This article explores the 12 large-cap stocks insiders were buying in Q1 2025, before Trump’s tariff shockwave. Previously, we covered the 20 mid-cap stocks insiders were buying in Q1 2025 and 12 most expensive stocks insiders are buying after Trump’s tariff rollout.

US stocks surged last week following President Trump’s statement that he had “no intention” of removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which helped alleviate concerns about the central bank’s independence. Additionally, Trump took a more conciliatory stance on tariffs, suggesting that high import duties on China might eventually be reduced, writes Yahoo Finance.

Amid tariff wars and market uncertainty, insider trading often draws attention. Insider stock purchases may signal executive confidence, while sales aren’t necessarily negative—they could reflect personal or diversification choices. It’s best to view insider trading in context with a company’s financials and market conditions.

Our Methodology

Today, we’re focusing on stocks that have seen heavy insider buying activity in the first quarter of the year. Using Insider Monkey’s insider trading screener, we identified companies with market caps above $10 billion, where at least two insiders purchased shares in the past three months. From this list, we ranked the top 12 stocks with the highest value of insider purchases

Our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds, focusing on insider trading and stock picks from hedge fund investor newsletters and conferences. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Let’s take a look at the 12 large-cap stocks insiders were buying in Q1 2025 before Trump’s tariff shockwave.

12. Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW)

Market cap: $12.34 billion

Curtiss-Wright Corporation, headquartered in Davidson, North Carolina, provides advanced engineered products and services to the aerospace, defense, industrial, and power markets globally. Operating through three segments—Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power—the company offers everything from flight systems and embedded electronics to naval propulsion technologies and nuclear power components. With roots tied to aviation pioneers Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, the company employs around 8,000 people and continues to develop innovative solutions across its industries.

For the year ending December 31, 2024, Curtiss-Wright reported sales of $3.1 billion, a rise from $2.85 billion in 2023. Operating income for the year increased to $529 million, compared to $484 million in the previous year.

During the first quarter of 2025, seven insiders, including the company’s CEO, CFO, and COO, acquired approximately $68,731 worth of Curtiss-Wright shares at an average price of $304.12 per share. The company’s CEO, Lynn Bamford, acquired 34 shares, increasing her ownership to 28,448 shares. The stock now trades at $327.29 per share, having lost 7.77% year-to-date. However, Curtiss-Wright stock returned 29.55% to its investors over the past 12 months.

Curtiss-Wright is also one of the 11 best American defense stocks to buy now.

11. Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF)

Market cap: $18 billion

Regions Financial Corporation, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a financial holding company offering a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses. It operates through three main segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management, providing services such as commercial lending, mortgages, credit cards, investment management, and advisory solutions. The company also offers specialty financing, insurance, and investment products to a diverse client base across various sectors.

During the first quarter, two insiders purchased approximately $88,822 worth of Regions Financial shares at an average price of $24.04 per share. Currently, the stock trades at $20.02 per share, having lost 14.88%, while over the past 12 months, its share price remained relatively flat.

Regions Financial reported Q1 2025 net income of $465 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, with adjusted net income of $487 million, or $0.54 per share—marking a 36% and 20% year-over-year increase, respectively. Total revenue for the quarter reached $1.8 billion, and adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income was $774 million. Results were impacted by a $25 million pre-tax loss from a strategic securities repositioning.

10. PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG)

Market cap: $38.55 billion

PG&E Corporation, based in Oakland, California, is one of the largest utility providers in the U.S., supplying electricity and natural gas across northern and central California. The company generates power from a mix of sources, including nuclear, hydro, and solar. Despite recent stock pressure following wildfires outside its service area, some investors believe PG&E is undervalued, especially with projected earnings growth of 10% in 2025 and a restructured foundation post-2019 bankruptcy.

During the first quarter, five insiders acquired approximately $321,912 worth of PG&E shares at an average price of $15.82 per share. The stock now trades at $17.54 per share, having dropped 13.08% year-to-date. However, over the past 12 months, the stock returned 3.18% to its investors.

In Q1 2025, PG&E Corporation reported GAAP earnings of $607 million, or $0.28 per share, down from $732 million, or $0.34 per share, in Q1 2024. The decline was mainly due to a lower allowed return on equity and the dilutive impact of a 2024 equity offering. Despite this, the company remains focused on cutting non-fuel operating costs and improving efficiency to stay on track with its 2025 earnings goals.

PG&E is also one of the 13 best utility stocks to buy according to analysts.

9. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:MPC)

Market cap: $41.84 billion

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC), based in Findlay, Ohio, is a leading U.S. energy company focused on refining, marketing, and transporting petroleum and renewable fuels. Operating through three segments—Refining & Marketing, Midstream, and Renewable Diesel—it produces transportation fuels, asphalt, petrochemicals, and renewable diesel for customers across the U.S. and internationally. Originally founded in 1887, Marathon became an independent company in 2011 following its separation from Marathon Oil.

In 2024, Marathon reported net income of $3.4 billion, or $10.08 per diluted share, a sharp decline from $9.7 billion, or $23.63 per share, in 2023. Adjusted net income for the year was $3.3 billion, or $9.51 per share, also down significantly from the prior year.

During the first quarter, two insiders, including the company’s chief commercial officer, bought $403,140 worth of Marathon shares at an average price of $134.21 per share. Since the beginning of the year, Marathon shares declined 3.73%, currently trading at $134.30 per share. Over the past 12 months, Marathon stock lost 32.56%.

Marathon is also one of the 14 most expensive stocks insiders are buying in March and one of the 10 best oil stocks to invest in according to billionaires.

8. Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG)

Market cap: $57.78 billion

Simon Property Group, a top real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Indianapolis, focuses on owning and managing high-traffic shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use properties. Its portfolio includes major tenants like Apple and Nike, and the company has adapted to retail trends by partnering with e-commerce brands such as Amazon to repurpose some spaces as distribution centers.

As of December 31, 2024, Simon held ownership stakes in 229 properties totaling 183 million square feet across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company also maintained an 88% ownership in The Taubman Realty Group, which operates 22 regional and outlet malls in the U.S. and Asia. Additionally, Simon held a 22.4% stake in Klepierre, a Paris-based, publicly traded real estate firm with shopping centers across 14 European countries.

In 2024, Simon reported net income of $2.37 billion, or $7.26 per diluted share, slightly up from $2.28 billion in 2023. This included gains from the sale of its remaining stake in Authentic Brands Group and the JCPenney-SPARC merger. Additionally, the company saw a 4.7% increase in domestic property net operating income.

In a recent development, Simon announced the opening of Jakarta Premium Outlets, its first in Indonesia. The new location offers over 302,000 square feet of retail space and marks the eighth country to host a Premium Outlet by Simon.

During the first quarter, 11 insiders bought a total of around $414,625 worth of Simon Property shares at a price of $164.80 per share. The stock currently trades at $153.28 per share, having lost 10.99% year-to-date. However, over the past 12 months, Simon stock returned 7.33% to its investors.

Simon Group is also one of the 10 stocks with the most insider purchases in the last quarter of 2024. 

7. Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR)

Market cap: $84.74 billion

MicroStrategy Incorporated, founded in 1989 and based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, provides AI-powered enterprise analytics software and services worldwide. Its platform helps businesses and governments access real-time insights through tools like Strategy One and HyperIntelligence, while also offering support, consulting, and educational services. The company is also involved in bitcoin development and investment.

On March 20, Strategy Incorporated announced the pricing of its offering of 8.5 million shares of 10.00% Series A Perpetual Strife Preferred Stock at a public offering price of $85.00 per share. The company’s CEO, Phong Le, used the offering to acquire 6,000 shares. During the offering, three insiders, the president and CEO, along with the CFO, purchased $680,000 worth of Strategy Incorporated shares. Year-to-date the stock is up 19.37% trading at $345.73 per share. Over the past 12 months, Strategy Incorporated stock gained 173.15%.

In 2024, MicroStrategy achieved a BTC Yield of 74.3% and set a 2025 target of over 15%, using this metric to evaluate the effectiveness of its bitcoin acquisition strategy. The company reported a BTC Gain of 140,538 for the year and aims for a $10 billion BTC Gain in 2025. As of year-end, MicroStrategy held approximately 447,470 bitcoins valued at $41.8 billion, with a cost basis of $28 billion, and began reporting bitcoin holdings at fair value under new accounting rules starting January 1, 2025.

In Q4 2024, MicroStrategy reported total software revenues of $120.7 million, down 3% year-over-year, though subscription services saw strong growth of 48.4%. Gross profit for the quarter was $86.5 million, with a margin of 71.7%, down from 77.3% the previous year. Despite revenue in some areas increasing, the company recorded a net loss of $670.8 million—largely due to a $1 billion impairment on digital assets—compared to an $89.1 million profit in Q4 2023.

6. Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL)

Market cap: $37.87 billion

Texas Pacific Land Corporation, founded in 1888 and based in Dallas, Texas, manages vast land and mineral interests in the Permian Basin, and ranks sixth among the 12 large-cap stocks insiders were buying in Q1 2025, before Trump’s tariff shockwave. The company earns revenue through oil and gas royalties, land leasing, easements, and the sale of materials like sand and caliche. It also provides full-service water solutions—including sourcing, treatment, and disposal—for energy operators in the region. It is also one of the 12 stocks to buy that may be splitting soon.

In October 2024, Texas Pacific completed the acquisition of oil and gas mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin for $286 million in cash.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Texas Pacific reported a net income of $118.4 million, an increase from $106.6 million in the previous quarter. Quarterly revenue rose to $185.8 million, driven by higher earnings from easements and oil and gas royalties. For the full year, the company achieved a record $461 million in free cash flow—an 11% year-over-year increase—with total annual revenue reaching $705.8 million, up from $631.6 million in 2023.

Texas Pacific recently announced that it will release first quarter 2025 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

During the first quarter, three insiders acquired around $744,370 worth of Texas Pacific shares at an average price of $1,340.12 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is up 20.32%, while over the past 12 months it gained 125.92%, currently trading at $1,330.70 per share.

5. First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA)

Market cap: $23.3 billion

First Citizens BancShares, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the holding company for First-Citizens Bank & Trust. It offers retail and commercial banking services, wealth management, and financing solutions in the U.S. and internationally through various segments, including General Bank, Commercial Bank, and Silicon Valley Bank Commercial, available online and at branch locations.

In March, two insiders, including the president and CEO, and the CFO of First Citizens BancShares, purchased approximately $856,467 worth of the company’s shares at an average price of $1,521 per share. The company’s CEO, Frank Holding, acquired 550 shares, accounting for $824,488 worth of the total purchases in March, and increasing his ownership to 5,018 shares. Year-to-date the stock dropped 16.14%, currently trading at $1,772.04 per share. However, over the past 12 months, First Citizens BancShares shares returned 8.08% to its investors.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, First Citizens BancShares reported a net income of $700 million, up from $639 million in the previous quarter. Net income available to common stockholders rose to $685 million, or $49.21 per share, compared to $624 million, or $43.42 per share, in the third quarter. As of December 31, 2024, loans and leases increased to $140.22 billion, driven by growth in the General Bank, Commercial Bank, and SVB Commercial segments.

In a recent development, First Citizens Bank has invested $1 million in The Neighborhood Developers through an Equity Equivalent Investment (EQ2) to support their anti-displacement efforts. The funds will be managed by Opportunity Communities (OppCo) as part of the new OppCo Housing Accelerator Fund, which provides community developers with affordable financing for affordable housing production and preservation.

First Citizens BancShares is also one of the 12 high growth non-tech stocks that are profitable in 2025.

4. Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:ARCC)

Market cap: $14.26 billion

Ares Capital Corporation is a business development company that invests in middle-market companies, focusing on acquisitions, recapitalizations, restructurings, and leveraged buyouts. It primarily invests in industries such as manufacturing, business services, healthcare, consumer products, and technology, with investments ranging from $20 million to $400 million. The company operates from offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and typically seeks to lead transactions and secure board representation in its portfolio companies.

In the first quarter of the year, two insiders, including the company’s co-president, bought around $1.07 million worth of Ares shares at an average price of $23.04 per share. The stock now trades at $20.75 per share, having declined 5.21% year-to-date, and 0.19% over the past 12 months.

In 2024, Ares Capital’s revenue grew by 14.38% to $2.99 billion, up from $2.61 billion in 2023. Earnings remained flat at $1.52 billion, the same as the previous year. The company’s board of directors declared a first quarter 2025 dividend of $0.48 per share.

3. Sempra (NYSE:SRE)

Market cap: $46.36 billion

Sempra is an energy infrastructure company based in San Diego that operates in the U.S. and internationally. It has three main segments: Sempra California, which provides gas and electric services; Sempra Texas Utilities, which handles electricity transmission and distribution; and Sempra Infrastructure, which develops clean energy projects. The company serves millions of people across California and Texas and supports global access to cleaner energy. It is also one of the 13 best utility stocks to buy according to analysts. 

In March, six insiders acquired approximately $1.25 million worth of Sempra shares at an average price of $70.07 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is down 16.43%, trading at $73.31 per share. Over the past 12 months, Sempra shares remained relatively flat.

Sempra reported full-year 2024 GAAP earnings of $2.82 billion, or $4.42 per share, down from $3.03 billion, or $4.79 per share, in 2023. On an adjusted basis, earnings were slightly higher at $2.97 billion, or $4.65 per share, compared to $2.92 billion, or $4.61 per share, the year before.

“With the reset of our guidance in 2025, we are setting a new foundation for a decisive decade of growth,” stated Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra. “We are also announcing a record five-year capital plan of $56 billion and raising the company’s long-term EPS growth rate to 7%-9%. Over half of planned capital expenditures are earmarked for Texas, where significant new investments are needed to expand and modernize the energy grid. This is consistent with Sempra’s 2030 aspirations of producing over 50% of its earnings from the State of Texas.”

2. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL)

Market cap: $19.59 billion

The Estée Lauder Companies manufactures and sells skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. Its brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, M·A·C, and La Mer, among others. The company distributes products through department stores, specialty retailers, salons, and online platforms. It is also considered one of the 12 best cosmetics stocks to buy for 2025.

During the first quarter of the year, two insiders, including the company’s CFO, purchased around $8.73 million worth of Estée Lauder shares at an average price of $66.16 per share. Year-to-date, the stock is down 29.3.63% and is trading at $57.26. Over the past 12 months, Estée Lauder shares have lost 61.14%.

Estée Lauder reported a 6% drop in net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, totaling $4.0 billion. Despite lower sales, the gross margin improved to 76.1% due to cost-saving efforts. However, operating margin fell to -14.5% because of impairment and restructuring charges. The company also reported a loss per share of $1.64, compared to earnings per share of $0.87 last year. Cash flow from operations declined to $387 million, and capital spending was at $273 million. The company also paid $366 million in dividends.

1. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO)

Market cap: $12.17 billion

TKO Group is a global sports and entertainment company created through the merger of WWE and the UFC. It produces and licenses live events and media content, reaching over 1 billion households in around 210 countries. Each year, TKO hosts more than 300 live events, drawing in over two million fans.

In the first quarter, five insiders, including the company’s CEO Ariel Emanuel, purchased a total of $906.13 million worth of TKO Group shares at an average price of $159.67. Emanuel acquired around $300.86 million worth of shares in the quarter, increasing his ownership to 2.19 million shares. Year-to-date, the stock is up 6.25% trading at $150.99. Over the past 12 months, TKO Group stock returned 57.46% to its investors.

TKO Group reported full-year 2024 revenue of $2.8 billion, up from $1.68 billion in 2023. Net income came in at $6.5 million, a significant drop from $175.7 million the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 55% to $1.251 billion, driven by a $518.1 million increase from WWE and a $45.3 million boost from UFC, though partially offset by a $121.3 million rise in corporate expenses. Free cash flow improved to $508.5 million, up $88.7 million from the prior year, thanks to stronger operating cash flows, despite higher capital expenditures.

Looking ahead to 2025, TKO is projecting revenue of $2.93 billion to $3.00 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from $1.35 billion to $1.39 billion.

In a recent development, WWE, part of TKO, has acquired Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA in partnership with Fillip, a Mexico-based entertainment company. The deal was announced during the WrestleMania 41 Saturday Countdown show in Las Vegas. AAA will continue to operate with involvement from the Peña family alongside WWE and Fillip.

TKO Group is also among the top 10 stocks to buy according to XN Exponent Advisors LLC.

Overall, TKO ranks first among the 12 large-cap stocks insiders were buying in Q1 2025 before Trump’s tariff shockwave. While we acknowledge the potential of TKO, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TKO but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.

Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.