Wayne Thomas Smith, a director at Air Products & Chemicals (APD) recently bought 1,637 shares. The buy created an initial stake, and came to a total purchase price of just over $500,000.
This is the first insider activity at the company since January 2020. Over the past 3 years, insiders have been more active as both buyers and sellers, with buyers outnumbering sellers in total share transactions. Overall, insiders own 0.3 percent of company shares.
This latest buy has occurred as shares have just rallied to breakeven over the past year, following a prolonged sideways trading pattern. The move higher also leaves shares prepared to reach new all-time highs in the coming months.
APD is a leading specialty chemical company, and should benefit from any continued recovery in the economy. Earnings and revenue have risen in the mid-20 percent range over the past year, and the growth stands likely to continue.
Action to take: Investors may like shares as a dividend growth play. The current yield is a little on the low side at 1.9 percent, but the payout will likely grow over time.
For traders, a breakout to new all-time highs could lead to a further continuation of the recent strong uptrend in shares. An options trade like the March $350 calls could pay out well. The option last went for about $4.10, and traders should look to grab a quick profits on a year-end rally for shares.
Disclosure: The author of this article has no position in the company mentioned here, and may trade after the next 72 hours. The author receives no compensation from any of the companies mentioned in this article.