Insiders were net buyers of Akamai Technologies, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AKAM ) stock during the past year. That is, insiders bought more stock than they sold.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

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Akamai Technologies Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Co-Founder F. Leighton bought US$3.0m worth of shares at a price of US$80.01 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is US$80.75. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. Happily, the Akamai Technologies insider decided to buy shares at close to current prices. F. Leighton was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months.

You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Check out our latest analysis for Akamai Technologies

Akamai Technologies is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Akamai Technologies insiders own 2.0% of the company, currently worth about US$234m based on the recent share price. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Akamai Technologies Tell Us?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Akamai Technologies shares in the last quarter. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Akamai Technologies insiders think the business has merit. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Akamai Technologies. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for Akamai Technologies you should be aware of.

Of course Akamai Technologies 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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.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.