Laura O’Shaughnessy, a director at Acuity Brands Inc (AYI) recently added 632 shares. The buy increased her stake by 43 percent, and came to a total cost of just under $100,000.
The director was also the most recent buyer, with a 575 share pickup last July. Otherwise, there have been two insider sales at the company, one of which came from the exercise of a stock option.
Overall, insiders at the electrical equipment and parts manufacturer own 0.2 percent of shares.
Acuity Brands shares have performed about in-line with the overall stock market in the past year. Earnings have been flat, but shares look attractively valued at less than 12 times forward earnings.
Lighting and electrical equipment are a steady industry. However, a slowdown in the housing market or commercial construction could slow demand for lighting needs, which may explain the lackluster performance in the past year.
Action to take: Shares look reasonably valued here, and are still about 25 percent off their 52-week highs. Shares pay a 0.3 percent dividend, which has room for further growth with earnings over time. Shares could be a worthwhile buy at current or lower prices.
For traders, shares seem to move in waves, and currently they are near the bottom of a wave. The August $200 calls, last going for about $3.00, offer mid-double-digit returns as the next wave plays out in the coming months.
Disclosure: The author of this article has no position in the company mentioned here, but may trade after the next 72 hours. The author receives no compensation from any of the companies mentioned in this article.