Countrywide Share Sales

Countrywide Credit Industries Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Angelo Mozilo and other senior officers of the U.S.’ largest independent mortgage banker have sold or filed to sell shares this year, a sign that the company may no longer be for sale, according to Washington Service, which tracks executive buying and selling. The sales come after the Calabasas-based company’s shares doubled last year as interest rates fell and after Mozilo said in May that selling the company was no longer out of the question, a softer stance than he had taken previously. “The sales seem to suggest that nothing is imminent or even in the works,” said David Coleman, editor of Vickers Weekly Insider Report. Countrywide spokesman David Bigelow wouldn’t comment on whether the company is now, or has been, soliciting takeover offers. He also wouldn’t comment on individual stock sales, saying they probably were made for personal financial planning purposes. Countrywide’s shares rose 42 cents to close at $44.85 on the New York Stock Exchange. They are down 11% for the year.