21,617 Shares in ING Groep (NYSE:ING) Purchased by Merit Financial Group LLC

Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in ING Groep (NYSE:ING - Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 21,617 shares of the financial services provider's stock, valued at approximately $423,000.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Roxbury Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of ING Groep in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Redwood Investments LLC purchased a new position in ING Groep during the fourth quarter valued at $41,000. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its position in ING Groep by 25.1% during the fourth quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,095 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 621 shares during the period. Whipplewood Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of ING Groep during the 4th quarter valued at $55,000. Finally, SRS Capital Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of ING Groep by 20.0% in the 4th quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 3,985 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 665 shares during the period. 4.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Cfra Research raised shares of ING Groep from a "moderate sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of ING Groep from a "neutral" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, March 27th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy".

ING Groep Stock Down 1.7%

Shares of NYSE:ING traded down $0.37 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $20.81. The company's stock had a trading volume of 3,983,615 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,287,096. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $20.12 and a 200-day moving average of $18.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.72, a PEG ratio of 6.42 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.89. ING Groep has a 12-month low of $15.09 and a 12-month high of $21.76.

ING Groep (NYSE:ING - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 2nd. The financial services provider reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.56 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $6.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.74 billion. ING Groep had a return on equity of 11.81% and a net margin of 28.30%. On average, research analysts anticipate that ING Groep will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current year.

ING Groep Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 9th. Investors of record on Friday, April 25th were paid a $0.6526 dividend. This is a boost from ING Groep's previous semi-annual dividend of $0.17. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, April 25th. This represents a yield of 5.1%. ING Groep's payout ratio is presently 64.45%.

ING Groep Company Profile

ING Groep N.V. provides various banking products and services in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Retail Netherlands, Retail Belgium, Retail Germany, Retail Other, and Wholesale Banking. The company accepts current and savings accounts.