Insiders were net buyers of CRISPR Therapeutics AG's (NASDAQ:CRSP ) stock during the past year. That is, insiders bought more stock than they sold.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At CRISPR Therapeutics

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Director John Greene for US$314k worth of shares, at about US$44.85 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than US$40.89 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. It is encouraging to see an insider paid above the current price for shares, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was John Greene.

You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

See our latest analysis for CRISPR Therapeutics

CRISPR Therapeutics is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

Insiders At CRISPR Therapeutics Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen a bit of insider buying at CRISPR Therapeutics. Independent Director John Greene bought US$314k worth of shares in that time. But CEO & Chairman Samarth Kulkarni sold US$281k worth. While it's good to see the insider buying, the net amount bought isn't enough for us to gain much confidence from it.

Does CRISPR Therapeutics Boast High Insider Ownership?

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. CRISPR Therapeutics insiders own about US$17m worth of shares. That equates to 0.5% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

So What Do The CRISPR Therapeutics Insider Transactions Indicate?

Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Insiders own shares in CRISPR Therapeutics and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing CRISPR Therapeutics. For example - CRISPR Therapeutics has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

Of course CRISPR Therapeutics may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.