Squarepoint Ops LLC Decreases Position in National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG)

Squarepoint Ops LLC cut its holdings in shares of National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Free Report) by 31.1% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 123,285 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock after selling 55,523 shares during the period. Squarepoint Ops LLC owned approximately 0.14% of National Fuel Gas worth $7,481,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kentucky Trust Co bought a new stake in National Fuel Gas in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. UMB Bank n.a. grew its position in National Fuel Gas by 82.9% in the 4th quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 481 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP bought a new stake in National Fuel Gas in the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. S.A. Mason LLC bought a new stake in National Fuel Gas in the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd grew its position in National Fuel Gas by 223.2% in the 4th quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd now owns 656 shares of the oil and gas producer's stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 453 shares in the last quarter. 73.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

National Fuel Gas Stock Performance

Shares of National Fuel Gas stock traded down $0.44 on Thursday, reaching $81.52. 84,827 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 659,286. National Fuel Gas has a 52 week low of $53.03 and a 52 week high of $83.40. The company has a 50 day moving average of $78.90 and a 200 day moving average of $71.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.37 billion, a PE ratio of -581.85 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.33.

National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The oil and gas producer reported $2.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $2.18 by $0.21. National Fuel Gas had a negative net margin of 0.53% and a positive return on equity of 15.96%. The company had revenue of $729.95 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $770.81 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.79 EPS. National Fuel Gas's revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that National Fuel Gas will post 6.64 earnings per share for the current year.

National Fuel Gas Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 31st were issued a $0.515 dividend. This represents a $2.06 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 31st. National Fuel Gas's payout ratio is 479.07%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

NFG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of National Fuel Gas from $77.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an "underperform" rating in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of National Fuel Gas from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Thursday, March 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of National Fuel Gas from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Hold" and an average price target of $82.33.

National Fuel Gas Company Profile

National Fuel Gas Company operates as a diversified energy company. It operates through four segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment explores for, develops, and produces natural gas and oil. The Pipeline and Storage segment provides interstate natural gas transportation services through an integrated gas pipeline system in Pennsylvania and New York; and owns and operates underground natural gas storage fields.