NYSE:VLO), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.” data-reactid=”28″>It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. 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 before you buy or sell Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.
What Is Insider Selling?
It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.
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’.” data-reactid=”31″>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’.
View our latest analysis for Valero Energy ” data-reactid=”36″> View our latest analysis for Valero Energy
Valero Energy Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Independent Director Randall Weisenburger bought US$2.1m worth of shares at a price of US$47.31 per share. That implies that an insider found the current price of US$51.22 per share to be enticing. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company’s future. 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. In this case we’re pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices.
Valero Energy insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn’t sell any. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!
list of growing companies that insiders are buying.” data-reactid=”52″>There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.
Insider Ownership of Valero Energy
Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it’s a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Valero Energy insiders own about US$76m worth of shares. That equates to 0.4% of the company. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.
What Might The Insider Transactions At Valero Energy Tell Us?
4 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Valero Energy.” data-reactid=”56″>There haven’t been any insider transactions in the last three months — that doesn’t mean much. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Overall we don’t see anything to make us think Valero Energy insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it’s beneficial to identify the risks facing Valero Energy. To assist with this, we’ve discovered 4 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of Valero Energy.
list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.” data-reactid=”61″>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.
Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected].” data-reactid=”63″>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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