Insiders who sold US$1.2m worth of QuantumScape Corporation …

QuantumScape Corporation’s (NYSE:QS) stock rose 7.9% last week, but insiders who sold US£1.2m worth of stock over the last year are probably in a more advantageous position. Selling at an average price of US£8.99, which is higher than the current price might have been the right call as holding on to stock would have meant their investment would be worth less now than it was at the time of sale. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

See our latest analysis for QuantumScape

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At QuantumScape

In the last twelve months, the biggest single sale by an insider was when the Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Hettrich, sold US£629k worth of shares at a price of US£9.15 per share. While we don’t usually like to see insider selling, it’s more concerning if the sales take place at a lower price. It’s of some comfort that this sale was conducted at a price well above the current share price, which is US£8.18.

So it may not tell us anything about how insiders feel about the current share price. Insiders in QuantumScape didn’t buy any shares in the last year. 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!

insider-trading-volumeNYSE:QS Insider Trading Volume April 2nd 2023

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insiders At QuantumScape Have Sold Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we’ve seen significant insider selling at QuantumScape. In total, insiders dumped US£1.2m worth of shares in that time, and we didn’t record any purchases whatsoever. In light of this it’s hard to argue that all the insiders think that the shares are a bargain.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders.

I reckon it’s a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. QuantumScape insiders own about US£351m worth of shares (which is 9.7% of the company). I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

So What Do The QuantumScape Insider Transactions Indicate?

Insiders haven’t bought QuantumScape stock in the last three months, but there was some selling.

And even if we look at the last year, we didn’t see any purchases. While insiders do own a lot of shares in the company (which is good), our analysis of their transactions doesn’t make us feel confident about the company. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it’s beneficial to identify the risks facing QuantumScape.

To help with this, we’ve discovered 6 warning signs (2 shouldn’t be ignored!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in QuantumScape. But note: QuantumScape may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

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.

Valuation is complex, but we’re helping make it simple.

Find out whether QuantumScape is potentially over or undervalued by checking out our comprehensive analysis, which includes fair value estimates, risks and warnings, dividends, insider transactions and financial health.

View the Free Analysis

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.

bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukhughes listed on couponmatrix.ukmama-mio listed on couponmatrix.ukscotrail listed on couponmatrix.ukterry-s-fabrics listed on couponmatrix.ukzalando listed on couponmatrix.uk
bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukWe all want to be safe online don’t we? You wouldn’t go into a sewer with no protection, would you? If you don’t have any protection on your computer, then that’s exactly what you are doing. Thankfully you can get protected by choosing Bitdefender. Since 2001 they have worked to protect computers from threats and viruses. Today they work with Government organisations, large enterprise, SMEs and private individuals in more than 150 countries, constantly working with a team of 1300, including 600 engineers and researchers to provide the most innovative protection for your technology. No matter whether you want to keep one computer, or an entire network safe, Bitdefender offers everything you need, and with our voucher codes you can get safe and save money while you’re doing it. Bitdefender offers support for all their users. Browse their website for their top solutions for the most common problems users have. There’s also a selection of videos showing you how to carry out the solutions. If these aren’t of any use you can contact Bitdefender via email, chat or by phone. Ensuring you’ll get a solution to your problem.
hughes listed on couponmatrix.ukStock up on electrical goods for less with a Hughes coupon code. The electronics retailer has a long history of supplying the nation with products from the cutting edge of technology. Get the latest gadgets and devices for less with a handy Hughes discount code from us! Save on the latest laptops, appliances and phones when you choose Hughes for all o your tech needs.
mama-mio listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen pregnancy is your main priority, treat your body right with Mama Mio skincare so you can focus on what really matters. Specialising in the production of skin creams, rub-on butters and oils to keep your belly stretchy whilst nourishing your bump, know you can add their pregnancy essentials to your own with a Mama Mio discount code for a fraction of the price. A brand created by mothers, for mothers, trust those who’ve gone before and put your faith in Mama Mio.
scotrail listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom the medieval architecture and city bustle of Edinburgh to the coastal walks and serenity of Thurso, ScotRail is your key to exploring Scotland on a budget. Book your ScotRail tickets online to take advantage of promo codes and other great offers like 20% off selected hotels and free entry to museums. Railcard-holders will be able to apply a 33% discount to ticket prices, and you’ll also find the odd ScotRail promo code from Groupon to keep transport costs down. Forget driving – trains are simply the best and most affordable way to get around!
terry-s-fabrics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf the sun’s being rude and waking you up before your alarm clock, or your cushions have seen much better days, then why not fine tune your fibres and get yourself some new threads courtesy of Terry’s Fabrics? From Venetian blinds to floral rugs, Terry’s Fabrics provide all manner of textile needs and other homewares to perk up households. With regular sales, express delivery options and free shipping on all orders over £100, there are plenty of reasons to shop at Terry’s Fabrics and cash in your Terry's Fabrics discount code.
zalando listed on couponmatrix.ukZalando has all your favourite brands, from high street to high end, in one convenient place. With brands handpicked from across Europe, you can browse the best of fashion to suit your budget. With your Zalando discount code you can shop everything from Nike sportswear to Ted Baker formal wear to Levi’s jeans and everything in between! Zalando live and breathe fashion, researching and picking all the best brands and new items, so you don’t have to.