This article explores the 20 most expensive stocks insiders are dumping in March. Previously, we covered the 15 cheapest stocks insiders are buying in March.
After being in the green for a few trading sessions, the broader market index slid 0.8% on Wednesday, and blue-chip companies declined 0.1%. The NASDAQ Composite was down 1.6% in the early afternoon. On Tuesday, Trump provided an update on tariffs, saying they will likely be more “lenient than reciprocal,” suggesting a more relaxed approach, reports CNBC.
As investors process daily market developments, uncertainty continues to impact the market. In these periods, insider trading often attracts attention, as purchases of company stock by executives may suggest confidence in the company’s future. However, insider selling doesn’t necessarily imply a lack of faith—it may be driven by personal financial needs or a desire for diversification. Executives frequently rely on pre-established plans, such as 10b5-1, to maintain transparency. While insider trading can provide useful insights, it should be evaluated in the context of a company’s financial health, market trends, and industry changes.
The trading floor of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC with traders focusing on the global fixed income markets.
What are some of the most expensive stocks insiders have been selling this month so far? To find out, we used Insider Monkey’s insider trading stock screener, focusing only on stocks where at least three insiders had sold shares in March. From there, we ranked the 20 stocks with the highest average price per share in times of sales.
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With each stock, we note the average price per share of these sales and the stock’s market capitalization. Let’s take a look at the 20 most expensive stocks insiders are dumping in March.
20. Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS)
Market Capitalization: $21.00 billion
Essex Property is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and manages over 62,000 apartment homes across the West Coast, including Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. The company focuses on strategic acquisitions and developments to optimize its portfolio, targeting strong job growth and innovation in these markets. Essex is a leading choice for apartment investments and is part of the S&P 500.
For the full year of 2024, Essex Property reported a net income per diluted share of $11.54 compared to $6.32 in 2023. For the full year 2024, the company acquired or increased its ownership interest in 13 apartment communities for a total contract price of $1.4 billion on a gross basis and disposed of one apartment community for a contract price of $252.4 million on a gross basis. For the full year 2024, the company received cash proceeds of $108.8 million from redemptions of structured finance investments yielding a weighted average return rate of 10.4%.
This month, five insiders, including the CEO and CFO, sold around $6.78 million worth of Essex Property shares at an average price of $314.94 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is up 6.53%, trading at $304.07 per share. Over the past 12 months, Essex Property shares returned 28.11% to its investors.
Twenty analysts rate Essex Property stock as “Hold” with a price target of $307.16, reports MarketBeat. The average price target suggests a potential upside of 0.82% from the latest price.
Essex Property is also one of the 12 best self storage and apartment stocks to invest in.
19. United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR)
Market Capitalization: $14.06 billion
United Therapeutics Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on developing products for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Its products include treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as Tyvaso, Remodulin, and Orenitram, as well as a monoclonal antibody for high-risk neuroblastoma called Unituxin. The company is also developing new treatments for PAH, gene therapy for lung blood vessels, and treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and collaborates with other companies on various drug development projects. It is also one of the 10 best healthcare stocks for long-term investment.
For the full year of 2024, United Therapeutics reported record revenues of $2.88 billion, reflecting 24% growth over 2023. Net income amounted to $1.2 billion, compared to $984.8 million in 2023.
In March, three insiders, including the president and COO, sold approximately $169.38 million worth of United Therapeutics shares at an average price of $317.20 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $312.31 per share, having declined 11.49% year-to-date. However, over the past 12 months, United Therapeutics shares returned 26.00% to its investors.
According to StockAnalysis, 12 analysts rate United Therapeutics stock as “Buy.” The 12-month stock price target is $388.25, representing a potential upside of 24.18% from the latest price.