How Many Applus Services, S.A. (BME:APPS) Shares Have Insiders Sold, In The Last Year?

We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So we'll take a look at whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Applus Services, S.A. (BME:APPS).

What Is Insider Buying?

It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required.

We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise.

See our latest analysis for Applus Services

Applus Services Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The CEO & Executive Director, Fernando Basabe Armijo, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for €1.1m worth of shares at a price of €12.90 each. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of €11.39. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. In this case, the big sale took place at around the current price, so it's not too bad (but it's still not a positive). Notably Fernando Basabe Armijo was also the biggest buyer, having purchased €431k worth of shares.

In total, Applus Services insiders sold more than they bought over the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

I will like Applus Services better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Does Applus Services Boast High Insider Ownership?

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. Based on our data, Applus Services insiders have about 0.1% of the stock, worth approximately €1.8m. We consider this fairly low insider ownership.

So What Do The Applus Services Insider Transactions Indicate?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Applus Services shares in the last quarter. Our analysis of Applus Services insider transactions leaves us unenthusiastic. We also note that, as far as we can see, insider ownership is fairly low, compared to other companies. 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.

But note: Applus Services 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.

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.

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