The Nasdaq 100 closed higher by around 1% on Friday. Investors, meanwhile, focused on some notable insider trades.

When insiders sell shares, it could be a preplanned sale, or could indicate their concern in the company's prospects or that they view the stock as being overpriced. Insider sales should not be taken as the only indicator for making an investment or trading decision. At best, it can lend conviction to a selling decision.

Below is a look at a few recent notable insider sales. For more, check out Benzinga’s insider transactions platform.

Natera

The Trade: Natera, Inc. ( NTRA ) Director Jonathan Sheena sold a total of 1,000 shares at an average price of $108.30. The insider received around $108,301 from selling those shares.

What's Happening: On May 9, Natera ( NTRA ) reported better-than-expected first-quarter EPS and sales.

What Natera Does: Natera Inc ( NTRA ) is a diagnostic and research company with proprietary molecular and bioinformatics technology.

Have a look at our premarket coverage here

Ford Motor

The Trade: Ford Motor Company ( F ) Director Jon M Huntsman Jr sold a total of 81,234 shares at an average price of $12.09. The insider received around $982,200 from selling those shares.

What's Happening: On May 23, Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi initiated coverage on Ford Motor ( F ) with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $16.

What Ford Motor Does: Ford Motor Co. ( F ) manufactures automobiles under its Ford and Lincoln brands.

Starbucks

The Trade: Starbucks Corporation ( SBUX ) EVP, CFO Rachel Ruggeri sold a total of 3,750 shares at an average price of $80.00. The insider received around $300,000 from selling those shares.

What's Happening: On May 6, Piper Sandler analyst Brian Mullan maintained Starbucks ( SBUX ) with a Neutral and lowered the price target from $88 to $85.

What Starbucks Does: Starbucks ( SBUX ) is one of the most widely recognized restaurant brands in the world, operating more than 38,000 stores across more than 80 countries as of the end of fiscal 2023.

Microsoft

The Trade: Microsoft Corporation ( MSFT ) EVP, Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff sold a total of 25,000 shares at an average price of $425.68. The insider received around $10.64 million from selling those shares.

What's Happening: On May 22, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives reiterated Microsoft ( MSFT ) with an Outperform and maintained a $500 price target.

What Microsoft Does: Microsoft ( MSFT ) develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite.

Check This Out: Top 3 Materials Stocks That Are Set To Fly This Quarter