Up 90%, this ASX 200 retail stock's CEO just sold $500,000 worth

What could this mean?

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ASX 200 retail stock JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) has been a standout performer over the past year, rising approximately 90% in the past twelve months.

It has outperformed the benchmark index by more than 72% in that time.

As the Australian retail sector shows fresh signs of life, some insiders have taken profits off the table according to mandatory disclosures this week.

Here's what this might mean for investors eyeing this ASX 200 retail stock.

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CEO reduces position in ASX 200 retail stock

Whilst JB Hi-Fi closed at 52-week highs of $87.65 apiece yesterday, the ASX 200 stock's CEO, Terry Smart, had offloaded a significant parcel of shares valued at over $500,000.

According to mandatory filings with the ASX, Smart sold 6,500 shares on November 11, netting $531,948 in proceeds.

This sale reduced his indirect holdings to 22,802 shares, held under his personal investment vehicle, with additional shares held directly and through the JB Hi-Fi Employee Share Trust.

Smart's sale comes at a time when JB Hi-Fi's share price has been soaring, driven by its sales and earnings growth.

Many might question the rationale behind the reasons to sell at this point in time, what it could mean for the company's future, if we're missing something, and so forth.

But there are many reasons why a CEO could decide to sell some of his or her shares in the company they head up. It could be a personal decision to diversify, to fund a lifestyle purchase, or otherwise.

JB Hi-Fi's start to FY25

The ASX 200 retail stock put up reasonable growth percentages in its Q1 FY25 earnings results.

In JB Hi-Fi Australia, total sales grew by 4.9% over the year, and comparable sales were up by 5%

In New Zealand, sales were up 19%, with total and comparable sales growth of 5.3% for its Good Guys enterprise.

Bell Potter recently added JB Hi-Fi to its preferred stock list, highlighting the market's conservative earnings expectations.

The broker anticipates stronger-than-expected earnings growth in FY26 and FY27 due to several tailwinds, such as lower interest rates and real wage growth.

Bell Potter has set a price target of $87 on the ASX 200 retail stock.

Citi is also bullish, maintaining a buy rating with an $85 target. It anticipates that JB Hi-Fi Australia and The Good Guys will report 6.5% and 4% like-for-like sales growth for H1 FY25, respectively.

Foolish takeout

JB Hi-Fi is one ASX 200 retail stock that's outperformed over the past year. Its CEO has decided to sell some shares, but there's no evidence that anything fundamental has changed for the company.

It is currently rated a hold from the consensus of analyst estimates, according to CommSec.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 recommended Jb Hi-Fi. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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