6 ASX 200 shares bought up by directors last week

It was a busy week for ASX directors last week.

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.

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

According to ASX filings, directors of ASX 200 shares were busy last week, with six names adding to their holdings.

The companies include Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE), AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX), and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

Let's take a closer look.

Which ASX 200 shares did directors buy?

Regulatory filings revealed purchases across a range of ASX 200 shares, from energy and banking to technology and mining.

At Santos, director Vickki McFadden increased her indirect holdings, acquiring 24,000 shares at an average price of $6.58 apiece.

Fellow director John Gerard Lydon also increased his position by purchasing 29,684 shares at an average price of $6.73.

At Technology One, director Patrick O'Sullivan bought another 3,174 shares for his position. He completed the purchase in an on-market transaction for $99,709.

Meanwhile, over at AMP, director Kathleen Anne Bailey-Lord acquired 28,571 shares at $1.40 apiece through a trustee for her vehicle, The Bailey-Lord Superannuation Fund.

Andrew Hamilton Best also added 34,288 units at $1.43 each to his holding, bringing his position to 232,000 shares in the financial services company.

Directors of the ASX itself, David Clarke and Wayne Byres, nabbed stakes up the ASX 200 share.

Clarke acquired 1,500 shares through two separate transactions on 17 and 20 February, whereas Byres bought 2,500 shares in on-market trade.

Directors size up in Bendigo Bank and BHP

Two Bendigo Bank directors were busy increasing their stakes last week.

Vicki Anne Carter increased her indirect interest in the ASX 200 share by purchasing 9,066 units at $11.08 each, while Patricia Margaret Payn acquired 2,500 shares at $11.19 apiece through her super fund.

Finally, BHP Group saw three directors increase their stakes. Ross McEwan, former CEO of National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), purchased 25,000 shares at $40.53.

This brings McEwan's total indirect holdings to 35,000 shares.

Dion Weisler (the former CEO of HP) acquired 2,500 BHP shares at an average price of $40.48 apiece, and Christine O'Reilly increased her holdings by 1,200 BHP shares at $41.03 per share.

A full list of the transactions and their value is seen in the table below.

DirectorCompanyShares PurchasedTotal Spend
Vickki McFaddenSTO24,000$157,920
John Gerard LydonSTO29,684$199,996
Patrick O'SullivanTNE3,174$99,709
Kathleen Anne Bailey-LordAMP28,571$40,084
Andrew Hamilton BestAMP34,288$49,032
Vicki Anne CarterBEN9,066$100,517
Patricia Margaret PaynBEN2,500$27,975
David Clarence ClarkeASX1,500$102,000
Wayne Stephen ByresASX500$16,810
Ross McEwanBHP25,000$1,013,250
Dion WeislerBHP2,500$101,200
Christine O'ReillyBHP1,200$49,236

Foolish takeout

Several directors, including those in energy, mining, financial services, and technology, increased their holdings in ASX 200 shares last week.

I'd stress that while this kind of activity is often seen as a vote of confidence, it's also important to remember that insider transactions can be related to personal wealth and estate planning and can often be pre-determined well ahead of time.

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 positions in and has recommended HP and Technology One. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

The words short selling in red against a black background
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Read more »

Woman in celebratory fist move looking at phone
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A female financial services professional with a manicured black afro hairstyle turns an ipad screen to show a client across the table a set of ASX shares figures in graph format.
Share Market News

Record CBA share price and blockbuster merger push ASX 200 financials sector to the top

ASX financial stocks led the 11 market sectors last week with a 1.95% gain.

Read more »

A graphic showing a businessman running up a white upwards rising arrow symbolising the soaring Magellan share price today
Share Market News

CBA Shares in focus: How Australia's most valuable company is using AI to compete

Could AI initiatives drive CBA shares higher?

Read more »

Man jumps for joy in front of a background of a rising stocks graphic.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 50%

Looking for big returns? Brokers think these shares could do the job.

Read more »

asx share price represented by cartoon letters spelling the word FOMO
Share Market News

What did Macquarie's "FOMO Meter" reveal about the stock market in May?

Is the market getting frothy or is there still room to climb?

Read more »

Market up or down
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors had a rough end to the week...

Read more »

Man in an office celebrates at he crosses a finish line before his colleagues.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 shares racing ahead of the benchmark this week

ASX investors sent these four stocks soaring 12% to 18% this week. But why?

Read more »