Looking at AstroNova, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ALOT ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

See our latest analysis for AstroNova

AstroNova Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Independent Director Mitchell Quain bought US$55k worth of shares at a price of US$13.92 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of US$12.58. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when an insider has purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was Mitchell Quain.

Mitchell Quain bought a total of 7.79k shares over the year at an average price of US$13.84. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

AstroNova is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Does AstroNova Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data indicates that AstroNova insiders own about US$5.4m worth of shares (which is 5.9% of the company). Whilst better than nothing, we're not overly impressed by these holdings.

So What Does This Data Suggest About AstroNova Insiders?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded AstroNova shares in the last quarter. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think AstroNova insiders are doubting the company. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. At Simply Wall St, we found 2 warning signs for AstroNova that deserve your attention before buying any shares.

Of course AstroNova may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.