Diageo plc $DEO Shares Purchased by Chiron Capital Management LLC

Key Points

• Chiron Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Diageo plc by 102.1%, making it the firm's 11th biggest position with a value of approximately $1.87 million.
• Diageo recently declared an increased semi-annual dividend of $2.5192 per share, up from $1.62, with an ex-dividend date of October 17th.
• The stock currently has a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts, with a consensus price target of $129.00.

Chiron Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO - Free Report) by 102.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 17,805 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 8,996 shares during the quarter. Diageo makes up about 1.7% of Chiron Capital Management LLC's holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Chiron Capital Management LLC's holdings in Diageo were worth $1,866,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Diageo by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,582 shares of the company's stock valued at $271,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the period. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Diageo by 5.4% in the 4th quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,867 shares of the company's stock valued at $237,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. Grove Bank & Trust increased its holdings in shares of Diageo by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 7,560 shares of the company's stock valued at $792,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the period. Malaga Cove Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Diageo by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Malaga Cove Capital LLC now owns 3,101 shares of the company's stock valued at $394,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Pinnacle West Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Diageo by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle West Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,240 shares of the company's stock valued at $340,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. 8.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Diageo Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DEO traded up $0.42 during trading on Friday, hitting $110.16. 858,906 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,002,617. The company has a market cap of $61.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.08, a PEG ratio of 3.90 and a beta of 0.59. Diageo plc has a 1 year low of $96.45 and a 1 year high of $142.73. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $107.02 and its 200 day moving average price is $107.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a current ratio of 1.63 and a quick ratio of 0.64.

Diageo Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 17th will be given a dividend of $2.5192 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 370.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. This is an increase from Diageo's previous semi-annual dividend of $1.62. Diageo's payout ratio is presently 46.42%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have issued reports on DEO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Diageo from a "sell" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Morgan Stanley reissued an "underweight" rating on shares of Diageo in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $129.00.

Diageo Company Profile

Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaça, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavored malt beverages. It also provides Chinese, Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as flavored malt beverages, ready to drink, and non-alcoholic products.