Investors are buying up ARB (ASX:ARB) shares this month, but the company chair has been selling

ARB shares have been risen, but the chair has been selling shares.

The ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB) share price has risen by around 13% over the last month.

That compares to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has only risen by 2%, meaning ARB has outperformed the index by more than 10%.

However, whilst ARB shares have continued to go up, the company's leadership has been selling shares.

Businessman holding bear figurine in one palm and bull figurine in other

Image source: Getty Images

Leadership share sale

Roger Brown is the chair of ARB, the four-wheel drive accessories business. Andrew Brown is the managing director of ARB. Their shares are held 'in common', which essentially means the ARB shares they own are held in entities they both have an interest in.

In May 2019, there was a sale of 2 million shares at a price of $18.50 per share.

On 4 November 2021, there was another sale of 1 million shares at an ARB share price of $49.50. That implies that the sale amounted to around $50 million of ARB shares.

However, whilst the sale was done at a price of $49.50, the current ARB share price is now 6% higher at $52.60.

Is the ARB share price overvalued?

Investors may be wondering if this means that the management believe the stock is priced too highly. Only the leadership know the answer to their own their thoughts about the business valuation.

But, history has shown the ARB share price has risen substantially (up 184%) from the last share sale. Time will tell whether the same applies again here.

It may be useful to know what analysts think about the business value at the moment.

Some recent broker notes have been positive about the business. Both Morgan Stanley and Citi think ARB is still a buy, with price targets of $56 and $55.45 respectively. After seeing the recent trading update, the brokers think that FY22 will show growth after the COVID impacts.

On Citi's numbers, the ARB share price is valued at 37x FY22's estimated earnings.

Outlook

In the company's annual general meeting (AGM) update, it said that in the first quarter of FY22 it saw "pleasing sales and profit growth".

However, there are a number of challenges in the current environment including vehicle supply interruptions, COVID-19 related impacts and the cost and reliability of freight services.

It said that its order book remains strong, both domestically and internationally, and it's continuing its product development work, store development program in Australia and the expansion of its manufacturing capability.

ARB is expecting sales and profit growth to continue in the first half. It also believes it's well positioned to achieve long-term success with its brands around the world, increasing manufacturing and distribution capacity and a strong balance sheet to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

The company also announced a few months ago that a range of ARB accessories would become available at participating Ford dealers for Ranger and Everest vehicles. This will be rolled out in Australia initially, with other selected Ford markets to follow.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ASX Share Market News

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Broker Notes

Why the Paladin Energy share price "doesn't make sense"

This uranium stock could be set for a major re-rating.

Read more »

Girl with painted hands.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a remarkably positive end to the trading week.

Read more »

Two miners standing together.
Broker Notes

3 ASX 200 mining shares to buy with 41% to 79% upside ahead: broker

The green energy transition and other factors are providing strong growth drivers for mining.

Read more »

Happy miner with his arms folded.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Paladin Energy, Fortescue, Rio Tinto shares

Let's take a look at some new ratings from Morgans.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

9 ASX 200 shares experts are backing for growth amid market weakness

Brokers retained a positive view on BHP, CSL, Telstra, Xero, and other shares this week. 

Read more »

One large yellow sphere on one side of a white seesaw, with a small yellow sphere on the other side.
Opinions

I investigated 3 ASX shares that have fallen sharply. Are they bargains or value traps?

I've given my verdict on three depressed high-profile stocks.

Read more »

Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Broker Notes

This ASX biotech could rise 40% or 750%, depending on who you ask

A poor quarter has reduced expectations, but there's still plenty of upside.

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Opinions

These are the best 3 ASX growth shares I own and I'd buy more of today

I’m bullish about the earnings potential of these three ASX growth shares.

Read more »