This ASX tech stock is sinking following co-founder's $35 million sale

Insider selling is weighing on this high-flying tech stock. Should you be alarmed?

| More on:
Male hands holding Australian dollar banknotes, symbolising dividends.

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

The Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) share price is starting the week deep in the red.

At the time of writing, the ASX tech stock is down almost 6% to $21.41.

Though, it is worth noting that the location technology company's shares remain up approximately 170% since this time last year despite today's weakness.

Why is this ASX tech stock sinking?

Investors have been rushing to the exits after the company revealed that its co-founder and CEO, Chris Hulls, has sold a large number of shares.

Insider selling rarely goes down well with the market. The idea is that if an insider is selling shares, they may believe they have peaked. After all, if they thought they were heading higher, they would hold tightly to them.

Insider selling

According to the release, Hulls has executed a partial disposition of his holdings amounting to 863,903 shares, or 1.2% of total outstanding shares in the company.

It remains unclear just how much Hulls received for the shares. Though, a SEC Filing on Friday shows that 556,569 Nasdaq listed shares were sold for an average of US$41.02 per share. This is the equivalent of approximately US$22.8 million or A$35 million.

Should you be concerned?

While insider selling can be concerning, it is worth noting that there was a reason for the sale.

In addition, Hulls still has a considerable stake in the company and therefore plenty of skin in the game. The release notes that the CEO will continue to beneficially own approximately 3.8% of the total outstanding shares in the ASX tech stock.

Commenting on the sale, Hulls revealed that it was driven by a wish to diversify his holdings. He said:

I have previously indicated my desire to diversify my financial holdings – as a founder, I have been with the Company for 17 years and I have a significant majority of my wealth associated with Life360 – and these transactions reflect that plan.

The co-founder and CEO advised that he remains excited to continue driving the company's growth. He adds:

I have recently returned from an extended break more excited than ever about the opportunities ahead for Life360, and with a renewed enthusiasm to lead the next chapter in the Company's vision.

At the same time I decided to activate my planned diversification, and these transactions will enable me to secure my family's future as well as creating a foundation to undertake philanthropic projects in my local community.

Life360's leader will be donating a third of its securities to charity. Hulls explains:

I am donating over a third of my securities immediately to a private foundation and donor advised fund. I will still have close to 75% of my net worth in Life360 equity and have committed to not undertake certain additional sales in the next 12 months — this includes terminating the Rule 10b5- 1 plan that I had set up and was disclosed in our most recent Form 10-Q.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. 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 Technology Shares

Two brokers analysing stocks.
Technology Shares

Brokers say this growing ASX 200 tech stock is a buy

This tech stock could be a buy according to Morgans and Goldman Sachs.

Read more »

Hands reaching high for a trophy with a sunset in the background.
Technology Shares

Is the Xero share price heading beyond $200?

Goldman Sachs thinks this high-flying stock can scale new heights.

Read more »

Three people gather around a large computer screen where they are looking at something that is captivating their interest with a graphic image of data and digital technology material superimposed to the right hand third of the image.
Share Market News

Here's how the ASX 200 market sectors stacked up last week

ASX tech shares led the market for a third consecutive week with a 4.63% increase.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Technology Shares

50 times earnings! Why Block shares could still be better value than the banks

This expert reckons Block remains a bargain, even near 50 times earnings.

Read more »

Three analysts look at tech options on a wall screen
Technology Shares

Up 70%, is it too late to invest in Xero shares?

This ASX tech darling hit a new all-time share price record yesterday.

Read more »

Scared looking people on a rollercoaster ride representing the volatile Mineral Resources share price in 2022
International Stock News

Are interest rates to blame for the shaky Nasdaq Index last night?

US markets were volatile overnight.

Read more »

A man sees some good news on his phone and gives a little cheer.
Technology Shares

Buy this ASX tech stock that delivered 'beats across the board'

Bell Potter has good things to say about this high-flying stock.

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Technology Shares

Why are investors fighting to buy this speculative ASX stock today?

What is getting investors excited today? Let's find out.

Read more »