In this article, we will take a detailed look at the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March. We previously covered the top 10 insider purchases last month.
As President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy continues, so does turbulence in the stock market. The broader market declined by 10.1% from its record close in February, officially entering a correction.
According to Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial, uncertainty about tariffs is among the main culprits behind the selling pressure. This week, all three major indexes have declined by more than 4%, reports CNBC.
On Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that February’s prices for food and services rose less than many experts expected. The consumer price index increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.2% for the month, bringing the annual inflation rate to 2.8%, slightly below economists’ projections.
Amid all this uncertainty, the question is: Could this be the right time to buy the best stocks? History has shown that buying undervalued stocks often presents great growth opportunities. Will there be growth soon? It’s hard to predict, though some analysts are betting on the growth potential of AI technology.
At times like these, it might be useful to look over recent insider trades, because executives usually have more insights into their companies. For example, when a CEO or CFO buys company stock, it can indicate strong confidence in the business’s future.
Conversely, insider selling doesn’t always indicate a lack of confidence; it can result from personal financial needs or efforts to diversify investment portfolios. Executives often carry out these transactions through pre-arranged plans (such as 10b5-1 plans), designed to prevent any perception of improper timing.
While insider activity can provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to evaluate it alongside other factors, including the company’s financial health, market trends, and industry developments.
A close up of a trader on a trading floor busily pushing buttons.
Our Methodology
To identify the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March we used Insider Monkey’s insider trading stock screener and looked for stocks where at least three insiders bought shares this month. With each stock, we note the number of insiders who recently bought shares and the company’s market capitalization.
Our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds, focusing on insider trading and stock picks from hedge fund investor newsletters and conferences. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Let’s take a look at the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March.
10. Chart Industries, Inc. (NYSE:GTLS)
Number of Insiders Buying: 4
Market Capitalization: $6.52 billion
Chart Industries is an independent global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment used in the production, storage and end-use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases. The company offers a diverse range of products and solutions for stationary and rotating equipment across every stage of the liquid gas supply chain—from engineering and installation to preventive maintenance and digital monitoring. It has 64 manufacturing sites and over 50 service centers across the United States, Asia, Australia, India, Europe, and South America.
For 2024, the company reported sales of $4.16 billion, up 17.5% year-over-year, with orders totaling $5.01 billion, up 13% from 2023. EBITDA was $914.0 million, an increase of 330 bps (basis points) from 2023. Operating income of $647.5 million (15.6% of sales) or $876.3 million when adjusted for unusual items primarily related to integration and headcount restructuring, resulted in a 21.1% adjusted operating income margin, an increase of 400 bps from the prior year.
In March, four insiders, including the company’s president and CEO, acquired around $160,843 worth of Chart Industries shares at an average price of $145.24 per share. Since the beginning of the year, Chart Industries shares dropped 23.39%, and the stock now trades at $146.21. Over the past 12 months, the stock rose 1.51%.
Eleven Wall Street analysts have given a “Strong Buy” rating on Chart Industries stock with a price target of $216.60, according to TipRanks.
This is also one of the 15 best fast growth stocks to buy right now.
9. Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE)
Number of Insiders Buying: 4
Market Capitalization: $5.80 billion
Celanese Corporation is a chemicals company that caters to the needs of industrial users. Previously known as Hoechst Celanese, the company is one of the world’s leading producers of acetic acid, and of vinyl acetate monomer. Celanese operates 25 production plants and six research centers in 11 countries, mainly in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Recently, the company reported full-year 2024 U.S. GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.86 and adjusted earnings per share of $8.37. The company generated net sales of $10.3 billion, a 6% decrease from the previous year.
In March, four insiders purchased a total of around $644,178 worth of Celanese Corporation shares at an average price of $54.51. Currently, the stock is trading at $56.05 per share, having declined 19.01% since the beginning of the year, and 64.47% over the past 12 months.
The consensus rating on Celanese stock from 15 analysts is “Hold” with a price target of $70.86, according to StockAnalysis.
8. Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC)
Number of Insiders Buying: 4
Market Capitalization: $525.41 million
Ameresco is an energy solutions provider focused on reducing costs, enhancing resilience, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Framingham, Massachusetts-based company offers smart energy efficiency upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy resources. It works with customers to lower operating expenses, upgrade facilities, stabilize energy costs, improve comfort, increase reliability, and support environmental sustainability.
For the full year of 2024, Ameresco reported revenues of $1.77 billion, net income attributable to common shareholders of $56.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $225.3 million, which compares to revenues of $1.37 billion, net income of $62.5 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $163.99 million in 2023.
In March, four insiders, including the president and CEO, acquired a total of $1.34 million worth of Ameresco shares at a price of $9.72 per share. The stock declined 57.16% since the beginning of the year and is now trading at $10.06. Over the past 12 months, its shares lost 50.15%.
Based on the assessments of 10 analysts, Ameresco stock is a “Moderate Buy” with a price target of $27.63, according to MarketBeat.
7. Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UCTT)
Number of Insiders Buying: 5
Market Capitalization: $1.11 billion
The seventh stock among the 10 that insiders are buying this month is a semiconductor company, Ultra Clean Holdings. The Hayward, California-based company makes subsystems parts, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical products for the semiconductor industry. Its offering includes chemical delivery modules, frame assemblies, gas delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, precision robotics and process modules, high-level assemblies, and other precision components that ensure the integrity and performance of semiconductor manufacturing. It is also one of the 12 small-cap semiconductor stocks to buy now.
In March, five insiders bought a total of $543,269 worth of Ultra Clean shares at an average price of $24.78 per share. Currently, the stock is trading at $25.38 having declined 29.40% year to date, and 40.97% over the past 12 months.
For the full year of 2024, the company disclosed revenue of $2.1 billion, compared to $1.7 billion in 2023. Total gross margin was 17.0%, operating margin was 4.3%, and net income was $23.7 million. This compares to gross margin of 16.0%, operating margin of 2.0%, and net loss of $31.1 million or $0.70 loss per diluted share in the prior year.
The consensus rating for Ultra Clean stock is “Strong Buy” with a price target of $56.75, according to StockAnalysis.
6. Ready Capital Corporation (NYSE:RC)
Number of Insiders Buying: 5
Market Capitalization: $830.03 million
Ready Capital Corporation is a real estate finance company that operates in two segments: LLM Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Lending. The New York, New York-based company provides various professional services, including originating, acquiring, financing, and servicing LLM commercial real estate loans, SBA loans, residential mortgages, construction loans, USDA loans, and mortgage-backed securities.
Recently, the company confirmed it has completed the previously announced acquisition of United Development Funding IV. The combined company will conduct business under the name “Ready Capital Corporation” and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RC.”
In March, five insiders, including the company’s CEO, and CIO, purchased a total of $653,415 worth of Ready Capital Corporation shares at a price of $5.07 per share. Since the beginning of the year, the stock declined 25.81% and is now trading at $5.06 per share. Over the past 12 months, the stock lost 41.64%.
In 2024, the company had a net loss of $430.4 million.
Based on nine analysts’ assessments, Ready Capital stock is a “Hold” with a price target of $7.86, writes MarketBeat.
5. The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc. (NASDAQ:CUBA)
Number of Insiders Buying: 5
Market Capitalization: $41.11 million
In the middle of the list of the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March is a closed-end equity mutual fund, The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund. The fund is focused on the investments in the public equity markets of the United States. More specifically, The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund relies on a special approach targeting stocks positioned to benefit from economic, political, structural, and technological advancements in countries within the Caribbean Basin. The fund invests across a range of sectors, providing diversified exposure to companies operating in these markets.
In March, five insiders bought a total of $713,445 worth of The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund shares at a price of $5.13 per share. Year-to-date the stock gained 11.75% and is now trading at $2.62 per share. Over the past 12 months, The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund shares dropped 7.92%.
Analyst coverage on The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund is currently limited.
4. Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BWFG)
Number of Insiders Buying: 5
Market Capitalization: $229.31 million
Bankwell Financial serves as the holding company for Bankwell Bank, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut. Bankwell provides a variety of commercial financing solutions, including working capital lines of credit, SBA loans, acquisition loans, and commercial mortgages. The bank also offers treasury management and deposit services to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
For the full year of 2024, Bankwell Financial reported revenue of $87 million, compared to revenue of $99.31 million in 2023. Net interest income amounted to $83.28 million, which compares to $94.47 million in the prior year. Recently, the company’s board of directors declared a $0.20 per share cash dividend.
In March, five insiders acquired a total of around $99,779 worth of Bankwell Financial shares at an average price of $26.01. Year-to-date, the stock lost 6.90% and is now trading at $29.00 per share. However, over the past 12 months, Bankwell Financial returned 14.94% to its investors.
One analyst has given a “Buy” rating on Bankwell Financial stock and a price target of $40.00, according to TipRanks.
3. Ziff Davis, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZD)
Number of Insiders Buying: 6
Market Capitalization: $1.67 billion
The third stock that insiders have been buying in March the most is a digital media and internet company, Ziff Davis. Founded back in 1927, the company mainly owns technology- and health-oriented media websites, online shopping and internet connectivity services, and gaming and entertainment brands. Previously, Ziff Davis was focused on publishing hobbyist magazines. It is also one of the 10 best marketing stocks to buy right now.
For the full 2024, Ziff Davis disclosed revenue of $1.40 billion, up 2.8% year-over-year from $1.36 billion. Net income increased 51.9% to $63.0 million compared to $41.5 million for 2023. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $493.5 million, which compared to $482.3 million in 2023.
In March, six insiders, including the company’s CEO, purchased a total of approximately $749,027 shares at an average price of $38.70. Over the past 12 months, the stock declined 39.67% and is now trading at $38.68.
Based on the estimates of six analysts, Ziff Davis is a “Moderate Buy” with an average price target of $65.67, writes MarketBeat.
2. Evolent Health, Inc. (NYSE:EVH)
Number of Insiders Buying: 9
Market Capitalization: $1.08 billion
Evolent offers healthcare plans and benefits management services. The Arlington, Virginia-headquartered company provides an integrated platform for health plan administration and value-based business infrastructure, and administrative services.
For the full 2024, the company reported revenue of $2.55 billion, compared to $1.96 billion in 2023. Net loss amounted to $93.45 million, an improvement from $142.26 million in the prior year. For 2025, Evolent expects revenue in the range of approximately $2.06 billion to $2.11 billion. The company noted that its revenue guidance represents a projection of 15%-18% annual growth after adjusting for one-time contract changes in three Performance Suite contracts moving from 2024 to 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of approximately $135 million to $165 million.
In March, nine insiders, among which is the company’s CEO, bought a total of $1.25 million worth of Evolent shares at an average price of $9.10 per share. Currently, the stock is trading at $9.54, having declined 15.20% since the beginning of the year, or 71.51% over the past 12 months.
Fifteen analysts have given an average “Strong Buy” rating on Evolent stock with a price target of $15.77, according to TipRanks.
1. Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR)
Number of Insiders Buying: 10
Market Capitalization: $5.813 billion
First among the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March is an energy company, Matador Resources. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is focused on the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas resources in the U.S. It operates in two segments: Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It is also among the 10 deep-value stocks to buy now.
For the full 2024, the company disclosed a record annual average production of 170,751 BOE (barrels of oil) per day. Net income amounted to $885.3 million or $7.14 per diluted share, which compares to net income of $846,07 million or $7.05 per diluted share in 2023. Revenue was $3.50 billion, compared to $2.81 billion in the prior year.
In March, 10 insiders, including the chairman and CEO, and CFO acquired a total of around $561,615 worth of Matador shares at an average price of $46.61 per share. Year-to-date, the stock declined 16.58% and is now trading at $46.93 per share. Over the past 12 months, Matador shares lost 29.31%.
The consensus rating on Matador stock from 15 analysts is “Strong Buy” with a price target of $74.47, according to StockAnalysis.
Overall, MTDR is first among the 10 stocks insiders are buying in March. While we acknowledge the potential of MTDR, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MTDR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap
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