Stock Analysis
Insiders who purchased AU$130.0k worth of Aura Energy Limited (ASX:AEE) shares over the past year recouped some of their losses after price gained 24% last week. However, the purchase is proving to be an expensive wager as insiders are yet to get ahead of their losses which currently stand at AU$18k since the time of purchase.
While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.
See our latest analysis for Aura Energy
Aura Energy Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when MD, CEO & Director Andrew Grove bought AU$100k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.18 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.15). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.
While Aura Energy insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!
Aura Energy is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.
Insider Ownership
Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Our data indicates that Aura Energy insiders own about AU$14m worth of shares (which is 11% of the company). However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. Overall, this level of ownership isn't that impressive, but it's certainly better than nothing!
What Might The Insider Transactions At Aura Energy Tell Us?
It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Aura Energy shares in the last quarter. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Aura Energy insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. At Simply Wall St, we've found that Aura Energy has 4 warning signs (2 are significant!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis.
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 of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.
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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.
About ASX:AEE
Aura Energy
Engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Mauritania and Sweden.