Key points
- Domestic sales of these five titles increased in the first and second quarters, which could indicate lower prices are on the way.
- Many of these stocks advanced on the good news and are poised to correct.
- All of these stocks have positive outlooks for growth and stock prices, they are dip buying targets.
Insiderselling is often a sign of doom, but that’s not always true. In some cases, insiders see an opportunity to make profits, and great minds usually think the same way. Let’s take a look at the five best-selling stocks by industry insiders so far this year and the forces behind these moves.
5. Marriott International Insider Sales Spike in Q1
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MARCH) insiders have only been selling in recent years, but activity picked up in 2023 and peaked in the first quarter of 2024. The selling is notable because nine insiders made 10 sales to rank the stock at 5th place on this list. The sales are also notable for the ownership and breadth of the sellers, which include the family-owned president and owner, David S. Marriott. Other vendors include several directors, the CEO, a CFO, a president, and an executive vice president. Together, they sold $30 million in stock, or a small fraction of 1% of the company.
Marriott Insiders may continue to sell because they own 10% of the stock and the stock price is hitting new highs. The stock price could continue to rise because the outlook for industry growth is positive and the business is solid. Earnings growth is expected to outpace profitability and support a healthy dividend. Analysts rate the stock a Hold and the price target lags the market, but upward revisions push it higher. Consensus is up 30% from last year, with all new goals above that threshold. The most recent is coverage initiated by Mizuho at $260; the high price target is $280.
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4. Edwards Lifesciences in rebound mode
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) is in recovery mode, but the market may be limited by domestic sales. Numerous industry insiders are selling at the event, for a total of 15 sales by 10 executives. However, growth prospects are good and could lead the market higher. Analysts rate the stock a Moderate Buy and lead the market with price target revisions. The consensus assumes a fair value near current levels, but the most recent targets place the market around $100. The catalyst could come at the end of the month, when the company reports earnings. Analysts have lowered the bar, predicting a slowdown in growth to single digits.
3. Clinical victory for neurocrine biosciences
Insiders Neurocrine Biosciences (NASDAQ: NBIX) are enjoying well-deserved success following the launch of its product, Crinecerfront. The company’s revenues have increased to double-digit growth, leading 10 insiders to make 23 sales year to date. Growth is expected to slow, but could be reinvigorated by the end of the year. The company’s pipeline includes several Phase II studies that could produce positive results this year. 23 analysts rate this stock as a Moderate Buy and see it valued quite close to $143. However, recent revisions are taking the market higher and see another 10% to 15% upside. This company reports in early May and has a low bar to clear.
2. Apellis pharmaceuticals in hyper-growth phase
Apellis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:APLS) has set its business on course for four-digit growth with its flagship products, which accelerated by up to 500% in the latest report. Insiders have been selling steadily over the past 12 months, with a spike in activity in the first quarter coinciding with a peak in price action. Growth is forecast to slow this year but hold in triple digits before falling to double digits in 2025. 10 insiders have made 25 sales so far this year; insiders still own 7.5% of the business. Analysts are bullish and rate it a Moderate Buy. They view it as undervalued, trading below the lower end of their range, and see it advancing 50% from their consensus estimate of $78.60.
1. Altair: the shares most sold by insiders
Altair Engineering (NASDAQ:ALTR), a cloud-based, AI-powered simulation platform, performs well, as seen in its stock price. Insiders continue to sell, taking advantage of the share price rally, and have made enough trades to be No. 1 on this list. 13 insiders made 27 trades, leaving their holding at around 22% of the stock. Major shareholders/early investors have made numerous trades, profiting from the increase in share prices. Analysts rate Altair as a Moderate Buy with 8% upside according to consensus. Consensus is brought higher by reviews.
Companies in this article:
| Agency | Current price | Price change | Dividend yield | P/E ratio | Consensus assessment | Consensus price target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) | $51.82 | +0.6% | N/A | -11.57 | Moderate purchase | $78.60 |
| Edwards Lifesciences (EW) | $90.05 | +1.0% | N/A | 39.15 | Moderate purchase | $91.73 |
| Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX) | $132.99 | +0.9% | N/A | 54.95 | Moderate purchase | $139.25 |
| Altair Engineering (ALTR) | $81.14 | +0.1% | N/A | -624.15 | Moderate purchase | $88.71 |
| Marriott International (MAR) | $245.62 | -1.1% | 0.85% | 24.10 | Jack | $236.81 |
Experience
Thomas Hughes has been working with InsiderTrades.com since 2019.
Areas of expertise
Technical Analysis, S&P 500; retail, consumer goods, consumer staples, dividends, high yield, small cap, technology, economic data, oil, cryptocurrencies
Education
Associate of Arts in Culinary Technology
Past experience
Market observer, trader and investor for numerous websites. He founded Passive Market Intelligence LLC to provide market research insights.