IGO shares are being bought up big by the boss. Should ASX investors follow?

The company chair has just boosted his personal holdings by more than a quarter of a million dollars.

| More on:
A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer

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

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are up 1.4% to $14.47 apiece in lunchtime trading on Tuesday amid news of a major purchase by company chair Michael Nossal.

According to an ASX lodgement, Nossal purchased 20,000 IGO shares on-market last Friday.

The total consideration for the buy-up was $276,617.02.

The purchase took Nossal's holding from 55,000 shares to 75,000 shares in the ASX 200 nickel and lithium producer.

At the current IGO share price, his personal holdings are now worth a total of $1.080 million.

Time to buy IGO shares?

Seeing company directors investing personal money in their companies tends to give ASX investors a nice feeling of comfort and reassurance.

So should you follow in Nossal's footsteps?

As my Fool colleague Tony reports, Fairmont Equities boss Michael Gable thinks so.

Gable says:

Fears about weaker Chinese growth have negatively impacted the resources sector.

But we believe IGO and other resource stocks have been oversold and provide a buying opportunity.

Shaw and Partners reckons IGO shares "could become an attractive 'cash cow' if the lithium price were to advance further".

Top broker Goldman Sachs has retained its buy rating on IGO shares with a trimmed 12-month price target of $14.80.

The broker highlights the quality of IGO's Greenbushes operation, which is the lowest-cost lithium asset under its coverage.

IGO the dividend turbocharger of the season

As we recently reported, IGO shares are at the top of the list of companies delivering the biggest dividend boosts this earnings season.

The ASX 200 lithium miner's final dividend is 1,100% higher than last year at 60 cents per share.

The dividend comprises a fully franked 44-cent final dividend and a 16-cent special dividend.

This follows a 278% annual increase in underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.53 billion.

IGO recorded a record underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.99 billion in FY23, up 177% year over year.

The company raked in $1.02 billion in revenue, up 13% on FY22.

For full details, see IGO's full-year financial results.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Materials Shares

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face.
Materials Shares

Fortescue shares may have peaked but this ASX iron ore stock could rise 50%

Bell Potter thinks big returns could be on the cards for buyers of this iron ore miner.

Read more »

Miner holding a silver nugget
Materials Shares

After a 22% fall, is now the time to buy Silver Mines shares?

Silver Mines shares dropped sharply after a Bowdens update. Here’s what changed and whether the pullback creates an opportunity.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX rare earths stock rocketing 36% today?

An announcement is getting investors very excited on Monday. What's going on?

Read more »

Man pressing smiley face emoji on digital touch screen next a neutral faced and sad faced emoji.
Materials Shares

All systems go for BlueScope Steel shares

Analysts think indicators will keep flashing green for 2026.

Read more »

A man sees some good news on his phone and gives a little cheer.
Materials Shares

Forget Pilbara Minerals shares, this ASX lithium stock could be better

Let's see which lithium stock is being tipped as a buy.

Read more »

A woman is very excited about something she's just seen on her computer, clenching her fists and smiling broadly.
Materials Shares

Investors likely doubled their returns with these ASX 200 stocks in 2025

Were these market winners in your portfolio?

Read more »

A woman looks shocked as she drinks a coffee while reading the paper.
Materials Shares

Top broker just raised its price target on this ASX materials stock

Is this stock still a buy after Friday's big gain?

Read more »

Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.
Materials Shares

Macquarie tips more than 120% upside for this ASX mining stock

Is this stock worth a buy?

Read more »