Thursday’s Insider Report: Companies insiders are buying and selling

Featured below are companies that have experienced recent insider trading activity in the public market through their direct and indirect ownerships, including accounts they have control or direction over. The list features insider transaction activity; it does not convey total ownership information as an insider may hold numerous accounts.

Keep in mind, when looking at transaction activities by insiders, purchasing activity may reflect perceived value in a security. Selling activity may or may not be related to a stock's valuation; perhaps an insider needs to raise money for personal reasons or perhaps shares may be sold to address tax implications when options and rights are exercised. An insider's total holdings should be considered because a sale may, in context, be insignificant if this person has a large remaining position in the company. In addition, I tend to put great weight on insider transaction activity when I see multiple insiders trading a company's shares or units. Furthermore, it can be of value to note if an insider’s share or unit balance (investment in the company) is trending higher or lower.

Let's begin the report featuring two securities that have had recent insider buying activity.

Canacol Energy Ltd. (CNE-T)

Between July 9 and July 11, Director Greg Elliott bought a total of 100,000 shares, lifting his portfolio’s position to 159,751 shares.

Empire Company Ltd. (EMP.A-T)

On July 12, the President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Medline purchased 9,400 shares at a price per share of $26.5041 for an account in which he has indirect ownership (2436212 Ontario Limited), increasing the account’s holdings to 27,200 shares.

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The following two stocks have had recent insider selling activity.

First Majestic Silver Corp. (FR-T)

On July 17, Robert McCallum, who sits on the board of directors, sold 5,000 shares at a price per share of $9.09, reducing his portfolio’s position to 37,000 shares.

TECSYS Inc. (TCS-T)

On July 16, the founder and Executive Chairman of the Board Dave Brereton sold 40,000 shares at a price per share of $16.66. His remaining portfolio position is sizeable holding over 2-million shares. That day, in a separate account in which he has indirect ownership (Dabre Inc.), he divested 10,000 shares leaving 216,136 shares in the portfolio.