This article explores the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March. Previously, we covered the 15 stocks receiving the most insider investment in March.
President Donald Trump is preparing to announce “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2, introducing so-called reciprocal tariffs as retaliation for tariffs imposed by other countries. While the announcement would represent a significant expansion of U.S. tariffs, experts familiar with the matter indicate it is expected to be more targeted than the broad, global approach, writes Bloomberg.
The stock market is reacting to these reports with the broader market gaining 1.5%, blue-chip companies advancing around 1.2% and the NASDAQ Composite being up more than 2%.
As investors digest daily developments, uncertainty continues to weigh on the market. During such times, insider trading often draws attention, as executive stock purchases may signal confidence in a company’s future. However, insider selling doesn’t always indicate doubt—it could reflect personal financial needs or diversification strategies. Executives often use pre-set plans like 10b5-1 to ensure transparency. While insider trading offers valuable clues, it should be considered alongside financial health, market trends, and industry shifts.
A fast-paced trading floor with brokers in motion with the Hong Kong stock exchange in the backdrop.
Which stocks are insiders buying at the highest prices this month? To find out, we used Insider Monkey’s insider trading stock screener, focusing only on stocks where at least two insiders had purchased shares in March. From there, we ranked the 14 stocks with the highest average price per share.
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).
With each stock, we note the average price per share of these purchases and the stock’s market capitalization. Let’s take a look at the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March.
14. Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE)
Market Capitalization: $6.46 billion
We start this list of 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March with Celanese Corporation, a chemicals company serving industrial customers. Celanese is a leading global producer of acetic acid and vinyl acetate monomer. Formerly known as Hoechst Celanese, the Irving, Texas-based company operates 25 production plants and six research centers across 11 countries, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia.
For the full year 2024, Celanese reported a U.S. GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.86 and adjusted earnings per share of $8.37. The company generated $10.3 billion in net sales, marking a 6% decline from the previous year.
In March, four insiders acquired approximately $697,468 worth of Celanese shares at an average price of $54.27 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $59.34 per share, having declined 14.26% year-to-date and 64.63% over the past 12 months.
According to StockAnalysis, 16 analysts have given Celanese stock an average rating of “Hold”. The 12-month price forecast for the stock is $71.44, suggesting a 20.25% increase from the latest price.
13. Greif, Inc. (NYSE:GEF)
Market Capitalization: $2.66 billion
Greif manufactures and sells industrial packaging products and services globally, including steel, fiber, and plastic drums, rigid containers, and closure systems. The Delaware, Ohio-based company also produces corrugated products, recycled paperboard, adhesives, and offers container lifecycle management, logistics, and warehousing services. Founded in 1877, Greif serves industries such as packaging, automotive, food, and building products.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Greif reported a net income of $8.6 million or $0.15 per diluted Class A share, compared to net income of $67.2 million, or $1.17 per diluted Class A share in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.9% to $145.1 million compared to adjusted EBITDA of $137.0 million in the previous fiscal year. Total debt of $2.84 billion increased by $548.4 million, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Ipackchem.
In March, two insiders acquired approximately $404,801 worth of Greif shares at an average price of $58.37 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is down by 10.09% trading at $54.37 per share. Over the past 12 months, Greif shares have dropped 17.71%.
The average rating on the stock from five Wall Street analysts is “Moderate Buy.” The analysts have also set a 12-month price target of $73.60, which is an increase of 33.90% from the latest price, according to TipRanks.
12. Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp. (NASDAQ:BHRB)
Market Capitalization: $872.59 million
The 12th stock among the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March is Burke & Herbert Financial Services, a bank holding company for Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company. It provides a wide range of community banking products and services across Maryland and Virginia. The bank offers consumer and commercial deposit products, including digital banking, demand and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, as well as various loan options.
For the full year 2024, Burke & Herbert reported a net income of $35.03 million, or $2.82 per diluted share, up from $22.69 million in 2023. The company stated that its balance sheet remains strong, with liquidity—including available borrowing capacity and cash and cash equivalents—totaling $4.2 billion at the end of the fourth quarter. Burke & Herbert finished the quarter with a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 11.5%, a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.6%, and a leverage ratio of 9.8%.
In March, three insiders acquired a total of around $624,526 worth of Burke & Herbert shares at an average price of $59.76 per share. The stock now trades at $58.24, having declined 6.61% year-to-date. However, over the past 12 months, Burke & Herbert has returned 8.86% to its investors.
According to StockAnalysis, two analysts rated Burke & Herbert stock as “Strong Buy” with a price target of $76.00, suggesting a potential upside of 30.28% from the latest price.
11. SouthState Corporation (NYSE:SSB)
Market Capitalization: $9.55 billion
SouthState Corporation is a bank holding company for SouthState Bank, offering a wide range of banking services to individuals and businesses across the United States. The Winter Haven, Florida-based company provides various deposit accounts, loans (including real estate, commercial, and consumer loans), credit and debit cards, treasury management, and wealth management services.
For the full year 2024, SouthState Corporation disclosed a net income of $534.78 million, compared to $494.31 million in the prior year. Adjusted net income per share was $7.25, compared to $6.90 in 2023.
This month, two insiders acquired a total of $1.79 million worth of SouthState shares at an average price of $75.75 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $94.16 per share, having declined 16.15% since the beginning of the year. However, over the past 12 months, SouthState shares returned 16.15% to its investors.
TipRanks reports that five analysts have given an average “Strong Buy” rating to SouthState stock with a price target of $156.73 per share. The average price target indicates a 66.42% upside from the latest price.
SouthState ranks among the 10 high growth financial stocks to invest in.
10. Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE:ACA)
Market Capitalization: $3.99 billion
Rated 10th among the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March, Arcosa provides infrastructure products and solutions for the construction, engineered structures, and transportation markets. The Dallas, Texas-based company operates through three segments: Construction Products, offering materials and equipment for building and infrastructure projects; Engineered Structures, supplying utility structures, wind towers, and communication structures; and Transportation Products, manufacturing marine transportation equipment like barges and winches.
For the full year 2024, Arcosa disclosed revenue of $2.57 billion, up from $2.31 billion in 2023. Net income was $93.7 million, versus a net income of $159.2 million in the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA was $447.0 million, compared to $367.6 million in 2023. For the full year 2025, the company projects revenue in the range of $2.8 billion to $3.0 billion.
In March, two insiders, including the company’s president and CEO, bought a total of around $618,191 worth of Arcosa shares at an average price of $79.14 per share. The stock now trades at $81.62 per share, having declined 15.63% year-to-date and 2.95% over the past 12 months.
Based on estimates from four analysts, Arcosa is rated “Buy” with a price target of $105.50. The average price target represents a potential upside of 29.37% from the current price.
9. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF)
Market Capitalization: $20.03 billion
International Flavors & Fragrances manufactures and markets flavors, fragrances, health and biosciences products, and pharmaceutical solutions globally. The New York-based company operates through four segments: Nourish (natural food ingredients and flavors), Health & Biosciences (health products and enzymes), Scent (fragrance compounds), and Pharma Solutions (pharmaceutical ingredients). Additionally, the company is also one of billionaire hedge fund manager Carl Icahn’s top 10 stock picks.
For the full year 2024, International Flavors & Fragrances reported net sales of $11.48 billion, consistent with the prior year. Net income per share was $0.95, which compares to $10.05 loss per share in 2023. Cash flow from operations for the full year was $1.07 billion, and free cash flow defined as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures totaled $607 million.
In March, two insiders acquired a total of $2.53 million worth of International Flavors & Fragrances shares at an average price of $80.34 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $78.06 per share, having lost 7.68% year-to-date, and 4.82% over the past 12 months.
According to StockAnalysis, 12 analysts rate International Flavors & Fragrances as “Buy” with a price target of $105.73. The average price target suggests a 35.57% upside.
8. Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA)
Market Capitalization: $2.03 billion
Strategic Education ranks eighth among the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March. The Herndon, Virginia-based company offers post-secondary education and job skills programs through its campus-based and online platforms. It operates Strayer University, Capella University, Torrens University in Australia, and offers additional educational services, including vocational training and specialized courses in technology and design.
For the full year 2024, Strategic Education reported revenue of $1.22 billion compared to $1.13 billion in 2023. Net income was $112.7 million in 2024 compared to $69.8 million last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $233.8 million compared to $196.5 million in 2023.
In March, four insiders acquired a total of around $235,879 worth of Strategic Education shares at an average price of $81.45 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $82.37 per share, down 11.83% year-to-date and 20.11% over the past 12 months.
According to TipRanks, three analysts have given Strategic Education stock an average “Strong Buy” rating with a price target of $108.50 per share. The average price target suggests a 31.72% upside from the latest price.
Strategic Education is also one of the 12 best education stocks to buy in 2025.
7. Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT)
Market Capitalization: $4.22 billion
Freshpet manufactures and markets fresh meals and treats for dogs and cats in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Selling products under the Freshpet, Dognation, and Dog Joy brands, the company distributes through branded Freshpet Fridges, retail stores, and online. Founded in 2004, Freshpet is headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey.
For the full year 2024, Freshpet disclosed net sales of $975.2 million, up 27.2% year-over-year. Net income amounted to $46.9 million, which compares to a net loss of $33.6 million in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $161.8 million, which compares to $66.6 million in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $154.3 million, compared to $75.9 million in the prior year.
This month, two insiders purchased a total of around $247,120 worth of Freshpet shares at an average price of $90.49. The stock now trades at $86.64 per share, down 41.50% year-to-date, and 24.40% over the past 12 months.
Based on 12 Wall Street analysts’ estimates, Freshpet stock is a “Strong Buy” with a price target of $148.55 per share, writes TipRanks. The average price target suggests a 71.46% upside from the latest price.
6. DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM)
Market Capitalization: $9.83 billion
DT Midstream provides integrated natural gas services in the United States through its Pipeline and Gathering segments. The Pipeline segment operates interstate and intrastate pipelines and storage systems, while the Gathering segment collects natural gas for processing and transportation, offering services like compression and gas treatment. Founded in 2021, the Detroit, Michigan-headquartered company serves natural gas producers, power generators, industrial clients, and more. It is also considered one of the 15 energy infrastructure stocks that are skyrocketing.
For the full year 2024, DT Midstream reported net income of $354 million, or $3.60 per diluted share, a decrease of 7.81% from 2023. Revenue was $981 million, compared to $969 million in 2023. Operating earnings amounted to $375 million, or $3.81 per diluted share, compared to $384 million, or $3.94 per share in 2023.
In March, two insiders, including the company’s CFO, bought a total of around $103,357 worth of DT Midstream shares at an average price of $91.81 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $96.98, down 2.46% since the beginning of the year. However, over the past 12 months, DT Midstream returned 63.24% to its investors.
According to MarketBeat, seven analysts have rated DT Midstream stock as “Hold” with a price target of $101.50. The average price target represents a potential upside of 4.77%.
5. UMB Financial Corp (NASDAQ:UMBF)
Market Capitalization: $7.44 billion
UMB Financial Corporation, a bank holding company providing banking and asset servicing in the United States and internationally, ranks fifth among the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March. The Kansas City, Missouri-headquartered company operates through Commercial, Institutional, and Personal Banking segments, offering services such as commercial loans, asset management, healthcare payment solutions, retail banking, and investment advisory.
In January, UMB Financial completed its acquisition of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. As a result, UMB’s assets increased to approximately $68 billion (as of Dec. 31, 2024), expanding its presence from eight to 13 states. The acquisition also boosted UMB’s private wealth management assets by 32% and significantly increased its retail deposit base.
For the full year 2024, UMB Financial reported earnings of $441.2 million ($8.99 per diluted share), which compares to $350 million ($7.18 per diluted share) in 2023. Revenue totaled $1.57 billion, a 10.36% increase from $1.42 billion in 2023.
Recently, the company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $175 per share for its Series A 7.00% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, which equals $0.4375 per depositary share.
In March, two insiders purchased a total of around $47,812 worth of UMB Financial shares at an average price of $110.19 per share. The stock has declined 9.31% year-to-date, and currently trades at $102.35 per share. However, over the past 12 months, UMB Financial has returned 25.51% to its investors.
According to StockAnalysis, seven analysts have rated UMB Financial stock as “Buy” with a price target of $128.71 per share. This average price target suggests a 25.76% upside from the latest price.
4. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC)
Market Capitalization: $46.44 billion
Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a major American company in petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation. The Findlay, Ohio-based company operates through three segments: Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel, providing fuels, asphalt, petrochemicals, and renewable diesel across the United States and internationally. Founded in 1887, Marathon Petroleum became an independent company in 2011 after spinning off from Marathon Oil.
For the full year 2024, Marathon Petroleum reported net income for 2024 was $3.4 billion ($10.08 per diluted share), down from $9.7 billion ($23.63 per share) in 2023. Adjusted net income was $3.3 billion ($9.51 per share), compared to $9.7 billion ($23.63 per share) in 2023.
“In 2024, we generated net cash from operations of $8.7 billion, which enabled peer-leading capital return to shareholders of $10.2 billion,” stated president and chief executive officer Maryann Mannen. “Our strong cash flow generation was driven by our commitments to peer-leading operational excellence, commercial performance, and profitability per barrel in each of the regions in which we operate. Execution of our Midstream strategy delivered segment adjusted EBITDA growth of 6%. We expect distributions from MPLX in 2025 will cover MPC’s dividends and standalone capital outlook, further supporting our commitment to peer-leading capital return.”
In March, two insiders, including the company’s CCO, bought a total of $403,140 worth of Marathon Petroleum shares at an average price of $134.21 per share. The stock now trades at $149.96 per share, up 7.50% since the beginning of the year. Over the past 12 months, Marathon Petroleum shares have declined 24.96%.
According to 13 analysts, Marathon Petroleum is rated a “Moderate Buy” with a price target of $170.92 per share, writes TipRank. The average price target indicates a 13.98% upside from the last price.
Marathon Petroleum is also one of the billionaire’s 15 favorite oil and gas stocks right now.
3. Chart Industries, Inc. (NYSE:GTLS)
Market Capitalization: $7.40 billion
Chart Industries is a global manufacturer of specialized equipment for the production, storage, and use of hydrocarbon and industrial gases, offering solutions across the liquid gas supply chain. The company operates 64 manufacturing sites and over 50 service centers worldwide, providing engineering, installation, maintenance, and digital monitoring services.
Recently, the company announced that Blue Spruce Operating LLC has chosen them to supply the Nitrogen Rejection Unit (NRU), helium processing technology, and related equipment for their Dry Piney Helium and Carbon Sequestration Project in Sublette County, Wyoming.
For the full year 2024, Chart Industries reported $4.16 billion in sales, a 17.5% increase from the previous year. EBITDA was $914 million, with an adjusted operating income margin of 21.1%, up 400 basis points from 2023.
In March, five insiders, including the company’s president and CEO, bought a total of approximately $209,970 worth of Chart Industries shares at an average price of $146.15 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $155.18 per share, down 18.69% year-to-date and 2.71% over the past 12 months.
Thirteen analysts have given Chart Industries stock an average “Moderate Buy” rating with a price target of $196.08 per share, according to MarketBeat. This price target represents an upside of 26.23% from the latest price.
2. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO)
Market Capitalization: $12.22 billion
TKO Group is a global sports and entertainment company formed by Endeavor through the merger of World Wrestling Entertainment and Zuffa, LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The company produces and licenses live events, TV programs, and other content, reaching over 1 billion households across approximately 210 countries. Annually, TKO Group hosts more than 300 live events, attracting over two million fans. It is also one of the 10 large-cap stocks with insider buying in 2025.
In February, the company announced that UFC and Monster Energy renewed their long-standing partnership with a multiyear agreement, keeping Monster as the exclusive global Official Energy Drink of UFC.
For the full year 2024, TKO Group disclosed revenue of $2.8 billion, compared to $1.68 billion in 2023. Net income amounted to $6.5 million, which compares to net income of $175.7 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 55%, or $442.1 million, reaching $1.251 billion, driven by a $518.1 million increase at WWE and a $45.3 million rise at UFC, partially offset by a $121.3 million increase in corporate expenses. Free Cash Flow increased by $88.7 million to $508.5 million from $419.8 million, reflecting higher cash flows from operating activities, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures.
For the full year 2025, TKO Group is targeting revenue of $2.930 billion to $3.000 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.350 billion to $1.390 billion.
In March, two insiders acquired a total of around $3.561 million worth of TKO Group shares at an average price of $146.91 per share. The stock currently trades at $149.88, up 5.47% year-to-date and 74.66% over the past 12 months.
Based on estimates from 13 Wall Street analysts, TKO Group is rated as a “Strong Buy” with a price target of $178.36 per share. The average price target indicates a 19.00% upside from the last price, according to TipRanks.
1. First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA)
Market Capitalization: $24.82 billion
The first among 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March is First Citizens BancShares, a holding company for First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, offering retail and commercial banking services, wealth management, and customized financing solutions in the United States and internationally.
The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company provides various deposit and loan products, investment and advisory services, and specialized leasing options through its General Bank, Commercial Bank, Silicon Valley Bank Commercial, and Rail segments, accessible via online platforms and branch locations. It is also one of the 10 best local bank stocks to buy.
For the fourth quarter of 2024, First Citizens BancShares reported a net income of $700 million compared to $639 million for the third quarter of 2024. Net income available to common stockholders amounted to $685 million, or $49.21 per diluted share, a $61 million increase from $624 million, or $43.42 per diluted share in the previous quarter. As of December 31, 2024, loans and leases totaled $140.22 billion, up $1.53 billion from $138.70 billion on September 30, 2024. The company attributes this growth to increases in the following three segments: General Bank, Commercial Bank, and SVB Commercial.
In March, two insiders, including the company’s president and CEO, and CFO bought a total of around $856,467 worth of First Citizens shares at an average price of $1,521 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $1,851.20 per share, having declined 12.39% year-to-date. However, over the past 12 months, its shares returned 15.44% to investors.
According to StockAnalysis, 10 analysts rate First Citizens stock as a ‘Buy,’ with a price target of $2,355.20, implying a 27.23% upside from its current price.
Overall, FCNCA is first among the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March. While we acknowledge the potential of FCNCA 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 FCNCA 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 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
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