Triavera Capital LLC Invests $6.76 Million in Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG)

Triavera Capital LLC acquired a new position in Ferguson plc (NASDAQ:FERG - Free Report) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 38,963 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $6,763,000. Ferguson makes up 3.7% of Triavera Capital LLC's investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in FERG. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Ferguson by 906.7% in the 4th quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 151 shares of the company's stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. LGT Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Ferguson by 106.3% in the 4th quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 198 shares of the company's stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the period. Berbice Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Ferguson in the 4th quarter worth about $35,000. R Squared Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Ferguson in the 4th quarter worth about $45,000. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA grew its position in shares of Ferguson by 92.5% in the 4th quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 258 shares of the company's stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 124 shares during the period. 81.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Ferguson Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ FERG traded down $3.24 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $178.81. 1,149,373 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,619,570. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $166.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $179.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.75 billion, a PE ratio of 21.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.14. Ferguson plc has a 52-week low of $146.00 and a 52-week high of $225.63.

Ferguson (NASDAQ:FERG - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 11th. The company reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $1.58 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $6.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $6.76 billion. Ferguson had a net margin of 5.68% and a return on equity of 34.63%. The business's revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.74 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Ferguson plc will post 9.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Ferguson Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 21st were issued a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.86%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 21st. Ferguson's payout ratio is presently 40.84%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

FERG has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Ferguson from $211.00 to $190.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Tuesday, April 1st. They issued a "hold" rating and a $174.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Ferguson from $189.00 to $168.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 12th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of Ferguson in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. They set an "overweight" rating and a $204.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Ferguson from $205.00 to $190.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 19th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Ferguson currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $199.38.

Ferguson Company Profile

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States and Canada. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, commercial, civil/infrastructure, and industrial end markets. The company also provides expertise, solutions, and products, including infrastructure, plumbing, appliances, fire, fabrication, and others, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products under the Ferguson brand name.