PolyNovo share price falls 17% in two days after major insider selling

This medical device company has been hammered since its chairman sold shares.

| More on:
A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The PolyNovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) share price has been having a tough week.

In morning trade, the medical device company's shares were down as much as 6% to $1.71.

When the PolyNovo share price hit that level, it was down over 17% in the space of two days.

Why is the PolyNovo share price under pressure?

Investors have been hitting the sell button this week amid some major insider selling.

According to a change of director's interest notice, the company's chairman, David Williams, sold a large number of PolyNovo shares between 17 March to 22 March.

Williams sold a total of 4.75 million shares across this period for a total consideration of approximately $9.7 million. This equates to an average sale price of $2.04 per share.

Should you be concerned?

Insider selling rarely goes down well with the market. That's because it is often regarded as a bearish indicator.

After all, if you were so confident that the PolyNovo share price was good value and destined to head higher, you wouldn't be a seller.

But it is worth remembering that directors do have a life outside their company. And that is what has driven the sale of these shares.

PolyNovo explained that Williams needed the funds to support a US property purchase. It advised:

Chairman Mr David Williams has sold 4.75m shares, the proceeds of which will part settle a US property purchase.

The company also highlights that Williams still has a considerable holding following this sale and has no plans to offload any other shares in the near future. It adds:

Mr Williams still holds 21,384,432 fully paid ordinary shares and does not intend to sell more shares for the foreseeable future.

All in all, this appears to demonstrate that Williams' interests remain firmly aligned with shareholders, making this selloff probably a bit of an overreaction.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended PolyNovo. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A doctor appears shocked as he looks through binoculars on a blue background.
Opinions

4DMedical shares crash 20% this week: Should investors cut their losses on the once-booming stock?

The shares are now down 6.61% for the year to date.

Read more »

A woman researcher holds a finger up in happiness as if making the 'number one' sign with a graphic of technological data and an orb emanating from her finger while fellow researchers work in the background.
Healthcare Shares

Top broker tips 57% upside for beaten-down Telix shares

A leading broker expects a big rebound in Telix shares in 2026.

Read more »

Research, collaboration and doctors working digital tablet, analysis and discussion of innovation cancer treatment. Healthcare, teamwork and planning by experts sharing idea and strategy for surgery.
Healthcare Shares

Here's why Anteris shares are in a trading halt today

The company is undertaking a US$300m capital raising.

Read more »

Female scientist working in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Telix shares in focus as the company meets guidance

More good news from the drug developer.

Read more »

Doctor sees virtual images of the patient's x-rays on a blue background.
Healthcare Shares

What are the healthcare stocks where RBC Capital Markets thinks you can make money?

The top buys in the sector, listed.

Read more »

A sad looking scientist sitting and upset about a share price fall.
Healthcare Shares

Polynovo shares fall despite yesterday's upbeat update. Here's what investors are watching

Polynovo shares slide after a solid update as investors wait for clearer growth signals.

Read more »

Woman flexes muscles after donating blood.
Healthcare Shares

Check out this CSL share price forecast for 2026. It's hard to believe!

RBC Capital Markets thinks CSL is a bargain at current levels.

Read more »

Scientists working in the laboratory and examining results.
Healthcare Shares

Good news out of China has this drug company's shares higher

A major new market will open up following this approval.

Read more »