Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) Shares Bought by LPL Financial LLC

Key Points

• LPL Financial LLC increased its holdings in Diageo plc by 2.2%, bringing its total ownership to $45.56 million by the end of the first quarter.
• Institutional investors now own 8.97% of Diageo's stock, with several new positions acquired in the first quarter valued around $25,000 to $30,000.
• Diageo's stock has a current ratio of 1.60 and a market capitalization of approximately $54.19 billion, while its consensus rating stands at "Hold" with a target price of $129.00.

LPL Financial LLC grew its position in shares of Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO - Free Report) by 2.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 434,735 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 9,306 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC owned 0.08% of Diageo worth $45,556,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Venturi Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Diageo by 3.6% in the first quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,582 shares of the company's stock valued at $271,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares during the period. GeoWealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Diageo by 1.3% in the fourth quarter. GeoWealth Management LLC now owns 6,944 shares of the company's stock valued at $883,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the period. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Diageo by 5.4% in the fourth quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,867 shares of the company's stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. Grove Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Diageo by 1.3% in the first quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 7,560 shares of the company's stock valued at $792,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Finally, Malaga Cove Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Diageo by 3.3% in the fourth quarter. Malaga Cove Capital LLC now owns 3,101 shares of the company's stock valued at $394,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. 8.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an "underweight" rating on shares of Diageo in a research report on Monday, May 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $129.00.

Diageo Stock Up 1.1%

Diageo stock traded up $1.09 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $98.55. The stock had a trading volume of 2,439,750 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,363,594. Diageo plc has a twelve month low of $96.45 and a twelve month high of $142.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 1.60 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The stock's 50-day simple moving average is $104.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $108.69.

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.