Have Insiders Been Buying Midway Limited (ASX:MWY) Shares?
We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Midway Limited (ASX:MWY).
What Is Insider Selling?
Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market.
We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. 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'.
Check out our latest analysis for Midway
Midway Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
The Non-Executive Chairman Gregory McCormack made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$98k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.98 each. That implies that an insider found the current price of AU$1.20 per share to be enticing. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. The good news for Midway share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price.
While Midway insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. The average buy price was around AU$1.26. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices. 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!
Midway is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.
Are Midway Insiders Buying Or Selling?
There was some insider buying at Midway over the last quarter. MD, CEO & Executive Director Anthony Price shelled out AU$10k for shares in that time. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small.
Does Midway 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. Our data suggests Midway insiders own 4.3% of the company, worth about AU$4.5m. However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. I generally like to see higher levels of ownership.
What Might The Insider Transactions At Midway Tell Us?
Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Midway insiders are doubting the company. 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. To assist with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Midway.
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, but not derivative transactions.
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.
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