Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG), it sends a favourable message to the company’s shareholders.
While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.
See our latest analysis for NRG Energy
NRG Energy Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by President Mauricio Gutierrez for US$480k worth of shares, at about US$32.03 per share. So it’s clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is US$33.30. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today’s share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. In this case we’re pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices.
While NRG Energy insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn’t sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!
NRG Energy is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.
Insider Ownership
Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it’s a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 1.0% of NRG Energy shares, worth about US$80m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.
So What Do The NRG Energy Insider Transactions Indicate?
The fact that there have been no NRG Energy insider transactions recently certainly doesn’t bother us. 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 NRG 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. In terms of investment risks, we’ve identified 2 warning signs with NRG Energy and understanding these should be part of your investment process.
Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.
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.
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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.
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