Although U.S. stocks closed mixed on Wednesday, there were a few notable insider trades.

When insiders purchase shares, it indicates their confidence in the company's prospects or that they view the stock as a bargain. Either way, this signals an opportunity to go long on the stock. Insider purchases should not be taken as the only indicator for making an investment or trading decision. At best, it can lend conviction to a buying decision.

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

Flowers Foods

• The Trade: Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) Director Edward J.. Casey Jr acquired a total of 5,000 shares an average price of $23.55. To acquire these shares, it cost around $117,750.
• What's Happening: On Feb. 8, Flowers Foods posted downbeat quarterly earnings.
• What Flowers Foods Does: Flowers Foods Inc is an American company producing bakery food for retail and foodservice across the United States.

Compass Diversified

• The Trade: Compass Diversified (NYSE:CODI) Ryan J Faulkingham acquired a total of 4,250 shares at an average price of $23.46. To acquire these shares, it cost around $99,725.
• What's Happening: On March 19, Citi Trends reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results.
• What Compass Diversified Does: Compass Diversified Holdings is a diversified business conglomerate based in the United States having two groups: branded consumer business and industrial business.

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CVD Equipment

• The Trade: CVD Equipment Corporation (NASDAQ:CVV) 10% owner ADA Partners, L.P. bought a total of 217,554 shares at an average price of $5.02. To acquire these shares, it cost around $1.08 million.
• What's Happening: On March 28, CVD Equipment posted a loss for the fourth quarter.
• What CVD Equipment Does: CVD Equipment Corp is engaged in the manufacturing of chemical vapor deposition equipment, customized gas control systems, the manufacturing of process equipment suitable for the synthesis of a variety of one-dimensional nanostructures and nanomaterials and a line of furnaces, all of which are used to produce semiconductors and other electronic components.

Ross Stores

• The Trade: Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) President, CMO DD'S Discounts Karen Fleming bought a total of 3,482 shares at an average price of $147.51. The insider spent around $5,230 to buy those shares.
• What's Happening: On March 5, Ross Stores reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.
• What Ross Stores Does: Ross Stores operates as an off-price apparel and accessories retailer with the majority of its sales derived from its Ross Dress for Less banner.