Stock Analysis

Independent Director William Mulligan Just Sold A Bunch Of Shares In Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ:UEIC)

NasdaqGS:UEIC
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We'd be surprised if Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ:UEIC) shareholders haven't noticed that the Independent Director, William Mulligan, recently sold US$350k worth of stock at US$44.84 per share. The eyebrow raising move amounted to a reduction of 25.2% in their holding.

See our latest analysis for Universal Electronics

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Universal Electronics Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent sale by William Mulligan was the biggest sale of Universal Electronics shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So what is clear is that an insider saw fit to sell at around the current price of US$44.44. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. We note that this sale took place at around the current price, so it isn't a major concern, though it's hardly a good sign.

In the last twelve months insiders netted US$896k for 22327 shares sold. In the last year Universal Electronics insiders didn't buy any company stock. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

NasdaqGS:UEIC Recent Insider Trading, August 15th 2019
NasdaqGS:UEIC Recent Insider Trading, August 15th 2019

Insider Ownership of Universal Electronics

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. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Universal Electronics insiders own 4.1% of the company, worth about US$25m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Universal Electronics Insiders?

Insiders sold Universal Electronics shares recently, but they didn't buy any. And even if we look to the last year, we didn't see any purchases. Insiders own shares, but we're still pretty cautious, given the history of sales. We're in no rush to buy! 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 Universal Electronics may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

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.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.

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.

About NasdaqGS:UEIC

Universal Electronics

Designs, develops, manufactures, ships, and supports home entertainment control products, technology and software solutions, climate control solutions, wireless sensors and smart home control products, and audio-video accessories.

Excellent balance sheet and good value.

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