Over the last year, a good number of insiders have significantly increased their holdings in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT). This is encouraging because it indicates that insiders are more optimistic about the company's prospects.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for J.B. Hunt Transport Services

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Lead Director James Robo for US$10.0m worth of shares, at about US$169 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than US$163 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid US$11m for 66.25k shares. But they sold 26.20k shares for US$4.8m. Overall, J.B. Hunt Transport Services insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

J.B. Hunt Transport Services is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

Insiders At J.B. Hunt Transport Services Have Bought Stock Recently

At J.B. Hunt Transport Services,over the last quarter, we have observed quite a lot more insider buying than insider selling. In total, Independent Lead Director James Robo bought US$10.0m worth of shares in that time. But insiders only sold shares worth US$1.3m. We think insiders may be optimistic about the future, since insiders have been net buyers of shares.

Insider Ownership Of J.B. Hunt Transport Services

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. J.B. Hunt Transport Services insiders own about US$3.4b worth of shares (which is 21% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At J.B. Hunt Transport Services Tell Us?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Nice! If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

Of course J.B. Hunt Transport Services 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 of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

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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.