Strategy Asset Managers LLC Grows Stake in National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG)

Key Points

• Strategy Asset Managers LLC increased its holdings in National Grid Transco, PLC by 22.2% during the first quarter, resulting in ownership of 38,956 shares valued at approximately $2,556,000.
• National Grid Transco recently announced a semi-annual dividend of $2.0345, representing a yield of 470.0%, although the company has a payout ratio of 78.27%.
• Analyst ratings on National Grid Transco have varied, with UBS Group downgrading the stock to a "neutral" rating, while BNP Paribas upgraded it to a "strong-buy", leading to a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" with an average target price of $80.40.

Strategy Asset Managers LLC lifted its stake in National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG - Free Report) by 22.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 38,956 shares of the utilities provider's stock after buying an additional 7,084 shares during the quarter. Strategy Asset Managers LLC's holdings in National Grid Transco were worth $2,556,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in NGG. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in National Grid Transco in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. purchased a new position in shares of National Grid Transco in the first quarter valued at about $29,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in shares of National Grid Transco by 197.3% in the first quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 877 shares of the utilities provider's stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 582 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 216.8% during the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 960 shares of the utilities provider's stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 657 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TruNorth Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of National Grid Transco during the first quarter worth about $71,000. 4.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on NGG. Barclays reissued an "overweight" rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a report on Friday, May 16th. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on shares of National Grid Transco in a research report on Thursday, May 29th. They set an "outperform" rating and a $80.40 price objective on the stock. UBS Group lowered shares of National Grid Transco from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. BNP Paribas raised shares of National Grid Transco from an "outperform" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, May 29th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of National Grid Transco from an "outperform" rating to a "sector perform" rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $80.40.

National Grid Transco Price Performance

NYSE:NGG traded down $1.08 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $71.00. The stock had a trading volume of 701,806 shares, compared to its average volume of 869,096. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.60 billion, a PE ratio of 13.65, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 0.63. National Grid Transco, PLC has a 52 week low of $55.82 and a 52 week high of $74.82. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $71.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $67.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.35.

National Grid Transco Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 28th. Investors of record on Friday, May 30th were given a $2.0345 dividend. This represents a yield of 470.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. National Grid Transco's payout ratio is currently 78.27%.

National Grid Transco Profile

National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales.