This Insider Has Just Sold Shares In MSA Safety

We wouldn't blame MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE:MSA) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Nishan Vartanian, the Non-Executive Chairman recently netted about US$1.1m selling shares at an average price of US$188. That sale reduced their total holding by 14% which is hardly insignificant, but far from the worst we've seen.

Check out our latest analysis for MSA Safety

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At MSA Safety

In fact, the recent sale by Non-Executive Chairman Nishan Vartanian was not their only sale of MSA Safety shares this year. They previously made an even bigger sale of -US$2.0m worth of shares at a price of US$185 per share. So what is clear is that an insider saw fit to sell at around the current price of US$185. While we don't usually like to see insider selling, it's more concerning if the sales take place at a lower price. Given that the sale took place at around current prices, it makes us a little cautious but is hardly a major concern.

Insiders in MSA Safety didn't buy any shares in the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

I will like MSA Safety better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of undervalued and small cap stocks with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Insider Ownership Of MSA Safety

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. MSA Safety insiders own 5.4% of the company, currently worth about US$402m based on the recent share price. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At MSA Safety Tell Us?

An insider sold stock recently, but they haven't been buying. And there weren't any purchases to give us comfort, over the last year. But since MSA Safety is profitable and growing, we're not too worried by this. The company boasts high insider ownership, but we're a little hesitant, given the history of share sales. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing MSA Safety. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for MSA Safety you should be aware of.

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com