Thursday Insider Trading Highlights: Who’s Buying and Selling Major U.S. Stocks?
Ever wondered what company insiders are doing with their own stock? Believe it or not, tracking insider trading activity can give us a peek behind the corporate curtain. This past Thursday, several high-level executives made eye-catching moves—either buying their own company’s shares or cashing out big chunks.
Let’s break down the most significant buys and sells and what they might mean for everyday investors.
Why Should You Care About Insider Trades?
Picture this: You’re at a poker table, and someone bets big. Wouldn’t you want to know what cards they’re holding? Insider trading isn’t illegal when done properly—it just means company executives are buying or selling stock, and they have to report it to the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).
When insiders start buying, it can be a signal they’re confident in the company’s future. On the flip side, heavy selling may hint at concerns—or they might simply be cashing in for personal reasons. Either way, it’s valuable information for investors like you and me.
Top Insider Buys: Which Leaders Are Doubling Down?
Let’s start with the companies that saw notable insider purchases this Thursday. A few executives put serious money behind their beliefs.
Clovis Oncology (CLVS)
- Insider: Director Terry Hermiston
- Purchase: 1,000,000 shares
- Value: $500,000 at $0.50 per share
This is a standout buy. Terry Hermiston didn’t just grab a few shares—he went all in. When a director buys a million shares, that speaks volumes. Clovis Oncology has been going through tough times, with its stock price tumbling.
So, why would someone invest half a million dollars into a struggling biotech company? It could mean Hermiston expects a turnaround, perhaps due to new drugs in the pipeline or potential business changes. Either way, this kind of commitment is hard to ignore.
Rocket Companies Inc. (RKT)
- Insider: CEO Jay Farner
- Purchase: 900,000 shares
- Value: $8.1 million
This one goes beyond impressive. Jay Farner, the CEO of Rocket Companies (you know, the folks behind Rocket Mortgage), recently bought nearly a million shares. That’s a huge vote of confidence and suggests he believes his company is undervalued. With interest rates still causing waves in the housing market, Farner might be signaling that he sees better days ahead for Rocket’s core business.
Big Insider Sells: Who’s Taking Profits?
On the other side of the table, some executives were cashing out. It doesn’t always mean bad news—they could need funds for a new house, a personal project, or diversifying their investments. But when insiders offload large amounts, it’s smart to take note.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR)
- Insider: Co-founder Peter Thiel
- Sale: 9.29 million shares
- Value: $194 million
Yes, you read that right. Peter Thiel, a big name in Silicon Valley and one of Palantir’s founders, sold almost $200 million worth of shares. That’s a giant transaction—even for a billionaire. Palantir has had a wild ride on the stock market. While this doesn’t necessarily spell doom, large-scale selling from a founder is worth watching.
This might raise questions: Is Thiel predicting a slowdown? Or is he simply taking profits after a long run-up? Either way, it’s newsworthy.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
- Insider: Director John Hennessy
- Sale: 4,491 shares
- Value: $750,000+
Compared to Thiel’s move, this one feels modest. But when an executive from one of the world’s biggest tech companies sells shares, it still turns heads. Alphabet (Google’s parent company) has been performing well, so this might simply be Hennessy rebalancing his investment portfolio.
The Bigger Picture: What Can You Learn From These Moves?
Let’s pause for a second. What’s the real takeaway here? Should you copy these trades?
Not so fast. While insider purchases can be a bullish signal, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. You should always do your own research. Look at the company’s financials, market trends, and analyst ratings. And remember—insiders are human, too. They can make mistakes just like the rest of us.
Signs That an Insider Buy Might Be Worth Following:
- Large dollar amounts (shows strong confidence)
- Multiple insiders buying within a short timeframe
- Buying during tough times (might reflect long-term belief)
Signs to Be Cautious Around Insider Sells:
- Frequent or systematic selling by leadership
- Sales right after a big stock rally
- No clear explanation or lack of investment in the company’s future
It’s a bit like reading tea leaves—you’re looking for patterns, not absolutes.
How Can You Keep Track of Insider Activity?
If you’re thinking, “This is great, but how do I even find this stuff?”—good news. You don’t need to dig through the SEC’s website yourself (unless that’s your hobby). Tons of free and paid resources track insider trading in real time.
Websites like:
- SEC Form 4 Feeders
- Finviz Insider
- MarketBeat
- Investing.com’s Insider Activity Page
Pro tip: Set up alerts for your watchlist stocks. That way, you’ll know if something big is happening as soon as it’s reported.
Final Thoughts: Follow the Smart Money, But Think for Yourself
Watching what insiders are doing can be a valuable addition to your investing toolkit. It’s not a crystal ball—but it’s certainly a strong hint. When company leaders put their own money on the line, they’re doing so with access to information they know better than anyone else.
But always remember—confirmation is key. Do the homework. Look at quarterly earnings. Read market news. Follow trends in the industry. Then, use insider activity as the cherry on top of your research sundae.
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Now it’s your turn: Would you be more likely to invest in a company if the CEO is buying shares? Or does it make you nervous when founders start selling? Let us know in the comments!