Applied Capital LLC FL Acquires Shares of 8,122 Ferguson plc $FERG

Key Points

• Applied Capital LLC FL initiated a new position in Ferguson, acquiring 8,122 shares worth about $1.81 million in Q4, roughly 1.1% of its portfolio and its 29th-largest holding.
• Ferguson reported Q earnings of $1.99 EPS vs. $2.24 expected, with a net margin of 6.93% and ROE of 40.37%, and announced a quarterly dividend of $0.89 (annualized $3.56, ~1.5% yield).
• Analysts hold a "Moderate Buy" consensus on FERG with an average target price of $268.93; the stock trades near $239 and has a 12-month range of $146.00–$271.64.

Applied Capital LLC FL acquired a new position in shares of Ferguson plc (NYSE:FERG - Free Report) during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 8,122 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $1,808,000. Ferguson makes up about 1.1% of Applied Capital LLC FL's investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division acquired a new position in Ferguson during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in Ferguson in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC grew its position in Ferguson by 178.3% in the third quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 128 shares of the company's stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. Grove Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of Ferguson by 154.4% during the fourth quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 145 shares of the company's stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. Finally, Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Ferguson during the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.98% of the company's stock.

Ferguson Trading Up 2.5%

FERG opened at $239.11 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $46.48 billion, a PE ratio of 24.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.21. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $245.10 and its 200 day moving average price is $239.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.01. Ferguson plc has a 12-month low of $146.00 and a 12-month high of $271.64.

Ferguson (NYSE:FERG - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.24 by ($0.25). Ferguson had a net margin of 6.93% and a return on equity of 40.37%. The company's quarterly revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.52 EPS.

Ferguson Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a $0.89 dividend. This represents a $3.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. Ferguson's payout ratio is currently 35.96%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on shares of Ferguson from $237.00 to $246.00 and gave the company a "hold" rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on shares of Ferguson from $255.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. Morgan Stanley reissued an "overweight" rating on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Ferguson from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on Ferguson from $262.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $268.93.

Ferguson Company Profile

Ferguson NYSE: FERG is a multinational distributor specializing in plumbing and heating products and related building supplies, serving professional contractors, builders and industrial customers. The company supplies a broad range of products used in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects, including pipes and fittings, valves and controls, HVAC equipment, waterworks materials, plumbing fixtures, pumps and accessories, as well as complementary electrical and specialty product lines.

Ferguson operates a network of branches and distribution centers that provide inventory, logistics and value-added services to trade customers.

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