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 Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICPT).
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 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 Intercept Pharmaceuticals
Intercept Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
The President of International, Lisa Morrison, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$557k worth of shares at a price of US$113 each. While we don't usually like to see insider selling, it's more concerning if the sales take place at a lower price. It's of some comfort that this sale was conducted at a price well above the current share price, which is US$68.07. So it is hard to draw any strong conclusion from it.
All up, insiders sold more shares in Intercept Pharmaceuticals 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!
If you like to buy stocks that insiders are buying, rather than selling, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).
Insider Ownership of Intercept Pharmaceuticals
For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 2.4% of Intercept Pharmaceuticals shares, worth about US$54m. 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 Does This Data Suggest About Intercept Pharmaceuticals Insiders?
There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. Our analysis of Intercept Pharmaceuticals insider transactions leaves us cautious. But we do like the fact that insiders own a fair chunk of the company. Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in Intercept Pharmaceuticals, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.