Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG) Holdings Trimmed by Metis Global Partners LLC

Metis Global Partners LLC trimmed its position in shares of Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG) by 5.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,363 shares of the company’s stock after selling 381 shares during the period. Metis Global Partners LLC’s holdings in Ferguson were worth $1,105,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. True Wealth Design LLC grew its position in Ferguson by 1,350.0% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 145 shares of the company’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in Ferguson by 906.7% during the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 151 shares of the company’s stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new position in Ferguson during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Peterson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Ferguson during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Ashton Thomas Securities LLC purchased a new position in shares of Ferguson during the 3rd quarter valued at $40,000. 81.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Ferguson Stock Down 2.5 %

FERG stock opened at $173.10 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Ferguson plc has a 1 year low of $167.27 and a 1 year high of $225.63. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $178.05 and a 200 day simple moving average of $192.92. The firm has a market cap of $34.61 billion, a PE ratio of 20.78, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.24.

Ferguson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 6th. Investors of record on Friday, December 20th were paid a $0.83 dividend. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 20th. This is a positive change from Ferguson’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. Ferguson’s payout ratio is presently 39.86%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

FERG has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Ferguson in a report on Monday, February 3rd. They set an “overweight” rating and a $204.00 price target on the stock. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of Ferguson from $230.00 to $225.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Ferguson from $221.00 to $189.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 6th. UBS Group restated a “neutral” rating and set a $193.00 price target (down from $230.00) on shares of Ferguson in a report on Wednesday, January 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and set a $219.00 price target on shares of Ferguson in a report on Wednesday, December 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $217.73.

Ferguson Profile

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.