We wouldn't blame Zions Bancorporation, National Association (NASDAQ:ZION) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Scott McLean, the President recently netted about US$3.5m selling shares at an average price of US$70.74. That sale reduced their total holding by 34% which is hardly insignificant, but far from the worst we've seen.

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Zions Bancorporation National Association

Notably, that recent sale by Scott McLean is the biggest insider sale of Zions Bancorporation National Association shares that we've seen in the last year. That means that an insider was selling shares at around the current price of US$70.58. While insider selling is a negative, to us, it is more negative if the shares are sold at a lower price. Given that the sale took place at around current prices, it makes us a little cautious but is hardly a major concern.

In total, Zions Bancorporation National Association insiders sold more than they bought over the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

I will like Zions Bancorporation National Association better if I see some big insider buys.

Does Zions Bancorporation National Association Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. It's great to see that Zions Bancorporation National Association insiders own 1.6% of the company, worth about US$165m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Zions Bancorporation National Association Tell Us?

Insiders sold Zions Bancorporation National Association shares recently, but they didn't buy any. And our longer term analysis of insider transactions didn't bring confidence, either. But since Zions Bancorporation National Association is profitable and growing, we're not too worried by this. The company boasts high insider ownership, but we're a little hesitant, given the history of share sales. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Zions Bancorporation National Association.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting 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.

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.