost Broker by StockBrokers.com Annual Online Review 2020
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com.