Ferguson (NASDAQ:FERG) Reaches New 12-Month Low – Time to Sell?

Shares of Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $168.15 and last traded at $168.15, with a volume of 21914 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $169.75.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have issued reports on FERG. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Ferguson from $230.00 to $225.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Berenberg Bank upped their target price on Ferguson from $224.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $219.00 target price on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Barclays reduced their price target on Ferguson from $245.00 to $234.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 12th. Finally, Bank of America raised Ferguson from an “underperform” rating to a “buy” rating and increased their price target for the company from $185.00 to $225.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ferguson currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $222.40.

Ferguson Price Performance

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $194.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $198.81. The stock has a market cap of $33.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.41, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89.

Ferguson Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 20th will be given a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.95%. This is a boost from Ferguson’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 20th. Ferguson’s dividend payout ratio is presently 39.86%.

Institutional Trading of Ferguson

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in FERG. Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new stake in Ferguson in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its stake in Ferguson by 1,350.0% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 145 shares of the company’s stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Capital Performance Advisors LLP bought a new position in Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Reston Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $40,000. 81.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Ferguson

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States and Canada. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, commercial, civil/infrastructure, and industrial end markets. The company also provides expertise, solutions, and products, including infrastructure, plumbing, appliances, fire, fabrication, and others, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products under the Ferguson brand name.