National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG) Given Consensus Rating of "Moderate Buy" by Analysts

Shares of National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG - Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of "Moderate Buy" by the eight analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $80.40.

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. UBS Group cut shares of National Grid Transco from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of National Grid Transco from an "outperform" rating to a "sector perform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a "buy" rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of National Grid Transco from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of National Grid Transco from a "market perform" rating to an "outperform" rating in a research note on Monday, March 17th.

National Grid Transco Trading Down 0.3%

Shares of NGG stock traded down $0.22 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $70.80. 1,239,506 shares of the company's stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 760,472. The stock's 50 day simple moving average is $71.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $64.98. The stock has a market cap of $69.28 billion, a PE ratio of 13.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.13 and a beta of 0.63. National Grid Transco has a 12 month low of $53.65 and a 12 month high of $73.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13.

National Grid Transco Cuts Dividend

The business also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 30th will be paid a $2.0345 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 30th. This represents a yield of 4.7%. National Grid Transco's dividend payout ratio is presently 78.27%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On National Grid Transco

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NGG. Whipplewood Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of National Grid Transco during the fourth quarter worth about $25,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National Grid Transco in the first quarter worth approximately $28,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. bought a new position in shares of National Grid Transco in the first quarter worth approximately $29,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. lifted its position in National Grid Transco by 67.6% during the fourth quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 491 shares of the utilities provider's stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Analysts LLC lifted its position in National Grid Transco by 33.6% during the first quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 640 shares of the utilities provider's stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 4.68% of the company's stock.

About National Grid Transco

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.