This little-known ASX share is down 40% in a year, and one insider just bought $1m worth

This insider is making the most of what appears to be cyclical weakness.

| More on:
a close up of a motorcycle's front wheel and body on the open road with another motorcycle rider in the background cruising behind the leading driver.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The MotorCycle Holdings share price has tumbled 42% in 12 months to trade at $1.72 on Thursday morning
  • And insiders appear to be making the most of the downturn, with one snapping up more than $1 million worth of the company's shares
  • Michael Poynton bought 750,000 shares for $1.53 apiece last Friday

You would be forgiven for never having heard of ASX consumer discretionary share MotorCycle Holdings Ltd (ASX: MTO).

The $125 million company tends to fly under investors' radars despite being behind more than 40 motorcycle dealerships and accessories retail franchises across Australia.

And one of its newly instated insiders appears to have made the most of recent weakness in the stock.

The MotorCycle Holdings share price has tumbled more than 41% over the last 12 months to trade at $1.72 at the time of writing.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3MotorCycle PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Let's take a closer look at the insider buying going down at the ASX share this week.

Insider forks out $1m on embattled ASX share

MotorCycle Holdings director and executive Michael Poynton has topped up his stake in the ASX share – forking out more than $1.1 million to do so.

The insider snapped up 750,000 of the company's shares for $1.53 apiece last Friday, leaving him with a 9% stake. And what a buy it's proven to be – the parcel has already provided $150,000 of capital returns.

Interestingly, however, just a few months back Poynton didn't have any position in the ASX share.

The now-insider was the co-founder of motorcycle wholesale business Mojo Motorcycles – which was snapped up by MotorCycle Holdings for $60 million last year.

Of the purchase price, $20 million was paid in cash, up to $10 million was deferred, and the rest provided as scrip with each share valued at $2.60. That left Poynton with a notable stake in the ASX-listed company.

And he isn't the only insider buying up the stock this month.

MotorCycle Holdings founder, managing director, and CEO David Ahmet bought 50,000 shares for $1.72 each in an ASX market trade on 14 March. The following day, director Peter Henley snapped up 8,900 shares for $1.69 apiece.

What's been dragging on MotorCycle Holdings shares?

So, what might be weighing the MotorCycle Holdings share price down lately? Well, the company operates in a cyclical environment.

When the cost-of-living rises – perhaps spurred by interest rate hikes – people tend to put a pause on non-essential purchases. Indeed, the company noted demand for motorcycles has tumbled in last month's half-year earnings release.

Meanwhile, the cost of doing business is increasing, driven by higher wages, transport, and logistics costs.

MotorCycle Holdings posted $277.5 million of income last half – a 17% year-on-year improvement. Though, its net profit after tax (NPAT) slumped 17% to $10.5 million.

But management is confident it can turn things around – and recent buying suggests insiders might be too. Ahmet commented:

Despite the current economic challenges, the group has continued to invest for future growth including our people and digital capability, our dealer network, and our warehouse and supply chain management systems.

We are confident that the business improvements and capabilities we are investing in will strengthen our competitive position and generate long-term value for shareholders.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Happy friends at a party enjoying pizza, symbolising the Domino's share price.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, or sell Domino's Pizza shares after shock CEO exit? Here's what the experts say

The Domino's share price has been recovering after losing a quarter of its value last Wednesday.

Read more »

Photo of a happy couple with their car and car keys.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

What are Macquarie's top ASX All Ords picks in the automotive sector?

Aussie investors are becoming increasingly interested in auto stocks.

Read more »

basket of grocery items with smart phone ordering system
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Here's how Aldi plans to disrupt Coles and Woolworths with online shopping

Here’s Aldi’s latest move to try to win market share.

Read more »

Two male professional analysts discuss share price movements shown on the computer screen in front of them, with one pointing to a screen
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Broker tips 40-52% upside for these ASX consumer staples shares

This broker is tipping a big year ahead for these ASX shares.

Read more »

Happy couple doing online shopping.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Consumer dicretionary picks: what's Macquarie's price targets for Nick Scali and Harvey Norman shares?

This broker has a clear favourite.

Read more »

Woman presenting financial report on large screen in conference room.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why this consumer share is up 10% on earnings guidance

This company’s shareholders have seen their holdings gain 46% in a year.

Read more »

A man and a woman line up to race through a supermarket,.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Supermarket battle: Does Macquarie see more upside for Woolworths or Coles shares?

Which stock should investors put in their shopping basket?

Read more »

Happy couple doing online shopping.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Furniture battle: Does Macquarie prefer Nick Scali or Temple & Webster shares?

Let's see which one the broker is recommending to clients.

Read more »