Is a 21% tumble in one month prompting a slew of insider buys on this ASX 200 stock?

Seven out of eight directors of this ASX 200 company just bought more shares.

| More on:
A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.

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

ASX 200 stock Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) has taken a 21% dive over the past month, which is perhaps one of the reasons why we've seen seven recent insider buys.

An analysis of recent ASX lodgements shows seven out of the eight members of Bapcor's board of directors bought more shares late last week.

This follows a disappointing update delivered at last Tuesday's annual general meeting (AGM).

On the day of the AGM, the Bapcor share price dipped by 11.5% and closed at $5.91.

The ASX 200 stock is currently changing hands for $5.51 apiece, up 0.73% so far on Tuesday.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.22%.

7 insider buys on ASX 200 stock

Bapcor lodged a series of notices on Thursday and Friday advising the ASX of changes in the shareholdings of seven of its directors.

All seven of these insider buys took place last Wednesday or Thursday.

Bapcor CEO and managing director Noel Meehan made the biggest purchase of the group, acquiring 35,778 Bapcore shares on-market for $5.5567 per share. He bought through a family superannuation fund and increased his holdings via the fund by 28%.

Kate Spargo was also planning for retirement when she bought 10,000 more shares through her super fund on-market for $5.589 per share. This raised her personal super holdings in Bapcor by 50% to 30,000 shares.

Rebecca Dee-Bradbury joined the Bapcor board on 1 September. She did not hold Bapcor shares before purchasing 10,000 on-market last Wednesday at $5.58 apiece. She bought through a family trust.

Independent non-executive chair Margaret Haseltine bought 6,500 shares on-market via her personal super fund, paying $5.64 apiece.

Mark Bernhard bought 5,000 shares on-market at $5.78 per share, raising his stake by 22% to 27,500 Bapcor shares.

James Todd got the best price of his cohort, paying $5.41 for 5,000 shares on-market via his super fund.

Finally, Brad Soller picked up 3,500 shares on-market for $5.519 apiece.

Why are these directors buying?

We can't speculate as to each director's personal motivations for buying more of this ASX 200 stock.

But given the recent 21% tumble in the Bapcor share price, it may be a case of buying the dip.

Buying the dip is a great strategy for ASX investors who are confident in a company's future.

When the share price drops, they buy more stock to increase their holdings at a discount. Buying at a low price reduces the average per-share value of all of their holdings. This is known as dollar-cost averaging.

Investors often take comfort from seeing insider buys of the companies they hold.

An insider buy signals confidence. Investors like seeing directors increasing their own 'skin in the game' by investing their own money in the companies they run.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bapcor. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is the Super Retail share price falling 5% today?

Investors are shying away from the retailer as the company gets ready to go to court.

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

2 ASX betting shares surging on quarterly updates

These shares are having a strong session. Why are investors betting on them today?

Read more »

a young woman sits with her hands holding up her face as she stares unhappily at a laptop computer screen as if she is disappointed with something she is seeing there.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is the Kogan share price crashing 27%?

Here's how this e-commerce company performed during the third quarter.

Read more »

businessman handing $100 note to another in supermarket aisle representing woolworths share price
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

How much could $5,000 invested in Coles shares be worth in a year?

Bell Potter sees big returns on the cards for owners of this stock.

Read more »

A woman relaxes on a yellow couch with a book and cuppa, and looks pensively away as she contemplates the joy of earning passive income.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

What are brokers saying about A2 Milk shares?

Is it time to snap up this stock or should you keep your infant formula powder dry?

Read more »

A female Woolworths customer leans on her shopping trolley as she rests her chin in her hand thinking about what to buy for dinner while also wondering why the Woolworths share price isn't doing as well as Coles recently
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Should you buy the dip on Woolworths shares?

Is this a good time to look at the supermarket business?

Read more »

Woman in dress sitting in chair looking depressed
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Cettire share price plunges 6% after major investor pulls the plug

A 'red flag' triggered this investment company to sell out completely.

Read more »

A young woman's hands are shown close up with many blingy gold rings on her fingers and two large gold chains around her neck with dollar signs on them.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ASX experts: Lovisa share price has 28% upside

ASX brokers are still rating Lovisa as a compelling buy today.

Read more »